Ave Spotlight

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

alob, andrew laubacher, ave maria press, ave spotlight, faith, free catholic podcast, podcast for the everyday catholic, wellness

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 156: Kickstart the New Year with Humility, Resilience, and Discipline with Alex Gotay

January 6th, 2025  |  33 mins 56 secs

alex gotay, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic podcast, discipline, faith, new year's resolutions, oscar rivera, podcast for the everyday catholic, spiritual growth, the six triple eight

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 the WWII film The Six Triple Eight, Alex unpacks why resolutions often fail and how perseverance shapes character. Discover how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes beyond self-defense, offering lessons in faith, discipline, and spiritual growth. This powerful conversation blends faith, fitness, and fortitude to inspire growth in mind, body, and spirit for the year ahead.

As you listen, reflect on your own resolutions: How can you incorporate humility, resilience, and faith into your journey this year?

Episode 13: Forming & Fostering Community

November 9th, 2020  |  20 mins 11 secs

ave maria press, community, faith, family, gathering together

Catherine Fowler Sample, author of Gather Together and creator of The Dating Project documentary, shares how forming community is essential to our faith and valuable for our well-being and happiness. Fowler Sample offers tips on ways we can foster friendships and relationships even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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.

Episode 6: Sharing Faith with Kids

September 14th, 2020  |  24 mins 17 secs

ave maria press, catechism, catholic, catholicism, faith, faith sharing, jared dees, religion, religion teacher

Catholic author and speaker Jared Dees talks about how sharing faith with kids is not only an essential part of the mission of a family, but a great way for parents to engage more with the faith themselves.

Episode 5: Parenting through the Pandemic

September 7th, 2020  |  58 mins 7 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, catholicism, covid-19, faith, family, gaffigan, pandemic

Ave Spotlight features a special rebroadcast of the episode from Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life with actress, writer, and producer Jeannie Gaffigan, who shares the challenges and joys of being quarantined with her husband comedian Jim Gaffigan and their five children during the pandemic.

Episode 2: Dealing with Anxiety

August 17th, 2020  |  21 mins 28 secs

anxiety, ave maria press, catholicism, covid-19, faith, pandemic, university of notre dame

Gary Zimak, author of Give Up Worry for Lent! And the forthcoming Let Go of Anger and Stress!, joins the show to discuss how to deal with anxiety and fear of the unknown, especially during the pandemic. He also chats about rules for schools opening and share their hopes for the week.