- Dignitas Infinita: Addressing Modern Issues with Ageless Principles
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
53m - Apr 18, 2024 - First-wave Feminism Wasn’t as Nice as You Thought | Dr. Carrie Gress
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
47m - Apr 11, 2024 - Exploring Health Impacts of Hookup Culture | Dr. Joe Malone
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
56m - Apr 4, 2024 - Forgiveness after "Failed" Abortion Left One Twin Alive
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)
30m - Mar 28, 2024 - Steps to Build a Community that Welcomes People with Disabilities
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
34m - Mar 21, 2024 - The Price of Life: Exploring the Human Cost of Surrogacy
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
57m - Mar 14, 2024 - A Child’s Future Turns on His Parents’ Marriage | Dr. Patrick Fagan
Why do children require their biological parents’ marriage? How does a couple’s relationship impact their child’s development?
Today, many children grow up in broken homes. This often negatively impacts their future. Children thrive within the marriage of their biological parents.
So, how can couples help their marriage thrive? How can parents give their children the best environment to grow up in?
On this episode, Dr. Patrick Fagan breaks down the rights of children regarding their parents’ marriage. Find out how your relationship impacts your kids. And find out how you and your spouse can strengthen your marriage so your family can thrive!
Resources:
Forge Website: Forge | The Fight For Families (myforge.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)
Living the Culture of Life
49m - Mar 7, 2024 - Cultural Pushback Against Euthanasia in Canada | Amanda Achtman
Why do people get euthanized? And how can we create a culture where euthanasia is unthinkable?
Canada's stats are shocking. Since 2016, over 50,000 individuals have died from legal euthanasia and assisted suicide.
So, what can we do? Right now, Amanda Achtman is on a mission to end euthanasia in Canada. Through her project Dying to Meet You, Amanda is creating a hopeful, life-affirming alternative to counter cultural despair.
Find out more by listening to today’s episode!
Please Note: after filming this episode, Canada's government postponed euthanasia for mental illness until at least March 2027. Please pray that this pause is permanent!
Resources:
Check out Amanda's work: Dying To Meet You
Christine’s video: "Don't Euthanize Me" | Christine's Story (youtube.com)
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 Meet Amanda
01:44 Dying to Meet You
02:40 Church as an Expert in Humanity
06:00 Panel Topics
09:22 Positive Alternative Vision
11:33 Suffering
13:54 Canada Euthanasia Stats
19:06 Why are People Euthanized?
22:00 Hope vs. Despair
23:36 Mass of a Lifetime
29:22 Nursing Homes?
31:29 Meaningful Activities?
35:35 USA and Euthanasia
37:33 Euthanasia vs. Assisted Suicide
40:57 Christine's Story: Don't Euthanize Me
49:40 Making Euthanasia Unthinkable
51:44 Don't Lose Hope!
Living the Culture of Life
53m - Feb 29, 2024 - Ukraine Caught Between Russian Guns and U.S. Abortion Demands
How has the war with Russia changed pro-life work in Ukraine? Why is this the best time to promote life and family? And do Americans really understand Ukrainian values?
On today's episode, Genia Samborska (HLI's affiliate in Ukraine) and Valentyna Pavsyukova join us for an in-depth discussion about the fight for life and family in Ukraine. Discover Ukraine's conservative values, hear stories of ex-abortionist's profound conversions, and find out how Genia shut down illegal abortion pill distribution in neighboring Poland.
Resources:
Donate to HLI and help Genia's work in Ukraine! Send your best gift here: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global. (hli.org)
Chalice of Mercy: Chalice of Mercy, non-profit organization for the Ukraine.
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)
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:50 Soviet Anti-Life Influence
00:04:13 Russian Invasion
00:06:10 American Influence
00:07:20 Is Russia Really Pro-Family?
00:09:38 Is Ukraine Liberal?
00:11:40 OB/GYN Pilgrimages
00:13:10 Is Abortion Legal?
00:15:25 Ex-Abortionist Conversions
00:24:15 2nd Conversion Story
00:32:50 Best Time to Defend Life and Family?
