Advocate

ACTI

ACTI is the Academy of Catholic Thought and Imagination. This podcast focuses on the lived experiences of Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles faculty, students, and staff. We seek to give voice and chronicle the divergent experiences at this university. These episodes document our community and culture. While focusing on ever-changing realities and perceptions, we aim to keep an eye focused on the societal challenges that impact listeners everywhere.

Episodes

  1. 12/02/2025

    Music and Spirituality

    In this episode of Advocate, host José García Moreno speaks with Dr. Kim Harris, SVP Dr. John Sebastian, and John Flaherty about how spirituality and music define their past and identity. They reflect on how sacred music shapes community, cultivates belonging, and gives voice to shared experience. Together, they explore how music resonates with messages that promote justice in the service of faith.

    59 min

  2. 08/15/2025

    Busy with Life and Grad School

    In this episode of Advocate, we welcome Séamus O’Ryan and Edgar Vega, two film graduate students and campus leaders at LMU. They navigate the demanding balance between their creative ambitions and full-time commitments beyond the classroom, which is worth celebrating. As they share how life shapes their storytelling and the challenges along the way, it is evident that their journeys are far from simple.

    45 min

  3. 06/12/2025

    Family Preparedness & Know Your Rights Presentation

    This unabridged presentation in Spanish is a companion to our recently published episode titled "Know Your Rights" and serves as an archive. This timely resource is valuable to Californians, residents of the United States, or anyone who fears separation from their families. The Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic and Bet Tzedek conducted this Zoom presentation.

    1h 21m

  4. 06/12/2025

    Know Your Rights

    In this episode, we focus on the urgent reality of immigrant rights in an increasingly hostile social and political climate. We welcome legal expert Sandra Hernadez of the Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic (LIJC) and two representatives from Loyola Marymount University's Center for Religion and Spirituality—Bob Hurteau and Elsy Arevalo—who share wisdom and experience that will give listeners hope. We also feature a reading from LMU Graduate Theology student Mayra Torres.

    1h 6m

  5. 11/11/2024

    Black Lives at LMU

    In this episode of Advocate, we discuss the experience of being Black on campus at Loyola Marymount University. Theater professor Lawrence Lacey shares his perspective on how identity shapes his work and interactions within the university. Other guests include Nyla Manuel and Brandon McKinney. Brandon is still studying at LMU, while Nyla is a Staff employee and an alum who offers personal reflections on navigating campus life as a Black student. Together, they share their hopes for LMU, where we can celebrate diversity and make every student feel seen and heard.

    37 min

  6. 06/23/2024

    Faith and Dialogue: Amir Hussain on Islam and Catholicism

    Dr. Amir Hussain shares his unique experiences teaching Islam in LMU's Theological Studies department. He offers relatable insights into how people can learn about nontraditional religions at Jesuit universities. With stories spanning decades, his accessible dialogue addresses contemporary issues relevant to the Muslim community. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in interfaith education and the modern Muslim experience.

    50 min

  7. 07/28/2023

    A Space for Jewishness in a Jesuit University

    This compelling episode highlights the vibrant Jewish community thriving on our university campus. Join us as we engage in insightful conversations with two rabbis on campus: Rabbi Zachary Zysman and Rabbi Joshua Hoffman spend time foregrounding aspects of the Jewish faith with wisdom, history, and hope. Advocate met with one alumna, Rebecca Gross, who succeeded in the Jewish community here. Robbin Crabtree joins us as the Dean of LMU's Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts. Delving into our guests' unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions helps reveal a campus tapestry that all faiths can appreciate: a meaningful and transformative journey of fostering a space for Jewishness within a Jesuit Loyola Marymount University (LMU) context.

    46 min

  8. 05/09/2023

    Joy in Melancholia

    Dr. Brian Treanor is the founding Director of ACTI. Advocate welcomes him back in this episode. Dr. Treanor's new book compliments his teaching appointments in multiple Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles departments. A discussion between ACTI's past and present leadership acknowledges the plentiful sources of sorrow and promotes the idea that inescapable grief isn't the final chapter of many stories. This installment includes poetry and clips from an on-campus event. The title of our guest's book is Melancholic Joy: On Life Worth Living.

    44 min

  9. 01/26/2023

    Latine Experiences: Anecdotes and History From Los Angeles

    Fernando Guerra is Faculty at Loyola Marymount University. He also leads Study LA, a critical research institute. Fernando joins this episode of Advocate to discuss notions of identity from a personal and academic perspective. This episode explores the current experiences of Latine students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

    41 min

  10. 01/24/2023

    The Jesuit Open Circle: Stories of Faithful Leadership

    This episode reveals in-depth perspectives of three men residing in the Jesuit Community at Loyola Marymount University. Their on-campus experiences demonstrate dedication in a myriad of ways. Fr. Robert Caro, Fr. Paul Vu, and Fr. Randy Roche joined Advocate to share their stories focused on service in an academic environment.

    36 min

  11. 11/04/2022

    A Conversation about the Dobbs Decision

    Scholars from Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles discuss the legality of abortion. This public event was sponsored by the Bioethics Institute. The distinguished speakers are Jennifer Gumer, Brietta Clark, and Roberto Dell'Oro.

    1h 16m
  • 11 Episodes

About

ACTI is the Academy of Catholic Thought and Imagination. This podcast focuses on the lived experiences of Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles faculty, students, and staff. We seek to give voice and chronicle the divergent experiences at this university. These episodes document our community and culture. While focusing on ever-changing realities and perceptions, we aim to keep an eye focused on the societal challenges that impact listeners everywhere.

Information

  • Creator
    ACTI
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Advocate