Letter to Writers

Powerful insights from a power couple. Angela & James, both new, yet intelligent writers, are amid their own modern age love story - prayers for the engaged couple! Engage with them as they share their process of writing and reflections of learning “obedience” to the inspiration which, all of us as Christian artists pray, comes from God.

“Obedient to their inspiration in creating works both worthwhile and beautiful, they [artists] not only enrich the cultural heritage of each nation and of all humanity, but they also render an exceptional social service in favour of the common good.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Letter to Audio Dramatists

The host of The Society of G.K. Chesterton’s podcast, Uncommon Sense, Grettelyn Darkey joins us to share about her time working in audio dramas for We Are One Body Radio Station. With over 10 years of experience working in the field of all things audio, this episode is one for the books!

“The worst moment for an atheist is when he is really thankful and has no one to thank.” - G.K. Chesterton

Uncommon Sense Podcast
We Are One Body Radio
The Executioner

“May the beauty which you pass on to generations still to come be such that it will stir them to wonder! Faced with the sacredness of life and of the human person, and before the marvels of the universe, wonder is the only appropriate attitude. People of today and tomorrow need this enthusiasm if they are to meet and master the crucial challenges which stand before us. Thanks to this enthusiasm, humanity, every time it loses its way, will be able to lift itself up and set out again on the right path. In this sense it has been said with profound insight that “beauty will save the world.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Letter to Chefs

With over 20 years of culinary experience, chef Jo-Jo Doyle began his journey cooking for the MTV Music Video Awards. Since his impressive start, Jo-Jo has gone on to grace prestigious kitchens as the Executive Chef in places such as Churchill Downs, home of the world-renown Kentucky Derby, to his present position at the Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks. Jo-Jo is a cradle Catholic from the south who has discovered a newfound zeal for the faith of his upbringing, allowing the Lord to reignite his heart at this mid-point in his journey. Chatting with Jo-Jo was incredibly inspiring & refreshing, allow his story to propel you to welcome Jesus into wherever you are in your life (career, age, state in life, etc...)

“All artists experience the unbridgeable gap which lies between the work of their hands, however successful it may be, and the dazzling perfection of the beauty glimpsed in the ardour of the creative moment: what they manage to express in their painting, their sculpting, their creating is no more than a glimmer of the splendour which flared for a moment before the eyes of their spirit.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Letter to Graphic Designers

Graphic Design – where beauty meets function. In this episode, JPCatholic student Delaney Rayner shares about her journeys, from Franciscan University of Steubenville to JPCatholic, from journalism to graphic design to photography. Tune in to hear reflections on how fashion, femininity and even fonts are a place to encounter intentional beauty!

“In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God. It must therefore translate into meaningful terms that which is in itself ineffable. Art has a unique capacity to take one or other facet of the message and translate it into colours, shapes and sounds which nourish the intuition of those who look or listen. It does so without emptying the message itself of its transcendent value and its aura of mystery.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Letter to Film Producers

“It is history blended with spirituality!” exclaims Amanda Brier while talking about the lives of the saints. This episode is certainly one blended with history & spirituality! Along with work on many other projects such as Bella, The Human Experience, and Discovery's Treasure Quest, Brier is currently heading-up international partnerships for Bosco Films' documentary, “FREE” - a documentary which offers an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of cloistered men & women – something that is RARE to see. “FREE” is being released in US theatres this Thursday, Nov. 2nd. Check out the website here for more information!

“The history of art, therefore, is not only a story of works produced but also a story of men and women. Works of art speak of their authors; they enable us to know their inner life, and they reveal the original contribution which artists offer to the history of culture.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Letter to Writers

Growing in patience, adaptability, and trust in the Lord, Noelle Guldner has found this career in music therapy to be the perfect way to integrate her interest in psychology, love of music and call to serve others. In this episode, Noelle reflects on impactful experiences that she has shared by using her gifts in music to accompany others through difficult moments. You won’t want to miss these touching stories! To learn more about music therapy – click here!

“The faith of countless believers has been nourished by melodies flowing from the hearts of other believers, either introduced into the liturgy or used as an aid to dignified worship. In song, faith is experienced as vibrant joy, love, and confident expectation of the saving intervention of God.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Letter to Writers

Recordings from Rome! In this episode, we are joined by, Br. Elijah McLellan, LC, our first guest from overseas. While studying with the Legionaries of Christ in Italy, Br. Elijah discovered a new artistic talent... writing! Intrigued by the lack of worthwhile content in modern books and inspired by fantasy series such as “Lord of the Rings,” Br. Elijah decided to write his own series inspired by Arthurian times, “Avalon.” You can learn more about the series or buy the books using the links below.

