Living a Culture of Life Podcast | Human Life International

During medical school, Dr. John Bruchalski learned how to perform abortions. After an incredible conversion, he turned to life-affirming medicine. He is now a pro-life OB/GYN. On this podcast Dr. Bruchalski talks about his conversion and discusses why abortion is never necessary to save a mother’s life. Dr. Bruchalski founded Tepeyac OB/GYN in Fairfax, Virginia, which provides care for women from all walks of life, as well as Divine Mercy Care, which raises funds for Tepeyac and inspires pro-life medical students. Dr. Bruchalski’s book “Two Patients”: https://twopatients.com/ HLI Resources article: https://www.hli.org/resources/abortion-to-save-life-of-mother/ NCBC Guidance: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/6303d466a8e665346d8a0069/1661195367913/E%26MAugust22%28correx%29FINAL.pdf Living the Culture of Life

Why are so many young women getting breast cancer? That’s what Dr. Angela Lanfranchi wondered in the 1990s. This question led to her to research the connection between breast cancer, the birth control pill, and abortion. On this episode, Dr. Lanfranchi explains why abortion and premature birth increase risk of breast cancer. She also explains why hormonal contraception increases risk of breast cancer. The younger the girl, the more dangerous the pill is.

Who should teach kids about sex? In today’s society, children begin taking sex-ed classes as early as 5th grade. But is this a good thing? Most sex-education programs in the school system are supported by Planned Parenthood. While these classes do teach the biology of procreation, they also promote casual sex, contraception, and the LGBTQ agendas. Promiscuous sex and birth control inevitably lead to abortion. So, what should parents do? In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet explains why parents must reclaim their role in sex-ed. This is an important part of a child’s education. Fr. Boquet also offers advice for parents and explains what’s at stake in America with the current sex-ed situation. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2023/05/unnatural-sex-education-its-deadly-consequences/ Free e-book! Get your copy of "How Contraception Built the Abortion Culture" here: https://www.hli.org/offers/discover-why-contraception-always-leads-to-abortion/ Content: 00:00 Intro 00:42 Foot in the door 02:19 Organizations pushing sex-ed 04:13 Sex-ed won't lower pregnancy rates 05:36 Funnel to abortion 07:10 How you think is how you act 09:12 What's at stake? 12:21 Sex-ed & family life 15:50 Should schools teach sex-ed? 17:13 Duty to educate kids 18:26 Biology & a gift from God 20:21 When should parents tell kids about sex? 21:32 Preserve innocence in a sex-saturated culture 23:24 Talk to your kids! 25:07 Beauty in a perverted culture 29:14 Quote: we can't live without sex! 31:28 Will, intellect, and sexuality 34:36 Parents must open their eyes 35:45 Ways to get involved

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. Monica’s website: https://www.ittakesafamily.org/ Help stop Big Abortion from taking over the developing world! Click here for more info: https://www.hli.org/ Free e-book! Get your copy of "Why We Don't Need Abortion (even for the hard cases)" here: https://www.hli.org/offers/ebook-why-we-dont-need-abortion/ CONTENTS 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

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 contraception 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 contraception 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: https://www.hli.org/offers/discover-why-contraception-always-leads-to-abortion/ More info on the effects of birth control: https://www.hli.org/resources/negative-effects-of-the-pill/

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. Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ CONTENTS: 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 Decision? 00:32:43 Contraception? 00:34:05 Porn & Netflix 00:36:41 Bad Marriage Prep 00:40:12 Fr. Duesterhaus' Pre-Cana Program 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

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! Check out Amanda's work: https://www.dyingtomeetyou.com/ Christine’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0mIi1rLHMw CONTENTS 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!

A recent lawsuit filed against Pornhub and Visa by Serena Fleites reveals one disturbing side of the porn industry. Fr. Boquet discusses this lawsuit and offers advice on how to confront these alarming trends in entertainment. Spirit and Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/08/lawsuit-sheds-light-on-dehumanizing-porn-industry/

In recent public comments, Pope Francis lamented the “demographic winter” we are experiencing with record-low birth rates in many countries, instead encouraging “generational sustainability” by courageous giving of life. Father Shenan Boquet explains the significance of the Pope’s promotion of marriage and the gift of life in the context of God’s plan for the human family and the wonderfully fruitful unity of man and woman. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/05/creatively-healing-the-demographic-winter/ Previous articles by Fr Boquet: - Birth Rates Are Plummeting in China and the US: https://www.hli.org/2021/06/birth-rates-are-plummeting-in-china-and-the-u-s/ - The Cure for "Jaw-Dropping" Population Decline: https://www.hli.org/2020/08/population-decline/ Population control resources: - Population control resource collection: https://www.hli.org/population-control-facts/#population-control - The Intrinsic Racism of the Population Control Movement: https://www.hli.org/resources/the-intrinsic-racism-of-the-population-control-movement/ - Exposing the Global Population Control Agenda: https://www.hli.org/resources/exposing-the-global-population-control/ - National Security Study Memorandum 200, Blueprint for World Depopulation: https://www.hli.org/resources/nssm-200/

