The Walkup is a bold exploration of ideas featuring a wide range of experts — from scientists, philosophers, artists, and musicians to everyday truth-seekers. Walk up to the table of thought-provoking conversations, hidden insights, and struggles that impact more people than you might think. With no agenda but the pursuit of truth, The Walkup invites listeners to question, learn, and engage with the world in a deeper way. No topic is off-limits — just honest dialogue filled with wonder and laughter.
Episodes of The Walkup
Episode 1
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?
Episode 2
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.
Episode 3
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.”
Episode 4
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.
Episode 5
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.
Episode 6
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.
Episode 7
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.
Episode 8
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.
Episode 9
Father Don Bosco Darsi joins The Walkup from Vijayawada, India, where he leads Talitha Cumi Unnati—a grassroots organization fighting human trafficking and empowering vulnerable girls through education and dignity-based outreach.
In this episode, we explore the intersection of Indian Christianity, economic mobility, subsidiarity, and joy—how one priest’s work in rural villages and orphanages becomes a blueprint for global hope. From confronting caste-based oppression to championing healing through faith, Fr. Bosco invites us into a vision of the Church that is vibrant, liberating, and profoundly joyful.
Episode 10
What does art remember that politics forgets? In this episode of The Walkup, host Sean O’Hare is joined by Richard Brookhiser, historian and senior editor at National Review, and Dony MacManus, sculptor, painter, and founder of the Sacred Art School in Florence.
Together, they explore the symbolic force of historic paintings, the shifting meaning of revolutions, and whether the artist or the statesman has the greater legacy. The conversation is a spirited meditation on tradition, truth, and what it means to form a nation—and a soul.
Episode 11
Irish sculptor and educator Dony MacManus returns to The Walkup for a sweeping conversation on artistic calling, faith, and embodiment. He shares how overcoming dyslexia and finding purpose through art transformed his life, and offers reflections on teaching, cultural renewal, and the theological power of the human body. From Pontormo to the crisis of contemporary art, this episode explores how beauty rooted in faith can redeem and reshape the world.
Episode 12
In this episode of The Walkup, actress-producer Kate Maberly and artist Dony MacManus explore the deep roots of creativity—from childhood imagination to classical training, and from faith to futurism.
They discuss the dark underbelly of the film industry, the seductive illusion of social media, and whether AI represents progress or regress. It’s a conversation about beauty, inspiration, and choosing the long road over the fast track.
Episode 13
In this stirring return to The Walkup, Father Louis Merosne shares stories from the frontlines of spiritual and social renewal in Haiti.
From surviving natural disasters and rebuilding faith communities, to his encounters with Mother Teresa and moments of profound humility, Fr. Louis speaks candidly about the soul of his nation and the mission that drives him. This conversation explores the intersection of Catholic theology, beauty, and embodied faith—offering a rare glimpse into a life shaped by radical love and purpose.
Episode 14
Tom Williams is the CEO of Came to Believe Recovery, a global movement reviving the original spiritual roots of the 12 Steps.
In this episode of The Walkup, Tom shares his path from addiction and Army service to becoming a fitness coach, MBA graduate, and leader in recovery ministry. With over 100 retreats under his belt, Tom talks candidly about grace, trauma, ego, and the misunderstood heart of the 12 Steps. We dive into the stories that shaped him—hidden struggles, personal breakthroughs, and the radical hope that recovery offers to anyone ready to surrender.
Episode 15
In this episode of The Walkup, Sean sits down with artist Dony MacManus and Stephen Auth, CIO of Federated Global Equities and author of The Missionary of Wall Street, to discuss the soul of Catholic art, the crisis of cultural imagination, and the connection between beauty and evangelization.
From Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro to the spiritual metaphysics of sculpture, Dony and Steve challenge the modern divorce of faith from the creative process—and explain why reclaiming that bond could renew both culture and the Church.
