New Mexico poet and activist Demetria Martinez in dialogue with playwright, poet and co-founder of IKON magazine Susan Sherman, light up today’s episode with powerful insights and sensitivity. Their collaboration, Poetry in Dangerous Times, gives a voice to those who have been silenced and a renewed strength for those who are frozen by a growing fear. As Demetria says, “Poetry is an act of resistance.”

Animal lovers stop scrolling now and click the Listen button. Here’s another informative, and this time poignant, interview with nationally-respected animal advocate Carlyn Montes de Oca following the passing of her beloved dog, Grace. Award-winning author of Junkyard Girl and Dog As My Doctor,Cat As My Nurse, Carlyn also teases her next book, to be published soon. animalhumanhealth.com

A special episode honoring New Mexico Book Association‘s superb work on behalf of our local writers, book designers and small publishing houses. NMBA’s President, Anna Sochocky joins me with National Endowment for The Arts recipient Deborah Taffa who will be the keynote speaker at NMBA’s Annual Gala on August 21st. Deborah’s celebrated memoir, Whiskey Tender, was a 2024 National Book Award finalist and named a 2024 Top Ten book by Time Magazine.

Regular listeners know that we like to feature local authors as well as some big names. So, meet New Mexico native artist and writer Hosho McCreesh, a name taken from Navajo tradition and his Irish roots. Hosho’s poetry collection, Psalms from The Badlands, offers evocative reading a little longer than classic Haiku. His writing inspiration is fascinating in itself and how he folds his artistry into his special edition volumes is creative genius. Learn more about him at hoshomccreesh.com

Take a few minutes this evening from attention-grabbing headlines and daily worries to drop deeply into the natural flow and ease of your life. Daoist philosopher and teacher Solala Towler joins me from leafy Oregon to share wisdom from one of his 12 books on Qigong and the art of the Tao. Reading from Teahouse at The Edge of The World his voice will soothe your nervous system and perhaps inspire you to let go a little.

Don’t scroll past this one and don’t adjust the dial. My guest today is a former professional oboist, documentary filmmaker and interior designer who’s added “acclaimed memoirist” to her accomplishments. “Dear Virginia, Wait for Me” is Marcia Butler’s third novel set in Queens and Manhattan, a sweet read of a tale that is at once whimsical, tightly plotted and cleanly crafted. You’ll fall in love with Peppa, worry about her a bit, cringe about her home life, and nod along with Ivan and his eccentric pal.

Whatever your age, don’t miss this week’s episode with award-winning Albuquerque children’s author Caroline Starr Rose.

Today’s guest discusses a critical topic pushed into the background as increasingly dramatic headlines grab our attention. Respected investigative journalist Mariah Blake joins me with her new book, They Poisoned The World: Life and Death in The Age of Forever Chemicals. Think this doesn’t affect you? Almost every living creature on earth now has dangerous forever chemicals in their bloodstream, meaning in your brain, lungs and vital organs and those of your children. How did they get there and how can we stop them forms the arc of this interview and Mariah’s eminently readable book, set in a small town in New York State, with history-and damage-too close for comfort right here in New Mexico. Mariah Blake will be reading and answering questions next Thursday, June 26th, 6:00 pm at Collected Works on Galisteo St.

Twenty-three minutes fly by with prolific Santa Fe author, columnist, “sleuthsayer,” and Russian scholar who worked in former Cold War intelligence in West Berlin, David Edgerley Gates. Recently described as a “one-man Google,” we attempt to cover the last 100 years through glimpses into the wartime theater, the focussed intent of the arts, and what might-or might not-be hidden in our current times.

A delightful 23 minutes with Robert Wolf, former playwright, Chicago Tribune feature writer and co-founder of Free River Press and long-time Santa Fe children’s author Bonnie Larson to celebrate the launching of Coyotes and Stars: Stories from The American Southwest. With essays from more than 50 local and loved townspeople, villagers and esteemed “characters,” Coyotes and Stars forms a landscape of our ancient, enchanted region. Meet Robert, Bonnie and many others at Santa Fe’s main library on Washington Ave. Friday, May 30th at 4:30