Ave Spotlight

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 148: The Difference Between Piety and Scrupulosity and the Power of Longing for God with Tanner Kalina

September 16th, 2024  |  31 mins 2 secs

aching for greatness, ave maria press, ave spotlight, longing for god, oscar rivera, scrupulosity, st. augustine, tanner kalina

Ever wonder if your spiritual practices are drawing you closer to God or pulling you away? In this episode, Tanner Kalina sheds light on the subtle dangers of scrupulosity—when devotion becomes obsession—and how it can create barriers between us and the Father’s love. We also journey through the transformative life of St. Augustine of Hippo, uncovering how his mother’s relentless prayers and God’s boundless grace guided him from restless searching to profound peace. Join us as we explore the powerful intersection of faith, grace, and the deep yearning for divine connection.

Episode 147: Back to School Made Simple with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

September 2nd, 2024  |  28 mins 27 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, back to school, back to school tips, csfn, free catholic podcast, mental health, oscar rivera, sr. josephine garrett

Grab your backpack and get ready! In this episode, Oscar sits down with the ever-inspiring Sr. Josephine Garrett from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Sr. Josephine dishes out practical and heartwarming “back to school” tips for parents, teens, and college students alike. From staying organized to staying faithful, she reminds us that even in the busiest seasons, ordinary people can do extraordinary things with God’s amazing grace. Whether you’re gearing up for class or just need a little back-to-school boost, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and a whole lot of heart!

Episode 146: Oscar Rivera is Welcomed to the Ave Podcast Family by Katie McGrady

August 16th, 2024  |  26 mins 27 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, ave spotlight, free catholic podcast, katie mcgrady, national eucharistic congress, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics

In this new episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Katie Prejean McGrady—host of Ave Explores and The Katie McGrady Show on Sirius XM. Together, they discuss the origins of their collaboration, dive into their experience at the National Eucharistic Congress, and share thoughts on the Olympics.

Episode 145: Introducing the NEW Host of Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera!

August 2nd, 2024  |  8 mins 43 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, free catholic podcast, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics

Oscar shares his hopes and prayers for this podcast—that it will bring encouragement, enthusiasm, and empowerment to everyday Catholics to live out their faith as described in Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.”

Follow along at avemariapress.com or subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.