The Let Them Live Podcast with Emily Berning

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/

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/

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!

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/

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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!

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/

I am so excited for you all to hear this conversation. My guest is Tacara McKay, an amazing young mom of three who works for Let Them Live! She has an incredible story and a really unique perspective on one of the most common reasons people say women need abortion. She's on the show to share her story and to talk about her experience growing up in foster care and being adopted. She shares the love she has for her biological mom, for her adoptive parents, and her belief that every child deserves a chance at life. I really value her insight on this topic, and love that she is so open to discussing the issues surrounding the foster care system. Tacara's story is a beautiful reminder of God's plan and a testament to the love that can be found in adoption. Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

What happens when a pro-life advocate and a pro-choice advocate sit down to talk? You might think it would be a disaster, but I'm here to tell you it's the most important conversation we can have. In this episode, I'm joined by Avens O'Brien, a libertarian activist who believes in a woman's right to choose. You guys, I was shocked by what we found we had in common. We're both tired of the divisive political landscape and believe that shaming women is never the answer. We dive into the real issues that lead women to consider abortion, like lack of support and economic hardship. We also explore the idea that we can work together to build a culture of life that supports both women and their babies. This conversation is living proof that we can build bridges instead of walls. Join us as we explore how to find common ground and work together to support women and make abortion unthinkable. Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

What happens after abortion? In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Brittany Poppe, a brave woman who is on a mission to bring hope and healing to women who have had an abortion. Brittany is the host of the incredible podcast, Does God Forgive Abortion?—a title that asks a question so many women are afraid to ask out loud. Brittany shares her own story of abortion and her journey to finding forgiveness and healing. We talk about the immense weight of shame some women can feel and how it can isolate and keep women from finding the peace and restoration they deserve. Brittany's podcast has been downloaded over 13,000 times in more than 18 countries, proving that so many women are searching for these answers. This conversation is a beautiful reminder of God's radical grace and the truth that there is hope and restoration after abortion. Brittany's story is a testament to the power of sharing our stories and a powerful call to action to help women find the resources they need to heal. Brittany's website and podcast: https://brittanypoppe.com/ Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

I am so excited to have this conversation with you all. I'm joined by my dear friend, India Paulino! India is an amazing human being and a professional athlete, bodybuilder, and fitness influencer who has built a huge following in the fitness world. We've been friends on Instagram for years, and I've always admired her boldness. She is incredibly vocal about her pro-life views in a space where so many people are afraid to share their beliefs. India and I dive into what it's like to find your voice and to be unapologetically pro-life, even when it's not the popular opinion. This episode is a powerful example of how we can use our platforms—no matter how big or small—to advocate for the unborn. It's so encouraging to hear from someone who is not afraid to stand for truth, and it's a beautiful reminder that God has a plan for all of us, and sometimes that plan is to be a light in the world. Support moms choosing life just like Olivia here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

I'm so excited to bring you another story from a Let Them Live mom who is part of our family! I've watched Olivia's incredible journey from when we first connected years ago, when she was pregnant with her son Stone, to now—a busy, amazing mom with new twins! In this episode, Olivia shares what it's like to navigate an unplanned pregnancy, not once, but twice. Olivia gets super real about the mental and emotional toll of pregnancy, the struggle with anxiety and self-doubt, and the pressure to feel like you always have to be doing more. She talks about the importance of faith, letting go of the idea that you can do everything on your own, and what it really means to accept help. We also dive into her powerful advice for women facing similar situations, whether they are single moms or navigating the complexities of co-parenting. This conversation is a beautiful testament to the fact that God has a plan, even when our lives feel chaotic. It's proof that with faith and perseverance, you can not only survive but thrive in motherhood. Support moms choosing life just like Olivia here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

I am so excited to share this episode with you all, even though it was recorded a little while ago back in September of 2024! My guest is Christian McGrew, the Director of Outreach for CEC for Life and the President of the Defending Life Alliance of Florida. Christian and I dove into the efforts happening in our state, and we had a crucial discussion about the abortion amendment, Amendment 4, that was on the November ballot. And you guys, I am so thrilled to report that thanks to so many of your prayers and hard work, it did not pass! This episode is a powerful look back at what was at stake and what we fought for. We also have a really important conversation about the vital role men play in the pro-life movement, and how Christian's journey into pro-life work began. He shares why it's so important for men to be a voice for the unborn, especially when so many women feel pushed into abortion by a man in their life. And while that fight is behind us, the work is never done. We are so excited to announce that the March for the Pre-Born, the statewide march for Florida, will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026! You can find all the details at DefendingLifeFlorida.com This episode is a great reminder that when we stand united, we can achieve incredible things to protect life. Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

It's been a minute since I've recorded a podcast, and I am so excited to jump back in with the best guest: Mia Armstrong! Mia is an amazing human being and a bold advocate for life and for people with Down syndrome.  At just 13 years old, she's an actress and an author. I first saw her speak at a conference back in January, and her speech was so funny and impactful. In this episode, we talk about her book, her acting career, and how Down syndrome is her "superpower."  Mia's message is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves a chance at life and that we are all created as masterpieces. This conversation is living proof that people with Down syndrome are not held back by their diagnosis, but instead bring immense joy and a special perspective to the world. Mia's story is a beautiful call to action to not judge others and to always see the special gift in every person.  Purchase Mia's book here on Amazon. Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

A pastor's daughter and star athlete with a full ride scholarship, suddenly finds herself facing an unplanned pregnancy. In this emotional and raw episode, I sit down with my new friend, Gwyn Andrews, who shares her absolutely incredible story. Gwyn opens up about the immense pressure she felt to be perfect, the double life she was living, and the spiral of shame that led her to almost make a devastating decision. This conversation is so important because it gets to the heart of why so many women feel they have no other choice. We talk about the overwhelming weight of shame and the lie that our worth is tied to external validation and what we can do to change that. You guys, this story is a powerful reminder that every woman deserves love and support, no matter her situation. Gwyn's testimony is a testament to God's love and the beauty that can come from the most difficult circumstances. It's proof that there is always another way. Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

I am so excited to share this incredible conversation with you all, especially for my fellow coffee lovers! I’m joined by Jeffrey Chon, the founder of Pro-Life Coffee Roasters. Not only does his company support pro-life causes with every purchase, but the story behind his mission will absolutely blow you away. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that our lives are a gift, and God has a purpose for each of us. We talk about how Jeffrey's journey—from almost being aborted to being kicked out of his home for his faith—has given him a compassionate heart for struggling mothers. You'll hear how God provides in miraculous ways and how, even when life is hard, His plan is always bigger than our problems. This episode is proof that when we partner with God, the impossible becomes possible. Visit Pro-life Coffee Roasters: https://prolifecoffeeroasters.com/ Support Let Them Live here: https://donate.letthemlive.org/

Hey guys! I have some exciting news. The Let Them Live Podcast is back for season 2!  We’re officially launching new episodes each Tuesday starting on October 21st with a totally new look and some exciting new guests! Not only can you watch these episodes on our YouTube channel, but we’ll also be streaming on other podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.  Make sure you subscribe on your favorite podcast platform right now so you don’t miss anything. New to Let Them Live? Connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/letthemliveorg