Best Encyclical Podcasts (2024)

1
Rereading Contraception Encyclical in Light of the Woke Revolution 51:49

20d ago51:49

51:49

On July 25, 1968, Pope St. Paul VI released the encyclical Humanae Vitae, or "of Human Life." This encyclical reaffirmed the Catholic Church's perennial teaching that contraception is always immoral. This encyclical sparked tremendous backlash, as many people expected the Catholic Church to allow the use of contraception. However, today, it's clear…

1
Far-Reaching Consequences of New Title IX Changes 52:44

5d ago52:44

52:44

Last week, the Biden Administration’s rewrite of Title IX went into effect. The newest changes redefine “sex” to mean “gender identity.” Most conversations surrounding the changes to Title IX focus on women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams. This is a huge issue. However, the Title IX rewrite also puts Catholic hospitals at risk. It may e…

1
What Does Scripture Say About Contraception and Abortion? 35:10

13d ago35:10

35:10

The Catholic Church has always held that contraception is wrong. And up until the 1930s, all Protestant denominations agreed. But what does the Bible actually say about birth control? While birth control may not be explicitly mentioned in Scripture, the Bible lays out God's plan for marriage very clearly. By understanding this plan, we can see why …

1
Trauma and Healing After Unwanted Abortion | Theresa Bonopartis 49:46

27d ago49:46

49:46

When women experience negative emotional and psychological effects after abortion, they’re often told to “get over it.” After all, society says that abortion isn’t a big deal. It’s just a choice in the woman’s past. However, this isn’t true at all. Abortion IS a big deal. It kills an innocent child. It’s understandable that women will experience a …

1
Abortion Victims Found in Medical Waste Box Still Waiting for Justice 38:49

1M ago38:49

38:49

Two years ago, pro-life activists found 115 aborted babies inside a box of medical waste in Washington, DC. Five of these babies showed signs of illegal partial birth abortions or infanticide. Today, their five bodies are still on ice, waiting for justice. On this episode, AJ Hurley shares the story of these babies. He got to hold them after the bo…

1
The Art of Choosing or Being an Amazing Godparent 49:14

1M ago49:14

49:14

When someone is baptized, the Church requires that he or she has a Godparent (or a sponsor, if an adult is being baptized and confirmed). Often, Godparents are close friends or family members of the parents. Many people view the role of a Godparent as simply an honorary title. However, Godparents have a much deeper and richer relationship with the …

1
Actually Helpful Tips for Intentional Dating | Rachel Hoover Canto 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

There's a marriage crisis in today's world. Far fewer young people are getting married and settling down to raise a family. Most people blame this crisis on hookup culture. Others say that young people are putting their careers ahead of marriage. But these aren't the only problems. More and more young people are struggling to navigating dating cult…

1
Why Catholic Social Doctrine Originates in the Family | Fr. Shenan Boquet 55:12

2M ago55:12

55:12

The key to reviving society is healing the family. After all, Catholic social doctrine has its origins in family life. So, what does that look like? Why is healing the family the solution to social issues? And how can we accomplish this? On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet explains why the family is the fundamental unit of society. If we want to uph…

1
Same Sex Attraction Can’t Stop You from Following God | Hudson Byblow 48:32

2M ago48:32

48:32

It's possible to leave an LGBTQ+ mindset. Hudson Byblow did. Growing up, he experienced same-sex attractions and what would today be called transgender inclinations or feelings of gender nonconformity. Today, he's a Catholic inspirational speaker, who strives to make known the beautiful proposal of the Church, given to all people, to strive to grow…

1
Responding to Same-Sex Attraction Part 2: Loving Accompaniment 42:50

2M ago42:50

42:50

Many men and women in today's world identify as LGBTQ+. Christians who want to defend God's plan for marriage sometimes don't know how to respond. How can we lovingly minister to friends or family members while still affirming truth? Christians must learn how to lovingly accompany individuals experiencing same-sex attraction. Fr. Colin Blatchford, …

1
Responding to Same-Sex Attraction Part 1: Christian Anthropology 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

Many men and women in today's world identify as LGBTQ+. Christians who want to defend God's plan for marriage sometimes don't know how to respond. How can we lovingly minister to friends or family members while still affirming truth? Christians must learn how to lovingly accompany individuals experiencing same-sex attraction. Fr. Colin Blatchford, …

1
Examining Annulment Culture in the Catholic Church 1:03:00

3M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

There's a crisis of marriage in modern culture, even within the Catholic Church. Marriage rates are down, while annulment rates went up. So, what's going on? In previous episodes, John Clark and Fr. Michael Duesterhaus (a procurator/advocate) both gave their insights about annulment and marriage data. On this episode, they join us for a joint discu…

1
Is Brain Death Risky? Bioethics Expert Explains | Dr. Joseph Meaney 44:14

3M ago44:14

44:14

"Brain death," or death determined by neurological criteria, is one way that doctors figure out if a patient has died. This is closely tied to organ donation, as the vast majority of vital organs come from brain dead donors. In this interview with Dr. Joseph Meaney, President of the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), we address common quest…

1
Finding the Spouse God Wants for You | Fr. Shenan Boquet 55:22

3M ago55:22

55:22

Marriage is one of the Catholic Church's beautiful vocations. But dating can be confusing. How can young people successfully date and find a spouse? On this episode, Fr. Boquet gives Catholic dating advice for men and women discerning marriage. He also offers advice for husbands and wives who want to foster their children's vocations. We address qu…

1
Nurturing Catholic Religious Vocations in the Family | Fr. Shenan Boquet 51:41

3M ago51:41

51:41

Many vocations, including those to the priesthood or religious life, begin in the home. How can parents help foster their children's vocations? On today's episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet shares his vocation story and the role his family played in his discernment. He also shares advice for individuals discerning their vocation. Find out why religious voc…

1
Sexual Orientation Can Change through Therapy | Fr. Paul Sullins 38:26

4M ago38:26

38:26

On this episode, 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 clai…

1
Dignitas Infinita: Addressing Modern Issues with Ageless Principles 53:29

4M ago53:29

53:29

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…

1
First-wave Feminism Wasn’t as Nice as You Thought | Dr. Carrie Gress 47:50

4M ago47:50

47:50

Most people don’t know about the Marxist, occult, and anti-family trends that became modern feminism. Some people think feminism was hijacked in the 1960s by second-wave feminists. But nearly everyone agrees that the first-wave feminism was good. However, when Dr. Carrie Gress dug into the history of the feminist movement, she realized this isn’t e…

1
Exploring Health Impacts of Hookup Culture | Dr. Joe Malone 56:28

4M ago56:28

56:28

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 actually has the opposite effect. Casual sex disrupts the biological bonding process! And it leads to serious physical and mental health problems…

1
Forgiveness after "Failed" Abortion Left One Twin Alive 30:26

5M ago30:26

30:26

What's it like to lose a twin to abortion? That's what happened to Claire Culwell. At just 13-years-old, Claire's mom became pregnant with twins. Claire miraculously survived the D&E abortion procedure, but her twin did not. On this episode, Claire shares her story of surviving abortion, losing a twin, and reconnecting with her birth mother. Resour…

1
Steps to Build a Community that Welcomes People with Disabilities 34:57

5M ago34:57

34:57

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 Brad…

1
The Price of Life: Exploring the Human Cost of Surrogacy 57:20

5M ago57:20

57:20

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 t…

1
A Child’s Future Turns on His Parents’ Marriage | Dr. Patrick Fagan 49:28

5M ago49:28

49:28

Why do children require their biological parents’ marriage? How does a couple’s relationship impact their child’s development? Today, many children grow up in broken homes. This often negatively impacts their future. Children thrive within the marriage of their biological parents. So, how can couples help their marriage thrive? How can parents give…

1
Cultural Pushback Against Euthanasia in Canada | Amanda Achtman 53:45

6M ago53:45

53:45

Why do people get euthanized? And how can we create a culture where euthanasia is unthinkable? Canada's stats are shocking. Since 2016, over 50,000 individuals have died from legal euthanasia and assisted suicide. So, what can we do? Right now, Amanda Achtman is on a mission to end euthanasia in Canada. Through her project Dying to Meet You, Amanda…

