Voices of Taos

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This month on “Voices of Taos,” assistant editor Ellen Miller-Goins sits down with Rachel Leon, founder of Communities of Questa Mariachi, a non profit that offers accessible music education and cultural enrichment for youth in Northern New Mexico. Rachel started Communities of Questa Mariachi in 2025 after retiring from teaching. Thanks in part to a grant from the LOR Foundation, the group welcomes students ages 10 and up free of charge. She started the group to help preserve the tradition of mariachi music in Northern New Mexico and to provide music lessons to students who may not be able to afford private classes. Miller-Goins and Leon talk about Rachel’s experience growing up around mariachi music, the challenges involved in running a non-profit organization, and what inspires her to keep teaching music. They also talk about how the program helps foster confidence and pride for the students involved, and how the group has been welcomed by Questa locals. To get involved, call 575-779-0565 or find the group on Facebook. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This episode marks the beginning of our new, monthly release schedule. The next episode of Voices of Taos will be released on May 5, 2026. This week on “Voices of Taos,” reporter Olivia Lewis sits down for a conversation with Ted Wiard, licensed therapist, certified grief counselor, and  founder and director of Golden Willow Retreat in Arroyo Hondo. He was also the Taos News Citizen of the Year in 2020. Ted retired on April 1,  25 years after opening Golden Willow retreat with his wife, Marcella, and says that it’s time to open things up for change — both for him and for the nonprofit. He plans on travelling, and is working with Genevieve Oswald on a second book about “emotional sobriety” and how balancing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of life can help us make better decisions and be better people. Lewis and Wiard discuss the importance of recognizing loss as a natural part of life that teaches us about transition and growth. Golden Willow Retreat aims to provide a space for healthy grieving and healing for anyone experiencing a loss.  Learn more about Red Willow Retreat Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, please enjoy this repeat presentation of a conversation between former  copy editor and reporter Emery Veilleux and Nan Fischer, lifelong grower, founder of the Taos Seed Exchange and author of "A Monthly Guide to Growing a Sensational Garden in Northern New Mexico and the Rocky Mountains." This episode originally aired on March 29, 2025. Fischer discusses growing food in Northern New Mexico, from difficult environmental conditions to well-suited plants to best practices for conserving water. As Taos comes out of a dry winter, Fischer and Veilleux discuss adapting to growing food in a changing climate. Fischer, who has kept garden journals for 20 years, shares some of the climactic trends she's tracked over time. "It used to be challenging here but predictable, and now it's challenging and unpredictable," Fischer says. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on "Voices of Taos," copy editor and reporter Emily Sender sits down with Charles Curtin, conservation practitioner, educator and author who has lived for 3 decades in New Mexico. Charles’ recent book, “Place-Based Solutions: The Power of Regenerative Thinking in the Face of Crisis” examines what Curtin calls “‘prosilience’ — the capacity not just to endure crises, but to leap forward through them.” Emily and Charles discuss the book, Charles’ work as a conservation practitioner in New Mexico, Maine, Kenya and beyond, as well as his perspective on finding hope and solutions in a world of complex, interconnected crises. They also discuss Charles’ upcoming book event at SOMOS on March 27 (Friday). Learn more about Charles Curtin's work Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Stephanie Gates sits down for a conversation with Nick Streit, owner of Taos Fly Shop and executive director of Friends of the Rio Grande. Nick and Stephanie talk about how this year’s warm, dry winter has affected fly fishing in the region and what further changes in the climate could mean for fishing and river health going forward. They also discuss how the potential for forest closures and wildfires could affect fishing in the region. Nick also talks about his work with Friends of the Rio Grande, a nonprofit that works on the preservation and stewardship of the Upper Rio Grande Valley. He and Stephanie talk about a virtual fencing project being done with Alianza Agri-Cultura de Taos that uses electronic collars to train cattle to avoid ecologically sensitive areas to help protect riparian and watershed health. Learn more about Friends of the Rio Grande Read more about the fly fishing season Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on "Voices of Taos," Tempo editor Lynne Robinson talks to monologist Steve Rose and director Cynthia Straus about Rose's performance of "A Piece of Monologue: A Samuel Beckett Experience" An adaptation of Beckett's "A Piece of Monologue," the one-man show is a telling of a 90-year-old man on his final walk, returning to the seaside Irish village where he grew up. Along the way, the man reflects on his life, recalling the adventures he’s had and characters he’s met. Rose and Straus also discuss her direction of the piece, as well as the process of developing it for the stage.“Beckett has a wonderful saying and I felt this the first time I tried to do a Beckett monologue — it’s ‘Fail again, fail better,’” says Rose. “Once the curtains are drawn, once the piece starts, there’s an energy there that’s alive and dangerous.” For tickets and more information visit wildflowerplayhouse.org/events Read more in Tempo

