Advocate

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.