Denise Fort, professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico, is a Western water policy expert with an extensive background in environmental and natural resources law. Fort joins “Conversations Different” to discuss environmental and policy issues facing New Mexico’s water resources. She talks about the state’s 50-year water plan, the lack of legal protections for New Mexico’s water sources and the need to rethink how the state distributes its water. She also touches on the need to change the use of water in the state when it comes to agriculture.

Diana Tarasiewicz is in her first year as director of nutrition services for Santa Fe Public Schools. A chef by training, Tarasiewicz previously served as culinary specialist and project coordinator at the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Student Success and Wellness Bureau. She joins "Conversations Different" to talk about the numbers behind school meals at Santa Fe Public Schools, the staffing challenges the district faces and how it works to overcome them, and how close the district is to complying with the Senate Bill 4. The bill places high priority on freshly cooked meals and locally grown foods at schools, and it has been met with harsh criticism by some administrators and nutrition officials who say the changes impose costly requirements. Tarasiewicz said the district is already well on its way to complying. 

For the third straight year, the Institute of American Indian Arts and Santa Fe Community College will both host open houses on the same day. On Thursday, Sept. 19, the schools will welcome community members and prospective students on their campuses to showcase their facilities and highlight the programs they offer. Both schools will open their studios for art demonstrations and provide tours of their facilities. IAIA President Robert Martin and SFCC President Becky Rowley join "Conversations Different" to speak about all their schools have to offer and what to expect for the open houses at the campuses that are just a seven-minute drive from each other.  SFCC's open house takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information can be found at https://www.sfcc.edu/iaia-sfcc-open-house-24/.  IAIA's open house is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://iaia.edu/about/2024-iaia-open-house/.

The Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Site is by far the largest such site in New Mexico with estimates of more than 100,000 petroglyphs at the location. The site near the Rio Grande north of Española covers a patchwork of private land, as well as some Bureau of Land Management Land. Artist Katherine Wells purchased property on Mesa Prieta in the 1990s and soon discovered there were thousands of petroglyphs on her land. She started the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project in 1999 to document the remarkable cultural resources and to advocate for their preservation. Wells donated the majority of the property to The Archaeological Conservancy in 2007 to ensure its continued protection. Volunteers have helped record approximately 80,000 petroglyphs so far. The Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a two-day symposium Sept. 13-14 at Northern New Mexico College. Wells and Matthew Martinez, the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project’s executive director, join “Conversations Different” to talk about the people who left their mark on the rocks, share the impact the project has had for them and for others, and discuss how the organization has supported educational opportunities to teach local students about the significance of the site. Learn more about the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project at www.mesaprietapetroglyphs.org.

Court Appointed Special Advocates First Judicial District, known as CASA First, is an organization that supports and promotes volunteer advocacy so that children and youth who are trauma-impacted or system-involved can be safe, develop permanent connections and have the opportunity to thrive. CASA First volunteers offer a voice in and out of court for infants, children and youth who are currently in foster care in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties. Executive Director Annie Rasquin, Program Support Specialist Grace Korthuis and board Vice President Veronica Krupnick join "Conversations Different" to explain the mission of CASA First, talk about the impact of the organization and its volunteers on local youth, spotlight CASA First's recruiting effort and talk about what it's been like being part of the organization. They also discuss Abrigo Advocates, who offer support for those who are not actively in the foster care system but have been impacted by trauma or have been system involved. To learn more about the organization and how to get involved, visit https://casafirst.org/. 

Labor Day weekend 2024 kicks off Friday night with a major milestone for one of Santa Fe's biggest and most beloved annual events. The buildup for the 100th burning of Zozobra has been years in the making. Ray Sandoval, the event chair for the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, joins "Conversations Different" along with 9-year-old volunteer David Kesler to preview the big event. Sandoval talks about his early beginnings with the event and the promise he made as a teenager to Harold Gans, the longtime voice of Zozobra, to get Zozobra to its 100th burning. Sandoval shares some of the history of the event, talks about how it has grown and evolved over the years to keep the public's interest, offers an overview of the security that's needed to put on such a large-scale event, goes over some misconceptions about Zozobra, and teases what Old Man Gloom will look like this year. To learn more about Zozobra and find ticket information, visit burnzozobra.com.

Meghan Montelibano Gorman, a mother of two young children, said she struggled to find community in Santa Fe when she moved to the city freshly postpartum. While working to compile resources, she has shared her knowledge with others online and, in turn, has found support from other parents and caregivers. Montelibano Gorman's website, santafam.com, includes a calendar with free and low-cost events for young children as well as guides for dining out and visiting parks in Santa Fe with babies and/or toddlers. She also organizes regular "Coffee & Crying" meetups for mothers and caregivers to talk about experiences and feelings that have come with raising young children. Learn more by visiting santafam.com or following on Instagram @_santafam_.

