The Let Them Live Podcast with Emily Berning

Episodes

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  18 Days in Heaven | Gabe Poirot | Episode 29 21.07.2026 34m

  Today’s episode of the Let Them Live podcast features easily the most unique, jaw-dropping guest I have ever hosted—and probably ever will. This week, I’m talking with Gabe, a young man who went through a sudden, terrifying accident that completely altered the course of his life and forced him to face eternity. While his physical body was completely unresponsive in a coma for over two weeks, his spirit was fully awake and experiencing something far beyond human comprehension.After reading Gabe’s book, 18 Days in Heaven, I was literally crying my eyes out on a plane because his firsthand testimony of meeting our Creator is just that powerful. In our conversation, Gabe shares what it’s like to carry a constant "homesickness" for eternity while living in a broken world, how this supernatural encounter redefined all of his priorities, and how he responds to the skeptics who doubt his story. His perspective on the reality of Jesus will leave you deeply challenged to look at your own life, your faith, and how you spend the time you have left.We also dive into how his journey completely transformed how he views the value of human life and the spiritual battle we are fighting in the pro-life movement today. Gabe explains why there is no such thing as an accident in the womb and how every single soul is intimately designed by God. This is an episode that will stay with you long after it ends, so grab your headphones, click play, and listen to Gabe’s incredible story! Don't forget to grab a copy of 18 Days in Heaven wherever books are sold! Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  World's First Adopted Frozen Embryo | Hannah Strege | Episode 28 14.07.2026 45m

  Happy Tuesday! A brand new episode of the Let Them Live podcast is officially live, and this one is incredibly close to my heart. This week, I am sitting down with Hannah Strege, who holds the historic title of being the very first adopted frozen embryo in the world!  Adopted alongside her 19 biological siblings, Hannah was the only one to survive the thawing and transfer process. Her life didn't just fulfill her parents' dreams; it completely revolutionized how the world views human life at its earliest stages and helped launch the formal embryo adoption movement.   Instead of focusing on the usual talking points surrounding reproductive technology, Hannah brings us a perspective we rarely get to hear: the voice of the child who actually lived it. We dive into her extraordinary childhood, advocating in DC at 6 years old, and Hannah also shares the providential way her family connected with Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus On The Family.  From her unique upbringing to her new nonprofit, Hannah’s testimony is a beautiful, undeniable reminder that a freezer doesn't change human personhood, and that every single life has immense value from the moment of conception.   You can find Hannah on X under hannahstrege, and to learn more about her family's historic journey, be sure to grab a copy of her dad's book, A Snowflake Named Hannah.  Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  From Leftist to Pro-Life Conservative | Jaden Heard | Episode 27 07.07.2026 1h 11m

  It’s Tuesday, which means a brand new episode of the Let Them Live podcast is officially dropping into your feeds! This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Jaden Heard, a Turning Point USA speaker, influencer, and passionate street preacher with one of the most powerful testimonies I've heard in a long time. Just a few years ago, Jaden’s life looked completely different than it does today. He was deeply embedded in left-wing social justice issues, actively justifying the 2020 riots on social media, and completely indifferent to the issue of abortion. But a late-night internet rabbit hole planted a seed of doubt that changed the entire trajectory of his life. In today's episode, we aren't just talking about a political shift; we're talking about a radical transformation of the mind and heart. Jaden opens up about his journey into the conservative movement and how became a Christian. Jaden also does an amazing job of breaking down why conservatives miss the mark when speaking to those on the left, and he completely dismantles the mainstream media's negative narrative surrounding the conservative movement based on his own welcoming experiences. Finally, he issues a powerful challenge to Pro-lifers and Christians to not just talk the talk, but to walk the walk. You can follow Jaden on social media or check out his channels on YouTube: Let It Be Heard: https://www.youtube.com/@LIBHshow and Jaden Heard - Street Preaching: https://www.youtube.com/@jadenheard Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  An Atheist's Case for Life | Monica Snyder | Episode 26 30.06.2026 1h 11m

