Nicholas D’Agosto hosts a discussion regarding God, belief, non-belief, and other delicate subject matter in an open and welcoming environment.
Nicholas D’Agosto hosts a discussion regarding God, belief, non-belief, and other delicate subject matter in an open and welcoming environment.
Listen on:
About the Host
In the first grade, Nicholas D'Agosto, MDiv (EINSTEIN, Criminal Minds: Evolution, Trial & Error, Gotham, Masters of Sex, Final Destination 5, The Office, Fired Up!) wanted to be a Catholic Priest. He didn't become one. Now a Husband, Father, Actor, Minister, and Podcaster, he brings in talented and thoughtful guests to share their life story as it relates to the question of God. He also asks about breakfast.
Nicholas plans to release new episodes of G.O.D. in the coming years. Inspired partly by his experiences in this podcast, Nicholas graduated in May of 2026 with a Masters Degree in Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School, an accredited Unitarian Universalist seminary. He intends to seek fellowship in the UUA and ordination as a UU Minister, while also continuing his entertainment career.
Read the Descriptions, Choose Your Episode, Follow Your Heart
There is no order in which to listen to these episodes. I have taken pains to include the essence of each interview in the episodes' description, in the hopes that you will more easily discover the conversation to which you're most spiritually drawn.
The episodes appear on the site in reverse chronological order. I do think, in general, that I got better as a listener with experience.
My hope is that, occasionally, within these conversations often full of vulnerable sharing and radical openness, you might find yourself resonating with a feeling of commonality and the sense of universal experience.
God in the harmony of voices mingling together in song; being a person of color in the white world of choral music; God shining down on her at the age of five; being raised by her mother while her father followed his music; Kwanzaa; and owning her own identity in the age of Black Lives Matter.
Dr. Zanaida Stewart Robles is an award-winning American composer, vocalist, and teacher. She is a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion in music education and performance. She is a performing arts instructor at Harvard-Westlake Upper School in Studio City, CA. She is also the director of music at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena, CA. As a concert soprano soloist, studio vocalist for film and television, and professional ensemble singer, Dr. Robles has sung throughout the United States and the world. Her film, television, and video game credits include Glee, Tinkerbell: Pirate Fairy, Godzilla, Minions, Creed, The Lego Movie, Despicable Me 3, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Venom, Smallfoot, Frozen 2, Underwater, Mulan, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Dr. Robles holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the USC Thornton School of Music, a Master of Music degree from CSU Northridge, a Bachelor of Music degree from CSU Long Beach, and she is a graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.
Zanaida's official website: Zanaida Stewart Robles Zanaida's Twitter: @znrobles Zanaida's Music: Zanaida on Soundcloud
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On creating “God 101” with Julie Chen Moonves; the celebration of her Armenian identity and culture; the loss of her Jewish father as a child; “welcoming Jesus into her heart” as a grade schooler; a message and direction from her mother’s spirit; and giving her husband a second chance after a botched first date.
Anita Vogel is a Correspondent and Anchor for the Fox New Channel, as well as an actor, voiceover artist, moderator and host. A graduate of the University of Southern California with degrees in both Broadcast Journalism and Political Science, Anita spent ten years as a full-time anchor and correspondent at FOX. As a contractor today, she flies all over the country delivering content for multiple news outlets. As an actor you may have seen her on 911, The Last Ship and Rosewood. She is based in Los Angeles and often lends her time to charities and community organizations as a host and speaker.
You can find Anita's show #God101 with Julie Chen Moonves and others on Instagram here: @juliechenmoonves #God101 on Instagram: #God101
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His grandmother as conduit to his ancestors and what is “holy”; deep reflections on slavery and his journey through “The Slave Letters”; the brutality and abuse of his parents and grandfather; the rejection of Christianity and his embrace of Buddhist practice; the release of guilt and a future bound up in kindness and beauty.
Michal Dawson Connor is an accomplished performer and composer of choral, chamber, and solo vocal works, with a particular emphasis on slave songs created before the Civil War. He was born in Jamestown, New York and is a proud alumnus of Carnegie-Mellon University and L’Ecole Hindemith in Vevey, Switzerland. Mr. Connor’s Broadway credits include featured performances in the Tony-Award winning productions of RAGTIME and SHOWBOAT as well as starring roles in productions of THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, BIG RIVER, and PORGY AND BESS. In addition to soloing on multiple occasions for President Ronald Reagan, he’s immensely proud of performing for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Billy Graham, Elizabeth Dole, and Admiral Michael Mullen. Mr. Connor is a published author of THE SLAVE LETTERS currently available on Amazon.com. On network television, he was a guest star on FRIENDS, as well as several appearances on the Emmy-Award winning show: EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION. Here's a link to Michal's project, THE SLAVE LETTERS: https://www.theslaveletters.com/about
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Music as foundational to understanding the spiritual; being a religious skeptic while loving the church choir; how the pandemic freed her musical “beast”; reflections on the future death of her mother; the release of control and the glee that followed.
