This week's episode of "Conversations Different" focuses on the start of New Mexico's legislative session and features separate interviews with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth. Both discussions revolve largely around public safety and behavioral health priorities. 

Lujan Grisham talks about the state's issues with re-offenders and stresses the need for criminal competency reform. She also expresses her frustrations with the struggle of getting police data and her concerns with an escalation in juvenile crime. Lujan Grisham said that many New Mexicans don't feel safe, and shares an anecdote about a time she didn't feel safe when out in public with her grandchildren. 

Sen. Wirth, D-Santa Fe, discusses the need to invest in the state's behavioral health infrastructure and shares his thoughts on criminal competency reform. Wirth also expresses optimism regarding an increase in state alcohol taxes, which haven't been revised in over three decades. He also talks about the need to protect the state's waters in response to recent Supreme Court rulings that have rolled back protections.

This week's episode of "Conversations Different" focuses on the start of New Mexico's legislative session and features separate interviews with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth. Both discussions revolve largely around public safety and behavioral health priorities.&nbsp;
Lujan Grisham talks about the state's issues with re-offenders and stresses the need for criminal competency reform. She also expresses her frustrations with the struggle of getting police data and her concerns with an escalation in juvenile crime. Lujan Grisham said that many New Mexicans don't feel safe, and shares an anecdote about a time she didn't feel safe when out in public with her grandchildren.&nbsp;
Sen. Wirth, D-Santa Fe, discusses the need to invest in the state's behavioral health infrastructure and shares his thoughts on criminal competency reform. Wirth also expresses optimism regarding an increase in state alcohol taxes, which haven't been revised in over three decades. He also talks about the need to protect the state's waters in response to recent Supreme Court rulings that have rolled back protections.

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

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Sen. Majority Leader Peter Wirth outline priorities ahead of the 2025 session

If you are on social media, particularly Facebook and TikTok, you may have come across Nité Marquez’s cooking videos. The Taos-based chef uses those platforms to share his passion for cooking, which has drawn thousands of views and followers along the way.  

On his pages, you’ll find tutorials on how to make a variety of authentic New Mexican dishes from stacked red chile enchiladas to classic desserts like natillas. The tutorials have helped people connect with their culture while remembering times when their own family members made these same recipes.   

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Marquez to talk about his journey as a chef. Marquez discusses the people and circumstances that brought him into the kitchen at just 5-years-old and explains how those memories unknowingly trained him for the profession.  

Before going viral on social media, Marquez was a full-time chef, working in restaurants such as Lambert’s, The Stakeout and El Monte Sagrado. He reflects on those experiences and what it was like working for some of Taos’ esteemed eateries. He became an educator, and his students suggested taking to TikTok — and he took off. 

In the episode, he also talks about the significance of preserving cultural recipes, especially for future generations. One way he hopes to do his part is by releasing a series of cookbooks showcasing his recipes. The first edition is in production and will be released soon. More information will be announced on his platforms at a later date.  

Follow his cooking on social media at Nité Marquez or Chef Nité Marquez. 

If you are on social media, particularly Facebook and TikTok, you may have come across Nit&eacute; Marquez&rsquo;s cooking videos. The Taos-based chef uses those platforms to share his passion for cooking, which has drawn thousands of views and followers along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On his pages, you&rsquo;ll find tutorials on how to make a variety of authentic New Mexican dishes from stacked red chile enchiladas to classic desserts like natillas. The tutorials have helped people connect with their culture while remembering times when their own family members made these same recipes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Marquez to talk about his journey as a chef. Marquez discusses the people and circumstances that brought him into the kitchen at just 5-years-old and explains how those memories unknowingly trained him for the profession.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Before going viral on social media, Marquez was a full-time chef, working in restaurants such as Lambert&rsquo;s, The Stakeout and El Monte Sagrado. He reflects on those experiences and what it was like working for some of Taos&rsquo; esteemed eateries. He became an educator, and his students suggested taking to TikTok &mdash; and he took off.&nbsp;
In the episode, he also talks about the significance of preserving cultural recipes, especially for future generations. One way he hopes to do his part is by releasing a series of cookbooks showcasing his recipes. The first edition is in production and will be released soon. More information will be announced on his platforms at a later date.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Follow&nbsp;his&nbsp;cooking&nbsp;on social media&nbsp;at&nbsp;Nit&eacute;&nbsp;Marquez or Chef&nbsp;Nit&eacute;&nbsp;Marquez.&nbsp;

Taos chef Nité Marquez shares his journey with cooking, social media stardom and writing cookbooks

Add contemporary dance to the list of experiences you can find in Santa Fe.   

Local company Zeitgeist Dance Theatre is taking the artform to the next level by creating shows that center on emotional human connection in the present moment. The company’s artistic director says the goal is to help audiences see the world more intimately and beyond a reality where day-to-day life keeps people disconnected.   

