JP2 Morning Crew

What makes the Camino de Santiago one of the most powerful pilgrimages in the world? Deacon Greg Settelmayer and Deacon Pat McCay share how they first discovered the Camino, what impacted and surprised them most on their first journey, and why they continue returning to this ancient path of faith. They also offer wisdom for anyone considering making the pilgrimage themselves. Listen for this enlig...

Married couples can feel burdened in the face of parenthood and sometimes overwhelming responsibilities, but Bishop Pulido of the Diocese of San Diego has a message for families: "Don't Be Discouraged!"

Who should raise children: The State or Parents? The state of California has ordered teachers to lie to parents about their student's mental, emotional and identity health. Some brave California teachers have refused to lie to parents and are fighting for the rights of families. Paul Jonna and Elizabeth Mirabelli update us on the status of this battle for family rights.

Why do thousands gather each year to walk publicly for the dignity of human life? On this episode, we’re joined by Delaiah Luna, a committee member of the San Diego Walk for Life, taking place Saturday, January 24. Delaiah shares her personal journey into the pro-life movement, what it means to help organize this long-standing public witness, and how the Walk powerfully unites the pro-life communi...

What is the Sudarium of Oviedo, and why does it prove the Shroud of Turin is authentic? In this episode, Dr. John Sottosanti reveals the mystery of Christ's "face cloth" mentioned in John 20:6-7 and presents overwhelming forensic evidence that skeptics cannot explain. The Sudarium—a blood-soaked burial cloth preserved in Spain for 1,400 years—matches the Shroud of Turin in 120 precise ways. From t...

After feeling stuck in his faith and unsure of his purpose, Michael Buzard began praying the Rosary each morning—and it transformed his life. That simple habit led him to the Emiliani Project in Colombia, where rescuing orphaned and abandoned children helped him discover real mission and joy. Michael shares how God used prayer, service, and the children of Hogar de Cristo to reveal his true purpos...

In Episode 3 of our Shroud of Turin series, Dr. John Sottosanti unpacks the controversial carbon dating of the Shroud—explaining how the test was conducted, why the results were flawed, and what new evidence reveals about the cloth’s true age and authenticity. --- Feeling inspired? Help fuel the mission of JP2 Catholic Radio by making a gift at https://jp2radio.com

What does it mean to lead as a Catholic in today’s world? Cristofer Pereyra of the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative joins us to discuss how TLI forms lay professionals to integrate faith, virtue, and leadership — transforming workplaces, communities, and culture. Learn more: https://www.tliprogram.org --- Register now for the JP2 Radio 10th Anniversary Dinner: https://jp2radio.com

In a world that says do first, pray later, guest John La Raia joins us to challenge that mindset. Together, we unpack why true strength—especially for men—begins in surrender, not action. From personal stories to practical insights, this episode explores how starting with prayer transforms our work, our families, and our walk with God. --- Register now for the JP2 Radio 10th Anniversary Dinner: ht...

Fr. Chris Alar, MIC—Provincial Superior of the Marian Fathers and host of the popular “Explaining the Faith” series—joins us to discuss his new book, Understanding the Sacraments: God’s Grace Guaranteed!. He shares why he wrote this book, how it helps Catholics understand both what they believe and why, and why the sacraments are not mere symbols but God’s guaranteed channels of grace. We then div...

In this second episode of our Shroud of Turin series, Dr. John Sottosanti reveals nine remarkable scientific and historical findings within the mysterious burial cloth of Christ. From anatomically perfect images and 3D data embedded in linen fibers to traces of Jerusalem soil and pollen that bloom only in springtime in Jerusalem, each discovery deepens the mystery and strengthens the case for the...

The Camino Concert Series continues to bring beautiful, live music to Solana Beach. Julianna Schmidt, the creative mind behind the series, shares the heart and vision that make these free concerts a gift to the community — and why this month’s performance is one you won’t want to miss. Learn more: https://stjamesandleo.org/concert-series/ --- Register now for the JP2 Radio 10th Anniversary Dinner:...

On this episode of the JP2 Morning Crew, Founder and Executive Director Raul Caro joins us to share the latest from JP2 Radio. He reflects on last week’s meaningful conversation with Bishops Michael Pham and Felipe Pulido, and gives an update on the ongoing Shroud of Turin Tour, which continues to move hearts as it visits local parishes. Raul also talks about the brand-new Shroud series with Dr. J...

