The Martin Sheen Podcast | Conversations, Human Interest & Storytelling

Martin shares a powerful story of resistance in the face of corporate environmental destruction, bringing a deeply human perspective to those on the front lines battling toxic pollution in a rural community. He explores the extraordinary lengths he and local residents are willing to go in their fight for justice and accountability. His story is followed by a moving collection of poems and literary works celebrating that same indomitable human spirit. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 9 Justice The story “Protest, Trial & The Santa Claus Defense” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. Consider This Benjamin Franklin “Tell me…” “Changed” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “Blessed Among Us: Mahalia Jackson” by Robert Ellsberg is included here by granted copyright permission. And we thank the author for this opportunity to share his work. “The Wind” Antonio Machado, with translation by Robert Bly “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore

In this episode Martin proudly reads the literary works of his dear friend and mentor Daniel Berrigan, who was a tireless champion for human rights by risking his life and imprisonment through non-violent radical actions of civil disobedience. His works are further enriched through Martin’s readings of a thoughtfully curated selection of poetry, each piece reflecting the enduring human quest for meaning, spirituality and beauty.

The epic film “Apocalypse Now” deserves an epic behind-the-scenes story that only Martin can bring to the mic. In the infamous Charlie Don’t Surf beach landing with Robert Duvall, he shares his first-hand account of the chaos and danger that was really happening all around the actors as the cameras rolled. And it was this particular sequence that would set the tone for a film shoot that lasted over a year and left a profound effect not only on Martin but his whole family as well. These truths are revealed and more as his wife, Janet then joins him for a candid conversation adding her own personal memories of being in the Philippines and how the filming of “Apocalypse Now” was life-changing for both of them. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 1 Apocalypse When The story “Apocalypse, You’re In For It Now” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore

Childhood memories are the subject of this episode, starting with Martin’s deeply moving recollection of a special time spent with his father in 1947 in the Ohio countryside. Being the seventh son of 10 siblings, an entire day of just he and his father was such a rarity that Martin cherished the events and conveys those memories in this emotional story. It is followed by his daughter Renee sharing her own childhood story of growing up with her dad, Martin and the unusual but memorable time they spent together. Childhoods can be as loving and complex as the people who raise us.

Great grand kids are something to brag about, especially for a great grandparent like Martin and in this episode he brings 3 of them to the mic for some fun and poetry. Martin also shares a story close to his heart about the legendary actor Marlon Brando while filming “Apocalypse Now” in the Philippines. Of all the actors Martin has had the good fortune of working with Marlon was by far the most endearing and truly embodied a kid-at-heart spirit. Steering into the theme of this show, Martin recites a series of children’s poetry from Robert Louis Stevenson, a few cheeky quotes from Mark Twain and a modern-day article by W.D Erhart as well. This truly is an episode for the kid in everyone!

Martin loves to share his favorite things with his listeners and in this special episode it’s all about music. He welcomes to the mic Paloma Estevez & Reed Thomas Lawrence, the duo behind Sun & The Saint, to talk about where they are on their musical journey, where they’re going and what inspires them along the way. Many of their songs are featured throughout the show giving the audience a wonderful sampling of the fantastic talent of this duo. Martin’s show is usually about storytelling and poetry and what could embody that better than the beautiful music of Sun & The Saint.

Martin pens a tender, moving story of being faced with a difficult challenge in his career and how he was inspired to take a leap of faith into the unknown.He tells of a brief encounter with renowned artist Elaine de Kooning as she recounted her extraordinary experience of creating the official portrait of President Robert F. Kennedy. This show also features a supporting cast of writers and poets whose works address the struggles and difficulties of life with grace, humanity and words of hope. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 4 Challenges The story “de Kooning, Jaquie & JFK” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. Consider This JFK quote “one heart with courage…” The poem “Who Are These People” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. “Blessed Among Us: Marc Chagall” by Robert Ellsberg is included here by granted copyright permission. And we thank the author for this opportunity to share his work. Consider This Mother Teresa quote “I know that God will not give me…” “My Father at 85” Robert Bly is included here in this podcast by granted copyright permission of his daughter, Mary Bly, who we thank for this opportunity to share his poetry. “The Sound of the Sea” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “Some” by Daniel Berrigan is included in this podcast with granted permission and remains the property of the Daniel Berrigan Literary Trust, who we thank for this opportunity to share his writings. “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore

This episode captures a truly bold and historic moment in Martin’s life. After hearing of the horrific events in 1965 from Selma, Alabama known as “Bloody Sunday” he was motivated to bring the New York theater community together to raise funds and awareness for the people who suffered from this violence. In his personal story he recounts how a vast, diverse group of artists banded together for one unforgettable night of solidarity and a surprise guest visit by none other than Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. himself.

In this special episode of Martin’s podcast he invites his son, Charlie Sheen to join him at the mic. Together they tackle the epic baseball poem “Casey at the Bat” and then share some father son time talking about their personal and professional lives. It’s an open, plainspoken conversation rich with candid stories and more than a few unexpected discoveries along the way.

Martin tells a passionate and amusing story about the day he made the biggest commitment of his young life and how that solemn vow has been the source of his happiness ever since. And coming to the support of this theme is a beautiful array of classic poetry filled with the promise of love to inspire and sustain us.

Martin explores the many facets of war through his own poetry and writings as well as the pen of Shakespeare and fellow poets’ works. Whether rallying the troops, offering comfort to a grieving nation, or struggling through the aftermath and its personal toll, this episode confirms that war leaves no aspect of life untouched.

What does Martin do at the height of his career in 2006 after wrapping up seven years starring on the top show at NBC? Go to college! And a college in Ireland no less! Martin shares a story of his college adventures followed by a compilation of writings and poems that explore the search for wisdom and clarity, most notably the Robert Frost classic “The Road Not Taken.”