Dr. Joseph Meaney, from the National Catholic Bioethics Center, discusses the many different types of questions asked on the NCBC’s hotline. From end-of-life care, to Church teaching on frozen embryos, to the morality of cremation, this episode is full of Catholics answers to common (and uncommon!) ethical questions. Chapters: End-of-life care: 2:26 Vaccines and medications: 12:49 IVF and frozen embryos: 17:03 Cremation: 29:24 NCBC website: https://www.ncbcenter.org/ NCBC ethics hotline: https://www.ncbcenter.org/ask-a-question

All too often, pro-lifers focus all their energy on getting rid of abortion. But as long as contraception is used and accepted, abortion won’t go away. Birth control leads directly to abortion. Why is this? On this episode, Fr. Boquet discusses why contraception and abortion are inherently intertwined. E-book link: https://www.hli.org/offers/discover-why-contraception-always-leads-to-abortion/

Which products were developed using aborted fetal cells? Is fetal cell research unavoidable? What can you do about it? Jose Trasancos from Children of God for Life joins us to discuss the deadly history of fetal cell research. Many products—from medications & vaccines to cosmetics & food additives—have been developed using aborted fetuses. To make things more confusing, some people (wrongly) claim that ALL modern medicine is affected. But there is hope! Jose offers a practical solution to this current issue. You can help change consumer behavior and end the practice of fetal cell research. Find out everything you need to know about aborted fetal cell research by watching today’s episode. Free e-book! Download your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ Children of God for Life's website: https://cogforlife.org/ List of abortion-tainted vaccines: https://cogforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/Abortion-Tainted-Vaccines.pdf Short list of U.S. aborted fetal products: https://cogforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/fetalproductsall.pdf CONTENTS: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:27 Meet Jose Trasancos 00:03:35 What does Children of God for Life do? 00:06:32 Academic research 00:08:45 Polio vaccine 00:13:46 Rubella vaccine 00:15:14 Cell lines vs. cell strains 00:20:34 HEK-293 00:24:33 What's the point? (scientifically) 00:26:22 Problematic medications 00:27:50 Avoiding unethical vaccines 00:29:47 Pro-life misinformation 00:34:47 Aspirin? 00:36:10 Tums? 00:39:25 Good products & bad actions 00:40:59 Research & preclinical testing 00:43:47 'But For' test 00:45:07 Food additives 00:50:17 PepsiCo boycott 00:54:52 Nestle neo-natal infant formula 00:57:10 Human Cell Atlas 01:00:25 What about cosmetics? 01:04:50 Ethical alternatives? 01:07:30 How to stop fetal cell research 01:13:13 Practice vs. product

Will over-the-counter birth control decrease abortions? Michael New joins us to unpack data comparing abortion rates, unplanned pregnancies, and contraceptive use. He also responds to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s statement that Opill, a new non-prescription hormonal birth control pill, may reduce unwanted pregnancies. Find out why contraception won’t fix abortion! Free e-book! Get your copy of "How Contraception Built the Abortion Culture" here: https://www.hli.org/offers/discover-why-contraception-always-leads-to-abortion/ Michael New’s Twitter handle: @Michael_J_New New’s article in National Review: https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/no-over-the-counter-birth-control-will-not-lower-abortion-rates/ Tiana Rowe Doescher’s response in Washington Examiner: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/yes-over-the-counter-birth-control-will-reduce-abortion-rates New’s Response in National Review: https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/again-over-the-counter-contraception-will-not-reduce-abortion-rates/ More info on birth control's societal effects: https://www.hli.org/2023/07/birth-control-and-its-destructive-societal-effects/ CONTENTS: 00:00 Intro 01:34 High failure rate 02:47 Cost and availability 03:49 Dangers of over-the-counter birth control 05:33 Why is the abortion rate down? 06:44 Opill may increase teen pregnancies 07:55 Why men walk away 09:58 Emergency contraception 11:13 Unintended pregnancy rates 12:55 Pro-life efforts 16:32 Need a chaste culture! 17:50 Teenage sexual activity 20:48 Birth control and abortion increase together