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, editor Geoffrey Plant sits down with Audra Rodgers, band leader, vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the band Big Violet. Rodgers talks about her musical influences — everything from classic rock to Mozart — and the love of music she’s had since childhood. Audra has been a part of many bands over the years, and played a wide variety of genres. Geoffrey and Audra also discuss the art of songwriting, the magic of being on stage, and what life is like on tour. Big Violet recently recorded their eponymous first album in New Orleans, and will play an album release party on March 7 at Mary’s Place at Taos Lifestyle at 7 p.m. Attendees will receive a private streaming link for a copy of the full album, and have an opportunity to purchase the band’s first merch. Get tickets for the show ($15) at holdmyticket.com and visit bigvioletmusic.com for band news, to check out singles, band bios and for booking information.

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on "Voices of Taos," please enjoy this repeat presentation of a conversation between Laura Martin Baseman and J.R. Logan, Taos County Forest and Watershed Health Program Manager. Logan shares how his experience at the Taos News and the LOR Foundation laid the groundwork for his current role managing natural resources through contracts with Taos Soil and Water Conservation District and Taos County. One of the projects Logan helps coordinate is the Forest Mayordomo Program, which employs locals adjacent to Carson National Forest to thin areas at risk of severe fire. Even with good management, Logan candidly warns that Taos County will likely see a catastrophic fire in the near future. He hopes this honesty won't paralyze people with fear, but encourages them to prepare. There are a lot of things people can do to protect their homes and land, including visiting the New Mexico State Forestry website on defensible space. On Saturday, March 7, the Del Fuego Project invites the community to an interactive evening of film, dialogue and reflection on the role of wildfires in shaping Northern New Mexico. The event will be held at the TCA from 7 to 8:30 p.m.. You can reserve your seat at tcataos.org/calendar. Learn more about the Del Fuego Project How to protect your home from wildfire Climate Grief Resources Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus This week on “Voices of Taos,” editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Contessa Trujillo, project manager of the Cultural Treasures Project, and Jessica Stern, director of the Taos County Economic Development Department and director of the Cultural Treasures Project. The Cultural Treasures Project is a community-led initiative that works to catalogue the places, practices, and people that define the region’s identity. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, community members can help to identify and preserve what makes Taos so special. Through community engagement, the Cultural Treasures Project team is working to identify and map cultural assets, such as acequias, cultural venues, stories, lost places, language, cultural practices, art forms, and anything else that residents may find valuable to the local community. This data will then eventually be used to help create policies and educational tools to guide responsible sustainable tourism and growth, safeguarding Taos County’s unique cultural and natural heritage. Fill out the Cultural Treasures Project Survey Read more about the Cultural Treasures Project Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus This week on “Voices of Taos,” editor Geoffrey Plant talks to Anne-Marie Emanuelli, mindfulness and mediation teacher and founder of Mindful Frontiers, a BCorp dedicated to promoting community wellness through mindfulness. Anne-Marie also writes a monthly column for the Taos News, “Families Meditating Together,” and offers guided meditation recordings through the Insight Timer app. Geoffrey and Anne-Marie discuss how she became interested in meditation, why she first decided to bring mindfulness into the classroom, and why using meditation and mindfulness to help us “get out of our own minds” can be so helpful in today’s world.  