Can an atheist and a priest find common ground? In this episode of The Walkup, playwright and author Jonathan Leaf joins returning guest Fr. Rick Riccioli, pastor at Most Holy Trinity–St. Mary Church in Brooklyn.

Together they explore the boundaries between faith and secularism, the surprising depth of spiritual questions in art, and why Christianity still matters in a post-Christian age. From Pushkin to priests, belief to disbelief, this is a lively conversation about doubt, culture, and conviction.

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What happens when theater becomes a form of prayer? In this episode of The Walkup, actor Christopher Domig (Sea Dog Theater) and Jesuit priest Fr. George Drance (Magis Theatre Company) explore the deep interplay between spirituality and the performing arts.

From the legacy of La MaMa to experiences on major sets like The Blacklist and Tuesdays with Morrie, they reflect on how creativity, faith, and vocation inform their lives and work. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a meditation on beauty, purpose, and the transcendent power of story.

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In this episode of The Walkup, Sean O’Hare is joined by Grant Wheeler, Director at The Phoenix—a sober living community using movement and connection to help people rebuild after addiction.

Grant shares his raw and redemptive story of heroin addiction, getting sober, and finding unexpected strength through CrossFit. From panic attacks and family pressure to building sober spaces that are actually fun, this conversation is an honest look at what recovery really requires. Along the way, Sean and Grant contrast church cultures, explore the power of community, and reflect on how physical and spiritual transformation are often more connected than we think.

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In this episode of The Walkup, Sean O’Hare sits down with Kimberly Thompson, a development leader and anti-trafficking advocate with decades of experience at A21, the Human Trafficking Institute, and beyond.

Together, they unpack the dark intersection of technology and human exploitation—from fake job scams to the way digital platforms fuel trafficking at scale. But this isn’t just about the problem. It’s about the people fighting it. Kim shares stories of game-changers and grassroots efforts across the globe, reminding us that systemic change is possible. Whether you’re new to the issue or already in the fight, this conversation offers clarity, challenge, and hope.

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In this episode of The Walkup, Sean O’Hare is joined by Colm Flynn, Vatican correspondent for EWTN, and Colin Nykaza, Director of Outreach at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

Together, they explore the Church’s response to suffering, the power of courageous service, and the enduring relevance of vocations in a fast-moving world. From Colm’s global reporting on the Pope and human rights, to Colin’s work on the ground with young adults and parish outreach, this conversation bridges Rome and NYC—offering insight, inspiration, and a deeply human look at faith in action.

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In this episode of The Walkup, Sean O’Hare brings together an unexpected trio: award-winning actress and writer Iris Bahr, Brooklyn-based priest Fr. Rick Riccioli, and Hollywood veteran Rob Long (Cheers, George and Leo).

Together, they explore the shifting role of the church, the emotional weight of service, and how institutions of faith can either heal or harm. Rob shares stories from behind the scenes of network television and his own search for spiritual grounding. Fr. Rick reflects on what it means to serve a broken world, while Iris wrestles with her own relationship to tradition and belief. The conversation moves from substance and spirituality to humor, healing, and the idea of the church as a “hospital for the broken.”

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In this episode of The Walkup, Sean O’Hare sits down with two deeply thoughtful voices—comedian, writer, and cultural critic Iris Bahr (Curb Your Enthusiasm, X-Rae) and Father Rick Riccioli, a Franciscian friar and pastor serving in Brooklyn.

The conversation weaves through a wide tapestry: from Iris’s time in the Israeli Defense Forces and the emotional toll of war, to Friar Rick’s reflections on priesthood, purpose, and navigating faith in today’s world. Together, they explore the complexities of sexuality, the fear of God, trauma, the role of sacrifice, and the power of choosing love in broken systems.

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In this premiere episode of The Walkup, host Sean O’Hare brings together two fascinating guests from very different worlds: Hollywood director Doug Liman (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Road House) and Haitian Catholic priest Father Louis Merosne.

The conversation spans faith, filmmaking, and personal transformation—from Liman’s journey to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake to Father Louis’ mission to bring hope to his community. Can we find objective truth? What role does faith play in arguments and love? And what do Jesus, Muhammad, and… Trump have in common?

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