Brave New Us

What if health begins not with control, but with trust?Samantha speaks with a Catholic nutritionist about holistic health, women’s metabolism, and the growing desire to step out of cycles of restriction and anxiety surrounding food and wellness.Together they explore how Christian anthropology offers a different starting point for health: the body as created good, meaningful, and worthy of care rather than suspicion.In this episode:Holistic health and the limits of modern wellness cultureWomen’s health, metabolism, and stressFaith and nutritionLearning to cooperate with the body instead of fighting itBuy the Book: Made GoodSubscribe to the newsletter!

Modern culture is often described as disembodied — detached from physical reality and increasingly virtual. But is that diagnosis accurate?In this episode, Samantha responds to arguments about “disembodiment,” proposing instead that modern life has produced a cluster of bodily effects: heightened anxiety about health, constant self-monitoring, and confusion about what the body means or how it should be understood.Rather than abandoning the body, we may be struggling to interpret it.In this episode:A response to Helen Roy’s argument on disembodimentWhy modern people are hyper-focused on their bodies rather than detached from themTechnology, medicine, and the loss of bodily intelligibilityHow diagnosing the problem shapes the path toward healingSubscribe to the newsletter!

Infertility is often treated as a medical problem waiting for a solution. But for many women, the deeper questions begin after diagnosis.Samantha speaks with Leigh Snead, author of Infertile but Fruitful, about the emotional, spiritual, and relational realities of infertility — and the challenge of understanding the meaning of spiritual motherhood when life unfolds differently than expected.Together they explore how faith reframes suffering, vocation, and hope without reducing them to easy answers.In this episode:The lived experience of infertility beyond clinical languageMarriage, identity, and waitingChristian understandings of fruitfulnessFinding meaning when life diverges from long-held expectationsBuy the book: Infertile But FruitfulSubscribe to the newsletter!

Language does more than describe reality. Over time, it teaches us how to see it.In this episode of Brave New Us, Samantha shares a reading and reflection connected to her spiritual fiction project, The Bellbind Letters, exploring how cultural change often begins not with laws or technologies, but with shifts in vocabulary — especially around the body, femininity, and identity.What happens when familiar words slowly take on new meanings? And how does language shape the way a society understands what it means to be human?This episode opens a larger season-long conversation about embodiment, fertility, health, and the search for a more grounded way of living in a technological age.In this episode:How language quietly reshapes cultureWhy debates about the body are often linguistic before they are politicalFiction as a tool for cultural and moral imaginationSetting the stage for conversations on infertility, health, and embodied lifeBuy the book: The Bellbind LettersSubscribe to the newsletter!

In a culture that normalizes medical means for non-medical problems, where do we draw the line in the pursuit of beauty?In This Episode We explore the ethics of cosmetic procedures—from “baby Botox” and fillers to plastic surgery—and what they communicate about our bodies, our worth, and our deepest desires. Through the story of “Katie” and reflections from Theology of the Body, we ask:Does altering a healthy body help us love ourselves…or teach us to reject the gift we’ve been given?Is cosmetic “enhancement” actually making women more confident, or more insecure?How do we distinguish healing therapies from enhancements driven by cultural pressure?What does aging reveal about love, humility, and what lasts forever?Mentioned & Linked in This EpisodeEssay: Reject and Inject: The Ethics of Cosmetic ProceduresConcepts from Theology of the Body (St. John Paul II)Reflections inspired by the life of Servant of God Chiara Corbella PetrilloCultural trends: “Sephora kids,” filters, and beauty consumerismResources from SamanthaBrave New Us podcast back catalogEssays on biotechnology, beauty culture, and being human at choosinghuman.orgSubscribe to the newsletter For essays, link roundups, and book updates.Grow Where You’re Planted — preorder bonuses include a downloadable list of favorite non-toxic productsJoin the Conversation Have thoughts on this episode or beauty culture? Join the discussion at choosinghuman.org.If this episode resonated with you, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find the show.