  Welcome back to the Let Them Live podcast! Today we are looking at the pro-life movement from a very different perspective than we normally do on this show. Joining me on the podcast is Monica Snyder, the executive director of Secular Pro-Life. While a majority of people assume the fight against abortion is driven entirely by religious convictions, Monica’s journey is completely different. She shares how her personal reason for fighting for life as an athiest is simple and non-religious, but shaped by how she saw her parents take action to normalize being pro-life. We also talk about the early days of Secular Pro-Life on social media and how it has grown into a place for "nontraditional pro-lifers"—including atheists, agnostics, left-leaning advocates, and anyone else who felt like they didn't fit into the traditional movement mold. My favorite part of this conversation, the part you can't miss, is where Monica breaks down the bias and hidden information from the infamous Turnaway Study. It turns out the researchers didn't expect some of the outcomes to go a certain way, and the media wasn't interested in reporting on these overlooked details either! Monica brings them to light and explains what it all proves. Finally, we discuss an incredible resource on their website called the Abortion Debate Index. If you are a Christian or a traditional conservative pro-life advocate, you need this tool! It acts as a perfect translation guide, equipping us to speak a secular language to those who don't hold pro-life views for religious reasons. Check it out here: https://secularprolife.org/index Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Why Hard Numbers Defeat Abortion | Dr Michael New | Episode 25 23.06.2026 49m

  I am so excited for you to hear my conversation today with someone who has one of the most unique and valuable roles in the entire pro-life movement. Today I’m sitting down with Dr. Michael New, an assistant professor at the Catholic University of America and a senior associate scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute. What makes Michael so incredible is that he beautifully bridges two entirely different worlds. On one hand, he’s a brilliant social scientist with a PhD from Stanford who uses statistics to track abortion trends and the real-world impact of pro-life legislation. On the other hand, he’s completely boots-on-the-ground, hitting the sidewalks outside a D.C. Planned Parenthood every single Saturday to stand for life in person. In this episode, we dive deep into why hard numbers serve as a vital "true north" in a movement that can often feel overwhelmingly emotional. Michael completely dismantles some of the biggest myths the abortion industry constantly pushes. If you’ve ever heard someone claim that pro-life laws don’t actually save lives, or that chemical abortion pills are completely safe, you need to hear what the actual data shows from a real expert. Michael’s insights will leave you feeling encouraged, informed, and equipped to defend life with confidence. Follow him on X or instagram under Michael_J_New. Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  I Took Over an Abortion Center | The ProLife Doc | Episode 24 16.06.2026 1h 20m

  Hey everyone, welcome back to the Let Them Live podcast! I am so excited to kick off Season 3, and I couldn't think of a better way to start than with a guest I have looked up to for years. Today I'm sitting down with Dr. William Lile, widely known as the ProLife Doc. Dr. Lile is an OB-GYN who delivered babies for 30 years and has an incredible testimony. Back in 1999, he made a move that shocked his community by taking over the largest abortion clinic in the Florida Panhandle and stopping all abortions on day one. In this episode, we dive into how true medical science consistently defends life in the womb. Dr. Lile shares mind-blowing details about how doctors are now treating the preborn as individual patients—performing open-heart surgeries and curing conditions before a baby is even born! We also discuss a vital new curriculum he is launching to build a pro-life, biblical worldview in the next generation before they get indoctrinated by the world. You will leave this conversation feeling incredibly encouraged and equipped. Tune in to the full season premiere to hear the whole story! Check out the ProLife Doc at https://prolifedoc.com Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Jokes, Jesus, and Choosing Life | Kerri Pomarolli | Episode 23 07.04.2026 30m

  Hey everyone, it’s Emily! I’m coming to you from my father-in-law’s library today for a conversation that I have been dying to share since the moment I met this week’s guest. I first connected with Kerri Pomarolli backstage at a faith-filled event in Michigan, where she was performing comedy alongside the talented Full House star, Candace Cameron Bure! Kerri is absolutely hilarious, but behind the jokes is an incredible pro-life testimony. Kerri shares the story of her daughter, Ruby, and a pregnancy that seemed perfectly normal until her doctors noticed something was not quite right. Suddenly, Kerri found herself facing a world of "no cures" and a diagnosis that would leave most people feeling completely hopeless. We dive into those weeks of hospital stays and the heavy weight of being told her daughter might never walk or live a "normal" life. You have to hear Kerri describe the moment she stood at a crossroads between the world's predictions and her faith in Jehovah Rapha—the God who heals. Tune in to hear how Kerri and Ruby are now using their story to encourage families all over the world to choose life! After you watch take a moment to hear her testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKtY6lUj-Sw Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Fitness Coach to Faith Ministry | Erika Diaz-Castro | Episode 22 31.03.2026 45m

