On July 25, 1968, Pope St. Paul VI released the encyclical Humanae Vitae, or "of Human Life." This encyclical reaffirmed the Catholic Church's perennial teaching that contraception is always immoral.

This encyclical sparked tremendous backlash, as many people expected the Catholic Church to allow the use of contraception. However, today, it's clear that Humanae Vitae was prophetic. The contraceptive mindset has led to many of the present evils in today's society.

To celebrate the 56th anniversary of Humanae Vitae's release, we're unpacking this historic encyclical. On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet discusses the historical context of the encyclical, what it said, and why Catholic teaching on contraception is still key to understanding modern ethical issues.

Listen now to find out how contraception impacted modern views on same sex "marriage," gender ideology, population control, and so much more!

Free e-book! Get your copy of "How Contraception Built the Abortion Culture" here: Ever heard that contraception is the best way to stop abortions? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 Historical Background

03:49 Confusion About Church Teaching?

08:19 Pontifical Commision on Birth Control

10:12 Inseparable

16:39 Contraception vs. NFP

19:56 4 Predictions

29:09 Moral Dilemmas

31:25 The Impact All Around Us

43:14 Don't Be Afraid to Talk About This!

Living the Culture of Life

When women experience negative emotional and psychological effects after abortion, they’re often told to “get over it.” After all, society says that abortion isn’t a big deal. It’s just a choice in the woman’s past.

However, this isn’t true at all. Abortion IS a big deal. It kills an innocent child. It’s understandable that women will experience a whole range of emotions, including grief, guilt, and self-loathing.

Theresa Bonopartis knows this well. She had an abortion as a young woman, when she felt like she didn’t have a choice. For years, she suffered from the trauma of her abortion. Finally, through the grace of God, she experienced forgiveness and healing.

Today, Theresa helps other post-abortive women experience this same healing. She founded Entering Canaan Ministry, which hosts retreats for people suffering after abortion.

On this episode, Theresa Bonopartis shares her story of abortion and God’s Mercy. There is always hope. God longs to forgive us.

Listen now to hear her inspirational story of abortion, regret, and the power of God’s forgiveness. 

Entering Canaan Ministry Website: Entering Canaan Ministry

Entering Canaan Painting: Entering Canaan: The Painting

FREE E-book! Discover what Planned Parenthood doesn't want you to know: What is Planned Parenthood Hiding from You? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Follow us on Instagram: @cultureoflife_podcast

Follow us on X: @cultureoflife_p

Chapters:

00:00 Theresa's Story

07:38 Couldn't Find Post-Abortive Help

13:26 Meeting with a Priest

15:43 Experiencing God's Healing

17:27 Entering Canaan Painting

22:47 Retreats

28:34 Founding Entering Canaan

33:30 Talk About Moms Too!

36:41 Effects on Women

40:51 How to Help Post-Abortive Moms

Living the Culture of Life

Two years ago, pro-life activists found 115 aborted babies inside a box of medical waste in Washington, DC. Five of these babies showed signs of illegal partial birth abortions or infanticide. Today, their five bodies are still on ice, waiting for justice.

On this episode, AJ Hurley shares the story of these babies. He got to hold them after the box was opened. And now he's fighting for justice.

Listen now to hear this incredibly moving story of Harriet, Christopher X, Phoenix, Angel, and Holly and the other 110 babies.

Justice for the 5 website: Justice For The Five

AJ Hurley's Instagram: AJ Hurley (@ajhurley) • Instagram

Follow us on Instagram: Living a Culture of Life Podcast (@cultureoflife_podcast)

Follow us on X: @cultureoflife_p on X

FREE E-book! Discover what Planned Parenthood doesn't want you to know: What is Planned Parenthood Hiding from You? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 Meet AJ Hurley

04:15 Box of Medical "Waste"

07:54 What Happened to the Babies?

16:25 Reaction to Babies

16:25 Mainstream Media

21:15 Evidence of Crimes

26:27 Any Natural Causes?

29:55 What's Next?

31:11 What You Can Do

36:04 How Common is This?

Living the Culture of Life

When someone is baptized, the Church requires that he or she has a Godparent (or a sponsor, if an adult is being baptized and confirmed). Often, Godparents are close friends or family members of the parents.