Episode 16
In this episode of The Walkup, guest host Will Bower sits down with returning guest Father Louis Merosne, Haitian priest and founder of Mission of the Beloved, for a personal and powerful conversation on devotion to Mary, the Rosary, and the journey of faith.
Together they explore the beauty of Catholicism from both intellectual and intimate angles—wrestling with misconceptions, family expectations, and the tender power of consecration. Plus, Fr. Louis shares stories of grace from his life and work in Haiti.
Episode 17
What does it take to become a world-traveling jazz saxophonist with a sound that grooves as hard as it swings?
In this episode of The Walkup, Sean sits down with Nick Hempton – Australian-born, NYC-based jazz artist – to talk about life on and off the bandstand. From Sydney’s jam sessions to Harlem’s late nights, Nick opens up about learning jazz the hard way, his mission to connect with audiences, and how uncertainty can be a creative asset. They also explore the state of jazz today, the power of musical mentorship, and why rhythm still reigns supreme.
Episode 18
From writing iconic episodes of Seinfeld, Cheers, and Will and Grace, to penning award speeches for Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, comedy legend Tom Leopold brings decades of showbiz stories to The Walkup.
In this episode, Tom sits down with Sean to talk about his unexpected journey into Catholicism, his hilarious (and sometimes chaotic) life in NYC, and what it means to take notes with God. Equal parts heart and humor, this episode dives into confession, connection, and Catherine O’Hara.
Episode 19
In this episode of The Walkup, guest host Will Bower sits down with Father Keith O’Hare, pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA.
From the haunting beauty of Gregorian chant to the challenges and triumphs of building a thriving parish community, Fr. O’Hare reflects on his journey through music, mission, and ministry—from the streets of Queens to the Dominican Republic to suburban Virginia. Together, they explore how spiritual hunger, sacred tradition, and creative expression can come together to renew worship and unify a diverse Church.
Episode 20
Historian, author, and artist Bronwen McShea joins The Walkup for a sweeping conversation on women in the Church, mysticism, biography, and the hidden forces that shape historical memory.
A Yale and Harvard-trained scholar, McShea reflects on her research process, spiritual imagination, and what makes a good story stick. From Fatima to 17th-century France, saints to skeptics, this episode explores faith as both a subject of history and a source of it.
Episode 21
Violinist and composer Ittai Shapira joins The Walkup to explore the deep interconnection between music, memory, and healing.
From his early studies in Israel to a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut and a lifelong commitment to commissioning new works, Shapira shares the personal and collective narratives that have shaped his career. He discusses his collaborations with composers, performances for film and theater, and his groundbreaking work in music therapy — using sound to help audiences and patients alike process trauma and rediscover identity.
Episode 22
Priest and missionary Fr. Louis Merosne returns to The Walkup alongside actor and comedian Iris Bahr for a dynamic conversation on truth, goodness, and the chaos of moral relativism.
From the Catechism to comedy, the two explore how the Christian tradition addresses power, purpose, and the question of who decides right from wrong. With surprising takes on the Vatican’s wealth, maternal instincts, and sociopathy, this episode brings both gravity and levity to a world increasingly allergic to absolutes.
Episode 23
In this episode of The Walkup, Chelsey Hogan and Claire Gagliano tackle everything from the crisis of communication to the psychology of modern marriage.
Together, they explore faith-informed counseling, college hookup culture, socioeconomic pairing, and how our 12-move average reflects something deeper about the American soul. A conversation about what we long for—and how we speak to it.
Episode 24
No host, no filter—just two friends and a mic. In this episode of The Walkup, Chelsey and Claire go off-script and get personal.
They talk about building new friendships in NYC, transforming their health, surviving polar plunges, and why growing up in big families gave them a soft spot for strangers. From marathon prep to elevator panic, this is a conversation about facing fears, sharing stories, and finding unexpected adventure in city life.
Episode 25
Fr. Rick Riccioli returns to The Walkup with stories that move from the sacred to the hilarious.
