JP2 Morning Crew

Building Holiness Through Habits with Drago Dimitrov

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Eddie Madueno sit down with Drago Dimitrov, founder of the Holy Habits app. Drago shares his journey in creating a unique Catholic app designed to help users develop virtues and break from sin through structured, daily habits. Together, they discuss how Holy Habits integrates Catholic spirituality with habit-building practices, providing a personalized roadmap to sanctity.
Drago explains the app’s features, such as customized habit tracking, daily gospel reminders, and group accountability tools that make spiritual growth accessible even in busy schedules. He emphasizes the importance of progressing in our faith journey, supported by God’s grace and reinforced by small, consistent actions. The app even includes a confession log and connects users to spiritual directors, making it an all-encompassing tool for growth in holiness. Listeners are encouraged to download the app and use it as a practical aid to deepen their relationship with Christ.

Reviving Faith Through the Eucharist: A Conversation with Deacon Steve Greco

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Rob Goodell welcome Deacon Steve Greco from the Diocese of Orange for an inspiring discussion on the power of the Eucharist and the film, Jesus Thirst: The Miracle of the Eucharist. Deacon Steve shares his journey as a deacon, author, and evangelist, emphasizing the transformative impact of the Eucharist in leading souls to Christ. They discuss the success of Jesus Thirst, a film that has reached countless people worldwide, inspiring conversions and deepening faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Key themes include the mission of the Catholic Church to foster a revival of Eucharistic devotion, the impact of evangelization on Catholics and non-Catholics alike, and the profound importance of Eucharistic adoration. Deacon Greco encourages all Catholics to actively share their faith and invite others to experience the life-changing power of the Mass and adoration. For those interested, Jesus Thirst can be screened in local parishes, with DVDs available for the holiday season.

Exploring the Saints in Eucharistic Prayer I with Deacon Frank Reilly

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, Brandon Clark and Raul Caro welcome back Deacon Frank Reilly for an insightful conversation on the saints mentioned in Eucharistic Prayer I, especially fitting as we approach the solemnity of All Saints. They dive into the history and meaning of Eucharistic Prayer I, discuss why certain saints are included, and recount the inspiring lives of these holy men and women, including apostles, martyrs, and notable figures like St. Lawrence and St. Cecilia. Deacon Frank also shares personal anecdotes and emphasizes the importance of saints as role models of faith and courage.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on these saints’ lives, which exemplify resilience, dedication to faith, and the ability to face hardship with grace. The show wraps up with an invitation to JP2 Radio's annual dinner on November 15, featuring Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers.

The Joy of Confession: Embracing God’s Mercy with Deacon Frank Reilly

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, host Brandon Clark welcomes Deacon Frank Reilly from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Rancho Peñasquitos to discuss one of Deacon Reilly’s favorite topics, The Joy of Confession. This episode delves deep into the Sacrament of Confession, helping listeners understand its true purpose and spiritual benefits.

A Journey to Faith: From Evangelical Christian to Catholic Seminarian

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Father Ed Horning are joined by special guest John Murcko, a second-year seminarian for the Diocese of San Diego. John shares his inspiring journey of faith, beginning with his upbringing in an evangelical Christian home and his eventual conversion to Catholicism. He reflects on the search for reverence and depth in his spiritual life, which led him to discover the beauty of the Eucharist and the Catholic Church.

