Ave Spotlight

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

February 2nd, 2026  |  34 mins 42 secs

2026, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic church, catholicism, digital evangelization, easter, lent, oscar rivera, podcast for catholics, praying with the psalms, psalms

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 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 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 149: Manhood Derailed: How to Get Back on Track with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

September 30th, 2024  |  24 mins 51 secs

authentic male spirituality and fatherhood, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholicism, deacon harold burke-sivers, ephesians 5, manhood, oscar rivera

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 cruise control and the state of modern manhood. Just as a train can coast smoothly when balanced and under the right conditions, the same applies to men navigating life. However, without that balance, cruise control can lead to disaster—much like how many men today risk becoming either overly dominant or too passive. Are we facing a derailment of manhood in today’s society? This conversation is both eye-opening and provocative, offering a fresh perspective that’s sure to spark deep reflection.

Episode 47: Regina Boyd on Mental Health

June 28th, 2021  |  23 mins 47 secs

anxiety, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholicism, counseling, depression, mental health, regina boyd, therapy

Let's talk about mental health: Join Chenele Shaw and mental health counselor Regina Boyd on this special episode where they answer listener questions about everything from managing anxiety to going to therapy.

Episode 15: A Day in the Life of a Country Priest

November 23rd, 2020  |  18 mins 59 secs

catholic, catholicism, cover, priest, priesthood

Fr. Edward Looney, a pastor of two parishes in the diocese of Green Bay and author of A Heart Like Mary’s, discusses his daily life as a priest and shares how he makes time for prayer, connecting with family, and writing.

Learning New Saints

November 2nd, 2020  |  16 mins 23 secs

ave spotlight, catholicism, saints

Meg Hunter-Kilmer, a Catholic blogger and speaker who is known as the "Hobo for Christ," discusses how learning the stories of the saints, especially those who are lesser-known, is an opportunity to grow in personal holiness.

Episode 11: The Indispensable Role of Women in the Church

October 19th, 2020  |  24 mins 34 secs

ave maria press, catholicism, church, women

Jessica McMillan explores the role of women in ministry and authority in the Church. She also discusses women’s understanding of themselves, what they have to offer, and their unique wisdom and insight.

Episode 10: Christ in the Storm

October 12th, 2020  |  22 mins 32 secs

ave explores, ave spotlight, catholicism, covid-19, faith, pontifex, pope francis, rome, urbi et orbi, vatican

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an acquisitions editor at Ave Maria Press, reflects on the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from Pope Francis on March 27th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that the new book Christ in the Storm is a school of prayer for those who find themselves navigating challenging times.

Episode 7: Black Lives are Sacred

September 21st, 2020  |  23 mins 27 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, black lives matter, blm, catholicism, faith, racism

Chenele Shaw talks about her experiences of racism and how it’s affected her relationship with God and explains how recognizing and resting in the sacredness of Black lives is more important than merely acknowledging that Black lives matter.