Steadfast: A Pro-Life Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sammie Carel
Steadfast Podcast is a Pro-Life Podcast. Your host, Sammie, talks to experts and leaders to get philosophical, logical, and theological points of view on pro-life topics.
On the final episode of Steadfast, Sammie talks to Wesley J. Smith about euthanasia and assisted suicide. Wesley has been fighting against the Euthanasia Movement for almost 40 years, writing articles for Newsweek, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes - you know, just to name a few. He has also appeared on over a thousand radio/television programs such as ABC Nightline, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, CNN Anderson Cooper 360, CNN World Report, CBS Evening News, EWTN, C-SPAN, Fox News Network, and Dennis Prager.
Needless to say, Wesley is an expert on euthanasia. If you are interested in his book, Culture of Death: The Age of Do Harm Medicine, check it out here.
If you would like to purchase coffee from Seven Weeks, use our link to give 15% of your purchase to our education program here at Life Choices. Use our discount code "STEADFAST" for 10% off.
Follow us on Instagram at @thesteadfastpodcast or @prolifeeducation to keep up with us as we retire the podcast for now!
In this episode, Sammie talks to Jacob Tonglet about the organization "Men for Life" and the importance of men in the pro-life movement. To watch their videos and learn more, click here.
As always, here is our link for Seven Weeks Coffee - 15% of each purchase will go to our education program! For a 10% discount, use the code "STEADFAST."
Sammie and Jacob talk about the ups and downs of youth ministry, how the beast has changed since COVID, and how to keep youth ministers sustained.
This week on Steadfast, Sammie gets to talk to Claire Swinarski, also known as the Catholic Feminist. Claire hosted The Catholic Feminist Podcast for four years and is now sharing her thoughts through a substack/newsletter called "Coffee with Claire." She is also an author, and Sammie recommends her book "Girl, Arise!"
Claire's new book "The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County" is coming out in March! Preorder here.
To purchase Seven Weeks Coffee and have 15% of your purchase go to our education program, use this link. For 10% off of your purchase, use our discount code STEADFAST.
We've been recording for ONE YEAR! Here are some thoughts and updates! Want to sign up for Impact Day? Sign up at www.prolifeeducation.com/impactday2
In this episode, Sammie talks to Jordan and Danise about Students for Life. Jordan shares her experiences at multiple college campuses in the region and what she encourages students to think about as they contemplate the pro-life movement.
To learn more about Students for Life, check out their website here.
To buy coffee and support our education program, click here.
On this episode of Steadfast, we begin our second mini-series on pro-life organizations. This week we highlight Maggie's Place! Whitney Thistle joins us and shares all about this amazing organization that supports homeless pregnant women.
Check out Maggie's Place here and find out more about donating or volunteering for them here.
On this bonus episode, Remil Teny and Sammie share their thoughts on the National Right to Life Convention that just happened on June 23 & 24, 2023.
To check out Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, click here. To listen to Remil on the Positively Pro-Life Podcast click here.
This week on Steadfast, Sammie got to talk to Amy Ford, founder of Embrace Grace, a non-profit organization that creates curriculum for small groups in churches for single and pregnant women. Amy and Sammie talk about the important role that the Church plays in the life of a pregnant woman and how a community can change lives just by helping one person.
Interested in starting an Embrace Grace group at your church? Check out Embrace Grace here.
Need to buy some coffee and want to support our education program? Buy some Seven Weeks Coffee and use our discount code "STEADFAST" for 10% off.
Follow us on Instagram: @thesteadfastpodcast & @lifechoiceswomensclinics.
On this episode of Steadfast, the interviewer gets interviewed! Elizabeth Bristol is back to interview Sammie this time about her experience in youth ministry and how to listen to God.
Sign-Up Genius to pray for the teens on the Hope Retreat, click here.
To buy Seven Weeks Coffee and support our education program, click here. Don't forget to use our discount code STEADFAST for 10% off your purchase.
In this episode, Sammie talks to fitness coach Dakota Lane who has trained clients in all 50 states and in 22 countries. Dakota shares his unique perspective on the relationship between your physical health and your spiritual health.
Interested in being a client of Dakota's? Check out his business here.
Need to order some more coffee from Seven Weeks? Use our discount code STEADFAST for 10% off your purchase.