Anne-Marie also talks about mindfulness practitioners who have influenced her — Ram Dass and Thích Nhất Hạnh — as well as methods to help give the mind something to focus on, such as labyrinths and breathwork. Through Mindful Frontiers, Emanuelli offers both groups and individuals a variety of ways to bring mindfulness and meditation into their lives. Read Anne-Marie's most recent column Learn more about Mindful Frontiers Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus This week on Voice of Taos, editor Geoffrey Plant and assistant editor Ellen Miller-Goins sit down to recap some of the most notable stories from 2025. First Geoffrey and Ellen discuss a number of significant area residents who passed away in 2025. Notable ski community members Elisabeth Brownell and Walter Ruegg, major conservation figure Tony Benson, and WWII veteran Valdemar DeHerrera are just a few of the remarkable citizens lost last year. Last year was also full of major headlines. From courtroom battles and cultural turning points to heartbreaking losses and moments of collective resilience, 2025 reminded Taos County what it means to be a community shaped by history — and still very much in motion. From Renaming Red Willow Park and the reopening of Stray Hearts Animal Shelter to the effect of federal policies on local jobs and major accountability stories involving local government and public institutions, Geoffrey and Ellen talk about a wide variety of stories that made an impact in 2025. Read the Year in Review for 2025 Notable Passing of 2025 Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, copy editor Emily Sender talks with Fritz Hahn, former Taos town councilor, Cornelio Basin volunteer and Taos acequia expert. Fritz and Emily discuss the restoration efforts in the Cornelio Basin — a 25-acre piece of land in the heart of Taos — as well as possible future plans for the property. Once a seasonal gathering place for Puebloan peoples and later a productive farming area sustained by acequia irrigation, the basin later fell into disuse and eventually came under town ownership. Fritz talks about recent rezoning efforts that protect the basin from development, as well as a federally funded restoration project focused on water flow, invasive weed removal, and reintroducing native plants. Hahn envisions a future for the basin as a wild space in the heart of town. He also talks about the importance of wild spaces as a legacy for future generations. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on "Voices of Taos," sports editor Blynn Beltran talks with Adonais "Nité" Márquez, Peñasco resident, food content creator and educator.  Márquez and Beltran talk about Peñasco High School's culinary program and their aspirations to make another run at state. After learning to cook from his mother, who herself was a chef in the 70s, Chef Márquez started his career as a professional chef at Doc Martin's Restaurant and now makes recipe videos of traditional Northern New Mexico cooking. Chef Márquez is also set to release a new cookbook, "Taste of Taos," featuring traditional Northern New Mexico cuisine this summer. Read more about Chef Márquez Follow Chef Nité on Instagram Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on "Voices of Taos," editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Dr. Richard Rubin, a retired physician, author and volunteer steward at the historic Aldo Leopold House.  Dr. Rubin recently submitted a My Turn opinion piece entitled 'Compassion for chupacabras,' in which he discusses how we can use the folklore of the chupacabra —and its real-life explanation, a coyote suffering from mange —to better understand how mythology and ecology can coexist. Geoffrey and Richard also discuss the legacy of Aldo Leopold and the home he built for he and his wife, Estella, in Tres Piedras. The house is now an ecology education center and is also available for camping rental. Read "Compassion for chupacabras" Learn more about the Aldo Leopold House Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, copy editor Emily Sender talks with Darien Fernandez, executive director of Taos Land Trust and Town of Taos Council Member. Sender and Fernandez discuss the recent purchase by the Taos Land Trust of a 144-acre property in El Salto. The property has been on the market for many years, and neighbors have had concerns about the fate of the ecologically sensitive area, especially the possibility of it being used for housing developments. Emily and Darien also talk about short-term plans for the land, such as wildfire treatment plans, as well as long-term goals. They also talk about ways community members can get involved, including helping identify wildlife and plant species and potentially important cultural sites. To learn more about what Taos Land Trust is working on, or to get involved, visit taoslandtrust.org, call 575-751-3138, or visit their office at Rio Fernando Park. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. As 2025 comes to a close, please enjoy this repeat presentation of our most popular episode from Season 2. Voices of Taos will return with new episodes in 2026. On this episode of Voices of Taos, Sports Editor Blynn Beltran talks to School of Baseball's Abe Balsamo and Hargis James. School of Baseball is a non-profit organization that teaches local kids and teens the basics of America's favorite pastime. They also discuss their upbringing in Taos, how the organization caters to hundreds of kids a week, and their involvement with the alumni game against the Tigers baseball team. Original air date: April 26, 2025 Follow the School of Baseball on Instagram Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode mentions suicide. 