ABQ Connect Episode Archive

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Dr. Joanie DeBrito, counselor with Focus on the Family, joins us to discuss how families can recognize the signs of mental health struggles in loved ones. With nearly 40 years of clinical experience, she shares practical insight on identifying behavioral and emotional warning signs, starting healthy conversations, and knowing when to seek professional help. It’s an encouraging discussion on how faith, compassion, and support can help families navigate mental health challenges together.

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.

Phillip Buttram, Director of the Gospel Tract Society, joins us to celebrate 100 years of ministry and the ongoing mission of sharing the Gospel around the world. Through printed and digital resources, the Gospel Tract Society equips believers with simple yet effective tools to communicate the hope of Christ in their communities. Join us as Phillip shares how these Gospel tracts are written, designed, and distributed, along with encouraging stories of how God is using this ministry to reach people with the truth of Jesus. Learn more and order resources at gospeltractsociety.org.

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