Is assisted suicide compassionate—or is it a cultural failure to respond humanely to suffering?In this episode of Brave New Us, host Samantha Stephenson speaks with author and bioethics speaker Stephanie Gray Connors about physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia, and end-of-life ethics in the age of medical and technological power. Drawing on her book On Assisted Suicide (Word on Fire’s Dignity series), Stephanie examines how language like “death with dignity” and “medical aid in dying” reshapes our moral imagination—and why dignity is not something we lose when we suffer.From Canada’s rapidly expanding MAiD program to suicide pods in Europe and growing pressure on doctors and patients alike, this conversation explores what happens when a culture begins to treat death as a solution. We discuss suffering, autonomy, coercion, meaning, and the profound human need for relationship at the end of life.If you’re wrestling with questions about assisted suicide, euthanasia, medical ethics, or how to speak compassionately about death and dignity, this episode offers clarity without abstraction—and hope without denial.In this episode, we explore:Assisted suicide vs. natural death: what’s the ethical difference?Why “death with dignity” is a misleading phraseCanada’s MAiD program and rising assisted-death ratesHow normalization creates pressure on the elderly, disabled, and poorThe illusion of control at the end of lifeViktor Frankl, meaning, and despair in the face of sufferingWhat compassionate, life-affirming end-of-life care really looks likeAbout the guestStephanie Gray Connors is an author and international speaker on bioethics, abortion, assisted suicide, and human dignity. She is the author of On Assisted Suicide in the Word on Fire Dignity Series and has debated and presented on life issues across North America. Originally from Canada and now living in the United States, she brings firsthand insight into the ethical and cultural consequences of legalized assisted suicide.Mentioned in this episodeOn Assisted Suicide — Stephanie Gray ConnorsSuicide PodsMedical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in CanadaThe Atlantic on assisted suicide and physician pressureMother euthanizes 12-year-old daughterViktor Frankl, Man’s Search for MeaningNick Vujicic and The Butterfly CircusMattie StepanickLoveunleasheslife.comLeave a Review + Share the ShowRate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at choosinghuman.org

Why are women developing chronic illness at younger ages—and why are they so often dismissed when they seek answers?In this episode of Brave New Us, bioethicist and chronic illness patient Samantha Stephenson explores why women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune disease, migraines, infertility, depression, and other chronic conditions. Drawing from ethics, medicine, and lived experience, she examines the role of environmental toxins, hormonal contraception, abortion, and inequities in medical research—and asks how women can pursue real healing without ignoring the spiritual meaning of suffering.In This EpisodeWhy women are getting sicker at younger agesChronic illness, autoimmune disease, and women’s healthEndocrine-disrupting chemicals in beauty, cleaning, and food productsThe “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) loopholeHormonal birth control as a band-aid—not a cureSide effects of hormonal contraceptives, including brain changesRestorative reproductive medicine and NaProTechnologyAbortion and women’s physical and psychological healthWhy women are underrepresented in medical researchThe ethics of studying women’s bodiesFinding meaning, faith, and intimacy with Christ through sufferingEssays & ArticlesSamantha’s Essay (discussed in this episode)“Why Are Women So Sick?” — Claire the Catholic FeministAbortion Is the Real Assault on Women— Crisis MagazineWomen Deserve Better Than Abortion — Word on FireBooks & FilmsYour Brain on Birth Control— Sarah E. HillOffer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering— Megan Hjelmstad (Blessed Is She)Hush(documentary)Women’s Health & FertilityNatural Cycles AppTempDropOther MentionsAlex ClarkAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the menstrual cycle as the “fifth vital sign”Momosophy Substack (Elizabeth Kulze)Resources from SamanthaDetails on Samantha’s chronic illness journey Grow Where You’re Planted — including a downloadable list of favorite non-toxic products available with preorderJoin the ConversationHave thoughts on this episode or personal experience with chronic illness? Subscribe to the newsletter to comment and to receive essays, link roundups, and book updates.If this episode resonated, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find the show.

Why are highly educated, ambitious women choosing large families in an age of falling birthrates, frozen eggs, and fertility tech? In this episode, Dr. Catherine Pakaluk joins Brave New Us to unpack her groundbreaking book Hannah’s Children: The Women Who Defied the Birth Dearth.We explore:What drives women to embrace motherhood as a vocation—not a fallbackHow the fertility crisis and biotech age shape our cultural assumptions about children, work, and worthWhy choosing family is the most radical—and future-focused—choice a woman can make today About the guest: Dr. Catherine Pakaluk is a professor of social research and economic thought at the Catholic University of America and a mother of eight.Mentioned in the EpisodeGet Hannah’s ChildrenA Catholic Guide to Infertility with John DiCamilloLeave a Review + Share the ShowRate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.comGrab a copy of Samantha’s book Reclaiming Motherhood—a theology of the body for motherhood in the age of reproductive technologies.

Stacy Trasancos, author of IVF Is Not the Way, joins Samantha to unpack the hidden costs and ethical challenges of IVF and fertility technology. Drawing on her science background and faith, Stacy reveals why IVF often falls short—and why natural fertility awareness and restorative reproductive medicine offer hope that’s overlooked by mainstream medicine.We explore how the fertility industry profits from desperation, the ethical dilemmas of embryo freezing and manipulation, and how couples can reclaim control of their fertility through informed, compassionate alternatives.Links mentioned in the episode:IVF Is Not the Way by Stacy Trasancos Leave a Review + Share the ShowRate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.comLeave a Review + Share the Show If this conversation opened your eyes to what stem cell therapy can do, please:Rate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.com!Grab a copy of Samantha’s book Reclaiming Motherhood, a theology of the body for motherhood in an age of reproductive technologies.

