Good Job New Mexico!

Good Job New Mexico! Season 2 Wrap-Up

As season 2 comes to a close, hosts Stacy Johnston, Leonardo Castañeda, and Raquel Gomez sit down to look back on their favorite moments, guests, and surprising stories from this season of Good Job, New Mexico. From unique career paths to inspiring local voices, the crew reflects on what they’ve learned about the incredible ways New Mexicans get to work — and what makes the Land of Enchantment such a special place to build a life and career.

Have a job or career you’d love to hear featured next season? We want to know! Send us your ideas, stories, or suggestions for season 3.

Follow us on social media @goodjobnm for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next.

Thanks for listening and supporting Good Job, New Mexico! We can’t wait to share more stories with you in season 3.

 

How to Become a Filmmaker: Shooting your Shot

In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, hosts Stacy Johnston, Leonardo Castaneda, and Raquel Gomez talk with filmmaker and Director Mykel Salazar, whose path to the film industry took shape in an unexpected way.

On her way to becoming a lawyer, Mykel moved back home when her father became ill. During that time, she began exploring a different creative outlet — filmmaking. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a career. From working behind the scenes to stepping in as a stunt double, and later taking on the role of Assistant Director, Mykel has embraced a wide range of roles in film production.

Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and finding purpose in the places you least expect. Tune in to hear how she navigated the transition, built her skillset from the ground up, and found her voice in New Mexico’s growing film industry.

CEO and Founder: Leading with Purpose

This week on Good Job New Mexico, hosts Stacy Johnston and Leonardo Castaneda sit down with Marc Schmallen, CEO of Choice Recovery Path — an outpatient program supporting individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges.

Marc opens up about his own journey through addiction and how those experiences now fuel his passion for helping others find hope, healing, and lasting recovery.

It’s a powerful conversation about resilience, purpose, and creating change across New Mexico.

Journalist: Getting the Scoop

In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, hosts Stacy Johnston and Leonardo Castaneda sit down with Matthew Narvaiz, Business Editor at the Albuquerque Journal, to talk all things journalism. Matthew shares his journey from being a student reporter to landing a top editorial role at New Mexico’s largest newspaper.

Tune in to hear practical advice on how to break into the field of journalism, the skills that matter most, and what it's really like working in a newsroom today. Whether you're a student considering journalism or a mid-career professional curious about storytelling and media, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Theatre Production Coordinator: Acting the Part

This week, hosts Stacy Johnston and Leonardo Castaneda sit down with Linnea Mae, the Theatre Production Coordinator at Musical Theater Southwest. Linnea shares her journey from childhood dance classes to the center of Albuquerque’s local theater scene—where she now manages everything from lights and sound to costumes and cast schedules. It’s a story of passion, persistence, and the behind-the-scenes hustle that brings live performances to life.

Whether you're a theater lover, a career explorer, or just someone who loves a good New Mexico story, this episode hits all the right notes.

Listen in and get inspired by the story behind the stage.

Pharmacist: An Unexpected Career Journey

In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, hosts Stacy Johnston and Leonardo Castaneda talk with Julie Cherian, a pharmacist with over 20 years of service at the Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Julie shares how her original dream of becoming an archaeologist shifted toward pharmacy, and how that unexpected turn led to a long and fulfilling career.

Julie’s story is a powerful reminder that the path to your dream job isn’t always direct. She discusses how embracing comfort and stability opened unexpected doors, leading to a passion for serving veterans through healthcare. Her journey offers insight for anyone considering a career change, exploring pharmacy, or looking to find purpose in their work.

Ski Operations Manager: Making Your Hobby Your Job

In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, hosts Stacy Johnston and Anthony Jenks sit down with Tommy Long, Ski Operations Manager at Ski Santa Fe, for an inspiring and insightful conversation about finding your path—even if it’s on a snowy mountain.

Tommy shares how a lifelong love of skiing eventually led him to a fulfilling career in the ski industry after years of working jobs that never quite felt right. From lift operations to mountain management, he breaks down the wide range of roles available at a ski resort and offers practical advice for anyone looking to get started in the world of winter sports. He also shares his perspective on navigating the seasonal nature of the industry and staying connected to your passion even during the off-season.

State Police Officer: Protecting our State

In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, hosts Stacy Johnston and Angelica Raygoza sit down with New Mexico State Police Officer Greg Ramirez to explore what it really takes to pursue a career in law enforcement. From his early motivations to the rigorous training process, Greg walks us through the steps to becoming a state police officer—and what it means to serve the people of New Mexico. Whether you're considering a career in law enforcement or simply curious about what it’s like behind the badge, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a few unforgettable moments.

Game Designer: One Level at a Time

On this episode of Good Job New Mexico, Stacy and John sit down with Game Animator and Designer Quinn Steagall to explore the distinct worlds of AAA and indie game development.

Quinn reflects on their career in high-budget movie environments, AAA game studios and finally their move into the indie gaming scene. They emphasize how the entire team's collective vision shapes projects in both arenas—shedding light on differences in creative direction, production scope, collaboration, and storytelling across AAA studios and indie teams.

For details on Dark Machine Games game visit: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3195790/White_Knuckle/

For program funding visit https://www.dws.state.nm.us/funding

AAA game development, indie game development, Quinn Steagll, game animator interview, game designer podcast, indie vs AAA game dev, game industry careers, creative direction in games, game production pipeline, storytelling in video games

Marketing Manager: Stroll Around the Block

Vanessa Baca, Manager of Albuquerque’s Office of Neighborhood Coordination, joins us to talk about her unique career in city government and community outreach.

Formerly the Head of Marketing for Albuquerque’s Transit Department, she spent five years building campaigns that connected residents to public services.

Now, she leads a small team focused on strengthening neighborhood relationships across the city. Vanessa shares how she created a touring program that brings her face-to-face with local communities—helping them explore and engage with the places they call home. She offers practical advice on working in public sector marketing and what it takes to build trust at the local level. Tune in for a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at civic leadership in action.