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Zeitgeist’s artistic director Francisco Gella and apprentice Elena Garcia to discuss the world of contemporary dance and the role it’s played in their creative self-discovery.   

In the episode, Gella elaborates on why he chose to create the dance company while reflecting on what it’s like to choreograph award-winning routines. He notes that intense practice has his dancers working hard to achieve perfection before it’s time to set foot on stage.   

Garcia, a Santa Fe native now attending college, shares her experience with the craft from starting out at the National Dance Institute of New Mexico to being a rising performer alongside Gella. She explains how the opportunity has transformed her life.  

Gella also talks about Zeitgeist’s upcoming panel discussion about its residency event and performances, which include a first-time appearance at The Lensic Theater Aug. 1.  

The discussion will be on July 25 at Zane Bennett Galley in Santa Fe.  

For more information, visit zeitgeistdancetheatre.org.

Add contemporary dance to the list of&nbsp;experiences&nbsp;you can find in Santa Fe.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Local company Zeitgeist Dance Theatre is taking the artform to the next level by creating shows that center on emotional human connection in the present moment. The company&rsquo;s artistic director says the goal is to help audiences see the world more intimately and beyond a reality where day-to-day life keeps people disconnected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Zeitgeist&rsquo;s artistic director Francisco Gella and apprentice Elena Garcia to discuss the world of contemporary dance and the role it&rsquo;s played in their creative self-discovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the episode, Gella elaborates on why he chose to create the dance company while reflecting on what it&rsquo;s like to choreograph award-winning routines. He notes that intense practice has his dancers working hard to achieve perfection before it&rsquo;s time to set foot on stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Garcia, a Santa Fe native now attending college, shares her experience with the craft from starting out at the National Dance Institute of New Mexico to being a rising performer alongside Gella. She explains how the opportunity has transformed her life.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Gella also talks about Zeitgeist&rsquo;s upcoming panel discussion about its residency event and performances, which include a first-time appearance at The Lensic Theater Aug. 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The&nbsp;discussion&nbsp;will&nbsp;be on&nbsp;July 25&nbsp;at Zane Bennett Galley&nbsp;in Santa Fe.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://zeitgeistdancetheatre.org/">zeitgeistdancetheatre.org</a>.

Francisco Gella and Elena Garcia discuss Zeitgeist Dance Theatre’s contemporary performances in Santa Fe

Traditional Spanish Market, one of Santa Fe’s biggest cultural events, returns to the Plaza July 25-26, showcasing another year of juried artwork from artists across the region. 

The market has been around since 1926. Artists accepted into the event are given the unique opportunity to spotlight their craftsmanship for a weekend while connecting with people in the community whether it be with returning patrons or first-time visitors.  

On the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by an artist and organizer from this year’s Traditional Spanish Market: Arlene Cisneros Sena, master santera, and Jeanette Salazar, program manager with The Atrisco Companies which oversees the market’s operations.  

Cisneros Sena and Salazar discuss the market’s cultural significance, reflect on their individual contributions ahead of the market’s debut and share why preserving traditional art forms still has value in today’s world.  

As a master santera, Cisneros Sena also explains her work in painting religious retablos. Some have become fixtures in Catholic churches throughout Northern New Mexico.   

For more information about the market, visit traditionalspanishmarket.org

Traditional Spanish Market, one of Santa Fe&rsquo;s biggest cultural events,&nbsp;returns to the Plaza July 25-26,&nbsp;showcasing&nbsp;another year of&nbsp;juried artwork&nbsp;from&nbsp;artists&nbsp;across&nbsp;the region.&nbsp;
The market has been around&nbsp;since 1926.&nbsp;Artists&nbsp;accepted into the&nbsp;event&nbsp;are given the unique opportunity to spotlight their&nbsp;craftsmanship&nbsp;for a weekend&nbsp;while connecting with people&nbsp;in the community&nbsp;whether&nbsp;it be&nbsp;with&nbsp;returning patrons&nbsp;or first-time visitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest &ldquo;Conversations Different&rdquo; podcast episode, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by an artist and organizer from this year&rsquo;s Traditional Spanish Market: Arlene Cisneros Sena, master santera, and Jeanette Salazar, program manager with The Atrisco Companies which oversees the market&rsquo;s operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cisneros Sena and Salazar discuss the market&rsquo;s cultural significance, reflect on their individual contributions ahead of the market&rsquo;s debut and share why preserving traditional art forms still has value in today&rsquo;s world.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As a master&nbsp;santera,&nbsp;Cisneros Sena also&nbsp;explains her&nbsp;work&nbsp;in&nbsp;painting&nbsp;religious retablos. Some&nbsp;have&nbsp;become&nbsp;fixtures&nbsp;in&nbsp;Catholic churches&nbsp;throughout Northern New Mexico.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
For more information&nbsp;about the market, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://traditionalspanishmarket.org/">traditionalspanishmarket.org</a>

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Sen. Majority Leader Peter Wirth outline priorities ahead of the 2025 session

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