Episodes

Even the best-planned fundraising banquets can take an unexpected turn—or several! In this episode, Tracie Shellhouse and comedian–speaker Mike Williams share memorable “curveball” moments from pregnancy help fundraisers, along with practical ways to stay prepared when things don’t go as planned. From tech troubles and testimony surprises to catering crises, Mike’s stories remind us that preparation and the Holy Spirit can turn any disruption into an opportunity for impact. Tune in for laughter,...

In this month’s Pregnancy Help News Brief, Lisa Bourne covers major updates on chemical abortion and pro-life advocacy. HHS and the FDA announced a safety review of the abortion pill even as a new generic version was approved, prompting strong reactions from pro-life leaders. Plus, California passed a law allowing doctors and pharmacists to anonymously offer abortion drugs, Justice Amy Coney Barrett spoke out on Roe v. Wade, and Virginia parents face a critical vote on parental rights Stay info...

Kirk Walden shares how a moving moment from the Dove Awards sparked reflection on what it means to reach “the least of these.” Drawing on Jelly Roll’s story of redemption and humility, Kirk connects it to the everyday ministry of pregnancy help work. The people we serve — and sometimes even ourselves — may feel like the least of these, but in God’s hands, these stories can become world-changing. Kirk Walden’s latest book, Saving Samaria is available now! Click here to order! Click here for Kirk...

When the nation’s largest Planned Parenthood location closed in Houston, the team at Houston Pregnancy Help Center was ready. In this episode, Executive Director Sylvia Johnson joins Andrea Trudden to talk about what’s changed since the closure, how her organization continues to meet the growing needs of women (and men!), and the role of faith that has guided her through it all. With nearly four decades of experience in pregnancy help, Sylvia shares encouragement and perspective for leaders serv...

In this episode, Heartbeat’s International Program Specialist Ellen Foell talks with Nadia Gordinsky, President and CEO of Save a Life International. Nadia shares how her personal story of loss led to the founding of a growing network of pregnancy help centers across Ukraine and Poland, even amid the challenges of war. Hear how her team is breaking through cultural barriers, serving women in crisis, and building creative, sustainable ways to support families with hope and dignity. Book – Little...

When New Jersey’s Attorney General demanded confidential donor and internal records from First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, the case quickly became a major legal battle with implications for pregnancy centers nationwide. In this episode, Heartbeat International President Jor-El Godsey talks with First Choice Executive Director Aimee Huber and Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Lincoln Wilson about the subpoena, the fight to protect First Amendment rights, and what’s at stake for PHOs. Chur...

In this episode, Kirk Walden explores why legacy matters more than accomplishments. Through reflections on Charlie Kirk’s impact and the example of Jesus throughout the New Testament, Kirk challenges us to think beyond programs or achievements and focus on the lasting impact of love, kindness, and faithfulness in pregnancy help work and everyday life. Contact Kirk at kirk@kirkwalden.com Click here for Kirk’s Substack Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas f...

Lisa Bourne brings us the latest headlines impacting the pro-life pregnancy help movement. Stories include new research linking abortion to increased psychiatric hospitalizations, federal officials admitting data on chemical abortion safety was misrepresented, and the dangers of abortion pills being used to drug women without their consent. Lisa also covers the arrest of a Houston abortionist, the emergence of so-called “pro-choice pregnancy centers”, and the pro-life community’s response to the...

In this episode, Extend Web Services Manager Delaney Walker brings you practical guidelines to help you make the most of your marketing partnership. You’ll also hear from Extend team members Jack and Cyndie as they go over common red flags, offer insider tips on digital advertising, and share how to discern whether a partnership is truly working. If your center is investing in marketing—or considering it—this conversation will help you steward resources wisely, build healthy relationships, and m...

A prenatal diagnosis can leave parents feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of what lies ahead. In this episode, Option Line Director Nafisa Kennedy is joined by neonatologist Dr. Robin Pierucci, Parent Care Coordinator Heidi Martin, and mom Maureen O’Connor to share practical, trauma-informed ways to bring hope and steady support in some of the hardest moments families face. From medical expertise to trauma-informed guidance and a powerful firsthand story, this conversation will inspire yo...

Doreen Jansson and Bryan Gonzalez join Heartbeat’s Kathy Jerman to explore the value of board training and the power of strategic planning for your pregnancy help organization. Learn how your center’s leadership can unite around mission, stay on course, and build a strong foundation for lasting growth. No matter the size of your organization, these tools will help your team thrive and multiply its impact. Click here for more on consultations offered by Heartbeat Contact Heartbeat International ...

Lisa Bourne highlights this month’s Pregnancy Help News stories! The latest news includes Planned Parenthood’s efforts to maintain government funding, a Pennsylvania mother facing trial for obtaining abortion pills for her teenage daughter, a federal court’s decision to strike down Colorado’s ban on Abortion Pill Reversal, and a new investment fund supporting pregnancy centers in the U.S. Listen in for these stories and more! Have an idea for a Pregnancy Help News Story? Click Here! Visit Pregn...