Many people view the role of a Godparent as simply an honorary title. However, Godparents have a much deeper and richer relationship with the child. They have a particular obligation to help their Godchild grow in the Faith and get to Heaven.

So, what exactly does the Catholic Church teach about Godparents? And what should you look for when choosing a Godparent for your child? If you are a Godparent, how can you best help the individuals entrusted to your care get to Heaven?

On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet answers all these questions. He explains what the Catholic Church teachers about Godparents. And he offers advice for navigating tricky situations, such as when the parents of your Godchild don't practice the Faith anymore.

Listen now to find out how to find (or be) an amazing Godparent!

Help Global Pregnancy Centers Reach Women! (Give by July 31st! Limited matching gift opportunity). Send Your Gift Here: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global. (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 Mission Update

08:46 Role of Godparents

14:38 Church Requirements

17:15 Backup Parents?

21:00 What You Can Do for Your Godchildren

25:38 If Your Godchildren Aren't Practicing

31:15 If the Parents Aren't Practicing

39:56 Be a Witness!

Living the Culture of Life

There's a marriage crisis in today's world. Far fewer young people are getting married and settling down to raise a family.

Most people blame this crisis on hookup culture. Others say that young people are putting their careers ahead of marriage. But these aren't the only problems. More and more young people are struggling to navigating dating culture. They want to get married but can't seem to find someone.

Rachel Hoover Canto tackles this problem in her new book, "Pretty Good Catholic." As a young woman, who was recently married, she knows the struggles that young men and women are facing. On today's episode, she shares her *actually helpful* tips for intentional dating.

Get Rachel's book, Pretty Good Catholic: Pretty Good Catholic | Vianney Vocations

FREE E-book! Discover what Planned Parenthood doesn't want you to know: What is Planned Parenthood Hiding from You? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 Modern Marriage Crisis

00:55 Common Dating Struggles

05:36 Tips for Meeting People

17:20 Tips for Asking Someone Out (or Getting Asked Out)

23:52 Dating Outside Your Tribe

37:24 Advice for Couples

Living a Culture of Life

The key to reviving society is healing the family. After all, Catholic social doctrine has its origins in family life.

So, what does that look like? Why is healing the family the solution to social issues? And how can we accomplish this?

On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet explains why the family is the fundamental unit of society. If we want to uphold the life and dignity of the human person across all aspects of our culture, we need to begin with the family.

Listen now to find out why supporting the family will help fix societal problems!

Fr. Miller's article: Revitalizing Society Through the Family: Vision of John Paul II | EWTN

FREE E-book! Discover what Planned Parenthood doesn't want you to know: What is Planned Parenthood Hiding from You? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 European Summit

04:48 What is the Family?

07:01 Catholic Social Doctrine

10:56 Specific Problems

15:53 Domino Effect

22:40 Proper Vision of the Family

27:50 Ripple Effects

34:53 What's Next?

39:55 What We've Forgotten

42:55 One Family

45:45 3 Takeaways

Living the Culture of Life

It's possible to leave an LGBTQ+ mindset. Hudson Byblow did. Growing up, he experienced same-sex attractions and what would today be called transgender inclinations or feelings of gender nonconformity. Today, he's a Catholic inspirational speaker, who strives to make known the beautiful proposal of the Church, given to all people, to strive to grow in the fullness of virtue, and to strive for virtuous, chaste, and holy relationships.

On this episode, Hudson shares his inspirational story of changing his LGBTQ+ mindset into one focused on his identity as a beloved child of God. He speaks about the value of healthy male friendships and growth in personal virtue. Hudson also discusses the role of porn, anxiety, and abuse in his life's story.

Listen now to find out why your identity isn't found in your attractions!

Hudson's Website: Hudson Byblow – Catholic Speaker & Consultant – Trauma-Informed Education and Evangelization

Something More Beautiful: Home - Something More Beautiful (smbm33.com)

Follow us on Instagram: @cultureoflife_podcast

Follow us on X: @cultureoflife_p

FREE E-book! Discover what Planned Parenthood doesn't want you to know: What is Planned Parenthood Hiding from You? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 Embracing an LGBTQ Mindset

03:13 Experience Influences Attraction

07:25 Personal Story

17:45 Perception of the Church

21:05 Men Helping Other Men

24:24 Male Validation

27:12 Community vs. Individual's Role

30:51 Changed Perception of Marriage?

