JP2 Morning Crew

JP2 Radio

Wake up and smell the coffee, it’s time for the JP2 Morning Crew Show! Periodically, on Fridays at 9AM, join us for a half-hour of lively conversation, fascinating stories, and insightful interviews, all focused on the Catholic community in the Diocese of San Diego. Whether you’re driving to work or enjoying your morning routine at home, tune in to JP2 Catholic Radio and enjoy the best morning drive around read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

Embracing Faith in Nature: A Journey with Martin Rosales at Whispering Winds
2d ago
Embracing Faith in Nature: A Journey with Martin Rosales at Whispering Winds
Episode Overview: In this enlightening episode of the JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Raul Caro explore the significance of the Feast of the Visitation and engage in a deep conversation about the role of the Blessed Mother in our faith. Special guest Martin Rosales, Executive Director of Whispering Winds Catholic Conference Center, shares profound insights into the transformative power of nature and faith combined at the camp.   Highlights: Feast of the Visitation - Co-host Brandon Clark shares his personal connection to this feast day and discusses its importance in the Catholic tradition. Role of the Blessed Mother - Raul Caro opens up about his evolving relationship with Mary, highlighting how learning about her has deepened his faith. Guest Introduction - Martin Rosales discusses the mission and impact of Whispering Winds, detailing how it provides a spiritual refuge and strengthens faith through the beauty of nature. Powerful Testimonies - Martin recounts inspiring stories of faith and transformation experienced by visitors at Whispering Winds, emphasizing the camp’s role in facilitating these personal encounters with God. Community Impact - Discussion on how Whispering Winds serves over 11,000 Catholics annually, fostering community and spiritual growth through various programs and retreats. Q&A with Martin - Listeners get a closer look at the day-to-day operations and spiritual offerings at the camp, along with how individuals and groups can get involved or visit.   Closing Thoughts: The episode wraps up with a reflection on the importance of nature in spiritual practice and evangelization, urging listeners to explore their own "Calcutta" where they can connect more deeply with God.
Guarding a Saint: Mario Enzler's Reflections on Serving St. John Paul II
May 10 2024
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
May 3 2024
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
Apr 26 2024
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
Apr 19 2024
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.
Witnessing Faith Through Prayer: The San Diego Men's Rosary Crusade
Apr 6 2024
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
Mar 22 2024
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.
Mental Health Ministry with John Prust
Feb 23 2024
Mental Health Ministry with John Prust
Hosts: Brandon Clark and Steve Splonskowski Guest: John Prust, Director of the Office for Family Life and Spirituality at the Diocese of San Diego Key Topics Discussed: Saint Polycarp: Reflection on the memorial of Saint Polycarp, his martyrdom, and the gospel reading for his memorial.Mental Health Ministry: Introduction to the topic of mental health ministry and its importance in the Diocese of San Diego.Accompaniment: The role of accompaniment in mental health ministry and the importance of walking with individuals and families struggling with mental health issues.Stigma and Education: Addressing the stigma associated with mental health and the need for education and awareness in the community.Referrals: The importance of knowing where to refer individuals for professional help and building relationships with local resources.Family Impact: The impact of mental health on families and the connection between family life ministry and mental health ministry.COVID-19: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the increased awareness of mental health needs.Resources: Availability of resources for those struggling with mental health issues, including a network of Catholic therapists and community resources.Closing Thoughts: The episode emphasizes the importance of mental health ministry in the church and the need for a supportive community that offers accompaniment, reduces stigma, and provides resources for those in need.
Embracing Faith and Community: A Lenten Journey with Father Edward Horning on JP2 Radio
Feb 9 2024
Embracing Faith and Community: A Lenten Journey with Father Edward Horning on JP2 Radio
Hosts: Brandon Clark and Steve Splonskowski Guest: Father Edward Horning, a priest from the Diocese of San Diego and one of the founding members of JP2 Radio. Main Topics Discussed: • Lent Preparation: The hosts and Father Horning discuss the significance of Lent, focusing on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. They explore personal approaches to the season, including the anticipation of Lenten sacrifices and the spiritual growth that comes from embracing Lenten disciplines. • The Cycle of the Church Year: Father Horning provides an overview of the liturgical year, emphasizing the importance of commemorating the life of Christ through various seasons, such as Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, and Lent, leading to Easter. • Ordinary Time and Spiritual Growth: Discussion on the value of Ordinary Time for spiritual growth, highlighting how it focuses on the public ministry of Jesus and how believers can find holiness in their everyday lives. • The Joy of Priesthood: Father Horning shares his journey to priesthood, reflecting on the joys and challenges of serving the community, the impact of Catholic radio, and the importance of vocations in the church. • Catholic Radio's Role: The significance of Catholic radio for evangelization and fostering vocations is discussed, with Father Horning sharing his experience as a founding member of JP2 Radio and its impact on the faithful. Conclusion: The episode wraps up with Father Horning offering blessings for a fruitful Lent and encouraging listeners to deepen their relationship with God during this sacred season. The importance of Catholic radio in spreading the gospel and supporting the church's mission is reiterated.
Faith, Volleyball, and Olympic Dreams: Meg Kraft's Inspiring Journey - JP2 Morning Crew Podcast
Feb 2 2024
Faith, Volleyball, and Olympic Dreams: Meg Kraft's Inspiring Journey - JP2 Morning Crew Podcast
1.      Introduction: Hosts Brandon Clark and Raul Caro introduce the show, highlighting the significance of February 2nd as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and Candlemas Day. 2.      Guest Introduction: Meg Kraft, a renowned beach volleyball player and committed Catholic, is introduced. Her accomplishments include being a three-time NCAA national champion and a three-time All-American at the University of Southern California. 3.      Meg's Catholic Roots: Meg shares her upbringing in a Catholic family in San Diego, emphasizing the growth of her faith during her college years. 4.      Volleyball Journey: Discussion about Meg's transition from indoor to beach volleyball, her love for the mental and strategic aspects of the game, and her passion for the sport. 5.      Faith and Athletics: Meg talks about balancing her busy schedule with her faith life, finding strength in daily Mass and adoration. 6.      Dealing with Success and Challenges: Meg reflects on staying grounded in her faith amidst her athletic achievements and dealing with challenges. 7.      Future Plans and Faith Integration: Meg shares her plans to pursue professional beach volleyball post-graduation while balancing a part-time accounting career, emphasizing how her faith influences her journey. 8.      Olympic Aspirations: Meg expresses her dream of competing in the Olympics, highlighting her experiences in international competitions. 9.      Athlete's Prayer and Faith Influence: Meg discusses the importance of a specific athlete's prayer in her life and how her faith impacts her performance and attitude on the court. 10.  Closing Thoughts: The show concludes with Meg's message on the importance of consistent prayer and gratitude in using God-given talents.