He opens up about his experience with spiritual direction and adoration, and reflects on how churches can reimagine community. Along the way, we get tales of high school football dreams, quick rapport-building tips, and even advice on buying a house at 23. It’s a soulful, grounded conversation about confidence, calling, and making a new home in New York.
Episode 26
In this episode of The Walkup, Sean is joined by Atticus Firey, national leader of The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers, and Rebecca Smith, a licensed social worker and strategic philanthropy expert.
Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at addiction recovery, spiritual renewal, and the systems that support second chances. With stories from the front lines—from confronting fentanyl to funding free childcare—they reveal how faith, grit, and radical generosity can transform entire communities.
Episode 27
Kiernan Doyle joins The Walkup to share his journey from working the crew side of productions to starring on Netflix and filming opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.
A trained actor and seasoned set veteran, Kiernan reflects on life inside the industry—balancing spontaneity and structure, navigating union strikes, and the magic of collaborative creativity. Whether he's behind the scenes of SNL or stepping into the ring as Conor McGregor, Kiernan brings wit, work ethic, and a whole lot of hustle.
Episode 28
Saxophonist Nick Hempton has toured the globe bringing “big fat grooves and strong melodies” to audiences from NYC to Sydney to Shanghai.
In this episode of The Walkup, Nick and his jazz collaborators open up about the legacy of the genre, the culture of jam sessions, the healing power of brotherhood, and the personal journeys that shaped their musical voices. From paying tribute to trumpet great Marcus Belgrave to decoding the unique language of jazz, this conversation riffs on heritage, improvisation, and how music forms community. Whether you’re a jazz head or a curious listener, this one swings.
Episode 29
Recorded on location at the unforgettable Night to Shine event hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation, this episode of The Walkup features heartfelt conversations with Jason Valecia and Luciana Bernal.
Night to Shine is a worldwide prom night experience centered on God’s love, honoring the beauty, dignity, and worth of individuals with special needs. Jason and Luciana share their powerful stories of faith, inclusion, and celebration—and the life-changing impact of a single night where every guest is crowned king or queen.
Episode 30
In The Walkup's second episode recorded at Night to Shine—an international prom experience honoring individuals with special needs—we sit down with Shanel Richard and Emiliana Mesa.
From leadership to friendship, advocacy to inclusion, their stories reflect the power of radical hospitality and what happens when a community comes together to celebrate every individual as royalty.
Episode 31
Fr. Astolfo Moreno, Director of Aid to the Church in Need Colombia, joins The Walkup to share stories from the front lines of faith under fire.
From combating human trafficking to championing global solidarity, Fr. Moreno offers a compelling window into the work of the Church in some of the world’s most persecuted regions. This wide-ranging conversation explores spiritual resilience, the role of priests in the digital age, and how love and leadership can move mountains.
Episode 32
In this special episode recorded in Bogotá, Colombia, we sit down with María José Londoño—financial executive at KFC Colombia and Co-Director of Fundraising at Fundación Abraza un Sueño.
María shares how her journey through corporate finance and nonprofit leadership is guided by faith and a commitment to serving vulnerable children. From innovative fundraising to finding purpose beyond the boardroom, she offers a compelling look at what it means to lead with heart and conviction.
Episode 33
In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Alberto Hadad, priest and director of San José School in Cajicá, Colombia.
Speaking from a country shaped by both beauty and struggle, Fr. Alberto shares his personal journey of discerning vocation, the questions that drive spiritual purpose, and the call to lead through education. We recorded this conversation on-site in Colombia, where his mission continues to inspire a new generation of students to live with clarity, service, and joy.
Episode 34
Juan Dominguez is the founder of Simple Men, a blog and creative platform that invites men into a life of faith, purpose, and responsibility.
In this conversation, Juan reflects on what it means to grow as a man—not in reaction to culture, but in pursuit of virtue. From spiritual fatherhood to social media, martial arts to modern dating, Juan shares the habits and practices that help him stay grounded in a noisy world.
Episode 35
Brother Felipe Chavez is a seminarian with the Legionaries of Christ, currently studying for the priesthood.
