Podcast
Living a Culture of Life
Hosted by Human Life International · EN
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 thinkers
- Firsthand stories from abortion survivors, former Planned Parenthood employees, detransitioners, and those seeking healing
- Catholic teaching on marriage, sexuality, Natural Family Planning (NFP), and family life
- Breaking pro-life news, public policy updates, and global cultural trends
- Practical 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.
36episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Theology of the Body and Humanae Vitae: St. John Paul II's Blueprint for Catholic Marriage (Part 3)
1w ago01:02:39Tap to summarizeHow does Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body help us understand marriage, family life, fertility, and the enduring wisdom of Humanae Vitae?In this final episode of Human Life International's Theology of the Body series, Adolfo Castañeda explains how St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body forms the definitive Catholic defense of Humanae Vitae — and why these two teachings together are the most complete roadmap for faithful Catholic marriage and family life available today.Drawing from Scripture, St. John Paul II's catechesis, and the Church's unbroken tradition, Adolfo unpacks:The Theology of the Body and the Sacrament of MarriageEphesians 5: Christ's Love for the Church as the Model of MarriageMarriage as a Visible Sign of God's GraceMutual Submission, Headship, and Authentic Conjugal LoveThe Song of Songs and the Book of TobitMarriage as a Path to HolinessHumanae Vitae and the Theology of the Body — their essential connectionNatural Family Planning (NFP) and Responsible ParenthoodContraception, the Birth Control Pill, and Catholic TeachingThe Family as the Foundation of a Culture of LifeAdolfo also explains why St. John Paul II saw the Theology of the Body as a profound response to Humanae Vitae — and how Familiaris Consortio extends that vision into concrete guidance for Catholic family life today.Whether you're preparing for your Catholic wedding, exploring natural family planning, studying the Theology of the Body, or defending Catholic teaching on contraception and family life in secular conversations — this episode is for you.📖 Documents referenced in this episode:— Humanae Vitae (Pope Paul VI, 1968)— Familiaris Consortio (St. John Paul II, 1981)— Theology of the Body (St. John Paul II, 1979–1984)— Ephesians 5 | Song of Songs | Book of TobitHuman Life International is a Catholic pro-life missionary organization. Visit HLI.org for resources on Humanae Vitae, natural family planning, Catholic marriage, and building a culture of life.Subscribe to Living a Culture of Life for more on Catholic marriage, pro-life issues, Catholic family life, and natural family planning.Learn more: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global.Episode 1: Theology of the Body Explained: God's Original Plan for Man and Woman (Part 1) | Human Life InternationalEpisode 2: Theology of the Body (Part 2): Love, Lust & the Resurrection of the BodyHLI Articles on TOB: Theology of the Body: An Intro | Human Life InternationalLiving the Culture of Life
Transcribe →
Theology of the Body: Love, Lust & the Resurrection of the Body (Part 2)
2w ago00:54:19Tap to summarizeIn this second installment of our Theology of the Body series, Adolfo Castañeda continues exploring the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II by unpacking Cycles 2, 3, and 4 of Theology of the Body.We discuss the meaning of purity of heart, Christ's teaching on adultery of the heart, the impact of lust and pornography on authentic love, and how original sin distorts human relationships. We also examine John Paul II's profound reflections on the resurrection of the body, our eternal destiny in heaven, and the role of Christian celibacy and virginity for the Kingdom of God.Whether you are new to Theology of the Body or seeking a deeper understanding of Catholic teaching on sexuality, marriage, vocation, and human dignity, this episode offers a rich introduction to some of John Paul II's most transformative insights.In This Episode:What Jesus meant by "adultery in the heart" (Matthew 5:27–28)Purity of heart and authentic loveThe effects of lust and pornography on relationshipsMarriage as covenant versus contractThe resurrection of the body and eternal lifeWhy marriage does not continue in heavenThe meaning of Christian celibacy and virginityMarriage and celibacy as complementary vocationsThe dignity of the human person in St. John Paul II's Theology of the BodyThis is Episode 2 in our three-part exploration of Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. In the next episode, we'll examine marriage, fertility, family life, and the Church's teaching on welcoming children.If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with others interested in Catholic theology, marriage, vocation, and Christian discipleship.Learn more: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global.Episode 1: Theology of the Body Explained: God's Original Plan for Man and Woman (Part 1) | Human Life InternationalHLI Articles on TOB: Theology of the Body: An Intro | Human Life International
Transcribe →
Theology of the Body Explained: God's Original Plan for Man and Woman (Part 1)