In this episode of Brave New Us, Dr. Nathanael Blake joins host Samantha Stephenson to discuss his bold new book, Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts Us All. Together, they unpack how a movement that promised personal freedom has led to cultural confusion, emotional harm, and deep philosophical contradictions.We explore:What sets Victims of the Revolution apart from other critiques of the Sexual RevolutionWhy the revolution’s “freedom” often means detaching the self from the bodyThe real-life consequences for the most vulnerable—especially women and childrenWhat a more truthful and embodied view of human nature might look likeDr. Blake reveals the philosophical roots and political consequences of sexual liberation—and why reclaiming a sane, integrated view of the human person is key to healing what’s broken.Mentioned in the EpisodeVictims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts Us AllNathanael Blake at the EPPC: https://eppc.org/author/nathanael_blake/Leave a Review + Share the Show If this conversation opened your eyes to what stem cell therapy can do, please:Rate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.com!Grab a copy of Samantha’s book Reclaiming Motherhood, a theology of the body for motherhood in an age of reproductive technologies.

When does medicine cross the line from healing to harm?In this episode of Brave New Us, bioethicist and nurse researcher Kallie Fell, Executive Director of the Center for Bioethics and Culture (CBC), joins Samantha Stephenson to expose critical ethical questions around reproductive technologies, gender medicine, and medical consent.We dig into:The hidden risks and ethical concerns of IVF, egg donation, and commercial surrogacyHow “informed consent” often fails in fertility treatments and gender-affirming careThe rapid rise of pediatric gender clinics and controversies surrounding transgender medical interventions for minorsWhat the CBC is uncovering about the commodification of human bodies in reproductive and gender medicineHow profit motives influence both the fertility industry and gender-affirming healthcareWhy women and vulnerable populations often bear the brunt of unregulated medical innovationThis episode offers a clear-eyed look at the intersection of bioethics, reproductive technology, gender medicine, and medical ethics, asking what it truly means to protect human dignity in an age of rapid biomedical change.Mentioned in the EpisodeCenter for Bioethics and CultureCBC DocumentariesPaul Ramsey InstituteThe Detransition Diaries bookKallie on XLeave a Review + Share the ShowRate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.comGrab a copy of Samantha’s book Reclaiming Motherhood—a theology of the body for motherhood in the age of reproductive technologies.

Grayson Quay joins Samantha Stephenson to expose the seductive logic of transhumanism—and the moral and spiritual cost of buying in. From AI and brain chips to synthetic immortality and gene editing, the push to “upgrade” the human experience promises power but may unravel what makes us human.This conversation cuts through the hype to reveal what’s really at stake. Is transhumanism a scientific breakthrough or a new form of worship? What happens when we lose our reverence for the body and our humility before its limits?Topics we cover: – Why transhumanism is less science, more spiritual counterfeit – The link between tech worship and ancient heresies – What the push to overcome nature reveals about modern despair – Whether enhancement is actually a form of self-erasureMentioned in this episode:The Transhumanist Temptation Grayson Quay on X Leave a Review + Share the ShowRate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.comLeave a Review + Share the Show If this conversation opened your eyes to what stem cell therapy can do, please:Rate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.com!Grab a copy of Samantha’s book Reclaiming Motherhood, a theology of the body for motherhood in an age of reproductive technologies.

Is IVF the only answer for infertility—or is there a better way? In this episode, Samantha Stephenson welcomes back Grace Emily Stark, editor of Natural Womanhood and a leading voice in restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). Together, they unpack what RRM really is, how it differs from conventional gynecology and fertility treatments like IVF, and why so few women have ever heard of it.We explore:The science behind cycle charting and hormone diagnosticsWhy the birth control pill often masks—not solves—reproductive issuesHow RRM treats the root causes of infertility (like PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids)The cultural and political barriers to this life-giving approachHow anti-Catholic bias and insurance policy keep women from real optionsWhy restoration of fertility should be the gold standard—not bypassing itIf you're fed up with “lazy medicine,” frustrated by the one-size-fits-all approach of the pill, or wondering if IVF is really your only path forward, this conversation is a must-listen.Mentioned in the EpisodeNatural WomanhoodInternational Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine nfpandmore.com femmhealth.orgneofertility.comArticle: Should you take ozempic for PCOS?Period Genius ProgramLeave a Review + Share the ShowRate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.com!Grab a copy of Samantha’s book Reclaiming Motherhood, a theology of the body for motherhood in an age of reproductive technologies.