In this conversation, he reflects on growing up between Colombia and the United States, his early dreams of playing in the NBA, and the surprising journey that led him to religious life. From powerful retreats to painful goodbyes, Br. Felipe opens up about how he learned to listen for God's voice—and why he ultimately said yes.
Episode 36
Armando Martinez is the founder of Sueños de la Calle, a nonprofit born from his own journey through addiction, homelessness, and healing.
In this episode, he shares the story of how charitable work became a path to freedom—not just for himself, but for countless others. From New York to Colombia, and rehab to Proyecto Guajira, Armando's life testifies to the power of mercy, transformation, and calling.
Episode 37
In this episode of The Walkup, Sean O’Hare sits down with Sarah Royse and Chloe Byers, two Oklahoma-born musicians carving out a unique country music scene in New York City.
From childhoods steeped in music to the serendipity of meeting while working at a restaurant, they share how their passion for performance brought them to the Big Apple. Together, they explore the challenges of pursuing music in a city far from Nashville, the camaraderie of the local country scene, and how New York’s diversity fuels their songwriting. The conversation blends storytelling, insight, and the relentless pursuit of musical dreams.
Episode 38
In this powerful episode recorded at the New York Encounter, we sit down with Fr. Don Bosco Darsi, a priest in Vijayawada, India, and the founder of Talitha Cumi Unnati—an organization working to end trafficking and uplift girls through education. Fr. Darsi shares heartbreaking realities and the transformative hope at the center of his mission. His story is a moving example of how memory and hope shape not only lives, but entire communities.
Episode 39
Recorded at New York Encounter, this special episode weaves together two powerful stories—one from a celebrated filmmaker, the other from a Cardinal. Deniz Demirer shares how art, family, and absurdity coexist in his work, while Cardinal Seán O’Malley reflects on decades of priesthood and the sacred responsibility of leadership. Together, their voices explore beauty, identity, and the pursuit of meaning.
Episode 40
Live from New York Encounter, we speak with two guests devoted to the dignity of the most vulnerable: Julio Egrejas, CEO of Betânia Serviços Solidários, and Antonio Carlos Tavares de Mello, founder of the Jesus Child Community in Brazil.
Julio shares how Catholic nonprofits can thrive through strategic volunteer and fundraising initiatives, while Antonio describes his journey building a home for abandoned children with disabilities. From the streets of Rio to the heart of Petrópolis, their stories embody healing, belonging, and mission.
Episode 41
This conversation with Fr. Vincent Druding dives into his calling to serve the poor and spiritually afflicted.
Fr. Vincent shares his journey from inner-city ministry to founding the Franciscan Sisters of the Pure Heart, a new religious community rooted in healing, purity, and spiritual deliverance. From exorcism to community building, this episode explores the real-life struggles and deep joys found in radical faith.
Episode 42
At New York Encounter 2025, we sat down with two guests working at the intersection of ethics, technology, and public life.
Carter Snead, professor of law at Notre Dame and one of the world’s foremost experts in public bioethics, shares reflections on the moral obligations embedded in our laws and systems. Christine Rosen, cultural commentator and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, explores how memory and experience are shaped—and often distorted—by our digital age. This episode probes what it means to be human, and how memory, tradition, and moral clarity might guide us through cultural confusion.
Episode 43
Recorded at New York Encounter 2025, sociologist Brad Wilcox (University of Virginia), political scientist Robert Putnam (Harvard), and theologian William T. Cavanaugh (DePaul) explore the intersection of religion, relationships, and renewal in modern society.
The conversation spans shifting trends in marriage and family, the revival of spiritual interest among Gen Z, and alternative models of economy that prioritize community over consumption. A rich dialogue on what’s fracturing us—and what can bring us back together.
Episode 44
Bishop Earl Fernandes of the Diocese of Columbus joins The Walkup for a candid conversation on the future of the Church and its mission in the digital age.
