Open to Life

34 | Motherhood Changed Everything: Happy 2nd Birthday to my Son!

In this heartfelt episode, Melanie shares her journey through motherhood, her work in pro-life advocacy, her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences, and her ongoing journey in birth work and hormone health coaching. She reflects on the challenges and blessings of motherhood, her professional endeavors, and her spiritual insights. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7 [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 [https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/a/9a5ug] Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ [http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFOPENTOLIFE] with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/cart/228568-The-Dwelling-Place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar]. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/the-dwelling-place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar].  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ [https://melaniesalazar--sisterbirth.thrivecart.com/journey-courses/] Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth [https://livewildbirthfree.mykajabi.com/a/2147523894/LnjDmWow] — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ [https://stan.store/affiliates/9f5827b1-43e5-4299-8f98-eba704700a4f] My favorite travel credit card [https://click.mcmap.chase.com/?qs=a41e8b2efe908b298dd5faa198507fc22860c52f6d3daad6c537198de72ce8f6ef89476b9b1a1a4edc362c79c8eb3a895fcd0cde63cf747d591cced88b5ea406]

33 | Infertility and Bearing Fruit! — Endometriosis, fertility awareness, and adoption with Mary G Bruno

In this heartfelt interview, Mary Bruno shares her journey through infertility, her work in fertility awareness, and her inspiring perspective on spiritual motherhood and God's purpose for women. Discover insights on natural family planning, medical treatments, and embracing God's plan amidst life's challenges. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7 [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 [https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/a/9a5ug] Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ [http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFOPENTOLIFE] with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/cart/228568-The-Dwelling-Place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar]. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/the-dwelling-place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar].  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ [https://melaniesalazar--sisterbirth.thrivecart.com/journey-courses/] Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth [https://livewildbirthfree.mykajabi.com/a/2147523894/LnjDmWow] — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ [https://stan.store/affiliates/9f5827b1-43e5-4299-8f98-eba704700a4f] My favorite travel credit card [https://click.mcmap.chase.com/?qs=a41e8b2efe908b298dd5faa198507fc22860c52f6d3daad6c537198de72ce8f6ef89476b9b1a1a4edc362c79c8eb3a895fcd0cde63cf747d591cced88b5ea406]

32 | Your Body Isn’t Broken—It’s Sacred w/ Dr/ Victoria Lynn Pontell

What if your body isn’t something to fix—but a gift to trust? In this episode, Dr. Victoria shares her journey from disordered eating and control to deep healing through surrendering her body to God. Together, we unpack how culture distorts our view of beauty, aging, and fertility—and how those lies can lead to anxiety, burnout, and body shame. You’ll learn how to reconnect with your body through faith, shift from control to trust, and begin seeing your body as it truly is: intentionally designed, deeply good, and worthy of care. If you’ve ever struggled with body image or felt at odds with your body, this episode offers a path toward peace, freedom, and a more integrated understanding of your worth. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7 [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 [https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/a/9a5ug] Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ [http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFOPENTOLIFE] with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/cart/228568-The-Dwelling-Place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar]. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/the-dwelling-place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar].  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ [https://melaniesalazar--sisterbirth.thrivecart.com/journey-courses/] Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth [https://livewildbirthfree.mykajabi.com/a/2147523894/LnjDmWow] — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ [https://stan.store/affiliates/9f5827b1-43e5-4299-8f98-eba704700a4f] My favorite travel credit card [https://click.mcmap.chase.com/?qs=a41e8b2efe908b298dd5faa198507fc22860c52f6d3daad6c537198de72ce8f6ef89476b9b1a1a4edc362c79c8eb3a895fcd0cde63cf747d591cced88b5ea406]

31 | Transportation Justice X Preborn Justice! Talking preborn personhood and rescue resurrection with Elise Ketch

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 [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 [https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/a/9a5ug] Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ [http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFOPENTOLIFE] with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/cart/228568-The-Dwelling-Place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar]. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/the-dwelling-place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar].  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ [https://melaniesalazar--sisterbirth.thrivecart.com/journey-courses/] Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth [https://livewildbirthfree.mykajabi.com/a/2147523894/LnjDmWow] — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ [https://stan.store/affiliates/9f5827b1-43e5-4299-8f98-eba704700a4f] My favorite travel credit card [https://click.mcmap.chase.com/?qs=a41e8b2efe908b298dd5faa198507fc22860c52f6d3daad6c537198de72ce8f6ef89476b9b1a1a4edc362c79c8eb3a895fcd0cde63cf747d591cced88b5ea406]

30 | Remembering the DC 5 on their 4th discovery anniversary

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 [https://paaunow.org/justiceforthefive] Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7 [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 [https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/a/9a5ug] Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ [http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFOPENTOLIFE] with my code AFOPENTOLIFE Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/cart/228568-The-Dwelling-Place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar]. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠ [https://www.loretowellness.com/the-dwelling-place?ref=55141-Melanie-Salazar].  Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠ [https://melaniesalazar--sisterbirth.thrivecart.com/journey-courses/] Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth [https://livewildbirthfree.mykajabi.com/a/2147523894/LnjDmWow] — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠ [https://stan.store/affiliates/9f5827b1-43e5-4299-8f98-eba704700a4f] My favorite travel credit card [https://click.mcmap.chase.com/?qs=a41e8b2efe908b298dd5faa198507fc22860c52f6d3daad6c537198de72ce8f6ef89476b9b1a1a4edc362c79c8eb3a895fcd0cde63cf747d591cced88b5ea406]