What We Can't Not Talk About

To kick off Fidelity Month, Clinician and Consultant, Dr. William Bellet speaks to us about why fidelity matters, now, more than ever. In this episode Dr. Orlandi and Dr. Bellet discusses how infidelity has lost its shame, how couples can protect themselves, and the impacts and influences of society on infidelity in our modern age. Dr. William Bellet is a clinical and consulting psychiatrist dedicated to building and fostering healthy families. Dr. Bellet specializes in personal and marital counseling as well as consulting for family owned and operated enterprises. Learn more about Fidelity Month at Fidelity Month - Fidelity Month, Social Movement (https://fidelitymonth.com/)

It is no surprise that Global Fertility has been declining over the course of 30-50 years. You may not be aware, however, of how steep the slope has truly become. Economist and Professor Jesús Fernández-Villaverde has devoted his studies to analyzing why this is, and how we may be able to overcome it. Tune in to this fascinating discussion, as Dr. Mariana Orlandi speaks with one of the greatest experts in global fertility numbers. According to Professor Villaverde, we have never seen such alarming trends in all the history of the world. Modern culture has made having children challenging and unattractive in multiple regards. Therefore, younger generations have shifted from family-oriented to self-oriented lifestyles. This has led to negative rippling effects especially in education, food supply, and real estate. Contrary to popular belief, having a family may actually be a solution to economics rather than being a hindrance. As Professor Villaverde says: “Creating a culture that puts family at the center of society again is absolutely fundamental.” Clara Piano’s podcast episode: https://www.austin-institute.org/podcast-wwcnta/episode/1ab0ffec/s3-e12-the-fertility-gap-why-women-around-the-world-are-having-fewer-children-than-they-desire The Coddling of the American Mind: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=coddling+of+the+american+mind&hvadid=580696255894&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9028315&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10752184360120152060&hvtargid=kwd-280547986705&hydadcr=22569_13493349&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_1g6wh8wqut_e

The fertility gap is the difference between intended and actual births. While many countries struggle with below-replacement birth rates, the average woman desires more children than she will actually have in her lifetime. Our scholar will lead us in her investigation into the causes of these frustrated desires, arguing that reductions in economic and religious liberty are to blame. Clara E. Piano is currently an assistant professor of economics at Austin Peay State University. She received her PhD in economics from George Mason University. Her primary areas of research are family economics, law and economics, and public choice. She has published academic papers on many topics including mental health and marriage, Renaissance art contracts, the organization of Christian seminaries, and the Soviet family policy. Her work has also been featured in popular outlets like Public Discourse and the Faith & Economics podcast. Beyond economics, Clara enjoys reading and discussing Catholic Social Thought.

We often think that finding love is all about being the best version of ourselves. But what if love is not about us at all? What if love is about our ability to receive another? Love, marriage and family are like a concert. Will we allow ourselves to be moved by the rise and fall of the melody, the changing rhythm and rhyme of life with the ones we love? If we are lucky, we lose ourselves to this work of art that demands everything. Join us as Marie Bellet, a loving wife, mother and songwriter, delights us in concert and in conversation on love, life, and music. About the Artist: Marie was raised in the small university town of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. The third in a family of 8 children, she escaped the humdrum of the Midwest through the music she heard on her blue transistor radio, singing her favorites in talent shows to her high school class of 24. A lone voice calling for a return to family in the midst of a materialist world, Marie Bellet writes authentic Americana songs that take the listener away from the distractions and conventions of pop culture and focus upon the importance of sacrificial love. Much like the singer/songwriters she listened to growing up, she moves off the glamorous beaten path and tells deceptively simple stories that make larger statements about hardship, heartbreak, redemption, and renewal within the real world. “I write about the life I know, from something as simple as getting through a trip to the grocery store with a bunch of kids to something as difficult as watching a son deploy to Afghanistan. I want to tell others that sacrifice is not stupidity or victimization. It is noble. It is transformative. It is love.” For more about our guest artist, visit her website: http://www.mariebellet.com/

Is your ancestor a monkey? Or perhaps, are you a monkey? These are the questions the world has been asking for over a century now. As a result, our understanding for the source of human life has drastically shifted away from religious ideologies. Nowadays, belief in the existence of God is considered “foolishness”, in comparison to science. In this episode, Dr. Mariana Orlandi interviews associate director of the Hagler institute, Dr. Clifford Fry, to explore these topics further. They discuss his new book: Is Your Ancestor A Monkey?: An Exploration of Key Issues in the Evolution Versus Creation Debate, and how, ultimately, we are all on the same quest to understand our own existence. Dr. Fry touches on acclaimed scientific thinkers- such as Isaac Newton- and how their findings pointed towards the possibility of a creator rather than not. Is it possible to consider the existence of God with rationale, rather than belief/ feelings? Join us to find out (and stay tuned for an original song, written and performed by Dr. Fry himself)! Clifford L. Fry, who has a Ph.D. in Economics, has worked in academia, the Federal Reserve, private banking, and consulting, and has published research in peer-reviewed journals in economics and finance. He has devoted years of service to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, as a board member, a regional representative for Texas, and chair of the Family Empowerment Board. A songwriter and musician, he is the founder of Dr. Fry's Texas Medicine Band. His songs are available on streaming services and YouTube. Clifford currently resides with his wife and daughter in College Station, Texas. Is Your Ancestor A Monkey?: An Exploration of Key Issues in the Evolution Versus Creation Debate https://www.amazon.com/Your-Ancestor-Monkey-Exploration-Evolution/dp/1667882740 Principia Mathematica https://www.amazon.com/Principia-Mathematica-Alfred-North-Whitehead/dp/0342921614/ref=asc_df_0342921614/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366282405567&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12571345026879681406&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028315&hvtargid=pla-571091981693&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78795691600&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366282405567&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12571345026879681406&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028315&hvtargid=pla-571091981693 Priest of Nature: The Religious Worlds of Isaac Newton https://www.amazon.com/Priest-Nature-Religious-Worlds-Newton/dp/0199995354