Is it possible to reverse autoimmune disease—permanently? In this episode of Brave New Us, Dr. Richard Burt, pioneering stem cell physician and author of Everyday Miracles, joins host Samantha Stephenson to unpack his revolutionary treatment for autoimmune disorders. Hailed by Scientific American as one of the top 10 medical advances of the decade, Dr. Burt’s non-myeloablative stem cell therapy has changed—and saved—lives.Dr. Burt opens up about his early skepticism, the medical establishment's resistance, and the patients who inspired him to push forward. Together, we explore the promise and pitfalls of regenerative medicine and what it takes to bring groundbreaking science to the clinic without losing our humanity.If you’ve ever wondered:Can stem cells actually reverse disease, not just slow progression?What does "immune system reset" mean—and is it safe?Why is the medical establishment slow to adopt new therapies?What ethical questions come with cutting-edge biotechnology? This episode will challenge what you thought was possible.Topics Covered:How Dr. Burt’s stem cell therapy reversed multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, Crohn’s, and moreThe difference between myeloablative and non-myeloablative stem cell treatmentsWhy Big Pharma and some doctors resisted the treatment—even after successWhat “immune system reboot” really means and how it worksThe role of patient advocacy and storytelling in transforming medicineWhy humility, ethics, and hope must guide the future of biotechHow Everyday Miracles bridges hard science with human dignityMentioned in the EpisodeDr. Burt’s books: Everyday Miracles: Curing Multiple Sclerosis, Scleroderma, and Autoimmune DiseasesKill Switch: The History of How Viruses Shaped Humanity and Led to COVID-19Genani BiotechHow can I get HSCT for myself or my loved one?https://astemcelljourney.com/about/drrichardburt/Leave a Review + Share the Show If this conversation opened your eyes to what stem cell therapy can do, please:Rate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend, patient group, or doctorKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.com

What happens when creating a child becomes a consumer choice? In this provocative episode of Brave New Us, research associate at the Heritage Foundation Emma Waters joins host Samantha Stephenson to break down the rising trend of embryo screening, designer genetics, and artificial wombs. From Elon Musk's child-maxxing to CRISPR enhancements and Build-a-Baby startups like Nucleus Genomics and Orchid, we explore how reproductive technologies are reshaping what it means to become a parent—and what’s at stake for the children created through these tools.If you've ever asked yourself: • Is embryo selection a form of modern eugenics? • Can we separate desire from design in the future of family building? • Are children becoming products instead of persons? • What's the difference between healing and enhancement in genetic medicine?Topics Covered:Why "have healthy babies" is a deceptive marketing sloganThe ethics of picking embryos based on IQ, personality, or sexThe rise of child-maxxing among elites like Elon MuskWhy "designer babies" deepen inequality and threaten parent-child loveWhat three-parent embryos and artificial gametes mean for the future of familyThe philosophy behind eugenics—and why it's rebranded, not goneWhen CRISPR gene editing might cross the line from healing to hubrisWhy strong families—not just birthrates—should be the goal of pronatalismMentioned in the EpisodeEmma Waters’ work on pronatalism and reproductive ethicsConnect with Emma on X (Twitter)New Atlantis article: Stop Hacking HumansPublic Discourse article: The Pronatalism and Silicon ValleyLeave a Review + Share the Show If this conversation made you think differently about the future of family, science, and ethics, please:Rate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend or on social mediaKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.com

In this episode, I open up about my personal journey from hormonal contraceptives to finding my faith within the Catholic Church. My relentless pursuit of truth led me to a profound understanding of Catholic doctrine, culminating in my conversion and a renewed commitment to my beliefs. Join me as I share how contraceptives became my ‘gateway drug’ to my home in Christ's one true Church.…Don't forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to never miss a video!STAY CONNECTEDWebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterEditorClick here to sign up for our FREE weekly Substack NEWSLETTER!!

In this episode of Brave New Us, we delve into the dual expectations society places on men and the concept of masculinity. We discuss the innate understanding of what it means to be a ‘good man’—characterized by duty, honor, integrity, and sacrifice—and contrast it with the societal pressure to ‘man up’ and embody toughness, competitiveness, and stoicism.Joining us is Professor Pearcey, author of “The Toxic War on Masculinity, How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes,” who shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind her controversial book. She challenges the negative portrayal of masculinity in modern culture and offers a fresh perspective on how Christianity provides a balanced view of gender roles.We explore the harmful effects of the so-called ‘toxic masculinity’ narrative and discuss how we can better support men in embracing their true roles as protectors, providers, and responsible individuals without succumbing to toxic traits.Tune in to Brave New Us for an insightful conversation that seeks to understand and redefine what it means to be a man in today’s world.Connect with Professor Pearcey: https://www.nancypearcey.com/Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/44OP0LY…Click here to sign up for our FREE weekly Substack NEWSLETTER!!