35:33 Don't Say Struggle!

36:55 How to Help Friends & Family

40:11 Chastity, Celibacy, Abstinence

42:18 The Church's Next Great Saint

Living the Culture of Life

#lgbtq #pridemonth #samesexattraction #prolife #prolove #profamily #prolifegeneration #catholicteachings #catholicpodcast #livingacultureoflife #hli #catholicmarriage #catholicteaching #catholic #podcast #accompaniment

Many men and women in today's world identify as LGBTQ+. Christians who want to defend God's plan for marriage sometimes don't know how to respond. How can we lovingly minister to friends or family members while still affirming truth?

Christians must learn how to lovingly accompany individuals experiencing same-sex attraction. Fr. Colin Blatchford, Associate Director of Courage International, joins us for two episodes exploring this issue.

In the first episode, we discussed Catholic anthropology (and why it's important). In this episode, we'll discuss what loving accompaniment practically looks like.

Listen now to discover how YOU can best help your friends or family members who identify as LGBTQ+.

Follow us on Instagram: @cultureoflife_podcast

Follow us on X: @cultureoflife_p

Courage International's website: Courage (couragerc.org)

National Catholic Bioethics Center article on Catholic responses to transgenderism (including using pronouns vs. names): Summary: Catholic Pastoral and Canonical Responses to Transgenderism — The National Catholic Bioethics Center (ncbcenter.org)

FREE E-book! Discover what Planned Parenthood doesn't want you to know: What is Planned Parenthood Hiding from You? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 Episode 1 Recap

02:20 Road to Emmaus

08:12 Affirming a Lie?

12:30 What to Avoid

14:04 Spiritual Parenthood

16:23 Questions to Ask

17:55 Growing in Virtue

19:56 Sinful Relationship?

22:20 Loneliness and Depersonalization

27:04 Parish Support

30:15 Advice for Parents

34:02 Emotional Intelligence

37:52 Not Trying to Fix People

39:59 Labels are Insufficient

Living the Culture of Life

Many men and women in today's world identify as LGBTQ+. Christians who want to defend God's plan for marriage sometimes don't know how to respond. How can we lovingly minister to friends or family members while still affirming truth?

Christians must learn how to lovingly accompany individuals experiencing same-sex attraction. Fr. Colin Blatchford, Associate Director of Courage International, joins us for two episodes exploring this issue.

On today's episode, we'll talk about Catholic anthropology (and why it's important). In an upcoming second episode, we'll discuss what loving accompaniment practically looks like.

Listen now to discover how YOU can best help your friends or family members who identify as LGBTQ+.

Follow us on Instagram: @cultureoflife_podcast

Follow us on X: @cultureoflife_p

Courage International's website: Courage (couragerc.org)

FREE E-book! Discover what Planned Parenthood doesn't want you to know: What is Planned Parenthood Hiding from You? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 What is Courage International?

05:28 What is Catholic Anthropology?

09:10 Why Labels Aren't Sufficient

14:05 Male and Female Brains are Different

16:49 Family Reflects the Trinity

18:40 Catholic vs. Protestant Anthropology

24:06 Mode of Receiver

26:00 What Chastity is Not

28:24 What's the Point of Sex?

32:29 Forming Habits

36:50 Change Sexual Orientation?

46:00 What is God Asking of Me?

48:50 What (or Who) is Writing My Story?

Living the Culture of Life

There's a crisis of marriage in modern culture, even within the Catholic Church. Marriage rates are down, while annulment rates went up. So, what's going on?

In previous episodes, John Clark and Fr. Michael Duesterhaus (a procurator/advocate) both gave their insights about annulment and marriage data. On this episode, they join us for a joint discussion about where we examine annulment culture in the Catholic Church.

We also discuss the appeals process and both offer advice for strengthening Catholic marriages. Listen now to find out more about annulments in the Catholic Church!

Fr. Michael R. Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He is the Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish, Front Royal, Virginia.

Fr. Duesterhaus is not a representative of the Diocese of Arlington. He is giving his personal impressions of his pastoral ministry of over 33 years.

