Life Chat

40 Days for Life: a personal journey of repentance

Hope for the Future: We are the Pro-Life Generation

Sarah Michalak, Regional Coordinator of the Upper Midwest for Students for Life, participates in a lively discussion with Dr. Steve Jacobs about the state of the abortion debate. She specifically discusses college students and their attitudes towards this important issue, as well as her experiences with different college campuses and perspectives on the abortion issue. She explains her passion for creating a culture of life and how she believes that the younger generation is more than equipt to ...

A Life Lived for Others- The Story of 'Let Them Live.'

Could two individuals with a passion save hundreds of lives in just a few years? Is there really a simple, direct, and compassionate way to convince women that they have options besides abortion? Let Them Live, an organization designed to help women in financial crises, does just this. Listen to this podcast to get Emily Berning's unique take on the importance of the pro-life movement's direct involvement with womens' lives. Savannah Dudzik, Communications Assistant at Illinois Right to Life and...

This is NOT a Horror Movie -- Chilling Tales from the Northern Illinois Women's Center

Many of the stories from the now-defunct Northern Illinois Women's Center in Rockford sound as if they come from a low-budget slasher movie. The horrifying truth is that they were all too real. Dr. Mark Waters, professor of English at McHenry County College and author of the book, Signs from a Peculiar Institution: One Witness's Account of a Quite Ordinary Horror (And a Small Peace), spent years praying and counseling outside the clinic and witnessed many of the horrors first-hand. Join Illinois...

Life Chat Podcast with Eric Scheidler, Executive Director of Pro-Life Action League

Eric Scheidler, Executive Director of Pro-Life Action League, can't remember a time when he was not pro-life. However, his ways of being outspoken and addressing this issue have changed over the years and ultimately led him to devote his life to pro-life work. Listen as Eric shares personal anecdotes and advice on how to best put your pro-life passion into action!

Life Chat Podcast with Rebekah Hagan, a passionate speaker on the issues of teenage pregnancy, abortion, and abortion pill reversal.

Rebekah Hagan explains the utter fear and discouragement she felt when she saw the two pink lines on the pregnancy test she took along in a grocery store bathroom, and how that transformed her life. She covers the topics of abortion pill reversal, teenage pregnancy, and how women deserve better than these horrific procedures. Listen now to hear Rebekah's captivating story and how she is turning what she went through into her life's work.

Life Chat Podcast with Amy Gehrke, Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life

A shining light in the pro-life movement, our incredible new executive director Amy Gehrke shares her story and how she finally ended up here in Chicago, fighting for life in a state most hostile to pro-lifers.

Life Chat with Georgette Forney, Co-Founder of Silent No More Campaign and President of Anglicans for Life

A dynamic hero for women, Georgette’s story is relatively simple: At 16, she got an abortion because it seemed like the simple solution. However, it wasn’t until she was in her mid-thirties that she finally found healing. What she did because of that healing has changed countless lives. Her story begins one “Sanctity of Life Sunday,” where she first plummeted into the depths of despair before taking her hurt and sorrow and using it to lead a ministry of hope and healing for women.

Life Chat with Serena Dysken, Founder of “She Found His Grace” ministries

A bright and cheery face in the pro-life movement, Serena Dyksen is the founder of “She Found His Grace” ministries and the author of a new book, She Found His Grace. The story of how she used her sorrow and regret for the greater purpose of helping women heal will give any listener chills. Listen to the podcast to hear Dyksen’s incredible story of healing and forgiveness as well as where her ministry is today. Here is a link to the recording of the event Serena mentioned hosting: https://www.fa...

Life Chat with Kevin Grillot, Executive Director of WeDignify

Kevin Grillot's strong and enthusiastic voice in the pro-life movement draws the curiosity of all those around him. His whole life, people have asked him, "Why are you so involved in the pro-life movement?" and this podcast episode holds the answer.

Life Chat with Evita Duffy, an intern at The Federalist and a junior at the University of Chicago.