Think the Catholic Church supports IVF because it wants big families? Think again.In this episode of Brave New Us, Samantha Stephenson tackles some of the most persistent myths about Catholic teaching on reproductive technologies. From the misconception that the Church is indifferent to women’s suffering, to the false idea that all conceptions are morally equal, this candid conversation unpacks what the Church actually teaches—and why.We explore:Why the Church opposes in vitro fertilizationHow IVF violates the dignity of the child, the woman, and marriageThe Church’s advocacy for responsible parenthood and natural birth spacingA lesser-known, ethical and effective alternative to IVF that aligns with Catholic bioethicsWhether you're Catholic, curious, or questioning, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope.Click here to sign up for our FREE weekly Substack NEWSLETTER!!

Following Pope Francis’s condemnation of surrogacy, headlines exploded with accusations of misogyny and moral overreach. But beneath the outrage lies a deeper question: what if the Church’s position is more empowering—and more human—than critics are willing to admit?In this solo episode, Samantha Stephenson responds to a viral CNN opinion piece, challenges media distortions, and defends the Church’s stance as a voice for women’s dignity, children’s rights, and the sanctity of motherhood. She also reflects on activist Olivia Morel, a child of surrogacy, and what her surprise at Donum Vitae reveals about the Church’s urgent need to communicate its teachings in a post-Christian culture.…Click here to sign up for our FREE weekly Substack NEWSLETTER!!

When IVF is off the table, what options remain for Catholic couples struggling with infertility?In this episode, Samantha Stephenson is joined by John DiCamillo, Ethicist and Director of Personal Consultations at the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC). With over a decade of experience, John helps untangle the ethical questions surrounding fertility treatments like GIFT, IUI, and other interventions involving the couple’s own gametes.Together, they explore:Why IVF is morally problematicHow to evaluate other fertility treatments through a Catholic lensThe role of NCBC in guiding couples, clergy, and healthcare providers.—-bravenewus.substack.com

Welcome to Brave New Us, where we explore the impact of feminism on our lives, akin to fluoride in the water. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Madden, author of “Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter,” to discuss the essence of femininity and masculinity in our times.Megan, a homeschooling mother and wife to a theology professor, shares her journey of understanding what it means to be a woman today. She delves into the feminine genius, revealing how embracing our God-given qualities can lead to a fulfilling life.We’ll unpack why our distinctly female bodies matter, tracing back to the creation story and addressing the modern identity crisis. Join us as we navigate these topics, inspired by Megan’s insights and the role of Mary as a model for authentic womanhood.Tune in to this heartfelt conversation on being women who love to be women, and the profound implications it has on marriage, family, and society.Connect with Megan: www.instagram.com/amotherslaceBuy the Book: https://amzn.to/3QR0Gb9…Don't forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to never miss a video!STAY CONNECTEDWebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterEditorClick here to sign up for our FREE weekly Substack NEWSLETTER!!

Is “affirming care” helping—or harming—the people it claims to serve?Therapist and documentary producer Stephanie Winn joins Samantha Stephenson to expose the psychological and cultural fallout of gender ideology. Drawing on her clinical experience and work on the film No Way Back, Stephanie unpacks the troubling realities behind gender transitions, the pressure to conform, and what true mental health support looks like for gender-questioning youth and their families.This episode cuts through the noise to ask the hard questions few are willing to raise.Some Kind of Therapist podcast:    / @sometherapist  … STAY CONNECTEDWebsite Click here to sign up for our FREE weekly Substack NEWSLETTER!!

Samantha Stephenson talks with Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, economist, writer, and founder of the Ruth Institute, about the hidden costs of the Sexual Revolution. They explore her sharp critique of its three dominant ideologies:The contraceptive ideologyThe divorce ideologyThe gender ideologyDiscover how these ideas shape—and sometimes distort—our understanding of marriage, family, and the human body. Dive deep into the assumptions, contradictions, and societal consequences of the sexual revolution.https://ruthinstitute.org/about/dr-morse/… Don't forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to never miss a video! Click here to sign up for our FREE weekly Substack NEWSLETTER!!