Each year an estimated 100,000 people attend the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest juried Native American art show in the world. This year's market takes place Aug. 17 and 18, with related events occurring in the days leading up to the market. Kenneth Johnson, a Muscogee/Seminole jeweler and sculptor with a studio in Santa Fe, has been involved in the market since the 1990s. Johnson joins "Conversations Different" to discuss the impact the Santa Fe Indian Market has had on him and his career, talks about relationships among the artists, and shares how his contributions to the design of an Indian Market-themed 2025 Indian Scout Bobber that is up for auction. 

Water is a precious resource in New Mexico, the state with the lowest percentage of its area covered by water. That makes how water is managed in the state incredibly important. In this episode of "Conversations Different," Deputy State Engineer Tanya Trujillo and Interstate Stream Commission Director Hannah Riseley-White share their insight on New Mexico's water management and resource planning. They discuss New Mexico's compacts with neighboring states and water issues facing New Mexico. They also talk about the Water Security Planning Act passed unanimously by the during the 2023 state legislative session, and upcoming opportunities the public has to share input on how the statute will be implemented.

The month of July is recognized as Disability Pride Month in the United States. On July 13, the first Disability Pride Parade held in New Mexico was organized in Santa Fe by Disability Pride New Mexico. The new nonprofit was recently created to advance the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities through policy advocacy and community awareness initiatives. Disability Pride New Mexico's three board members — Eli Fresquez, Kathlyne Gish and Angelique Montoya-Chavez — join "Conversations Different" to talk about the mission of the organization and share their backgrounds. They discuss what it's like for people with disabilities to live in Santa Fe and the attitude they've encountered that since Santa Fe is a historic city, it doesn't need to comply with ADA standards, which is untrue.  Learn more about Disability Pride New Mexico at https://www.disabilitypridenm.org/.   Read the transcript at https://share.descript.com/view/swFzGygxkFK

The Atrisco Heritage Foundation took over Santa Fe's troubled Traditional Spanish Market in 2023 and has sought to bring stability to one of the city's premier summer market events. In the second year of stewardship of the country's oldest and largest juried art show of its kind, the organization looks to promote and strengthen the unique cultural event. Atrisco Companies CEO Peter Sanchez and COO/CFO Brian O'Connell join "Conversations Different" to share information on what the Atrisco Heritage Foundation is and why the organization felt it was the perfect fit to take over operations of the Traditional Spanish Market. They also talk about future plans for the market, the importance of developing trust with the artists, the need to encourage the youth to stay involved in the art forms, and how "traditional Spanish art" is defined.  To learn more about the Traditional Spanish Market, which takes place July 27-28, 2024, on the Santa Fe Plaza, visit traditionalspanishmarket.org.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in April called for the state's legislators to convene for a special session to address New Mexico's public safety needs. Democratic leaders in the Legislature, a coalition of advocacy organizations and others have since expressed concerns about the five proposals the governor is pushing. Ben Baker, senior public safety advisor to the Office of the Governor, joins "Conversations Different" to review the governor's public safety-related priorities for the special session. He also discusses the input he and other officials have received related to public safety concerns from citizens across the state, shares a personal experience of gun violence involving children, and talks about how crime stats don't always reflect the feelings of members of a community.

Stacey Edgar was named executive director of the International Folk Art Market in January. Edgar joins “Conversations Different” to talk about preparations for the 20th annual International Folk Art Market, her history with the event, and IFAM's mission of creating economic opportunities with folk artists across the world. The 2023 iteration of the market saw artists bring in a record $3.4 million in its first year at Santa Fe’s Railyard Park after spending previous years on Museum Hill. Edgar discusses the successes of the move and the changes that will take place for this year’s event, which takes place July 11-14. She also talks about the free Community Day, the first free day in the market’s history, on July 14. To learn more about the International Folk Art Market and purchase tickets, visit https://folkartmarket.org/.

Actor and producer Alec Baldwin will stand trial this month facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2021 on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during production of the film "Rust" near Santa Fe. Santa Fe New Mexican courts reporter Phaedra Haywood joins "Conversations Different" to offer a breakdown of developments that have unfolded over the past three years and provides a preview of what to look for during the trial. Haywood talks about the trial earlier this year in which "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and what her role may be in the Baldwin trial. Haywood also discusses the motions the defense has made to try to get the case dismissed, as well as the massive media interest that the case has generated.