Majel Connery is a vocalist and composer with the NYC art/punk band Sky Creature, which recently released its Bear Mountain/Childworld double EP. On the side, she composes electro/acoustic music as a solo artist, and recently released the album “The Rivers are Our Brothers,” a song cycle on the natural world. The male choir Chanticleer recently commissioned an arrangement of The Rivers are Our Brothers for their fall 2023 tour. Connery has a background as a Classical pianist and opera singer. For ten years, she ran avant-garde opera company, Opera Cabal. An artist with a Ph.D. in musicology, she has held visiting professorships and artist residency positions at Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, Wellesley and the University of Chicago. Here's another link to Majel's new art/punk band, Sky Creature: https://www.skycreature.nyc/
Majel's official website: https://www.majelconnery.com/ Majel's Instagram: @majelconnery
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Nick will be recurring throughout the new season of Criminal Minds: Evolution, premiering this Thanksgiving 2022 on Paramount+! Nick is in graduate school pursuing his Masters of Divinity at Meadville Lombard Theological School. It's one of only two Unitarian Universalist seminaries in the world. What is Unitarian Universalism?
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A "goodbye for now"; and excerpts from two of Nick's favorite books.
Nicholas D'Agosto is a professional television, film and stage actor, and the creator and host of this podcast - God & Other Delicacies.
Here's a link to Gore Vidal's review of Italo Calvino's "Invisible Cities" in The New York Review of Books - Fabulous Calvino by Gore Vidal Here is an article in The New Yorker compiling some of Italo Calvino's letters, one of which was a letter of appreciation to Gore Vidal regarding the aforementioned review Vidal wrote of "Invisible Cities - The Letters of Italo Calvino And, if you desire, here is a link to choose where you'd like to purchase... Brian Browne Walker's translation of the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu.
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A Christ follower that's wary of the word "Christian"; her mothers' final, transcendent moments; Top Story Tonight: Jesus! and how her research has redefined her faith; and the contentment that comes with knowing and choosing what is right for oneself.
Jane Wells is an award-winning broadcast journalist with over 30 years experience in the news media. She has worked all over the country, moving up from local news stations to national ones, but it is at CNBC, her current employer, where she has spent the bulk of her career, developing features, special reports and contributing to breaking news coverage. Jane received a Peabody in 1992 for her role in the live coverage of the Rodney King trial. She is also a podcaster, having developed the Strange Success franchise for CNBC, and now self-producing her new podcast, the Top Story Tonight! franchise - the latest iteration of which focuses on Jesus, with Jane's modern media twist.
Get started with the first episode of Top Story Tonight: Jesus! here, at this iTunes link -- Top Story Tonight: Jesus! Christmas Part 1
Jane's Twitter: @janewells Jane's Instagram: @janewells Jane's Facebook: Jane Wells Jane's Linkedin: Jane Wells
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Being religious but not spiritual; the search for serenity; learning about his OCD; reflections on the temptations and dangers of "status"; choosing the internal good; the admiration of material indifference and non-attachment; and the dilemma of loving the individual despite possessing opposing ideologies.
Jeffrey Guhin is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at UCLA, with research interests in education, culture and religion. His first book -- Agents Of God: Boundaries and Authority in Muslim and Christian Schools -- has just been released through Oxford University Press. Jeff received his doctorate and masters degrees from Yale University, his bachelors from Loyola University in New Orleans, and he has studied in Damascus, Syria, and Mexico City, Mexico.
Here's a link to Jeff's new book... Agents Of God: Boundaries and Authority in Muslim and Christian Schools And here's a link to Jeff's writings for SLATE, including the one he mentioned about Neil deGrasse Tyson: Jeffrey Guhin at SLATE
Jeff's Official Website: jeffguhin.com Jeff's Twitter: @jeffguhin
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Owner of award-winning Hotville Chicken in South LA; daughter of an Evangelist preacher; God in every facet of her life; prayer; and hilarious stories about the Prince Family men and other philanderers who got punished by the scalding heat of the Hot Chicken tradition in Nashville.
Kim Prince is the owner and creator of Hotville Chicken, a Los Angeles restaurant serving Nashville Hot Chicken in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw neighborhood of South LA. Recently voted one of LA's Best Restaurants of 2020 by Los Angeles Magazine, Hotville is also partnered with Greg Dulan of Dulan's Soul Food Restaurants (who was a previous guest on this podcast). Kim's great-great Uncle, Thornton Prince, is credited with having invented the Hot Chicken recipe and tradition in Nashville, and the Prince Family has been serving Nashville Hot Chicken for nearly 100 years. Kim is a graduate of Fresno State University, and she previously worked for over 20 years in television production.
Looking for a deep history on the Prince Family and the origins of Nashville Hot Chicken? Check out this excellent article in The New Yorker: The Prince Family Business Prince's Hot Chicken - the original Nashville restaurant that Kim grew up working at - was named: One of America's 38 Essential Restaurants by Eater
Hotville Instagram: @hotvillechicken Hotville Twitter: @hotvillechicken Official Website: Hotville Chicken
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Faith in combat; reflections on his service during the Iraq War; the self-discoveries from time spent "in extremis"; the unintended consequences of war; and how he carries his service as a civilian.
Ben O'Rourke is a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, a combat veteran, and a graduate of the US Army War College. He graduated from Notre Dame, and currently serves as an executive for an enterprise tech company in Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife and children.
