Claim OwnershipConversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez
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Conversations Different is presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican and features host Inez Russell Gomez in provocative talks with local and regional personalities shaping the landscape of Northern New Mexico.
Inez Russell Gomez is Opinion Page Editor at the Santa Fe New Mexican with decades of experience writing and editing the news in America's oldest capital city.
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Not every student learns and comprehends the same. It's a shared reality among parents and educators struggling to get a student the instructional support that they need to stay on target with their education. And it’s a belief that Amy Miller, a former teacher, has known too well throughout her years in the classroom. Miller, a founder and director of the May Center for Learning based in Santa Fe, joins the latest episode of “Conversations Different” to explain how the center is helping kids in grades K-8 navigate their learning challenges, or as the center calls them, “learning differences.” She elaborates on some of the solutions the school provides, like a specialized curriculum, hands-on learning and a low student-to-teacher ratio environment. Miller also discusses the factors that led to her founding the school in 2011 and how she hopes it will serve as an alternative to traditional schooling practices. For more information about the May Center for Learning and its offerings, visit maycenter.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to hold to account criminals found to be incompetent in New Mexico is a divisive issue, especially to those who have been a victim of a crime. The state courts are jumping into that debate and hope to alleviate some of those concerns by implementing a new competency diversion pilot program that has launched in select jurisdictions. One of the program’s goals is to get eligible mentally ill offenders the resources and treatment they need to be able to fit within society instead of being circled through an already stressed legal system. Justice Briana Zamora of the New Mexico Supreme Court joins the latest episode of “Conversations Different” to discuss the diversion program, what kind of impact she hopes the program will have on our communities and the challenges she’s experienced when dealing with cases involving mentally incompetent individuals. Justice Zamora also elaborates on the need for agency and legislative collaboration for the diversion program to be effective, saying it will require significant long-term investment to see results. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new digital repository and database dedicated to preserving the history of enslaved Indigenous people across the United States launches this month. Dr. Estevan Rael-Gálvez, a native New Mexican and former state historian, is in charge of the project and says one of the goals is to bridge the past with the present — or to build an “ofrenda.” Rael-Gálvez joins Conversations Different podcast host Inez Russell Gomez in the latest episode discussing efforts he’s undertaken to uncover the roots and stories of Indigenous slavery especially here in Northern New Mexico. He shares insight into the years-long journey of doing extensive research into genealogical records, public reports and firsthand accounts for the new repository that went live Nov.1. Rael-Gálvez also discusses his background, growing up on the Northern New Mexico/Southern Colorado border and being told of his ancestral connections that made him question his own relation to Indigeneity. He said family conversations and natural curiosity inspired him to pursue this project. The project is called Native Bound Unbound and more information can be found by visiting nativeboundunbound.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On a visit to J. Robert Oppenheimer’s Los Alamos house earlier this year, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright referred to the development of artificial intelligence as a “second Manhattan Project race” that the U.S. needs to win. With Los Alamos National Laboratory’s supercomputers, scientific workforce and collaborations with companies including OpenAI and NVIDIA, lab officials have said the facility aims to be a leader in the AI arena. In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” LANL Director Thom Mason speaks with host Inez Russell Gomez about artificial intelligence, describing what it is and why so many people are excited about it. He also discusses how AI is being used at LANL and how it can help increase productivity for lab workers. Mason talks about Venado, the lab’s newest supercomputer, and what it’s used for. Gomez asks him about the lab’s need for more power, and how much of that comes from its AI endeavors. Mason also discusses how AI can be used in education, how it could impact the workforce, the opportunities for AI in New Mexico, and concerns that have arisen about the technology as it becomes more advanced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Contigo Immigrant Justice, formerly known as the Santa Fe Dreamers Project, is an organization that has long served the community of Santa Fe and New Mexico by providing immigration advocacy and services for undocumented people. Over the last year, the nonprofit has celebrated numerous milestones from its 10-year anniversary in 2024 to selecting a new executive director. Another huge milestone is