Sheila Lewis is an extreme risk protection order trainer and consultant who works with the nonprofit New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence. She has trained about 500 people on extreme risk protection orders, also known as red flag laws, that prohibits possession or purchase of a firearm by a person who is experiencing a mental health crisis and poses an imminent, serious danger to themselves or others. New Mexico’s extreme risk protection order act was passed in 2020 but has so far been rarely used because it is not well understood. Lewis works with with police departments and community groups around New Mexico to educate them on extreme risk protection orders. Lewis joins "Conversations Different" to discuss extreme risk protection orders and what's needed to reduce gun violence in the state. 

Johanna Gilligan, chief external affairs officer at Homewise, talks about issues facing Santa Fe involving land use and previews the local and national experts who will give their presentations in Santa Fe for the Livability Speaker Series, presented by Homewise. Topics include why homelessness is a housing problem, why affordable housing is in such short supply, considering more density in Santa Fe's future, and how to make car-centric cities more pedestrian friendly and connected. The monthly events continue Thursday, June 20, and run through October. To see the lineup and schedule for the Livability Speaker Series, visit www.livabilityspeakerseries.com.

Raashan Ahmad is a hip-hop artist and DJ in Santa Fe who is the executive director of Vital Spaces and co-founder of Earthseed Black Arts Alliance. He joins “Conversations Different” to discuss his path to Santa Fe and his passion for the community. Ahmad touches on the history of African Americans in New Mexico and previews the upcoming Juneteenth celebration on the Plaza, which takes place Saturday, June 15. The event, which goes from 3-9 p.m., will feature vendors, food and live performances including the Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans. Ahmad also talks about his work with organizations that provide resources to people in the community to help them express themselves through art. “What I’m excited about is providing access and resources to folks who don’t have it,” Ahmad said. “If that’s throwing free dance parties, if that’s throwing a free event, if that’s opening up a community theater, all of it is in line with the underlying goal of just trying to make sure that folks who are not seen get seen.” Learn more about Vital Spaces at https://www.vitalspaces.org/ and Earthseed Black Arts Alliance at https://www.earthseedblackarts.org/.

Robert McCormick created the Santa Fe Foodies Facebook group in 2018 and it has grown into a lively forum of more than 41,000 members who are passionate about the city's food scene. McCormick has also launched a website, santafefoodiesnm.com, to help residents and locals navigate the area's hundreds of dining options. McCormick joins "Conversations Different" to talk about the work he's put in to build Santa Fe Foodies into a full-time job and the community that's grown under its umbrella. He also discusses some of the most popular topics in the Facebook group and how Santa Fe Foodies has impacted his life.

Sam LeDoux won his first political race in March when he was elected a city councilor of his hometown of Española at age 32. LeDoux joins "Conversations Different" to discuss his path into politics at an early age and the influence John McCain had on him when he worked for the former U.S. senator. The Republican talks about the extreme polarization in U.S. politics and how he has chosen to follow his values even if it means breaking from the party line. LeDoux also discusses the crises Española faces and the urgency that is required to addresses them.

Located on the portal of First National Bank 1870 on the Santa Fe Plaza, Bienvenidos Visitor Information has been providing information on the culture, history and amenities of the nation’s oldest capital city to tourists and locals since 1961. Joella Mortillaro, executive director of the volunteer organization, joins “Conversations Different” to discuss the history of Bienvenidos Visitor Information and the dedication of its volunteers. She also talks about some of the crazy questions visitors have asked volunteers, and the need for the organization to continually adapt to the evolving types of visitors who come to Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe International Literary Festival has been a big draw in its first years of existence, and the 2024 gathering May 17-19 is expected to continue that trend. Author and journalist Carmella Padilla, a co-founder of the festival and a native New Mexican, joins "Conversations Different" to talk about how the event came to be and how it has had success in attracting world-renowned authors. She also previews this year's stacked lineup of storytellers and shares the story of how she became a writer. To learn more about the Santa Fe International Literary Festival and purchase tickets to the event, visit https://www.sfinternationallitfest.org/.

State Auditor Joseph M. Maestas joins "Conversations Different" to talk about the role and importance of his office. Maestas discusses the authority of the State Auditor’s Office, the workload his staff faces, and the responsibility of being accountable for the safeguarding of taxpayer money. He also talks about his background as an engineer, a former mayor of Española and a former Santa Fe city councilor, and why he felt compelled to become the state auditor.

Russell Baker, executive director of National Dance Institute New Mexico, and NDI New Mexico alumna Kristen Martinez join "Conversations Different" to discuss the impact of the nonprofit organization that offers in-school and after-school dance programs to instill values and habits in its students. In its 30 years of existence, NDI New Mexico has served 150,000 students across the state through residencies and after-school programs. Martinez talks about how NDI New Mexico has impacted her life and Baker delves into the history and reach of the organization.