Previous Episodes:

Episode with John Clark: A Hard Look at Annulment Data Raises Questions About the Process | RedCircle

Episode with Fr. Duesterhaus: Annulments Procurator Tells Story Behind the Data | RedCircle

Resources:

John Clark's book: Betrayed without a Kiss: Defending Marriage after Years of Failed Leadership in the Church (tanbooks.com)

Gift of Self: Gift of Self (book) | Mary's Advocates (marysadvocates.org)

When is Marriage Null? Gift of Self (book) | Mary's Advocates (marysadvocates.org)

Consensual Incapacity to Marry: Consensual Incapacity to Marry - Kindle edition by Godfrey-Howell, Catherine, Burke, Raymond Leo Cardinal.

Free e-book! Get your copy of "How Contraception Built the Abortion Culture" here: Ever heard that contraception is the best way to stop abortions? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Living the Culture of Life

"Brain death," or death determined by neurological criteria, is one way that doctors figure out if a patient has died. This is closely tied to organ donation, as the vast majority of vital organs come from brain dead donors.

In this interview with Dr. Joseph Meaney, President of the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), we address common questions about brain death.

What does the Catholic Church teach about brain death? What is the medical standard for determining death? Are living people ever declared dead? And are these patients then killed to obtain vital organs for organ donation?

Find out the answers to these questions (and more!) by listening to today's episode.

For further resources, check out the National Catholic Bioethics Center's website here: The National Catholic Bioethics Center (ncbcenter.org)

FREE E-book! Discover what Planned Parenthood doesn't want you to know: What is Planned Parenthood Hiding from You? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Living the Culture of Life

Marriage is one of the Catholic Church's beautiful vocations. But dating can be confusing. How can young people successfully date and find a spouse?

On this episode, Fr. Boquet gives Catholic dating advice for men and women discerning marriage. He also offers advice for husbands and wives who want to foster their children's vocations.

We address questions such as: How should young people discern God's Will for their relationship? Are soulmates real? Is settling ok? What are the most important conversations to have while dating?

Resources:

Prayer to St. Joseph: St. Joseph Novena Prayer for a Good Husband (hli.org)

Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 Marriage Vocation

03:01 Pray!

04:58 Modeling Marriage

07:58 Recognizing Wounds

09:58 Is Settling Ok?

13:00 Common Threads

15:38 Do Soulmates Exist?

19:30 Introduce People!

22:58 Biggest Challenges Facing Young People

27:22 What Am I Looking For?

29:58 Top Dating Conversations

24:33 Parents: Talk to Your Kids

38:04 Keep God in the Center

42:40 Stay Casual

43:46 Don't Be Complacent

47:55 Leading People On

Living the Culture of Life

Many vocations, including those to the priesthood or religious life, begin in the home. How can parents help foster their children's vocations?

On today's episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet shares his vocation story and the role his family played in his discernment. He also shares advice for individuals discerning their vocation.

Find out why religious vocations are rooted in Catholic family life by listening to today's episode!

Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)

Living the Culture of Life

On this episode, Fr. Paul Sullins explains how talk therapy can help individuals manage or reduce same-sex attraction.

Many misunderstandings surround Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE). Some countries and states have laws banning "conversion therapy." These laws include bans on talk therapy for same-sex attraction. They are based on the claim that SOCE increases risk of suicide.

Find out the truth about talk therapy, suicide risk, and same-sex attraction.by listening to today's episode.

Fr. Paul Sullins is a Senior Research Associate at the Ruth Institute. He's also a Research Professor of Sociology at the Catholic University of America. His views are his own and do not necessary reflect those of HLI.

Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)

Living the Culture of Life

Human dignity is fundamental to Christian ethics. But what is human dignity? Can it ever be lessened or taken away?

On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith's newest document, on human dignity. Dignitas infinita discusses the different kinds of human dignity, as well as its effect on social issues.

Find out WHY the Catholic Church condemns abortion, euthanasia, surrogacy, sex-changes, and other hot-button issues. It's critical that Catholics and Christians can understand and explain why every human person has inalienable dignity.

Resources:

Dignitas infinita: Declaration “Dignitas Infinita” on Human Dignity

Fr. Boquet's Spirit and Life column: Pope Francis Transgenderism: Incompatible with Catholicism

Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free

Living the Culture of Life

Most people don’t know about the Marxist, occult, and anti-family trends that became modern feminism.