In this episode, Elizabeth Bristol shares her story of healing from being date raped and then a couple years later having an abortion. Elizabeth talks about what she thinks people don't talk about enough when it comes to abortion, and she shares with us how she began to heal. She wrote a book about this journey; at one point she's on a sailboat in the middle of the Caribbean, talking to God, and the way that God knew just how to bring her back to Himself is so beautiful. You can buy her book and audiobook here. You can also check out her website here.
If you would like to buy Seven Weeks Coffee, use this link and our 10% off discount code STEADFAST.
In this bonus episode of Steadfast, Sammie talks to Jason Evert about gender in light of the Target news this week. Sammie takes all of the gender theory arguments she has heard from friends, teens, and social media and gives them to Jason, and Jason does a great job at responding to them. Jason just wrote a book, "Male, Female, Other?" and has spent the past couple years diving into this topic so he can provide people with answers backed by science and religion. Ultimately, we must love one another and be willing to walk with one another as we search for answers about our God-given identity.
Check out Jason's book here.
Want to buy Seven Weeks Coffee? Buy coffee here.
In this special bonus episode, Sammie talks to Fr. Darrin Merlino who played the role of a prison guard and served as theological consultant for the new movie Nefarious. Sammie and Fr. Darrin talk about what possession is, the tactics of demons, and how this movie stacks up compared to real-life experiences. Fr. Darrin also shares stories about the spiritual attacks that happened during the making of this film, and he answers listener questions!
To watch Fr. Darrin's TV show "Hound of Heaven," check it out here.
To check showtimes and buy movie tickets for Nefarious, click here.
In this episode, Manda shares her experience of having a child with Down Syndrome, particularly in the Church and facing society's expectations of people with Down Syndrome. Sammie and Manda talk about how ministries can support families with children with disabilities.
To join Catholic Parents' Down Syndrome Support group, click here.
To buy Seven Weeks Coffee and support the education program at Life Choices, click here. For 10% off, use the code STEADFAST.
In this mini-episode, Sammie talks to our new partners, Seven Weeks Coffee! This is a pro-life coffee company that supports pregnancy resource centers and pro-life organizations around the country with every purchase of their coffee. If you would like 10% of your purchase to go specifically to our education program at Life Choices, use this link to shop: https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=LifeChoicesWomensClinicIf you would like to get 10% off your purchase, use our discount code "STEADFAST."
In this episode, Sammie and Marcus talk about the fantastic work that FOCUS is doing. Marcus is the Senior Summer Projects Manager for FOCUS and has served with them for 9 years. He shares his testimony of how FOCUS missionaries in college changed his life and how this encounter kickstarted the journey of becoming a missionary himself.
We invite you to prayerfully consider donating to FOCUS and supporting a missionary here. You can also find out more about FOCUS here!
If you're interested in buying some coffee from our sponsors, Seven Weeks Coffee, use the code "Steadfast" at checkout!
In this episode, Sammie talks to Maricela Campa, who is the new program manager of the office of mental health at the Diocese of Phoenix! This is a new office for Phoenix, and Maricela shares with us the goals of this ministry and how you can be involved.
To check out the Mental Health Ministry, click here. For the mental health resource list, click here.
To buy some delicious coffee from our new sponsor, Seven Weeks Coffee, check out their website here!
On this week's episode, Sammie talks to Carmen Frederic, the executive director of Prescott Area Shelter Services in Prescott, Arizona. Carmen shares with us her heart for serving the homeless and what PASS does to serve the community. We pray that this episode inspires you to get involved with your local homeless shelter!
Want to support PASS? Check out their website here. For information on their upcoming gala, visit here.
In this episode, Sammie talks to Fr. Alex Juguilon about what the Catholic Church's stance is on IVF. Fr. Alex was a doctor of medicine, working at a hospital and living a successful life before he was called to the priesthood. He shares with us his conversion story and then explains the medical process of IVF & surrogacy and why the Catholic Church does not support these processes. Thank you, Fr. Alex, for sharing your joy!
On this week's episode, Sammie and Sarah talk about how damaging growing up in purity culture was for us. We know that today's teens are given a much better education on why we should abstain from sex until marriage, and we talk about what that education should look like. We also talk about dating advice! What if you are dating someone who has a sexual history and you don't? What if you are the one that has the sexual history but you want to change your ways? There is hope, and we are happy to share it!Sarah's Catholic Match videos on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oUDOd2EL4X4Sarah's Catholic Match blogs: https://plus.catholicmatch.com/articles/author/swhiteBuy Dietrich Von Hildebrand's "In Defense of Purity" here. Check out Millennial Fiat’s Instagram @millennialfiat and Steadfast’s Instagram @thesteadfastpodcast.
This week on Steadfast, Sammie talks to Lis and Jesse Moore about foster care! We have a lot of links for you to check out.
Interested in becoming a foster family? Check out Catholic Charities' Foster Care Licensing: https://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/phoenix/foster-care-licensing
Interested in supporting foster kids and families? Check out
Arizona Life Coalition's Care Portal: https://www.chooselifeaz.org/careportal
Arizona Helping Hands: https://azhelpinghands.org/give/
Boost a Foster Family's Walmart Registry: https://boostafosterfamily.org/shop/
Want more info? Here's Arizona Department of Child Safety's FAQ on Foster Care: https://dcs.az.gov/national-foster-care-month-faqs
In this episode, Jeff Joaquin shares his story of healing from an abortion. At 17 years old, he drove his girlfriend to the abortion clinic and stayed in the car while she walked in. Years later, he now shares his story nationally, helping both fathers and mothers heal from abortions. We pray that Jeff's story helps many hearts turn to God with their wounds.
To hear more of Jeff's testimonies, check out his YouTube channel here.
Sammie gives a quick update on abortion in the news! She talks about the FDA approval of abortion pills in pharmacies and the House voting on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection bill.
Check out more info on the UK banning 40 Days for Life vigils from being held within 150m of abortion clinics here.
Click here to see the news article on the woman being arrested for praying outside an abortion clinic and here for more info on the Born-Alive Bill.
In this episode, Sammie talks to Nicole Delaney, JCL about annulments in the Catholic Church, and they explain what an annulment is and what the annulment process looks like and how it is healing.
Want to learn more? Check out the Diocese of Phoenix's Tribunal and Office of Canonical Service's website here.
On this episode of Steadfast, Sammie talks to Fr. Matt Lowry about being pro-life and Catholic on a college campus and all the struggles that come with that. To support NAU's Newman Center, check out their website here.
NAU's Newman Center Social Media:
Instagram: catholic_jacks
TikTok: catholic.jacks
Twitter: @CatholicJacks
Welcome to the season 2 premiere of Steadfast! In this episode, Sammie and Sr. Bethany Madonna talk about the feminine heart and how it is inherently pro-life. If you want to donate and support the Sisters of Life, check out their site here.
If you want to join us for our IMPACT Day, sign up here.
Happy Advent, everyone! In this season finale of Steadfast, Sammie talks to Nichole Lanthier, a Catholic artist, about how art can be life-giving to the artist and the beholder. They dive into how sacred art can help elevate your prayer life, especially during Advent. They reflect on how Mary and Joseph must have felt when Jesus was born. If you want to support or shop Nichole's art, check out her Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NicholeLanthier
In our last episode of the mini series, Sammie talks to Sheila Riely, executive director of Life Choices Women's Clinic.
For the tax credit: https://pro-lifearizona.com/donate/
We are hiring! https://pro-lifearizona.com/careers/
Want to learn more about our Education programs? https://www.prolifeeducation.com
In Part 2 of our mini series, Sammie talks to nurse and clinical manager Lyndsey Matiowetz about Jacob's Hope. Jacob's Hope is an amazing nonprofit that cares for babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Check out their website here: https://jacobshopeaz.org
Jacob's Hope's Wish Lists:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1BK2SQ6X7LL24?ref_=wl_share
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/24EY4YIHIRH8K?ref_=wl_share
As Part 1 of our Mini Series, we talk to Heather Burner, executive director of National Safe Haven Alliance! Get to know this amazing organization and prayerfully consider supporting them.
Check out their website here: https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org
To find out about making Baby Love Bags: https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org/baby-love-project
To find out about the Love Project: https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org/the-love-project
This bonus episode is part 2 of the conversation with Mike Phelan. Sammie and Mike talk about making a life-giving home, homeschooling, and charisms as married couples.