Jamie Schulze, executive director of the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, joins “Conversations Different” to preview the inaugural SWAIA Native Fashion Week in Santa Fe and talk about how the event has grown over the years since the first Indigenous fashion show at Santa Fe Indian Market in 2014. The four-day SWAIA Native Fashion Week, the first Indigenous fashion week in the U.S., takes place May 2-5 and will showcase the diversity of Indigenous designers from across North America. Learn more about SWAIA Native Fashion Week at swaianativefashion.org. 

Barak Wolff, a longtime public health leader in New Mexico and board member with End of Life Options New Mexico, talks about how we choose to face the end of our lives and our health care decisions. He also discusses the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act, which was signed into law in 2021 and makes medical aid in dying available to the terminally ill in New Mexico, if they so choose.  Tuesday, April 16, is National Health Care Decisions Day, a day dedicated to educating the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. For more information, visit endoflifeoptionsnm.org.

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 Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joins “Conversations Different” to share her thoughts on what was accomplished during the 30-day legislative session and talk about the possibility of calling a special session to address ongoing public safety issues in the state. Lujan Grisham also discusses her sense of urgency in tackling gun violence, talks about the ways the state is using oil and gas revenue with an eye toward the future, and looks ahead at the state’s energy future.

Randall Balmer, an Episcopal priest, historian and the John Phillips Professor in Religion at Dartmouth College, joins "Conversations Different" to discuss the rise of Christian nationalism in U.S. politics. Balmer provides an overview of the movement on the religious right to break down the wall of separation between church and state, talks about the significance of Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson rising to Speaker of the House, and reviews some key terms used within the Christian nationalist movement.

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., joins “Conversations Different” to discuss legislation she's been pursuing in the House. She talks about what it's been like trying to get legislation passed amid Republican infighting and stresses the need for the U.S. to continue to support Ukraine in its war against Russia. She also hits on the progress of legislation and initiatives to help New Mexicans, from continued support for those impacted by the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, to efforts to provide a path to home ownership for first-time homebuyers, to the work to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include the Downwinders and other New Mexicans who have long been left out of the legislation.

"The Stories We Carry" is an exhibit at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe that features contemporary jewelry created by more than 100 Indigenous artists across the decades. Tatiana Lomahaftewa-Singer, curator of collections at the museum, and IAIA assistant professor Brian Fleetwood, who guest curated the exhibit, join "Conversations Different" to discuss the process of putting together the exhibit and share some of the stories behind the pieces.

Longtime Santa Fe New Mexican sports reporter James Barron joins "Conversations Different" to discuss what makes New Mexicans go crazy for high school basketball, especially in the north. He touches on how a lack of size for most teams has resulted in an emphasis on the fundamentals while also leading to an exciting brand of up-tempo basketball. Barron also talks about the passion for hoops on Native reservations, touches on some of most successful players and teams throughout history, and gives a brief outlook for local teams leading up to the state tournament.

Sen. Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, joins "Conversations Different" to provide his thoughts on what lawmakers were able to get done during the recent 30-day legislative session. Wirth shares his positive feelings about the passage of two gun safety measures, talks about the need to work collaboratively with Republicans in the Senate even with a Democratic majority, and offers his perspective on a proposed state office building near the Roundhouse. 

Gabe Tafoya, Santa Fe High School's orchestra director, is joined by violinists Emmarose Martinez and Alexis Mutz to discuss a standout year for the school's chamber orchestra, which was selected by the New Mexico Music Educators Association as the state’s 2024 Honor Orchestra. The chamber orchestra's 18 students performed at the 80th Annual All State Honors Concert at Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque on Jan. 11. Tafoya said he believes it's the first time any music group from Santa Fe Public Schools has been chosen for the honors concert.  At the conclusion of the episode is a recording of the orchestra playing "Jesusita En Chihuahua,” one of the pieces the students performed at the honors concert.

Author and historian Dr. Timothy E. Nelson joins “Conversations Different” to discuss Blackdom, N.M., a settlement of Black pioneers that formed in southeast New Mexico in the early 1900s. Nelson, whose book “Blackdom, New Mexico: The Significance of the Afro-Frontier, 1900-1930” was published last summer, talks about the historical context in which the settlement existed and dispels the narrative that Blackdom was a failure. He also talks about what it’s been like to write about a history that many people were previously unaware of and what he’s noticed about how people respond when new information conflicts with popular understanding.

