Brave New Us: Choosing Human in the Age of Biotechnology

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 more

The difference between myeloablative and non-myeloablative stem cell treatments

Why Big Pharma and some doctors resisted the treatment—even after success

What “immune system reboot” really means and how it works

The role of patient advocacy and storytelling in transforming medicine

Why humility, ethics, and hope must guide the future of biotech

How Everyday Miracles bridges hard science with human dignity

Mentioned in the Episode

Dr. Burt’s books:

Everyday Miracles: Curing Multiple Sclerosis, Scleroderma, and Autoimmune Diseases

Kill Switch: The History of How Viruses Shaped Humanity and Led to COVID-19

Genani Biotech

How can I get HSCT for myself or my loved one?

https://astemcelljourney.com/about/drrichardburt/

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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 slogan

The ethics of picking embryos based on IQ, personality, or sex

The rise of child-maxxing among elites like Elon Musk

Why "designer babies" deepen inequality and threaten parent-child love

What three-parent embryos and artificial gametes mean for the future of family

The philosophy behind eugenics—and why it's rebranded, not gone

When CRISPR gene editing might cross the line from healing to hubris

Why strong families—not just birthrates—should be the goal of pronatalism

Mentioned in the Episode

Emma Waters’ work on pronatalism and reproductive ethics

Connect with Emma on X (Twitter)

New Atlantis article: Stop Hacking Humans

Public Discourse article: The Pronatalism and Silicon Valley

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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 Spotify

Share this episode with a friend or on social media

Keep 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.

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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

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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 fertilization

How IVF violates the dignity of the child, the woman, and marriage

The Church’s advocacy for responsible parenthood and natural birth spacing

A lesser-known, ethical and effective alternative to IVF that aligns with Catholic bioethics

Whether you're Catholic, curious, or questioning, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

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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.

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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 problematic

How to evaluate other fertility treatments through a Catholic lens

The role of NCBC in guiding couples, clergy, and healthcare providers.

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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/amotherslace

Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/3QR0Gb9

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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  

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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 ideology

The divorce ideology

The gender ideology

Discover 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/

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