Here is a brief overview regarding the Iraq War, which Ben describes throughout this episode from his unique vantage point: The Iraq War (or Second Persian Gulf War) An article discussing Viktor Frankl's book, which Ben found at a deeply poignant moment in his journey: Man's Search For Meaning
Ben's Facebook: Ben O'Rourke Ben's LinkedIn: Ben O'Rourke
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On being a South LA community touchstone; the life and death of his renowned father; overcoming anti-Black business practices; the challenges of being a business owner in South LA; the spiritual calling that is his work; and selling Nashville fried chicken in Ghana!
Greg Dulan is the owner of Dulan's Soul Food Restaurants in South Los Angeles, well-regarded as a Los Angeles soul food institution. He is also co-owner of Hotville Chicken, which serves Nashville Hot Fried Chicken in South LA, and was rated one of the Best Restaurants of 2020 by Los Angeles Magazine. Greg has a business degree from Howard University, has studied at UCLA, and is a beloved community member and leader.
At one point, Greg describes how his Grandfather was a Baptist Minister, and a master "Whooper". He made me promise that I would look up some whooping online, and I gave him my word that I'd leave a link here for everyone to get an idea about what it is: The Art of Whooping And here's an article from the LA Sentinel, honoring the life of Greg's father, Adolf Dulan, LA's "King of Soul Food": Los Angeles Mourns the Loss of Adolf Dulan And another, reporting on how Dulan's was recognized as as a Best Small Business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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The dangers of "coming out" as a celebrity in the '90's; how cancer taught him to be joyful; how the USO changed his mind on the military; and the discovery of his current sense of purpose.
Bill Brochtrup is a professional television, film and stage actor, best known for his role as "John Irvin" in ABC's critically-acclaimed hit series, NYPD BLUE. He has also had long-running roles on hit shows like Showtime's "Shameless", and TNT's "Major Crimes", among dozens of other credits in television and film. A prolific stage actor, Bill is also Co-Artistic Director of The Antaeus Theatre Company in Glendale, CA. He works with numerous charities and philanthropic organizations, including AIDS Walks, and the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment.
On the 5th Anniversary of his being free from cancer, Bill participated in an ancient spiritual pilgrimage in Northern Spain that is still alive today: Camino De Santiago To learn more about the United Service Organizations: USO To learn more about Armed Forces Entertainment: AFE
Bill's Instagram: @billbrochtrup Bill's Twitter: @billbrochtrup Bill's Facebook: Bill Brochtrup
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Stories from Vietnam; racism and desegregation in the '60's; the early deaths of his sister and father; the dawn of his agnosticism; and the value in pursuing what is "dangerous and alive".
Ned Schmidtke is a professional television, film and stage actor with a resumé spanning decades. He has had long-running roles on shows like Medium, Days of Our Lives, Point Pleasant, and JAG. His film roles include Wedding Crashers, The Change Up and Accepted. He's appeared on Broadway, in Chicago at the Goodman and Steppenwolf, and in theaters all across the country.
Ned tells a story of getting to see Ike and Tina Turner performing live at the Paradise Club in Missouri when he was a young man. Here's a picture from one of those legendary performances (note the low ceiling!): Ike and Tina Turner at Club Paradise
Ned's Facebook: Ned Schmidtke
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Losing a sister at birth; merging Catholic and Mormon faiths; sons with epilepsy and Coats' disease; her charity Know the Glow; and the relationship to faith that she hopes her children will carry with them.
Megan Webber is the Co-Founder of the non-profit charity Know the Glow, which aims to eliminate early childhood blindness. Megan launched Know the Glow after her son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with Coats' Disease in 2009. Megan also sits on the Advisory Board of The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and works to support the doctors and patients there through the volunteer organization, Bright Eyes.
Here is a link to learn more about...: Coats Disease And, Megan is a big fan of the...: Peloton Bike
Megan Webber's LinkedIn: Megan Lynch Webber Know the Glow's Instagram: @know_the_glow Know the Glow's Twitter: @know_the_glow
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The fear of God; dark years of addictions; shame; being saved by his Grandmothers' spirit; sobriety; and a lesson about God from his young son.
Paco Lozano is a professional television and stage actor. Recent credits include Jessica Jones, Law & Order: SVU, and God Friended Me. He was born in Puerto Rico to Cuban and Mexican parents, and he lives in New York City with his wife and young son.
Here's a link to the mission of the Mobile Unit at The Public Theatre, which Paco will be a part of when live theatre can return in New York: The Mobile Unit at The Public And Paco loves to cook. Here's one of his favorite chefs to watch for inspiration: Sam the Cooking Guy
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Leaving his Evangelical faith and family; the similarities of atheism and fundamentalism; doubt; confusion; regret; new life; and the love of music and writing.
Jonathan Buchanan works in film production, and has been a prop master since 2007. He is also a musician, and he writes, sings and plays guitar in his anti-folk band Campfire Cassettes. Listen to his music on Spotify: Campfire Cassettes
Jonathan introduced me to a term that was core to his Evangelical belief system growing up: Eternal Security Jonathan briefly references a famous Christian songwriter I had never heard of before, Keith Green, who died in a tragic plane crash at 28. Listen to Keith Green on Spotify
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Reflections on suffering; God's apparent absence and/or disregard; death; the moment he decided to become a Jesuit; and the intersection of art and spirituality.