In this episode, Sammie and Mike Phelan, the Director of the Office of Marriage and Respect Life, talk about all things marriage. What do couples need to talk about in marriage prep? What is the biggest threat to a marriage? Is NFP "Catholic contraception"?
In this episode, Sammie and Fr. John Lankeit talk about spiritual warfare, particularly in the pro-life movement. They talk about the attack on family and the power of prayer. Fr. Lankeit gives encouragement to those fighting in the pro-life movement. Know that your prayers outside of abortion clinics are powerful against the devil and his plans!
In this episode of Steadfast, Sammie talks to Paul George about what authentic masculinity means and how we are called to dig deep to become who God has created us to be. Paul George shares about his new ministry: Holy Grit.
Check out the ministry and Grit Groups here: https://www.paulgeorge.la/holygrit or holygrit.org.
In this episode of Steadfast, Sammie talks to Becky Greene about the benefits of homeschooling. They talk about how to raise pro-life kids, whether they are homeschooled or in a bricks-and-mortar school.
Check out Steve and Becky Greene's podcast/radio show: https://thecatholicconversation.libsyn.com
Check out "A Mother's Rule to Life" here: https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/a-mothers-rule-of-life
In this episode of Steadfast, Sammie gets to talk to Steve Karlen, campaign director of 40 Days for Life, about sidewalk counseling. He shares tactics, things to do and things to avoid, as well as some amazing testimonies of lives that were saved on the sidewalks.
Check out 40 Days for Life here: https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/
Check out Steve Karlen and Shawn Carney's book - What to Say When - here: https://www.amazon.com/What-Say-When-Complete-Discussing/dp/1737047705
In this episode of Steadfast, Sammie talks to Mayra Rodriguez, an employee of Planned Parenthood for 17 years, who shares her experience as an executive director. After sharing her background information and what it was like working for Planned Parenthood, Mayra shares her story of how she was fired after reporting an abortionist. She sued for wrongful termination and won the lawsuit against Planned Parenthood. She has now dedicated her life to the pro-life movement, and we are so blessed to have her on Steadfast!
On this episode Sammie updates you all on Life Choices Women's Clinic and her job! She also introduces a new segment called "You Make Baby Jesus Laugh."
In this episode, we talk to Fr. John Parks about logical arguments for the pro-life stance. We also dive into both pro-life and pro-choice arguments that are logical fallacies or are not good responses to the opposing side. Fr. Parks talks about the SLED Test, four comparisons of born and preborn children that point to logical inconsistencies in the pro-choice argument.
In this episode, Mary Poirier shares her testimony, a journey of grief, rape, and abortion. This downward spiral of events ultimately turns around in Yugoslavia, as she knelt in the dirt and encountered God's love and mercy. This episode has a lot of sensitive topics, but ultimately, we get to hear about how God makes beautiful things out of tragedy.
Mary and Michael John's ministry: https://prayerbreaks.org Michael John Poirier on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1nBvul5Cu8h7EbTTQONsmh?si=iL6dU90dQXq_962ylGSKmw
In this bonus episode, Sammie gets to ask Kevin Theriot, a lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom, some legal questions that have been on so many people's minds as they navigate a post-Roe America. Thank you to Kevin and ADF for coming on the show and for your commitment to protecting life!
NOTE: This interview was recorded in July, and at the time, abortion clinics had ceased performing all abortions. Now some are back up and running, but our fight to protect the unborn won't stop.
In this episode, we talk to Jason Evert about how the sexual revolution has impacted our view on abortion. In our culture, we are encouraged to put our bodily desires before everything else, and this translates directly into our culture's beliefs on abortion.
To learn more about Jason Evert and his projects, check out www.chastity.com, his Instagram @jasonevert, and his podcast "Lust is Boring."
In this episode, we talk to Fr. Kurt Perera about healing ministry, particularly healing for the post-abortive woman. We also potalk about healing for the fathers that have lost a baby to abortion as well and how men can help.
To learn more about "An Experience of Hope," check out https://anexperienceofhope.com.
In this brief episode, Sammie introduces the podcast and the inspiration behind the podcast.
In this episode, Sammie and Joel Stepanek talk about how to engage Gen Z in the pro-life movement. Joel is the VP of Parish Services for Life Teen and has an inspiring passion for getting teens to heaven.
Check out Joel's Instagram account @chasinghumility for more great content!