Ave Spotlight

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!

Episode 153: Part Two with Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, On Earth as It is in Heaven

November 25th, 2024  |  32 mins 36 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, bishop joseph espaillat, disunity, god's kingdom, ii, oscar rivera, our father prayer, podcast for everyday catholics, unity

Why has our deep longing for community been overshadowed by division—setting my tribe against your tribe?

In part two of our conversation, Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, and Oscar address the pressing issue of disunity and its dangers to God’s Kingdom on earth. They explore how polarization affects our faith and offer practical steps toward reconciliation. Plus, hear a message of hope and Bishop Espaillat’s inspiring closing words. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on the transformative power of coming together.

Episode 152: Part One: May Your Kingdom Come with Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat

November 11th, 2024  |  32 mins 3 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, bishop joseph espaillat, catholic podcasts, living for god's kingdom, oscar rivera, our father prayer, podcasts for the everyday catholic

Join Oscar and Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat as they unpack the powerful words, "may your kingdom come," from the Our Father and uncover the true purpose of this often-overlooked line in one of Christianity's most beloved prayers. They dive into what it really means to invite God's Kingdom into our lives, exploring whether faith has become too individualized and how we can refocus on community and unity. Along the way, we’ll explore an “amen or ouch” approach to speaking truth that challenges and inspires. Grab a cup of matcha (or a plate of mangú!) and let’s explore what living for his kingdom looks like today.

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

October 28th, 2024  |  37 mins 21 secs

accompaniment, ave spotlight, deacon bob rice, free catholic podcast, living the gospel, oscar rivera, teens, the anxious generation, youth ministry

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!

Episode 150: Lion’s, Springboks, and Womanhood: Balance of Strength and Grace with Katie Hartfiel

October 11th, 2024  |  24 mins 14 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic podcast, dignity of women, example of mary, katie hartfiel, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics, womanhood

In today’s episode, we dive into the powerful and mesmerizing springbok—an emblem of both strength and grace. Joined by Katie Hartfiel, we explore how the dignity of womanhood is rooted in the ability to embrace this balance. Through the example of Mary, the mother of God, we discuss how embodying both strength and grace enriches not only a woman's identity but society as a whole. Together, we’ll unpack the importance of recognizing and valuing these two, Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the essential role women play when they embrace their full potential.

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.