The Martin Sheen Podcast | Storytelling, Human Interest & Conversations
Martin Sheen shares never-before-heard stories from his life, personal reflections, and poetry that inspires. The podcast explores themes of faith, hope, love, and what it means to be human. Each episode offers intimate conversations and human interest stories.
Episodes
Once a Catholic
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 lesson
What's Next?
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 th
The Heart of the City
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 memo
Faith & Friendship
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
Discovery
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 an
Daughters Great & Grand
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 wit
Life Lessons
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 fo
Brothers
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
Shadows & Light
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 jou
Worth Fighting For
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
The Martin Sheen Podcast | Season 4 Trailer
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.comIf you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free pl
Special Episode “Whose Idea Was This Podcast?”
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 “Wh
The American Dream
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
Go in Peace
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 t
Awakening
While in India in 1981, immersed in the sweeping production of the iconic film Gandhi, Martin finds himself profoundly altered by what unfolds both before the camera and behind it. Amid the grandeur of the production and under the guidance of acclaimed director Richard Attenborough, he witnesses not only the making of a heroic and deeply human story but also the stark realities of poverty, inequal
Adventure
In this episode Martin recounts his journey through Spain alongside his closest friend and his grandsondiscovering 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 enduringlove.
The episode continues with an intimate conversation f
Welcome Home
In a heartfelt tribute marking the centennial of his mother’s birth, Martin reflects on a journey to Ireland with his surviving siblings - a pilgrimage that unfolded into something far more profound and transformative than he ever anticipated.
His story is accompanied by poetry and literary works that mirror the solemnity, grace and quiet reverence woven throughout this deeply personal episode.
A
Justice
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
Identity
Martin reflects on the origins of his theatrical name change and the lasting ripple effect it carried into the next generation, especially for his sons Emilio and Charlie.
He is later joined at the mic by his daughter Renee for an open and sincere conversation exploring the heart of their relationship, the bond they share, and the joy that continues to connect them.
A complete list of the writers
Devotion
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 m
Faith
Martin shares an unforgettable story of an absentee midwife and how he and Janet had to cope alone in a life and death situation with the home birth of their second son. It is a personal narrative that captures both the profound challenges they faced as young parents and the relatable moments of joy along the way.
It continues with other works of faith and inspiration, offering encouragement and
Apocalypse When
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 ove
Laughton
It’s the early 1960’s in New York City where the poems of Charles Frank Laughton take the listener on an unforgettable emotional trek through his unique lens of the city, its beauty, its brutality, its absolution and damnation.
On the waves of Martin’s voice, the sounds on the streets, everyday scenes playing out on brownstone steps and corner markets come to life with people and seasons and dist
Our Fathers
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
The Journey
The film “The Way” is often said to be the gift that keeps giving as it continues to encourage people to set off on the extraordinary pilgrimage in Spain and in this episode Martin shares his own fascination and personal experience along its path. In his inspired account Martin gives an in-depth look into his own pilgrims’ journey. This is followed by a candid and uplifting conversation at the mic
Kid at Heart
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 e
Peacemakers
In 1991 Martin and a dear friend traveled to Rome, Italy to meet with Mother Teresa, petition Pope John Paul II and help end a war in the Middle East. Yes, it sounds incredible but it’s true! In this episode the listener is invited to join him on this peace mission as his story unfolds. It’s a testament to Martin’s belief in the goodness of humanity.
Also included in this show are the literary wo
Sun & The Saint
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 won
Like Dean
Martin tells a deeply insightful story of when he was only 14 years old and saw the legendary actor James Dean in the film “East of Eden” for the first time. It was a true game changer in how he saw himself as an actor and would haunt him but ultimately transform his relationship to his craft and to himself.
This same raw reveal continues in the show as an open mic segment where Martin unveils how
Challenges
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 w
Love
An episode very dear to Martin’s heart because it is dedicated to matters of the heart, namely, love. And what better way to explore the many facets of love than through poetry. As luck would have it, the love of his life, Janet agreed to sit down for an interview and talk about how they met in NY in 1961, fell in love and got married. Love is in the air and it’s happily contagious in this episode
Community
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
Early Years
Martin recites two dynamic poems and explores how they influenced and shaped his career and ultimately his life. This episode concludes with the listener being invited to an intimate glimpse of Martin’s early years as he shares touching stories and candid memories from the front porch steps of his childhood home in Dayton, Ohio.A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 1 Early Years“Th
The Sheens Special Episode
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.
For more information abo
Friends Remembered
What better words than those of Shakespeare to help memorialize and celebrate those we have loved and lost. And what better ways to honor those who are gone than to share reminiscences and stories that live in our hearts. Martin does just that and more in this deeply moving episode that honors grief with empathy and reverence and humanity.
For more information about the writers and poets in this e
The Promise
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.
For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us
Worth & Honor
In his deeply moving story “Bobby” Martin conveys how learning of the mortality of his hero, Bobby Kennedy did not shake his faith but gave him pause and strengthened it, proving that even the most tragic events can bring us to a positive personal realization beyond our expectations. He then goes on to interview his son, Emilio Estevez who offers his own take on how he processed this same tragedy
War
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.
For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please
Father & Son
This episode exemplifies Martin’s podcast at its core and the reason why he chose to tell the stories of his life. The listener is invited to journey with Martin to the past where he recalls his father’s first time seeing him on the Broadway stage, the lack of communication between them and how they would eventually have an amicable reckoning. And as his story concludes not all the threads of this
Knowledge
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.”
For more information about
Take Action
To know Martin is to know where he stands on the issues of social justice. And this episode shines a spotlight on who and what first inspired him to take his activism to the next level and sustained his faith in the process. Supported by the timely poetry of Edna St Vincent Millay and Ferlinghetti and by Martin’s own call to action in these uncertain times, this episode is an uplifting reminder th
Advice
Martin brings together an assortment of his favorite poems and quotes. And these particular writings just happen to share the common theme of advice, be it crucial, loving, humorous or cautionary. From Kipling, to Mark Twain, to Dylan Thomas, advice is the order of the day in this not to be missed episode.
For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themar
Shared Memories
Martin imparts a story of his encounter with renown Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini and the legendary actress Ava Gardner that is both humorous and touching. An interview with his son, Ramon Estevez follows where they enjoy reminiscing about the films they worked on together over the years, their talk culminating in a beautiful, shared memory of their friendship with Ava Gardner. In conclusion,
Courage
Martin shares a glimpse into his background and what makes him the person he is today, starting with his parents and their immigration to America and the courage it took to begin anew. He beautifully recites The New Colossus found at the base of the Statue of Liberty and its significance to our nation as well as the rousing poem “Chicago,” an homage to the bold and fearless city by Carl Sandburg.
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