Ave Spotlight

Episode 188: The Ride of Our Life: Holy Week Reflections

March 30th, 2026  |  29 mins 23 secs

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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 called to respond in return?

We’re not made to avoid suffering, but to embrace it with gratitude and grace, trusting that even our hardships have purpose. This week, as we walk more closely with Jesus, we remember that we’re already strapped into the ride of his love. The question is: will we trust him enough to pull the cord and follow where he leads?

Episode 187: Prayer That Changes Everything Fr. Josh Johnson

March 16th, 2026  |  31 mins 6 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, call to holiness, catholic church, catholic faith, fr josh johnson, free podcast for catholics, oscar rivera, prayer, scripture

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 us hear God’s voice. Slow down, listen, and rediscover how prayer can draw you into deeper relationship with God.

Episode 186: More Than Language with Deacon Charlie Echeverry

March 2nd, 2026  |  55 mins 23 secs

ave explores, ave spotlight, blind spot, catholic church, deacon charlie echeverry, latino catholics, oscar rivera

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 language is only a tool—while culture is the true gateway to evangelization. From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime moment to the real risks of syncretism and cultural Catholicism, this conversation challenges the Church to move beyond simple translation strategies and toward authentic cultural integration rooted firmly in truth.

Episode 185: Evangelizing Youth through Hip Hop and the Eucharist with John Levi Davidson

February 16th, 2026  |  43 mins 8 secs

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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 to guiding students at the historic St. Peter Claver High School in Tampa, Florida, John reflects on legacy, leadership, and why the Eucharist remains the center of everything he does.

Episode 184: Influencers, Algorithms, and the Psalms with Emily Mentock

February 2nd, 2026  |  34 mins 42 secs

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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 rooted in digital mission—not personal branding.

Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures.

Episode 183: More Than a Houston Texans Fan with "Ultimate Fan" Steve Beckholt

January 19th, 2026  |  35 mins 42 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic podcast, fathers teaching their sons to be faithful, football and faith, houston texans ultimate fan, living the catholic faith, 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 standing by a team through criticism, Steve draws powerful parallels between lifelong fandom and steadfast devotion. This episode challenges listeners to live their faith boldly, lead their families by example, and remain rooted in Christ even when the noise gets loud.

Episode 182: Human Dignity Isn’t Optional featuring Gloria Purvis

January 5th, 2026  |  54 mins 1 sec

ave maria press, ave spotlight, equity, gloria purvis, human dignity, justice, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics

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 Catholic School discipline to the Church’s response to racial injustice, Gloria challenges listeners to confront false narratives and reclaim justice and equity rooted in our rich faith.

Episode 181: Thoughts from Oscar on Advent and Christmas

December 22nd, 2025  |  23 mins 56 secs

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Inmid the rush toward Christmas. He invites listeners to spend quiet, prayerful moments before the manger, making space to contempl the final week of Advent, Oscar reflects on prayer during this sacred season, the swiftness of time, and the need to slow down aate the profound truth of God’s immense love for us.

Episode 180: Living with Intention in a Noisy World

December 8th, 2025  |  34 mins 57 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, balancing vocation and career, free catholic podcast, free podcast for everyday catholics, january donovan, living intentionally, oscar rivera

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 vocation and career, embracing dignity in every season, and creating a home rooted in peace. Together, we reflect on God’s original design for men and women, discovering how love—rather than performance—builds the flourishing civilization our Creator intends.

Episode 179: The Table is Set (Thanksgiving Edition) with Tim Hanley

November 25th, 2025  |  37 mins

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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 of relationships over success. We dive into the heart behind his restaurant concepts—from Neapolitan pizza to a 90s hip-hop speakeasy—and how each space is designed to connect people in a disconnected world. Rooted in faith, Tim’s journey reveals how vocation, family, and food all point toward the same truth: we’re made for communion.