Ave Spotlight

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

April 14th, 2025  |  21 mins 2 secs

almsgiving, ave maria press, ave spotlight, fasting, free catholic podcast, how is lent going for you, lent, oscar rivera, podcast for the everyday catholic, prayer

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

adoption, allison gingras, ave maria press, ave spotlight, family, free catholic podcast, marriage, oscar rivera

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 160: Faith, Vulnerability, and the Messy Beauty of Married Life with Renzo and Monica Ortega of Two Become Family Podcast

March 3rd, 2025  |  41 mins 27 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic teaching, communication, how to talk about sex with your spouse, oscar rivera, renzo and monica ortega, st. john paul ii’s theology of the body, two become family podcast

In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Oscar chats with Renzo and Monica Ortega—podcast hosts, authors, and speakers—for a candid and lively conversation about the beautiful, messy, and unexpected sides of married life. From navigating cultural differences to tackling faith struggles, they open up about what it really takes to build a strong, Christ-centered marriage. And they don’t shy away from the tough stuff—emotional infidelity, societal pressures, sex, and even the Church’s blind spots in marriage formation? It’s all on the table. Want to know the secret to not just surviving marriage but thriving in holiness? Tune in and find out!

Episode 159: Weights, Wisdom and Social Emotional Learning in Ministry featuring Rhyan Ramirez

February 17th, 2025  |  43 mins 35 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, ministry, oscar rivera, rhyan ramirez, social emotional learning

Join Oscar and Bro Rhy (Ryan Ramirez) as they dive into their personal stories, cultural traditions, and compare Olympic lifting with powerlifting. They explore the importance of social emotional learning (SEL) in ministry, how self-awareness and introspection help manage stress and emotions, and the role of faith in overcoming life’s challenges. Throughout the conversation, they share their spiritual journeys and highlight how Jesus plays a central role in every aspect of life. Tune in for an engaging discussion on fitness, faith, and personal growth!

Episode 158: Catholicism and Psychology: Faith, Emotions, and Mental Health with Greg Bottaro

February 3rd, 2025  |  44 mins

ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic psychologist, catholicism and psychology, catholicpsych institute, connection between faith and mental health, greg bottaro, oscar rivera, seasonal depression

Join Oscar and Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, for a thought-provoking discussion at the intersection of faith, science, and human vulnerability. In this episode, they explore the Catholic Church’s evolving perspective on the human person, the connection between faith and mental health, and how emotions and relationships mirror God’s creation. They also delve into the Church’s role in mental health conversations, the impact of seasonal depression, and the importance of emotional growth in living a faithful life. This conversation is insightful, authentic, and inspiring.

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 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 155: Mary, Music, and Misunderstood Classics with Oscar Rivera

December 20th, 2024  |  23 mins 13 secs

and mary, ave maria press, ave spotlight, christmas movies, christmas songs, oscar rivera, our mother

Get ready to jingle all the way through this festive episode! Oscar’s counting down his top 5 Christmas jams, spilling the tea on the most misunderstood holiday classics, and tackling the ultimate Christmas debate: Did Mary Know? But it’s more than just the music—Oscar dives into Mary’s incredible role in the Christmas story, highlighting her strength, faith, and why she’s the real MVP of the season. Whether you’re here for hot takes, fresh insights on your favorite carols, or a deeper appreciation for the queen of Christmas herself, this episode is your holiday vibe!

Episode 154: Embracing Mercy and Hope for the Jubilee Year with Joan Watson

December 9th, 2024  |  28 mins 51 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, joan watson, jubilee year of hope 2025, opening the holy door, oscar rivera, pilgrimage, rome, st. peter's basilica, verso ministries

Join Oscar and Joan Watson, Catholic speaker, writer, and pilgrim formation manager at Verso Ministries, for an enlightening journey into the Jubilee year! Discover the rich symbolism of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica and its profound connection to God's boundless mercy. Joan shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, Opening the Holy Door, offering reflections that will inspire your faith. The episode concludes with an uplifting conversation about gratitude, hope, and the exciting possibilities of future pilgrimages with Verso Ministries. Tune in and prepare your heart for the Jubilee year this Advent season!