ABQ Connect Episode Archive

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Emily Washburn reviews New Mexico’s case against Meta, explaining the ruling and its broader implications for social media regulation. She highlights concerns about online safety and explores what increased scrutiny of tech platforms could mean for families navigating the digital world.

Home – Daily Citizen

Dominique Wingerd from CAPE-NM joins us in studio to talk about an upcoming convention designed for the homeschool community. The event aims to support New Mexico parents by offering resources, training, and practical guidance to strengthen their teaching and help them confidently protect and advocate for their children’s education.

CAPE NM – Christian Association of Parent Educators

Licensed marriage and family therapist Glenn Lutjens, a longtime member of the Focus on the Family team for over 30 years, joins the conversation to address the emotional dynamics of family gatherings—especially during holidays like Easter. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and faith-based counseling, Glenn offers practical wisdom on navigating tension, setting healthy boundaries, communicating ahead of time, and responding graciously to conflict. He also explores how approaching gatherings with intentionality can create more peace—and how these moments can become valuable opportunities for personal growth and self-awareness.

www.focusonthefamily.org

Carla Sonntag of the New Mexico Business Coalition discusses a proposed Albuquerque ordinance and its potential impact on public safety and businesses, along with updates on the 2026 election, including new voter resources and changes to primary voting for independents. She also highlights recent efforts to block local tax increases and addresses ongoing legal disputes over voter data privacy.

The National Minority Business Council, Inc.

Meet Slavé Velansanov, him and his family are serving faithfully in Croatia and Macedonia. A native of the region, Slavé founded a local church as well as a thriving basketball school with over 800 students. His mission is centered on helping people grow—both personally and in their relationship with God. He is also seeking business-minded partners who feel called to join and support this expanding mission.

On this episode of ABQ Connect, we sit down with Joaquin Romero, former Communications Director for the New Mexico Senate Republicans, to examine New Mexico politics through a Christian lens of stewardship, responsibility, and civic engagement. Drawing on his experience working with legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle, Joaquin unpacks why many New Mexicans feel the state is on the wrong track, highlighting key issues such as crime, the cost of living, education, and economic opportunity. Together, we explore what practical steps could help move the state forward, how faith should shape our perspective on public policy, and why it’s more important than ever for believers to be informed, engaged, and committed to voting.

On this episode of ABQ Connect, we sit down with Certified Financial Planner Brian Cochran, President of John Moore Associates, to explore what it truly means to practice biblical financial stewardship across every stage of life. Drawing from decades of experience, Brian shares practical insight into the most common retirement mistakes people over 60 make—and how a mindset of stewardship, not ownership, can bring clarity and peace. The conversation then shifts to young couples and families, offering clear guidance on building a budget, establishing healthy financial habits, and prioritizing saving, investing, and generosity from the start. Throughout the hour, Brian emphasizes that giving is not just a spiritual discipline but a foundational part of wise financial strategy, shaping both character and long-term outcomes. The interview concludes with powerful encouragement for parents and grandparents on passing down values, not just wealth, to the next generation—reminding listeners that faithful stewardship matters far more than financial accumulation. Learn more about these principles at https://www.johnmoore.com.

 

Jennifer Ward from CareNet Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque joins us in studio to share details about their upcoming 43rd Annual Banquet, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. The event will feature a recap of last year’s impact, a compelling message from guest speaker Keith Farrin, also known as “Your Bible Coach,” and a candid discussion on current issues affecting their mission. Attendees will also learn about the increasing needs CareNet is facing and how the community can offer support during this important time.

For more information about the banquet, visit:

Home | CareNet Pregnancy Center of Albuquerque | Albuquerque, NM

Jodi Hendricks from the New Mexico Family Action Movement is here to share details about the Equip Pastor Summit on April 28th at New Beginning Church! This one‑day event is designed to equip and encourage pastors with biblically grounded discipleship tools for the challenges facing their congregations.

Expect practical training, insights from keynote speaker Dr. Richard Rogers (AFPI), 501(c)(3) guidance, a diverse speaker panel, and partnership opportunities for churches. Advance registration encouraged— lunch included!

www.nmfam.org/events

Dirk Smith, Vice President of EEM, explains how the ministry, founded in 1951, now distributes over two million Bibles across 37 countries in 33 languages. He highlights EEM’s mission to support indigenous believers as a “come along” ministry and points to the rapid growth of the underground church in Iran. Emphasizing unity through Christ, he shares how lives are being transformed—even to the point of reconciliation and healing—and urges supporters to stay spiritually prepared.

The Bible. We Want Everyone To Get It. | EEM