EP084: Keara Burke

“Your child will be born in terrible pain. This will put your fertility at risk. Abortion is the compassionate response.” 

This is the advice most frequently given to parents when they receive a life-limiting fetal diagnosis like Trisomy 18 or anencephaly for their baby. But is fear and death the only answer?

Keara Burke lived through this experience when her son Rory was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 in utero – her story proves firsthand that life-affirming and beautiful alternatives exist.

In this episode, Keara joins Erika to share her story and her work through Rory’s Way. Keara’s mission is to educate and guide parents through this difficult time with the support of perinatal care that dignifies the lives of babies regardless of how long they last. 

Erika and Keara cut to the heart of this emotional but crucial subject, discussing why letting nature take its course is not the default for society and how the number of babies misdiagnosed and aborted for defects is shockingly high.  

Learn more:

• Rory’s Way
• New York Times study on prenatal testing misdiagnoses 

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EP083: Dr. Quentin Van Meter

It’s a tough time to be a kid. Doctors and counselors are pressuring children to irreversibly change their bodies in the name of “identity,” while parents are coerced to play along with a fantasy or risk losing their child.

What ever happened to the adolescent experience?

Dr. Quentin Van Meter has seen it all as a pediatrician and joins Erika to break down why “gender medicine” doesn’t follow science or medicine.

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EP082: John Bursch 

Kindergartners are being asked to proclaim their sexual identity. Vatican documents are full of unclear language on human sexuality. 

Where does a Catholic stand in the midst of the mass confusion of gender ideology – especially when vulnerable children are at risk? 

Alliance Defending Freedom’s John Bursch sheds light on the ideology’s origins and where society is heading. 

BONUS: John discusses his experience arguing the infamous Obergefell v. Hodges case in 2015 – one of twelve Supreme Court cases he’s argued!

Read John’s book: Loving God’s Children: The Church and Gender Ideology 

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EP081: Samantha Povlock

Should women stay at home with their kids? What are we to think of working moms?

Disagreement over the role of women in society is at the forefront of many conversations today. Women are pitted against men in a constant competition, but on both sides of the political aisle, there’s a tendency to reduce femininity and motherhood to a narrow set of requirements.  

In this episode, Erika meets with Samantha Povlock, founder of FemCatholic, to delve into the Catholic understanding of what is best for women. 

From maternity leave, to confusion surrounding Natural Family Planning, to what’s missing from the working mom debate, Erika and Samantha tackle all things women’s issues and explore the legacy of women in the Church.

Learn More: FemCatholic – “The one big thing missing from the Working Mom debate”

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EP080: Brad Wilcox

Does marriage spell the end of personal freedom and happiness? Are most married couples fated to end up divorced and jaded? 

Our cultural elites paint a picture of marriage that is largely negative and unfulfilling, but is that reality? 

In this episode, sociologist and author Brad Wilcox shares the eye-opening facts that the elites aren’t telling you about the success of marriage and family life. 

Brad and Erika dive right into the leading myths and struggles that discourage young people from marriage – dating woes, the old ball and chain, the soulmate question, and much more.

From the political to the cultural, Brad highlights what leads to a happy, fulfilling marriage and discusses whether it's still attainable in our society.   

Check out Brad’s new book here: Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization

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EP079: Fr. Joseph Krupp

Anti-Catholicism is on the rise. American Catholics are constantly faced with attacks ranging from ideological to legislative to physical.

It seems like Christianity will soon no longer be the societal default — or will it?

Fr. Joseph Krupp joins Mary on the EDIFY Podcast to examine the possible end of cultural Catholicism and where people of faith should turn their attention. 

Fr. Joe’s own Michigan parish was vandalized twice in anti-Catholic attacks. He shares why Catholics need to be ready to face cultural rejection and some practical tips for staying strong in the fight. 

WATCH: Fr. Krupp’s animated EDIFY video

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EP078: Monica Snyder

Monica Snyder walked into an abortion clinic at 28 weeks pregnant on an undercover mission – to expose the terrible reality of late-term abortion.

On this episode, Monica joins Mary to share her undercover experience and her work now as Executive Director of Secular Pro-Life.

As a pro-life atheist, Monica explains how her organization defends life from a non-religious standpoint. She also gives her analysis on the deceptive pro-abortion narrative crafted around the infamous Turnaway Study. 

WATCH: Live Action’s video of Monica’s experience in the clinic

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EP077: Mark Morgan

Does concern for national security conflict with the humanitarian response to immigrants crossing our border? 

On this episode, former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mark Morgan shares why the media has intentionally conflated these two separate issues to push a dangerous agenda of open borders. 

Mark and Mary discuss the solutions needed to protect both Americans and immigrants and get to the bottom of the problems with cartels, sanctuary cities, and family restrictions.    

BONUS:

Watch Mark’s animated EDIFY video here

Listen to Rebecca Kiessling’s EDIFY podcast episode here

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EP076: Jamie Baxter

Why are so many non-practicing Catholics drawn to Ash Wednesday Mass? And does a cold shower have anything to do with your spiritual life? 

With Lent just around the corner, Exodus 90 founder Jamie Baxter joins Mary to discuss the Church’s ancient practices of prayer, penitence, and fraternity, and what that means for men today.  

Exodus 90’s ascetic practices generally get the most attention, but Jamie shares the deeper framework behind this popular Catholic program and how it’s already inspired over 100,000 men to grow in virtue and freedom.  

Watch: Dr. Ray Guarendi - Every Catholic Dad Needs to Hear This

Read: Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father's Love 

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EP075: Leah Sargeant

Gun control – it’s one of the most divisive issues today, but are any of the proposed solutions even practical? 

In this episode, writer and author Leah Sargeant joins Mary to discuss the underlying issues behind the horrors caused by gun violence and what can actually be done to reduce it. 

Leah also shares the problem with gender-neutral family policies, how “wedding culture” has spun out of control, and how her book “Building the Benedict Option” is a handy guide to finding Christian community wherever you are.

WATCH: Leah's animated EDIFY video here

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