Living a Culture of Life

Human Life International
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Philosophy
  • Updated Weekly

Struggling to navigate today’s culture as a pro-life Christian or Catholic? Living a Culture of Life, the official podcast of Human Life International, equips you with truth, clarity, and practical guidance to defend life, strengthen your family, and live your faith boldly. New episodes every Thursday tackle today’s most urgent life issues—from abortion, the abortion pill, IVF, contraception, and euthanasia, to gender ideology, same-sex attraction, pornography, and the global depopulation agenda. On this podcast, you’ll find: Expert analysis from pro-life leaders, doctors, bioethicists, and Catholic thinkersFirsthand stories from abortion survivors, former Planned Parenthood employees, detransitioners, and those seeking healingCatholic teaching on marriage, sexuality, Natural Family Planning (NFP), and family lifeBreaking pro-life news, public policy updates, and global cultural trendsPractical tips for pro-life activism, Catholic parenting, dating, and building a Culture of Life in your community Whether you're looking for answers about abortion, Catholic bioethics, contraception, IVF, or how to respond to modern cultural challenges, this podcast will help you think clearly, speak confidently, and act courageously. Subscribe now to stay informed on pro-life news, Catholic teaching, and life issues impacting families worldwide. Follow us for more pro-life content: Instagram: Instagram: @cultureoflife_podcast X (Twitter): @cultureoflife_p Join the movement. Live the Culture of Life.

  1. 2d ago

    Conceived in Rape: Finding Healing and Identity in Christ: Anne Farrens’ Story

    What does it mean to find your identity in Christ after trauma, abortion, and years of believing you are unworthy of love? In this episode of Living a Culture of Life, Anne Farrens shares her personal story of being conceived in rape, her own experience with abortion, and the healing she has found through Jesus Christ. Anne grew up in a loving Catholic family, but at age 12, she learned the circumstances of her conception. Struggling with shame, fear, and questions about her identity, she spent years trying to bury her pain. As a teenager, she also had an abortion, an experience whose grief and healing would remain part of her life for decades. In this candid conversation, Anne shares how destructive patterns, a search for success, and the desire to prove her worth eventually gave way to a deeper encounter with God. She discusses the importance of prayer, the compassion she received in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the ongoing journey of healing after abortion. Anne also explains how sharing her story has opened the door to pro-life advocacy and helped her connect with other people conceived in rape. Her testimony offers a powerful reminder that the circumstances of conception do not determine a person's dignity, and that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and forgiveness. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up Catholic and discovering the truth about her conceptionThe dignity of every human life, including children conceived in rapeAnne's experience with abortion at age 17Abortion recovery, grief, forgiveness, and God's mercyFinding identity and worth in Jesus ChristThe power of parents' prayers and family reconciliationSharing personal testimony through pro-life advocacyHow parents can approach difficult family conversations with honesty, prayer, and compassionWhether you are seeking healing after abortion, supporting someone affected by abortion, or looking for a deeper understanding of the dignity of human life, Anne's story offers an honest witness to suffering, redemption, and hope. RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn more about Anne Farrens: Anne Farrens | Pro-Life Speaker Conceived in RapeHLI's ebook, Why We Don't Need Abortion for the Hard Cases: Ever Have Trouble Explaining Why Abortion is NEVER Needed?Learn more about Human Life International: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global.Subscribe to Living a Culture of Life for conversations about the Catholic faith, the dignity of every human life, marriage, family, and the pro-life movement.

