Becoming Bartlet

For the first time on this podcast, Martin pens a story of his days working on the series “The West Wing” in the role of President Bartlet. The listener is invited to hear it all from his unique vantage point, starting from the moment he read Aaron Sorkin’s script, to the talented cast of players and the continued momentum the series garners through streaming and the best-selling book “What’s Next?” as well. He reflects on how the show grew into a cultural touchstone – one he carries with pride.Join Martin on this long overdue journey as he shares how the character of Jed Bartlet grew into a cast regular and how he coped with his own personal struggles during the final season of filming.His personal account is accompanied by the inspiring words of Teddy Roosevelt and a daily reflection from “Blessed Among Us” about the courage and resilience of Coretta Scott King following the death of her husband Martin Luther King Jr. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 3 Becoming Bartlet The story “What’s Up with What’s Next?” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission.Consider This Teddy Roosvelt “Do what you can…”“Blessed Among Us: Coretta Scot King” Robert Ellsberg“Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore  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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Martin welcomes to the mic longtime friend and hero Capt. Paul Watson, a man on the cutting edge of marine conservation and founder of the Paul Watson Foundation. With a friendship spanning over three decades, these two have a lot to talk about especially their first campaign together to stop the clubbing of baby harp seals on Prince Edward Island in 1995. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Over a candid, wide open conversation, Martin invites Paul to share how Greenpeace first came to be, talks through the personal weight of his time in the Greenland prison, Nuuk, and turns to the urgent question: what can we do to safeguard the oceans. Together, they look squarely at the climate crisis and the planet’s future, bringing frankness, humor, and compassion to a conversation only two lifelong champions of humanity could have. In the wake of their conversation is a poignant quote from Rachel Carson, author of “Silent Spring.” Her words stand as a quiet yet steadfast rallying cry for our troubled planet. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 2 Tipping PointConsider This Rachel Carson “Focus on the wonders of the universe…”“Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore  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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this, his final and definitive story on the making of the iconic movie “Apocalypse Now,” Martin shares of a harrowing life and death health crisis. All alone on a windy morning in the remote regions of the Philippines, he awoke with an unmistakable pain in his chest setting off a chain of traumatic events from last rites to a dangerous helicopter ride to the nearest hospital one hour away.  After many weeks of convalescence and with the love of his family, Martin began his road to recovery. It was also with the support of a patient and sympathetic production team that he began the daunting task of completing his role as Captain Willard in the movie as well. What was once believed to be a heart attack may have been something else entirely. Yet the experience triggered in him an awareness he could not ignore, a longing that would continue to shape his life decisions for many years after. The story is followed by the intriguing words of film director Frank Capra and a poem by W.D. Ehrhart that reaches to the heart of a veteran’s experience after returning from combat in Vietnam.A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 1 It’s Only a Movie, BabeThe story “Apocalypse This is the End My Friend Now” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included in this podcast by granted copyright permission of the author.  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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For more information about the writers and poets in this episode please visit us at: themartinsheenpodcast.com If you would like to support us and get each episode ad-free please subscribe at Patreon. patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 lessons of the catechism – from the astonishing idea of Jesus entering the tiny Communion wafer to the weighty question of what constituted a moral sin and how one might make a good confession.What emerges is an endearing and often humorous glimpse into Martin’s childhood and his first attempt to make sense of faith, morality, and an ever-changing world around him. The episode then closes with a brief poem by William Blake, whose words awaken a poignant sense of wonder at the beauty and mystery in the world. A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 10 Once a CatholicThe story “Mystery” by Ramon Gerard AKA Martin Sheen is included in this podcast by granted copyright permission of the author.Consider This William Blake “To see a world in a grain of sand…”“Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore  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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 8 What’s Next?Consider This President Harry S. Truman “It’s amazing what you can accomplish…”“Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore  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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 memories from both on and off stage.The episode then culminates with poems and works by various artists that highlight the beauty, hardship and wonder of big city life.A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 8“On Broadway” Claude McKayConsider This Frank Capra “A hunch is creativity…”“Because Somewhere There’s Simplicity & Light” Anna Akhmatova“Blessed Among Us: Dorothy Day” Robert Ellsberg“London” William Blake“Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore  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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 & FriendshipConsider This Voltaire “Absurdities & Atrocities”“Blessed Among Us: Gerard Manley Hopkins” Robert Ellsberg“Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore 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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 and beyond. It’s an episode brimming with insight, reflection and discovery.  A complete list of the writers and poets from Episode 6 DiscoveryThe story “With Thanks and Praise” by Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen is included here by granted copyright permission.Consider This Ralph Waldo Emerson “To laugh often…”“A Sight in Camp at Daybreak Gray & Dim” Walt Whitman“Jerusalem” William Blake“Blessed Among Us: Edith Stein” Robert Ellsberg“Because I Could Not Stop for Death” Emily DickinsonConsider This FDR “Books are weapons of freedom…”“What to do with the Garden” Robert Bly“Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore  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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 with inspiring and humorous quotes from authors and the legendary Yogi Berra, before concluding with the poetry of Willa Cather and William Blake, particular works that celebrate the indominable spirit of youth while fondly reflecting on the joys of days gone by. A complete list of the writers and poets from Ep 5 Daughters Great & Grand  “Leaves of Grass” book excerpt Walt Whitman Consider This Roald Dahl “Above all, watch with glittering eyes…” “Together” Great Granddaughter Sara “Me & You” Ramon Gerard Estevez AKA Martin Sheen Consider This Yogi Berra “You can observe a lot by watching” “Prairie Spring” Willa Cather “Blessed Among Us: Mozart” Robert Ellsberg “The Echoing Green” William Blake “Where the Mind is Without Fear” Rabindranath Tagore 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 please subscribe at Patreon.patreon.com/join/themartinsheenpodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.