3 Essential Questions

Are press releases obsolete in the age of influencer marketing?

We asked this very question to my guest, Krystelle Siarza Moon, a communications expert with over a decade of experience.

Her answer provided a brilliant analogy. She compared public relations tactics to cars. The traditional press release is like the "gas-powered car"—still necessary for specific situations, like SEO or communicating factual information to certain outlets.

However, the industry now has its "electric cars," which include influencer marketing, content creators, and paid media. These newer frontiers have been gaining significant ground for the last six to seven years.
The key takeaway? A successful strategy requires knowing when to "go gas" and when to "go electric," depending on your goals and audience.

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.
Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/

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On a recent episode of Three Essential Questions, we had a fascinating conversation with photographer, educator, and owner of https://www.shutterbugschool.com, Bryan Steiff, about his long-term projects. One of the most remarkable was his decade-long series documenting wind energy production. This wasn't just a local endeavor; it took him 25,000 miles across 33 states and nine European countries. He even shared the story of climbing to the top of an industrial-scale wind turbine in Aachen, Germany—after taking a safety class in German—just to get the perfect shot. It’s a powerful example of the dedication and passion that drives creative work.

He believes that while many of us hesitate to call ourselves "artists," creativity is an innate part of being human, something we see in children but often suppress as adults. His teaching philosophy isn't about "teaching" creativity, which he feels comes from within. Instead, he focuses on guiding exploration and providing the technical skills that allow a student's own creative drive to flourish. It’s a compelling reminder to reconnect with that inner spark.

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.

Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/
Thank you for believing in the power of our stories.

BOOK YOUR ON-LINE INTERVIEW: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com Click the Orange logo.

In our latest podcast episode, a fact shared by Dennis Plummer from Meals on Wheels New Mexico truly stopped me in my tracks: for every person experiencing homelessness in our state, 81 people are food insecure. This isn't just about hunger; it's about people watering down meals to make them last or relying on cheap, non-nutritious food. It was a powerful reminder that the struggle for basic nutrition is a widespread and often hidden crisis affecting our neighbors across New Mexico.

Find out more about the work they are doing, Volunteer to help if you can https://mow-nm.org/

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). We are funded entirely by donations and grants. Yet in the world of philanthropy, only 2.9% of funding reaches underserved communities.
Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.

Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/
Thank you for believing in the power of our stories.

Book your online interview: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com Click the Orange logo.

We had a great conversation with Michelle Mirabal about the "why" behind her event, Foxy Fest. Now in its third year, the festival was born from a desire to create an inclusive space that offers a healthy alternative to the traditional bar scene. Her vision was to build a celebratory atmosphere where sober individuals and families could feel just as welcome and engaged. Past events have included everything from fire dancers and paddleboarding to yoga and community grilling, all centered on mindful connection. It's a thoughtful approach to event planning that really prioritizes community well-being.

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). We are funded entirely by donations and grants. Yet in the world of philanthropy, only 2.9% of funding reaches underserved communities.

Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.

Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/
Thank you for believing in the power of our stories.
Book your online interview: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com Click the Orange logo.

Thinking beyond traditional business models can unlock incredible growth. Imagine a local bike shop and a pet store teaming up. They could co-host a community 5K run/walk event, with proceeds benefiting a local animal shelter. The bike shop gains exposure to a health-conscious, community-minded audience, while the pet store connects with active pet owners. Both businesses position themselves as pillars of the community, attracting new customers who value their shared commitment. This type of creative partnership generates buzz, goodwill, and customer loyalty far more effectively than a standard ad campaign.

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). We are funded entirely by donations and grants. Yet in the world of philanthropy, only 2.9% of funding reaches underserved communities.

Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.

Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/
Thank you for believing in the power of our stories.

Book your online interview: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com Click the Orange logo.

Living in New Mexico presents its own set of skincare challenges, from extreme dryness to sun damage. In our latest episode, Joshua highlighted how he addresses these issues at The Mailroom. With years of experience in the aesthetics industry, Joshua emphasizes the importance of hydration and sun protection. He even shared some insider tips on using facial oils to balance oily skin—something many of us might shy away from!

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). We are funded entirely by donations and grants. Yet in the world of philanthropy, only 2.9% of funding reaches underserved communities.
Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.
Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/
Thank you for believing in the power of our stories.

Book your online interview: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com Click the Orange logo.

Fun fact: The revival of Q***r Joy Fest is happening on May 30th, exactly 20 years after the last Women's Fest was held. The festival will feature live music, a meet-and-greet, and an after-party at El Rey. Tickets go on sale April 15th through the City of Albuquerque's website. Let's make this a night to remember! Get more intel here https://podsqueeze.com/squeezed/untitled/f79lah33w1/

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). We are funded entirely by donations and grants. Yet in the world of philanthropy, only 2.9% of funding reaches underserved communities.
Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.
Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/
Thank you for believing in the power of our stories.

Book your online interview: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com Click the Orange logo.

***rJoyFest

In our latest episode, we discussed some eye-opening accessibility challenges with Elijah Valdez. For instance, even if a building is technically ADA compliant, it might not be truly accessible. Elijah takes people on "wheelchair tours" to highlight these hidden barriers, showing firsthand how inaccessible certain environments can be. It's a powerful way to drive home the importance of genuine accessibility. Is your place of business ADA-compliant? Learn more about what Elijah does https://www.equityimpactconsulting.net/

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). We are funded entirely by donations and grants. Yet in the world of philanthropy, only 2.9% of funding reaches underserved communities.
Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.
Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/

Thank you for believing in the power of our stories.

Book your online interview: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com Click the Orange logo.

Navigating the Unknown in Business One of the biggest lessons we've learned as small business owners in New Mexico is that you often don’t know what you don’t know. When starting out, Erica and I struggled with the legalities and intricacies of business registration and tax IDs. It was a steep learning curve, and having a checklist or guide would have been invaluable. For all new entrepreneurs out there, remember: it’s okay to feel like a deer in headlights.

Seek advice and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Data Tracking in important.
Legal Distinctions Matter; 1099 vs employees.
Have a solid Business Plan in Place.

3 Essential Questions Podcast is produced by Two Flower Productions, a 501 (c) (3). We are funded entirely by donations and grants. Yet in the world of philanthropy, only 2.9% of funding reaches underserved communities.

Your financial support will help us continue to bring vital resources, stories, and community impact where it’s most needed.

Please give today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/
Thank you for believing in the power of our stories.

Book your online interview: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com Click the Orange logo.