Joe Hoover, SJ is a religious brother in the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, working primarily in the arts. He is an actor, playwright and essayist, and his first book - "O Death, Where Is Thy Sting: A Meditation on Suffering" - will be released December of 2020 from Orbis Books. He is also the poetry editor at America Magazine.
At one point, Joe mentions one of his early heroes: Dorothy Day, a progressive Catholic activist. Here is a link describing one of the cornerstones of Jesuit training: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius And for good measure, once again, his new book: "O Death, Where Is Thy Sting: A Meditation on Suffering" from Orbis Books
Joe's Facebook: Joe Hoover
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Sobriety; racism; spirituality in music; acceptance; the influence of his Indian heritage; his love of Indian mythology; and lots of humor.
Utkarsh Ambudkar (The Mindy Project, Pitch Perfect, Barbershop: The Next Cut, Free Guy, Marry Me) is a professional actor, writer, rapper and musician. A South-Asian American of Indian descent, born in Maryland to immigrant parents who are both progressive scientists as well as quiet practitioners of prayer, Utkarsh possesses a unique perspective on spirituality and culture. He is also charming, funny, kind, quick-witted and thoughtful, which makes for a delightful and insightful episode between these two old friends (who met on the set of the film Rocket Science 15 years ago). Utkarsh has done a great deal of positive self-reflection, and he speaks reverently about the spiritual growth and awareness he has achieved after giving up drugs and alcohol and articulating and accepting a loving God-force into his day-to-day. He speaks about the different religious worlds both in India and the U.S. that have been available to him throughout his upbringing, and yet somehow were never imposed upon him. He speaks about his love and proclivity for music and rhyme, what that meant to him growing up, and what it means to him today. And he also makes Nick laugh many times throughout the episode, the loudest of which probably came after he revealed to Nick what his quiet, loving God-voice said to him after his cable went down. It's a beautiful episode, and I hope you enjoy it.
Utkarsh is a successful and prolific independent musician, with two new albums set to drop in the next six months or so. Find him at the following link, or wherever you get your music: Utkarsh on Spotify Also, Utkarsh mentions how his grandmother is a practitioner of Jainism. Here's a link describing some of the basic tenets of the Jain belief system: Jainism at a Glance
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Cancer survivor (twice!); her mothers' last moments and words; her fathers' difficult last years; the importance of live theater; a new purpose born of survival; and Jin Shin Jyutsu.
Kitty Swink (The Fosters, Crossing Jordan, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Patty Hearst, In The Mood) is a professional actor, and Co-Artistic Director of The Antaeus Theatre Company (where I am a member). Kitty opens a window for us into her nuclear family, and the extraordinary pairing that was her father and mothers' marriage. With deep affection, charm and lots of humor, Kitty tells about her mothers' final days, spent at home in the embrace of her loving family. What is captured in her telling is the poignant, sweet, authentic, hilarious, ludicrous, magical and mysterious nature of the final moments of a human life. Kitty opens up about the complexities of her fathers' last years too, as well as her own brushes with death, having now been a cancer survivor twice over. It is a sublime hour, spent in reverence for life, and in meditation on what gives it meaning.
Kitty speaks about a healing art that she credits, alongside the work of her oncologists, with saving her life after cancer and bringing her back to full health: Jin Shin Jyutsu At one point, Kitty tells a heartwarming story about me and one of her dear friends and mentors who passed away in 2013: Joe Ruskin
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Overcoming regret; second chances; Living in Truth; purpose in art; and the transformative power of theater.
John Apicella (The Call of the Wild, Seinfeld, Freaks and Geeks, Twin Peaks, Friends, The West Wing) is a professional actor, and a fellow (and founding) member of The Antaeus Theatre Company (which is how we met). John opens a window for us into his childhood and early adulthood from the vantage point of the man grown wiser from that lived experience. In turns sweet and sad, and always compellingly honest, John shares the regrets he has, and the remorse he feels, for some early mistakes he wishes he could take back. But what emerges from the painful process of taking responsibility for his past actions is an artist with an ethos oriented toward "Living in Truth", and a man whose spirituality is framed by love, connection, and community.
John has a deep love for the transformative power of theatre, and here is a link to an article about one of his favorite playwrights and activists: The great Václav Havel At one point, John delights me by introducing me to an old profession which was still around when he was a kid in Chicago: The Ragpicker
John's Facebook: John Apicella
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Transgender female artist/activist reflects on suicide, addiction, shame in the church; the discovery of her true self; and the privilege of authenticity and a loving perspective.
Joslyn DeFreece (Strange Angel, Daily Show, Comedy Central, CNN) is an actor, writer, and Trans activist. Joslyn tells a heart-wrenching and deeply compelling story about the evolution of her life, her spirituality, and her transgender identity. It is a story marked by moments of extraordinary pain, fostered in part by the shame she endured from the community around her as she struggled to fit what made her "different" into the norms of her society. Her battles with suicide, addiction, and depression thankfully give over to a life filled with healing artistic expression, self-confidence, love and hope. It is an absolutely remarkable and inspiring conversation, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for her willingness to share so openly and vulnerably about her life, her faith, and her transition. It is a wonderful and powerful (50th) episode.
