S1 E6 | What Makes a Life Valuable?
Brave New Us: Choosing Human in the Age of Biotechnology
Every life has value, right? What about those who don’t appear able to value their own lives? What about infants whose brief existence is filled with suffering? Can we say that God has a purpose even for them?Guests appearing in the episode:Dr. Erica SalterErica K. Salter, PhD is an Associate Professor of Health Care Ethics and Pediatrics and the director of the PhD program in Health Care Ethics at Saint Louis University and the vice chair of the Ethics Committee at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Her research uncovers and examines the assumptions underlying current dominant concepts in clinical ethics, especially pediatric clinical ethics and clinical ethics consultation with the aim of improving health care decision-making for patients, families and providers. She lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband, Jake, and two kids, Jonah (6) and Leo (3).Special Thanks:Lauren Klingman, Mackenzie Kim“All Will Be Well” original track by Jessica Gerhardt (JessicaGardardt.com).…For exclusive updates or to support the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at bravenewus.substack.com
About Podcast
From gene editing and artificial wombs to brain implants and digital immortality—what does it mean to be human in a world trying to remake us?
Brave New Us explores how emerging technologies are reshaping what it means to be human. Hosted by Catholic bioethicist and author Samantha Stephenson, the podcast sits at the crossroads of faith, science, and ethics, featuring expert interviews and incisive commentary on biotechnology, AI, transhumanism, reproductive technologies, human enhancement, and the moral questions they raise.
Whether you're questioning the ethics of cutting-edge science, navigating a rapidly changing technological world, or simply seeking clarity in an age of unprecedented innovation, Brave New Us will help you think critically, live intentionally, and choose what is deeply human.
Samantha Stephenson holds master's degrees in theology and bioethics, served as a Paul Ramsey Fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Culture, and taught for the McGrath Institute at the University of Notre Dame. She is the author of several books helping readers grow in faith and navigate the spiritual and ethical questions shaping our rapidly changing world. In addition to hosting the Brave New Us podcast, Samantha writes the Choosing Human newsletter on Substack where she explores faith, family, and the future of being human. Learn more at www.snstephenson.com.
Subscribe now—and stay human in an age that’s forgetting how.