00:37:11 Abortion Pills in Poland
00:48:30 A Secret Phone Call
00:52:32 HLI Ukraine's Mission
00:58:40 American Perception of Ukraine
01:03:25 Upcoming Pro-Life Bill
01:07:00 Chalice of Mercy
Living the Culture of Life
1h 10m - Feb 22, 2024 - Annulments Procurator Tells the Story Behind the Data
Why are 90% of annulments granted by the Catholic Church? Can you trust the Tribunal’s decision? Why did annulment numbers increase?
Fr. Duesterhaus, a procurator/advocate, has presented many formal cases over the years. On today’s episode, he gives an insider’s look at the annulment process. He also offers insight to the common reasons couples seek annulments.
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.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:29 Code of Canon Law
00:05:22 Cake Analogy
00:09:11 Marriage Definition
00:10:04 Catholic Church Jurisdiction
00:13:48 Why Did Annulment Numbers Rise?
00:15:27 Common Reasons for Annulments
00:18:37 Potential Issues
00:20:36 Why 90% of Annulments are Granted
00:25:00 Pastoral Activity
00:26:04 Can We Trust the Tribunal's Decision?
00:32:43 Contraception?
00:34:08 Porn & Netflix
00:36:41 Bad Marriage Prep
00:40:12 Fr. Duesterhaus' Pre-Cana
00:43:27 No Catholic Culture
00:54:19 Convalidation
00:58:29 Why Some Protestants Aren't Christians
01:03:26 Men Need to be Men
01:04:52 Privilege of Faith Case
Living the Culture of Life
1h 8m - Feb 15, 2024 - NSSM-200: The USA's Blueprint for Depopulation
Have you ever heard of the Kissinger Report? Officially, National Security Study Memorandum-200 (NSSM-200), this report is the USA’s blueprint for population control.
Released in 1974, the Kissinger Report is 50 years old this year. It’s never been rescinded, so this is still the official U.S. policy.
On today’s episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet discusses the Kissinger Report, which is still impacting families worldwide. We unpack the United States’ motivations for depopulation, what methods the report suggests, and which countries were specifically targeted.
Find out more by watching now!
Exposing Planned Parenthood E-book coming soon! In the meantime, 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)
NSSM-200 Resource: NSSM-200: National Security Study Memorandum 200 (hli.org)
NSSM-200 Text: PCAAB500.pdf (usaid.gov)
Living the Culture of Life
40m - Feb 8, 2024 - Abortion Survivors Left to Die: What Jill Stanek Saw
Infanticide and abortion go hand-in-hand. Afterall, the only difference is the baby’s location. Both acts kill an innocent child.
When Jill Stanek was working as a nurse in 1999, she discovered that her hospital was performing abortions. Many preborn babies would be delivered early and then left to die in the hospital’s utility room. Often, these children were aborted because of fetal abnormalities.
One night, Jill Stanek held a baby with Down syndrome, who’d survived an abortion attempt. He finally died in her arms. This experience changed Jill’s life and set her on a mission to end abortion.
On today’s episode, Jill Stanek shares her story for a new generation. If he had lived, the baby she held would be 25 years old now! Find out how this experience changed Jill’s life.
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
33m - Feb 1, 2024 - A Journey Back from Same Sex Attraction | Jessica Owens
How can you help someone struggling with same-sex attraction? How can Christians minister to the LGBTQ community and speak the truth about God’s plan for marriage?
On this episode, Jessica Owens shares her journey back from same-sex attraction. After living a lesbian lifestyle for years, she realized the truth and beauty of God’s plan for marriage. Today, by the grace of God, she doesn’t struggle with same-sex attraction anymore.
As Christians, we must help people struggling with sexual sins. But many people don’t know what to say. Find out how you can help individuals in your community who may be living (or are tempted to live) a gay or lesbian lifestyle.
Changed Movement website: CHANGED Movement
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
46m - Jan 25, 2024 - A Hard Look at Annulment Data Raises Questions About the Process
In the past 60 years, annulment rates have skyrocketed in the U.S. Meanwhile, marriage rates are down. What’s up with that? Is the marriage annulment process breaking down our understanding of the sanctity of marriage?
In today’s episode, John Clark discusses his new book “Betrayed Without a Kiss: Defending Marriage After Years of Failed Leadership in the Church.” He discusses the current crisis in America, specifically regarding the Catholic annulment process.
Listen now, as we dive into questions including: what is annulment vs. divorce? How should the Church defend the sanctity of marriage? Is the marriage annulment process the problem? Or do we need better Catholic marriage preparation?
John Clark's book: Betrayed without a Kiss: Defending Marriage after Years of Failed Leadership in the Church (tanbooks.com)
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
43m - Jan 18, 2024 - Adult Stem Cells: A Better Alternative to Embryonic Stem Cell Research
What are stem cells? What’s the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells? Which type of research is more effective?
To get embryonic stem cells, scientists must kill a days-old human. But adult stem cells can be ethically sourced from umbilical cords, bone marrow, and other cells from a human body.
Not a single person has ever been cured because of embryonic stem cells. Meanwhile, adult stem cell research has helped hundreds of patients with conditions including cancer, MS, and strokes.
On today’s podcast episode, Dr. David Prentice of the Charlotte Lozier Institute joins us to unpack the science behind stem cell research. Find out how adult stem cells can cure, while embryonic stem cells only kill.
The media focuses on embryonic stem cells. It’s critical that pro-lifers know why adult stem cell research is better!
Success Stories: Home | Stem Cell Research Facts
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
35m - Jan 11, 2024 - How Birth Control Disrupts Chemistry in Relationships | Dr. Joe Malone
What type of men do women want? How does birth control affect the science of relationships? Can the pill make you choose the wrong man?
Hormonal birth control negatively affects a woman’s mental and physical health. And it also alters chemical attraction between men and women.
Because birth control disrupts a woman’s hormonal cycle, it changes who she’s attracted to—chemically. This can cause severe relationship issues down the road. It even affects a couple’s fertility! Moreover, men tend to find naturally cycling women more attractive as well.
Hormonal birth control hurts relationships. On today’s podcast episode, Dr. Joe Malone breaks down the biological reason why this happens. Find out how birth control affects chemistry between men and women!
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 Welcome Back
01:00 Birth Control Shuts Down a Woman's Cycle
04:45 Types of Men Women are Attracted To
06:05 Problem with Altered Attraction
08:33 Best of Both Worlds
11:23 Chemistry & Fertility
15:10 Effeminate Men?
16:24 Environmental Factors
18:30 Sperm Counts Dropping
20:00 Demographic Winter Causes
23:00 IVF Problems
24:40 Types of Women Men are Attracted To
29:09 Attraction During Pregnancy
33:27 Impact on Mental Health
35:58 Birth Control Changes Women
38:40 Sex Drive Slows
40:10 Blood Clots & Cancer
Living the Culture of Life
41m - Jan 4, 2024 - Pro-life Policies Worldwide Threatened by ACP-EU Agreement
You won’t hear about the ACP-EU Agreement in the media. But you should.
If it is ratified, this international treaty will force 79 countries to legalize abortion, LGBTQ ideologies, and comprehensive sex-education for 20 years.
Moreover, the terms of the treaty (also called the Samoa Agreement) will give the European Union controlling votes at the UN. The agreement even has the potential to strangle the spread of Christianity by silencing leaders who stand up for marriage and family. The impact will be devastating.
Luckily, there's still hope. The EU doesn't have enough countries' signatures yet. It's critical that pro-lifers stand up and stop the ACP-EU agreement!
On this episode, Michelle Francis, HLI’s Mission Network Manager, tells you everything you need to know about the ACP-EU agreement. Find out what Big Abortion is trying to sneak past you!
Help stop the ACP-EU agreement! Rush a gift to warn government leaders now: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life International (hli.org)
More Information: Neo-Colonialism in African: The Samoa Agreement (hli.org)
Living the Culture of Life
27m - Dec 28, 2023 - Inside Planned Parenthood's Sex-Education: Selling Abortion to Kids
What does Planned Parenthood teach kids in schools? How does sex-education funnel kids to abortion? And why should you care?