988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988. This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Sandy Campbell, executive director of TrueKids1. TrueKids1 is a youth media and technology nonprofit that works to inspire students, teach media literacy skills, and promote digital health for both students and parents. TK1 also collaborated with the Taos News during the recent elections to livestream candidate forums. Sandy and Geoffrey talk about what TrueKids1 has been working on lately. This year, the organization has opened a photo studio next door to their facility on La Posta Road that helps teach business skills, as well as a space program, in which students are building actual satellites that will be able to gather light pollution data, as well as other important information. Plant and Cambpbell also talk about the Raise the Rails rally, staged by TrueKids1 in response to a record number of deaths at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge this year.  Learn more about True Kids 1 Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on “Voices of Taos,” editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Kathryn Córdova, author of the “Know Your Neighbor” column, which she started in 2004. Kathryn began writing the column again this year after a long hiatus.  Kathryn is known for her work as an activist, journalist, educator, and archivist. She was an educator for 25 years, has won several awards – including the Governor’s Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women – and was named as one of the Taos News’ Women of Impact in March of this year.  Geoffrey and Kathryn talk about what inspired her to start her column, what she loves about writing it, and how she chooses her subjects. She also reflects on what Taos was like when she moved here at age 20, over 50 years ago. Plant and Córdova also discuss her work as part of the movement to get El Prado named as a Traditional Historic Community in order to prevent it being annexed by the Town of Taos. Read more about Kathy Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Olivia Lewis talks with Kristen Van Norman, the new executive director of Stray Hearts Animal Shelter. Van Norman brings with her 15 years of nonprofit experience, most recently as Director of Overseas Operations for USA Girl Scouts Overseas. She was appointed by the Stray Hearts board of directors in October, and has spent the past few months preparing for the reopening of the shelter, which occurred on Dec. 1. Kristen and Olivia talk about the steps needed to prepare the shelter for the reopening, including facility maintenance and restructuring of the organization. They also discuss the realities of keeping an animal shelter open, and how the planned incremental reopening can help keep the facility on track to being fully functional. Van Norman hopes to be able to stabilize the organization — both financially and operationally — in the coming year. Read more about Kristen and Stray Hearts Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, assistant editor Ellen Miller-Goins talks with author Michael H. Ritterhouse about his new novel, "The Long Walk Home: When the Power Dies." Ritterhouse describes his novel as “optimistic post-apocalyptic.” The story centers around a young man named Tommy returning home to California from a summer camp in Texas. While en route, a disaster referred to as The Event occurs, and anything that uses electricity to run is now out of commission. Tommy has to try and make his way home while navigating a new world and using his skills from camp to survive. The book is the first in what is to be a trilogy. Mike and Ellen discuss the books that inspire him, how his lifelong experience in the outdoors informs his writing, and the real-world implications of such a catastrophic event. The novel is now available wherever books are sold online. Learn more about Mike's work Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Aurora Valdez, deputy secretary of the NM Indian Affairs Department. Valdez is a member of Taos Pueblo and Tesuque Pueblo. She worked as a field representative for Sen. Martin Heinrich and was a research assistant for the Native Nations Institute. She’s been a grant writer and community organizer — for the 100% Taos County Initiative and the Taos Pueblo Sports Alliance. She also served as community wellness manager for the Taos Pueblo Division of Health and Community Services, and was named as one of Taos News’ Women of Impact in 2022. Geoffrey and Aurora talk about the priorities of the Indian Affairs Department, the challenges they are facing due to changes at the federal level, and how the department works to fulfill the vision of making sure tribal communities and Indigenous people in New Mexico are happy, healthy and prosperous. Learn more about the NM Indian Affairs Department Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Stephanie Gates talks with Vidal Gonzales, owner and founder of The Uncivilized Outdoorsman, which is based out of Santa Clara Pueblo and conducts Indigenous and Hispanic Youth Fly Fishing Camps. Gonzales founded The Uncivilized Outdoorsman in 2022, and has since partnered with a number of organizations to provide traditional knowledge education as well as experiential education.  