In this conversation, Mary Bee interviews Mario Valencia, who shares his deep connection to New Mexican culture, particularly focusing on the traditions of Dia de los Muertos. Mario discusses how he came to embrace these traditions later in life, the healing aspects of honoring the dead, and the importance of storytelling and music in keeping cultural practices alive. He also shares personal anecdotes from his childhood, including folklore and family stories, emphasizing the significance of oral traditions in preserving history and culture.