Podcast
Life Matters
Hosted by First Step to Life · EN
We believe that every life matters. Each week on Life Matters, host Toni Clarke leads open discussions on critical life issues, equipping Christians with the tools and understanding to engage in conversations about the sanctity of life. Drawing from a biblical worldview, she dives into complex topics surrounding the pro-life movement, encouraging listeners to get involved. Toni Clarke, Executive Director at a pregnancy center located in Omaha, NE, is passionate about spreading the message of life across Nebraska and beyond.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Better Science, Better Ethics with Carol Szczepaniak
5d ago00:27:31Tap to summarizeIn Part 2, Carol Szczepaniak with the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research explores the recent NIH decision to end federal funding for research using newly obtained fetal tissue from abortions. She also highlights ethical alternatives that are advancing medical research while respecting the dignity of every human life.
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Science with a Conscience with Carol Szczepaniak
2w ago00:27:30Tap to summarizeWhat happens when scientific research collides with questions of human dignity and ethics? In Part 1 of this conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with Carol Szczepaniak, President of the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research, to discuss her background in science and bioethics, the mission of NCER, and the ethical concerns surrounding the use of aborted fetal tissue in medical research.
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Abortion within the Church Part Two with Joni Shepherd
3w ago00:27:31Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of this conversation, Toni Clarke continues her discussion with Joni Shepherd of Hope & Grace Global. The focus shifts from understanding the problem to exploring practical solutions as Joni explains the Safe Church Project and how churches can become places where women and families find both truth and grace. She shares how churches can proactively support women facing unplanned pregnancies, help those carrying the pain of past abortions, and create environments where confession, healing, and restoration are possible.
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Abortion within the Church with Joni Shepherd
4w ago00:27:31Tap to summarizeIn Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Joni Shepherd with Hope & Grace Global, an organization focused on equipping churches to respond to abortion and sexual brokenness with both truth and grace. Joni shares her personal story, discusses the hidden reality of abortion within the Church, and explains how churches can become places of healing, restoration, and support for women and families.
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The Hope of the Gospel with Dan Hauge
May 2300:27:30Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of this Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke continues her discussion with Dan Hauge, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bellevue, about healing after abortion, the power of forgiveness, and finding a new identity in Christ. Pastor Dan shares practical and biblical encouragement for those struggling with lingering shame, grief, or regret, while also challenging churches and believers to better reflect the grace and mercy of Jesus to those carrying hidden wounds.
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When our shame meets grace with Dan Hauge
May 1600:27:30Tap to summarizeIn Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Dan Hauge, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bellevue, to discuss the heavy burden of shame, guilt, and grief that many women and men carry surrounding unplanned pregnancy and abortion. Together, they explore the difference between conviction and condemnation, how the gospel speaks to those who feel disqualified by their past, and the hope and forgiveness available through Jesus Christ.
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Interview with Nate Grasz
May 900:27:30Tap to summarizeIn this Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Nate Grasz, Executive Director of Nebraska Family Alliance, to discuss the most recent Nebraska legislative session. They discuss the current legislative landscape around life and family issues and what Nebraskas can do to remain faithful to the call of God to protect life.
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Interview with Candace Gregory and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes Part Two
May 200:27:32Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is again joined by Candace Gregory of Open Door Mission and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes of Good News Global as the discussion turns toward healing, redemption, and the role of the Church in walking alongside women facing the aftermath of trauma. They share powerful stories of transformation, practical ways to support women in crisis, and a message of hope—that no past is beyond God’s ability to restore.
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Interview with Candace Gregory and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes Part One
Apr 2500:27:31Tap to summarizeIn Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Candace Gregory of Open Door Mission and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes of Good News Global to explore how trauma—such as homelessness, incarceration, abuse, and abortion—shapes the lives of women they serve. They share personal stories, front-line experiences, and how deep wounds often reveal themselves over time, pointing to the need for compassionate, trauma-informed care rooted in truth and hope.
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Interview with Dr. Ingrid Skop Part Two
Apr 1800:27:30Tap to summarizeIn part two of this Life Matters conversation, Dr. Ingrid Skop takes a deeper look at the data behind abortion complications and maternal mortality, highlighting gaps, inconsistencies, and why accurate reporting matters. She also addresses common claims about abortion and women’s health, while exploring the broader factors that impact outcomes for women. This episode challenges listeners to think critically and consider what truly supports both women and their children.
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