The Martin Sheen Podcast | Storytelling, Human Interest & Conversations

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 passi...

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 ...

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 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 featuring his grandson Taylor and Ta...

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 complete list of the writers ...

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 indomi...

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 and poets from Episode 4 Iden...

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 beau...

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 meaning to the listener.

A com...

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...

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...

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 g...

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 Emi...

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 embo...

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 ...

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 ...

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 his acting technique e...

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...

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!

A complete list of the...