Ave Spotlight

Episode 177: Focused Faith with ADHD with Teresa Violette

October 27th, 2025  |  48 mins 56 secs

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Oscar Rivera welcomes Teresa Violette, Training Director at the CatholicPsych Institute, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about living with ADHD through a Catholic lens. Teresa shares her story of being diagnosed as an adult and reflects on the misconceptions around ADHD—why it’s more than just “not paying attention,” and how even the name might need a rethink. Together, they discuss the challenges of executive functioning, the struggle to stay focused in prayer, and the beauty of seeing one’s unique wiring as a gift from God. Discover how God works powerfully in our scattered moments and uses even our imperfect focus to draw us closer to him.

Episode 174: The Power of Rhythm and Light for Our Mental, Spiritual, and Physical Health with Andrew Laubacher

September 15th, 2025  |  46 mins 22 secs

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Oscar talks to Andrew Laubacher to explore how faith, fitness and intentional living can free humanity from a digital overload. They talk about morning routines, circadian rhythms, and the power of the sun, then they dive into technology impacts on the rhythm of life and mental health. Inspired by Saint Carlo Acutis, Andrew shares practical wisdom on digital detox, balance, and the importance of connection (person-to-person) in a distracted world. It time to shine a spotlight on how humanity and reality need to be in union again.

Episode 173: Pier Giorgio Frassati and the Wonder of Virtuous Living with Bobby Angel

September 1st, 2025  |  38 mins 11 secs

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In a noisy, distracted world, how do we recover a sense of awe before God?

Oscar and Bobby Angel explore the power of silence, the gift of nature, and the witness of saints like Pier Giorgio Frassati. They unpack how digital overload can dull our wonder, why stepping away from screens matters, and how small encounters with grace can lead to lifelong transformation. Bobby also shares moments from his own faith journey that show how living fully present opens us to God’s beauty.

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 156: Kickstart the New Year with Humility, Resilience, and Discipline with Alex Gotay

January 6th, 2025  |  33 mins 56 secs

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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 123: Compassion in Action Series: An introduction to Catholic Social Teaching with Maria Benes

July 10th, 2023  |  24 mins 18 secs

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In this first episode of our Compassion in Action series, Chenele Shaw and Maria Benes provide an overview of Catholic Social Teaching and its significance in the modern world. Maria sheds light on the key principles and values that guide these teachings.

Episode 119: Finding Hope and Healing from Sexual Addiction with Rachael Killackey

May 15th, 2023  |  24 mins 55 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, chenele shaw, love in recovery, magdala ministries, overcoming sexual addiction, podcast for the everyday catholic, pornography and women, rachael killackey, rediscovering true intimacy with god

On this episode, Rachael Killackey of Magdala Ministries joins Chenele to talk about sexual addiction, pornography, community, and rediscovering true intimacy with God. It’s a powerful discussion that you won’t want to miss!

Episode 116: True Grit: Being a Man of Virtue with Paul George

April 3rd, 2023  |  19 mins 2 secs

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What does it mean to be a man of virtue? This week Chenele and author and Catholic life coach Paul George talk about virtue, the saints, and how men are made for holy grit. George’s new book, Holy Grit, looks at some of the tough issues facing men today—struggles in marriage, parenting, suffering, and finding purpose—to determine areas for growth and take steps toward living the life for which God created men.