The Atrisco Heritage Foundation took over Santa Fe's troubled Traditional Spanish Market in 2023 and has sought to bring stability to one of the city's premier summer market events. In the second year of stewardship of the country's oldest and largest juried art show of its kind, the organization looks to promote and strengthen the unique cultural event. Atrisco Companies CEO Peter Sanchez and COO/CFO Brian O'Connell join "Conversations Different" to share information on what the Atrisco Heritage Foundation is and why the organization felt it was the perfect fit to take over operations of the ..read more

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in April called for the state's legislators to convene for a special session to address New Mexico's public safety needs. Democratic leaders in the Legislature, a coalition of advocacy organizations and others have since expressed concerns about the five proposals the governor is pushing. Ben Baker, senior public safety advisor to the Office of the Governor, joins "Conversations Different" to review the governor's public safety-related priorities for the special session. He also discusses the input he and other officials have received related to public safety concer ..read more

Actor and producer Alec Baldwin will stand trial this month facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2021 on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during production of the film "Rust" near Santa Fe. Santa Fe New Mexican courts reporter Phaedra Haywood joins "Conversations Different" to offer a breakdown of developments that have unfolded over the past three years and provides a preview of what to look for during the trial. Haywood talks about the trial earlier this year in which "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary ..read more

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

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

Raashan Ahmad is a hip-hop artist and DJ in Santa Fe who is the executive director of Vital Spaces and co-founder of Earthseed Black Arts Alliance. He joins “Conversations Different” to discuss his path to Santa Fe and his passion for the community. Ahmad touches on the history of African Americans in New Mexico and previews the upcoming Juneteenth celebration on the Plaza, which takes place Saturday, June 15. The event, which goes from 3-9 p.m., will feature vendors, food and live performances including the Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans. Ahmad also talks about his work with organizations ..read more

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

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

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

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