Some people think feminism was hijacked in the 1960s by second-wave feminists. But nearly everyone agrees that the first-wave feminism was good.

However, when Dr. Carrie Gress dug into the history of the feminist movement, she realized this isn’t entirely true. Feminism's history is laced with dark, anti-Christian, and occult ideologies.

On this episode, Dr. Gress unpacks what she discovered when researching the dark origins of modern feminism.

Dr. Gress' book: The End of Woman: How Smashing the Patriarchy Has Destroyed Us

Dr. Gress' website: Carrie Gress - Author, Philosopher, and Mom

Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)

Living the Culture of Life

80% of women don't want casual sex. So, why is hookup culture so popular? How does casual sex affect men and women differently?

Often, unmarried women have sex to catch (or keep) a man. But premarital sex actually has the opposite effect. Casual sex disrupts the biological bonding process! And it leads to serious physical and mental health problems.

On today's episode, Dr. Joe Malone unpacks the health problems of casual sex. Hookup culture harms mental health. And it destroys relationships between men and women. He also explains why hooking up, watching porn, and excessive video gaming make men depressed.

FREE E-book:

Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)

Dr. Malone's Resources:

Website: https://www.drjoemalone.com/

“Battles of the Sexes” book: https://www.amazon.com/Battles-Sexes-Raising-Conflict-Empower-ebook/dp/B07D97LQ67

Sex IQ: https://www.sexiq.org/

Living the Culture of Life

What's it like to lose a twin to abortion? That's what happened to Claire Culwell.

At just 13-years-old, Claire's mom became pregnant with twins. Claire miraculously survived the D&E abortion procedure, but her twin did not. 

On this episode, Claire shares her story of surviving abortion, losing a twin, and reconnecting with her birth mother.

Resources:

Claire's Book: Survivor: An Abortion Survivor's Surprising Story of Choosing Forgiveness and Finding Redemption

Claire's website: Claire Culwell - Home (realclaireculwell.com)

Free e-book! Get your copy of "Why We Don't Need Abortion (even for the hard cases)" here: Ever Have Trouble Explaining Why Abortion is NEVER Needed? | Human Life International (hli.org)

How can we create an environment that welcomes people with disabilities? And why is this part of a Culture of Life?

Sometimes, parishes struggle to serve individuals with disabilities. But these men and women have so much to offer! It's important that they receive the resources and opportunities needed to thrive within church communities.

Mark Bradford is Word on Fire Institute's new Fellow for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He also has a son with Down syndrome. On this episode, Mark joins us to discuss the solutions to the challenges facing individuals with disabilities within parish life.

Find out how you can help foster a Culture of Life within your parish!

Resources:

Fellowship Homepage: Fellowship for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Word on Fire

Free e-book! Get your copy of "Why We Don't Need Abortion (even for the hard cases)" here: Ever Have Trouble Explaining Why Abortion is NEVER Needed? | Human Life International (hli.org)

Living the Culture of Life

What’s the problem with surrogacy? How is it different from adoption? Does the surrogacy industry exploit vulnerable women?

On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks the problems with surrogacy. He also shares his experience in the mission field, where both surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are common problems.

Often, people assume that these practices serve the family. In reality, surrogacy and IVF abuse the rights of the child, couple, and surrogate mom. It’s important that medical professionals, priests, and the laity understand these bioethical issues.

Help send bioethical education around the global! Send your best gift here: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life International (hli.org)

More Resources:

Father’s Spirit and Life article: Pope Francis Calls for Surrogacy Ban, Affirms Human Dignity (hli.org)

Resource article on IVF and Ethical Treatments for Infertility:  In Vitro Fertilization: Ethical Issues | HLI

Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:31 Mission Update

07:09 IVF in Developing Nations

11:32 Ukrainian Surrogacy

13:48 Types of Surrogacies

19:37 What are a Child's Rights?

21:08 Infertility

24:01 Surrogacy vs. Adoption

30:16 Common Reasons for Surrogacy

33:04 Openness to Life

36:03 Preying on Vulnerable Women

42:15 Pope Francis's Comments

45:28 Need for Bioethical Education