a new name with a special meaning behind it — Contigo Immigrant Justice — where “Contigo,” a Spanish word that means together, is meant to reflect a sense of community in the fight for immigrant rights. Miles Tokunow, executive director, joins the latest episode of “Conversations Different” to discuss the rebrand, his assessment of current immigration challenges facing his organization and the rest of the country, and why getting involved in any capacity is important. Contigo Immigrant Justice’s work comes during strong political polarization over how to best address fair immigration processes, border security and the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. If you want to learn more or support its efforts, visit contigojustice.org where you can also find information about the upcoming Fight for Immigrant Justice Gala on Nov.13 in Santa Fe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new documentary featuring the legacy of long-time editorial cartoonist Pat Oliphant showcases the significance of commentary and discourse in our democratic systems and why political art is a medium that should be preserved. Oliphant’s life story is the focus of the documentary titled A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant, produced by Santa Fe resident Bill Banowsky. The film explores his personal and professional pathway toward becoming a well-known editorial cartoonist in the United States despite being born in Australia. Oliphant’s work spanned nearly 50 years covering both U.S. political parties and 10 presidents for newspapers like The Denver Post and The Washington Star. His work was also syndicated around the world until his retirement in 2015. Banowsky joins the latest episode of “Conversations Different” to discuss what it was like documenting the now 90-year-old Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, how he came to know Oliphant and what viewers can expect. To learn more about the film visit asavageart.com. For tickets and screening dates, visit magpictures.com/asavageart/home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amid federal funding challenges for tribal colleges and universities, the Institute of American Indian Arts also has had to adapt in recent months to new institutional leadership with the retirement of one president and the ushering in of another. In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez talks with Dr. Shelly C. Lowe about her transition into the presidency at IAIA. Lowe was appointed by the IAIA Board of Trustees following the retirement of long-time President Dr. Robert Martin in July. She assumed the role Aug.1. The two discuss Lowe’s first month learning the ropes, her pathway to higher education which stemmed from being a top student in Arizona, and the hard work that IAIA is doing to educate, showcase and enhance Native history and expression beyond Santa Fe. Lowe’s achievements include teaching and administrative positions at the University of Arizona, Yale University and Harvard University, with her most recent position being chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In New Mexico, we often get a bad rap for being at the bottom of many ranking lists, and education happens to be one of those issues. However, not everyone believes numerical judgements are justified especially New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales. In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez talks with Lt. Gov. Morales about efforts being made to improve education and early childhood development outcomes in our state. The two discuss what the Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham administration and lawmakers have done under her tenure for education such as establishing the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, bringing free tuition to New Mexico’s public colleges and universities, and free childcare for families coming in November. As a result, Morales said those achievements are proof New Mexico is not behind but rather ahead of the game. Morales said he’s proud to have worked with the governor to secure those investments and explains how it will set kids and families up for success in the future. He also briefly talks about what he hopes his lieutenant governor legacy will be as he prepares for his last year in the position. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For desert states like New Mexico, water is a valuable resource that powers our agricultural industry, our acequia culture and our taps in our homes. As a result, deciding how to best allocate this scarce resource is a challenge due to the various stakeholders all vying for its usage. That’s where the New Mexico Interstate Water Commission, part of the Office of the State Engineer, comes in. This organization has undertaken the task to plan and manage our water sources for the best chances and outcomes of long-term sustainability. Without its work, unfair water usage and depleted sources would be inevitable. Andrew Erdmann and Sara Fox, both planners with the New Mexico Interstate Water Commission, join “Conversations Different” to discuss the complexities of regional water planning, how enforcement of rules and regions are decided, and an upcoming public hearing focused on the Proposed Rule, a framework that would outline water planning processes across the state. For more information about the commission and to participate in the upcoming hearing, visit ose.nm.gov or mainstreamnm.org. The written public comment period for the Proposed Rule is now open and closes Sept. 