Instagram: @elijahmclellanlc
Avalon: Therkrol
Avalon: Brennius

“Overseeing the mysterious laws governing the universe, the divine breath of the Creator Spirit reaches out to human genius and stirs its creative power. He touches it with a kind of inner illumination which brings together the sense of the good and the beautiful, and he awakens energies of mind and heart which enable it to conceive an idea and give it form in a work of art.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Letter to Improv Artists

“It can’t be wrong, you made it up!” “Satire is the search for truth.” “Improv & Shakespeare are not that different...” “You just took so much pressure off the perfectionist.” In this episode, Donovan Bakin, student at JPCatholic, reflects on the power of improv whether that’s through stage acting, playing music, or interacting in daily life! Improv has a huge impact on our ability to “play” and to be those little children who Jesus calls to himself.

“From chaos there rises the world of the spirit”. These words of Adam Mickiewicz, written at a time of great hardship for his Polish homeland, (28) prompt my hope for you: may your art help to affirm that true beauty which, as a glimmer of the Spirit of God, will transfigure matter, opening the human soul to the sense of the eternal.” (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Letter to Photographers

St. Peter, sacrament photos, and... STALKERS!? Things are getting strange...Join us on this week’s episode for an incredible episode with the energetic & insightful Kaylee Toole! You’ll hear all about her inspiration for photography, passion for the “textures” of the Catholic faith, and how this gift has become her avenue to “see” Jesus.

Instagram: @ka_toole
Website: www.kayleetoole.com

“It is true nevertheless that, in the modern era, alongside this Christian humanism which has continued to produce important works of culture and art, another kind of humanism, marked by the absence of God and often by opposition to God, has gradually asserted itself. Such an atmosphere has sometimes led to a separation of the world of art and the world of faith, at least in the sense that many artists have a diminished interest in religious themes.

You know, however, that the Church has not ceased to nurture great appreciation for the value of art as such. Even beyond its typically religious expressions, true art has a close affinity with the world of faith, so that, even in situations where culture and the Church are far apart, art remains a kind of bridge to religious experience.” (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999.)

Letter to Musicians

Are you discerning the priesthood? Are you interested in serving in the military? Do you enjoy music? If you answered yes to any of these questions...this is an episode FOR YOU! Tune in to hear from Andrew Bilgri, seminarian of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois. He is a former member of the army band, a music major from Illinois State University, and man of many talents. Allow his story to inspire you to use all your artistic talents, however big or small they may be, to guide you in God’s sometimes challenging, yet always beautiful plan for your life.

Andrew would like to promote the Diocese of Peoria Seminarians. Check out more about them through the links below:
Peoria Vocations
Life is Still Worth Living

“The artist has a special relationship to beauty. In a very true sense, it can be said that beauty is the vocation bestowed on him by the Creator in the gift of “artistic talent.” And, certainly, this too is a talent which ought to be made to bear fruit, in keeping with the sense of the Gospel parable of the talents” (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999.)

Letter to Animators

Have you ever wondered what's it like to build the world from a computer? Can a gray box be beautiful? What's the difference between those beloved animated films such as Shrek or Monster's Inc. vs. Cinderella or The Road to El Dorado? Tune in as two JPCatholic animation students, Bridget Baker & Mark Pagaduan share about their favorite animated films, the creative design process of animation, the joys and challenges of their craft and how the animation process has become a mirror and meeting place for them to connect the "genius" of other artists and the "soul of God." Check out more by our artists using the links below!

Bridget Baker: Artstation | Instagram

Mark Pagaduan: Animation Reel

“The functional is always wedded to the creative impulse inspired by a sense of the beautiful and an intuition of the mystery. These forms portray not only the genius of an artist but the soul of a people” (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999.)

Letter to Metal Workers

Noelle Daugherty graduated from Illinois State University in 2021 with a double major in Metal Working and Painting. In this episode, we chat about the design process of her metal work, the challenges about working with the materials given to still create something beautiful, and in that creation should flow a reflection of love. Check out her gallery show, The Pearl of Great Price.

“Every genuine art form in its own way is a path to the inmost reality of man and of the world. It is therefore a wholly valid approach to the realm of faith, which gives human experience its ultimate meaning.” (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999.)

Letter to Actors

Season 2 of Letter to Artists launches with "Letter to Actors" with actor, director, and professor of acting, Lee Eskey. After spending some time in the "biz", Professor Eskey studied with the Theology of the Body Institute and incorporates TOB into his approach to acting and coaching. Tune in to hear more about his journey to Hollywood, his deep love of fully living the human experience, and his heart for Jesus.

“That is why artists, the more conscious they are of their “gift”, are led all the more to see themselves and the whole of creation with eyes able to contemplate and give thanks, and to raise to God a hymn of praise. This is the only way for them to come to a full understanding of themselves, their vocation and their mission.” (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999.)

