Ave Spotlight podcast

#Society #Religion #News Talk #News #Ave Maria Press #Catholic #Pop Culture #Faith #Hope

40:54

Taxes, Voting, Recycling—oh my! After navigating this jungle of grown-up responsibilities together, we're taking a quick summer breather to recharge our adulting batteries. But before we temporarily hang up our responsible pants, join us for this special episode packed with our favorite kernels of wisdom from the season so far AND get an exclusive preview of the fresh adulting adventures awaiting you when Grown-Up Stuff returns in late summer! Think of this episode as your adulting victory lap—complete with confetti and zero paperwork required! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Ave Spotlight

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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.

170 епізодів

Ave Spotlight

updated 8 днів тому

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170 епізодів

#Society #Religion #News Talk #News #Ave Maria Press #Catholic #Pop Culture #Faith #Hope

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Ave Spotlight

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Episode 171: Holy Imagination in the Classroom: A Conversation with Amy J. Cattapan 29:50

8 днів тому29:50

29:50

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 the classroom. Amy also shares her deep devotion to St. Frances Cabrini and Ignatian spirituality—two powerful influences behind her newest retreat book, Hope Without Borders . We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Learn More About Amy J. Cattapan…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 170: Seen and Beloved: Cristina Pocta on Advocacy, Identity, and Hope 51:35

22 дні тому51:35

51:35

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 overlooked. In this inspiring conversation, she talks about her new initiative to offer real rest to caregivers, the beauty of cultural identity, the hope of heaven, and the deep comfort of knowing that God sees us—especially in our suffering. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Learn More About Cristina Pocta and Seen…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 169: The Universal Church and Urban Roots with Brandon Morel 34:19

5 weeks тому34:19

34:19

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 inspire a gospel rooted in justice and joy. Plus, they explore the surprising harmony between the Church and hip hop, and what it means to become saints in the middle of the city. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Learn More About This Week's Guest, Brandon Morel Follow Oscar Rivera on Instagram…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 168: Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo 37:02

7 weeks тому37:02

37:02

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 beauty and challenges of cultural Catholicism, the need to move beyond fear-based faith, and the importance of healing and hope found in Christ. Mari also shares the mission behind In His Heart Ministries, offering a powerful call to embrace both devotional practices and open, honest conversations about mental health. And yes—there’s a little talk about caffeine-free mornings and why the Sacred Heart continues to transform her life. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram Learn more about our podcast guest, Mari Pablo…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 167: High School Seniors Take Over Ave Spotlight 40:05

9 weeks тому40:05

40:05

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 future of the Church, but the **RIGHT NOW **of the Church. Justin Dery of Dery Music & Media donated his time, talent, and equipment for this episode. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Follow Oscar Rivera on Instagram…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 166: Beyond Labels: Rethinking Sexual Sin and Embracing God’s Pursuit with Kim Zember 35:25

11 weeks тому35:25

35:25

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 freedom, challenging listeners to stop ranking sins and start recognizing how fiercely Jesus is pursuing their hearts. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Follow Kim Zember on Instagram…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 165: Durable Motherhood and Divine Femininity with Pamela Rivera 37:06

13 weeks тому37:06

37:06

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-fits-all and how society is now rebelling against the very image it created. But God’s vision for womanhood is deeper, more durable, and divinely designed. Don’t miss this one. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Follow Oscar Rivera on Instagram…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 164: Cold Matcha, Charisms, and the Call of the Holy Spirit with Jill Simons 44:21

15 weeks тому44:21

44:21

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 challenges listeners to consider diving deeper into what it really means to walk with the Spirit. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Learn More About Jill Simons and Her Ministry…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 163: Last Week of Lent: Finish Strong with Oscar Rivera 21:02

17 weeks тому21:02

21:02

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 has gone exactly as planned or felt a bit off track, these last few days offer a powerful opportunity to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and spiritual growth. In this episode, Oscar shares encouragement and practical wisdom to help you make this final stretch count—so you can prepare your heart for the joy and renewal of Easter. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Follow Oscar Rivera on Instagram…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 162: Faithful Surrender: Adoption, Marriage, and Bold Prayers with Allison Gingras 29:29

19 weeks тому29:29

29:29

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 surrender and trust, which led her all the way to China to adopt a specific child. We also explore the beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage, how God guides couples, and the importance of open communication in following his lead. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Check out Allison's Book, Encountering Signs of Faith…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 161: From Struggles to Strength: Real Talk on Marriage and Faith feat. Mary Bruno 32:36

21 weeks тому32:36

32:36

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 transformation. Mary opens up about her journey through infertility, the adoption of her daughter, and the powerful moment she encountered Jesus in her pain. Together, they explore the beauty of intimacy, the importance of vulnerability, and how God’s light shines through even the darkest moments. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on embracing love, suffering, and purpose in marriage. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Learn More about Mary Bruno!…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 160: Faith, Vulnerability, and the Messy Beauty of Married Life with Renzo and Monica Ortega of Two Become Family Podcast 41:27

23 weeks тому41:27

41:27

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 cultural differences to tackling faith struggles, they open up about what it really takes to build a strong, Christ-centered marriage. And they don’t shy away from the tough stuff—emotional infidelity, societal pressures, sex, and even the Church’s blind spots in marriage formation? It’s all on the table. Want to know the secret to not just surviving marriage but thriving in holiness? Tune in and find out! We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Follow Renzo and Monica on Instagram…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 159: Weights, Wisdom and Social Emotional Learning in Ministry featuring Rhyan Ramirez 43:35

25 weeks тому43:35

43:35

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-awareness and introspection help manage stress and emotions, and the role of faith in overcoming life’s challenges. Throughout the conversation, they share their spiritual journeys and highlight how Jesus plays a central role in every aspect of life. Tune in for an engaging discussion on fitness, faith, and personal growth! We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Follow Bro Rhy on Instagram…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 158: Catholicism and Psychology: Faith, Emotions, and Mental Health with Greg Bottaro 44:00

27 weeks тому44:00

44:00

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 Church’s evolving perspective on the human person, the connection between faith and mental health, and how emotions and relationships mirror God’s creation. They also delve into the Church’s role in mental health conversations, the impact of seasonal depression, and the importance of emotional growth in living a faithful life. This conversation is insightful, authentic, and inspiring. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic ( https://www.fortecatholic.com/ ) Links: Get 10% off your next order at Ave Maria Press! — Use SPOTLIGHT at checkout. Learn More About the Catholic Psych Institute…

Ave Spotlight

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Episode 157: SEEK25 and Memorizing Scripture with Jackie Angel 27:23

29 weeks тому27:23