1
Ukraine Caught Between Russian Guns and U.S. Abortion Demands 1:10:05

6M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

How has the war with Russia changed pro-life work in Ukraine? Why is this the best time to promote life and family? And do Americans really understand Ukrainian values? On today's episode, Genia Samborska (HLI's affiliate in Ukraine) and Valentyna Pavsyukova join us for an in-depth discussion about the fight for life and family in Ukraine. Discover…

1
Annulments Procurator Tells the Story Behind the Data 1:08:34

6M ago1:08:34

1:08:34

Why are 90% of annulments granted by the Catholic Church? Can you trust the Tribunal’s decision? Why did annulment numbers increase? Fr. Duesterhaus, a procurator/advocate, has presented many formal cases over the years. On today’s episode, he gives an insider’s look at the annulment process. He also offers insight to the common reasons couples see…

1
NSSM-200: The USA's Blueprint for Depopulation 40:31

6M ago40:31

40:31

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. Shenan Boquet discusses…

1
Abortion Survivors Left to Die: What Jill Stanek Saw 33:07

7M ago33:07

33:07

Infanticide and abortion go hand-in-hand. Afterall, the only difference is the baby’s location. Both acts kill an innocent child. When Jill Stanek was working as a nurse in 1999, she discovered that her hospital was performing abortions. Many preborn babies would be delivered early and then left to die in the hospital’s utility room. Often, these c…

1
A Journey Back from Same Sex Attraction | Jessica Owens 46:29

7M ago46:29

46:29

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.…

1
A Hard Look at Annulment Data Raises Questions About the Process 43:18

7M ago43:18

43:18

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…

1
Adult Stem Cells: A Better Alternative to Embryonic Stem Cell Research 35:01

7M ago35:01

35:01

What are stem cells? What’s the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells? Which type of research is more effective? To get embryonic stem cells, scientists must kill a days-old human. But adult stem cells can be ethically sourced from umbilical cords, bone marrow, and other cells from a human body. Not a single person has ever b…

1
How Birth Control Disrupts Chemistry in Relationships | Dr. Joe Malone 41:49

7M ago41:49

41:49

What type of men do women want? How does birth control affect the science of relationships? Can the pill make you choose the wrong man? Hormonal birth control negatively affects a woman’s mental and physical health. And it also alters chemical attraction between men and women. Because birth control disrupts a woman’s hormonal cycle, it changes who …

1
Pro-life Policies Worldwide Threatened by ACP-EU Agreement 27:55

8M ago27:55

27:55

You won’t hear about the ACP-EU Agreement in the media. But you should. If it is ratified, this international treaty will force 79 countries to legalize abortion, LGBTQ ideologies, and comprehensive sex-education for 20 years. Moreover, the terms of the treaty (also called the Samoa Agreement) will give the European Union controlling votes at the U…

1
Inside Planned Parenthood's Sex-Education: Selling Abortion to Kids 1:10:43

8M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

What does Planned Parenthood teach kids in schools? How does sex-education funnel kids to abortion? And why should you care? Monica Leal Cline was trained by Planned Parenthood to be a sex-educator. On today’s episode, she shares an insider look at Planned Parenthood’s sex-ed program. Find out how sex-ed purposefully divides children from parents, …

1
Masculine Virtues in Popular "Lord of the Rings" Characters 1:20:03

8M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

Is Aragorn the epitome of masculinity? How do Lord of the Rings characters model masculine virtues? Why is this even important? Right now, there’s a masculinity crisis in society. People talk about toxic masculinity. Boys don’t know how to be strong men and good fathers. Many men don’t know what positive masculinity looks like! The breakdown of mas…

1
Does Birth Control Affect Health? An Honest Look by a Women's Health Practitioner 35:17

8M ago35:17

35:17

How does birth control affect fertility? Why do I have weight gain from birth control pill? What are the birth control pill side effects? There's a reason women ask these questions. Right now, millions of women are one some form of hormonal birth control, such as the mini-pill or IUD. But many don’t realize that birth control comes with a host of h…

1
Which Pro-life Tactics Work? Former Abortion Worker Explains 32:08

9M ago32:08

32:08

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 …

1
Contraception and IVF are the SAME SIN 29:21

9M ago29:21

29:21

Why are contraception and in vitro fertilization the same sin? Isn’t contraception anti-baby? And IVF is pro-baby? In today’s podcast episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks the relationship between contraception and IVF. Separating sex from babies always opposes God’s plan for sexuality. Surprisingly, in vitro fertilization and birth control are relate…

