JP2 Morning Crew

Pentecost and the Power of Media in Faith

Date: May 17, 2024
Hosts: Brandon Clark and Steve Splonskowski
Guest: John Hinterlong, Producer of the 2019 film Unplanned
Summary:
In this episode of the JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Steve Splonskowski dive into the liturgical significance of Pentecost and discuss the impactful role of media in spreading faith-based messages. Special guest John Hinterlong shares his journey from Hollywood to faith-based filmmaking, focusing on his role as a producer of the movie Unplanned. The conversation also explores the challenges and triumphs of creating media that aligns with pro-life values and the broader mission of the Church.

Guarding a Saint: Mario Enzler's Reflections on Serving St. John Paul II

This episode offers an intimate look at the life of St. John Paul II through the eyes of someone who served closely with him, providing listeners with inspirational stories and spiritual insights that resonate with the themes of leadership, devotion, and the power of faith.
Introduction:Host Brandon Clark welcomes listeners to the JP2 Morning Crew and introduces special guest Mario Enzler, former Swiss Guard and author.Opening prayer dedicated to Our Lady, marking the month of May as a time of Marian devotion.
Key Points from Mario Enzler's Interview:Becoming a Swiss Guard: Mario shares the unique requirements and experiences that led him to serve as a Swiss Guard, including the humorous initial reluctance due to the uniform's appearance.
Experiences with St. John Paul II:First encounter: Mario describes his first interaction with St. John Paul II, which was marked by profound simplicity and depth, setting the tone for their future interactions.
Leadership and impact: Mario recounts several anecdotes that illustrate St. John Paul II's strong leadership, deep faith, and the personal impact he had on those around him.
The Rosary: Mario discusses a poignant moment when St. John Paul II emphasized the significance of the rosary to him, calling it his "most powerful weapon."
Spiritual Insights:Fearlessness in faith: St. John Paul II's advice on overcoming fear by trusting that "God is always one day ahead of you."
Marian devotion: Mario reflects on St. John Paul II's deep Marian devotion, particularly during critical moments like the assassination attempt.
Legacy and Lessons:The message of suffering and sacrifice: Mario highlights St. John Paul II's teachings on the redemptive power of suffering and sacrifice, which are central to understanding and fulfilling our baptismal commitments.
Conclusion:Mario invites listeners to embrace their trials with faith and to seek intercession from St. John Paul II in times of uncertainty.
Reminder of the upcoming JP2 Radio spring pledge drive and its significance for continuing the mission of spreading the Gospel through media.
Upcoming on JP2 Morning Crew:Discussion on the backstory of the movie "Unplanned" with producer John Hinterland.

Faith and Media: A Conversation with Kimberly King

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the JP2 Morning Crew! This episode, aired on May 3, is filled with a special conversation featuring two-time Emmy award-winning TV host and media professional, Kimberly King. Join your host Brandon Clark as they delve into topics of faith, family, and media.
Key Highlights:
Morning Prayer and Reflection: The episode opens with a prayer and reflection, emphasizing the importance of the month of May dedicated to Mary. Brandon discusses the significance of Marian consecration and introduces several resources to aid listeners in their spiritual journey.
Kimberly King's Inspiring Story: Kimberly shares profound personal stories, including a miraculous experience involving Mother Mary which provided comfort during challenging times with her family. She also discusses her mother’s journey with Alzheimer's and the strong impact of faith in her life.
Media Career and Transition: Kimberly delves into her extensive career in media, starting from her early inspirations to her prominent roles in TV hosting. She explains her transition from media to focusing more on family and faith, leading to her involvement in Catholic-focused initiatives.
Family Ties to Law Enforcement: The conversation highlights Kimberly’s family, noting her husband and children's roles in law enforcement and public safety, underscoring her deep respect and support for the profession.
Role of Media in Society: Both Kimberly and Brandon discuss the changing landscape of media, stressing the importance of using media platforms responsibly to uplift and truthfully report on community stories.
New Beginnings: Kimberly is excited about her new role as the Public Affairs Officer for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. She shares her enthusiasm for telling impactful stories about law enforcement and community engagement.
Closing: The episode wraps up with a reminder to catch the full conversation on the JP2 Radio website and the Morning Crew podcast. Don't miss next week’s episode for more enriching discussions and insights.

