Voices of Taos

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

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, sports editor Blynn Beltran talks with Hafid Valencia, former head coach for the THS varsity boys soccer team. Valencia is a Taos native who played soccer for the Taos Youth Soccer League and played all five years of soccer at Taos High. The former Tigers soccer coach talks about his last four seasons and why he left the position. He also discusses his experience as a rising coach in 2021, breaking into the playoffs against Santa Teresa and Los Alamos, and the upcoming season.  Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. 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. Follow the School of Baseball on Instagram 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 with Jonathan Slator, former film commissioner and location scout. Slator discusses his background as a location scout in the U.S. and overseas, as well as the history of filmmaking in Taos and the surrounding areas. He also talks about the possibility of reviving a film office in Taos and how it could help boost and diversify the local economy. Read more about the potential film office here and here. 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 Adam Medina, sous chef at Ranchos Plaza Grill and instructor for the Taos High School Culinary Arts team. The Taos High School Culinary and Management Teams both placed first at this year's New Mexico ProStart Invitational, and will be traveling to the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, to be held May 2–4. Medina discusses how the students prepare for the competition, and how the team helps prepare them for joining the workforce after high school. Medina also talks about how the increase in food costs is impacting the culinary arts program. They have had to find creative ways to stretch the budget, including adapting recipes, finding new ones and minimizing food waste. Read more about the THS Culinary Arts team Follow the team 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, join Editor John Miller as he talks with Rick Romancito, former Tempo editor, fine artist and former actor. Romancito tells stories of his career as a young actor starring alongside John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn in  "Rooster Cogburn," as well as both the glamour and difficulties of making it as an actor. Miller discusses the recent growth of the industry in New Mexico, and Romancito shares  how New Mexico's diverse topography makes for a "one-stop shop" for production companies. A film office in Taos, he says, would be a natural fit. Miller and Romancito discuss artificial intelligence's impact on the industry, as well as Romancito's process for reviewing movies for Tempo. This episode is part one of a series exploring the film industry in New Mexico. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, join Copy Editor and Reporter Emery Veilleux as she talks with 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." 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, Sports Editor Blynn Beltran talks with Taos Cheer coach Lisa Abeyta-Valerio and Taos Cheer captains Alexis Etzel and Amadea Gallegos. Beltran and Taos Cheer talk about the team's preparations for the 2025 Cheerleading State Championship, which Taos Cheer has won four years in a row. Abeyta-Valerio discusses her training methods as a coach, and Etzel and Gallegos reflect on team dynamics and leadership, and offer advice for younger athletes and cheerleaders. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, Deputy Editor Geoffrey Plant talks with Eric Odell, Wolf Conservation Program Manager at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Eric and Geoffrey talk about how the program to re-introduce the gray wolf to Colorado came to be. They also discuss details of the plan, including what happens when wolves migrate to other territories. Eric also explains what measures have been taken to minimize conflict between wolves, ranchers and livestock, as well as the importance of keeping natural predators on the landscape. Learn more about the Colorado Gray Wolf Restoration and Management Plan 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 author, editor and creativity coach Allegra Huston. Allegra co-founded the Imaginative Storm writing method with Jim Navé, as well as the co-author of the book and online course “Write What You Don’t Know.” She discusses the free Writing Prompt of the Week workshops that are held on Thursdays and Saturdays via Zoom.  Allegra also talks about how tight time constraints, reading your own work aloud and using a pen and paper to write (instead of typing on a computer) are powerful tools to help anyone develop a writing practice. Learn more about the Imaginative Storm Method Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos join Sports Editor Blynn Beltran as he talks with Taos High School boys basketball head coach Hernando Chavez. Coach Chavez sits down with Beltran before the Tiger's first game for the 4A state basketball tournament. Taos has to beat Pojoaque High School on Saturday, March 8th, or they won’t make it to the quarter finals at The Pit in Albuquerque. Chavez speaks to his team’s strengths and their strategy for this first round.  Chavez also talks about his career and how he became the head coach for boys basketball. He also celebrates the two seniors on his team, Trevor Tibljas and Mateo Salazar, who have added a lot to the team this season. Finally, Chavez discusses some of the metro schools who will be playing in the state tournament playoffs. "We've overcome the fear of Albuquerque Schools. We understand how good they are but we also understand how good we can be," Chavez says in the interview. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos join producer Laura Martin Baseman as she talks with 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 encourage 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. Logan and Martin Baseman also discuss climate grief. In February the Conservation District hosted Maud Powell who helped local land managers grapple with losses due to climate change. Logan emphasizes how the event was important for people in the community to share their grief, especially after the Calf Canyon—Hermits Peak fire.  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, join Copy Editor and Reporter Emery Veilleux as she talks with Keith King, mortgage broker and president of King Mortgage and board member for Taos Municipal Schools. King discusses the founding of Black History Month and his experience as an African-American in Taos. Veilleux and King also discuss the importance of engaging with varied perspectives, as well as the complexity of celebrating Black History Month as diversity, equity and inclusion programs are being dismantled at the federal level. King recommends a few books and thinkers for the general public to engage with Black history. Subscribe to the Taos News

This episode is brought to you by the NCRTD Blue Bus. This week on Voices of Taos, join Deputy Editor Geoffrey Plant as we talks with Jonah Reynolds, founder of Pangea Biotecture. Reynolds shares a proposal for a new development on the 330-acre Tarleton Ranch called the 'Pangea Community.' Unlike the TREV development, which failed to get approved by the Taos County Commission in 2024, Reynolds believes his project is a better fit for Taos' environment and values. Reynolds lays out the development strategy and prospective timeline for the development, including prioritizing affordable housing. He also discusses new technology that will help build durable, economical dwellings faster than traditional building methods. Learn more about the Pangea Community Subscribe to the Taos News