Lori Kuykendall joins Kathy Jerman to discuss how sexual wellness can be woven into every client interaction, offering women and families not only practical support but also truth, hope, and the foundation for lasting relationships. This conversation highlights the unique opportunity pregnancy help centers have to speak into clients’ lives with grace, guiding them toward God’s design for wholeness and healthy connection. Resources: Heartbeat Academy Course: Sexual Wellness and Prevention Educa...

Through his own experiences—like an unexpected vacation, a broken-down car, and an unlikely encounter that revealed God’s perfect timing—Kirk Walden shows how stories of faith in hard moments can become powerful bridges to those who need hope. Whether you’re serving clients, walking alongside friends, or facing your own challenges, this episode will inspire you to recognize and share the stories God has written in your life. Contact Kirk at kirk@kirkwalden.com Click here for Kirk’s Substack H...

Join Delaney Walker and Jack Pickering from Extend Web Services as they unpack Google’s Performance Max campaigns—a powerful, AI-driven strategy that puts your center in front of potential clients across Search, YouTube, Maps, and more. They’ll explain why this campaign can boost conversions, increase brand awareness, and stretch your ad dollars further, plus how to get started without feeling overwhelmed. This episode will help you harness Google’s tools to show up where—and when—it matters mos...

Connie Coleman dives into what it means to truly walk in the authority that God has given you. Drawing from the book of Nehemiah, Connie shares insights and practical examples on how to lead with humility, empower others, stay rooted in prayer, and guard against distractions that can derail your calling. This episode will encourage you to embrace your unique gifts and step boldly into your God-given purpose, all for His glory. Click here for more on Connie’s Concierge Consultations Heartbeat I...

Toby DeBause, President of Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Tidewater, joins Heartbeat’s Tracie Shellhouse to share the powerful story of how their organization responded to a call for deeper impact—by radically restructuring operations, expanding services, and walking in bold faith. From shifting to same-day care and doubling staff to facing budget deficits and watching God provide in miraculous ways, Toby’s journey is a testament to what can happen when leaders discern, act, and trust fully in God’...

Lisa Bourne, Managing Editor of Pregnancy Help News takes us through this month’s top stories, including the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that defunds Planned Parenthood for one year—and the legal challenges that follow. You’ll hear updates on state-led efforts to redirect Medicaid funding, a lawsuit against Planned Parenthood and Minnesota involving coerced abortion, and CDC data that challenges claims about post-Dobbs maternal mortality rates. Plus, inspiring stories from pregnancy ...

Kirk Walden shares his favorite underdog moments from classic films—and how they reflect the powerful, everyday victories happening in pregnancy help centers. As ministry workers, you often meet clients who feel defeated or overwhelmed. But just like in those cinematic turning points, you have the opportunity to speak life, offer hope, and remind them that God still believes in their story. Contact Kirk at kirk@kirkwalden.com Click here for Kirk’s Substack Heartbeat International provides a f...

In this follow-up episode celebrating 10 years of Pregnancy Help News, Jor-El Godsey, Andrea Trudden, and Lisa Bourne reflect on key moments like Dobbs, the pandemic, and ongoing censorship battles—while offering a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are sourced, shared, and amplified. With nearly 30,000 subscribers and growing global impact, Pregnancy Help News continues to be the voice of the pro-life pregnancy help movement. Subscribe at PregnancyHelpNews.com! Heartbeat International prov...

Your center’s mission is rooted in compassion—but does that come through on your social media? In this episode, Delaney Walker and Morgan Gerig from Extend Web Services talk about how to define and refine your center’s voice online. From choosing the right tone to speaking differently to clients and donors, we’ll walk you through practical tips that make your posts sound more human, more heartfelt, and more you. Interested in emails from Extend Web Services? Contact support@extendwebservices.co...

Jor-El Godsey, Jay Hobbs, and Kirk Walden celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pregnancy Help News! They share the story of how the news outlet began, its mission to highlight the life-saving work of pregnancy help organizations, and the legal and cultural challenges that shaped its journey. From major milestones like AB 775 to the growing impact of the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network, the conversation explores the power of storytelling, the importance of promoting the work of the movement, and how P...

Connie Coleman tackles real questions from friends in the movement, offering wisdom drawn from her own leadership journey. She shares how to maintain meaningful relationships with clients even after their babies are born, creating a foundation for ongoing support. Connie also opens up about navigating tough leadership challenges—like managing personnel conflicts, facing uncertainty, and discerning God’s direction when doors close unexpectedly. Through it all, she reveals how faith helped her per...

Dr. Bob Snyder once believed that abortion was part of compassionate care—even as a Christian and practicing OBGYN. It took a challenging conversation during a Bible study to shift his perspective, leading him to his local PRC and later to the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network, where he began offering hope to women seeking to reverse the effects of a chemical abortion. Interested in supporting the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network or becoming a provider? Click here! 2025 Heartbeat Annual Conference Wor...