First Step to Life
Life Matters
We believe that every life matters. Each week on Life Matters , host Toni Clarke leads open discussions on critical life issues, equipping Christians with the tools and understanding to engage in conversations about the sanctity of life. Drawing from a biblical worldview, she dives into complex topics surrounding the pro-life movement, encouraging listeners to get involved. Toni Clarke, Executive Director at a pregnancy center located in Omaha, NE, is passionate about spreading the message of life across Nebraska and beyond.
Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: firststeptolife.com
Author
First Step to Life
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Oct 17, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Fierce Love, Tender Care with Beverly Jacobson 17.10.2026 27:27
In Part 3, Beverly Jacobson of Mama Bear Care shares how her family’s experience inspired her to help other parents facing difficult prenatal diagnoses. Through Mama Bear Care, Beverly is building a community that equips families to advocate for their babies with fierce love, tender care, and hope for the journey ahead.
Hope Beyond the Diagnosis with Beverly Jacobson 10.10.2026 27:27
In Part 2 of our conversation with Beverly Jacobson of Mama Bear Care, she shares more about life with her daughter, Verity, and the lessons her family has learned along the way. Beverly also discusses the fears families can face after a prenatal diagnosis and the importance of offering them hope, support, and compassionate care.
A Life Worth Fighting For 03.10.2026 27:27
When Beverly Jacobson received a difficult prenatal diagnosis for her daughter, Verity, she found herself on a journey she never expected. In Part 1 of this conversation, Beverly shares her family’s story and how that experience awakened a fierce desire to advocate for her daughter and bring hope to other families facing uncertain diagnoses.
The Legislative Battle for Life with Marion Miner 26.09.2026 27:29
In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Marion Miner of the Nebraska Catholic Conference joins Toni Clarke to look at the future of the pro-life movement in Nebraska and across the country. They discuss the changing abortion landscape, key legislative and national trends, and how Christians can help shape both public policy and culture in the years ahead.
United for Life: An Ecumenical Mission with Marion Miner 19.09.2026 27:30
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Toni Clarke talks with Marion Miner of the Nebraska Catholic Conference about the ecumenical nature of the life issue and how Catholics and Protestants can unite around the shared conviction that every human life has value. They explore how believers can work together – across denominations - to build a culture of life.
Abortion Pill in our Drinking Water with John Stemberger 12.09.2026 27:29
What happens to abortion pill chemicals and fetal remains after a chemical abortion takes place at home? Toni Clarke talks with John Stemberger, President of Liberty Counsel Action, about the Abortion in Our Water report and the concerns it raises about chemical abortion, wastewater, public health, and government oversight.
Defending Life with Science and Truth with Dr. William Lile 05.09.2026 27:29
In Part 2, Toni Clarke continues her conversation with Dr. William Lile about some of today’s most important life issues, including the rise of chemical abortion, what women need to know about abortion procedures, and the role of pro-life pregnancy clinics.
Preborn Babies Are Patients Too with Dr. William Lile 29.08.2026 27:29
What does modern medicine reveal about life before birth? In Part 1, Toni Clarke talks with Dr. William Lile, known as the “Pro-Life Doc,” about his journey from taking over a former abortion practice to becoming a national advocate for the preborn. Dr. Lile explains how ultrasound, fetal surgery, and other medical advances demonstrate a powerful truth: preborn babies are patients too.
What Our Kids Really Hear with Alissa & Aliah 22.08.2026 27:28
How do we pass faith and a respect for life on to the next generation—and how much of what we say actually sticks? Toni Clarke is joined by two very special guests, her daughters Alissa and Aliah, for an honest conversation about growing up in a pro-life home and how Generation Z thinks about faith, abortion, relationships, family, and culture. Hear their perspective on what parents and churches a...
Parenting in All Seasons with Joy Graves and Ebony Turner 15.08.2026 27:28
How can parents continue to influence their children as they grow - and what happens when those values are carried into the next generation? In Part 2 of this special two-part conversation, Joy Graves and her daughter, Ebony Turner, discuss parenting through changing seasons, keeping communication open through disagreement, and the importance of prayer and grace.
Building a Culture of Life in Your Family with Joy Graves and Ebony Turner 10.08.2026 27:28
How do parents intentionally build a culture of life at home? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Joy Graves and her daughter, Ebony Turner, to explore how faith and honest conversations can shape the next generation's pro-lifeworldview. Through both a mother's and a daughter's perspective, you'll hear practical encouragement for raising ch...