Here are some links to definitions regarding some key gender terms: Cisgender Transgender Non-Binary Joslyn performed in the inaugural "Pride Players" show (now celebrating 21 years!) in Omaha, NE at The Rose Theater. Here's their link: Pride Players
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Fractured childhood with Muslim father & Catholic mother; faith as social justice; activism; silence & reconciliation; and her love for her Boyle Heights community.
Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez is the Executive Director of Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a non-profit charity which works to create a positive, long-lasting impact on children with cancer and their families by providing fun, safe, cost-free, year round camp programs. And since September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, there couldn't be a more fitting guest for this week's show. Fatima reveals a spiritual journey that has always had faith at the center of it, but which found its' ultimate expression in causes of social justice and activism rather than traditional dogma or religious academia. She also has a marked grace, calm, and sense of humor as she unveils what is at times a tumultuous and fractured childhood. Born to a Father of Muslim faith, and a Catholic Mother, a religiously-minded Fatima not only had to navigate the complexities of that faith dichotomy, but act as the go-between for parents who divorced before she entered high school. She speaks about the years of silence between her father and herself, and their ultimate reconciliation on matters of faith. And she talks about her love for being a part of a profession focused on healing and connection, and how much it means to her to have found her beloved community and home in Boyle Heights.
Here are links to a few Boyle Heights institutions that are dear to Fatima's heart: Dolores Mission Church Proyecto Pastoral Homeboy Industries
Fatima's Instagram: @fatima_d
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Christian faith deconstruction; divorce; his mothers' death; therapy, and becoming a therapist; honesty; and his new novel.
Jeff Newburg is a therapist, a lifelong artist, and an old friend of Nick's from their days in a Meisner acting program back when they were in their twenties. Jeff's latest creative focus has been the completion of his first novel - Shame Baseball - which tackles Christian faith deconstruction. Jeff at one time identified as an Evangelical, and Born Again Christian. Through an immense amount of personal work and growth, and illuminated by fatherhood, his mothers' death and his recent divorce, Jeff has left his previous Church home and embarked on an entirely new life journey. It's an extraordinary share, confident and vulnerable and kind, and there's even a moment so unexpected and sincere it knocks Nick for a loop. It was a genuine joy and honor to reconnect, and listen to his story.
Here's where you can buy Jeff's book!: Shame Baseball (There will be an audiobook too!) And here's a link to the Johnny Cash song Jeff and I talk about in the episode: If I Give My Soul (written by Billy Joe Shaver, from the Unearthed Box Set)
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Champion pro golfer on purpose and leadership; retiring mid-round!; rejection; and her new book "Trust: Understanding My Why".
Deb Richard is a five-time LPGA Tour Champion, an executive coach, a philanthropist, the CEO of Burlap Leaders, and the author of "Trust: Understanding My Why," which translates the lessons of golf into successful pathways in leading. Deb is deeply passionate about inspiring people to realize their inherent value and discover a purpose in life that is focused on helping others as much as it is spiritually self-enriching. Driven in her youth by an overwhelming desire to achieve her dream of becoming a champion golfer, she could not have foreseen that it was the very achievement of that dream that would lead to a transformation of her life's purpose and values. Deb tells the story of the dramatic moment when she retired from professional golf, as well as the painful experience that came not long after her retirement when she realized she would have to leave the LPGA completely, and embark on an entirely new personal and professional life journey. It's an inspiring listen, full of enduring faith outside of any religious context, and it was an honor to listen to her journey.
Here is a link to the charity youth camp in Rochester, NY, that made such a transformative impression on Deb as a young golfer: Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus
Deb's LinkedIn: Deb Richard Deb's Twitter: @BurlapDeb
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The burden of Pentecostalism; racism; success in Hollywood; divorce; separation from his children; his renewal of faith and hope; and his love for his Omaha, Nebraska home.
Randy J. Goodwin is a professional television and film actor (Showtime's "Fast Track", UPN's "Girlfriends", Greys Anatomy, 911, American History X), as well as a writer, director and producer. He's also a man of deep faith, with a long spiritual journey that at times represented his greatest obstacle, and at others his greatest source of strength. Raised in a Pentecostal Church in Omaha, Nebraska (Randy and I are both alumni of Creighton Preparatory School), Randy's early dreams were stonewalled by the overbearing rules laid down by his faith community. Today, after two divorces, a tragic separation from two of his children, and having finally severed ties with that negative early church influence, Randy is more content and creatively inspired than at any point in his life. It is a passionate and heartfelt story, full of surprising twists and turns. It was an honor to be on the ride.
Here's an in depth article explaining the historical value and meaning of the family-owned barbershop Randy mentioned in the show: Goodwin's Spencer St. Barber Shop Here's an article about "The Tragic Title Fight That Changed Boxing", which was an inspiration for Randy's movie "The Job": Kim Duk-Koo v. Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini And finally, here's a link to Saddleback Church, home of Pastor Rick Warren, where Randy is a faithful member: Saddleback Church
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His mothers' paranoia; her life as a traveling evangelist, exorcist and faith healer; a sad and shameful discovery; the separation and ultimate reconnection with his father; Josh's evolution of faith, and his journey of forgiveness.
