This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are thrilled to speak with their friend and colleague Father James Martin about his new podcast, “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.,” which launched this week. The podcast features conversations with spiritual masters, celebrities, politicians and more, with a focus on how people experience God in their prayer and their daily lives.
Zac and Ashley ask Jim why he decided to start a podcast, why it can be hard for public figures to open up about their spiritual lives and what he—a Jesuit priest for many years and an experienced spiritual director—still has to learn about God, prayer and living the faith.
We then share Jim’s conversation with actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg. Whoopi is known for playing a larger-than-life nun in “Sister Act,” but did you know she was also raised Catholic and educated by nuns until the eighth grade? Jim and Whoopi talk about her struggles with organized religion, the importance of laughter in a life of faith and her bold request to Pope Francis when they met in 2024.
Links from the show:
- Listen to (or watch) “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.,” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.
- Whoopi Goldberg on God, authenticity and ‘acting the fool’
- Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and the importance of friendship in the spiritual life
LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE FIRST-EVER JESUITICAL RETREAT!
Join us at the studio and headquarters of America Media in New York City for two days of community, prayer and sharing stories of faith. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we make the podcast, meet fellow young Catholics, pray with America staff and editor in chief Sam Sawyer, S.J., share meals and craft your own faith story with accompaniment from our team. There are only a few spots left, so sign up here today!We can’t wait to meet you.
Jesuitical Young Adult Retreat: What’s Your Story?
- Open to ages 21-39
- Friday, June 27th (evening) + Saturday, June 28th (all day)
- New York, NY
- Friday: America Media Office – 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036
- Saturday: Jesuits USA East Province – 39 E 83rd St, New York, NY 10028
- Cost: $100
- Housing: Participants are responsible for their own lodging in NYC
- Capacity: The retreat will be capped at 30 participants. First come, first served.