On this episode of the JP2 Morning Crew, hosts Brandon Clark and Cy Kellett welcome Bishop Michael Pham and Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Pulido of the Diocese of San Diego. Together, they share a rich and faith-filled conversation about their journeys and their ministry. Each bishop reflects on his vocation story and reveals the personal meaning woven into his coat of arms, offering listeners a glimpse...

In this special episode, we welcome Dr. Ray Guarendi—clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and host of The Doctor Is In on EWTN—who will also be the featured guest at JP2 Catholic Radio’s 10th Anniversary Dinner. Dr. Ray shares insights from his brand-new book, How to Get Along with Almost Everybody, offering practical wisdom on what it really means to navigate relationships with grace. We di...

In this first episode of our special series, host Brandon Clark is joined by Dr. John Sottosanti, a retired oral surgeon whose life was forever changed by an encounter with one of the most studied and mysterious relics in the world—the Shroud of Turin. Together, they begin exploring the history, physical details, and profound significance of the cloth that wrapped the body of Jesus Christ. Dr. Sot...

Attorney Jeffrey Trissell, author of Unlocking the Churches, joins hosts Brandon Clark and Paul Jonna to reveal the untold story behind more than fifty lawsuits that fought to keep worship open during the COVID-19 pandemic. From pastors placed under house arrest to key Supreme Court rulings, discover how religious freedom was tested—and why defending it is so important today. Order your copy of th...

California’s Catholic bishops just launched a first-of-its-kind, statewide partnership with Communio—and we’re unpacking what it means for all 12 dioceses. Our guests, Kathleen Domingo (Executive Director, California Catholic Conference) and Damon Owens (Director of Church Growth, Communio), share why this multi-year plan is a game-changer for evangelization through marriage and family life. We di...

Jesse Ramirez and Roark Galloway join the JP2 Morning Crew to share the incredible mission of Warriors of God—a ministry ensuring that more than 1,500 Marine recruits at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego can attend Holy Mass each Sunday. In addition, this dedicated team offers powerful evangelization courses, helping these young men and women grow in their faith and equipping them spiritually f...

Nate Guyear returns to the JP2 Morning Crew for a powerful follow-up conversation on grace and merit. This week, we explore how suffering—when united with Christ—can become a wellspring of grace in our lives. From daily annoyances to deep trials, we discuss practical ways to embrace suffering with purpose, draw nearer to God, and live with greater spiritual strength. --- Feeling inspired? Help fue...

In this episode, Nate Guyear joins us for a deep dive into the mystery of grace and our response to it. We unpack the difference between actual and sanctifying grace, explore how grace helps us build habits of virtue, and clarify the role of merit in our spiritual journey. Nate also shares practical steps for recognizing and cooperating with grace in daily life, helping us understand how God’s inv...

Janelle Peregoy of the Diocese of San Diego joins us to talk about the upcoming Grandparents’ Day Retreat and the powerful role grandparents play in passing on the faith. She shares how this special day is designed to honor their unique vocation, offering inspiration, community, and practical tools for living out their calling. Whether you’re a grandparent or love one, this episode highlights how...

In a world that often isolates men, real strength is forged in brotherhood. This episode explores the vital role of men's groups in helping men grow in faith, character, and purpose. Drawing from Proverbs 27:17—“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” -- John La Raia and Robert Schrimpf discuss how journeying together helps them become better husbands, fathers, and disciples of Christ....

Fr. Mark Edney, pastor of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in El Centro, joins us on JP2 Morning Crew to reflect on what it means to love selflessly in marriage. Drawing from Ephesians 5 and the example of Christ, he shares powerful insights on enduring love, sacrificial leadership, and how couples can mirror Jesus’ love in their daily lives. --- Feeling inspired? Help fuel the mission of JP2 Catholi...

Deacon Peter Hodsdon joins us to unpack the gripping history of the Church from its humble beginnings to the rise of Charlemagne. In this episode, he previews his current course that traces how a persecuted community of believers became a global faith—through martyrdom, theological debate, cultural upheaval, and bold leadership. Discover how the early Church's defining moments still shape Catholic...