27. The public hearing meeting will take place Oct.15-17 in Santa Fe at the Willie Ortiz Building on Cerrillos Road. View the public notice for more details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During the month of September, suicide prevention and awareness is being highlighted all throughout the country especially here in New Mexico where the numbers show us a bleak picture — suicide cases are on the rise. In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” lead Suicide Prevention Coordinator Clarie Miller from the New Mexico Department of Health talks about the implications of new data showing rising deaths in the state and how to provide support to people struggling with their mental health in times of crisis. Miller discusses the importance of knowing where to find resources, like the Department of Health website, knowing how to use 988, the nation’s suicide prevention lifeline, and simply just knowing the appropriate things to say to someone regardless of the social environment. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and may have suicidal thoughts, visit the New Mexico Department of Health suicide prevention website, the 988 Lifeline website or call 988. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” Santa Fe Poet Laureate Tommy Archuleta discusses the launch of new poetry workshops aimed at giving an outlet and sense of community to Santa Fe’s homeless population. It’s called The Voice Project. Funded by a $50,000 fellowship grant from the Academy of American Poets, the project follows the academy’s mission to enrich communities across the country through poetry and artistic endeavors. Archuleta explains how his goal with the funding will consist of creating poetry workshops for unhoused people at area shelters to allow them to share their story and not feel so alone in the world. Work collected from the workshops will then be compiled for publishing and distribution throughout the city. As a mental health and substance abuse counselor, Archuleta says he understands the various impacts of not being seen or being able to talk about one’s life experiences. He reflects on this knowledge which has played a contributing factor for him in founding The Voice Project. Read more about the initiative in The New Mexican’s previous coverage: Santa Fe poet laureate receives grant from Academy of American Poets for workshops with homeless See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many struggling New Mexicans trying to make ends meet, healthcare is one issue that has increasingly become a luxury. Rising costs have pushed people to the brink because life-saving medications, doctor's appointments or eye exams are unattainable due to financial and geographic circumstances. That’s the understanding of Villa Therese Catholic Clinic, based in Santa Fe, which has provided health services to low-income New Mexicans for nearly 80 years. Villa Therese Executive Director Mark McDonald joins the latest episode of “Conversations Different” to share why his nonprofit clinic is providing free services to people and explains what factors have contributed to a need for more affordable healthcare in the state. He also shares some ways the clinic is trying to expand its reach in rural areas while emphasizing opportunities for community involvement, volunteering and donation. To learn more about Villa Therese’s efforts, visit their website at villatherese.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fiesta de Santa Fe has long been a tradition for generations of New Mexicans. Every year, people gather downtown for food, live music and company, but the festivities go beyond that and have a historical significance to them as well. Founded in 1712, Fiesta first started through a proclamation created to commemorate the resettlement of Santa Fe after the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The proclamation states that Fiesta de Santa Fe be established and celebrated through mass, vespers and sermon, according to the Santa Fe Fiesta Council website. Fast forward to today, it is deemed a cultural staple meant to honor that proclamation and keep the history of the city alive. Santa Fe Fiesta Council President Krystle Lucero joins “Conversations Different” to discuss the cultural importance behind Fiesta de Santa Fe and to reflect on her experience and fondest memories of being a part of the volunteer organization. For more information about this year’s 313th Fiesta de Santa Fe and events, visit santafefiesta.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He is known well to fans of the indie, folk and alternative music spheres here in the Land of Enchantment and across the country. A native of Northern New Mexico who was raised in Taos, Max Gomez is a folk and Americana artist who has worked with some of the industry’s notable singer-songwriters like Michael Martin Murphey and Ray Wylie Hubbard. His passion for making music, which started from an early age, has earned him over four million listens on Spotify for his song “Make It Me” and lead to his latest big achievement — a new, independent album coming out Aug. 29. Gomez joins “Conversations Different” to discuss the making of his new album Memory Mountain, whose title song was co-written with Michael Martin Murphey, and to reflect on what it was like growing up in Taos and participating in the local music scene there. Gomez will be performing in Santa Fe at Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery on Aug. 28. For more information about the event and album release, visit his website maxgomezmusic.