Letter to Screenwriters

In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God. It must therefore translate into meaningful terms that which is in itself ineffable." (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

In our SEASON 1 FINALE, join Tara Stone as she shares with us her beautifully unique story as her life as screenwriter and consecrated virgin. This niche mix landed the attention of a production company which followed her journey to her Vocation producing a documentary called "Song of Songs: the Journey of a Consecrated Virgin". You can find it available to rent/buy on Amazon - https://bit.ly/3mMnc8U

Letter to Film Artists

"Even beyond its typically religious expressions, true art has a close affinity with the world of faith, so that, even in situations where culture and the Church are far apart, art remains a kind of bridge to religious experience. In so far as it seeks the beautiful, fruit of an imagination which rises above the everyday, art is by its nature a kind of appeal to the mystery. Even when they explore the darkest depths of the soul or the most unsettling aspects of evil, artists give voice in a way to the universal desire for redemption." (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Film... Artist? ... yes! Two of them! Mark Westin and Peter Gonzalez are men of many talents in the art of film - I couldn't squeeze their time into one topic! Mark Westin, winning Best Cinematographer in the JPCatholic Winter Film Festival and co-writing the screenplay, "No Reception" that was just chosen to be produced as JPCatholic's second feature film, talks about his successful journey as a screenwriter and cinematographer, his roots in photography and his future goals to further develop his skills as a director. Peter Gonzalez shares his knowledge in producing, screenwriting and directing, coming off of his win as Best Director in the JPCatholic Winter Film Festival. Both men share powerful insights about the snippet from the Letter to Artists encyclical... you'll want to hear it yourself...play to listen!

Letter to Gaffers

"These forms portray not only the genius of an artist but the soul of a people. In the play of light and shadow, in forms at times massive, at times delicate, structural considerations certainly come into play, but so too do the tensions peculiar to the experience of God, the mystery both “awesome” and “alluring" (St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

Gaffing? What the heck is that? Listen to find out! These two experienced gaffers, Cian Magner and Robert Vance, share the ways that light, or lack there of has influenced their job on a film set... as well as their spiritual lives.

Letter to Songwriters

"In shaping a masterpiece, the artist not only summons his work into being, but also in some way reveals his own personality by means of it. For him art offers both a new dimension and an exceptional mode of expression for his spiritual growth. Through his works, the artist speaks to others and communicates with them. The history of art, therefore, is not only a story of works produced but also a story of men and women. Works of art speak of their authors; they enable us to know their inner life, and they reveal the original contribution which artists offer to the history of culture." (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

In this episode, lovely ladies, Sophia Sariego and Lily Blando share all about songwriting! With two unique styles, both of these women have found a way to connect with God through this gift. Lily, sharing her artistic abilities with her earthly dad has found a parallel to her Heavenly Father's delight in her. Sophia, being drawn to the poetry of her craft has found a deeper insights into the Word of God. Listen now!

Letter to Editors

"Art has a unique capacity to take one or other facet of the message and translate it into colours, shapes and sounds which nourish the intuition of those who look or listen. It does so without emptying the message itself of its transcendent value and its aura of mystery." (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

In this episode, editors change their scene - from behind the screen to behind the mic...and what a gift it is! Join me as I sit with two intelligent post-production majors from John Paul the Great Catholic University as they share deep insights on the craft of editing as well as powerful reflections on the faith. From editing short films to feature lengths, collaborating with the director and other editors, Simon Michael and the brilliant Abbie Ross share about their skill set, their most influential editors and their relationship with God through this call to post-production.

Letter to Painters

"God therefore called man into existence, committing to him the craftsman's task. Through his "artistic creativity" man appears more than ever 'in the image of God,' and he accomplishes this task above all in shaping the wondrous 'material' of his own humanity and then exercising creative dominion over the universe which surrounds him." (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

In this episode, we chat about all things painting! Sarah Gruber, student at JPCatholic shares a beautiful insight about how God speaks to her in the littleness of her gift, feeling like a child offering her Father, the master artist, a painting replicating His work to hang on the fridge. Later in the episode, Karissa Williams explains her love of retablos from her native city in New Mexico. We also dive into painting as an articulation of the heart.

Letter to Graphic Designers

"Every genuine artistic intuition goes beyond what the senses perceive and, reaching beneath reality's surface, strives to interpret its hidden mystery. The intuition itself springs from the depths of the human soul, where the desire to give meaning to one's own life is joined by the fleeting vision of beauty and of the mysterious unity of things." (St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999).

In this episode, we are chatting with two Graphic Designers who share about the way that their form of art draws a customer into the mystery of a company's "beauty" through the first glance, hoping to compel to go deeper into the mystery of the event/company/business/product etc...! First, Maya Hajdu, student of John Paul the Great Catholic University shares her experience is producing the preliminary (season 1) logo for THIS podcast! We could not have gotten the show up and running without her volunteering her time and artistic designs. We are so grateful for her talents. Maya shares about her experiences learning the process of graphic design to communicate a message through the simplicity of a glance. Later in the show we are talking with Angie Lopez, an alumni of JPCatholic who now works as a graphic designer for the San Diego Air and Space Museum. She shares her thoughts on "God as the first designer" who communicates a message to us about Him through his creation (of the human person, nature, etc...).