Is AI the future of healthcare? Can robots give companionship? As artificial intelligence use increases, these questions will become more and more important. It’s critical that we recognize the limits (and dangers!) of AI use in the medical field. Otherwise, we’ll end up in a dystopian world with no human compassion. On this episode, Jim Towey explains why AI can never provide true healthcare. The heart of healthcare is the doctor-patient relationship. A robot does not respect human dignity. People need people. Mother Teresa is an excellent example of true service for others. As one of her trusted friends, Jim Towey offers a unique insight into her compassion for those she assisted. Get Jim Towey’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Be-Loved-Personal-Portrait/dp/1982195622/ Free e-book! Get your copy of "Why We Don't Need Abortion (even for the hard cases)" here: https://www.hli.org/offers/ebook-why-we-dont-need-abortion/ CONTENTS: 00:00 Meet Jim Towey 01:16 Is AI dehumanizing healthcare? 03:16 Robots imitate humans 04:51 Who's raising alarms? 06:50 AI & social media 08:30 AI & assisted suicide 12:02 Will guardrails work? 14:00 Eroding human dignity 16:40 Mother Teresa & deepest human need 18:15 Biased info 19:10 Deepfakes 20:23 Mother Teresa & true compassion 22:00 Sophisticated fraud 23:03 Alexa, Siri, etc. 26:43 Mother Teresa stories 28:48 God's light illuminates us 29:41 Telemedicine: no heart in this 31:33 Book info!

The effects of Canada’s liberal euthanasia laws show clearly, as veterans are offered death as a solution to PTSD and hospitals coerce their patients to choose euthanasia. Fr. Boquet addresses these issues and offers advice about fostering a community that cares for the sick and disabled. In such a community, euthanasia is unthinkable. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2022/08/canada-set-to-liberalize-euthanasia-law/ Roger Foley case: https://nationalpost.com/news/experts-see-canadas-euthanasia-laws-as-threat-to-disabled Canadian veteran case: https://globalnews.ca/news/9061709/veteran-medical-assisted-death-canada/ Living the Culture of Life

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: https://www.hli.org/offers/discover-why-contraception-always-leads-to-abortion/ CONTENTS: 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 Issues 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

Is love chemistry? How do couples bond physically? And why does casual sex biologically harm relationships? Dr. Joe Malone is a Sexual Integrity Scientist. While studying the biological and chemical bonding process of men and women, he discovered that dating chastely lays the groundwork for love! When men and women hook up, the natural, biological bonding process is disrupted. Find out how men and women really fall in love by listening to today’s podcast episode. Dr. Joe Malone’s expertise addresses common questions about romantic relationships, including: How do men fall in love with women? How do women fall in love with men? Why is hookup culture toxic? Is hookup culture destroying society? Why is sex before marriage bad for relationships? How does hookup culture hurt women? Will casual sex harm my relationship? How does porn affect bonding? FREE e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ Dr. Malone's Resources: 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/ CONTENTS: 00:00:00 What is a Sexual Integrity Scientist? 00:04:08 Sexual Wellness & Integrity 00:06:29 Science Supports Catholic Teaching 00:10:53 Pair Bonding Throughout History 00:13:53 Chimpanzees Designed to be Polygamous 00:16:12 Humans Designed to be Monogamous 00:19:32 How Men Fall in Love 00:26:14 Casual Sex Hurts Relationships 00:29:00 Factors Affecting Relationship Length 00:30:53 Male Testosterone Drops 00:33:27 How Long It Takes for Men to Bond 00:34:34 How Porn Affects Men 00:38:18 How Porn Affects Women 00:39:36 Sex After Marriage 00:44:10 What is Romantic Chemistry? 00:48:13 Lap Dancer Study 00:51:12 Male T-Shirt Study 00:53:10 Kissing Chemistry 00:55:00 Cryptic Rejection 00:55:55 Health Benefits of Ditching Condoms 00:58:19 Feminism Hurt Women 01:04:29 High Standards in a Promiscuous Society? 01:07:00 Smart Men Don't Hookup 01:11:40 Casual Sex Hurts Men Too

Why are contraception and in vitro fertilization the same sin? Isn’t contraception anti-baby? And IVF is pro-baby? In today’s podcast episode, Fr. Boquet unpacks the relationship between contraception and IVF. Separating sex from babies always opposes God’s plan for sexuality. Surprisingly, in vitro fertilization and birth control are related on a very practical level too. Find out more by watching this episode today! FREE e-book: Surprise! Birth control and abortion are related too. Find out more by downloading your copy of "How Contraception Built the Abortion Culture" here: https://www.hli.org/offers/discover-why-contraception-always-leads-to-abortion/

