Actor Martin Sheen on the heroes that shaped his spirituality and activism

About this episode

Martin Sheen discusses the heroes that shaped his spirituality and activism with Fr. James Martin, S.J.

From country club caddy to the Catholic Worker to “The West Wing”, Martin Sheen has been on a long and fascinating spiritual journey. The Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actor and activist shares the major turning points in his faith with Fr. James Martin, S.J. on “The Spiritual Life” podcast. They talk about some of the most important influences in Sheen’s life, including the Jesuit activist Dan Berrigan and film-maker Terrence Malick, and how the Mass continues to nourish his faith. Timecodes: 0:00 How Martin Sheen’s faith was shaped by the Catholic Worker 2:00 Understanding the ploughshare movement 3:43 Discerning what activism our faith calls us to 6:50 Martin Sheen’s Catholic childhood 9:00 An epiphany in Paris and how Terrence Malick became a spiritual guide to Sheen 12:20 “Peacework must be as devotional as war” 22:30 Encountering community and solidarity at the Catholic Worker 32:25 Sheen is nourished by the mass 42:13 How Catholicism informed Sheen’s role of Pres. Josiah Bartlet on ‘The West Wing’ 45: Audience Question: How can working people today take a personal vow of poverty or overcome a consumer culture? Links: Martin Sheen's podcast Link to Father Jim’s…

People in this episode

Host: Fr. James Martin, S.J.

Guest: Martin Sheen

Topics covered

• spiritual journey
• faith influences
• activism
• Catholicism
• community
• Mass

Keywords

• Martin Sheen
• spirituality
• activism
• Catholic Worker
• Mass
• Dan Berrigan
• Terrence Malick
• The West Wing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Catholic Worker

Books & works: The West Wing

More episodes of The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.

• A spirituality of family life with Katie Prejean McGrady · June 9, 2026 · 54 min
• Robert George on how to disagree and remain spiritually grounded · June 2, 2026 · 57 min
• Yunuen Trujillo’s ministry to migrants and L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics · May 26, 2026 · 54 min
• Liza Colón-Zayas of "The Bear" speaks honestly about her struggles with faith · May 12, 2026 · 45 min
• Filipino Cardinal “Ambo” David on hearing God's voice in the Bible · May 5, 2026 · 41 min
• How Andrew Sullivan experienced God amidst fear and agony · April 28, 2026 · 55 min