On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by New Mexico Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla.  

Secretary Padilla joins the podcast to discuss the state’s free summer reading program and how it has correlated to literacy improvements among children — a problem area New Mexico has struggled with for years. Padilla says the initiative is part of a larger goal, championed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, to get kids reading at a proficient level at an early age, so they are set up for future academic success. And this year, free math tutoring is in the works for students as well.  

In the episode, Padilla also shares how parents can best support their kids at home and why keeping them engaged during summer months matters when back-to-school time rolls around in the fall.  

To learn more or register for the free summer reading program, visit literacy.nm.gov

On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by New Mexico Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Secretary Padilla joins the podcast to discuss the state&rsquo;s free summer reading program and how it has correlated to literacy improvements among children &mdash; a problem area New Mexico has struggled with for years. Padilla says the initiative is part of a larger goal, championed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, to get kids reading at a proficient level at an early age, so they are set up for future academic success. And this year, free math tutoring is in the works for students as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the episode, Padilla also shares how parents can best support their kids at home and why keeping them engaged during summer months matters when back-to-school time rolls around in the fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;
To learn more&nbsp;or register for&nbsp;the free summer&nbsp;reading&nbsp;program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.literacy.nm.gov/">literacy.nm.gov</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

New Mexico PED secretary talks free summer reading program, child literacy gains 

International Folk Art Market returns July 9–12 at Railyard Park, bringing artisans from around the world to Santa Fe to showcase multicultural works. 

The annual market has long served as a venue for folk artists to sell their products and for community members to experience cultures from outside the United States. According to IFAM’s mission, the market is about valuing humanity, traditions and artists who are working hard toward social change in their home countries.  

To preview this year’s event, IFAM Executive Director Stacey Edgar and board chair Helena Ribe join host Inez Russell Gomez on the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different.” They discuss how preparations are going, reflect on past markets and share what they are most looking forward to this year.   

Edgar also addresses public concerns about tariffs and visas affecting vendor participation, explaining her organization's efforts to keep the market on track. 

For more information and tickets, visit folkartmarket.org 

International Folk Art Market returns&nbsp;July&nbsp;9&ndash;12&nbsp;at Railyard Park,&nbsp;bringing&nbsp;artisans from around the&nbsp;world&nbsp;to&nbsp;Santa Fe to&nbsp;showcase&nbsp;multicultural&nbsp;works.&nbsp;
The annual market has long served as a venue for folk artists to sell their products and for community members to experience cultures from outside the United States. According to IFAM&rsquo;s mission, the market is about valuing humanity, traditions and artists who are working hard toward social change in their home countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;
To preview this year&rsquo;s event, IFAM Executive Director Stacey Edgar and board chair Helena Ribe join host Inez Russell Gomez on the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different.&rdquo; They discuss how preparations are going, reflect on past markets and share what they are most looking forward to this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Edgar also addresses public concerns about tariffs and visas affecting vendor participation, explaining her organization's efforts to keep the market on track.&nbsp;
For more information and&nbsp;tickets,&nbsp;visit&nbsp;<a href="https://folkartmarket.org/">folkartmarket.org</a>&nbsp;

Despite tariff and visa concerns, IFAM organizers are excited for 2026 market

From a small business office space on 2nd Street and Cerrillos Road to a refurbished bowling alley on Rufina Street, Meow Wolf’s success story is one marked by sacrifice, strength, vision and a little help from one of Santa Fe’s most famous residents — author George R.R. Martin.  

The company celebrates 10 years of operation this year, and it’s a time for reflection on how a small art collective that started in 2008 grew outside its borders, allowing adults and children of all backgrounds to experience fun and whimsical worlds. 

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez interviews Meow Wolf’s co-founder and chief vision officer Vince Kadlubek. The two discuss the interpersonal stories that shaped the company’s original creation, which individuals became key players as the venture took off and what inspired a young Kadlubek to pioneer immersive art experiences for his hometown of Santa Fe and beyond.  

In the episode, Russell Gomez and Kadlubek also discuss Meow Wolf’s future, particularly its ongoing plans for expansion into the West and East Coast regions.

From a small business office space on&nbsp;2nd&nbsp;Street and&nbsp;Cerrillos&nbsp;Road&nbsp;to a&nbsp;refurbished&nbsp;bowling alley&nbsp;on Rufina Street,&nbsp;Meow Wolf&rsquo;s&nbsp;success&nbsp;story is one marked by&nbsp;sacrifice,&nbsp;strength,&nbsp;vision&nbsp;and a little help from one of&nbsp;Santa Fe&rsquo;s most famous residents&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;author&nbsp;George R.R. Martin.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The company celebrates 10 years of operation this year, and it&rsquo;s a time for reflection on how a small art collective that started in 2008 grew outside its borders, allowing adults and children of all backgrounds to experience fun and whimsical worlds.&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez interviews Meow Wolf&rsquo;s co-founder and chief vision officer Vince Kadlubek. The two discuss the interpersonal stories that shaped the company&rsquo;s original creation, which individuals became key players as the venture took off and what inspired a young Kadlubek to pioneer immersive art experiences for his hometown of Santa Fe and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the episode, Russell Gomez and Kadlubek also discuss Meow Wolf&rsquo;s future, particularly its ongoing plans for expansion into the West and East Coast regions.

10 years of Meow Wolf: Vince Kadlubek reflects on the company’s origin, massive success and future

The Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) is a beloved institution that for nearly four decades has brought creators and enthusiasts together to celebrate art forms of all kinds.  

Founded as a grassroots organization in 1979, CCA has evolved into a welcoming meeting place in Santa Fe for everyone to experience some of the best in cinema, chamber music, poetry, immersive theater and more.  

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by the CCA’s Jaime Herrell, board chair, and Matthew Cannella, cinema director, to reflect on the mission of the nonprofit and on the impact it has in the community.  

Throughout the episode, Herrell and Canella outline what their roles consist of at CCA, from selecting films for screening to connecting with local artists to showcase their work and talents. The two also discuss the CCA’s efforts to expand programs and events, which unfortunately comes with a price tag.  

An inaugural Fine Art Flea sale on June 14 is one way they hope to raise the funds. Herrell explains how you can support their cause.  

For more information, visit ccasantafe.org

The Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) is a beloved institution that for nearly four decades has brought creators and enthusiasts together to celebrate art forms of all kinds.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Founded as a grassroots&nbsp;organization&nbsp;in 1979,&nbsp;CCA&nbsp;has&nbsp;evolved&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;welcoming&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;place&nbsp;in Santa Fe&nbsp;for&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;to&nbsp;experience&nbsp;some of&nbsp;the best in&nbsp;cinema,&nbsp;chamber&nbsp;music, poetry, immersive theater&nbsp;and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by the CCA&rsquo;s Jaime Herrell, board chair, and Matthew Cannella, cinema director, to reflect on the mission of the nonprofit and on the impact it has in the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Throughout the episode, Herrell and Canella outline what their roles consist of at CCA, from selecting films for screening to connecting with local artists to showcase their work and talents. The two also discuss the CCA&rsquo;s efforts to expand programs and events, which unfortunately comes with a price tag.&nbsp;&nbsp;
An inaugural Fine Art Flea sale on June 14 is one way they hope to raise the funds. Herrell explains how you can support their cause.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ccasantafe.org/">ccasantafe.org</a>

New Mexico PED secretary talks free summer reading program, child literacy gains

Conversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez

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