We explore the Church’s unique opportunity in a world dominated by social media, the rise of young Catholic leadership, and the vocation crisis reshaped by innovative outreach. With both pastoral depth and cultural awareness, Bishop Fernandes reflects on faith, family, and the spiritual hunger of a restless generation.
Episode 45
In this episode of The Walkup, Sean O’Hare sits down with actress and writer Iris Bahr for a conversation that moves from the absurd to the deeply human.
Drawing on Iris’s astonishing hit-and-run experience and the surreal world of New York City hospitals, they explore what suffering reveals about vulnerability, resilience, and the desire for healing. Along the way, Sean and Iris reflect on forgiveness, the limits of self-reliance, and why stories of crisis—on screen and in life—hold such power. Together, they trace how humor, honesty, and unexpected grace can illuminate the fractures and the faith within everyday life.
Episode 46
In this episode, Sean is joined by sculptors Dony Mac Manus and Christopher Alles to explore a world most people never encounter up close: the ancient, demanding, deeply spiritual craft of classical sculpture.
Chris shares how a college drawing class, a study-abroad coincidence, and an unexpected invitation led him—at just nineteen—to Florence, where he apprenticed under Dony in the historic studio of Fra Angelico. Dony recounts the origins of his mission to revive the bottega model and form artists both technically and spiritually—a vision that eventually contributed to a sacred art school and significant commissions, including a bronze altarpiece now housed in Rome.
Together, they reflect on mentorship, vocation, the Church’s role as patron, and the interior life that shapes the work of an artist.
Episode 47
In this episode of The Walkup, recorded live at the New York Encounter, we explore what it means to live deeply in today’s fast-paced, distracted world.
Professor Michael Hanby reflects on cultivating depth through education, art, and attention to the beauty of life. Aaron Richard Carr shares his personal journey of conversion, discovering Christ through encounter, love, and grace. And Harvard biologist Martin Nowak reveals how cooperation — not competition — is the hidden engine of evolution, preparing humanity for love and community.
Join us for a conversation that bridges philosophy, faith, and science — and offers hope for a world searching for meaning.
Episode 48
From the sun-soaked streets of Cancun to the elite stages of Cuba and the U.S., Ursula Grunewald shares her journey as a dancer, choreographer, and global performer.
She talks about training at Havana’s prestigious National Art School, touring with top Latin American artists, and finding a sense of home in the unlikeliest of places. This episode explores resilience, artistry, and the pursuit of passion across continents.
Episode 49
In this lively conversation, we sit down with Harry Lennix, an actor with a fascinating journey from seminary prep to Broadway, to explore the rich tapestry of Catholic faith, tradition, and ritual.
From the Immaculate Conception and the Eucharist to the symbolism of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Library, we dive deep into the intersections of theology, history, and daily practice. Along the way, we discuss the beauty of church architecture, the meaning behind priestly collars, the spiritual significance of marital language in scripture, and even share humorous and heartfelt Passover stories with some unexpected twists.
Episode 50
In this episode, we sit down with James Van Mieter to explore his 11-year journey with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).
From his first mission trip in the Yucatan Peninsula to evangelizing on college campuses across the U.S. and serving internationally, James shares the joys, challenges, and spiritual growth that come with living fully for Christ. We dive into what it really means to be a missionary, the realities of fundraising, mentorship, and leadership, and how even casual connections—like joining a club volleyball team—can shape lives in unexpected ways.
Whether you’re curious about campus ministry, Catholic mission work, or living intentionally for your faith, this conversation offers an authentic look at one man’s calling and the long-lasting impact of discipleship.
Episode 51
In this episode of The Walkup from the New York Encounter, we explore the transformative power of education and human connection.
David & Sean discuss the true purpose of teaching—not just transmitting skills, but nurturing wisdom, judgment, and moral responsibility. From the challenges of the U.S. education system to practical steps fostering unity between Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land, we examine how curiosity, values, and community can shape lives and societies.
A conversation about hope, mission-driven schools, and the enduring impact of human engagement in learning and coexistence.