ABQ Connect Episode Archive

Search Episodes

Zachary Mettler From the Daily Citizen at Focus on the Family, we take a look at the upcoming film Faith in America, which explores the role of Christian faith in shaping the nation’s founding. The story highlights how biblical principles influenced early leaders and key moments in history. It’s an engaging look at America’s roots—and why those foundations still matter today.

Today on ABQ Connect, we sit down with Emma Waters of the Heritage Foundation to discuss a recent Daily Signal report examining concerns around fentanyl, federal policy, and its impact on New Mexico. Emma helps unpack the story, the strong reactions it’s generated, and what it could mean for our state moving forward. It’s an important conversation at the intersection of policy, public safety, and community impact.

Today on ABQ Connect, we sit down with Brian Cochran, President of John Moore Associates, to discuss The Rise of Predictive Markets.” Brian unpacks how emerging trends and data‑driven forecasting are shaping the future of investing and decision‑making. It’s a fascinating conversation on what these changes could mean for your financial outlook and how to stay informed in a rapidly evolving market.

Jackie Baker knows the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide. In Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child by Suicide , she offers a compassionate, faith-centered guide for mothers navigating the heartbreak, confusion, and enduring grief that follow such a loss.

Drawing from both her personal journey and her professional experience as a nurse practitioner, Baker combines heartfelt stories, practical coping strategies, biblical encouragement, and spiritual reflections to help grieving mothers find hope while honoring their pain. Grounded in Scripture and written with honesty and grace, Messy Mourning serves as a trusted companion for those seeking comfort, understanding, and healing after tragedy.

Available for interviews, Jackie can discuss topics including the role of faith in grief recovery, the unique challenges of suicide loss, practical support for newly bereaved mothers, addressing stigma within faith communities, and finding hope while grief remains a daily reality.

Her Book: Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child by Suicide: Baker, Jackie M

 

Jodi Hendricks with NMFAM joins us in studio to discuss upcoming Family Fun Festivals happening across New Mexico. She’ll share details about these community-focused events, their impact on local families, and the ongoing need for volunteers to help make the festivals a success statewide.

Protecting Families, Preserving Freedom – NM FAM

The Author

Glenn Lutjens, licensed marriage and family therapist with Focus on the Family, joins us to talk about how Christian ministries can better serve the elderly. Drawing from decades of counseling and ministry experience, Glenn shares insight on the unique spiritual needs of seniors, how churches and media can better connect with them, and why honoring and including older generations is so vital to the health of the church. It’s a thoughtful conversation on caring well for those who have given so much.

Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family, joins us to talk about “The Dad Effect” and the powerful influence fathers have in their children’s lives. He shares how dads can lead with both strength and gentleness, stay spiritually grounded, and truly understand what their children need at every stage. It’s an encouraging and practical conversation for fathers who want to make a lasting impact.

Today on ABQ Connect, we’re joined by Angelique Torres and Brian Paolini from Legacy Academy to talk about Christian education in Albuquerque. They share how Legacy is helping students grow not only academically, but also in faith, character, and purpose through a Christ‑centered approach to learning. It’s an encouraging conversation for families exploring education options and looking for a place where students can truly thrive—both in the classroom and in life. Legacy Elementary and Legacy Middle schools are now located in the newly completed “Legacy Center” with sparkling new class rooms, technology, and athletic facilities. More information is available online at https://www.legacyacademynm.com.

Glenn Stanton, Director of Global Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family, joins us to take the pulse of fatherhood in America. Drawing from his latest article in the Daily Citizen, Glenn looks at the challenges, cultural shifts, and enduring importance of engaged, present fathers. It’s a meaningful conversation about why fatherhood still matters—and how it shapes families, communities, and the next generation.

Emma Waters from the Heritage Foundation joins us as we look at a recent Daily Signal article highlighting a new warning from the U.S. Surgeon General about kids’ screen time. With growing concerns about the impact on mental health, sleep, and development, the report urges parents to take a more active role in setting healthy limits. It’s a timely and practical conversation to help families navigate technology and raise kids in a screen‑saturated world.