Vidal and Stephanie talk about how The Uncivilized Outdoorsman helps Indigenous and Hispanic youth to connect with traditional knowledge and the environment, and how the program uses mentorship with elder members of the community to bring generations together. Learn more about The Uncivilized Outdoorsman Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, Taos News sports editor Blynn Beltran interviews first-year cross country varsity head coach Billy Romero Sr. and his son, junior distance-runner Billy Romero Jr. Beltran, Romero Sr. and Romero Jr. talk about the road to district, state, and their training over the summer. At the time of this recording, Romero Jr. was ranked as the number one in Milesplit New Mexico and won first a few meets in Colorado and New Mexico this season. The three also discuss the challenges of combining coaching and parenting, as well as Billy Jr.’s plans for the future and how he handles the pressures of being one of the top ranked runners in the state. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Olivia Lewis talks with Ricky Carlini, owner of Daleee KTAOS, about the planned opening of a second location in Taos Ski Valley. Ricky first came to the Taos area in 2011, working as a line cook on a J1 visa. After returning to the mountain many years in a row, he decided to try and open a music venue, and opened Daleee KTAOS in 2023. Daleee TSV is slated to open on Thanksgiving Day at the former Taos Ale house, just in time for the start of ski season. Ricky and Olivia discuss what drew him to Taos, his experiences growing up in Argentina, his love of music, and what owning a business has taught him. Carlini says that he has learned two big lessons: patience, and that everything — in business and in life — has its own rhythm. Read more about Daleee TSV Learn about Dalee KTAOS Subscribe to the Taos News  

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, sports editor Blynn Beltran talks toTaos High School's varsity head coach of the volleyball team, Rachel Rael. Beltran and Rael discuss the team’s success last year, which was the program's best since 1987, and how this year's team is topping it. Rael was born and raised in Taos and played a variety of sports as a Tiger, including basketball and volleyball. Rachel and Blynn talk about how the team deals with change as seniors leave and new players come in, and how all players push each other to play their best. Coach Rael notes that Isabell Lucero, a junior captain of the team, has been a major contributor to their winning streak as a setter. "Her being our setter has really helped us reach a higher level of play," Rael said after the interview. "She really helped us with her versatility, and her skills are unmatched in that position." Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, publisher Chris Baker speaks with Bill Waugh, a U.S. veteran, member of the Lions Club and one of our nine Unsung Heroes of 2025. Baker and Waugh talk about the Kids Eye Program, which provides free eye exams, glasses fitting and eyewear to school-age children all over Taos County. Chris and Bill also discuss his work raising and distributing funds to help nursing, CNA and EMT students with their training, as well as the launch of a respite care registry and training program to provide relief for families caring for loved ones at home. Read about Bill's work in Tradiciones: Unsung Heroes Learn more about the programs run by the Lions Club of Taos  Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Stephanie Gates talks with Abby Warman, Programs Manager for the Taos County Economic Development Corporation and Abe Brown, rancher and former mentee of TCEDC's Regenerative Ranching Mentorship Program. Gates, Warman and Brown discuss how the program provides a community for both new and experienced ranchers, the challenges that new ranchers face, and the long term benefits of haing a mentorship program. Learn more about the Mentorship Program Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Stephanie Gates talks with Gillian Joyce, executive director of Alianza Agri-Cultura de Taos. Stephanie and Gillian talk about a citizen science initiative started by the Ecdysis Foundation, which help farmers and ranchers training to collect data on soil health, wildlife diversity and crop yields. Taos is one of two locations in the country to be chosen for the project. Gates and Joyce discuss why Taos was chosen for the project, and combining traditional regenerative agriculture practices with 21st century science can benefit farmers and ranchers in the Taos area.  