  Emily Here! I am so excited to finally share this conversation with everyone, and I say "finally" because this was actually our "Take Two" after a little recording mishap. But honestly, I think the Lord’s timing was perfect, and there was probably something specific He wanted us to say this time around. Today I’m talking with my friend Erika Diaz-Castro, the founder of Her Renewed Strength. Erika has such a powerful story of how the Lord led her away from a successful fitness coaching business and into a ministry dedicated to getting women deeply rooted in God’s Word. During our chat, Erika opens up about the massive shift in her life that happened when she was pregnant, and how the Holy Spirit convicted her to stop hiding her faith in her professional life. We dive into the difficult but necessary process of "unlearning" worldviews that don't align with Scripture and how to handle the "pruning" process that God uses to help us grow. Erika even shares some incredibly convicting insights on how social media can act as a mirror for our own hearts, revealing the areas where we might be struggling with comparison or pride. I was so moved by Erika’s vulnerability, especially as we talked about the battle against pride and the beauty of finding our identity in Christ alone. Her journey of waiting on the Lord is a beautiful reminder of Isaiah 40:31, that those who wait on Him will truly renew their strength. You definitely don’t want to miss this deep dive into what it looks like to let the Lord guide your every step. Tune in now and visit https://herrenewedstrength.com to learn more about Erika's amazing mission!
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  Card Game for a Cause | Joshua Akerberg | Episode 21 24.03.2026 36m

  Hey everyone, it’s Emily! I am so excited to share this episode with you because it’s about one of my favorite things: connecting with friends and family in the real world. Today, I’m talking with my good friend Josh Akerberg, who has an incredible story about how a childhood card game turned into an entirely new enterprise that helps support Let Them Live's mission to save lives from abortion. Josh shares his wild journey of how he tracked down the original inventor of a game called Barefoot and Wild—a game that was out of print for years. You won’t believe the "God moments" that led him to find her! We talk about his family business, Mandatory Family Fun, and why he felt called to bring this competitive, Rummy-style game back to life so other families could experience the same joy he did growing up. This conversation is such a great reminder of the importance of putting our phones down and building deep, intentional relationships with the people around us through fellowship and competitive table top games. I love supporting pro-life businesses like Josh's, and I know you’re going to be inspired by his leap of faith into the world of card games. To hear the full story of how my husband managed to beat Josh at his own game and to find out how you can get a copy for your next game night, tune in now! Buy Bare Foot -N- Wild here: https://mandatoryfamilyfun.us/
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  The Ad on Facebook Changed My Life | Ana | Episode 20 17.03.2026 28m

  Hey everyone, it’s Emily! I’m so happy to be back and sharing a story that truly shows how God works in the most unexpected ways. Today I’m talking with Ana, who found herself at a total crossroads. She was ending an unhealthy relationship and starting a brand-new career when she discovered she was pregnant. Between the intense pressure from those around her and the weight of her circumstances, she felt completely broken and isolated, wondering if there was any way out of a situation that felt impossible. Her story took a life-changing turn in the most modern way possible, right on her Facebook feed! She truly believes it was a "God thing," as if her phone was listening to her silent prayers for help. You’ll want to hear her describe the moment she finally decided to click that ad and how it became the "bridge" she needed to find a community that refused to let her walk alone. I don’t want to give away all the details because her journey of walking out of a planned procedure and choosing a different future is so powerful to hear in her own words. Today, Ana is a proud mama to a beautiful daughter, and her testimony is a reminder that one moment of reaching out can change the course of two lives forever. To hear Ana’s full "victory" story and learn how you can support more moms like her, press play now! Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Shame Free Counseling | Bekah Hayden | Episode 19 10.03.2026 40m

