Season Three
Kat Bloom - Building Creative Spaces in Albuquerque
Episode 39:
George Alexander - The Art and business of creativity
Episode 40:
In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment, we sit down with Santa Fe-based artist George Alexander to discuss his creative journey and the realities of building a life as a working artist in New Mexico. George shares how his artistic practice developed over time, the inspirations behind his work, and the ups and downs of a creative career in a city known for its vibrant arts community. The conversation also explores the business side of being an artist, including marketing creative work, building relationships, and navigating the evolving art market. Throughout the episode, George reflects on the importance of authenticity, persistence, and community in shaping a successful artistic path.
In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment, we sit down with Kat Bloom, the founder of Bloom Records, Vault Studios, and Media Lab, creative hubs helping shape Albuquerque’s independent music and media scene. Kat shares her journey as a musician, producer, and entrepreneur building platforms for artists to record, collaborate, and grow their careers. From running a record label to developing a media lab that supports creative production, she talks about the realities of building sustainable infrastructure for artists in New Mexico. We also dive into the business side of creativity, including how artists can market themselves, create opportunities in their local communities, and navigate the evolving music and media landscape. For artists, creative entrepreneurs, or anyone interested in how independent scenes grow from the ground up, this conversation offers insight into the power of community-driven creative spaces.
Vince Kadlubek - Art, Risk, and reinvention
Episode 38:
In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment, we sit down with Vince Kadlubek, the co-founder of Meow Wolf, the groundbreaking arts and entertainment company that transformed an underground art collective into a globally recognized immersive experience. Vince shares the story behind Meow Wolf’s beginnings in Santa Fe and how a group of experimental artists built one of the most influential creative companies in the country. We talk about the power of collaboration, supporting local artists, and how creative risk-taking can lead to entirely new industries. The conversation also explores the intersection of art, business, and community—offering insight for artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders looking to build something meaningful in their own cities.
Season Chavez - Building Business with Purpose
Episode 42:
Season Chavez is a New Mexico business leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate with more than two decades of experience in business development, brand growth, and leadership. She is a leader at WiseChoice Foods, the Albuquerque-based company behind WisePies Pizza, Snacks & Sauces, where she has helped grow the company’s presence in the food and beverage industry and expand its reach into markets across the country. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication, Season brings a strong background in business, communications, and strategic growth to her work. Her leadership extends beyond business, with a deep commitment to community and giving back. She serves on the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish New Mexico and has helped build the annual WisePies Pizza Run, which supports children with critical illnesses and local youth programs. Recognized as a 2021 Woman of Influence by Albuquerque Business First and a 2021 Top Woman in Grocery by Progressive Grocer, Season continues to champion entrepreneurship, community investment, and the growth of New Mexico businesses. Her work reflects a belief that business can be a powerful vehicle for creating connection, opportunity, and meaningful impact.
Episode 41:
What happens when New Mexico's brightest innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders come together on one of the world's biggest stages? In this special two-part series of Leaders of Enchantment, Cameron Ward traveled to New Mexico House during South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, where she sat down with six remarkable guests over two fast-paced days. From investors and healthcare innovators to business leaders, arts advocates, fashion, and the visionaries behind New Mexico House, each conversation explores how collaboration, creativity, and bold ideas are shaping the future of our state. Join us as we go behind the scenes of the movement bringing New Mexico to the global stage. You'll hear stories of entrepreneurship, investment, public service, arts and culture, and the partnerships creating new opportunities for businesses, artists, and communities across New Mexico. This is Part One of our special SXSW series. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we continue the conversations and discover even more of the people driving New Mexico forward.
Bob Lange - The Voice behind New mexico stories
Episode 43:
Bob Lange is an award-winning multimedia producer, broadcaster, and creative storyteller whose career has helped shape New Mexico’s media and production landscape for more than four decades. After beginning his career in radio, Bob went on to work across television, audio, video, photography, and multimedia production, developing projects for Fortune 50 companies, government agencies, and independent businesses. A longtime New Mexico creative, Bob has worked with organizations ranging from major corporations to small local businesses, bringing his expertise in production, voice talent, storytelling, and strategic communication to projects across the country and internationally. Through Spirited USA, his multimedia production company, he continues to create custom audio and video content while helping organizations communicate their stories and preserve their histories. Bob’s work has earned numerous national and regional honors, including Telly, ADDY, and Communicator awards. His career reflects a deep commitment to the power of media to educate, connect, and tell stories that matter. Beyond his professional work, Bob has remained involved in his community and is passionate about mentorship, creativity, and the people and stories that make New Mexico unique.
South by Southwest (SXSW)
New episode
✳︎
New Host
✳︎
New episode ✳︎ New Host ✳︎
Episode 37:
New Beginnings - The Future of Leaders of Enchantment Cameron Ward
In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment, we mark a new chapter for the podcast as Cameron Ward (Cam) steps into the role of host. As a creative producer, cultural advocate, and founder of Art Off the Rails, Cameron shares her vision for the future of the show and why building stronger creative communities across New Mexico matters now more than ever.
This conversation also explores Cameron’s background in media, community organizing, and cultural production. She reflects on past experiences that shaped her path, the projects she is currently working on, and how those efforts connect to a larger mission of supporting artists, entrepreneurs, and storytellers throughout the region.
The episode closes with a renewed focus on preparation, growth, and continuing the work of highlighting the voices and ideas that make New Mexico’s creative ecosystem so powerful.
Listen to the beginning:
Episode 36: Victoria Archuleta
Sr. Economic Developer of Village of Los LunasVictoria Archuleta is the Senior Economic Developer for the Village of Los Lunas, where she focuses on creating meaningful impact by supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. With a collaborative, relationship-driven approach, she works across public, energy, hospitality, and technology sectors to help drive sustainable economic growth and long-term opportunity. With over a decade of experience spanning program coordination, event facilitation, sales management, and account representation, Victoria brings a well-rounded perspective to economic development. In 2023, Victoria was honored as an Albuquerque Business First 40 Under 40 honoree, recognizing her leadership and contributions to economic development. She is deeply committed to making a difference and helping Los Lunas continue to grow and thrive