Learn more at https://www.alianzaagricultura.org/ Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Stephanie Gates talks with Lucas Salazar, Matanza Project Developer for the Taos County Economic Development Corporation. Gates and Salazar talk about the challenges small producers face when trying to have their meat processed locally, as well as how a local processing facility would allow more money to remain in Taos County. They also discuss the complexities involved in getting the matanza facility up and running and the  scarcity of current options available for local meat producers. Read more about the Matanza project Read more about the proposal for a wholesale beef program Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on "Voices of Taos," join reporter Olivia Lewis as she talks with Braylon Quiver of Picuris Pueblo, who at just 16 is a budding archaeologist, a fifth-generation micaceous clay potter, and Picuris Pueblo Museum's assistant museum curator. Lewis and Quiver discuss the Picuris Pueblo Museum and Interpretive Center, which reopened after roughly $1 million in renovations on San Lorenzo Feast Day. The reopening coincides with the return of thousands of artifacts excavated in the 1960s that were on loan to Southern Methodist University Taos. The two explore discoveries from Picuris' ancestral dig sites, the importance of community input in honoring sacred items, and ways that archaeology has needed to evolve to balance innovation with tradition. The Picuris Pueblo Museum is across from the Picuris Pueblo Center on 201 Pueblo View Road, Peñasco. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays are appointment-only, which can be scheduled through email at museum.director@picurispueblo.org. Read more about the museum reopening. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Stephanie Gates speaks with Talavi Cook, a Project Associate at Amigos Bravos supporting watershed restoration and quality projects and facilitating the Rio Fernando Revitalization Collaborative. Stephanie and Talavi discuss the venting of tritium at Los Alamos National Laboratories, which was previously slated to begin Saturday (Sept. 13), but has now been rescheduled to begin on Tuesday (Sept. 16). They talk about what tritium is, and whether there are potential safety concerns for the surrounding areas. Gates and Cook also talk about how the project was approved in the first place — despite objections from multiple communities in the state — as well as what people can do to keep themselves and their families safe. You can learn more, or get involved at the following websites: Amigos Bravos Tewa Women United Communities for Clean Water Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety Learn more Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Emery Veilleux talks with Jessie Hook, Destination Stewardship Plan Manager. Emery and Jessie talk about what the Destination Stewardship Plan is and how it can help tourism in Taos be sustainable and equitable. Businesses in Taos rely heavily on tourism, but that needs to be balanced with the needs and desires of locals. Hook and Veilleux discuss the Destination Stewardship Network, a cross-sector coalition that will lead the implementation of the Plan. They also talk about history of Taos as a destination, what the future of tourism could look like, and how important it is to work with the community to respond to changing trends in tourism. To get involved or learn more, visit taos.org You can also contact Jessie via email at destinationstewardship@taosmainstreet.org Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, magazine editor Ellen Miller-Goins is joined by Fritz Davis — musician, local historian, and longtime owner/editor of the Red River Miner — which, like so many small-town newspapers, is no longer printing. After cutting his teeth as a performer in Kansas, Fritz moved to Red River in 1989 and became a fixture on local stages and in community life. He’s helped champion and chronicle the town’s traditions — from Mardi Gras in the Mountains to Oktoberfest — and shares Red River’s story in talks with the Historical Society. This year marks Red River’s 130th anniversary, as the town was platted in 1895, making it an especially fitting moment to reflect on its history. To learn more, visit the Red River Historical Society website. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Stephanie Gates talks with founder of TiLT and Taos TimeBank, Todd Wynward. A time bank is a type of mutual aid network where members can exchange skills and services and everyone’s time is of equal value. Members of the Taos TimeBank will be able to earn one hour of time credit for every hour of service they provide. Stephanie and Todd discuss how a time bank can help build community and reclaim hope, especially in uncertain times. Todd also talks about how the Taos Time Bank will be different from previous similar projects. He believes that utilizing a "thin layer of technology and staffing" will help the time bank be a robust, long-term project. Read more about Taos TimeBank here. To learn even more about Taos TimeBank, or to sign up for the Sept. 19 orientation meeting, visit taostimebank.org. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Jenny Natelson, founder and owner of 7K Studios, a film production studio set to be housed at the former St. Francis Catholic School in Ranchos de Taos. Natelson and Plant discuss the role of production studios in filmmaking, why St. Francis is a good location for a studio, and what the film industry landscape looks like in New Mexico and in Taos. Jenny talks about her decision to buy the school, her goal of bringing film production to Taos in a sustainable way, the hopes she has for the project — including the creation of jobs for locals — and the benefits that a film office would bring to Taos. Join the Ranchos de Taos Neighborhood Association and Jenny Natelson to learn about the project on Tuesday (Aug. 19) at 5:30 p.m. at the Talpa Community Center, 4 Archuleta Rd in Ranchos de Taos. A special use permit hearing for the property is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28. Learn more at 7kstudios.com or follow @7kfilmstudios on Instagram Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, Editor Geoffrey Plant speaks with U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who visited the Taos News recording studio late in the afternoon Aug. 4 immediately after he attended a roundtable discussion at Holy Cross Medical Center. In this episode, Luján runs down a long list of funding cuts, policy changes and unprecedented presidential power moves in Washington, D.C. Luján describes what the various impacts of President Donald Trump’s “One, Big Beautiful Bill” will be for North Central New Mexico, Native American Tribes, the state and country, and for nearly all sectors of business and services. Chief among the hospital’s concerns, for example, is the anticipated impact of historic Medicaid program cuts and stricter eligibility requirements for the safety net program.  Plant and Sen. Luján also discuss tariffs, federal government job cuts, and how cuts to funding and the dismantling of several federal agencies and social safety net programs will affect education, affordable housing programs, food stamps, clean energy initiatives and more. Luján also gives some examples of how Democrats in Congress are trying to respond to the onslaught of Republican-led changes. Visit Luján's website to learn more. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, sports editor Blynn Beltran interviews Yavanne Jaramillo, the director and coach of the Special Olympics in Taos. A business owner by day, Jaramillo has led efforts in fundraising and sporting events for the athletes in her spare time. This year, the Taos Special Olympics hosted their first car show in Taos and had a great turnout at the Law Enforcement Torch Run back in May. Subscribe to the Taos News GoFundMe for Raulie Apodaca

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, Tempo editor Lynne Robinson talks with novelist and playwright John Biscello. John talks about his work with the Taos Youth Ensemble and teaching kids about theater. He also talks about his two upcoming novels, "The Last Furies" and "No One Dreams in Color." Learn more at johnbiscello.com Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, magazine editor Ellen Miller-Goins talks with singer-songwriter Michael Martin Murphey. This year marks 50 years since the release of Murphey’s hit song “Wildfire” and 35 years since the release of his album “Cowboy Songs." Ellen and Michael talk about his his legendary music career, the 2023 film ‘Wildfire: The Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse’ and the influences that led him to Western music. Learn more about Michael Martin Murphey — including upcoming tour dates — at michaelmartinmurphey.com Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, editor Geoffrey Plant speaks with Sam Coffman, who —along with his wife, Suchil — founded the Herbal Medics Academy based in Taos Canyon. Coffman is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Medic, Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a licensed herbalist, and the training director for Taos Search and Rescue. Sam and Geoffrey talk about the founding and history of the Herbal Medics Academy, the courses offered and the faculty. Read more about the Herbal Medics Academy here or check out their website at herbalmedics.academy Learn about Taos Search and Rescue at sar-taos.org Subscribe to the Taos News    

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, Tempo editor Lynne Robinson speaks with musician Michael Hearne about the Big Barn Dance. Hearne talks about the history of the Big Barn Dance, which is in its 23rd year. This year's festival will be held from Sept. 4-6 at Kit Carson Park. Lynne and Michael also discuss a special preview show being held in Santa Fe July 25, plus the lineup for the Barn Dance in September. For tickets, visit bigbarndance.com or contact info@highdesertent.com for more information Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Anthony Mortillaro, Executive Director of the North Central Regional Transit District. Anthony discusses his history with the NCRTD and the district's new facility here in Taos. Plant and Mortillaro also talk about what it's like to be a Blue Bus driver, the My Blue app and future plans for increased services. For more information including job openings, visit NCRTD.org Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Luis Reyes, CEO of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. Plant and Reyes discuss KCEC’s wildfire mitigation program and the challenges of undergrounding power lines. They also talk about the green hydrogen proposal in Questa, grid resiliency and how green hydrogen can help the greater community. Learn more about microgrids and green hydrogen from KCEC. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, reporter Emery Veilleux talks with Lou Schachter, investigative writer of True Crime Road Trip. Schachter was instrumental in locating two paintings that were stolen from the Harwood Museum in 1985 and recently returned to the museum. Lou also talks about what led him to start writing about historical true crime and what made him start exploring the intersection of true crime with travel writing. Read more of Schachter's work at truecrimeroadtrip.com And see the Taos News' coverage of the heist and recovery of the paintings here Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. New episodes of Voices of Taos will now be released on Tuesdays starting June 17. Please enjoy this presentation of our most popular episode from Season 1. Join our Tempo arts magazine editor Lynne Robinson as she interviews Robert Mirabal about his most recent projects. Robert talks about his "agri-cultural" roots from Taos Pueblo, composing music for a new Hulu TV series, and staring in the film Road to Everywhere. He also shares about his winter concert series at the Taos Center for the Arts.  Film: Road to Everywhere Hulu Series: Ring of Fire: The Life of Annie Mae Aquash Original air date: Nov. 17, 2023. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, sports editor Blynn Beltran talks with local comedian Chad Riden. A Tennessee native, Riden moved to Taos, New Mexico, to pursue an off-the-grid lifestyle and continue his comedy career. Riden founded and hosts Taos Comedy, a non-profit that produces, promotes, and advises local comedians. He hosts comedy shows at The Burger Stand every Wednesday and is a touring comedian.  Learn more at taoscomedy.com Or follow @taoscomedy on social media Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, Editor Geoffrey Plant speaks with David Elliot and Miles Bonny. David Elliot is a local emergency manager who works with several different organizations in Northern New Mexico and internationally, including volunteer groups active in disasters, the Town of Taos, Holy Cross Medical Center and UNM-Taos. Miles Bonny is the director of Taos Alive, an outreach program that focuses on youth substance prevention. He also works with the New Mexico Healthcare Authority to distribute naloxone and provide opiate overdose response training throughout the northern counties of the state. Plant, Elliot and Bonny discuss the importance of destigmatizing substance use disorders, harm reduction, engaging the community and how Narcan (naloxone) works to save lives. For more information visit: taosalive.org doseofreality.com Contact: Miles Bonny - miles@taosalive.org David Elliot - service@bardowright.com Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on "Voices of Taos," join Editor Geoffrey Plant as he talks with Martin Jagers, president of the Carson House and Museum board of directors. Jagers discusses frontiersman Kit Carson's legacy in the broader narrative of Western colonization, as well as details about the life he led in Taos with his wife, Josefa. Rather than a collection of artifacts, "History is a story," Jagers said. Carson's story particularly is complex and often violent. To this end, the museum, first operated by the Freemasons and now operated by a nonprofit, has "ambitious goals" to develop robust and immersive interpretive education on Carson's legacy as it relates to the the broader history of the West. The Carson House and Museum hopes to be a resource for the Kit Carson Park Renaming Initiative, which aims to float potential new names for Taos' central green space by the end of the year. Jagers also discusses restoration efforts of old adobe building and perhaps oldest museum in Taos, which turns 200 this year. Hampton Sides for the Aspen Institute - Kit Carson and the 19th Century American West: A Legendary Journey of Exploration Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on "Voices of Taos," join Editor Geoffrey Plant as he talks with Genevieve Oswald, Taos town councilor and chair of the Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee. Oswald discusses the origins of the initiative to rename Taos' central green space, its progress so far, and its goals to float potential names by the end of the year. Plant and Oswald both discuss the mixed reactions to the initiative from the public, who are concerned alternately with erasing history and glorifying overly simplistic narratives. Oswald shares insight into Carson's complex legacy as a Western frontiersman who participated in carrying out the Long Walk just as Abraham Lincoln was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. Good interpretive education, Oswald says, encourages people to make connections and have complex inner dialogues about complicated histories like Carson's. Oswald also shares her beliefs in community service and civic duty, which includes justice for all. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. On this episode of Voices of Taos, reporter Olivia Lewis speaks with Amy Long, board president of Stray Hearts Animal Shelter. Amy talks about the challenges that the shelter is facing, how they are working with the Town of Taos and what is being done to help Stray Hearts to continue to provide services to the community. She also talks about improvements that are needed at the shelter, as well as her previous work in Texas pairing students with shelter dogs that need help with socialization. Learn more about Stray Hearts Animal Shelter Subscribe to the Taos News