Rockstar Priest: A Chat with John Francis O'Mara

Exploring the Intersection of Faith, Music, and Hope with John Francis O'MaraIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English converses with John Francis O'Mara, an ordained Episcopalian priest and rock-and-roll enthusiast who has just released his new album, 'Forbidden Hymns.' Tune in to hear about John's fascinating journey from divinity school at Princeton University to working with John Carter Cash. They discuss the decade-long delay of his album release, the evolution of his lyrics, and his perspective on integrating the sacred with the secular. John shares heartfelt stories about collaboration and personal challenges, including his recovery journey and activism. Explore themes of human dignity, collective hope, and the power of music to transcend traditional boundaries.00:00 Introduction to Curious Goldfish01:30 Meet John Francis O'Mara02:42 The Story Behind Forbidden Hymns03:53 The Delay and Its Impact08:19 The Evolution of Song Meanings14:45 John's Unique Background15:38 Music and Faith Intertwined20:45 Breaking Down Sacred and Secular27:37 Growing Up in the Bible Belt27:59 Musical Influences and Bono28:50 Selective Memory in Faith29:25 Defining Musical Genre30:16 Outlaw in the Genre33:24 Faith and Sobriety37:32 Album Cover Design39:46 Songwriting Stories44:49 Modern Day Babylon48:10 Curiosity and Excitement for the Future