New York Times best-selling author Anne Hillmerman joins “Conversations Different” for a discussion on the Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, Bernadette Manuelito mystery series and her upcoming novel “Lost Birds.” Hillmerman talks about the pressure she felt in continuing the beloved series that was created by her father, Tony Hillerman. The former journalist also speaks on how she uses research in her storytelling and shares her thoughts on the critically acclaimed television series “Dark Winds,” an adaptation of the Leaphorn, Chee, Manuelito series.

New York Times best-selling author Anne Hillmerman joins “Conversations Different” for a discussion on the Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, Bernadette Manuelito mystery series and her upcoming novel “Lost Birds.” Hillmerman talks about the pressure she felt in continuing the beloved series that was created by her father, Tony Hillerman. The former journalist also speaks on how she uses research in her storytelling and shares her thoughts on the critically acclaimed television series “Dark Winds,” an adaptation of the Leaphorn, Chee, Manuelito series.

Conversations Different is presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican and features host Inez Russell Gomez in provocative talks with local and regional personalities shaping the landscape of Northern New Mexico.

Inez Russell Gomez is Opinion Page Editor at the Santa Fe New Mexican with decades of experience writing and editing the news in America's oldest capital city.

Conversations Different is presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican and features host Inez Russell Gomez in provocative talks with local and regional personalities shaping the landscape of Northern New Mexico.
Inez Russell Gomez is Opinion Page Editor at the Santa Fe New Mexican with decades of experience writing and editing the news in America's oldest capital city.

Conversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez

Best-selling author Anne Hillerman on the Leaphorn-Chee-Manuelito series and her new novel 'Lost Birds'

As our planet continues to experience environmental changes that have brought extreme temperatures and unpredictable conditions, faith leaders are stepping up to offer diplomacy when outside groups seek to extract precious resources.  

Rev. Andrew Black, associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe and founder of EarthKeepers 360, is one of those leaders. His decades-long work in conservation has centered on protecting the natural landscape and the many ecosystems that inhabit it through implementation of programs and collaborative efforts.  

While working for former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and later, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Black led coalitions that fought to protect public lands and national monuments, like the Valles Caldera and the Rio Grande del Norte, from irreparable destruction.  

That worked has helped him to now fight for the Arctic.  

On the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Black to discuss a trip he took with elected officials and other faith leaders to Alaska. The trip highlighted the relationship wildlife has in that region with the environment and why interference would have serious implications.  

In Black’s words, the trip was about “reawakening the moral consciousness of this nation.”  

While the trip’s mission didn’t have any direct ties to New Mexico, Black explains why the lessons learned there could apply here as the state sees a drying Rio Grande and an increase in animals seeking refuge in urban spaces.

As our planet continues to experience environmental changes that have brought extreme temperatures and unpredictable conditions, faith leaders are stepping up to offer diplomacy when outside groups seek to extract precious resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Rev. Andrew Black, associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe and founder of EarthKeepers 360, is one of those leaders. His decades-long work in conservation has centered on protecting the natural landscape and the many ecosystems that inhabit it through implementation of programs and collaborative efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;
While working for former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and later, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Black led coalitions that fought to protect public lands and national monuments, like the Valles Caldera and the Rio Grande del Norte, from irreparable destruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;
That worked has helped him to now fight for the Arctic.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest &ldquo;Conversations Different&rdquo; podcast episode, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Black to discuss a trip he took with elected officials and other faith leaders to Alaska. The trip highlighted the relationship wildlife has in that region with the environment and why interference would have serious implications.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In Black&rsquo;s words, the trip was about &ldquo;reawakening the moral consciousness of this nation.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
While the trip&rsquo;s mission didn&rsquo;t have any direct ties to New Mexico, Black explains why the lessons learned there could apply here as the state sees a drying Rio Grande and an increase in animals seeking refuge in urban spaces.

Rev. Andrew Black on why faith is helping preserve the Arctic and New Mexico from environmental catastrophe

Teachers are often the ones who leave a lasting impact on a child both in and out of the classroom.  

But they’re not alone. Community volunteers also play a special role in a child’s learning, especially early on. They are there helping with activities, being a role model for excellence and demonstrating what it means to have healthy relationships with others.  

Those types of experiences, you won’t find in any lesson plan or textbook— which makes them valuable in today’s world.  

