Living a Culture of Life Podcast | Human Life International

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 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: 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/

Should Catholics donate organs? Isn’t it a heroic life-giving service? Not so fast. While organ donation can be a good thing, it’s often abused. In today’s society, it might be imprudent. On this episode, Michael Vacca from the Christ Medicus Association joins us to talk about ethical questions about organ donation, including: brain death, live donors vs dead donors, organ donation and driver’s licenses, and using Advanced Medical Directives. HLI resource article: https://www.hli.org/resources/can-catholics-donate-organs/

As a baby, Melissa Ohden survived a saline infusion abortion. Today, she’s uniting abortion survivors all around the world through the Abortion Survivors Network. Melissa joins us today to share her experience surviving abortion, growing up adopted, and reuniting with her biological family. She also shares surprising stories from other survivors. Find out about stopped abortions, biological trauma, and how abortion impacts the second generation of survivors. The Abortion Survivors Network: YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theabortionsurvivorsnetwork Website: https://abortionsurvivors.org/ Interested in more abortion survivor stories? Check out this episode with Robin Sertell: https://youtu.be/cK_DZ93XZ5o Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ Contents: 00:00 Meet Melissa Ohden 02:20 Forced abortion 04:17 What is a saline infusion abortion? 05:11 Mom almost died 05:57 Some babies survive multiple abortion attempts 07:07 Chemical abortion story 08:54 Adoption after abortion attempt 11:17 Finding out 12:23 Sharing stories matters 15:35 What does your organization do? 17:59 Founding Abortion Survivors Network 19:48 Exciting news! 21:19 Around the world 22:38 Abortion vs. miscarriage 23:33 Meeting birthmother for 1st time 26:55 Did my baby survive? 28:56 What is a stopped abortion? 30:32 Lauren's story 33:05 Kids of survivors 34:10 Generational trauma? 37:13 Shocking stats!

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! Fellowship for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: https://www.wordonfire.org/fellowship-for-persons-with-intellectual-developmental-disabilities/

Should men have a say in abortion? And why should pro-lifers care about pornography? Jacob Tonglet from Men for Life joins us today to discuss men’s essential role in defending life. Abortion isn’t just a woman’s issue. It’s a human rights issue. Women need men to step up and defend all human life. Jacob also helps unpack the ties between pornography and abortion. If men want to stand up for human dignity, they must quit porn. Men for Life's website: https://www.menforlife.org/ Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ Contents: 00:00 What is Men for Life? 01:20 Women's rights or human rights? 03:13 Pushback? 05:30 Testimonies 09:20 Active role 12:09 Pornography & abortion 13:01 Psychology of men 15:05 Problem of recreational sex 16:35 Business vs. love 18:05 Human trafficking 21:31 Abortion contracts 22:37 Live Action videos 25:00 Planned Parenthood fails women 27:16 Push to normalize porn 31:16 Abortion is not support 34:45 Men seeking help?

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: https://changedmovement.com/

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. 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. Has NSSM-200 contributed to the current demographic winter? Find out more by watching now! NSSM-200 Resource: https://www.hli.org/resources/nssm-200/ NSSM-200 Text: https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PCAAB500.pdf

In response to Florida’s recently signed Parental Rights in Education Act, an unlikely opponent has arisen: Disney. Father Shenan Boquet explains how recently leaked Zoom call of Disney executives shows an unabashed leftist agenda that seeks to subvert children’s ideas of sexuality and gender. He warns parents of the danger and how to avoid it. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/04/disney-all-in-on-lgbt-propaganda/

Do kids experience trauma when their siblings die from abortion? How does abortion affect adult siblings? Often, abortion is seen as a private choice. But this isn’t true. Abortion impacts everyone. Sometimes, pro-lifers discuss abortion’s psychological effect on moms. Even fewer talk about how abortion impacts dads. But how does abortion affect siblings? On this episode, Krista Corbello joins us to talk about abortion’s impact on surviving siblings. She shares her story of discovering her sibling died from abortion. And she discusses her ministry, Even This Way, which helps other siblings deal with generational trauma and survivor’s guilt. Listen to today’s episode to find out how abortion impacts everyone in a family (whether they know about the abortion or not). Abortion’s impact on women: https://youtu.be/lJjdabAi1GQ Abortion’s impact on men: https://youtu.be/N8WTibNk9NA Even This Way: https://www.eventhisway.org/ Panel discussion with Krista Corbello’s research and other sibling testimonies: https://www.eventhisway.org/events “I’ll Love You,” Krista’s original song, which she played at her aborted sibling’s memorial service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPtYuIgOWdw Create Encounter by Rehumanize International: https://www.rehumanizeintl.org/create-encounter Krista’s Story (a mini-documentary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8wjx8-dtE4 CONTENTS: 00:00 Meet Krista Corbello 02:30 Abortion vs. Miscarriage 6:00 Survivors Guilt & Generational Trauma 10:53 Haunted, Bound, or Resurrected Child 12:44 Not a Private Choice 13:48 Stats? 15:36 Are People Talking About This? 18:20 Pro-Choice Siblings?? 20:28 Was Finding Out Healing? 24:32 Retreats? 27:31 Advice for Siblings 32:01 Advice for Telling Kids 35:25 Why Beauty Matters 41:30 Emotion and Logic

In part two of our series on contraception, Father Shenan Boquet shifts the conversation to Catholics who don’t agree with the Church’s perennial teaching. Some disagree knowingly, while many are simply ignorant or confused. In a contraception-soaked culture, Father Boquet shows how only the Catholic teaching can preserve marriages and lead to fruitful, happy, and holy marital love. Part One: https://rumble.com/v12tew4-how-to-talk-about-contraception-with-contracepting-christians.html Humanae Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html

In the weeks leading up to the release of the Supreme Court’s decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, various pro-abortion groups have been using inflammatory rhetoric, making threats, and in some cases committing vandalism, arson, and other violations of Catholic and pro-life property. Father Shenan Boquet discusses why the pro-abortion side feels it must respond this way and how to persevere in the face of frightening opposition. NOTE: this episode was filmed before the release of Dobbs. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/06/be-courageous-in-the-face-of-violence/ Previous episodes on the Dobbs leak: -What You Should Expect after the Leaked SCOTUS Abortion Ruling: https://rumble.com/v15az7e-what-you-should-expect-after-the-leaked-scotus-abortion-ruling.html - How to Promote Life if Roe v. Wade Gets Overruled: https://rumble.com/v16bjsf-how-to-promote-life-if-roe-v.-wade-gets-overruled.html

How can you help your kids avoid porn? That’s what Lynn Griesemer wanted to know. There’s lots of information about pornography addiction and recovery. But how can we decrease the demand in the first place? On this episode, Lynn discusses her book, "Porn Free: How to Decrease the Demand for Pornography,” which offers practical advice for people looking to help their families avoid pornography. By cultivating a healthy relationship with your children, and by fostering certain virtues, you can prepare your children to say NO to pornography. Lynn’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Porn-Free-Decrease-Demand-Pornography/dp/0966106687/

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: https://tanbooks.com/products/betrayed-without-a-kiss-defending-marriage-after-years-of-failed-leadership-in-the-church/?cjevent=f5131070686d11ee83b2000a0a82b839 Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/

Abortionist Kermit Gosnell killed children in Philadelphia for decades. Now, he is serving three lifetime sentences in jail. So, why does his story still matter? Fr. Boquet discusses Gosnell and reveals why his story is still extremely relevant. Spirit and Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/09/americas-most-prolific-serial-killer-on-air/ Gosnell podcast by Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/serial-killer-a-true-crime-podcast/id1628964677?i=1000567486914 HLI article on Gosnell: https://www.hli.org/resources/kermit-gosnell/ Gosnell movie (and book): http://gosnellmovie.com/

Robin Sertell’s mother tried three times to abort her. Thankfully, Robin survived. On this episode, Robin shares her story of growing up as an abortion survivor. Abortion Survivors Network: https://abortionsurvivors.org/

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. Read Dignitas infinita: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20240402_dignitas-infinita_en.html Fr. Boquet's Spirit and Life column: https://www.hli.org/2024/04/pope-francis-transgender-comments-catholicism/ Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/

A family law case went downhill when a father pushed back against his ex-wife's decision to medically "transition" their son to female. Father Shenan Boquet challenges the transgender narrative using theme's from Abigail Shrier's book, Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing our Daughters. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/02/a-fathers-plea-for-his-sons-health/

In this exciting episode, Wendy Burpee talks about her experience having three abortions at Planned Parenthood, her reversion back to Christianity, and what it’s like to run a pro-life pregnancy center. She also discusses the services that pregnancy centers offer and some practical tips for helping women who are considering abortion. Wendy’s website: https://wendy4life.org/ Wendy’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7X2NX22/ Miracle of Life video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APkV40vUhWs

Why does birth control lead to gay marriage? Why did no-fault divorce lead to pedophilia? On this episode, Dr. Jennifer Morse of the Ruth Institute discusses the 3 big ideas of the 1960s Sexual Revolution: divorce, contraception, and gender ideology. These 3 ideas are the foundation for many of today’s cultural crises involving marriage, abortion, and transgender/LGBTQ issues. If you can respond to these 3 ideas, you can address many problems in America’s current society.

Why are so many people treating pets like children? And how is it related to our current demographic winter? On this episode, Fr. Boquet explains why the “dog-mom” culture is a symptom of today’s population crisis. When young people are afraid to have children, they often bestow their natural affections on animals. Meanwhile, the birth rate drops. So, how can we encourage young people to welcome children? What’s at the heart of their fears? Fr. Boquet offers advice on different ways pro-lifers can encourage couples to be open to life. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2023/05/pope-francis-on-nfp-and-birth-rates/ Pope Francis's Comments: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/may/documents/20230512-statigenerali-natalita.html Plutarch's Lives: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/14033/pg14033-images.html CONTENTS: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Growing up with pets 02:25 Pope Francis story 03:19 Underlying spiritual problem 05:30 Hope is not an illusion 06:30 Ancient problem 7:45 Population fears 09:25 We need community! 12:17 Natural desires 13:43 We want to love 14:57 Family life takes courage! 17:32 How can we encourage young people? 18:31 The beauty of marriage 20:17 Need to model family life 22:37 Provide support 25:57 Smile & say thank you 28:11 Joy! 29:39 Don't be afraid! 32:29 Misplaced compassion 34:16 Animals can't replace humans 36:32 Pray for our families

Population decline is creating problems all around the world. If low birth rates continue, these trends will get worse. But you shouldn’t focus on the negative. In this episode, Fr. Boquet discusses why we need to be careful discussing the demographic winter. Too much pessimism will just make the problem worse. It’s important to focus on hope! Life is beautiful and worth living, even in times of struggle. Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: https://www.hli.org/offers/cosmetics-e-book/ CONTENTS: 00:00 What's a demographic winter? 02:23 Why are there low birth rates? 03:15 Impact of population decline 05:27 Lack of hope 06:55 Death spiral 08:10 Don't focus on... 10:04 This won't change overnight 11:33 Doom & gloom 14:00 Motivation? 15:55 Engage the situation 18:03 Beauty of life 19:56 International situation 21:01 Mission story 24:38 Problem of poverty 25:57 How can I serve today? 29:37 Signs of hope! 33:52 Need community!

Why do abortion workers quit? How does the abortion industry really treat women? Which pro-life strategies are really effective? On this episode, Kelly Lester, from And Then There Were None, reveals the motivations of employees at abortion clinics. A former receptionist at an abortion clinic, Kelly discusses manipulation tactics her clinic used to convince women to get abortions. This episode covers many topics including: protesting outside abortion clinics, the power of prayer, how clinics got around parental consent laws, and how pro-lifers can help abortion employees leave the industry and find healing. In order to effectively reach women, it’s critical that pro-lifers understand pro-abortion mindset. Find out more by listening to today's episode! And Then There Were None website: https://abbyj.com/and-then-there-were-none/ Free e-book! Find out why abortion is NEVER the answer. 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 Kelly Lester 02:44 Working at an Abortion Clinic 04:45 Power of Prayer 06:15 Finding Healing 07:27 Avoiding Parental Consent 08:44 Why Abortion Workers Quit 11:00 Mindset of Employees 13:13 Why Clinics Manipulate Women 15:08 Underlying Motivation? 16:49 Protesting: Helpful or Not? 17:58 Prayer: Helpful or Not? 20:39 Why Women Get Abortions 21:43 Why Women Need Advocates 24:00 No Men Allowed 25:33 Financial Struggles 27:26 How Pro-Lifers Can Help Workers Get Out

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: https://www.hli.org/giving/ Father's Spirit and Life article: https://www.hli.org/2024/01/francis-surrogacy-ban/ Resource Article on IVF and Ethical Guidelines for Infertility: https://www.hli.org/resources/invitro-fertilization-ethics/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=in-vitro-fertilization-ethics&utm_content=&utm_campaign=resources&utm_source_platform=&utm_creative_format=&utm_marketing_tactic= CONTENTS: 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 the Child's Rights? 21:03 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 Comments 45:28 Need for Bioethical Education

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

Pro-life leader Mark Houck’s recent arrest by the FBI is a shocking example of the double standard currently enacted by the federal government. While attacks on pregnancy centers and churches are ignored, government agencies seek to silence and suppress pro-lifers. So, how should pro-lifers react? In this episode, Father Boquet discusses Mark Houck’s arrest and offers advice about the best methods for protecting yourself from these situations. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2022/10/a-political-persecution-of-pro-lifers/