A commercial, music video and short film producer for over 15 years (Elton John, Paul McCartney, Kelly Clarkson, Gatorade, Google, Beats by Dre, "Atlanta", "Neighbors"), Joshua Martinez has one of those stories that's almost too incredible to believe. Telling it for the first time ever publicly, Josh's story is enthralling, mystifying, heart-wrenching and hopeful.
Josh's mother is a faith-healer, exorcist, and preacher who moved her family constantly throughout his youth, interpreting her dreams as literal messages from God which often told her to begin her ministry again in a new place. Her dreams told her many other things too, things that it took Josh years to unravel and understand. It is an astounding life journey, and Josh tells it compassionately, openly, kindly, and with forgiveness. It is an honor to share it with you, and it's not one to miss.
Josh was raised in the world of televangelists. Here are links to videos of the preachers he mentions in the show: Benny Hinn Kenneth Hagin John Osteen & Kenneth Copeland (a Covid-19 classic)
Josh's Official Website: producedbyjosh.com Josh's Instagram: @joshmartinez83
Official Website: nicholasdagosto.com Instagram: @nicholasdagosto Twitter: @nicholasdagosto Music by Sean Whalen, Art by Alexandra Delano
Living with terminal brain cancer; thanking God for every day of his life; how all we can control is our reaction to an event; finding sobriety as a younger man; a spiritual connection with his Grandmother; and the fullness of every day.
Michael J. has worked primarily as a television, film and stage writer (Drunk History, Dog Bites Man, Viral on Full Screen, the original Vice Studios), but he also has two graduate degrees (University of Michigan and Pepperdine University), has worked as a tour guide in Rome, started his own theatre company in Los Angeles with friends, and speaks fluent Polish (he moved to the States with his parents when he was two years old). Michael shares about how his Grandmother introduced him to the idea of God, what it was like to be an immigrant and only child born to parents who were also both only children, and how he found sobriety. But the event that stopped time for him, and is now the dominant and guiding force of his life, was his diagnosis with brain cancer in 2016.
To be the listener on the receiving end of Michael's story, as he reflected openly on the journey and state of his life, was a genuine honor. His sincere and humble message of gratitude for each day of life we are given is profoundly moving, and the wisdom he shares regarding how our power resides only in our reaction to life events is deeply impactful. This conversation meant a great deal to me. I hope you'll find it equally as resonant.
Michael has honed a skill I very much desire - the consistent production of the perfectly hard-boiled egg. Someday I will be the student to his master, and learn his ways. Until then, here's a recipe that'll probably get you close enough: Hard Boiled Eggs
Michael J's Facebook: Michael Jedrzejewski
Official Website: nicholasdagosto.com Instagram: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow Twitter: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow Music by Sean Whalen, Art by Alexandra Delano
The challenges of being gay in the Catholic Church; his difficult relationship with his father; processing his husband's cancer diagnosis; candid discussions with his mother about religion; and why comedy is more than just laughs.
Eric Blume (Writer/Director/Producer at Comedy Central, Netflix, truTV, Funny Or Die!, Cartoon Network; Commercial Director for J. Crew, L'Oreal, Axe) is the guest this week, and he and Nick are old friends, having met doing promotional stuff on Comedy Central for FIRED UP (a long time ago). Eric was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a Roman Catholic, although he doesn't practice the tradition today. He has affection for his Catholic education, and a loving relationship with his mother who still practices it, but Eric shares that he just never really connected deeply with the faith. Nor did he appreciate the rejection and judgement from the Church that came along with his being gay. Eric opens up about his difficult relationship with his father, the scare he went through when his husband David was diagnosed with cancer, and why comedy is more than just laughs. Eric is funny, irreverent, kind, generous and revealing throughout the conversation, which makes for a special episode. It was a joy to dig in with an old friend.
At one point we discuss the mystery of the Catholic Trinity, and the difficult to discern nature of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. Here's a link that emphasizes the Holy Spirit as being a God-person: Who Is The Holy Spirit? Looking for a deeper dive?: Explaining the Trinity And here is a link to works by the poetry professor Eric speaks of warmly in the episode: Bruce Weigl
Eric's Official Website: theericblume.com Eric's Instagram: @theericblume
Official Website: nicholasdagosto.com Instagram: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow Twitter: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow Music by Sean Whalen, Art by Alexandra Delano
A diagnosis of breast cancer at 30 years old; her physical and spiritual transformation; growing up an Orange County Christian; stories from Broadway and Hollywood; and the dawning of her self-realization, independence, and new life perspective.
Actor, singer and Broadway star Krysta Rodriguez (Stage: In The Heights, The Addams Family, First Date, Spring Awakening... Screen: Smash, Chasing Life, Quantico, Daybreak) generously hops on the phone with Nick from her place in New York City, and she tells a powerful story about her evolution of faith, and the physical and spiritual transformation she undertook after battling breast cancer at just 30 years old. Nick and Krysta became friends during their time on Trial & Error together, but they actually met a few years before that on a pilot, just a few months before Krysta would get her cancer diagnosis. It's an extraordinary journey to listen to, and Krysta is funny, honest, raw, revealing and self-assured as she confidently guides us through her faith and doubt, the centering existential threat of cancer, and the self-revelations of her survival. It's an absolute honor to share her story with you.
