By Listen on all audio platforms
episode summary
Culture is more than tradition — it is healing, identity and survival.
In this episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” host Manuel González sits down with community organizers, artists and cultural leaders to explore how culture shapes healing and growth across New Mexico.
First, Manuel speaks with Rodrigo Rodriguez and Norma Gamble from La Plazita Institute about “la cultura cura” — the belief that culture has the power to heal. Together, they discuss creating safe spaces for young people, addressing generational trauma, reconnecting with ancestry and helping communities move from survival to healing.
Later, Manuel is joined by Raashan Ahmad and Xavier Rodriguez from Vital Spaces for a conversation about art, hip-hop, creativity and belonging. They reflect on how music, storytelling and self-expression create community, especially for young people searching for identity and purpose.
From Albuquerque’s South Valley to Santa Fe’s arts scene, this episode highlights New Mexico’s deep culture of resilience, resistance and creativity — and reminds us that culture is not separate from life. Culture is what carries us forward.
Culture is who we are
Culture is how we live
Culture helps us survive and heal
Culture lives on
Digging Deeper: Reflection Questions
In true New Mexico fashion, we invite you to a sobremesa — a traditional space for conversation and sharing, gathered around a table of your choice.
Take a moment to arrive. This conversation is about where we come from, what we carry, and what we pass on.
If you can, have everyone bring something meaningful and place it in the center of the table—a photo, a favorite toy, a memento from a loved one, something that holds memory and represents each individual. No need to explain it, just let it rest in the center as each person speaks. There is no rush.
There are no right words. Only what is true for you.
Ask around the table:
- What’s something from your culture—big or small—that you carry with you every day?
- What are you most proud of about your culture?
- Who did you receive that from?
- What’s the biggest misconception about your culture?
Ask around the table:
- What’s something from your culture—big or small—that you carry with you every day?
- What are you most proud of about your culture?
- Who did you receive that from?
- What’s the biggest misconception about your culture?
Ask around the table:
- What parts of your culture feel most important to carry forward?
- What happens if we lose cultural connection?
- What tradition are you grateful for? Who passed it along to you?
Episode Guests
Episode Partners
Comments