Exposing the Abortion Pill with Dr. Marie Belin 01.08.2026 27:30
In Part 2, Dr. Marie Belin discusses the growing use of the abortion pill, the importance of women receiving accurate medical information and compassionate care, and why pregnancy centers play a critical role in today's culture. She also offers practical encouragement for parents and families who want to build a culture of life and make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and their...
Practicing Our Faith with Dr. Marie Belin 25.07.2026 27:30
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with Dr. Marie Belin, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of In Home Peds, an in-home pediatric practice serving Omaha-area families. Dr. Belin shares how her faith, medical career, and experiences as a wife and mother have shaped her passion for protecting the dignity of every human life from the very beginning.
Speaking Truth with Compassion with Kristine Hunerwadel 18.07.2026 27:30
In Part 2, Kristine explores how to navigate difficult questions with grace, engage the next generation, and equip churches and families to speak truth with compassion. You'll also hear practical resources from Justice For All and encouraging stories of how respectful conversations can truly change hearts and minds.
The Art of Dialogue with Kristine Hunerwadel 11.07.2026 27:30
How can Christians confidently and compassionately talk about abortion in today's culture? In Part 1 of this conversation, Kristine Hunerwadel of Justice For All shares her personal journey into pro-life advocacy and introduces practical, dialogue-based approaches that help move conversations from debate to meaningful connection.
The Fight Continues with David Bereit 04.07.2026 27:31
How can the pro-life movement more effectively reach women before they choose abortion? In Part 2 of Toni Clarke’s conversation with David Bereit, they explore the rise of chemical abortions, the influence of the abortion industry, the critical role of pregnancy centers, and innovative strategies being developed to save lives, support women, and engage the next generation in the cause for life.
Prayer as Our Foundation with David Bereit 27.06.2026 27:31
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with David Bereit, founder of 40 Days for Life and Executive Director of the Life Leadership Conference. David shares his personal journey into the pro-life movement, the story behind one of the largest grassroots pro-life efforts in history, and his perspective on how the movement has evolved in the years since the overturning of Roe...
Better Science, Better Ethics with Carol Szczepaniak 20.06.2026 27:31
In Part 2, Carol Szczepaniak with the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research explores the recent NIH decision to end federal funding for research using newly obtained fetal tissue from abortions. She also highlights ethical alternatives that are advancing medical research while respecting the dignity of every human life.
Science with a Conscience with Carol Szczepaniak 13.06.2026 27:30
What happens when scientific research collides with questions of human dignity and ethics? In Part 1 of this conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with Carol Szczepaniak, President of the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research, to discuss her background in science and bioethics, the mission of NCER, and the ethical concerns surrounding the use of aborted fetal tissue in medical research.
Abortion within the Church Part Two with Joni Shepherd 06.06.2026 27:31
In Part 2 of this conversation, Toni Clarke continues her discussion with Joni Shepherd of Hope & Grace Global. The focus shifts from understanding the problem to exploring practical solutions as Joni explains the Safe Church Project and how churches can become places where women and families find both truth and grace. She shares how churches can proactively support women facing unplanned preg...
Abortion within the Church with Joni Shepherd 30.05.2026 27:31
In Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Joni Shepherd with Hope & Grace Global, an organization focused on equipping churches to respond to abortion and sexual brokenness with both truth and grace. Joni shares her personal story, discusses the hidden reality of abortion within the Church, and explains how churches can become places of healing, restoration...
The Hope of the Gospel with Dan Hauge 23.05.2026 27:30
In Part 2 of this Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke continues her discussion with Dan Hauge, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bellevue, about healing after abortion, the power of forgiveness, and finding a new identity in Christ. Pastor Dan shares practical and biblical encouragement for those struggling with lingering shame, grief, or regret, while also challenging churches and believe...
When our shame meets grace with Dan Hauge 16.05.2026 27:30
In Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Dan Hauge, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bellevue, to discuss the heavy burden of shame, guilt, and grief that many women and men carry surrounding unplanned pregnancy and abortion. Together, they explore the difference between conviction and condemnation, how the gospel speaks to those who feel disqualified by...
Interview with Nate Grasz 09.05.2026 27:30
In this Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Nate Grasz, Executive Director of Nebraska Family Alliance, to discuss the most recent Nebraska legislative session. They discuss the current legislative landscape around life and family issues and what Nebraskas can do to remain faithful to the call of God to protect life.
Interview with Candace Gregory and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes Part Two 02.05.2026 27:32
In Part 2 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is again joined by Candace Gregory of Open Door Mission and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes of Good News Global as the discussion turns toward healing, redemption, and the role of the Church in walking alongside women facing the aftermath of trauma. They share powerful stories of transformation, practical ways to support women in crisis, and...
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