How can you teach teens about chastity and healthy relationships? And how can you inspire young people to embrace God’s plan for marriage? Ever since the Sexual Revolution, healthy relationships seem rare. Kids grow up thinking divorce is normal. Movies and TV shows push casual sex and contraception on teens. And today, the LGBTQ agenda further distorts society’s view of marriage. Without seeing healthy relationships modeled, kids risk a cynical view of God’s plan for sexuality. They might believe that chastity and marriage are burdens, rather than blessings. But there is hope! Onalee McGraw has a unique solution to this problem. She uses classic movies to inspire teens and young people to live virtuously. On today’s podcast, Onalee explains how classic films can model healthy relationships. Listen now, to find out why these movies reveal the beauty of chastity. It Happened One Night | 1934 Roman Holiday | 1953 It’s A Wonderful Life | 1946 Love With the Proper Stranger | 1963 Educational Guidance Institute: https://educationalguidanceinstitute.com/home Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ Contents: 00:00:00 Timeless films model morality 00:03:00 Guiding audience towards truth 00:04:28 What are classic films? 00:05:58 What motivated this project? 00:07:55 The ABCs of classic movies 00:12:05 Kids in detention homes 00:15:47 How do teens react? 00:20:31 Why studios used the Production Code 00:29:08 What did the Code prohibit? 00:33:29 Everyone longs for committed relationships 00:35:26 It Happened One Night | 1934 00:47:00 Roman Holiday | 1953 01:00:48 It's A Wonderful Life | 1946 01:07:14 Love with the Proper Stranger | 1963 01:21:18 Uniqueness of classic films

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! Stories of Cures: https://stemcellresearchfacts.org/ Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/

Did you hear about Uganda’s new law prohibiting homosexual actions? It’s one of the most extreme anti-gay laws in the world. For certain cases, such as rape, pedophilia, and knowingly spreading HIV, individuals can face the death penalty. The law also prohibits grooming children. International leaders, World Bank, and mainstream media have all condemned the legislation. But what’s left out of the story? What caused Uganda to pass this extreme anti-LGBT law? Lou Massett, our Chief Missions Officer, joins us to discuss Uganda’s anti-LGBT law. We unpack the crimes motivating this legislation, using information from our affiliate in Uganda. Find out what mainstream media won’t tell you about Uganda’s new law. Listen to this episode today! **This video is not an endorsement of Uganda’s law. HLI does not advocate for the death penalty.** Join HLI's mission today: https://www.hli.org/giving/ Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/

Does abstinence-based sex-ed work? Planned Parenthood says no. But Malawian schoolkids say “YES!” HLI visits schools in Malawi, encouraging schoolkids to live chastely and quit contraception. When Planned Parenthood tried to teach the same students about unchaste sexual education, the kids chased away IPPF. Then they burned the condoms and hormonal birth control! Michelle Francis, our Mission Network Manager, joins us today to talk about this story. She discusses the challenges and victories of pro-life work in Malawi, as well as the threat from IPPF. Michelle also shares other great stories from Fr. Zikomankhani. Check out today's episode to find out how impactful chastity education is! Send chastity education to other kids in Malawi: https://www.hli.org/giving/ Free e-book! Get your copy of "How Contraception Built the Abortion Culture" here: https://www.hli.org/offers/discover-why-contraception-always-leads-to-abortion/

On this episode, Bruce and Jeannie Hannemann share the story of their relationship, the effects of porn on their marriage, and how they found a program that offers true healing. They also discuss the addictive power of porn and how it relates to other life issues such as contraception, family life, and human dignity. Jeannie and Bruce Hannemann are the founders of Elizabeth Ministries International, which offers hope, help and healing on issues related to relationships, sexuality, and childbearing. https://www.elizabethministry.org/ Jeannie also founded NAVIGATE Betrayal, which is an online learning management program for women made by women who understand the pain of infidelity. https://www.navigatebetrayal.com/ Bruce directs RECLAIM Sexual Health, which is a state of the art, online recovery program for individuals struggling with pornography and other unhealthy sexual behaviors. https://www.reclaimsexualhealth.com/ Spirit and Life article, Pornography Addiction and Its Consequences: https://www.hli.org/2022/12/pornography-addiction-and-its-consequences/

What does it mean to be masculine? How can men be better husbands and fathers? Why do kids need their dads? Dr. Pat Fagan sits down with us to unpack the role of men in family life. In this two-part series, he discusses why sons and daughters need to play with their dad, the current masculinity crisis, and why marriage is fundamental to family life. Dr. Fagan also gives relationship advice to men who hope to be great husbands and fathers. Fatherhood is essential to society. Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ CONTENTS: 00:00 Intro 00:58 Ended up at fatherhood 03:38 Worship is important! 06:00 Father transmits religion 09:20 You need dad for existence 10:21 Neglect your kids?! 13:06 Date night 14:16 Best pre-Cana 15:04 Dads, kids, & development 17:40 Different than mom? 19:02 Struggles of single mom 20:06 Ages 0-6 22:39 Helping sons become men 25:35 Secret conversations of women 27:19 Right to marriage of biological parents 28:53 Boys dropping behind girls. Why? 30:09 Dads and daughters

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 healthy, 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)! Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ CONTENTS 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