At one point, Krysta speaks about the blog she wrote regarding her year battling cancer. Here's the link: ChemoCouture And here is a link to a powerful interview with Krysta (fit with a tweet and picture of the two of us from Trial & Error) where she talks about what womanhood means in the face of cancer and chemotherapy: TheBreastCancerSite.com Finally, and gleefully, here is the link to an episode of the Christian Kids' TV show that Krysta performed on when she was oh so young: Colby's Clubhouse (Note: I chose this one because Krysta has the starring storyline of the episode, even though the film quality is gritty; but there's a wealth of great Krysta stuff all over these episodes, and it is delightful to watch how her talent stands out next to her peers.)
Krysta's Instagram: @krysta_rod
Official Website: nicholasdagosto.com Instagram: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow Twitter: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow Music by Sean Whalen, Art by Alexandra Delano
Spirituality in music; the death of his mother; his father's life with Parkinson's Disease; the Fibonacci Sequence; how everyone who has ever lived still exists in some form on Earth today; and discovering new things about old friends.
Nick's dear friend, John Bobek (A Series Of Unfortunate Events, American Crime, The West Wing, singer-songwriter), visits the show this week, and he shares about the spirituality he finds in music, his father's battle with Parkinson's Disease, and the loss of his mother eight years ago. Nick and John met as theatre students at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and their friendship has blossomed over the 15+ years they've spent together in Los Angeles. The easy familiarity of the conversation reflects that, but that doesn't mean Nick wasn't surprised by many of the new things he discovered about his old friend. It's a deeply heartfelt episode, full of love and affection for life and family and art, and it's an honor to share his story with you. (p.s. Be sure to stay for the Easter Egg at the end of the episode to learn how John got his nickname...)
John's been making beer bread. Here's a link to a recipe: NYT Cooking At one point, John shares about his affection for a brilliant mathematical discovery (from the Middle Ages) regarding patterns in everyday life and nature... here's a link: The Fibonacci Sequence John is inspired by the idea that energy cannot be created nor destroyed and, because of that, a part of everyone who has ever lived still exists in some form on Earth today. Here's a link to an article that speaks to this idea, and the comfort it may provide: The Physics of Death Finally, I used to do a goofy YouTube series with my buddy, Evan Gaustad. Here's a link to an episode that featured John: Unhistorical Skypenactments
John's Instagram: @jonbonjobek John's Bandcamp for Music: John Bobek John's Twitter: @johnbobek
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The influences of Death and Race; a "practical" Black mother and "culture warrior" Black father; processing the early deaths of her mother, father and best friend; grief and self-discovery; the spirituality of music; and her insights into this national moment of race awareness.
Safiya Fredericks (Professional stage actor and singer, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award Winner) joins Nick to speak eloquently and openly about two dominant, overarching forces in her life's journey thus far: Death and Race. Born to a practically-minded Black mother from the South, and an artistically-minded "culture warrior" Black father from the North, Safiya has a unique and elevated perspective on race, and I am grateful for the conversation we shared as she unveiled her story against the backdrop of this current national moment of race awareness. Spiritually, Safiya's journey is dictated not so much by the religion within which she was raised, but by the losses of loved ones she has suffered so early in her life. Through the grief of these losses has come great self-discovery, and an acute awareness of the fragility and preciousness of our lives. It's a compelling, heartfelt, enlightening and compassionate conversation. I hope you enjoy it.
At one point, Safiya speaks about her amazement that Tulsa, Oklahoma's "Black Wall Street" has entered mainstream awareness. Here are two excellent articles about it, and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921: The Race Riot That Destroyed Black Wall Street - Official Black Wall Street The Bezos of Black Wall Street (with video) - Forbes Here is an article about Samuel's Art Gallery, an African American art gallery that was owned and run by Safiya's father for two decades: Samuel's Art Gallery And finally, here's a link to part of a stand-up set by Safiya's friend, comedian Kibibi Dillon, who was tragically killed in a car accident: Kibibi Dillon at Laughs Unlimited
Safiya's Instagram: @safiyaf
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The son of a high-ranking Black Air Force officer; how racism undercuts character and honor; an actor who grew up in a world where he never saw someone like him represented on TV; the great equalizer that is sport; and his love for competition amidst the spirit of team and community.
Joe Holt (The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Law & Order, Scandal, Greys Anatomy) is on the show this week, and we're catching him at a rich and poignant moment in his life journey. The son of a high-ranking, Black Air Force officer, Joe shares a unique perspective on the juxtaposition of where the qualities of confidence, character, aptitude and honor, meet with the insidious, painful and ugly realities of racism. Born to a family of achievers and civil rights activists, and having moved with his family from New Jersey to Alabama when he was twelve, Joe speaks about the struggles he faced as his determination never to make excuses for himself met with the unyielding unfairnesses of being judged foremost by the color of his skin. However, one place where he found an even playing field was in sports, and Joe shares eloquently about what it means to him to compete, and to do it in the context of a loving, team bond. That same energy and love for family and community has fed him as an actor and artist, and his hard-earned wisdom from his journey of self-discovery has brought him to a present moment where, for the first real time in his life, he sees a sustainable future filled with good health, success, and joy. (He's also really funny and we have a good breakfast bit.)