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Santa Fe’s emergency shelter, formally known as the Interfaith Community Shelter at Pete’s Place, has been in the headlines the past few months after city councilors voted to end a month-to-month contract with the nonprofit, which had provided an array of services to area homeless people for decades. In that same decision, councilors approved a new contract with San Francisco-based group Urban Alchemy to take over operations at the shelter’s facility on Cerrillos Road effective the end of July. As the transition continues, Mike Anderer, chief administrative officer for Urban Alchemy, joins “Conversations Different” to discuss some of the new management changes, including renaming the shelter to Agape House, his team’s efforts to clean up a bed bug infestation and how new policies will impact residents. Anderer acknowledged the city’s separation from the Interfaith Community Shelter was opposed by many, but emphasized Urban Alchemy is committed to listening and working with community members to maintain and improve services. For more information about Urban Alchemy, visit their website at urban-alchemy.us To contact Mike Anderer about volunteering, email him at mikea@urban-alchemy.usSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Santa Fe Public Schools’ months-long search for a superintendent ended in May with the school board choosing Christine Griffin, a previous educational leader in Arizona, to hold the district’s top job. She assumed the role in June and has officially been making the rounds for more than a month now, connecting with parents, students and state and local leaders ahead of the start of a new school year. Griffin joins “Conversations Different” to discuss how things are going during her first month, the upcoming school year and what her leadership priorities will be. Griffin also addresses a key community concern pertaining to federal funding cuts to schools and how the national issue will impact Santa Fe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, U.S. representative for New Mexico’s 3rd district, joins “Conversations Different” to discuss what went down during the passage of congressional Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill and how it will impact New Mexicans now that the bill is law. Leger Fernández expressed deep concern over the bill’s cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, citing New Mexico’s reliance on federal dollars for those programs to be effective. As a result, she said people could die by not getting the care and resources they need from the programs and rural hospitals could close. Leger Fernández also recounts her exchange with a Republican colleague during a committee hearing over a provision in the bill which would’ve repealed a tax on tanning services. That provision was taken out of the final bill after her comments made during the meeting went viral on social media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Traditional Spanish Market returns to the Santa Fe Plaza July 25-27. Known for highlighting the rich Hispanic culture in our region, the market carefully selects artists from New Mexico and Southern Colorado for the chance to share their creative pursuits for a weekend and vie for awards. The Traditional Spanish Market has been managed by the Atrisco Heritage Foundation since 2023 and its Program Coordinator Brissa Chilton-Garcia joins “Conversations Different” to discuss this year’s festivities. Chilton-Garcia discusses the event’s planning, her personal involvement with Spanish cultural art and what attendees should expect. For more information, visit traditionalspanishmarket.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe is bidding farewell to its current president, Dr. Robert Martin, this month. Martin has been with the school since 2007, making an extraordinary impact on its development through his leadership, particularly in infrastructure, degree programs and enrollment growth. Martin joins “Conversations Different” to reflect on his 40-year legacy in higher education as well as his 18 years as president of IAIA. He also discusses the funding challenges that many tribal colleges and universities across the United States are facing in light of proposed federal funding cuts. IAIA could lose all federal funding. He explained that he believes funding will be secured to keep IAIA operating in the near future and spoke favorably about the environment the school’s next president will inherit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Wendy Johnson, a longtime physician, health activist and writer in Northern New Mexico, joins “Conversations Different” to discuss her new book Kinship Medicine: Cultivating Interdependence to Heal the Earth and Ourselves. Johnson shares what guided her in writing the book along with discussing its theme of kinship medicine, a belief that individual wellbeing is determined by our relationships and interconnection. The book also delves into the belief that we as human beings are smaller ecosystems in a larger system such as the environment and Earth, and to truly be healthy, we must reconcile any misalignments with each other. Johnson’s official book launch will be on July 15 at Tumbleroot Brewery in Santa Fe with a book tour around the United States to follow in the weeks after. For more information about the book, launch and tour, visit wendyjohnsonmd.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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