Attacks on transgender individuals in our country have been rampant in recent years due to change in our political systems and environments. The issue has stemmed from debates over controversial policies related to transgender individuals in classrooms, bathrooms and sports teams. Not everyone sees eye-to-eye on this topic, including Dr. sj Miller, a Santa Fe-based educator, activist and now author.

sj joins the latest episode of “Conversations Different” to discuss with host Inez Russell Gomez the various challenges that educators are facing in navigating anti-transgender laws implemented by various states. sj also discusses what impact new laws are having in schools and on children.

A new book by sj, We Refuse to Disappear: Resistance Amid Anti-Trans Education Policy, examines some those laws and provides a helpful roadmap for conversations around gender identity.

Throughout the episode, Inez and sj delve into the book’s themes and what readers can expect when it launches this year ahead of the midterm elections.

For more information, visit https://sjmiller.info/

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On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez interviews Santa Fe author and historian Garrett Peck about an upcoming book he is getting ready to launch March 10.

The book, titled The Bright Edges of the World: Willa Cather and her Archbishop, chronicles parts of writer Willa Cather’s story, particularly how she gained inspiration from her travels to the Southwest.

According to Peck, his book explores Cather’s articles, interviews, postcards and letters to help capture her thoughts about her trips and how they led her to produce three novels, with some gaining strong popularity. While reading a chapter of Death Comes for the Archbishop, one of those novels, Peck said the vision and name for his book started to take shape.

To close out the episode, Peck shares information about where to find his book and previews local signing events where he will delve into his creative process. Visit garrettpeck.com

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Tired of the dating apps and relationships that lead to nowhere? You’re not alone. A popular social networking group in Santa Fe is ditching the online sphere for an in-person one-of-a-kind experience meant to bring people of all ages together for connection, dates and even friendship.

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez speaks with Local Singles founder Margaret “Maggie” Lambe about her inspiration for starting the singles group and how it has led to a positive impact on the greater community. The group’s founding has revived a spark in people’s need for socialization outside of their daily lives, Lambe says.

Throughout the episode, Inez and Maggie discuss what it’s like to attend one of the group’s many social events that take place throughout the year and also reflect on the importance of social connection for your health and well-being.

To close out the episode, Lambe shares information about her website, a hub to find out when her social events will be happening as well as a place to find other curated services to help in your love journey. The website is localsingles.me

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Vaccination guidance for children at the federal level is changing under new directives from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and with it comes much confusion about the number of vaccines now being recommended for kids as well as which ones will still be easily accessible.

In New Mexico, the state Department of Health recently made clear that it intends to follow the vaccine schedule provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics despite the new federal recommendations under Kennedy.

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez speaks with state health department officials Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer, and Andrea Romero, manager of the immunization program, about New Mexico’s decision to maintain a full robust vaccination schedule for children.

Durham and Romero discuss what they want the public to know about access to vaccines in our state, clarify any skepticism that parents may have about effectiveness and talk about available resources to make the right health decisions for your family.

One of the resources Durham and Romero note in this episode is the NMDOH helpline where health professionals are available to answer your medical questions. The number is 1-833-796-8773

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On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez talks with author, historian and podcaster Dan Flores about the new edition of his New York Times best-selling book Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History.

The book, according to its summary, highlights the biological backstory of the coyote and explores how its existence throughout time has been to survive among other animals, cultures and even human efforts to eradicate it. Flores said the rerelease includes more information about coyote migration and how they are rapidly expanding into South America.

Throughout the episode, Inez and Dan also discuss his telling of Western U.S. history on his own podcast called The American West, hosted on the MeatEater Podcast Network. The podcast focuses on wildlife, landscapes and influential historical figures of the West. It’s an overall thought-provoking listening experience worth checking out.

Flores closes off this podcast with a reflection of what brought him to New Mexico as well as what it’s like to write and discuss new works for publication in today’s political climate.

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4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue, based out of the Farmington area, has been around for nearly five years helping New Mexico families in their most desperate times in trying to locate reported missing individuals especially those classified as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

The mission of the nonprofit according to its website is to provide relief and compassion during the agonizing trauma of having to locate a missing loved one. The organization has also taken on the task of performing outreach efforts with communities and officials to streamline search processes that could potentially lead to better outcomes in some missing person cases.

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez talks with 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue Executive Director Bernadine Beyale about her backstory into starting the nonprofit and what it means to have a useful resource readily available in our state. She also shares some useful search and rescue tips that people might not be aware of when reporting a missing person.

For more information about 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue visit 4ck9sar.org

Consider supporting their fundraiser on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Santa Fe Women’s Club. The short film Gomeo Bobelu - Lightning Unveiled produced by Jaima Chevalier will be screened with Beyale discussing her rescue dogs’ work on tribal lands.

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In a time of political division in our country, one Santa Fe man has made it his mission to bridge the divide through humanitarian work and sharing stories. His firsthand accounts with migrants, residents and federal agents, who all claim allegiance along the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, give a glimpse into the conditions in that region and how politics over policy is impacting everyday lives.

Morgan Smith, a retired lawyer and governmental official, says he's been involved with Mexico since being a college student but has taken that task to heart in recent years with his visual and written reporting. He joins “Conversations Different” host Inez Russell Gomez in the latest podcast episode to share insight into his numerous trips to the border and what they have taught him about people and immigration.

Smith also reflects on the volunteer aspect of his trips which involve him loading up his vehicle with items and donating them to local shelters or individuals in need in the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez area.

Connect with Morgan to hear more of his stories or to donate for his next trip. He can be reached at morgan-smith@comcast.net

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In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez welcomes Zia Singers artistic director John Tiranno and singer and composer Susan Anders, on the podcast to preview the group’s upcoming January concert.

The concert is titled “Voices of Life, Voices of Light” and will feature exclusive musical works written by women, a choice Tiranno said was a clever idea of his and a way to honor the talents of The Zia Singers, an all-women based chorus.

Throughout the episode, Tiranno and Anders share what concertgoers can expect from two of the pieces that will be performed: Everyday Wonders: The Girl from Aleppo by Cecilia McDowall and a "A Wave That Rocks Me,” a song composed by Anders.

The concert will be on Jan.10th and 11th at Christ Church in Santa Fe. For more information and to get tickets, visit theziasingers.org.

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