Here's a link to an astounding story of strength exhibited by Joe's father and family in the fight to desegregate schools in Raleigh, North Carolina: "Joe Holt, Jr.: The first student to challenge Raleigh's segregated schools" Joe's Instagram: @joeholtactor Joe's Facebook: Joseph Holt
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A Jesuit Priest on the intersection of sanctity and art; theater as ministry and professional life; a marvelous story featuring his native Long Island accent; the discovery of his religious journey; and his daily effort to live in the fullness of the present moment.
George Drance (Artist in Residence at Fordham University, Artistic Director of Magis Theatre Company in New York City, Resident Artist in La Mama's Great Jones Repertory Company) is a member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic order of priests most often referred to as Jesuits, founded by St. Ignatius de Loyola in 1540. Jesuits are renowned for their educational and charitable works, in which Fr. Drance takes part, but his ministry and professional life have been defined by his work in the theatre. Based in NYC, Fr. Drance has traveled the nation and the globe inspiring communities, fellow artists and students to think more deeply about the world they inhabit, and the possibilities that await us if we can orient ourselves to a greater sense of service to others. I met Fr. Drance when he returned to Marquette University (where we are both alumni) and directed my classmates and myself in a world-premiere production of Calderón de la Barca's auto-sacramental play "Life Is A Dream", which Fr. Drance translated from the original Spanish. As he did then, George left me with a deep impression of his artistic integrity, his rich faith in God, and his good sense of humor and charm (of particular fun is a reenactment of a conversation that features his native Long Island accent).
Here is a link to the scene which George references from Babette's Feast: The General's Toast Here is a link to the bio of one of George's great mentors: Ellen Stewart ... And a link to the memorial tribute of another: Elizabeth Swados Finally, here is a link to an article regarding: The different rites of the Catholic Church George's Instagram: @georgedrancesj George's Facebook: George Drance Magis Theatre Instagram: @magistheatre
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A life of twists, turns, and profound moments; Stricken with polio; becoming a Nun; leaving the Convent to marry, only to lose her husband three years later; entering TV and winning an Emmy; working with refugees and losing a leg; all of this while maintaining a center of hope and joy for living, and the resoluteness to positively pivot off of anything life brings her way.
Dr. Judith Mayotte (internationally-esteemed humanitarian, author of "Disposable People? The Plight of Refugees", and Emmy-Award winning television producer for TBS' "Portrait of America") joins Nick on the phone to share a life story that is as improbable and adventurous as it is spiritual and profound. Born in Kansas to a Protestant family where her father didn't participate in the faith, she was sent away to a Catholic boarding school at the age of four because she was, by her own admission, "such a pill." This unorthodox beginning would foreshadow not only a life of Catholic service, but an extraordinary journey fueled by Judy's stalwart independence, her boundless energy, her moral certitude and her enthusiasm for living. Her life at a glance: Stricken with polio as a teenager, she learned to walk again, became a Nun, left the convent to get her doctorate at Marquette University (my alma mater), would marry and then lose her husband just three years later to cancer, would enter television, would find herself working on behalf of international refugees in Africa where a tragic accident would cost her part of her leg, would enter the US government, and finally would dedicate her life to refugee education and the danger of climate catastrophe... It is a life full of joy and hope in the face of tragedies and bearing witness to great suffering, and it is an inspiring tale on how to cope with, and pivot off of, life's challenges and changes. What an honor it was to listen to her story.
Something wild: It wasn't until after I had set up this interview (through our shared connection to Marquette University) that I realized as a student I had actually taken Dr. Mayotte's class on International Human Rights Law! Also, here is a link to just one of the esteemed international organizations in which Judy has played a formative role: The Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation
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Two previous guests on G.O.D. share about how race has directly affected their lives, about their reactions to the murder of George Floyd, about their reflections on other tragic victims of race violence, and about what yet another national moment of race awareness might mean.
Amanda Payton and Arsène DeLay - both previous guests on the podcast, and dear friends of Nick's - generously agreed to return to the show to discuss both the issue of race and how it has affected them directly in their lives, as well as their thoughts and emotions regarding the present moment as we collectively process the tragic murders of George Floyd, and other victims past and present. Amanda and Arsène are both Black women and, although they speak only for themselves and make clear that every person who has suffered racial abuse has their own unique story to tell, their stories are all too common and universal to the American black experience. They are honest, powerful, complex, horrifying and compelling stories, filled with love and heartbreak for their fellow humans and this country itself. I hope you will take the time to listen. It is impossible for me to overstate how deeply honored, appreciative, and humbled I am that these two extraordinary women took the time and energy to share so openly with me about what it is like living as a Black person in this country. I am grateful to help share their stories, their thoughts, and their messages. I am also grateful for what they've given me as I continue my life journey, hopefully that much more aware of the immense challenges facing some of my friends and fellow humans. At the end of her segment, Amanda mentions a number of resources to which you can turn for education on the subject of race relations, as well as ways to support the causes of civil justice and equality in our country. They are: White Fragility - A book by Robin DiAngelo The Official George Floyd Memorial Fund Minnesota Freedom Fund Black Visions Collective Fair Fight Reclaim the Block NAACP
I would also like to place a link here to an article I found to be very illuminating, and which has already helped guide me on how to approach conversations surrounding race with greater awareness: What Is White Privilege, Really? - by Cory Collins at the Teaching Tolerance website
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