  Today's episode is so special, because I’m interviewing Bekah Hayden, a counselor with Let Them Live! I always love talking to the amazing people I work with, because we all come from different backgrounds but share the same passion: supporting moms who need help so they can choose life. Bekah was adopted, which gives her a truly unique perspective when talking to the moms she serves every single day. We dive into why it’s so important to be a source of positivity and support for women who are facing some of the toughest decisions of their lives.  Something she said really stuck out to me: "I think a lot of the times our voices kind of feel like the minority in culture and how things are moving, but there are still so many people out there that just want to help." This episode is an amazing reminder that there’s always hope when you choose to show up for these moms! Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Equipping The Church | Brian Ottinger | Episode 18 03.03.2026 40m

  Today, I am so excited to have Brian Ottinger, the Director of Expansion at Love Life, join me! Brian is not just a partner with Let Them Live in this mission, but an incredibly dear friend of Nathan and I. We immediately became "fast friends" doing this pro-life work side-by-side, and Brian has even played a huge role in Nathan's faith journey. This is a ministry that is saving thousands upon thousands of lives by activating churches. Our conversation dives into the heart of Love Life’s mission: getting the church off the sidelines and into the local mission field. We discuss their simple but powerful strategy that makes it easy for any church or person of faith to get involved. Brian’s team has created a unique model of discipleship, proving that you don't have to be an expert; you just have to show up, be present, and watch God work. This episode will challenge you to see the mission field right in your own backyard! Get your church involved, join a prayer walk, and get equipped at https://lovelife.org
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  Operation Saving Life | Nikki Tigg | Episode 17 24.02.2026 1h 4m

  You guys, I am so thrilled to bring you this episode! I’m sitting down with someone who has quickly become one of the most special people in my life: my friend, Nikki Tigg! Nikki is an author, a mother, and truly a ray of sunshine—a wealth of knowledge. We met through the pro-life movement, and she's just the kind of friend you know you're going to have forever. Today, Nikki is sharing her personal journey through a profound season of change after the organization she poured everything into closed its doors, leaving her to figure out what God was calling her to next. Nikki shares the difficult, vulnerable process of confronting a belief she's held since childhood: attaching her value to what she produces. She shares the lesson God revealed to her about surrender and how she learned that her worth isn't tied to a paycheck or a title. We also talk about her passion for supporting women, stemming from her own experience as a mom at 18. Her website is https://nikkitigg.com  Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Kingdom Work | Kara Grace | Episode 16 17.02.2026 52m

  This week I have the honor of talking to a wonderful friend of mine, Kara Grace! Kara is a single mom, a fellow RVer, and an amazing volunteer for Let Them Live. Her story is a beautiful testament to how God uses our hardest seasons for His greatest work. She shares her journey of going from feeling alone, broke, and even homeless to finding a deeper purpose in serving other women. Kara takes us through her experience of feeling completely discouraged and alone, and how she eventually tapped into that primal "mama bear" instinct to fight for her baby and advocate for herself when faced with challenges during her pregnancy. Kara’s ministry and volunteer work are proof that our pain is never wasted. She reminds us that true empowerment for a mother is not found in an abortion decision made at her lowest point, but in the community that rallies around her and says, "You can do this."  Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Healing and Hope | Claire Ward | Episode 15 10.02.2026 39m

  In this episode, I sit down with my new friend, Claire Ward, to talk about something many women struggle with. Claire shares her incredible journey from growing up as a missionary kid in Prague to finding her way to California. She opens up about her past abortion and how God remained faithful, even when she walked away from her faith, ultimately leading her back to a relationship with Him.  I hope that Claire’s journey will leave you inspired and encouraged. I'm so thankful she had the courage to reach out. If you would like to share your story too, please reach out to me!  If you are post-abortive and need healing and a community to provide comfort and release from that trauma contact our partners at She Found His Grace. https://shefoundhisgrace.org God's grace is always available to bring peace and restoration. Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Rescued From Addiction | Katelyn Gregory | Episode 14 03.02.2026 49m

  CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content that may not be suitable for all listeners. The sensitive content includes descriptions of domestic violence, abuse, drug use, and other topics that some may find disturbing. Your discretion is advised. In this emotional episode, I sit down with Katelyn Gregory, who shares her personal journey with us. Katelyn went through a dark period of addiction and trauma, a path that was filled with immense pain and loneliness. But in her deepest moment of despair, she was given a beautiful and unexpected gift—the strength to not only change her life but to become a mother. This is a deeply personal conversation about hitting rock bottom and the incredible, God-given strength it takes to climb your way back up. Katelyn's story is a testament to the power of hope and the transformative love of a child. Join us as Katelyn shares how a difficult situation is not the end, but can be the beautiful beginning of something far greater than you could ever imagine. Katelyn's journey will leave you inspired, moved, and reminded that every life is a masterpiece with a purpose! Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  The Perfect Little Angel | Liz Beaton | Episode 13 27.01.2026 35m

  I am so excited to be back with another episode! Today, I have the honor of talking with my dear friend, Liz Beaton. Liz is a choir director and a singer who has performed all over the world, but her greatest accomplishment has been using her God-given talents to write a beautiful book called The Perfect Little Angel. In this episode, Liz shares her story of being a single mom after leaving an abusive marriage. She talks about how her book was born from this difficult time and how God gave her the profound words to write it. The Perfect Little Angel is not just a story; it's a tool for parents to share God's love with their children and remind them they were created with a purpose. This conversation reveals some incredible truths, that our greatest accomplishments can come from our deepest struggles and that every life is a masterpiece created by God.  If you would like to buy The Perfect Little Angel or contact Liz about speaking at your church, you can go to liztbeaton.com Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Born To Be Registries | Victoria Horan | Episode 12 20.01.2026 41m

  My amazing guest today is Victoria Horan, who you may remember from a past episode where she was a pregnancy counselor with Let Them Live. She started her own incredible ministry called Born To Be Registries! In this episode, we talk about her new ministry and how it's filling a gap in the pro-life movement by providing physical resources to moms in need. We also discuss the importance of partnership within the movement and how we can work together to help more women. Victoria's story is a beautiful reminder of how God can use our passions to bring about something truly wonderful. Born to Be Registries provides essential material aid to parents facing financial hardship to help them prepare for their baby's arrival. They offer support through generous donors and help with items like bassinets, baby monitors, and pack-and-plays. You can learn more about Victoria's organization and donate to support a mom by visiting her website at https://www.borntoberegistries.com. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.  Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/
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  Julia's Story | LTL Mom Julia | Episode 11 13.01.2026 37m

  CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content that may not be suitable for all listeners. The sensitive content includes descriptions of domestic violence, abuse, and other topics that some may find disturbing. Your discretion is advised. I love getting to talk with the moms we have helped at Let Them Live, and today I have the honor of introducing you to my dear friend, Julia. She has an incredible story of perseverance and finding hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. This conversation is a powerful example of why sharing our stories can be so healing and empowering. Julia and I talk about the importance of being open and vulnerable and how, even when you've been through so much, your story can be used to help others. This episode is a reminder that every woman deserves support, and that every story, no matter how difficult, has a purpose. You can help us continue to support moms like Julia by going to https://donate.letthemlive.org/ to donate and get involved. Your support makes all the difference, and we couldn't do this without you!
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  Broken Not Dead | Steventhen Holland | Episode 10 06.01.2026 52m

  I've been feeling all the joy that God has to give lately, and I think it has a lot to do with our next guest! I am so excited to share this incredible story with you. My guest is Steventhen Holland, and his journey is a powerful testament to God's plan, even in the midst of brokenness. Steventhen shares his amazing story of being adopted at seven days old and the deep questions that arose from it, especially the question of why a mother wouldn't want her son. He talks about how this led him to find his identity and worth in God and how he discovered that brokenness can always be restored. We also have a really important conversation about the journey of fatherhood and his and his wife's experience with miscarriage. This conversation gets to the heart of what we believe: every life has a purpose. Steventhen's life is a beautiful reminder that our pain can be used to bring hope and healing to others. P.S. You can watch the video of him meeting his mom here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar2iq6hjmNA Make sure to visit his website https://brokennotdead.com and Steventhen's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@steventhenholland where you can watch his "I Still Need Jesus" music video. Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/