    Conceived in Rape: Finding Healing and Identity in Christ: Anne Farrens’ Story

  2. Oct 15

    Pope Leo Challenges Euthanasia in France: What He Said

    Pope Leo on euthanasia, assisted suicide, and the dignity of every human life. In his visit to France, the Holy Father challenged the growing acceptance of euthanasia and called on world leaders to protect human life at every stage. But what happens when assisted suicide is legalized—and what does genuine compassion for the sick and dying look like? In this episode of Living a Culture of Life, Fr. Shenan Boquet joins host Colleen Maxwell to discuss Pope Leo's powerful defense of human dignity, the dangers of euthanasia laws, and the Catholic Church's teaching on end-of-life care. In this episode, you'll discover: Pope Leo's message in France: Why the Holy Father challenged the legalization of euthanasia and called on leaders to welcome and protect human life unconditionally.The danger of assisted suicide: What the case of Brigitte Stegemann in Canada reveals about the risks facing vulnerable patients and the limits of legal safeguards.The truth about human dignity: Why illness, suffering, disability, and dependence never diminish a person's worth.What real compassion looks like: Why the answer to suffering is loving care and accompaniment—not intentionally causing death.The problem with false compassion: How euthanasia can be presented as a merciful choice while society increasingly treats vulnerable people as burdens.Why laws matter: How legalizing practices that violate human dignity can shape society's moral understanding of right and wrong.A call to defend life: Why Catholics must stand up for the dignity of every human person, from conception through natural death.Fr. Shenan and Colleen also discuss Pope Leo's encounter with altar servers with Down syndrome, the importance of welcoming people with disabilities, and signs of hope for the Catholic faith in France and among young adults. The Holy Father's message is clear: You are not a burden. Human dignity does not depend on health, independence, or perceived quality of life. Every person deserves loving care and respect. 📖 Get our free Catholic guide to ethical end-of-life care: End of Life Decisions 🌎 Learn more about Human Life International: Human Life International | About Us ❤️ Support the global pro-life mission: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life International Subscribe to Living a Culture of Life for Catholic perspectives on abortion, euthanasia, marriage, family, bioethics, and the challenges facing the culture of life. Living a Culture of Life is a podcast by Human Life International. #PopeLeo #Euthanasia #AssistedSuicide #HumanDignity #CatholicPodcast

    Pope Leo Challenges Euthanasia in France: What He Said

  3. Oct 8

    Can Catholics Get Religious Exemptions for Abortion-Tainted Vaccines? | Yvonne Bontkowski

    The Vatican did not say Catholics MUST take vaccines made with aborted fetal cells. Here's what the Church actually teaches about conscience, religious exemptions, and your duty to fight for ethical alternatives. In this Living a Culture of Life episode, Colleen Maxwell speaks with Yvonne Bontkowski of Children of God for Life about the connection between certain vaccines and aborted fetal cell lines — and what faithful Catholics should actually do. Yvonne explains the history, why HEK-293 became the industry "gold standard," and the distinction between ethical vaccines, fetal cell line use in development/testing use, and continuous manufacturing use. She breaks down the Vatican's 2005 guidance: you must take the ethical alternative when available, you may use a tainted vaccine under strict conditions, you are never forced to violate conscience, and every person has a duty to pressure pharma and policymakers for ethical options. You'll also learn whether Catholics can still get religious exemptions, how to start research by month 4-5 of pregnancy before the hepatitis B question in the hospital, and how to join the global campaign for single-dose ethical MMR and rubella alternatives. In this episode: History of aborted fetal cell lines and vaccinesWhich vaccines use them in development vs manufacturingWhy HEK-293 is usedWhat the Vatican actually said in 2005, conscience and religious exemptionsEthical alternatives in Japan and the USHow parents can research before birthHow to advocate for ethically produced vaccines.Further Resources:Children of God for Life's Website: Home - Children of God for Life Previous Episode with Jose Trasancos: Senomyx & HEK 293: The Truth About Fetal Cell Research That Both Sides Get Wrong | Podcast The Connection Between Rubella & Roe v Wade: Roe v. Wade v. Rubella | Science History Institute Subscribe to the Living a Culture of Life Podcast for Catholic bioethics, defense of life, marriage and family, and cultural issues. #Catholic #Vaccines #FetalCellLines #CatholicBioethics #ProLife #ReligiousExemption #Vatican

    Can Catholics Get Religious Exemptions for Abortion-Tainted Vaccines? | Yvonne Bontkowski

  4. Oct 1

    Penitents of Love: God's Mercy and Reparation After Abortion | Theresa Bonopartis

    What happens after abortion? For many women, the effects can last for years—even decades. But the story does not have to end in shame and despair. In this episode, Theresa Bonapartis shares her own experience of abortion and the healing she has found through God’s mercy, repentance, and a deeper relationship with Christ. Theresa is the founder of Entering Canaan Ministries, which has spent decades helping women, men, and families affected by abortion find healing and reconciliation. She explains why receiving God's mercy is essential to healing after abortion—and why repentance can lead to an important next step: making reparation for sin. Theresa also introduces Penitents of Love, a spiritual initiative for people who have experienced abortion and desire to pray and make reparation for abortion. Through prayer, penance, fasting, and the Rosary, participants seek God's mercy, pray for those suffering in silence, and intercede for an end to abortion and the conversion of hearts. This conversation also explores why Catholics must hold truth and mercy together when speaking about abortion. Theresa discusses the importance of welcoming post-abortive women and men back to Christ without minimizing the seriousness of abortion, and why fear of judgment can prevent people from seeking healing. In this episode: Theresa's personal story of abortion and healingGod's mercy and forgiveness after abortionRepentance, penance, and making reparation for sinThe mission of Penitents of LovePrayer and spiritual warfare for an end to abortionWhy post-abortive people may remain silent for yearsSpeaking the truth about abortion with love and mercyHow the Catholic Church can help people find healing and reconciliationIf you or someone you know has been affected by abortion, this conversation offers a message of hope: God's mercy is greater than our sins, and there is a path toward repentance, healing, and reconciliation. Learn more about Theresa Bonapartis and Entering Canaan Ministries through Entering Canaan's website: Entering Canaan Ministry The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Human Life International.

    Penitents of Love: God's Mercy and Reparation After Abortion | Theresa Bonopartis

  5. Sep 24

    Mental Illness, Moral Culpability & the Lindsay Clancy Case | Fr. Francesco Giordano

    What can Catholic moral teaching help us understand about the Lindsay Clancy case? In this episode, Colleen Maxwell speaks with Fr. Francesco Giordano about the Lindsay Clancy trial and the difficult questions it raises about mental illness, moral culpability, human dignity, compassion, and the protection of vulnerable people. Fr. Giordano explains an important distinction in Catholic moral theology: an objectively evil act is not necessarily identical to a person's subjective culpability. The Catechism of the Catholic Church recognizes that psychological factors can diminish culpability. At the same time, diminished culpability does not make the underlying act morally ambiguous. Moreover, decreased culpability is not the same as decreased dangerousness. The conversation also explores what authentic compassion looks like. Rather than choosing between compassion for a person suffering from serious mental illness and compassion for those harmed by that person's actions, a Catholic approach must take the whole human reality seriously—including the dignity of every person involved. Colleen and Fr. Giordano also discuss the broader pro-life implications of the case, including the cultural connections between abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and the way society understands the dignity of vulnerable human beings. They examine how the normalization of abortion can influence the way people think about human life and moral responsibility. Other topics include: Catholic teaching on moral culpability and mental illnessLindsey Clancy and the question of criminal and moral responsibilityPostpartum mental illness and the need for appropriate supportThe difference between diminished culpability and diminished dangerousnessAuthentic compassion and the dignity of victimsAbortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and the culture surrounding human lifeThe Catholic understanding of personhood and human dignitySubsidiarity and caring for people at the level of needHow Catholics can show compassion to women who have experienced abortion while remaining clear about the moral reality of abortionThis conversation is not an attempt to determine the psychological facts of the Lindsay Clancy case. Instead, it asks a broader question: "How should Catholics think about grave acts, mental illness, culpability, compassion, and human dignity when confronted with a tragic case like this?" Learn more about Human Life International and our work to defend human life and strengthen families around the world: Human Life International | About Us Fr. Giordano's Article for Catholic Culture: The Clancy Trial and the Children Our Compassion Forgets | Catholic Culture Subscribe to Living a Culture of Life for more conversations on Catholic teaching, abortion, family life, bioethics, and the defense of human dignity.

    Mental Illness, Moral Culpability & the Lindsay Clancy Case | Fr. Francesco Giordano

  6. Sep 17

    How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Without Harming Innocence | Coleen Kelly Mast

    How can Catholic parents teach chastity and purity at home — without destroying their children's innocence? Coleen Kelly Mast, author, speaker, and host of Mast Appeal on Ave Maria Radio, joins Living a Culture of Life to share how Catholic parents can stay the primary educators on sexuality, what makes Catholic teaching different from secular schools, and how her Love Ed program helps parishes equip parents to have these conversations with confidence. With decades in health education, theology, and family life education — plus raising 5 children — Mast explains how to keep kids "innocent but not ignorant," why morality must come with beauty, and the common mistakes that harm innocence (too much, too soon, without parents present). In this episode: Why parents — not schools or parishes — must lead sex educationHow to answer tough questions in age-appropriate, grace-filled waysWhat Theology of the Body looks like for 9-15 year oldsHow Love Ed works: 2-hour parent + child seminars for pre-puberty and puberty, plus 6 take-home lessonsWhy chastity is more than abstinence — purity, virtue, and God's plan for marriageHow Sex Respect brings abstinence-based education into public schoolsLearn more about Love Ed: Helping Children "Get Love Right" – LoveEd Coleen Kelly Mast's Website: Family Life Issues from a Catholic Perspective - Coleen Kelly Mast HLI article on sex-education: Christian Sex Education: Authentic and Self-Giving Love Subscribe to Living a Culture of Life for more conversations on Catholic teaching, pro-life education, marriage, family, and chastity. About Human Life International: Helping you build a world that values family and human life through Catholic truth on abortion, contraception, marriage, and family. #CatholicParenting #Chastity #TheologyOfTheBody

    How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Without Harming Innocence | Coleen Kelly Mast

  7. Sep 3

    Can Catholics be Cremated? And Other Post-Death Questions (Ep. 6)

    Can Catholics be cremated? What does the Catholic Church teach about cremated remains, Catholic funerals, and burial? In this final episode of our End-of-Life Care series, Fr. Shenan Boquet answers the most common post-death questions Catholics ask: Can Catholics choose cremation? What must be done with cremated remains? Can a non-Catholic have a Catholic funeral Mass? Can Catholics attend a non-Catholic funeral? And is it permissible to donate your body to science? Fr. Boquet explains why the Church strongly prefers burial of the body, when cremation is permitted, and why the funeral rites are more than a celebration of life — they are prayers for the soul entrusted to God's mercy. Key Questions Answered: Can Catholics be cremated and why does the Church prefer burial?What does the Church teach about scattering or keeping cremated ashes at home?Where must cremated remains be kept and buried?Can a Catholic funeral Mass be celebrated if cremation is chosen?Can a person have more than one Mass associated with their death and burial?What if the body must be transported a long distance for burial?Can a baptized non-Catholic Christian receive a Catholic funeral?What funeral rites are available for someone never baptized?May Catholics attend Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, or other non-Catholic funerals?Is holy water used at a burial different from other holy water?Is burial necessary for salvation?May Catholics donate their bodies to science and what must be asked first?The Catholic funeral is an act of faith in the Resurrection of the body and an act of charity — praying for the deceased and commending their soul to God. Fr. Boquet also explains why planning in advance — talking with family, your parish priest, and your designated proxy — is essential, especially if you are the only Catholic in your family. 📖 DOWNLOAD HLI's FREE Catholic guide to ethical end-of-life care: End of Life Decisions Previous Episodes in this Mini-Series:Episode 1: What Guides Catholic End-of-Life Decisions? A Foundation for Every Family (Ep. 1) Episode 2: Can Catholics Use Morphine for Pain Management? | End of Life Ethics (Ep. 2) Episode 3: When Can Catholics Stop Life Support? Ventilators, Pacemakers & Feeding Tubes (Ep. 3) Episode 4: What You Need to Know About DNRs, Hospice & Advance Directives (Ep. 4) Episode 5: Last Rites vs Anointing of the Sick: What Catholics Should Know When a Loved One is Dying (Ep. 5) Previous Episodes on Organ Donation: The Dark Side of Organ Donation | Michael Vacca Is Brain Death Risky? Bioethics Expert Explains | Dr. Joseph Meaney What Every Catholic Should Know About Organ Donation | Dr. Joe Zalot

    Can Catholics be Cremated? And Other Post-Death Questions (Ep. 6)

  8. Aug 27

    Last Rites vs Anointing of the Sick: What Catholics Should Know When a Loved One is Dying (Ep. 5)

    What are the Last Rites — and when should you call a priest before a loved one dies? In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet walks through Catholic spiritual care at the end of life: the Anointing of the Sick, Confession, Viaticum, the Apostolic Pardon, and the Last Rites. Fr. Boquet answers the questions Catholic families actually face when caring for someone who is seriously ill or dying — and why the single most important step is contacting the parish *long before* the final hours. In this episode: What the Anointing of the Sick is, when it can be received — and received againThe difference between the Anointing of the Sick and the Last RitesWhat Viaticum?The Apostolic Pardon and its plenary indulgenceWhether a person with dementia can receive the sacramentsHow to help a lapsed Catholic — or a loved one who has fallen away — prepare for deathSpiritual care for baptized (non-Catholic) Christians and the unbaptizedWhy families should contact their parish priest *before* a loved one reaches the final momentsWhat to do in an emergency — a heart attack, a serious accidentThe role of priests, family, and friends in accompanying the dyingFr. Boquet emphasizes that Catholic end-of-life care is not only about the final hours. It is about accompanying a person through illness — helping them receive the sacraments, reconcile with God and others, and prepare to meet Christ. Death is part of our earthly journey, but Catholics do not face it alone. The Church offers real spiritual care and sacramental grace for the sick, the dying, and their families. Download HLI's FREE Catholic guide to ethical end-of-life care: End of Life Decisions USCCB Article: Caring For Loved Ones At Life's End | USCCB Article on Indulgences: What are Indulgences? | Human Life International This episode is part of Human Life International's series on ethical end-of-life care. CATCH UP ON PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:Episode 1: What Guides Catholic End-of-Life Decisions? A Foundation for Every Family (Ep. 1) Episode 2: Can Catholics Use Morphine for Pain Management? | End of Life Ethics (Ep. 2) Episode 3: When Can Catholics Stop Life Support? Ventilators, Pacemakers & Feeding Tubes (Ep. 3) Episode 4: What You Need to Know About DNRs, Hospice & Advance Directives (Ep. 4) Subscribe to Living a Culture of Life for more Catholic discussions on bioethics, marriage, family, human dignity, and the Church's teaching on life. Living the Culture of Life

    Last Rites vs Anointing of the Sick: What Catholics Should Know When a Loved One is Dying (Ep. 5)
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Struggling to navigate today’s culture as a pro-life Christian or Catholic? Living a Culture of Life, the official podcast of Human Life International, equips you with truth, clarity, and practical guidance to defend life, strengthen your family, and live your faith boldly. New episodes every Thursday tackle today’s most urgent life issues—from abortion, the abortion pill, IVF, contraception, and euthanasia, to gender ideology, same-sex attraction, pornography, and the global depopulation agenda. On this podcast, you’ll find: Expert analysis from pro-life leaders, doctors, bioethicists, and Catholic thinkersFirsthand stories from abortion survivors, former Planned Parenthood employees, detransitioners, and those seeking healingCatholic teaching on marriage, sexuality, Natural Family Planning (NFP), and family lifeBreaking pro-life news, public policy updates, and global cultural trendsPractical tips for pro-life activism, Catholic parenting, dating, and building a Culture of Life in your community Whether you're looking for answers about abortion, Catholic bioethics, contraception, IVF, or how to respond to modern cultural challenges, this podcast will help you think clearly, speak confidently, and act courageously. Subscribe now to stay informed on pro-life news, Catholic teaching, and life issues impacting families worldwide. Follow us for more pro-life content: Instagram: Instagram: @cultureoflife_podcast X (Twitter): @cultureoflife_p Join the movement. Live the Culture of Life.

Information

  • Creator
    Human Life International
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    244
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Living a Culture of Life

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