Susannah Walden says the mountains in Afghanistan remind her of the Sangre de Cristos near her former home of Santa Fe. The familiar landscape makes her feel homesick, but she stays busy with her work telling the stories of the people who have spent generations living amid war and instability.

Walden, the Kabul bureau chief for Agence France-Presse, has spent much of her career reporting abroad and has volunteered for multiple assignments in nations experiencing conflict. On a break to visit her family in Santa Fe, she stopped by to share her experiences as an international correspondent in the latest episode of "Conversations Different."

Walden arrived in Afghanistan about 1 1/2 years ago, after the U.S. withdrew its troops from the country. She discusses what it's been like in the country during that time, and talks about her daily life working and living with her colleagues in a guarded compound.

This episode is sponsored by Homewise.

Susannah Walden says the mountains in Afghanistan remind her of the Sangre de Cristos near her former home of Santa Fe. The familiar landscape makes her feel homesick, but she stays busy with her work telling the stories of the people who have spent generations living amid war and instability.
Walden, the Kabul bureau chief for Agence France-Presse, has spent much of her career reporting abroad and has volunteered for multiple assignments in nations experiencing conflict. On a break to visit her family in Santa Fe, she stopped by to share her experiences as an international correspondent in the latest episode of "Conversations Different."
Walden arrived in Afghanistan about 1 1/2 years ago, after the U.S. withdrew its troops from the country. She discusses what it's been like in the country during that time, and talks about her daily life working and living with her colleagues in a guarded compound.
<hr>
This episode is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.homewise.org/">Homewise</a>.

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

Former Santa Fe resident discusses life as an international correspondent

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;

One last dance: Zozobra fire dancer Helene Luna shares on her time in the spotlight before passing the torch

For roughly 30 years, the New Mexico Book Association has been a useful resource for authors and their books throughout the state.  

The nonprofit’s work consists of supporting its members in various ways, such as through the editing and marketing process to offering workshops that aim to educate on modern publishing practices.   

President Anna I. Sochocky says their efforts are really about building partnerships and supporting people’s love for literature.  

On the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Sochocky to delve into what the New Mexico Book Association has to offer. She discusses the organization’s mission, its role in uplifting small authors and efforts to grow membership beyond Santa Fe.  

She also talks about an upcoming summer gala on Aug. 28. that will feature U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze.  

For more information, visit nmbookassociation.org 

For roughly 30 years, the New Mexico Book Association has been a useful resource for authors and their books throughout the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The nonprofit&rsquo;s work consists of supporting its members in various ways, such as through the editing and marketing process to offering workshops that aim to educate on modern publishing practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
President Anna I. Sochocky says their efforts are really about building partnerships and supporting people&rsquo;s love for literature.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest &ldquo;Conversations Different&rdquo; podcast episode, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Sochocky to delve into what the New Mexico Book Association has to offer. She discusses the organization&rsquo;s mission, its role in uplifting small authors and efforts to grow membership beyond Santa Fe.&nbsp;&nbsp;
She also talks about an upcoming summer gala on Aug. 28. that will feature U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.nmbookassociation.org/">nmbookassociation.org</a>&nbsp;

Anna I. Sochocky delves into the offerings of New Mexico Book Association and its upcoming gala

Following the successful release of a new album last year called Memory Mountain, Max Gomez has been busy these days on the road performing across the country.  

The Taos-raised musician is coming home this month; however, for The Desert Companion Tour with Howe Gelb and band Slant Can. The tour will make stops in the trio’s favorite places across the Land of Enchantment and Southwest. Gomez said, “nowhere in New Mexico and Arizona is safe.” 

To discuss the tour and his life on the road, Gomez joins host Inez Russell Gomez, no relation, on the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode.  

Max Gomez shares what it’s been like to perform over the last year, especially with a new album out, and what goes into putting on a good show that will captivate an audience. For him, a good show is important because he often plays solo and acoustic, and in those instances the spotlight can be daunting.  

In the episode, he also discusses plans to make more music and collaborate with other artists in the folk and Americana scene.  

The Desert Companion Tour will include stops in Silver City, Truth or Consequences, Los Alamos, Corrales, Santa Fe and Taos.  

Visit maxgomezmusic.com for dates and tickets. 

Following the successful release of a new album last year called Memory Mountain, Max Gomez has been busy these days on the road performing across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Taos-raised musician is coming home this month; however, for The Desert Companion Tour with Howe Gelb and band Slant Can. The tour will make stops in the trio&rsquo;s favorite places across the Land of Enchantment and Southwest. Gomez said, &ldquo;nowhere in New Mexico and Arizona is safe.&rdquo;&nbsp;
To discuss the tour and his life on the road, Gomez joins host Inez Russell Gomez, no relation, on the latest &ldquo;Conversations Different&rdquo; podcast episode.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Max Gomez shares what it&rsquo;s been like to perform over the last year, especially with a new album out, and what goes into putting on a good show that will captivate an audience. For him, a good show is important because he often plays solo and acoustic, and in those instances the spotlight can be daunting.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the episode, he also discusses plans to make more music and collaborate with other artists in the folk and Americana scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Desert Companion Tour will include stops in Silver City, Truth or Consequences, Los Alamos, Corrales, Santa Fe and Taos.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Visit <a href="https://maxgomezmusic.com/">maxgomezmusic.com</a> for dates and tickets.&nbsp;

Former Santa Fe resident discusses life as an international correspondent

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