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

In this episode, Melanie Salazar shares personal updates about her family, including her son's development and her recent travels for pro-life advocacy. She discusses her experiences in various countries, highlighting the challenges of promoting pro-life messages abroad. Additionally, she delves into her journey in fertility education and holistic health, exploring her training in natural family planning and doula work. Melanie reflects on her cultural identity as a minority in pro-life spaces and shares her thoughts on the recent death of Charlie Kirk, addressing the complexities of gun violence and mental health in society.

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 of the Open to Life podcast, Cassidy, a passionate pro-life advocate, discusses the moral implications of contraception and its impact on society. She shares her personal journey and the importance of viewing children as blessings rather than burdens. The conversation explores biblical perspectives on fertility, the connection between pro-life advocacy and anti-contraception stances, and the cultural attitudes that have shifted negatively towards family size. Cassidy emphasizes the need for churches to address these issues and encourages couples to consider natural family planning as a means of understanding their bodies and embracing the gift of life.

Check out Cassidy's blog at letmylifebealight.com/

Check out her pro-life website embryoadvocates.com/

Connect with her on Instagram @cassidyelaine99

Connect with her on Twitter / X @cassidyelaine99

Further reading recommendations:

• Godly Seed—American Evangelicals Confront Birth Control by Alan Carlson
• Dispelling the Myths of Abortion History by Joseph W. Dellapenna
• The End of Woman: How Smashing the Patriarchy Has Destroyed Us by Carrie Gress
• Listen to The Contraception Pod (10 / 10 I DO RECOMMEND!!!)

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

Takeaways:

• Contraception is a moral issue that affects everyone, not just Catholics.
• Many Protestants have adopted contraception without examining it through scripture.
• Children are often viewed as burdens rather than blessings in some Christian communities.
• The Contraception Pod highlighted the collaboration between Catholics and Protestants on this issue.
• Scripture emphasizes God's involvement in fertility and the value of children.
• Contraceptive mentality can lead to a disconnect between sex and the potential for pregnancy.
• Cultural attitudes towards family size have shifted negatively in recent decades.
• The pro-life movement is interconnected with the anti-contraception stance.
• There is hope for a cultural shift away from contraception towards valuing life.
• Natural family planning can empower women and couples to understand their bodies better.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Pro-Life Advocacy and Contraception

01:38 Cassidy's Personal Journey into Pro-Life Activism

05:50 The Contraception Pod: A Collaborative Effort

06:57 Biblical and Theological Perspectives on Contraception

12:39 Addressing Common Arguments for Contraception

16:14 Stewardship and the Ethics of Contraception

20:19 Consequences of Embracing Contraception

26:02 Jesus as Lord Over Our Fertility

28:29 The Gift of Self in Marriage

30:08 Mindsets and Trust in God

31:39 The Sanctifying Nature of Motherhood

33:55 Consequences of Embracing Contraception

39:55 Pro-Life Movement and Contraception

49:54 Cultural Call to Action for Churches

55:20 The Weight of Abortion in Faith Communities

56:39 Rethinking Contraception Through Scripture

59:53 Building a Unified Movement Against Contraception

01:01:26 Understanding Natural Family Planning

01:06:12 The Theology of Life and Contraception

01:08:38 Signs of Hope in Pro-Life Advocacy

01:13:43 Advice for Unexpected Pregnancies and Contraception Choices

01:18:08 Resources for Further Exploration

In this episode of Open to Life, Melanie Salazar sits down with Felipe Avila, a pro-life nurse, activist, and Mexican-American, to explore the intersection of healthcare, cultural identity, and the consistent life ethic. Felipe shares his journey from student activism with Students for Life of America to his current work with the National Association of Pro-Life Nurses, offering insights into what it means to uphold life-affirming values in a medical landscape often hostile to them.

Felipe and Melanie reflect on their shared Mexican-American heritage and discuss how cultural identity shapes their passion for human dignity. They also delve into the critical role nurses play in advocating for ethical patient care, how faith sustains them in challenging environments, and why more Latinos are needed to rise up in the USA pro-life movement.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student discerning your vocation, or someone who cares deeply about life issues, this conversation will inspire you to live out your convictions with courage and compassion.

Follow Felipe's journey on Instagram @realfelipeavila

Follow the National Association of Pro-Life Nurses on Instagram @prolifenurses

Learn more about NAPN at nursesforlife.org/

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

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar speaks with Colleen Ritz, an herbalist and women's health coach, about the intersection of herbalism and Catholicism. They explore how herbal remedies can support women's health throughout various life stages, including preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Colleen emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body with natural remedies and discusses specific herbs that can aid in hormonal balance, labor, and overall wellness. The conversation also touches on the spiritual aspect of herbalism and how it can be integrated into daily life for holistic health.

Connect with Colleen on Instagram @nrhealthcoaching

Work with her at nurtured-roots.net/

Book Colleen recommended: Herbal Medicine for Beginners

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

Takeaways:

• Herbalism can heal things with plants.
• God designed this earth for us to use.
• Herbs are a beautiful way to heal all parts of your body.
• Healthy fats are key to ovulation.
• Nourish your body, nourish your baby.
• Chamomile is a calming herb.
• Red raspberry leaf helps uterine muscles contract.
• Nettle is wonderful for iron.
• There is always something we can try or do.
• God will not put more on your plate than you can bear.

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar interviews Gina, a womb circle facilitator and retreat guide, who shares her journey of reclaiming feminine wisdom and spirituality within a Catholic context. They discuss the importance of cultural heritage in birth practices, the significance of the menstrual cycle, and the concept of feminine genius. Gina emphasizes the need for women to connect with their bodies, trust in God's design for birth, and the transformative power of motherhood. The conversation also touches on Gina's upcoming course, the New Earth Mothering Festival, and advice for women facing unexpected pregnancies.

Connect with Gina on Instagram @femininegeniusjourneys

Work with Gina at femininegeniusjourneys.my.canva.site/

Listen to her podcast Feminine Genius Journeys

Listen to her New Earth Mothering podcast

Products I LOVE:

• 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

Takeaways:

Reclaiming cultural heritage is vital for personal identity.

• The womb is a sacred space that connects us to God.
• Women have a unique role in embodying feminine genius.
• Womb circles provide a supportive environment for women.
• Catholic spirituality can enhance the understanding of the womb.
• The menstrual cycle is a sign of health and dignity.
• Sovereignty in birth involves trusting God's design.
• Community is essential for women to thrive.
• The New Earth Mothering Festival aims to unite women of faith.
• Pregnancy can be a transformative healing journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Feminine Genius Journeys

04:58 Embracing Womb Wisdom and Heritage

10:00 The Journey to Catholicism and Identity

15:09 Understanding Feminine Genius

20:29 The Structure and Purpose of Womb Circles

26:02 Integrating Catholic Spirituality in Womb Work

31:37 Reclaiming Menstrual Cycles

34:41 Integrating Faith and Birth Practices

38:45 Personal Birth Stories and Reflections

42:19 Understanding Sovereignty in Birth

46:38 Reclaiming the Divine Feminine

52:43 Building Community Through Podcasting

01:00:11 Advice for Unexpected Pregnancies