Ave Spotlight

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 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 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.

Episode 157: SEEK25 and Memorizing Scripture with Jackie Angel

January 20th, 2025  |  27 mins 23 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, bible, free catholic podcast, jackie angel, memorize scripture, oscar rivera, scripture, seek

Fresh off the Seek 25 Conference, Oscar and Jackie Angel unpack the power of large conferences that unite young people, spark friendships, and ignite encounters with Jesus. Jackie shares her journey with scripture—from opening her first Bible at eighteen years old to writing Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God’s Word. Together, they break down how scripture can transform lives, strengthen relationships, and inspire faith, no matter where you’re starting from. Tune in and let’s talk about how the Sacred Word of God speaks to us and meets us right where we are.

Episode 151: Rough Waters Ahead: A Mission to Navigate Youth Anxiety with Deacon Bob Rice

October 28th, 2024  |  37 mins 21 secs

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In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of trust issues and anxiety that so many teens face today. Can relational ministry be the ultimate tool for guiding them through the rough waters of adolescence? Join us as we explore the thrilling yet perilous world of accompanying teens and how we can help teens recognize that they are not just the future—they are the right now!

Get ready for an insightful conversation with Deacon Bob Rice about the mission territory that is ministry to youth and how living the Gospel can be the life raft they need. Buckle up, because this episode is all about embracing the deep waters of youth ministry!