Samantha interviews Dr. Christopher Kaczor, a professor of philosophy and the author of The Ethics of Abortion: Women’s Rights, Human Life, and the Question of Justice. They discuss some of the most challenging and controversial questions in the abortion debate, such as:Can artificial wombs end the abortion debate?Is your body really your choice when it comes to pregnancy and abortion?How do we engage with feminists about abortion?How do religion and natural law help us argue against abortion?Listen to this episode to learn more about the ethics of abortion and the challenges and opportunities for finding common ground in this controversial issue!

They say never discuss religion or politics—no wonder abortion is one of the most divisive issues today. Pope Francis calls it the preeminent moral crisis of our age, yet honest, civil conversation feels nearly impossible.In this episode, Samantha Stephenson sits down with Bella O’Neill, former JFA intern and passionate pro-life advocate, to explore how to engage college campuses with courage, clarity, and compassion. Learn how to speak the truth about abortion without burning bridges—and why love must lead the conversation.Mentioned in this episode: Justice For AllOnline JFA Training…Now on YouTube! www.youtube.com/@stephensonbioethicsFor exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad— a mother’s theology of the body

The prolife movement is often accused of not doing enough to help pregnant mother in crisis, and the internet is littered with articles denouncing pregnancy centers as illegitimate medical practices seeking to take choices away from women. It’s time to set the record straight. Samantha chats with Tiffany Farley, executive director of the Gabriel Network, about how to help pregnant women in crisis and what we can do to put our prolife convictions into action. Mentioned in this episode: Gabriel Network…Now on YouTube! www.youtube.com/@stephensonbioethicsFor exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at www.faithandbioethics.com.Now available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone MadConnect: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

When Nicole LeBlanc learned she was pregnant with conjoined twins, doctors urged her to end the pregnancy. But she chose a different path.In this episode, Samantha Stephenson speaks with Nicole about her decision to choose life in the face of overwhelming pressure from medical professionals. They discuss the challenges of a high-risk diagnosis, the dignity of every human life, and what it means to stand firm in faith and love—even when the world says “terminate.” Mentioned in this episode: Nicole on Twitter Hoodliners/Rosary boards …For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a mother’s theology of the body

In today’s world, adult choices often take center stage—even when they come at the expense of children.In this episode, Samantha Stephenson talks with Katy Faust, president of Them Before Us and author of Them Before Us: Why We Need a Global Children’s Rights Movement. Together, they unpack how modern family structures—through third-party reproduction, divorce culture, and surrogacy—are increasingly shaped by adult wants rather than children’s needs. The result? A generation of kids paying the price for decisions they didn’t choose.Mentioned in this episode: Them Before Us organizationThem Before Us bookChildren of divorce article at The Federalist…Now on YouTube! www.youtube.com/@stephensonbioethicsFor exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at www.faithandbioethics.com.Now available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone MadConnect: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

What happens when the path to motherhood doesn’t look like you expected?In this episode, Samantha Stephenson speaks with Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman about her deeply personal journey through infertility, her reflections on the Church’s teaching on embryo adoption, and the joys and challenges of building a family through adoption. Together, they explore what it means to trust God in the ache—and beauty—of a story still unfolding. Mentioned in this episode: Emily’s Through a Glass Darkly SubstackSprings in the DesertSprings of LoveHumane Vitae Endow Study…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a mother’s theology of the body

What’s the real cost of surrogacy—and who pays it?In this episode, Samantha Stephenson talks with Fiorella Nash, author and bioethicist, about the hidden harms of the global surrogacy industry. From serious health risks for surrogate mothers to the violation of women’s and children’s rights, Nash exposes how surrogacy often crosses the line into human trafficking and exploitation.God’s children are not for sale. Neither are their mothers.Get The Abolition of Woman: https://ignatius.com/authors/fiorella-nash/…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a mother’s theology of the body

Reproductive technologies promise control—but what if the system is failing the very women it's meant to help?In this episode, Dr. Susan Caldwell shares why she left the world of IVF and egg donation behind. We unpack what the industry won’t tell you, and why more women are questioning the ethics, outcomes, and long-term costs of high-tech baby-making. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.drsusancaldwell.com/ Mycatholicdoctor.com https://www.ncbcenter.org/ https://popepaulvi.com/…Now on YouTube! www.youtube.com/@stephensonbioethicsFor exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com.Now available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad —a mother’s theology of the body

IVF is often seen as the gold standard for infertility treatment—but what if there’s a more ethical, more effective, and less costly alternative?In this episode, Samantha Stephenson speaks with Dr. Monique Ruberu, a pro-life OB-GYN, about the hidden downsides of in vitro fertilization and the promise of NaPro Technology—a restorative, science-based approach that addresses the root causes of women’s reproductive health issues. Together, they unpack what it really means to support couples through infertility without compromising ethical principles or human dignity.…“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a mother’s theology of the body