Evita is the oldest of nine children, with the youngest being her little sister, Valentina, who has Down Syndrome. She is a junior at the University of Chicago and is also an intern with The Federalist. In addition, along with some friends, Evita spearheaded a new newspaper at the University of Chicago called The Chicago Thinker, which brings together many young, Conservative voices.

Life Chat with Clarke Forsythe, Senior Counsel at Americans United for Life

Clarke Forsythe, Senior Counsel for Americans United for Life, has been involved in the pro-life movement since 1985. He is the author of Politics for the Greater Good: The Case for Prudence in the Public Square and, most recently, Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade. In a recent Life Chat episode, Illinois Right to Life Program Director, Dr. Steve Jacobs, sat down with Forsythe and discussed the role Roe v. Wade has played in our society.

Coping with Her Baby's Fatal Prognosis, Advocating for Life in Politics, and Running for Congress - Interview w/ Jeanne Ives, Candidate for U.S. Congress

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Jeanne Ives, former Illinois state representative and current candidate for Illinois' 6th congressional district. Jeanne shares that in 2002, she and her husband received a fatal prognosis for their unborn child and were confronted with the option to abort. Years later, Jeanne was elected to the general assembly and quickly became a strong advocate for life in Illinois politics. She is currently running for Congress in Illinois' 6th district - an historic se...

Meeting the Demand for Pro-Life Healthcare - Interview w/ Louis Brown, Executive Director of Christ Medicus Foundation

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Louis Brown, executive director of the Christ Medicus foundation, which defends religious freedom and builds Christ-centered Catholic healthcare. Louis elaborates on the urgent demand for pro-life, Christian healthcare that exists in our country, how pro-lifers can work toward building and promoting it, and how the Trump administration has contributed to it since President Trump took office in 2017. To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebo...

Human Trafficking, Planned Parenthood, and How Coronavirus is Affecting the Sex Trade - Interview w/ Kelly Dore, Executive Director of the National Human Trafficking Survivors Coalition

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Kelly Dore, executive director of the National Human Trafficking Survivors Coalition. Kelly was trafficked by a family member from ages 1 to 14 and now serves as a voice for children who are victims of familial trafficking. Mary Kate and Kelly discuss her personal story, the connections between human trafficking and abortion, and how Coronavirus is having a negative impact on the work that Kelly does. To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.face...

Infertility and the Pro-Life Mentality - Interview w/ Katie Waldow

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews blogger, Youtuber, and social media influencer Katie Waldow. Katie has shared very vulnerably about her and her husband, Steve's, journey with infertility and miscarriage. Katie is now 22 weeks pregnant and discusses with Mary Kate the pains that come with being pro-life and also struggling to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. To follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealkatiewaldow/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://ww...

Pornography as an Assault on the Dignity of the Human Person - Interview w/ Dan Korenchan

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Dan Korenchan, a seminarian with the Archdiocese of Chicago at Mundelein Seminary. Dan is passionate about speaking out against the immense damage that pornography is doing to relationships, particularly with regards to the way that men view women. Mary Kate and Dan discuss the overall impact of widespread pornography use, how it affects relationships, and how to talk to your significant other about whether he/she is consuming porn. To view the document that...

Being Pro-Life in College, Creating Pro-Life Media, and Following the Path God Lays for You - Interview w/ Catherine Hadro, EWTN Pro-Life Weekly Host

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Catherine Hadro, host of EWTN's 'Pro-Life Weekly.' Catherine shares her mother's pro-life story and walks listeners through the journey that God sent her on to bring her to pro-life media with EWTN. To follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathadro/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https...

The Virgin Mary, Fruit vs. Power, and the Problem(s) with the Feminist Movement - Interview w/ Carrie Gress, Ph.D.

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Carrie Gress, author of the book, "The Anti-Mary Exposed: Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Femininity." Carrie explains the problematic history of the feminist movement and how the world has taught women to pursue power instead of fruit. To follow Carrie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.gress/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ ...

