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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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