Strengthening Marriages and Families: Insights from Communio with Jared Smyth

Welcome to another enriching episode of JP2 Morning Crew! Today, Brandon Clark and guest Jared Smyth, Vice President of Church Engagement at Communio, dive deep into the pivotal role of marriage and family in faith and society. John Price, Director of Family Life and Spirituality for the Diocese of San Diego, joins the discussion, sharing his experiences and the profound impacts of marriage enrichment initiatives.
Key Highlights:
Opening Prayer and Reflections: The show begins with a prayer led by John Price, setting a spiritual tone and gratitude for life's blessings.
Marriage Enrichment Initiatives: Jared shares insights on Communio's role in reducing divorce rates and enhancing family life through community and church engagement.
Impactful Statistics: Discussion on the significant drop in divorce rates in Jacksonville, FL, by 24%, thanks to marriage enrichment programs facilitated through local churches.
Paradigm Shifts: John Price reflects on the need for the church to focus more on family structures to aid in faith retention across generations.
Community Engagement: Jared outlines Communio’s strategic approach to helping parishes identify and address specific needs through surveys and targeted programs.
Closing Thoughts: The conversation concludes with insights into the future of church and community engagements in strengthening family bonds.
Next Episode Preview: Don't miss our next episode featuring Kimberly King, a two-time Emmy award-winning TV host, as she discusses her journey through media and the transformative power of faith in her personal life.
Stay tuned to JP2 Radio for more enlightening discussions that inspire and connect our community!

Faith and Service: Eddie Madueno’s Journey from Law Enforcement to Evangelization

Introduction
Brandon introduces Eddie Madueno, normally a co-host but the guest for today's show.
Eddie is a former law enforcement officer who now makes rosaries and is actively involved in the Catholic community.
 
Segment 1: Eddie's Involvement with JP2 Radio
Eddie shares how he got involved with JP2 Radio through his connection with the founder during his time as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus.
Details his role in the "Flip the Switch" event and how he became more involved after retiring from law enforcement.
Discusses the importance of volunteers in supporting JP2 Radio's missions, particularly in organizing events and handling operations.
 
Segment 2: Eddie’s Career in Law Enforcement
Eddie discusses his career path from the military to police work, highlighting key moments and decisions.
Reflects on his early experiences as a police officer, including the challenges and impactful situations he faced.
Talks about the intersection of his faith and career, especially how his Catholic faith provided strength and perspective during tough times.
 
Segment 3: Faith and Community Impact
Eddie emphasizes the role of faith in guiding his actions and decisions throughout his career.
Shares stories about the community and departmental support that reinforced his faith and helped him serve better.
Discusses the transition from active law enforcement to teaching and mentoring, focusing on imparting values and faith-based compassion to new officers.

Transformation and Community Impact at Father Joe's Villages

Date: April 12, 2024
Hosts: Brandon Clark and Deacon Jim Vargas
Guest: Lister Lane
 
Mission and Impact of Father Joe's Villages:
Overview of the services and the mission to prevent and end homelessness one life at a time.
Discussion on new initiatives and ongoing services that have significantly impacted the lives of many.
 
Lister Lane's Journey:
Lister shares his emotional journey from homelessness to stability, detailing how Father Joe's Villages provided him not just shelter, but a path to a dignified, self-sufficient life.
Highlights of the support provided including vocational training, health services, and personal growth.
 
Community and Support:
The importance of community and trust built within the shelters, emphasizing safety and the opportunity to heal and grow.
Personal stories of growth and transformation from Lister and how the organization has supported him through various challenges.
 
Closing Thoughts:
Lister expresses gratitude and shares a message of hope and transformation, emphasizing the life-changing support received from Father Joe's Villages.

Witnessing Faith Through Prayer: The San Diego Men's Rosary Crusade

Introduction: Host Brandon Clark kicks off the show with a lively welcome, highlighting the special time of year during the Octave of Easter. Co-host Eddie Madueño joins him to discuss the morning's topic: devotion to the Holy Rosary, especially among men.
Eddie Madueño's Journey with the Rosary: Eddie shares his personal journey from a law enforcement career to embracing the Rosary. He recounts how the devotion began in his childhood and grew over the years, particularly through the influence of his wife and his own experiences in making paracord rosaries.
Paracord Rosaries: Eddie delves into the special process of creating paracord rosaries, emphasizing the prayerful intention behind each one. He shares the significance of these rosaries in his life and how they have touched the lives of others.
Guest Introduction: David Rodriguez is introduced as the special guest, a close friend of Eddie's and a fellow member of the San Diego Men's Rosary Crusade.
David Rodriguez's Experiences: David shares his profound experiences with Our Lady, including a life-changing dream and the impact of praying the Rosary on his family life. He highlights the importance of public witness and the power of praying in a group.
The San Diego Men's Rosary Crusade: Eddie and David discuss the Crusade, emphasizing the camaraderie and spiritual strength found in praying the Rosary as a group of men in a public setting. They encourage men in the San Diego area to join them in this powerful witness of faith.
Final Thoughts: David offers encouragement to those hesitant to pray the Rosary or join the Crusade, highlighting the support and welcome they will find within the group.
Conclusion: Brandon wraps up the show with a reminder to listeners to check out the podcast on the JP2 Radio website and YouTube channel for the full segment. He also teases the next show featuring Deacon Jim Fergus and a special guest discussing overcoming homelessness.

