This episode explores the intersection of pro-life activism, urban planning, and social justice, featuring insights on human dignity, transportation justice, and effective advocacy strategies. The guest shares personal stories, practical ideas for building better communities, and arguments for pro-life values as a progressive cause.

Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7 

Support the podcast:

Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠

My favorite travel credit card

This episode explores the profound story of justice for the five babies discovered four years ago, the significance of the Day of the Unborn Child and the Feast of the Annunciation, and reflections on faith, justice, and activism. Melanie shares personal insights, the story behind the discovery, and calls for ongoing advocacy for preborn children.

Learn more Jfor5.com

Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7 

Support the podcast:

Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠

My favorite travel credit card

In this episode, Melanie shares her journey into birth work, her experiences supporting a birth for the first time, and reflections on sidewalk outreach in seasons as a mother. This episode offers insights into the challenges and joys of being a birth worker and pro-life advocate, emphasizing courage and faith.

Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7 

Support the podcast:

In this special one-year anniversary episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie reflects on her journey over the past year, discussing personal growth, the challenges of navigating life transitions, and her experiences as a birth doula. She shares insights on alternative medicine for children's health, her thoughts on menstruation and fertility awareness, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding periods. The episode concludes with Melanie's reflections on her growth and aspirations for the future.

My FREE Top 7 Fertility and Women's Health Resources download: opentolife.kit.com/freefam7

Support the podcast:

Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠

My favorite travel credit card

keywordsOpen to Life podcast, personal growth, fertility awareness, birth doula, menstruation, alternative medicine, family, travel, women's health, pro-life

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar speaks with Katherine, the author of The Sanctified Womb, about her journey into motherhood, faith, and women's health. Katherine shares her personal experiences with fertility, birth, and the challenges women face in navigating these topics within the church. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, the role of faith in motherhood, and the need for more resources that support women in their fertility journeys. Katherine's insights aim to empower women to make informed choices and embrace the beauty of motherhood.

Support the podcast:

• Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

• Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

• Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

• Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

• Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

• Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠

My favorite travel credit cardConnect with Cathryn: https://www.thesanctifiedwomb.com/

Keywords:

motherhood, fertility, faith, women's health, natural family planning, church, pregnancy, postpartum, sanctified womb, Katherine

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Ellen Holloway discusses her journey into Catholic sex and intimacy education, emphasizing the importance of understanding female anatomy and pleasure. She shares her personal experiences with sex and intimacy, the transition from natural family planning (NFP) to intimacy coaching, and the significance of church teachings in guiding couples towards fulfilling relationships. Ellen also explores the connection between sex and spirituality, the practical applications of Theology of the Body, and offers advice for young mothers and couples navigating their intimacy. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the role of rules in relationships and how they can enhance the experience of love and intimacy.Connect with Ellen:

https://vinesinfullbloom.com/

Support the podcast:

• Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

• Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

• Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

• Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

• Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

• Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠

My favorite travel credit card

Keywords:

Catholic, sex education, intimacy, NFP, female anatomy, church teachings, Theology of the Body, marriage, spirituality, relationships

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar interviews Emily Kirkwold, a pharmacist and advocate for Natural Family Planning (NFP). They discuss Emily's journey to becoming an NFP pharmacist, the misconceptions surrounding NFP, and the importance of body literacy in women's health. Emily shares her insights on the nuances of birth control, the empowerment that comes from understanding one's body, and the impact of NFP on unexpected pregnancies. The conversation also touches on Emily's current focus on family and her hopes for the future of women's health advocacy.

Support the podcast:

• Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

• Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

• Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

• Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

• Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

• Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠

My favorite travel credit cardConnect with Emily: nfppharmacist.com/

In this episode, Melanie reflects on her experiences and achievements in 2025, sharing insights from her vision board, including travel, personal growth, and the launch of her podcast. She discusses the challenges of motherhood, her pro-life activism, and her journey towards self-care and mental health. Looking ahead to 2026, she outlines her goals for personal and professional development, including fundraising for her pro-life work, language learning, and nurturing her family life.

Support the podcast:

• Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠
• Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE
• Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 
• Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠
• Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

• Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠
• My favorite travel credit card

Keywords:

vision board, personal growth, pro-life, motherhood, language learning, podcasting, fundraising, self-care, activism, spirituality

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar shares her journey of moving to a new neighborhood in San Francisco, reflecting on her pro-life work, personal struggles, and aspirations for the future. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with her advocacy work, her experiences in doula training, and her desire to build a supportive community. As she prepares for a break, she expresses hope for the future and plans for upcoming episodes in 2026.

Support the podcast:

• Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

• Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

• Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

• Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

• Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar interviews Sarah Bartel, a Catholic moral theologian and sex and marriage coach. They discuss her journey into moral theology, the challenges of balancing motherhood and ministry, and misconceptions about Catholic teachings on marriage and sexuality, including marital debt. The conversation highlights the role of body literacy, fertility awareness, and Natural Family Planning (NFP) in fostering intimacy and healthy marriages. Together, they explore the dignity of women, the need for healing in embracing sexuality, and practical steps for cultivating joy, communication, and openness about sex within the Catholic community.

Check out Sarah's ministry at canafeast.com

10 / 10 I DO RECOMMEND her course My Delight for Catholic Wives (and brides-to-be)

Listen to Sarah's My Delight Podcast

Follow Sarah on Instagram @canafeast

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Helpful book guides for Catholics to start talking to your children about sex by Julia Sadusky
• Ministry to help you heal from the obligation sex mentality Bare Marriage
• FREE Online Catholic Marriage Workshop The Little Way of Marriage
• Pope Paul VI's Encyclical Humane Vitae
• Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Mulieris Dignitatem
• Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Evangelium Vitae

Support the podcast:

• Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

• Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

• Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

• Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

• Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF