Ave Spotlight
Religion & Spirituality
About
Want to hear more about life from a Catholic perspective? Listen to host Oscar Rivera as he talks with special guests about culture, current events, and all things Catholic. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your faith and how to live it in the world today.
Episodes
- Episode 191: Motherhood’s Humble Confidence feat. Pamela Rivera
In this episode, my wife, Pamela Rivera, joins me for a heartfelt conversation about how motherhood changes when our prayer life and interior life begin to deepen. Pam encourages listeners to embrace humility, rediscover the beauty of sile…
- Episode 190: Climb Anyway with Joshua Rosa
Josh Rosa joins Oscar to unpack the mindset needed to overcome life’s “mountains.” From stepping beyond comfort zones to rejecting performative faith, he explores how real transformation begins with action—not just emotion. This conversati…
- Episode 189: The Camino de Santiago: More Than Just a Walk feat. TJ Bogan
In this episode, TJ Bogan joins Oscar to talk about the Camino de Santiago as more than a physical challenge, it’s a spiritual awakening. Through his work with Follow My Camino, TJ leads pilgrims through sacred sites and into deeper faith,…
- Episode 188: The Ride of Our Life: Holy Week Reflections
In this Holy Week reflection, Oscar looks back on the Lenten journey—its highs and lows—and considers how God meets us in all of it. As beloved sons and daughters, we can trust that he responds to every effort we make. But how are we calle…
- Episode 187: Prayer That Changes Everything Fr. Josh Johnson
Fr. Josh Johnson shares his journey from spiritual searching to the priesthood and how prayer became the anchor of his life. In this episode of Ave Spotlight, he reflects on the universal call to holiness and the power of scripture to help…
- Episode 186: More Than Language with Deacon Charlie Echeverry
In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Oscar sits down with Deacon Charlie Echeverry to explore the intersection of Latino culture and Catholic faith in a rapidly changing America. Drawing from his book Blind Spot , Deacon Charlie explains why…
- Episode 185: Evangelizing Youth through Hip Hop and the Eucharist with John Levi Davidson
Host Oscar Rivera sits down with Catholic hip-hop artist and school administrator John Levi Davidson for a conversation where history, faith, and mission converge. From raising ten kids to guiding students at the historic St. Peter Claver…
- Episode 184: Influencers, Algorithms, and the Psalms with Emily Mentock
Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence…
- Episode 183: More Than a Houston Texans Fan with "Ultimate Fan" Steve Beckholt
Oscar Rivera welcomes Steve Beckholt—a devout Catholic, Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and Houston Texans “Ultimate Fan”—for a conversation that blends football passion with fearless faith. From praying the Rosary for strength to standi…
- Episode 182: Human Dignity Isn’t Optional featuring Gloria Purvis
Gloria Purvis joins Oscar for a powerful dialogue on faith, race, and the Church’s call to uphold human dignity with no qualifiers. When rightly understood scripture demands justice rooted in love not just law. From Southern roots and Cath…
- Episode 181: Thoughts from Oscar on Advent and Christmas
In the final week of Advent, Oscar reflects on prayer during this sacred season, the swiftness of time, and the need to slow down amid the rush toward Christmas. He invites listeners to spend quiet, prayerful moments before the manger, mak…
- Episode 180: Living with Intention in a Noisy World
January Donovan joins Oscar for a heartfelt conversation on what it means to live intentionally in a noisy, demanding world. From early-morning cappuccinos to setting the tone of the household, January offers practical wisdom on balancing…
- Episode 179: The Table is Set (Thanksgiving Edition) with Tim Hanley
Oscar sits down with Tim Hanley, a restaurateur and former Franciscan brother to talk about what makes community truly come alive. Tim shares how his time with the CFRs shaped his understanding of simplicity, fraternity, and the priority o…
- Episode 178: Faith, Freedom, and the Heart of Sacrifice: A Veterans Day Reflection with Oscar Rivera
In this Veterans Day episode, host Oscar Rivera pauses to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces. Oscar reflects on the themes of faith, discipline, obedience, and sacrifice—virtues shared by both a lif…
- Episode 177: Focused Faith with ADHD with Teresa Violette
Oscar Rivera welcomes Teresa Violette, Training Director at the CatholicPsych Institute, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about living with ADHD through a Catholic lens. Teresa shares her story of being diagnosed as an adult and…
- Episode 176: Seeing with the Heart: Dignity, Respect, and Down Syndrome with John Paul Von Arx
Country singer and songwriter John Paul Von Arx joins Oscar for a heartfelt and uplifting conversation about what it truly means to see the image of God in every person. We talk about human dignity, authentic respect, and how to move beyon…
- Episode 175: Live Boldly in the Light of Christ with Chika Anyanwu
In this episode, Oscar sits down with Chika Anyanwu to talk about growth, creativity, and the struggles of self-doubt and comparison. From cultural connections in food to her powerful experience of Christ’s presence on Holy Saturday, Chika…
