New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is a touchy subject if you ask anyone. Supporters say it’s the lifeline to the state’s economy and without it, New Mexico wouldn’t have the luxuries or cashflow that it does. But on the flip side, opponents argue the industry is allowing contaminants to pollute the environment, putting communities’ health and future sustainability at risk.

To understand a professional’s perspective on this debate, Missi Currier, president and CEO of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, joins the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode.

Currier discusses with host Inez Russell Gomez what energy production means for the state and how it correlates to other industries that affect our economy and daily lives, from personal use products to public infrastructure.

In the episode, Currier is asked about whether she thinks the state can transition away from oil and gas production and what that would look like given modern day environmental challenges.

She also offers her view on the controversial topic of produced water.

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Traditional Spanish Market, one of Santa Fe’s biggest cultural events, returns to the Plaza July 25-26, showcasing another year of juried artwork from artists across the region.

The market has been around since 1926. Artists accepted into the event are given the unique opportunity to spotlight their craftsmanship for a weekend while connecting with people in the community whether it be with returning patrons or first-time visitors.

On the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by an artist and organizer from this year’s Traditional Spanish Market: Arlene Cisneros Sena, master santera, and Jeanette Salazar, program manager with The Atrisco Companies which oversees the market’s operations.

Cisneros Sena and Salazar discuss the market’s cultural significance, reflect on their individual contributions ahead of the market’s debut and share why preserving traditional art forms still has value in today’s world.

As a master santera, Cisneros Sena also explains her work in painting religious retablos. Some have become fixtures in Catholic churches throughout Northern New Mexico.

For more information about the market, visit traditionalspanishmarket.org

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Add contemporary dance to the list of experiences you can find in Santa Fe.

Local company Zeitgeist Dance Theatre is taking the artform to the next level by creating shows that center on emotional human connection in the present moment. The company’s artistic director says the goal is to help audiences see the world more intimately and beyond a reality where day-to-day life keeps people disconnected.

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Zeitgeist’s artistic director Francisco Gella and apprentice Elena Garcia to discuss the world of contemporary dance and the role it’s played in their creative self-discovery.

In the episode, Gella elaborates on why he chose to create the dance company while reflecting on what it’s like to choreograph award-winning routines. He notes that intense practice has his dancers working hard to achieve perfection before it’s time to set foot on stage.

Garcia, a Santa Fe native now attending college, shares her experience with the craft from starting out at the National Dance Institute of New Mexico to being a rising performer alongside Gella. She explains how the opportunity has transformed her life.

Gella also talks about Zeitgeist’s upcoming panel discussion about its residency event and performances, which include a first-time appearance at The Lensic Theater Aug. 1.

The discussion will be on July 25 at Zane Bennett Galley in Santa Fe.

For more information, visit zeitgeistdancetheatre.org.

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If you are on social media, particularly Facebook and TikTok, you may have come across Nité Marquez’s cooking videos. The Taos-based chef uses those platforms to share his passion for cooking, which has drawn thousands of views and followers along the way.

On his pages, you’ll find tutorials on how to make a variety of authentic New Mexican dishes from stacked red chile enchiladas to classic desserts like natillas. The tutorials have helped people connect with their culture while remembering times when their own family members made these same recipes.

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Marquez to talk about his journey as a chef. Marquez discusses the people and circumstances that brought him into the kitchen at just 5-years-old and explains how those memories unknowingly trained him for the profession.

Before going viral on social media, Marquez was a full-time chef, working in restaurants such as Lambert’s, The Stakeout and El Monte Sagrado. He reflects on those experiences and what it was like working for some of Taos’ esteemed eateries. He became an educator, and his students suggested taking to TikTok — and he took off.

In the episode, he also talks about the significance of preserving cultural recipes, especially for future generations. One way he hopes to do his part is by releasing a series of cookbooks showcasing his recipes. The first edition is in production and will be released soon. More information will be announced on his platforms at a later date.

Follow his cooking on social media at Nité Marquez or Chef Nité Marquez.

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The newspaper industry isn’t what it used to be.

Over the last decade, publications across the country and here in New Mexico have declined, facing inevitable closures because of financial woes and corporate and private interests mandating restructures.

According to the Medill School’s 2025 State of Local News report, more than two newspapers closed per week last year, adding to what’s called a “news desert.” The term describes a lack of news coverage in communities where there is little to no media presence. The long-term effects are wide from disengaged citizens to unchecked local governments.

Organizations have started digital outlets to help fill those coverage gaps amid a changing consumer landscape. The Santa Fe New Mexican, a 176-year-old newspaper, is about to do the same in one of those markets.

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by The Santa Fe New Mexican’s Executive Editor Bill Church to discuss the paper’s bold expansion to Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico. The two discuss why the move is justified for the family-owned company and what new and longtime readers can expect.

In the episode, Church talks about efforts to create a robust publication that will have professional journalists staffed in that part of the state to cover key issues. Julia Gentin is among the first reporters to be hired.

Russell Gomez also asks Church about The New Mexican’s own digital growth and products which he says has helped attract a broader state-wide audience.

More information about the new outlet, including an official name, will be released soon.

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Santa Fe’s John Berkenfield has been a volunteer with the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Santa Fe Indian Market for nearly 40 years.

He says it was just yesterday that he joined the association, wanting to be more involved with the local arts community as a fellow art lover. His time volunteering started off by sweeping sidewalks and selling soft drinks on the Plaza to now helping with event production and helping on Friday with the preview, including judging.

The experience has taught Berkenfield a lot about Native artists who come from around the world to participate in the market — and have their lives changed. He argues that listening to their stories and seeing their creativity on full display has been eye-opening.

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Berkenfield to discuss his years of volunteering with Indian Market. The two delve into what exactly the market entails, how winning best in show can make a career and the highlights of attending this world-class event.

In the episode, Berkenfield also speaks on the behind-the-scenes collaboration with other volunteers and partners to put on the market.

This year’s market runs Aug. 15-16. Visit swaia.org for more information.

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Following the successful release of a new album last year called Memory Mountain, Max Gomez has been busy these days on the road performing across the country.

The Taos-raised musician is coming home this month; however, for The Desert Companion Tour with Howe Gelb and band Slant Can. The tour will make stops in the trio’s favorite places across the Land of Enchantment and Southwest. Gomez said, “nowhere in New Mexico and Arizona is safe.”

To discuss the tour and his life on the road, Gomez joins host Inez Russell Gomez, no relation, on the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode.

Max Gomez shares what it’s been like to perform over the last year, especially with a new album out, and what goes into putting on a good show that will captivate an audience. For him, a good show is important because he often plays solo and acoustic, and in those instances the spotlight can be daunting.

In the episode, he also discusses plans to make more music and collaborate with other artists in the folk and Americana scene.

The Desert Companion Tour will include stops in Silver City, Truth or Consequences, Los Alamos, Corrales, Santa Fe and Taos.

Visit maxgomezmusic.com for dates and tickets.

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For roughly 30 years, the New Mexico Book Association has been a useful resource for authors and their books throughout the state.

The nonprofit’s work consists of supporting its members in various ways, such as through the editing and marketing process to offering workshops that aim to educate on modern publishing practices.

President Anna I. Sochocky says their efforts are really about building partnerships and supporting people’s love for literature.

On the latest “Conversations Different” podcast episode, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Sochocky to delve into what the New Mexico Book Association has to offer. She discusses the organization’s mission, its role in uplifting small authors and efforts to grow membership beyond Santa Fe.

She also talks about an upcoming summer gala on Aug. 28. that will feature U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze.

For more information, visit nmbookassociation.org

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