3w ago00:54:12Tap to summarizeWhat was God's original plan for man and woman — before sin changed everything? In Part 1 of this series, Human Life International's Adolfo Castañeda breaks open St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body (TOB) and reveals the Church's most profound answer to the Sexual Revolution.In this episode, you'll discover:• What God intended "in the beginning" — original innocence, original unity, and original solitude• Why the human body itself reveals God's plan for men and women• How original sin distorted human relationships — and what that means for us today• Why Theology of the Body is the Church's transformative response to modern confusion about marriage and sexuality• How this teaching serves as a roadmap to holiness for every vocationAdolfo Castañeda is the Director of Hispanic Education for Human Life International. Over this 3-part series, he walks through all six cycles of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body: from purity of heart and the resurrection of the body, to celibacy for the Kingdom, Christian marriage, and love and fertility.Whether you're new to Catholic teaching or deepening your faith, this series will transform your understanding of human dignity, sexuality, and what it truly means to love as God loves.🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss Parts 2 and 3!About Human Life International: Human Life International is a Catholic pro-life missionary organization dedicated to building a world that values every human life and the family. Learn more: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global.HLI Articles on TOB: Theology of the Body: An Intro | Human Life InternationalLiving the Culture of Life
Transcribe →
Can Obergefell Be Overturned? Josh Wood (Them Before Us) on Marriage, Parenthood & Child Rights
Jun 400:46:23Tap to summarizeWhat if the Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision could be reversed — and why should every Christian and pro-life advocate care? Josh Wood, Executive Director of Them Before Us, joins us to explain why children's rights must be at the center of every marriage and family debate.In this episode, Josh introduces the Greater Than Campaign — a growing movement to revisit the legal redefinition of marriage and its downstream effects on parenthood, IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception.You'll discover:Why legally redefining marriage led to redefining parenthoodHow the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling opened the door to IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception as legal normsWhat the research says about child outcomes when children are separated from their biological mother and fatherHow to engage these issues using reason, evidence, and public policy — not just religious argumentsWhat the Greater Than Campaign is doing to protect children's rights at the legal and cultural levelThem Before Us is a global children's rights organization that approaches marriage, family structure, and reproductive technology through the lens of what's best for children — not adult desires. Their work complements the pro-life mission by defending the child's right to know and be raised by their biological parents whenever possible.📌 Resources Mentioned:🔗 Them Before Us: Them Before Us🔗 The Greater Than Campaign: About Us - Greater Than🔗 Them Before Us on Substack: Them Before Us | SubstackNote: This episode focuses on the child-rights and public-policy implications of marriage, parenthood, IVF, surrogacy, and family structure. Josh Wood speaks from the perspective of Them Before Us, a children's rights organization. Human Life International fully affirms the Catholic Church's teaching that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. This conversation is intended to explore an additional child-centered and natural-law framework that can help Christians engage these issues in a secular culture.💬 What do you think? Can Obergefell be overturned — and should it be? Drop your thoughts in the comments.📢 Share this with someone who cares about marriage, family, and the rights of children.Living the Culture of Life
Transcribe →
The Abortion Pill Crisis: How Mail-Order Mifepristone Is Undermining Pro-Life Laws
May 2800:54:51Tap to summarizeAbortion pills are now being mailed directly into pro-life states — and the dangers to women's health are being ignored. In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet breaks down the abortion pill crisis threatening to undo pro-life victories after Roe v. Wade.Fr. Boquet explains how mail-order mifepristone and telemedicine abortions are bypassing pro-life laws, the serious risks of RU-486 (mifepristone) and misoprostol, and what the Supreme Court's ruling on abortion pill distribution means for the future of the pro-life movement.Topics covered:How mail-order abortion pills are crossing state lines into pro-life statesThe Supreme Court abortion pill case explainedLouisiana vs. FDA and the future of abortion lawMifepristone and misoprostol: dangers and lack of FDA oversightAbortion pill side effects and women's health risksEctopic pregnancy complications and abortion trafficking concernsInformed consent failures and telemedicine abortion loopholesThe Comstock Act and abortion pill mailing lawsAbortion pill reversal — the treatment giving women a second chanceThe spiritual battle and the future of the pro-life movementFr. Boquet also reflects on why prayer, action, and informed advocacy matter more than ever — and why the fight for life is far from over.👍 If this episode moved you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help build a culture of life.Abortion Pill Reversal Helpline: 1-877-558-0333Fr. Boquet's Spirit & Life Article: Unmasking the Silent Horror: Chemical Abortion | Human Life InternationalLiving the Culture of Life
