JP2 Morning Crew

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.

Serving with Love: Mark Anderson's Faith Journey and Ministry at Saint Patrick's

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Rob Goodale welcome Mark Anderson, the manager of the Soup Kitchen at Saint Patrick's Church in Carlsbad. Mark shares his inspiring journey of faith, which began in a devout Catholic family and evolved through various stages, including exploring different faiths and returning to Catholicism as a dedicated volunteer.

The Blessed Monstrance Tour: Fostering Vocations Through Prayer

Welcome to another episode of the "JP2 Morning Crew" on JP2 Catholic Radio! In today's show, hosts Brandon Clark and Eddie Madueno discuss the significance of prayer, devotion, and fostering vocations with special guests Diana Pacheco and Valerie Cavazos.
Introduction and Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary: Eddie shares his devotion to the Rosary, highlighting the feast day of the Queenship of Mary and inviting listeners to pray the Rosary regularly.
Meet Our Guests: Diana Pacheco and Valerie Cavazos from the Serra Club join the show. They discuss their efforts in promoting religious vocations and supporting priests, inspired by their patron, St. Junipero Serra, the Apostle of California.
The Blessed Monstrance Tour: Diana and Valerie introduce a special monstrance, blessed by Pope St. John Paul II, currently touring parishes in the San Diego Diocese to encourage prayers for vocations. They explain the history of this monstrance, its significance, and the blessings it brings.
Fostering Vocations: The guests discuss the importance of fostering religious vocations in the modern world, the impact of adoration, and the unique opportunity for the faithful to engage in prayer before this holy relic.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities: Information on the monstrance's tour schedule, including stops in Oceanside, Escondido, Mission, and more, allowing listeners to participate in this special time of adoration and prayer.
Closing Thoughts: Diana and Valerie encourage everyone to embrace this chance to deepen their faith and support the mission of promoting vocations. Eddie and Brandon express their excitement about the upcoming events and invite listeners to join in prayer.
Don't miss the next episode, where we'll hear from Mark Anderson about his work at Saint Patrick's Church Soup Kitchen and his involvement in other parish ministries.

From Pakistan to Carlsbad: The Journey of Father Azam Mansha

This engaging episode provides a deep dive into the life and ministry of Father Azam Mansha, showcasing his inspiring journey from Pakistan to Carlsbad and his continued dedication to serving those in need both locally and globally.

Finding True Happiness: A Conversation with Dr. John Sottosanti

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, Brandon Clark is joined by Father Ed Horning and special guest Dr. John Sottosanti, a surgeon, scientist, entrepreneur, educator, and author of the Amazon bestseller Mortal Adhesions: A Surgeon Battles the Seven Deadly Sins to Find Faith, Happiness, and Inner Peace. The discussion centers around the concept of happiness, the importance of faith, and how true joy is found in a relationship with God.

From Judaism to Catholicism: A Journey of Faith and Radical Trust

In this episode of JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Father Ed Horning welcome special guest Ken Kopelson, the author of "Sent Out: How My Journey as God’s Errand Boy Totally Changed My Life." Ken shares his incredible spiritual journey from his Jewish roots to becoming a Protestant, and eventually embracing Catholicism.
Ken details the powerful experiences that led him to a deeper relationship with God, including his remarkable mission trips and his eventual conversion to Catholicism. He also discusses the profound impact of the Eucharist on his life, the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit, and his radical trust in God’s guidance.
Throughout the conversation, Ken's story highlights the beauty of surrendering to God's will, and Father Horning reflects on the significance of the Bread of Life discourse from John 6 in the context of Ken's journey. The episode concludes with insights on how listeners can grow in their own spiritual journeys by trusting in God's plan and being open to the movements of the Holy Spirit.
Listeners are encouraged to explore Ken’s book, available on Amazon, to dive deeper into his inspiring testimony.
 
Tune in to hear more about:
The significance of the Portiuncula indulgence on August 2nd.
Ken’s early life in Judaism and his spiritual awakening.
The divine calling that led Ken to become God’s "errand boy."
Ken’s miraculous experiences while spreading the message of Jesus.
The role of the Eucharist in Ken's conversion to Catholicism.
Practical tips for discerning God's voice and following His guidance.
Don't miss this episode packed with faith-filled inspiration and practical wisdom!