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For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the old expression goes, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” In this episode, Martin takes the listener back to when he was seven years old and preparing for his First Communion at Holy Trinity in Dayton, Ohio. Through the eyes of a child, he revisits that early encounter with the mystery of faith, as he and his classmates struggled to comprehend the wonderous and sometimes bewildering lessons of the catechism – from the astonishing idea of Jesus entering the tiny Communion wafer to the weighty question of what constituted a moral sin and how one might make a good confession. What emerges is an endearing and often humorous glimpse into Martin’s childhood and his first attempt to make sense of faith, morality, and an ever-changing world around him.  The episode then closes with a brief poem by William Blake, whose words awaken a poignant sense of wonder at the beauty and mystery in the world.  A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 10 Once a Catholic The story “Mystery” by Ramon Gerard AKA Martin Sheen is included in this podcast by granted copyright permission of the author. Consider This William Blake “To see a world in a grain of sand…” “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore   For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this truly momentous episode Martin is joined at the mic by two very dear friends and West Wing series alum Melissa FitzGerald and Mary McCormack to talk all things West Wing with their best-selling book “What’s Next?” Both Mary and Melissa share their journey in the creation of their book. With over a hundred interviews of the cast, crew, writers and producers, it’s an amazing account of how the historic TV series the West Wing evolved from the very start to the final day of filming and beyond. Their chat with Martin really captures the cultural phenomenon the beloved show has become.  The series may have ended in 2006 but 27 years later the West Wing family of cast members still have a strong bond of friendship as is clearly evident in this heartfelt conversation. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 8 What’s Next? Consider This President Harry S. Truman “It’s amazing what you can accomplish…” “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore   For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Martin shares an unscripted moment at the mic and recalls his early days in New York in 1959 where he found acting work at the Living Theater for $5 a week, free meals at the Catholic Worker and a place to stay with whoever would take him in. Years later he returned to the city to perform with his friend and idol, George C. Scott in the play “Death of a Salesman” and he recounts extraordinary memories from both on and off stage. The episode then culminates with poems and works by various artists that highlight the beauty, hardship and wonder of big city life. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 8 “On Broadway” Claude McKay Consider This Frank Capra “A hunch is creativity…” “Because Somewhere There’s Simplicity & Light” Anna Akhmatova “Blessed Among Us: Dorothy Day” Robert Ellsberg “London” William Blake “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore   For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Martin welcomes Reverend John Dear to join him at the mic for a deeply moving episode centered on a life devoted to social justice, faith, and non-violence. Together, they reflect on the remarkable journey of a friendship and shared commitment spanning more than four decades – years marked by courageous stands against injustice, personal sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in a world free from war, violence and poverty. Their conversation offers a rare glimpse into the faith that had guided them, the risks they have taken for what they believe in, and the enduring friendship that has carried them through it all. Their conversation is followed by a daily reflection on the life of Jesuit priest and poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, and the poignant words of French philosopher Voltaire that still echo through history to this day.  A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 7 Faith & Friendship Consider This Voltaire “Absurdities & Atrocities” “Blessed Among Us: Gerard Manley Hopkins” Robert Ellsberg “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Martin takes the listener back to his early days at Holy Trinity Grade School where he fondly remembers his teachers, all nuns of the order of the Sisters of Notre Dame. As his story unfolds he reveals that the greatest lesson he learned from them throughout the years while in their care was compassion. This is followed by a rich tapestry of quotes and poetry, spanning from Dickinson to Whitman and beyond. It’s an episode brimming with insight, reflection and discovery.   A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 6 Discovery The story “With Thanks and Praise” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. Consider This Ralph Waldo Emerson “To laugh often…” “A Sight in Camp at Daybreak Gray & Dim” Walt Whitman “Jerusalem” William Blake “Blessed Among Us: Edith Stein” Robert Ellsberg “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” Emily Dickinson Consider This FDR “Books are weapons of freedom…” “What to do with the Garden” Robert Bly “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore   For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In an episode exploring the vitality of youth and the wisdom that accompanies age, Martin opens the program with a stirring passage from Walt Whitman’s book “Leaves of Grass” giving listeners a grounding start that feels ageless and immediate. He then welcomes back to the mic his great granddaughters Luna, Sara & Jade for a little chat, some poetry and a lot of laughter. The show continues with inspiring and humorous quotes from authors and the legendary Yogi Berra, before concluding with the poetry of Willa Cather and William Blake, particular works that celebrate the indominable spirit of youth while fondly reflecting on the joys of days gone by. A complete list of the writers and poets from Ep 5 Daughters Great & Grand  “Leaves of Grass” book excerpt Walt Whitman Consider This Roald Dahl “Above all, watch with glittering eyes…” “Together” Great Granddaughter Sara “Me & You” Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen Consider This Yogi Berra “You can observe a lot by watching” “Prairie Spring” Willa Cather “Blessed Among Us: Mozart” Robert Ellsberg “The Echoing Green” William Blake “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode Martin offers a bittersweet and touching reflection on his first year at Holy Trinity School in 1946. He brings to life the people and places that left an indelible impression on him, recalling friendships formed and loss encountered. All at the tender age of 6-year-old, these experiences created lasting memories for him and form the core of this beautiful reverie. This story is followed with the humor of Mark Twain, as well as the thought-provoking poetry of Walt Whitman and William Blake, creating both a teachable moment and an enjoyable one. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 4  The story “Looking Back Within” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. Consider This Mark Twain “Never put off till tomorrow…” “The Noiseless Spider” Walt Whitman “Blessed Among Us: Chief Seattle” Robert Ellsberg “The Tyger” William Blake “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Being the seventh of 9 boys, Martin knows a thing or two about brothers as a lifelong lived experience. In this episode he reflects on the bonds that have shaped his life, beginning with a beautiful reading of Keats and culminating in an intimate conversation at the mic with his younger brother, Joe Estevez. Along the way, family stories are shared, long-held truths come to light and listeners are invited into a side of Martin’s world few have witnessed. Framed by the timeless writing of Keats and Tennyson, this is a heartfelt celebration of sibling camaraderie, memory and the enduring ties of family. Enjoy. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 3 Brothers “To My Brothers” John Keats Consider This A selection of “Ulysses” Alfred Lord Tennyson  “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Martin shares a deeply moving account of his time on the London stage in Larry Kramer’s landmark play “The Normal Heart.” More than a personal artistic challenge, the experience placed him at the heart of a pivotal moment in history, as the AIDS epidemic was just unfolding. From receiving the unexpected offer from Joe Papp to his time in England, Martin recounts the remarkable journey that culminated in a life-changing breakthrough during one unforgettable performance. Told with his signature warmth, humor and compassion, this poignant story offers an intimate glimpse into a transformative chapter of both his life and the cultural moment in which it unfolded. The show concludes with the support of life-affirming quotes and a beautiful and haunting poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 2 Shadows & Light The story “Notes on London’s Heart” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. Consider This Agatha Christie autobiography quote “Hymn to the Night” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this follow-up to his previous story about working on the epic “Apocalypse Now” Martin transports listeners back to the jungles of the Philippines, where an exhilarating yet relentless filming schedule tested everyone involved. Accompanied by his family and buoyed by long awaited supplies shipped from the United States, he recalls how the film’s raw, unforgettable opening sequence was captured almost entirely by chance. Martin then shares the story of Marlon Brando’s much anticipated arrival on the set, reflecting on the extraordinary experience working alongside this legendary actor. Their time together became not only the highlight of the production but the most rewarding of Martin’s career. This is followed by a brief selection of thought provoking quotes and heroic poetry from the frontlines of battle by Tennyson. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 1 Worth Fighting For The story “Apocalypse, You’re In For It Now Part II” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. Consider This Benjamin Franklin “No good war or bad peace” “The Charge of the Light Brigade” Alfred Lord Tennyson “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please join me each Sunday for a beautifully crafted 20-minute journey of personal exploration. I am proud to say “The Martin Sheen Podcast” is now in its 4th season! For more information please visit themartinsheenpodcast.com For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode Martin steps back from storytelling and poetry and joins his production team at the mic instead to have an informal chat and answer the burning question, “Whose idea was this podcast?” Listeners are invited to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the origins of Martin’s podcast, how it evolved and where it’s all going.  A complete list of writers & poets the special episode “Whose Idea Was This Podcast?” “The Age Demanded” Ernest Hemingway For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is full of literary works, speeches and poems by American authors and American public figures. A letter to America, if you will, the country we love, the one we criticize and the one we know can always be better, the one we are dreaming of. Join Martin as he wishes a happy 250th birthday to America through the recitation of “America the Beautiful” and other beloved poetry. The episode concludes with a passionate and moving rendition of President Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 10 The American Dream “America the Beautiful” Katherine Lee Bates Consider This Alexander Hamilton like founding father, like son “A Shadow” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “The Song of the Stone Wall” Helen Keller Consider This Inauguration speeches, the short and long of it The poem “I Am Waiting” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti from Coney Island of the Mind, copyright 1955 is included in this podcast with permission of New Directions Publishing Corporation “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Martin recounts how after many years of searching an inner voice led him to a true turning point in his spiritual life and his return to the Catholic church. With the help of an old friend while in Paris on location for the filming of “Enigma” Martin follows his heart and discovers a revitalized and more compassionate church under the reforms of Vatican II, where he experiences peace and the joy that comes from uniting the will of the spirit with the work of the flesh. This moving story of followed by literary works that resonate with the awakening that accompanies the search for happiness and a life more fully realized. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 8 Go In Peace  The story “Transition” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. Consider This The Buddha “If you want to fly…” “Blessed Among Us: Dostoevsky” by Robert Ellsberg is included here by granted copyright permission. And we thank the author for this opportunity to share his work. “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.