What does it take to be a healthy leader? In this episode of the Pregnancy Help Podcast, longtime Heartbeat International and pregnancy help leader and consultant Betty McDowell joins Michele Cheresnick to discuss the importance of healthy boundaries in leadership. Together, they explore the balance between authority and relationships, the value of identifying trusted “truth tellers,” and practical ways leaders can cultivate humility, accountability, and lasting influence both within their organizations and in the public sphere. Learn More:  Healthy Boundaries/Healthy Leaders Self Evaluation Jo-Hari Window Healthy Boundaries/Healthy Leaders Webinar Pregnancy Help Institute Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share

AI is everywhere. How can pregnancy help organizations use it wisely and effectively? In this episode of the Marketing Minute, the Extend Web Services team breaks down practical ways to use AI without losing your organization’s voice, trust, or credibility. From creating simple AI policies to avoiding “AI slop,” writing stronger prompts, and using AI to evaluate marketing efforts, this conversation offers strategies you can start using right away. FREE AI Resources Interested in emails from Extend Web Services? Contact [email protected] Visit ExtendWebServices.com for more on Extend Web Services Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share

In this episode of the Pregnancy Help News Brief, Lisa Bourne covers the latest headlines impacting the pregnancy help movement, including inspiring stories from abortion pill reversal moms, the launch of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ new resource site for mothers (moms.gov) ongoing legal battles surrounding mifepristone, and encouraging developments in postpartum support and pro-life advocacy. Stay informed on these developments and more at PregnancyHelpNews.com. Have an idea for a Pregnancy Help News Story? Click Here! Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations. The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share

In this episode of Coffee with Kirk on the Pregnancy Help Podcast, Kirk and Jennifer Walden discuss how strong core values create a healthy ministry culture. From integrity and encouragement to communication, loyalty, and humility, they share practical insights on building stronger staff relationships that ultimately lead to better care for clients and a healthier organization. Kirk Walden’s latest book, Saving Samaria is available now! Click here to order! Click here for Kirk’s Substack Contact Kirk at [email protected] Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.   Share Post Share

Strong teams don’t happen by accident, they’re built with intention, wisdom, and a long-term vision. In this insightful episode, seasoned leader and coach Robin Fuller draws from over two decades of experience in pregnancy help ministry to share practical strategies for hiring the right people, preparing for leadership transitions, and preventing burnout among staff and volunteers. Whether you’re leading a growing center or planning for the future, this conversation will equip you to cultivate a healthy, sustainable team that serves with excellence and finishes well. Connect with Robin: Email: [email protected] Website: https://robinfuller.coach Succession Planning Webinar: https://www.heartbeatservices.org/finish-well Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share

In this follow-up episode, Heartbeat President Jor-El Godsey; General Counsel, Danielle White; and Vice President of Communications and Marketing Andrea Trudden provide an update on the hearings in California and New York, and the Supreme Court – breaking down what happened in court and what it means moving forward. Our team reflects on early outcomes, legal implications, and the ongoing question of whether pregnancy help organizations can continue offering timely, life-affirming support to women in need. Resources: Defending the Work of Pregnancy Help Centers Stay Up-to-Date: Pregnancy Help News Security Considerations for Your Pregnancy Help Organization Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share

In this episode, special guests Robin Stephenson, Founder and Director of Lifetree Adoption Agency in Texas; Selina Arevalo, Adoption Specialist with Lifetree; and Kathy Jerman, Heartbeat’s Director of Affiliate Services explore the vital role pregnancy help organizations play in honoring and supporting birthmothers with compassion, dignity, and respect. They discuss what it truly means to care well for women considering adoption—emotionally, spiritually, and practically—while also addressing the common misconceptions that often surround the adoption journey. More Resources From The Heartbeat Academy: Intro to Adoption Counseling Course: Equipping You for Compassionate Conversations Abortion Minded and Adoption Conversations More Adoption Episodes on The Pregnancy Help Podcast: https://pregnancyhelp.blubrry.net/2025/11/11/national-adoption-month/ https://pregnancyhelp.blubrry.net/2024/11/11/understanding-adoption/ https://pregnancyhelp.blubrry.net/2024/01/15/adoption-brad-imler/ Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share

This episode of the Pregnancy Help News Brief covers key developments, including a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling protecting pregnancy centers’ First Amendment rights and ongoing legal cases surrounding abortion pill reversal and free speech. It also reviews insights from Planned Parenthood’s latest report, federal Title X funding updates, and a Senate investigation into abortion drug manufacturers. The episode concludes with the announcement of Heartbeat International’s 2027 conference and its mission-focused theme. Stay informed on these developments and more at PregnancyHelpNews.com. Have an idea for a Pregnancy Help News Story? Click Here! Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations. The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share

This episode of Coffee with Kirk highlights how ministry culture shapes the experience of both clients and staff. Kirk and Jenn discuss what healthy culture looks like, warning signs of dysfunction, and how trust, communication, and core values help build a stronger, more effective team. Kirk Walden’s latest book, Saving Samaria is available now! Click here to order! Click here for Kirk’s Substack Contact Kirk at [email protected] Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share

In this Marketing Minute episode, Delaney and Jack break down how pregnancy help organizations can strengthen their visibility so women can find, trust, and choose them when it matters most. From foundational fixes like mobile-friendly websites and accurate listings, to advanced strategies like AI-informed search, paid ads, and social media presence, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for showing up clearly and consistently. Interested in emails from Extend Web Services? Contact [email protected] Visit ExtendWebServices.com for more on Extend Web Services Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. Share Post Share