LIVE on Instagram: Q&A with Mary Kate Knorr

In this episode, Mary Kate answers questions submitted by followers on Instagram. Some of the questions asked include: How do we respond when people say the environment is a more important political issue than abortion? What should we say to a pro-lifer who plans to vote for Joe Biden? ...and other similar questions. To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/ To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/ To f...

#WorthyofWearing and Dressing to Dignify the Human Person - Interview w/ Nicole Caruso

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews makeup artist and #WorthyofWearing founder Nicole Caruso. Nicole is passionate about inspiring women to dress in ways that inject beauty and life into their daily grind. Mary Kate and Nicole discuss how personal style tells a story about the individual and dignifies the human person. To follow Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmcaruso/ To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/ To fo...

The Santorum Family's Pro-Life Story - Interview w/ Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini, whose father - Rick Santorum - is a former U.S. Senator and ran for president in 2012. When Elizabeth was in high school, her sister, Bella, was born. Bella was soon diagnosed with Trisomy 18 and, through her father's presidential campaign, has been a pro-life witness to people across the nation. To follow Elizabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_santorum_marcolini/ To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on F...

Meeting the Demand for Honest Women's Healthcare - Interview w/ Leah Jacobson, The Guiding Star Project Founder & CEO

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Leah Jacobson, founder and CEO of The Guiding Star Project. Leah first felt called to promote honest women's healthcare in 2007 and in 2011 started The Guiding Star Project, which seeks to create care centers across the nation that promote an empowering, holistic healthcare alternative to the current women's medical "care" juggernauts. To follow The Guiding Star Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidingstarproject/ To follow Illinois Right to L...

Taking an Uncomfortable Look at the Pro-Life Movement and its Tactics - Interview w/ Dr. Steve Jacobs, J.D., Ph.D.

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Dr. Steve Jacobs, program director at Illinois Right to Life, on some of the observations he's made of the pro-life movement since he took on a full-time role in August of 2019. Mary Kate and Steve discuss what they believe are flaws in the movement's messaging and their thoughts on what could be done differently. To follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSteveJacobs To contact Steve: [email protected] To follow Illinois Right to Life Act...

Responding to Coronavirus with a Pro-Life Mentality - Interview w/ Monica Herron, MPAS, PA-C, Otolaryngology

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Monica Herron, a physician assistant at Lurie's Children's Hospital in Chicago, IL. Mary Kate and Monica talk about the coronavirus pandemic and why responding well should be of interest to the pro-life person. To follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monherr/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagra...

"Surprise" Motherhood, Shame, and Men's Influence on the "Woman's Choice" - Interview w/ Alexa Hyman

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Alexa Hyman, a 26-year-old single mother who chose life for her now two-year-old, Renley Jane. Alexa is the founder of Back in February, a blog that ministers to women experiencing "surprise" pregnancies. To follow Alexa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backinfebruary_/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagr...

Serving the Disabled, Redemptive Suffering, and the Pro-Life Mentality - Interview w/ Mary Lenaburg

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Mary Lenaburg - author of the book, "Be Brave in the Scared" - about her experience as the pro-life mother of a disabled child. To follow Mary Lenaburg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marylenaburg/ To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwor...

Fatherhood, Responsibility, and Men's Voice in the Abortion Debate - Interview w/ Dan Korenchan and Kevin Gregus

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews seminarians Dan Korenchan and Kevin Gregus about men's call to responsibility for women and the inclination toward fatherhood that they experience, particularly in regards to the abortion conversation. To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ T...

Conceived in Rape and Growing Up in Foster Care - Interview w/ Tori Petersen, SFLA Regional Coordinator

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Tori Petersen, a Students for Life of America regional coordinator. Tori was conceived in rape and went on to live in 12 foster homes before she was 18 years old. To follow Tori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torihopepetersen/ To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https...

LIVE at #SLS20 w/ Cecilia Pappas and Megan Wells

In this episode, Mary Kate does a second interview with Instagram influencers Cecilia Pappas and Megan Wells LIVE at #SLS20 in Phoenix, AZ. To follow Cecilia on Instagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/ceciliapappas/ To follow Megan on Instagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/megs_wells/ To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To foll...