ABQ Connect Episode Archive

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Carla Sonntag, President and CEO of New Mexico Business Coalition and Better Together New Mexico, joins us to discuss several issues making headlines across the state. The conversation includes an update on the proposed North Valley mosque and community center, reflections on America’s upcoming 250th birthday, concerns about preserving democratic institutions, and ongoing discussions surrounding socialism and political activism in New Mexico. Carla also shares her perspective on the growing fentanyl crisis, recent revelations involving federal drug enforcement operations, and how these developments are affecting communities across the state.

Elma Reynalds, CEO of Joy Junction, joins ABQ Connect to share the mission and ministry of Albuquerque’s  faith-based emergency homeless shelter. Founded by her late husband, Jeremy Reynalds, Joy Junction provides food, clothing, counseling, transportation, shelter, and spiritual and emotional support for homeless men, women, children, and families throughout Albuquerque.

In this conversation, Elma discusses how Joy Junction gives people “a hand up, not a handout,” helping families and individuals get back on their feet with dignity and hope. She also shares the needs facing Albuquerque’s homeless community, and practical ways listeners can support the ministry through financial gifts, food, clothing, thrift store donations, vehicle donations, and prayer. Contact information and more details about the ministry are available at https://www.joyjunction.org/.

New Mexico State Senator Crystal Brantley joins ABQ Connect for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, public service, voting, and the future of New Mexico. The interview begins in a tender and personal place, as Senator Brantley reflects on the New Mexico Legislature’s support for State Senator Nicole Tobiassen and her family following the passing of Nicole’s husband, Mark Tobiassen. With Mark’s Celebration of Life scheduled immediately after the interview, Senator Brantley speaks to the weight of grief, the strength of friendship, and the quiet importance of faith-filled presence when a family and community are walking through loss.

Senator Brantley also shares her perspective on the needs and values of District 35, the importance of civic engagement, and the issues she believes New Mexicans should be asking candidates about in the upcoming general election, including public safety, education, child protection, and the legislative differences between rural communities and larger cities. The conversation closes with a call for the faith community to become informed, involved, and active in public policy for the good of New Mexico.

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.

Jennifer Ward and Paula Gonzales from CareNet join us with a ministry update, highlighting recent events like the Ultimate Baby Shower and Open House. They also share current needs, including volunteer drivers for their Medical Mobile Unit, and look ahead to the upcoming Walk for Life. It’s a great opportunity to hear how lives are being impacted and how you can get involved.

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.