- Episode 174: The Power of Rhythm and Light for Our Mental, Spiritual, and Physical Health with Andrew Laubacher
Oscar talks to Andrew Laubacher to explore how faith, fitness and intentional living can free humanity from a digital overload. They talk about morning routines, circadian rhythms, and the power of the sun, then they dive into technology i…
- Episode 173: Pier Giorgio Frassati and the Wonder of Virtuous Living with Bobby Angel
* In a noisy, distracted world, how do we recover a sense of awe before God? * Oscar and Bobby Angel explore the power of silence, the gift of nature, and the witness of saints like Pier Giorgio Frassati. They unpack how digital overload c…
- Episode 172: More Than Optimism: How to Live with Unshakable Hope featuring Brian Greenfield
Catholic speaker Brian Greenfield joins Oscar to explore the raw, grace-filled reality of true hope—far deeper than mere optimism. Drawing on the image of childbirth, we unpack how God calls us to push through life’s trials toward holiness…
- Episode 171: Holy Imagination in the Classroom: A Conversation with Amy J. Cattapan
Author and middle school teacher Amy J. Cattapan joins Oscar to talk about the joys and challenges of teaching seventh graders, keeping students engaged as both readers and writers, and how a bit of “holy imagination” goes a long way in th…
- Episode 170: Seen and Beloved: Cristina Pocta on Advocacy, Identity, and Hope
Cristina Pocta joins Oscar to share her powerful story of love, faith, and advocacy. As a mother of children with spina bifida and the co-founder of Seen, Cristina is on a mission to bring visibility and healing to families often overlooke…
- Episode 169: The Universal Church and Urban Roots with Brandon Morel
Ministry in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart but it's full of grace. Oscar and Brandon Morel talk about the power of cultural evangelization, the immigrant roots of Catholic New York, and how figures like Pierre Toussaint still i…
- Episode 168: Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo
In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Ave Spotlight , host Oscar Rivera sits down with Mari Pablo to explore what it means to grow up bicultural and live out a faith shaped by both tradition and personal encounter. They unpack the beaut…
- Episode 167: High School Seniors Take Over Ave Spotlight
On this episode, Oscar talks to high school seniors from public, private and Catholic Schools about their Catholic experience in each of their school settings. This conversation is not only eye opening but hopeful. These teens are not the…
- Episode 166: Beyond Labels: Rethinking Sexual Sin and Embracing God’s Pursuit with Kim Zember
Oscar and Kim Zember have an honest conversation about how the Church often mishandles sexual sin—treating some sins as worse than others—and how this mindset drives people away from mercy. Kim shares her personal journey of faith and free…
- Episode 165: Durable Motherhood and Divine Femininity with Pamela Rivera
This episode’s guest isn’t just beloved by God—she’s my beloved! I sit down with my wife, Pamela Rivera, for an honest conversation on the strength, beauty, and resilience of motherhood. We talk about how true femininity isn’t a one-size-f…
- Episode 164: Cold Matcha, Charisms, and the Call of the Holy Spirit with Jill Simons
Oscar and Jill Simons have an honest conversation about the Holy Spirit in today’s modernist world. Together they explore the power of charisms—gifts from the Holy Spirit—and how they shape our mission as baptized people. This conversation…
- Episode 163: Last Week of Lent: Finish Strong with Oscar Rivera
As we enter the final week of Lent, host Oscar Rivera reminds us that it’s not the time to dwell on any shortcomings in our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Instead, it’s a moment to refocus, recommit, and finish strong. Whether your Lent…
- Episode 162: Faithful Surrender: Adoption, Marriage, and Bold Prayers with Allison Gingras
In this episode, Oscar sits down with Catholic author and media evangelist Allison Gingras to talk about marriage, family, and the boldness of saying "yes" when God calls you into the unexpected. Allison shares her powerful journey of surr…
- Episode 161: From Struggles to Strength: Real Talk on Marriage and Faith feat. Mary Bruno
In this episode, Oscar sits down with Mary Bruno to unpack the quirks, challenges, and joys of marriage. From humorous food debates to deep struggles with infertility and faith, they share raw and uplifting stories of love, loss, and trans…
- Episode 160: Faith, Vulnerability, and the Messy Beauty of Married Life with Renzo and Monica Ortega of Two Become Family Podcast
In this episode of Ave Spotlight , Oscar chats with Renzo and Monica Ortega—podcast hosts, authors, and speakers—for a candid and lively conversation about the beautiful, messy, and unexpected sides of married life. From navigating cultura…
- Episode 159: Weights, Wisdom and Social Emotional Learning in Ministry featuring Rhyan Ramirez
Join Oscar and Bro Rhy (Ryan Ramirez) as they dive into their personal stories, cultural traditions, and compare Olympic lifting with powerlifting. They explore the importance of social emotional learning (SEL) in ministry, how self-awaren…
- Episode 158: Catholicism and Psychology: Faith, Emotions, and Mental Health with Greg Bottaro
Join Oscar and Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, for a thought-provoking discussion at the intersection of faith, science, and human vulnerability. In this episode, they explore the Catholic…
- Episode 157: SEEK25 and Memorizing Scripture with Jackie Angel
Fresh off the Seek 25 Conference, Oscar and Jackie Angel unpack the power of large conferences that unite young people, spark friendships, and ignite encounters with Jesus. Jackie shares her journey with scripture—from opening her first Bi…
- Episode 156: Kickstart the New Year with Humility, Resilience, and Discipline with Alex Gotay
Step into 2025 with renewed purpose! In this episode, Alex Gotay—Catholic speaker, Marine, and 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor—explores how resilience, humility, and discipline can transform your life. Drawing inspiration from th…
- Episode 155: Mary, Music, and Misunderstood Classics with Oscar Rivera
Get ready to jingle all the way through this festive episode! Oscar’s counting down his top 5 Christmas jams, spilling the tea on the most misunderstood holiday classics, and tackling the ultimate Christmas debate: Did Mary Know? But it’s…
- Episode 154: Embracing Mercy and Hope for the Jubilee Year with Joan Watson
Join Oscar and Joan Watson, Catholic speaker, writer, and pilgrim formation manager at Verso Ministries, for an enlightening journey into the Jubilee year! Discover the rich symbolism of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica and its profou…
- Episode 153: Part Two with Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, On Earth as It is in Heaven
Why has our deep longing for community been overshadowed by division—setting my tribe against your tribe? In part two of our conversation, Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, and Oscar address the pressing issue of disunity and its dangers to God…
- Episode 152: Part One: May Your Kingdom Come with Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat
Join Oscar and Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat as they unpack the powerful words, "may your kingdom come," from the Our Father and uncover the true purpose of this often-overlooked line in one of Christianity's most beloved prayers. They dive i…
- Episode 151: Rough Waters Ahead: A Mission to Navigate Youth Anxiety with Deacon Bob Rice
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of trust issues and anxiety that so many teens face today. Can relational ministry be the ultimate tool for guiding them through the rough waters of adolescence? Join us as we explore the…
- Episode 150: Lion’s, Springboks, and Womanhood: Balance of Strength and Grace with Katie Hartfiel
In today’s episode, we dive into the powerful and mesmerizing springbok—an emblem of both strength and grace. Joined by Katie Hartfiel, we explore how the dignity of womanhood is rooted in the ability to embrace this balance. Through the e…
- Episode 149: Manhood Derailed: How to Get Back on Track with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
In this episode, Oscar talks with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers to explore his roots in Barbados and his lifelong passion for trains. Together, we uncover fascinating insights about trains, drawing a powerful analogy between the mechanics of…
- Episode 148: The Difference Between Piety and Scrupulosity and the Power of Longing for God with Tanner Kalina
Ever wonder if your spiritual practices are drawing you closer to God or pulling you away? In this episode, Tanner Kalina sheds light on the subtle dangers of scrupulosity—when devotion becomes obsession—and how it can create barriers betw…
- Episode 147: Back to School Made Simple with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
Grab your backpack and get ready! In this episode, Oscar sits down with the ever-inspiring Sr. Josephine Garrett from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Sr. Josephine dishes out practical and heartwarming “back to school” tips for…
- Episode 146: Oscar Rivera is Welcomed to the Ave Podcast Family by Katie McGrady
In this new episode of Ave Spotlight , host Oscar Rivera sits down with Katie Prejean McGrady—host of Ave Explores and The Katie McGrady Show on Sirius XM. Together, they discuss the origins of their collaboration, dive into their experien…
- Episode 145: Introducing the NEW Host of Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera!
Oscar shares his hopes and prayers for this podcast—that it will bring encouragement, enthusiasm, and empowerment to everyday Catholics to live out their faith as described in Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apos…
- Episode 144: Chenele Shaw's Final Episode: Gratitude and Excitement for What's Next!
Hello, Spotlight friends and welcome to my final episode of Ave Spotlight . I'm Chenele Shaw, and it's with a mix of emotions that I bring you this farewell episode. For three incredible years, we've delved into meaningful conversations, e…
- Episode 143: Image Perception and Style for Young People with Lillian Fallon
In the final episode of Ignite! Sparking Faith in the Hearts of Teens series, Lillian Fallon, author of Theology of Style , discusses how young people can express their dignity and Catholic faith through their personal style. As a teen, Fa…
- Episode 142: Sparking Faith in the Hearts of Teens: The Saint Squad Effect with Amy Cattapan
When we’re having a bad day or going through a rough patch, some of the greatest comforts come from our friends. Whether it’s to give us advice, pump us up, or just sit with us in the hard stuff, having solid people in our lives is crucial…