To discuss the importance that volunteers have in Santa Fe Public Schools, Crystal Ybarra, chief engagement officer, and Sabra Romero, volunteer coordinator, join host Inez Russell Gomez on the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode.  

Ybarra and Romero talk about the district’s volunteering program that allows community members to get involved and support educators in a variety of areas.  

For students, Romero said the program provides necessary enrichment beyond academics. For teachers, Ybarra said the additional support helps kids be interested in their education amid ongoing challenges with attendance and subject comprehension.   

The two also elaborate on the process to become a volunteer, emphasizing that anyone who is interested should reach out.  

To learn more, visit https://www.sfps.info/page/volunteering-sfps  

Teachers are often the ones who leave a lasting impact on a child both in and out of the classroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;
But they&rsquo;re not alone. Community volunteers also play a special role in a child&rsquo;s learning, especially early on. They are there helping with activities, being a role model for excellence and demonstrating what it means to have healthy relationships with others.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Those types of experiences, you won&rsquo;t find in any lesson plan or textbook&mdash; which makes them valuable in today&rsquo;s world.&nbsp;&nbsp;
To discuss the importance that volunteers have in Santa Fe Public Schools, Crystal Ybarra, chief engagement officer, and Sabra Romero, volunteer coordinator, join host Inez Russell Gomez on the latest &ldquo;Conversations Different&rdquo; podcast episode.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ybarra and Romero talk about the district&rsquo;s volunteering program that allows community members to get involved and support educators in a variety of areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For students, Romero said the program provides necessary enrichment beyond academics. For teachers, Ybarra said the additional support helps kids be interested in their education amid ongoing challenges with attendance and subject comprehension.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The two also elaborate on the process to become a volunteer, emphasizing that anyone who is interested should reach out.&nbsp;&nbsp;
To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.sfps.info/page/volunteering-sfps">https://www.sfps.info/page/volunteering-sfps</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crystal Ybarra and Sabra Romero discuss why volunteers play special role for kids at Santa Fe Public Schools 

The Burning of Zozobra, which has taken place annually for over 100 years, is a special event that Santa Feans hold dear to their hearts.  

That’s especially true for those who are actually involved in the event like Helene Luna, the Fire Spirit tasked with lighting the 50-foot effigy on fire while dancing in front of the crowd.  

Luna became the fire dancer 30 years ago after being asked by her boss at the time to apply for a role assisting at Zozobra festivities. Without hesitation, she said yes, and her background in ballet eventually led to taking over as fire dancer. 

The opportunity has allowed her to explore her self-expression on a big stage but also serve as the light in people’s personal lives, which can be gloomy at times.  

This year, however, will be her last time as “Mick Jagger,” as she passes the torch to Than Povi Martinez, who will carry it in 2027.  

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Luna to discuss her time in the spotlight and what it has meant to be a part of such a unique and big cultural experience in Santa Fe.  

In the episode, Luna talks about her decision to retire, shares which performances were her most memorable and explains why she thinks Old Man Gloom has resonated with so many people.  

She ends on a high note telling Russell Gomez her plans to bring all the energy and enthusiasm for this year’s show.  

The Burning of Zozobra, which has taken place annually for over 100 years, is a special event that Santa Feans hold dear to their hearts.&nbsp;&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s especially true for those who are actually involved in the event like Helene Luna, the Fire Spirit tasked with lighting the 50-foot effigy on fire while dancing in front of the crowd.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Luna became the fire dancer 30 years ago after being asked by her boss at the time to apply for a role assisting at Zozobra festivities. Without hesitation, she said yes, and her background in ballet eventually led to taking over as fire dancer.&nbsp;
The opportunity has allowed her to explore her self-expression on a big stage but also serve as the light in people&rsquo;s personal lives, which can be gloomy at times.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This year, however, will be her last time as &ldquo;Mick Jagger,&rdquo; as she passes the torch to Than Povi Martinez, who will carry it in 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Luna to discuss her time in the spotlight and what it has meant to be a part of such a unique and big cultural experience in Santa Fe.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the episode, Luna talks about her decision to retire, shares which performances were her most memorable and explains why she thinks Old Man Gloom has resonated with so many people.&nbsp;&nbsp;
She ends on a high note telling Russell Gomez her plans to bring all the energy and enthusiasm for this year&rsquo;s show.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Best-selling author Anne Hillerman on the Leaphorn-Chee-Manuelito series and her new novel 'Lost Birds'

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