Monica Leal Cline was trained by Planned Parenthood to be a sex-educator. On today’s episode, she shares an insider look at Planned Parenthood’s sex-ed program. Find out how sex-ed purposefully divides children from parents, encourages 9-year-olds to have sex, and pushes young girls (secretly!) towards abortion.
Monica also shares the pedophilia behind the philosophy of sex-education programs. Alfred Kinsey’s “research” of children directly affects what your kids learn in school.
Resources:
Monica’s website: https://www.ittakesafamily.org/
Help stop Big Abortion from taking over the developing world! Click here for more info: Human Life International (hli.org)
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)
Chapters:
00:00:00 Meet Monica
00:02:58 Age Brackets
00:04:46 Enabling Sexual Abuse
00:06:41 Alfred Kinsey's Worldview
00:12:43 Pedophile Philosophy in Sex-Ed Programs
00:17:02 Dividing Kids from Parents
00:25:03 FBI Grooming Steps
00:27:34 Planned Parenthood Icebreaker
00:30:55 Sex-Ed Feeds Abortion
00:36:18 Abstinence?
00:39:06 Planned Parenthood Chased Out of School
00:43:27 Sex is Beautiful!
00:45:54 Advice for Parents
00:54:45 Kids Want Help
01:00:29 Leaving Planned Parenthood
01:02:23 Hiding Human Trafficking
01:06:53 Problems with Consent
Living the Culture of Life
1h 10m - Dec 21, 2023 - Masculine Virtues in Popular "Lord of the Rings" Characters
Is Aragorn the epitome of masculinity? How do Lord of the Rings characters model masculine virtues? Why is this even important?
Right now, there’s a masculinity crisis in society. People talk about toxic masculinity. Boys don’t know how to be strong men and good fathers. Many men don’t know what positive masculinity looks like!
The breakdown of masculinity contributes to the breakdown of the family. This, in turn, leads to abortion and many other societal evils.
So, how do we model manhood for today’s world? Books and movies can be excellent models of virtue, since they form minds and imaginations. Many of J. R. R. Tolkien’s LOTR characters embody positive masculinity.
On today’s episode, we unpack the many masculine virtues in popular Lord of the Rings characters (both in the books and the movies). Find out what you can learn from Aragorn, Legolas, and the rest of the Fellowship of the Ring (plus Faramir)!
Resources:
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:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:16 LOTR Memories
00:02:25 Tolkien's Father
00:04:55: Downfall of Masculinity
00:06:34 Bad Examples in Media
00:07:32 Red Pill Men, Effeminate Men, Bumbling Dads
00:09:21 Why Lord of the Rings?
00:11:00 Aragorn | Healthy Masculinity
00:13:37 Aragorn | Surprising Masculine Traits
00:19:15 Reluctant King vs. Servant King
00:22:25 Faramir | Virtue of Following
00:32:40 Boromir | Redemption After Pride
00:42:20 Effeminate Elves?
00:47:33 Legolas & Gimli | Male Friendship
00:56:13 The Hobbits | The Everymen
01:11:28 Gandalf | Humility & Compassion
Living the Culture of Life
1h 20m - Dec 14, 2023 - Does Birth Control Affect Health? An Honest Look by a Women's Health Practitioner
How does birth control affect fertility? Why do I have weight gain from birth control pill? What are the birth control pill side effects?
There's a reason women ask these questions. Right now, millions of women are one some form of hormonal birth control, such as the mini-pill or IUD. But many don’t realize that birth control comes with a host of health risks.
Many teen girls are placed on the birth control pill to “fix” heavy bleeding or menstrual issues. But birth control doesn’t heal the underlying issue. Often, it masks fertility issues, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
On today’s episode, Dr. Jessica Whelan, a woman’s health expert, unpacks the side-effects of hormonal birth control. A woman’s natural cycles positively impact her health and fertility. But the synthetic hormones found in birth control damage health.
Dr. Whelan also shares her experience helping women heal hormonal imbalances and detox from birth control.
Listen to today’s episode to find out why birth control harms (instead of helps) women’s health!
Dr. Whelan’s website: https://drwhelan.com/
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)
More Information: The Dozens of Negative Effects of Hormonal Birth Control (hli.org)
Living the Culture of Life
35m - Dec 7, 2023