Santa Fe’s newest sports team is in the midst of its inaugural season and has gotten off to a hot start on the court. David Fresquez, owner of the Santa Fe Gloom, joins ‘Conversations Different’ to talk about the appeal of futsal and the effort to integrate the team with the community. Fresquez also discusses the challenges of finding space for futsal and indoor soccer in Santa Fe.

Youth soccer teams struggle to find field time in Santa Fe as teams in other sports compete over limited space. Scott Hussion, executive director of Northern Soccer Club, says there are 1,800 youth soccer players in the area who have to share five fields in the city. The 'Mucho Soccer' campaign seeks funding and support to get more fields built in Santa Fe for the youth of Northern New Mexico.

MovieMaker magazine recently named Santa Fe the best small city to live and work as a filmmaker for the second straight year. Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, film commissioner of the Santa Fe Film Office, and location manager Ashley A. Valdez talk about what makes the Santa Fe area a thriving place for filmmakers and how the industry benefits the community.

Veteran Santa Fe New Mexican reporters Robert Nott and Daniel J. Chacón break down what to look for in the New Mexico's 30-day legislative session, including key budget issues, gun safety measures and a proposal to ban necrophilia.

Former New Mexico state senator Dede Feldman and former Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Steve Terrell recently completed a report for Common Cause New Mexico examining the influence of the alcohol industry on the state's politics, government and legislation. They join the podcast to discuss their findings on the large amounts of industry money being contributed to candidates and share some stories of the close relationships between lobbyists and politicians.

Dr. Melissa Gomez, a board-certified physician, joins the show to discuss why she decided to opt out of the traditional American medical system and create a clinical experience based on wellness. She provides some tips for starting the new year off right. Three points of emphasis include daily movement, cutting processed foods from your diet, and getting the proper amount of sleep.

Tara Hughes, the 2023 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, joins the podcast for a conversation on the importance of early childhood education. Hughes talks about how she gained a passion for teaching while running the Santa Fe Opera stage crew and reflects on what kids need to succeed in the classroom. 

Author and storyteller Joe Hayes has been traveling the country for more than 40 years to share the stories of the Southwest. Hayes joins the podcast to discuss how he’s made a career out of being a storyteller and why he feels it’s important to tell stories in both Spanish and English. He closes the episode by telling the Christmas story of The Wise Little Burro.

Dr. Chris Morgan and local volunteer Cervantes "Buddy" Roybal join the show to discuss the massive volunteer effort behind the New Mexico Mission of Mercy event that will take place April 26-27 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. The large-scale dental clinic will provide dental treatment at no cost to individuals who can't access or afford dental care. The event will require approximately 1,200 volunteers and organizers are seeking to raise $215,000. Find more information at sfnm.co/mission. 

Victor Romero, known as "The Santa Fe VIP," joins the podcast to talk about sharing his passion for the city with tourists and locals. Romero discusses Santa Fe's night life, how storytelling became part of his DNA, what it was like being the youngest concierge at La Posada, and wraps up the episode by sharing a couple of his favorite ghost stories.

Ferdi Serim, founder of New Mexico Family and Community Engagement Solutions (NM FaCES), joins the show to discuss digital equity in the state. Serim talks about building connections within families by using technology to tell stories and preserve culture.

Pasatiempo Editor Carolyn Graham joins "Conversations Different" to talk about how Santa Fe comes to life during the holiday season. Graham and host Inez Russell Gomez discuss the slate of holiday events, traditions, tamales, the annual Pasatiempo Writing Contest and more.

Shaun Sanchez, supervisor of the Santa Fe National Forest and a Las Vegas, N.M., native, joins this week's show to discuss his decision to return home to take a lead role at the forest following the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Sanchez talks about his connection to the forest, the challenges he’s faced in his 10 months on the job, the updates to prescribed burn protocols and efforts to rebuild trust with the public following last year’s fires.

Tom Solomon, co-coordinator of 350 New Mexico, and Camilla Feibelman, executive director of the Sierra Club’s Rio Grande Chapter, join the podcast to discuss the proposed Clean Cars and Trucks rule and efforts to accelerate New Mexico’s transition to electric vehicles.

Korina Lopez, executive director of the Interfaith Community Shelter at Pete's Place, discusses the history of the shelter, talks about the challenges of operating through the COVID-19 pandemic and high inflation, and looks to the future of helping Santa Fe's homeless community.

Norma Ang Sánchez, consul of Mexico in Albuquerque, and Xóchitl Montelongo de Ehrl, co-founder of Ballet Folclórico de mi Pueblo, join the podcast to speak about Día de los Muertos. They discuss the significance of the tradition, talk about its evolution over time and speak on the growth of the celebration in Santa Fe.