Ave Spotlight

Episode 176: Seeing with the Heart: Dignity, Respect, and Down Syndrome with John Paul Von Arx

October 13th, 2025  |  41 mins 51 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, down syndrome, human dignity, john paul von arx, oscar rivera, respect life

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 beyond superficial inclusion when engaging with people who have Down syndrome or other disabilities. From lessons learned in MMA fights to everyday encounters that challenge our perceptions, this episode invites you to see others—especially those the world overlooks—with new eyes and a fuller heart.

Episode 175: Live Boldly in the Light of Christ with Chika Anyanwu

September 29th, 2025  |  42 mins

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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 shares how God transforms fear into freedom. Together we challenge listeners to embrace their authentic calling and live boldly in the light of Christ.

Episode 174: The Power of Rhythm and Light for Our Mental, Spiritual, and Physical Health with Andrew Laubacher

September 15th, 2025  |  46 mins 22 secs

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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 impacts on the rhythm of life and mental health. Inspired by Saint Carlo Acutis, Andrew shares practical wisdom on digital detox, balance, and the importance of connection (person-to-person) in a distracted world. It time to shine a spotlight on how humanity and reality need to be in union again.

Episode 173: Pier Giorgio Frassati and the Wonder of Virtuous Living with Bobby Angel

September 1st, 2025  |  38 mins 11 secs

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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 can dull our wonder, why stepping away from screens matters, and how small encounters with grace can lead to lifelong transformation. Bobby also shares moments from his own faith journey that show how living fully present opens us to God’s beauty.

Episode 172: More Than Optimism: How to Live with Unshakable Hope featuring Brian Greenfield

August 18th, 2025  |  40 mins 15 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, brian greenfield, catholic faith, free catholic podcast, hope, optimism, oscar rivera, practical wisdom for young people

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, even when comfort tempts us to stop short. Brian shares his powerful conversion story during Eucharistic adoration and offers practical wisdom for young people and parents to enter the back-to-school season with a mindset rooted in faith and perseverance.

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

August 4th, 2025  |  29 mins 50 secs

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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.

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

July 21st, 2025  |  51 mins 35 secs

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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.

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

July 7th, 2025  |  34 mins 19 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, brandon morel, catholic faith, catholicism, cultural evangelization, evangelization, gospel rooted in justice and joy, ministry in new york city, oscar rivera, pierre toussaint, the catholic church and hip hop, the symbol, youth ministry

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.

Episode 168: Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo

June 23rd, 2025  |  37 mins 2 secs

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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.

Episode 167: High School Seniors Take Over Ave Spotlight

June 9th, 2025  |  40 mins 5 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic church, catholicism, high school seniors, oscar rivera, sharing the faith

On this episode, Oscars 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.

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

May 26th, 2025  |  35 mins 25 secs

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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.

Episode 165: Durable Motherhood and Divine Femininity with Pamela Rivera

May 13th, 2025  |  37 mins 6 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, femininity, free catholic podcast, mother's day celebration, motherhood, oscar rivera, 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-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.

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

April 28th, 2025  |  44 mins 21 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, charisms, free catholic podcast, jill simons, oscar rivera, supernatural gifts, the authentic uprising show

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.

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

April 14th, 2025  |  21 mins 2 secs

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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.

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

March 31st, 2025  |  29 mins 29 secs

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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.

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

March 17th, 2025  |  32 mins 36 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, embracing love in marriage, free catholic podcast, infertility and faith, intimacy, maria bruno, marriage, oscar rivera

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.