In a world where marriage is promoted as inconsequential, more and more couples in today's society look for an easy way out. Is divorce the best solution? According to UT research associate, Dr. Amy Hamilton, “the effects of divorce are staggering”, and may not always yield the positive results that were initially intended. In this episode, Dr. Orlandi and Dr. Hamilton will cover the dynamic of modern relationships, why marriage rates are declining, and the long term effects of breakup within a family. They touch on how marriage can lower suicidal rates, enhance physical health, and lead to human flourishing! Ultimately, Dr. Hamilton’s research concludes: traditional marriage has the power to benefit all people in society, even those who don't choose to participate in it. Tune in to learn more. Corrigendum: “1 in 6 women will reach 40 without having birthed a child.” Currently, data points to trends that show at least 1 in 4 young people will reach their 40s not having married. Marriage and the Public Good https://canavoxstore.com/products/marriage-public-good Future of Christian Marriage https://www.amazon.com/Future-Christian-Marriage-Mark-Regnerus-ebook/dp/B08DYCPLQK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1L0U241Z1JONY&keywords=future+of+christian+marriage&qid=1679094820&sprefix=future+of+christian+marriag%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-1 CanaVox https://canavoxstore.com/

The Dobbs v. Jackson case brought about a new era within the political spectrum. For many, the case gave way to great disapproval, and raised various ethical concerns surrounding abortion. In this lecture, Heather Hacker talks about the current state of abortion law and policies, and how it will influence our future. After the federal government delegated abortion legalities to the states, the United States Supreme Court faced challenging questions such as: "how do we evaluate the regulation of abortion?”, “where would we find this right within the constitution?”, and “how do we take care of women dealing with unplanned pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages?” Hacker discusses why predominantly conservative states ultimately voted against the abortion ban, and how other states—such as Texas—have approached these issues. She also highlights the significance of pondering these questions, in order to improve our engagement in democracy. Tune to hear this amazing talk!

In the picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde tells the story of a life corrupted by sin. In one of his plays, he reminds us that nobody is perfect and even equates love with charity. Yet, the Irish poet and playwright is often considered a major contributor, a key-player in that cultural change that led to the sexual revolution. Quid iuris? Dr. Orlandi discusses these and other questions with Professor Paul Fortunato, author of "Modernist Aesthetics and Consumer Culture in the Writings of Oscar Wilde.” Join us, as we explore Oscar Wilde’s approach to the positive power of consumerism and what he believed it meant to be an artist. In this episode, Dr. Orlandi and Dr. Paul Fortunato will discuss some of Wilde’s famous work. Once widely deemed “immoral” by a predominantly Christian society, Wilde ironically puts forth hidden morals within his plays such as: charity, forgiveness, and behaviors that lead to self-destruction. Book: Modern Aesthetics Consumer Culture https://www.amazon.com/Modernist-Aesthetics-Consumer-Culture-Writings/dp/0415803020 Book: Picture Dorian Gray https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Dorian-Gray-Oscar-Wilde/dp/0141439572 Book: Ideal Husband https://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Husband-Oscar-Wilde/dp/154802404X Book: Strange New World https://www.amazon.com/Strange-New-World-Activists-Revolution/dp/1433579308

Do you ever keep your opinion for yourself, fearing that speaking your mind would isolate you? Do you ever do or say something not because you want to, but because that is what everybody does? Well, if you do, you are just very human. At the same time, you might be contributing to a new, modern-time tyranny. In this episode, our Executive Director, Dr. Marianna Orlandi hosts journalist and international relations expert Stella Morabito, where Morabito shares the insights of her book “Weaponization of Loneliness.” She speaks on the importance of free speech, community, and simple dialogue with others in order to dismantle the “machinery of loneliness” that gives way to totalitarian regimes. Order a copy of “Weaponization of Loneliness” https://www.amazon.com/Weaponization-Loneliness-Tyrants-Isolation-Silence/dp/1637582021 Film: Experimenter https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3726704/ “Obedience to Authority” https://www.amazon.com/Obedience-Authority-Experimental-Perennial-Thought/dp/006176521X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T161AI01JOYM&keywords=Obedience+to+Authority%3A+An+Experimental+View&qid=1674838496&s=books&sprefix=obedience+to+authority+an+experimental+view%2Cstripbooks%2C97&sr=1-1

Following our episode on the dangers of a “contraceptive” mentality and on the beauty of our generative natures, join us for an honest conversation on family planning alternatives to contraception. In this episode, Dr. Marianna Orlandi and Grace Stark, an expert on fertility awareness methods, offer insights that are extremely valuable for men and women of all ages: be they singles or couples, worried about conceiving … or trying to. Links: The SURPRISING SCIENCE of WOMEN, HORMONES, and the LAW of UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: https://www.sarahehill.com/your-brain-on-birth-control/ Natural Womanhood: Know Your Body https://naturalwomanhood.org Viewing the Menstrual Cycle as a Fifth Vital Sign: Your period is trying to tell you something about your overall health https://verilymag.com/2021/08/menstrual-charting-cycle-irregular-period-tracking-fifth-vital-sign-hormone-imbalance-birth-control-hormonal-contraceptive-alternative-nfp-fabm-2021