Whispering Winds: Building a Community for Families with Special Needs

Show Notes:
In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Martin Rosales are joined by special guest Stephanie Kiesel, a special needs attorney and a driving force behind the Whispering Winds Special Needs Family Camp. Together, they explore how Whispering Winds Camp has created a unique retreat environment that serves families with children who have special needs.
Key Discussion Points:
Introduction to Whispering Winds Camp and Conference Center: Martin Rosales, Executive Director, shares the success of their summer programs and the unique impact Whispering Winds has on all who visit, with a special focus on creating family memories in nature.
Stephanie Kiesel’s Journey: As a special needs attorney and a board member at Whispering Winds, Stephanie discusses her background, how she felt called to advocate for families with special needs, and her work in launching the Special Needs Family Camp in 2013.
Impact on Families with Special Needs: The camp provides a rare opportunity for entire families, including neurotypical siblings and special needs children, to bond in a supportive and inclusive environment. Stephanie highlights heartwarming stories, including the perspective of neurotypical siblings who find new understanding and joy through their experience at camp.
Expansion in 2025: Whispering Winds will introduce a second weekend dedicated to families with young adults (ages 18 and older) who have special needs, recognizing the continued importance of community and family activities as these children grow older.
Volunteer Opportunities and Scholarships: Whispering Winds provides one-on-one "buddies" for special needs children, and the program is supported by volunteers and financial donations that allow families to attend through scholarships.

Breaking the Cycle: Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Homelessness

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Deacon Jim Vargas have an insightful conversation with Dr. Megan Partch, Chief Health Officer at Father Joe’s Villages. They explore the intersection of behavioral health, substance use disorders, and homelessness, focusing on the challenges faced by the unhoused community and how Father Joe’s Villages addresses these needs.
Key Discussion Points:
Introduction to Dr. Megan Partch: Dr. Partch shares her journey into behavioral health, influenced by her family’s experience with mental health and substance use issues.
The Legacy of St. Francis: Deacon Jim reflects on the influence of St. Francis on his work and the Franciscan ethos that inspires Father Joe’s Villages' mission to serve the poor.
Behavioral Health and Substance Use Among the Homeless: Dr. Partch explains how these conditions disproportionately affect those experiencing homelessness, often leading to early death and greater health risks.
Innovative Approaches to Care: Father Joe’s Villages’ Street Health Program reaches unhoused individuals where they are, providing essential services directly in their living environments.
The Impact of Fentanyl and Substance Use Disorders: Deacon Jim and Dr. Partch discuss the rising epidemic of substance use, particularly fentanyl, and the need for increased detox and recovery services.
Upcoming Detox and Recovery Programs: Dr. Partch announces the opening of a 44-bed detox center and 250 sober living beds in 2024 to help individuals break free from addiction and reintegrate into society.
The Importance of Connection: The episode highlights the power of community and support networks in the recovery process, emphasizing that the opposite of addiction is connection.

Faith, Pilgrimage, and Prevention: The Journey of David Knoll

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Eddie Madueno are joined by David Knoll, a man of deep faith and action. David shares his spiritual journey, which has been shaped by his experiences on the Camino de Santiago, his involvement in various ministries, and his commitment to breast cancer prevention in honor of his late wife, Helen.
Key Discussion Points:
David's Faith Journey: David talks about how his faith has become a central part of his life since retiring from a 40-year career in photography. His daily devotion to Mass, Bible studies, and retreats have deepened his connection with God, particularly through his involvement in men's prayer groups.
Camino de Santiago: David has walked the Camino three times, with his most recent trek spanning 300 kilometers. He shares the spiritual and physical challenges of this ancient pilgrimage and how it ties back to his faith and involvement with Cursillo.
Helen Knoll Foundation: After losing his wife to breast cancer in 2006, David founded the Helen Knoll Foundation to focus on breast cancer prevention for young women. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimal Vitamin D3 levels, which studies show can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Legacy of Love and Prevention: David reflects on the legacy left by his wife and how his work through the foundation is saving lives by encouraging women to take proactive steps in their health journey.

Standing for Life: Roger Lopez's Battle Against San Diego's Sidewalk Restrictions

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Paul Jonah sit down with Roger Lopez, a dedicated sidewalk counselor in San Diego, who shares his experiences and the ongoing battle for free speech rights outside abortion clinics.

From Addiction to Faith: David Abraham's Inspiring Journey

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Rob Goodale welcome David Abraham, a parishioner at Saint Margaret's Church in Oceanside and the Grand Knight of their Knights of Columbus Council. David shares his compelling story of battling alcohol addiction, surviving being hit by two cars, and finding his way back to the Catholic faith through unexpected avenues like martial arts.