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.
In this episode of Advocate, Charles Alvidres joins host José García Moreno for a powerful conversation on immigration, resilience, and community healing. Drawing from his work as an LMU counseling graduate student and organizer, Charles reflects on supporting migrant communities facing fear, displacement, and trauma while emphasizing hope, storytelling, and collective care as pathways toward mental health and dignity.
2 Dec 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.
15 Aug 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.
12 Jun 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.
12 Jun 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.
11 Nov 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.
23 Jun 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.
28 Jul 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.
9 May 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.
26 Jan 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.
24 Jan 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.
4 Nov 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.
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