Can Catholics use vaccines developed with cell lines from aborted babies? What if there’s no alternative? And what about the growing list of medical treatments derived from fetal tissue?In this episode, Samantha Stephenson sits down with Dr. Stacy Trasancos of Children of God for Life to unpack Catholic bioethics surrounding the use of the unborn in medical research. From vaccines to experimental therapies, Dr. Trasancos exposes the hidden—and ongoing—use of aborted fetal body parts in U.S. biomedical science.What she reveals is more than disturbing. It’s a moral wake-up call.…“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad— a mother’s theology of the body

You see the pink line—you're pregnant. But in today’s world of prenatal genetic testing, celebration often turns to fear.In this episode, Samantha Stephenson speaks with Bridget Mora of the nonprofit Be Not Afraid to expose the dark side of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS). From false positives to misdiagnoses, we explore how unreliable tests are pushing families toward eugenic abortions—especially when babies are labeled with “lethal” or life-limiting conditions before birth.What if these diagnoses aren’t the whole story?…“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a mother’s theology of the body

In the midst of a culture that is increasingly confused about sexuality, love, life, and our very identity as persons, the Church offers us the truth of who we are.Will we unmask the fundamental lies fueling our culture's attacks on marriage, motherhood, and the family, or stand watch as these pillars of society unravel for future generations?In this episode, hear an advanced preview of Reclaiming Motherhood, the book that equips Catholics to combat our current madness by boldly proclaiming God's vision for our lives. …“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a Mother’s Theology of the Body

Contraceptives are all about being “safe,” right? If that’s true, why is this “essential tool” for women’s health causing everything from depression and anxiety to blood clots and strokes? Samantha talks with journalist and editor of Natural Womanhood, Grace Emily Stark, to get the real stats on how hormonal contraceptives are effecting women’s health, alternative methods of family planning, and what we can do to get the word out about the deception in the world of women’s health. Learn more about the risks of hormonal contraceptives and find alternative methods of family planning at NaturalWomanhood.com, or connect with Grace on her website GraceEmilyStark.com. …“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a mother’s theology of the body

The Sexual Revolution promised liberation through contraception and abortion, claiming to empower women by severing them from their fertility. But decades later, what has it really delivered?In this episode, host Samantha Stephenson speaks with Leah Jacobson, author and founder of The Guiding Star Project, to unpack the hidden costs of modern feminism. Together, they examine how the cultural script around reproductive rights has failed women—and why true empowerment means reclaiming our bodies, not suppressing them.You can purchase Leah’s bookWholistic Feminism: Healing the Identity Crisis Caused by the Women’s Movement, connect on Instagram, or visit her website at http://www.leahajacobson.com/.…“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a mother’s theology of the body Connect: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

New season coming June 13!…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.comNow available: Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad—a mother’s theology of the body

Podcast host Samantha Stephenson shares her son's birth story, how and why hospital staff refused her husband access and separated mother and baby at birth despite lacking any evidence of illness. …“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com.Now available : Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad

Over the course of this season, we’ve explored the science of changing our genetics, asking which characteristics we ought to change, and why. Who gets to decide? Left to our own devices, do we really understand what’s important about ourselves? If we use genetic editing to “improve” ourselves or our children, will it have the impact we think it will?Guests appearing in the episode:Shannon EvansShannon Evans is the author of Embracing Weakness: The Unlikely Secret to Changing the World, and writes the Everyday Ignatian column for Jesuits.org. Her passion is opening up deeper waters of contemplation so that our experience of the Divine grows further loving and curious rather than static and complacent. Shannon, her husband Eric, and their five children make their home in central Iowa. You can find Shannon at www.shannonkevans.com.Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, PhDFr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., is a Dominican priest and a professor at Providence College, RI. His areas of expertise are the biology of cancer, aging, and programmed cell death, health care ethics and bioethics in the Catholic tradition, and philosophical and theological implications of modern evolutionary theory.Special Thanks:Lauren Klingman, Mackenzie Kim“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com.

