The Martin Sheen Podcast | Storytelling, Human Interest & Conversations

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.

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

In this episode Martin recounts his journey through Spain alongside his closest friend and his grandson discovering along the way that the Camino can offer far more than a spiritual pilgrimage - it can become a journey of the heart itself. What began as an adventure across ancient roads unfolded into a story of connection, fate and enduring love. The episode continues with an intimate conversation featuring his grandson Taylor and Taylor's wife, Julia, as they share their side of how their paths first crossed in Spain, revealing to Martin some untold truths during that life changing journey and reflecting with gratitude on their chance meeting 23 years later. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 6 Adventure The story “El Camino In a Red Mercedes Benz” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore

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.