The Martin Sheen Podcast | Storytelling, Human Interest & Conversations

Epizode

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  Shadows & Light 09.08.2026 22min

  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 journey that culminated in a life-changing breakthrough during one unforgettable performance. Told with his signature warmth, humor and compassion, this poignant story offers an intimate glimpse into a transformative chapter of both his life and the cultural moment in which it unfolded. The show concludes with the support of life-affirming quotes and a beautiful and haunting poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
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  Worth Fighting For 02.08.2026 21min

  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 almost entirely by chance. Martin then shares the story of Marlon Brando’s much anticipated arrival on the set, reflecting on the extraordinary experience working alongside this legendary actor. Their time together became not only the highlight of the production but the most rewarding of Martin’s career.
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  The Martin Sheen Podcast | Season 4 Trailer 26.07.2026 1min

  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 4thseason!
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  Special Episode “Whose Idea Was This Podcast?” 12.07.2026 22min

  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 “Whose Idea Was This Podcast?” “The Age Demanded” Ernest Hemingway
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  The American Dream 05.07.2026 22min

  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 concludes with a passionate and moving rendition of President Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 10 The American Dream “America the Beautiful” Katherine Lee Bates Consider This Alexander Hamilton like founding father, like son “A Shadow” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “The Song of the Stone Wall” Helen Keller Consider This Inauguration speeches, the short and long of it The poem “I Am Waiting” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti from Coney Island of the Mind, copyright 1955 is included in this podcast with permission of New Directions Publishing Corporation “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore
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  Go in Peace 28.06.2026 22min

  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 that comes from uniting the will of the spirit with the work of the flesh. This moving story of followed by literary works that resonate with the awakening that accompanies the search for happiness and a life more fully realized. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 8 Go In Peace The story “Transition” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. Consider This The Buddha “If you want to fly…” “Blessed Among Us: Dostoevsky” by Robert Ellsberg is included here by granted copyright permission. And we thank the author for this opportunity to share his work. “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore
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  Awakening 21.06.2026 22min

  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, inequality, and suffering surrounding him in the streets of India. In this episode, Martin reflects on how this journey became far more than a cinematic experience. By the close of filming, something within him had stirred awake - a quiet but insistent voice he could no longer silence. What began as an artistic endeavor gradually transformed into a deeply personal reckoning, setting him upon an inward search for peace and healing. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 7 Awakening The story “In Gandhi’s Kindly Light” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission. “Face to Face” Rabindranath Tagore “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore
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  Adventure 14.06.2026 27min

  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
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  Welcome Home 07.06.2026 21min

  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.
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  Justice 31.05.2026 22min

  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
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  Identity 24.05.2026 25min

  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.
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  Devotion 17.05.2026 20min

  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.
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  Faith 10.05.2026 22min

  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.
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  Apocalypse When 03.05.2026 29min

  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
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  Laughton 05.04.2026 21min

  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 distant longings. And all to a unique blend of jazz and bebop and blues music.
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  Our Fathers 29.03.2026 21min

  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.
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  The Journey 22.03.2026 19min

  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 with his son Emilio and the adventure they shared while making the movie “The Way” and how it changed both their lives on a deeply personal level.
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  Kid at Heart 15.03.2026 24min

  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!
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  Peacemakers 08.03.2026 22min

  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 works of some of Martin’s heroes, men and women who dedicated their lives to their faith and to peace with unwavering commitment and compassion.
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  Sun & The Saint 04.03.2026 29min

  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.