Defending Life and Religious Liberty: A Conversation with Dr. George Delgado and Chuck LiMandri

Welcome to the JP2 Morning Crew! In this episode, we are honored to have two distinguished guests, Dr. George Delgado and Chuck LiMandri, who share their insights and experiences in the fight for life and religious liberty.
Guests:
Dr. George Delgado: Pioneer of abortion pill reversal, President of the Steno Institute, and Medical Director of Culture of Life Family Healthcare.
Chuck LiMandri: Distinguished trial attorney and Special Counsel for the Thomas More Society.
Topics Covered:
The Mission of the Thomas More Society: Chuck LiMandri discusses the society's focus on pro-life issues, traditional family values, and religious liberty, including notable victories and ongoing legal battles.
Abortion Pill Reversal: Dr. Delgado explains the science behind abortion pill reversal, its success in saving lives, and the challenges posed by telemedicine and mail-order abortions.
The Steno Institute: Dr. Delgado shares the story behind the founding of the Steno Institute and its devotion to pro-life research.
Cultural and Legal Challenges: The guests discuss the increasing challenges to religious liberty and the sanctity of life in today's society.
How to Support:
To support the work of Dr. George Delgado and the Steno Institute, visit stenoinstitute.org.
To support the Thomas More Society and its mission, visit thomasmoresociety.org.
Join us in this enlightening conversation as we explore the front lines of defending life and religious liberty. Don't forget to subscribe to the JP2 Morning Crew podcast on jp2radio.com or follow us on YouTube for more episodes.

Defending Faith and Life: Paul Jonna's Legal Battles for Religious Liberty and Pro-Life Causes

Opening Segment:
Fourth week of Lent reflections.
Importance of incorporating Scripture into daily life.
Gospel reading from John Chapter 7, followed by a reflection on knowing Christ and living out the Christian mission.
Guest Segment: Paul Jonna
Introduction of Paul Jonna, a committed Catholic lawyer and member of the Saint Thomas More Society.
Paul shares his journey from working on complex litigation cases to focusing on religious liberty and cultural issues.
Discussion on the Chaldean Catholic Church, its history, and liturgical differences from the Roman Catholic Church.
Highlight of Paul's legal work:
Case against Escondido Union School District: Teachers challenged a policy requiring them to use preferred pronouns and names for students identifying as a different gender, without notifying parents. A federal court granted a preliminary injunction, citing First Amendment rights and parental rights under the 14th Amendment.
Case defending Heartbeat International: Fighting against California's attempt to block women from accessing abortion pill reversal, a medical procedure that can potentially reverse the effects of a chemical abortion.
Closing Segment:
Reminder to listeners to reflect on daily gospel readings.
Preview of the next episode featuring Dr. George Delgado, creator of the abortion pill reversal protocol.

A Conversation with Thomas McKenna on the Eucharist and Evangelization

Hosts: Brandon Clark and Steve Splonskowski
 
Guest: Thomas McKenna, Founder and President of Catholic Action for Faith and Family, and the Saint Gianna Physicians Guild
 
Segment 1: Opening and Introduction
Welcome and introduction by Brandon Clark
Greeting and Lenten reflection by Steve Splonskowski
Discussion on the significance of Lent and the day's Gospel reading (Mark 12:28-30)
 
Segment 2: Interview with Thomas McKenna
Introduction of Thomas McKenna and his work with Cardinal Raymond Burke
Discussion on the message of Fatima and its relevance today
The importance of the First Saturdays devotion, praying the Rosary, and wearing the scapular
The need for Eucharistic Revival and reverence in the modern church
 
Segment 3: Respecting the Body and Blood of the Lord
Thomas McKenna's collaboration with Cardinal Burke on the book "Respecting the Body and Blood of the Lord: When Holy Communion Should Be Denied"
The issue of public sinners, particularly pro-abortion politicians, receiving Holy Communion
The steps the church takes before denying communion to a public sinner
The importance of personal examination and reverence for the Eucharist