Retired UNM math professor featured on Close Up Radio

By AI, Created 3:05 PM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – Dr. Joseph G. R. Martinez, a retired University of New Mexico math professor, was featured in a two-part Close Up Radio interview airing May 19 and May 26, 2026. The program highlighted his path from a difficult childhood and Marine Corps service to a teaching career he says was shaped by faith, survival and a talent for algebra.

Why it matters: - Martinez’s story centers on how early health challenges, family hardship and faith shaped a long career in math education. - His teaching at the University of New Mexico helped prepare future high school math teachers, extending his influence beyond one classroom. - The interview gives Close Up Radio listeners a look at a retired professor whose personal history is tied to his academic work and public message.

What happened: - Close Up Radio featured Joseph G. R. Martinez, PhD, in a two-part interview with Jim Masters on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7 p.m. Eastern and with Doug Llewelyn on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 4 p.m. Eastern. - Martinez is a retired math professor from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. - The interview revisited Martinez’s life story, his teaching career and his views on faith.

The details: - Martinez said he began his career in the Marine Corps before returning to college. - He first studied psychology because he wanted to understand how people think and behave. - Martinez taught students at the University of New Mexico who later became high school math teachers. - Martinez said his late wife helped him see that what felt like common sense to him was not always obvious to others, so he began laying out every step in solving complex problems. - Martinez said he was adopted into a family where other children viewed him as odd, sick and unlikely to learn. - He said a step-sibling called him retarded. - Martinez said Catholic school in Albuquerque revealed his real intelligence and helped him close gaps in English during his first year. - Martinez said he was born with pernicious anemia, which he linked to a difficult start in life. - The release says pernicious anemia is an inherited condition found in the Y chromosome and affects vitamin levels essential to health, development and stability. - The release also says Martinez cannot discuss other details of his birth because they are classified as Top Secret by U.S. government authorities. - Martinez said faith helped him through isolation and childhood teasing. - Martinez said he believes his survival had a spiritual purpose tied to the Jewish people. - Martinez said he wants Jewish people, including Ashkenazi Jews, to accept Jesus as their savior. - Martinez quoted Bible passages about Joseph of Egypt, healing and absolution, and he referred to a section of Deuteronomy. - Martinez said God chose the Jewish people and also chose him to spread the word of a divine redeemer. - Martinez said the Holy Spirit guided his survival, studies and career, and he described the Holy Spirit as having a feminine presence and temperament. - Martinez later rose to the rank of Regents Professor at the University of New Mexico. - Martinez said he helped students see math as an asset rather than a hurdle.

Between the lines: - Martinez’s remarks blend autobiography, faith and teaching philosophy into one message about perseverance and purpose. - The interview also shows how a professor’s classroom approach can evolve after personal reflection and feedback from family. - The release frames Martinez’s life as proof that academic identity and spiritual belief can be presented as linked rather than separate.

What’s next: - Close Up Radio said the interviews were part of a return engagement for Martinez. - The program invited listeners to hear more from Martinez and explore his perspective further. - The release points readers to the podcast platforms carrying the episode, including Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Spotify. - The release also lists Close Up Radio on Facebook for more updates.