Letter to Dancers

In this episode, I chat with dancers, Timothy Johnson and Megan Geier, both of whom were influenced by their background in acting. Tim Johnson speaks about the connection between the body and the soul, his experience growing in his spiritual health alongside his physical health as he went through his training. Megan Geier shares about her journey from acting, to dancing to choreographing and how that led her to perform at festivals, minor-league baseball games, the Disneyland Parade and coming soon her choreography will be presented at NASCAR!

Letter to Writers

In this episode, two insightful men sit down and talk all things writing. From poetry and sci-fi novels to the general writing process to the inspiration of Flannery O'Connor to reflections on the Gospels - university alumni Josh Peck and Taylor Williams share loads of wisdom and deep ponderings on the way that Jesus has found them through writing (whether that is their own or someone elses).

Letter to Social Media Evangelists

This week Chaldean priest and social media sensation, Fr. Simon Esshaki, joins Bailey in the studio sharing incredible insights about his social media evangelization experience. Fr. Simon graduated from JPCatholic’s New Evangelization Program in 2012 and recently came back to teach classes like Social Media Evangelization. He has over 500k followers on Tik Tok, and uses his platform to share the Gospel and answer questions about the faith. On this episode, hear about his experiences navigating the world of social media, how he balances that with his duties as priest and professor, and some insightful reflections on this week's quote from JPII’s Letter to Artists. You can follow Fr. Simon Esshaki on social media: Tik Tok: @father.simon & Instagram: @father_simon

Letter to Cinematographers

This week, Charley Blum, who currently works in Hollywood shares his experiences in the professional world, from working his way up in the camera department by learning multiple roles on a camera team. Then, Angelika Sowa joins us for some powerful reflections on her artistic call to highlight beauty from her point of view and to allow people to join her in awe of God’s creation.

Letter to Leaders

In this week's episode, we are joined by Creative Entrepreneur student, Luca Hoang and Professor of Leadership, Dr. Amanda LoCoco for an unconventional conversation regarding leadership as an art form.

Letter to Illustrators

In this week's episode, illustrators Josh Martin and Mia Schaller join me to talk about how the Lord captivates them through the “hidden power of colors and shapes” in his creation of people and nature that stir them to reflect His Beauty through their talents in illustration.

Letter to Producers

In this week's episode, I am joined by Natalia Roberts - a student who shares about her experience producing student films, the skills necessary to be a good producer as well as the challenges and rewards of the job. In the second half of the show, I sit with Eleazar Palma - alumni and staff member who co-produces the Feature Film Program at JPCatholic - he shares about the process of producing a feature film and how God can be seen through the many one on one encounters that a producer must face.

Letter to Filmmakers

Obedient to their call from God, Stephen and Elisabeth Kramp have embraced their vocations to marriage, education and writing. From stories of their conversions, parenthood, and the way their work in writing (poetry, essays and more) have led them closer to the Creator, tune in to some insightful discussion on the grace to discern when to share and surrender of our artistic talents.

Letter to Filmmakers

Join filmmakers Katie Gerlach and Andrew Koltuniuk as they discuss the various hats they've worn on film sets - producer, director, cinematographer, actor, screenwriter, etc... Hear how this call to “share in the creative power” through multiple facets of film has brought them closer to the ultimate Creator and deepened their conviction to create media that is rooted in Truth, Beauty and Goodness.

Letter to Musicians

From the history of sacred music to the beauty of more contemporary praise and worship styles to scoring short films, this fun and fruitful episode features film composer Amaris Abraham and sacred music enthusiast Alec Williams who share about the role of music both inside and outside the Church.

Letter to Screenwriters

Join screenwriter Bella Lake as she discusses her journey to writing her first feature film script, O, Brawling Love! that was produced this year. She will share the challenges, excitement and how the Lord has been present in this creative calling. Then, hear from Jacob Woodward as he takes us through his experience writing, then directing his own short films - allowing the Lord to “reveal his inner life” to share impactful stories.

Letter to Film Directors

This week, we are hearing from two JPCatholic student filmmakers, Alan Hewitt and Faustina Ortiz, who are choosing to follow the “spark of wisdom” that the Lord has placed in their hearts, hoping to transcend the culture by embracing this artistic call through film directing.

Letter to Actors

Actors Maria and Nick share about the art of acting, some differences between stage and screen, as well as how this form of art can act as a mirror for humanity, first revealing their own hearts, aiding them in their relationship with God.