A life filled with suffering isn’t worth living. That’s what we’re told, right? That ending a life is a compassionate choice. As the Netherlands expand their program of euthanasia for children, we need to explore these assumptions that it’s okay to let suffering have the last word.In this episode, author and speaker Mary Lenaburg shares her experience caring for her severely disable daughter Courtney, and what over 20 years of accompanying her taught her about bearing her cross with joy.Guests appearing in the episode:Mary LenaburgMary Lenaburg is a writer, speaker, wife and mother sharing her witness and testimony to groups of all ages about God’s Redeeming love and that faith is the courage to want what God wants for us, even if we cannot see where the path leads. Acceptance + Trust = Unimaginable Joy. Mary is the author of the award-winning book “Be Brave in the Scared: How I Learned to Trust God During my Most Difficult Days” published by Ave Maria Press. She and her husband have been happily married for 32 year, finding joy among the ashes having lost their disabled daughter Courtney in 2014. They live in Northern Virginia with their grown son Jonathan. She continues to embrace her father’s advice: “Never quit, never give up, never lose your faith. It’s the one reason you walk this earth. For God chose this time and place just for you, so make the most of it.” You can find Mary at www.marylenaburg.com.Special Thanks:Lauren Klingman, Mackenzie Kim“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com

Every life has value, right? What about those who don’t appear able to value their own lives? What about infants whose brief existence is filled with suffering? Can we say that God has a purpose even for them?Guests appearing in the episode:Dr. Erica SalterErica K. Salter, PhD is an Associate Professor of Health Care Ethics and Pediatrics and the director of the PhD program in Health Care Ethics at Saint Louis University and the vice chair of the Ethics Committee at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Her research uncovers and examines the assumptions underlying current dominant concepts in clinical ethics, especially pediatric clinical ethics and clinical ethics consultation with the aim of improving health care decision-making for patients, families and providers. She lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband, Jake, and two kids, Jonah (6) and Leo (3).Special Thanks:Lauren Klingman, Mackenzie Kim“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGardardt.com).…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com

When we imagine that some people endure “special” kinds of suffering, we alienate one another. We leave people isolated when what we actually need is each other.I wanted to explore something Mary shared in the last episode, about this lie that the lives of the disabled are “impossibly hard.” What is it like for families coping with disabilities? What are the solutions we offer them now? Is erasing the disability something they even want, or are they asking for something else?Guests appearing in the episode:Dr. Erica SalterSpecial Thanks:Lauren Klingman, Mackenzie Kim“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com.

Is it possible to talk about healing a genetic disability without in some way discounting the value of the people who live with these disorders? What will the world be like for people with disabilities as these populations continue to shrink? Is eliminating disability even a worthwhile goal?Guests appearing in the episode:Mary Forr SzochMary Forr Szoch is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where she majored in political science and philosophy. After graduation, Mary received her Masters in Education from Notre Dame through the Alliance for Catholic Education. Mary has taught high school and middle school and has founded a non-profit for adults with special needs. In 2016, Mary became the Director of Life Issues for the Archdiocese of Washington, and in 2019, Mary became the Manager of Catholic Policy and Advocacy and Director of the DC Catholic Conference where she responds to all local legislation impacting the Archdiocese of Washington.Special Thanks:Lauren Klingman, Mackenzie Kim“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerdardt.com).…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com

This season on Brave New Us, we’re exploring the field of genetics, its human applications, and the ethical question that arise when we think about using this knowledge to alter the building blocks of who we are.In this episode, we explore the idea of using this technology to heal an existing condition. What would that mean for the patients involved? Is there something about our genetics that is intrinsic to us, that we wouldn’t want to change?Guests appearing in the episode:Emily DeArdoEmily DeArdo is a Catholic author whose first book, Living Memento Mori: My Journey Through the Stations of the Cross, was published by Ave Maria Press this past January. She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), an incurable genetic disease, when she was 11 years old, and recently celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of her double lung transplant. You can find Emily at emilymdeardo.comSpecial Thanks:Lauren Klingman, Mackenzie Kim“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt.…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com.

This season on Brave New Us, we’re exploring the field of genetics, its human applications, and the ethical question that arise when we think about using this knowledge to alter the building blocks of who we are.In this episode, we explore the research on genetic editing. Where are we now? Does what we might able to do with genetic editing justify what we need to do to get there? If not, where does that leave us?Guests appearing in the episode:Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, PhDSpecial Thanks:Lauren Klingman, Mackenzie Kim“All Will Be Well” original tack by Jessica Gerhardt.…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com

This season on Brave New Us, we’re exploring the field of genetics, its human applications, and the ethical question that arise when we think about using this knowledge to alter the building blocks of who we are.First up, we take a look at human enhancement. What are some of the ways this technology might be able to improve our capabilities or help us ensure that our children have particular characteristics, and why, just maybe, we ought to be cautious about doing so.…Guests appearing in the episode:Fr. Andrea Vicini, PhDFr. Nicanor Austriaco, PhD“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGerhardt.com)For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com

Explore bioethics in the light of faith with Samantha Stephenson. Listen to the trailer now.STAY CONNECTED Find us at bravenewuspodcast.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Stay connected via email updates.