Ave Spotlight

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

November 25th, 2024  |  32 mins 36 secs

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

August 16th, 2024  |  26 mins 27 secs

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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.

Episode 136: Best of Ave Spotlight: It's Time for a Revival with Joel Stepanek

January 5th, 2024  |  25 mins 14 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, chenele shaw, eucharistic revival, free catholic podcast, joel stepanek, national eucharistic congress, podcast for everyday catholics

This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist!

Episode 133: Catholic Art and Media: Holy Laughter! Conversation with Catholic Comedians Scott Vinci and Carl Kozlowski

November 27th, 2023  |  22 mins 41 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, carl kozlowski, catholic comedy, chenele shaw, finding humor in the journey of faith, podcast for everyday catholics, scott vinci, the lighter side of faith

Get ready for a holy dose of laughter on this episode of Ave Spotlight! Join host Chenele as she sits down with Catholic comedians Scott Vinci and Carl Kozlowski. Together, they delve into the transformative power of laughter and the art of not taking life too seriously. Get ready for a joy-filled conversation that explores the lighter side of faith and the beauty of finding humor in the journey.

Episode 118: It's Time for a Revival with Joel Stepanek

May 1st, 2023  |  24 mins 46 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, chenele shaw, eucharistic revival, free catholic podcast, joel stepanek, national eucharistic congress, podcast for everyday catholics

This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist!