Open to Life

Melanie Salazar
  • 4.5 (8)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Open to Life is a podcast at the crossroads of body literacy and the pro-life movement. Hosted by Melanie Salazar, a Chicana and mother, each episode explores real conversations at the intersection of natural family planning, unexpected pregnancies, motherhood, and the dignity of the preborn. With a vision of ending abortion through deeper respect for the female body, this show champions a future where true progress means recognizing the power of our fertility, and as a result: honoring new life as a gift.

  1. 33 | Infertility and Bearing Fruit! — Endometriosis, fertility awareness, and adoption with Mary G Bruno

    MAY 8

    33 | Infertility and Bearing Fruit! — Endometriosis, fertility awareness, and adoption with Mary G Bruno

    In this heartfelt interview, Mary Bruno shares her journey through infertility, her work in fertility awareness, and her inspiring perspective on spiritual motherhood and God's purpose for women. Discover insights on natural family planning, medical treatments, and embracing God's plan amidst life's challenges. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7  Support the podcast: Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠ Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠.  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ My favorite travel credit card

    39 min
  2. 32 | Your Body Isn’t Broken—It’s Sacred w/ Dr/ Victoria Lynn Pontell

    APR 24

    32 | Your Body Isn’t Broken—It’s Sacred w/ Dr/ Victoria Lynn Pontell

    What if your body isn’t something to fix—but a gift to trust? In this episode, Dr. Victoria shares her journey from disordered eating and control to deep healing through surrendering her body to God. Together, we unpack how culture distorts our view of beauty, aging, and fertility—and how those lies can lead to anxiety, burnout, and body shame. You’ll learn how to reconnect with your body through faith, shift from control to trust, and begin seeing your body as it truly is: intentionally designed, deeply good, and worthy of care. If you’ve ever struggled with body image or felt at odds with your body, this episode offers a path toward peace, freedom, and a more integrated understanding of your worth. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7  Support the podcast: Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠ Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠.  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ My favorite travel credit card

    41 min
  3. 31 | Transportation Justice X Preborn Justice! Talking preborn personhood and rescue resurrection with Elise Ketch

    APR 10

    31 | Transportation Justice X Preborn Justice! Talking preborn personhood and rescue resurrection with Elise Ketch

    This episode explores the intersection of pro-life activism, urban planning, and social justice, featuring insights on human dignity, transportation justice, and effective advocacy strategies. The guest shares personal stories, practical ideas for building better communities, and arguments for pro-life values as a progressive cause. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7  Support the podcast: Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠ Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠.  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ My favorite travel credit card

    53 min
  4. 30 | Remembering the DC 5 on their 4th discovery anniversary

    MAR 27

    30 | Remembering the DC 5 on their 4th discovery anniversary

    This episode explores the profound story of justice for the five babies discovered four years ago, the significance of the Day of the Unborn Child and the Feast of the Annunciation, and reflections on faith, justice, and activism. Melanie shares personal insights, the story behind the discovery, and calls for ongoing advocacy for preborn children. Learn more Jfor5.com Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7  Support the podcast: Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠ Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠.  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ My favorite travel credit card

    31 min
  5. 29 | I DOULA-ED MY FIRST BIRTH! + Seasons on the Sidewalk

    MAR 13

    29 | I DOULA-ED MY FIRST BIRTH! + Seasons on the Sidewalk

    In this episode, Melanie shares her journey into birth work, her experiences supporting a birth for the first time, and reflections on sidewalk outreach in seasons as a mother. This episode offers insights into the challenges and joys of being a birth worker and pro-life advocate, emphasizing courage and faith. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7  Support the podcast: Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠ Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠.  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ My favorite travel credit card

    40 min
  6. 28 | Happy One Year of Open to Life: Breaking the Silence Around Periods

    FEB 27

    28 | Happy One Year of Open to Life: Breaking the Silence Around Periods

    In this special one-year anniversary episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie reflects on her journey over the past year, discussing personal growth, the challenges of navigating life transitions, and her experiences as a birth doula. She shares insights on alternative medicine for children's health, her thoughts on menstruation and fertility awareness, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding periods. The episode concludes with Melanie's reflections on her growth and aspirations for the future. My FREE Top 7 Fertility and Women's Health Resources download: opentolife.kit.com/freefam7 Support the podcast: Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠ Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠.  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ My favorite travel credit card keywordsOpen to Life podcast, personal growth, fertility awareness, birth doula, menstruation, alternative medicine, family, travel, women's health, pro-life

    34 min
  7. 27 | The Sanctified Womb: Fertility, Childbearing, and Family Life with Orthodox Christian Khouria Cathryn (Should Christians NOT eat our baby's placenta?)

    FEB 13

    27 | The Sanctified Womb: Fertility, Childbearing, and Family Life with Orthodox Christian Khouria Cathryn (Should Christians NOT eat our baby's placenta?)

    In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar speaks with Katherine, the author of The Sanctified Womb, about her journey into motherhood, faith, and women's health. Katherine shares her personal experiences with fertility, birth, and the challenges women face in navigating these topics within the church. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, the role of faith in motherhood, and the need for more resources that support women in their fertility journeys. Katherine's insights aim to empower women to make informed choices and embrace the beauty of motherhood. Support the podcast: Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠ Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠.  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ My favorite travel credit cardConnect with Cathryn: https://www.thesanctifiedwomb.com/ Keywords: motherhood, fertility, faith, women's health, natural family planning, church, pregnancy, postpartum, sanctified womb, Katherine

    57 min
  8. 26 | The Catholic Church wants you to have a GREAT SEX LIFE!!! (In marriage!) with Ellen Holloway of Charting Toward Intimacy

    JAN 30

    26 | The Catholic Church wants you to have a GREAT SEX LIFE!!! (In marriage!) with Ellen Holloway of Charting Toward Intimacy

    In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Ellen Holloway discusses her journey into Catholic sex and intimacy education, emphasizing the importance of understanding female anatomy and pleasure. She shares her personal experiences with sex and intimacy, the transition from natural family planning (NFP) to intimacy coaching, and the significance of church teachings in guiding couples towards fulfilling relationships. Ellen also explores the connection between sex and spirituality, the practical applications of Theology of the Body, and offers advice for young mothers and couples navigating their intimacy. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the role of rules in relationships and how they can enhance the experience of love and intimacy.Connect with Ellen: https://vinesinfullbloom.com/ Support the podcast: Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠ Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠.  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ My favorite travel credit card Keywords: Catholic, sex education, intimacy, NFP, female anatomy, church teachings, Theology of the Body, marriage, spirituality, relationships

    40 min
See All (33)

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Open to Life is a podcast at the crossroads of body literacy and the pro-life movement. Hosted by Melanie Salazar, a Chicana and mother, each episode explores real conversations at the intersection of natural family planning, unexpected pregnancies, motherhood, and the dignity of the preborn. With a vision of ending abortion through deeper respect for the female body, this show champions a future where true progress means recognizing the power of our fertility, and as a result: honoring new life as a gift.

Information

  • Creator
    Melanie Salazar
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Melanie Salazar
  • Show Website
    Open to Life