Transcribe →
When a Family Member Chooses IVF: What Catholics Can Do | Fr. Boquet
May 2100:59:10Tap to summarizeWhat should Catholics do when a family member chooses IVF? Can you attend an IVF baby shower? How do you love someone while upholding Church teaching on IVF, frozen embryos, and the dignity of every child?In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet discusses one of the most emotionally difficult questions facing Catholic families today: how to navigate IVF within the family while remaining faithful to Catholic teaching.Fr. Boquet explains:Why the Catholic Church teaches that IVF is immoralThe dignity and value of children conceived through IVFWhether Catholics may attend IVF baby showersHow to talk to loved ones considering IVFThe ethical problems surrounding frozen embryosHow to approach adult children or relatives who used IVFHow to explain Church teaching to children conceived through IVFMoral alternatives to IVF — including NaProTechnology and restorative reproductive medicineThis conversation explores the difference between loving the child and evaluating the moral choices involved in assisted reproductive technologies. Fr. Boquet offers practical pastoral advice for parents, grandparents, godparents, priests, and Catholic families seeking to uphold truth without damaging relationships.If you or someone you love has been affected by infertility or IVF, this episode provides compassionate Catholic guidance rooted in the dignity of every human person.#Catholic #IVF #CatholicTeaching #ProLife #Bioethics #Infertility #FrozenEmbryos #CatholicAnswers #CatholicFamily #CatholicParenting #MarriageAndFamily #DignityOfLife #ProLifeGeneration #EmbryoAdoption #TheologyOfTheBody #CatholicBioethics #FamilyLife #IVFDebate #ChurchTeaching #LifeIssues
Transcribe →
Why So Many Divorced Catholics Fall Away from the Church — And How We Can Respond
May 1400:59:17Tap to summarizeIs there a place for divorced Catholics in the Catholic Church? Many people feel overlooked or unsure where to turn — and almost no one talks about what the Church actually offers for separated and divorced Catholics.In Part 2 with Carolyn Klika Catino of Abounding Joy Ministry, we go beyond the teaching and into the reality: the isolation, the gaps in parish support, the questions about annulments, and — most importantly — the path to healing that's rooted in truth and community.If you haven't seen Part 1, start there — we focus on preventing divorce and fighting for your marriage relationship before it breaks.In this episode:- How the Catholic Church ministers to divorced Catholics- Why so many divorced Catholics feel abandoned (and what's changing)- Annulments — what they really mean and why they're misunderstood- Identity, healing, and rebuilding after divorce- Where to find faithful Catholic support and accompaniment💔 Whether you're navigating life after divorce or walking alongside someone who is — this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a real way forward.Abounding Joy Ministry: Catholic Divorce Healing & Support | Abounding Joy MinistryUpcoming Abounding Joy events:Abounding Joy Divorce Ministry Intensive Training May 13 and 14An Evening for the Separated and Divorced - East: May 19An Evening for the Separated and Divorced - West: May 21Help us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe
Transcribe →
Catholic Marriage Crisis: How to Save Your Marriage (Reaching Couples Before Divorce)
May 700:57:48Tap to summarizeIs your Catholic marriage in crisis? Are you wondering what the Church teaches about separation and divorce — or whether your marriage relationship can still be saved?In this episode, Carolyn Klika Catino of Abounding Joy Ministry unpacks the truth about Catholic marriages in crisis and the Church's teaching on separation and divorce, with a focus on healing and restoration BEFORE temptation towards divorce occurs.The Church teaches that divorce is a grave offense against the natural law and that the covenant of marriage is permanent. At the same time, the Church also recognizes that there can be an innocent spouse—someone who did not will the breakup and may even have been unjustly abandoned or forced to separate for serious reasons such as safety.In this episode, you’ll learn:What the Catholic Church truly teaches about divorce and why it's grave matter The most common causes of Catholic marriage breakdown: unmet expectations, emotional wounds, addiction, and infidelity Practical, faith-based strategies to save a struggling marriage What to do when your spouse wants a divorce — and you don't How to navigate conflict, communication breakdown, and emotional wounds Where to find authentic Catholic marriage help and supportThis episode is about FIGHTING for your marriage — rediscovering hope, honoring your vows, and trusting that healing is possible.📖 This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Part 2 will cover how the Church ministers to Catholics AFTER divorce, including healing, annulment, and rebuilding life in Christ.Abounding Joy Ministry: Catholic Divorce Healing & Support | Abounding Joy MinistryUpcoming Abounding Joy events: Abounding Joy Divorce Ministry Intensive Training May 13 and 14An Evening for the Separated and Divorced - East: May 19An Evening for the Separated and Divorced - West: May 21Help us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe
Transcribe →
What Makes Catholic Education Unique? John DeJak on Forming Saints & Leaders
Apr 3000:55:24Tap to summarizeWhat makes Catholic education different from other forms of education? And what are the greatest challenges facing Catholic education in our country today? In this episode, John DeJak, Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education for the USCCB, joins us to discuss the future of Catholic education in America and why faith-based schooling matters now more than ever.John explains what makes a truly Catholic school unique—not just strong academics, but formation of the whole person through truth, virtue, faith, and reason. He also shares how Catholic schools can help shape future saints, leaders, and thinkers while supporting parents in raising faithful children.We also explore some of the biggest issues families face today, including the affordability of private education, how Catholic schools can better serve children with disabilities, and whether modern technology, smartphones, and AI in education are helping or hurting students.You'll also hear a fascinating discussion on great books, literature, and why reading remains one of the most powerful tools for forming the imagination and intellect of young people.Whether you’re a parent considering Catholic school, a homeschool family, a teacher, priest, or simply someone concerned about the future of education and culture, this episode is full of wisdom and practical insight.Archbishop Miller's 5 Marks of Catholic Education: Five Essential Marks of Catholic Schools – CERCThe Thousand Good Books: The Thousand Good Books Revised🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, family, parenting, and culture.👍 Like this video if you support Catholic schools and Christian education.📢 Share this episode with a parent or educator who needs to hear it.Living the Culture of Life
Transcribe →
Infertility Journey: Catholic Bioethics of IVF and Restorative Medicine Explained
Apr 2301:02:41Tap to summarizeIf you or someone you love is struggling with infertility, this episode offers hope, clarity, and guidance. Dr. Joseph Meaney, senior ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, shares his personal journey through infertility, including years of waiting, medical treatments, welcoming a child after nearly a decade of marriage, and then experiencing secondary infertility.Dr. Meaney breaks down the ethical principles of Catholic bioethics, which couples must consider when looking into fertility treatments. He explains why the Church opposes procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination. Dr. Meaney also discusses restorative reproductive medicine and approaches like NaProTechnology, which focus on identifying and treating the root causes of infertility, including conditions like endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, and male factor infertility.Beyond the medical and ethical discussion, this conversation speaks directly to the emotional weight of infertility. Many couples experience grief, isolation, and stress comparable to a serious medical diagnosis, especially when facing repeated miscarriages or secondary infertility. Dr. Meaney shares how faith, prayer, and trust in God can bring meaning and even unexpected grace in the midst of suffering, while also acknowledging how difficult moments like Mother’s Day or social expectations can intensify the pain.Whether you’re looking for answers about the ethics of IVF, exploring ethical fertility treatments, or simply trying to understand infertility through a faith-based lens, this episode provides thoughtful guidance rooted in both personal experience and Catholic teaching.Resources: When Expecting Doesn't Happen: Turning Infertility into a Journey of Hope - St. Paul CenterCatholic Teaching on Infertility Treatments | Human Life International9 Comforting Bible Verses for Infertility | Human Life International5 Infertility Support Groups for Catholics | Human Life InternationalTrusting God through Infertility | Human Life InternationalKey Topics Covered: Infertility and Catholic bioethicsWhy IVF is unethicalRestorative reproductive medicine (RRM)NaProTechnology and natural fertility awarenessMiscarriage and secondary infertilitySpiritual growth through sufferingHow to support couples struggling with infertilityChapters: 00:00 Introduction01:50 Personal Infertility Story05:40 Spiritual Warfare06:53 Surgeries08:11 IVF & Insurance09:27 Graces Received12:15 Mother's Day13:01 Secondary Infertility15:07 Help Finding Resources19:33 Why IVF is Unethical24:29 Ethical Principles for Fertility Treatments27:23 Endometriosis 29:30 Sperm Count30:35 Menstrual Cycles32:58 Infertility Definition33:48 Ectopic Pregnancies34:48 PCOS38:19 Surprising Ethical Treatments? 42:00 Obtaining Sperm Ethically43:30 Cost & Effectiveness46:45 Embryo Adoption51:51 Further Resources53:15 IVF's Spiritual Harm56:04 Advice for Friends & FamilyLiving the Culture of Life
Transcribe →