Ave Spotlight

Ave Maria Press

Want to hear more about life from a Catholic perspective? Listen to host Oscar Rivera as he talks with special guests about culture, current events, and all things Catholic. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your faith and how to live it in the world today.

  1. Live Boldly in the Light of Christ with Chika Anyanwu

    1D AGO

    Live Boldly in the Light of Christ with Chika Anyanwu

    In this episode, Oscar sits down with Chika Anyanwu to talk about growth, creativity, and the struggles of self-doubt and comparison. From cultural connections in food to her powerful experience of Christ’s presence on Holy Saturday, Chika shares how God transforms fear into freedom. Together we challenge listeners to embrace their authentic calling and live boldly in the light of Christ. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

    42 min
  2. The Power of Rhythm and Light for Our Mental, Spiritual, and Physical Health with Andrew Laubacher

    SEP 15

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

    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. Andrew Laubacher, aka ALOB, was raised in Ventura, California, where he attended Mass, played many sports, hung at the beach and was always into music. He attended Catholic school before switching to a public school because he was “tired of the Catholic rules.” In high school, he partied hard. After a serious wake-up call, he decided to attend a Steubenville Youth Conference where he found God. That changed his life. ALOB received degrees in theology and philosophy from Franciscan University. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

    46 min
  3. Pier Giorgio Frassati and the Wonder of Virtuous Living with Bobby Angel

    SEP 1

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

    *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. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

    38 min
  4. More Than Optimism: How to Live with Unshakable Hope featuring Brian Greenfield

    AUG 18

    More Than Optimism: How to Live with Unshakable Hope featuring Brian Greenfield

    Catholic speaker Brian Greenfield joins Oscar to explore the raw, grace-filled reality of true hope—far deeper than mere optimism. Drawing on the image of childbirth, we unpack how God calls us to push through life’s trials toward holiness, even when comfort tempts us to stop short. Brian shares his powerful conversion story during Eucharistic adoration and offers practical wisdom for young people and parents to enter the back-to-school season with a mindset rooted in faith and perseverance. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

    40 min
  5. Holy Imagination in the Classroom: A Conversation with Amy J. Cattapan

    AUG 4

    Holy Imagination in the Classroom: A Conversation with Amy J. Cattapan

    Author and middle school teacher Amy J. Cattapan joins Oscar to talk about the joys and challenges of teaching seventh graders, keeping students engaged as both readers and writers, and how a bit of “holy imagination” goes a long way in the classroom. Amy also shares her deep devotion to St. Frances Cabrini and Ignatian spirituality—two powerful influences behind her newest retreat book, Hope Without Borders. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

    30 min
  6. Seen and Beloved: Cristina Pocta on Advocacy, Identity, and Hope

    JUL 21

    Seen and Beloved: Cristina Pocta on Advocacy, Identity, and Hope

    Cristina Pocta joins Oscar to share her powerful story of love, faith, and advocacy. As a mother of children with spina bifida and the co-founder of Seen, Cristina is on a mission to bring visibility and healing to families often overlooked. In this inspiring conversation, she talks about her new initiative to offer real rest to caregivers, the beauty of cultural identity, the hope of heaven, and the deep comfort of knowing that God sees us—especially in our suffering. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

    52 min
  7. The Universal Church and Urban Roots with Brandon Morel

    JUL 7

    The Universal Church and Urban Roots with Brandon Morel

    Ministry in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart but it's full of grace. Oscar and Brandon Morel talk about the power of cultural evangelization, the immigrant roots of Catholic New York, and how figures like Pierre Toussaint still inspire a gospel rooted in justice and joy. Plus, they explore the surprising harmony between the Church and hip hop, and what it means to become saints in the middle of the city. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

    34 min
  8. Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo

    JUN 23

    Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo

    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. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

    37 min
See All (174)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Want to hear more about life from a Catholic perspective? Listen to host Oscar Rivera as he talks with special guests about culture, current events, and all things Catholic. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your faith and how to live it in the world today.

Information

  • Creator
    Ave Maria Press
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    174
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ave Maria Press
  • Show Website
    Ave Spotlight

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