What does it mean to be American? What does success actually look like for an immigrant family? How do the connections in our lives influence us over many generations, and what is our relationship with fate? Hafeez Lakhani, who launched his debut novel, Abundance, discussed these questions in a moving conversation with writer Jaime Figueroa (Mother Island).

Memoir, activism, and art criticism converged in this lively exchange between renowned feminist activist and critic Lucy Lippard and journalist Megan O’Grady. Drawing from her new book, How It Feels to Be Alive, Megan reflected on the artists who shaped her creative life—including the lasting influence of Lucy herself.

What happens when a father encourages his daughter's creativity from an early age? They write a book together some 30 years later. Author Caroline Fraser led the two authors in a conversation that explored the bond that allowed them to co-write their thriller. The apple didn't fall far from this tree.

Desirée Mays has a passion for opera! As an opera speaker, storyteller, professor, radio interviewer, reviewer, and writer she teaches audiences to appreciate the craft of opera and its stories. Together with radio/podcast host Mary-Charlotte Domandi, they discussed the upcoming Santa Fe Opera premiere of Lili Elbe, named Best World Premiere at the 2024 Oper! Awards

Margaret Randall and Maria Melendez Kelson shared the stage, offering a rich blend of poetry and prose that reflects the full breadth of their talents. Margaret's new works are "Pages Lost and New - Essays" and "The Calendar's Whim - Poems," and Maria's is "Not the Killing Kind: A Novel."

In an exquisite evening of conversation and poetry, Julia Alvarez reminded us why she remains such a beloved literary treasure. In thoughtful dialogue with Carmella Padilla, she shared her life’s story—gracefully echoing the spirit of her new work, Visitations.

Historian Peter Stark illuminated a fascinating piece of history as he told the story of Conquistador Francisco Coronado’s 1540 expedition. A glittering column of 2,000 men heading into the unknown. Their destination was El Norte Misterioso—The Mysterious North, present-day United States—where fabulous cities of gold were rumored to shine beyond the horizon.

Tod Robberson, in conversation with Jim Fallk, gave us all the nitty-gritty, never-before-told details of the fascinating story of the Globemaster cargo plane—possibly carrying a “Fat Man” bomb— which was dispatched to Britain in 1951 with 53 passengers and crew, including elite specialists in atomic warfare. The Globemaster never reached its destination.

Test Site Poetry Prize Winners Jami Macarty, The Long Now Conditions Permit: Poems, and Kyce Bello, Far Country, read from their works, followed by a rich conversation with artist Cynthia Pirloul-Broshi. The conversation meandered through the similarities in their collections, their processes, and their hopes. It was a balm for troubled times.