1
Biology of How Men & Women Bond Differently | Dr. Joe Malone 1:12:59

9M ago1:12:59

1:12:59

Is love chemistry? How do couples bond physically? And why does casual sex biologically harm relationships? Dr. Joe Malone is a Sexual Integrity Scientist. While studying the biological and chemical bonding process of men and women, he discovered that chastity lays the groundwork for love! When men and women hook up, the natural bonding process is …

1
Redemptive Suffering: Live is Valuable, Even When It Hurts 34:06

9M ago34:06

34:06

What do Catholics believe about redemptive suffering? And why should you care? Many people today believe it’s better to die or sin rather than suffer. They don't understand why God allows suffering. False compassion often leads to euthanasia, abortion, and LGBTQ ideologies. So, how should Catholics respond? How can we help people understand the spi…

1
Planned Parenthood’s Cultural Colonization of Malawi Hits a Roadblock 33:27

10M ago33:27

33:27

Does abstinence-based sex-ed work? Planned Parenthood says no. But Malawian schoolkids say “YES!” HLI visits schools in Malawi, encouraging schoolkids to live chastely and quit contraception. When Planned Parenthood tried to teach the same students about unchaste sexual education, the kids chased away IPPF. Then they burned the condoms and hormonal…

1
Survivor's Guilt and Generational Trauma in Siblings of Aborted Children 45:02

10M ago45:02

45:02

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 si…

1
How Films from Hollywood’s Golden Age Reveal God’s Plan for Sexuality 1:25:14

10M ago1:25:14

1:25:14

How can you teach teens about chastity and healthy relationships? And how can you inspire young people to embrace God’s plan for marriage? Ever since the Sexual Revolution, healthy relationships seem rare. Kids grow up thinking divorce is normal. Movies and TV shows push casual sex and contraception on teens. And today, the LGBTQ agenda further dis…

1
Women Need Men to Step Up in the Pro-Life Movement 38:06

10M ago38:06

38:06

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 pornogr…

1
How Every Family Can Pull Off Catholic Education 44:34

10M ago44:34

44:34

What is classical education? And why should you care? Parents want to give their children the best education. But in today’s cultural climate, options feel limited. Many public schools embrace anti-family agendas, indoctrinating kids with woke ideologies. So, what should parents do? On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks the benefits of Catholi…

1
Not Reported: The ‘Why’ Behind Uganda’s 2023 Anti-LGBT Law 56:15

11M ago56:15

56:15

Did you hear about Uganda’s new law prohibiting homosexual actions? It’s one of the most extreme anti-gay laws in the world. For certain cases, such as rape, pedophilia, and knowing spreading HIV, individuals can face the death penalty. The law also prohibits grooming children. International leaders, World Bank, and mainstream media have all condem…

1
The Bloody History of Fetal Cell Research 1:16:56

11M ago1:16:56

1:16:56

Which products were developed using aborted fetal cells? Is fetal cell research unavoidable? What can you do about it? Jose Trasancos from Children of God for Life joins us to discuss the deadly history of fetal cell research. Many products—from medications & vaccines to cosmetics & food additives—have been developed using aborted fetuses. To make …

1
Why You Shouldn't Talk About the Demographic Winter 35:12

11M ago35:12

35:12

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. Shenan 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 hop…

1
Melissa Ohden's Moving Story Reveals Surprising Truths About Abortion 38:17

11M ago38:17

38:17

As a baby, Melissa Ohden survived a saline infusion abortion. Today, she’s uniting abortion survivors all around the world through the Abortion Survivor’s Network. Melissa Ohden 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 survi…

1
"Sound of Freedom” and the Root Causes of Human Trafficking 39:51

12M ago39:51

39:51

2023’s unexpected box office hit, Sound of Freedom, exposed the horror of human trafficking. This modern-day slavery encompasses everything from labor to sex trafficking. So, what’s feeding this industry? Fr. Shenan Boquet joins us today to unpack this issue. What fuels modern-day slavery? How is porn involved? And what does this situation look lik…

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