Ave Spotlight

Oscar welcomes Santonio Hill for a conversation that bridges the worlds of sports, faith, and discipleship. Together, we explore why people passionately identify with teams, wear their colors, defend their loyalty, and find community through sports. But what might happen if that same energy were directed toward a relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church? Drawing from the examples of elite ath...

Oscar sat down with Paul Blanchard, director of social media outreach and IT specialist for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, to explore one of the most important questions facing the Church today: How do we embrace technology without losing our humanity? Drawing from Pope Leo XIV recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Paul shares insights from the front lines of digital evangelization, where techno...

On this episode, Oscar sits down with Helena Heffernan of Life Teen International to explore the often challenging journey of discernment. Helena shares how prayer, silence, and honest self-awareness helped her recognize where her gifts could truly flourish. Their conversation is a powerful reminder that vocation is not about forcing a path forward, but faithfully responding to where God is genuin...

In this episode, my wife, Pamela Rivera, joins me for a heartfelt conversation about how motherhood changes when our prayer life and interior life begin to deepen. Pam encourages listeners to embrace humility, rediscover the beauty of silence, and make space for the Lord to speak in the quiet moments of Adoration. Sometimes what our souls need most is less noise and more time in God’s presence. In...

Josh Rosa joins Oscar to unpack the mindset needed to overcome life’s “mountains.” From stepping beyond comfort zones to rejecting performative faith, he explores how real transformation begins with action—not just emotion. This conversation challenges listeners to stop waiting, start moving, and trust that God meets them in the climb. Joshua Rosa, of Dominican descent, is a co-founder of Agnus De...

In this episode, TJ Bogan joins Oscar to talk about the Camino de Santiago as more than a physical challenge, it’s a spiritual awakening. Through his work with Follow My Camino, TJ leads pilgrims through sacred sites and into deeper faith, rooted in Catholic tradition. This conversation reveals how pilgrimage can move from tourism to transformation, guiding souls closer to Christ through every ste...

In this Holy Week reflection, Oscar looks back on the Lenten journey—its highs and lows—and considers how God meets us in all of it. As beloved sons and daughters, we can trust that he responds to every effort we make. But how are we called to respond in return? We’re not made to avoid suffering, but to embrace it with gratitude and grace, trusting that even our hardships have purpose. This week,...

Fr. Josh Johnson shares his journey from spiritual searching to the priesthood and how prayer became the anchor of his life. In this episode of Ave Spotlight, he reflects on the universal call to holiness and the power of scripture to help us hear God’s voice. Slow down, listen, and rediscover how prayer can draw you into deeper relationship with God. We would love it if you could leave a written...

In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Oscar sits down with Deacon Charlie Echeverry to explore the intersection of Latino culture and Catholic faith in a rapidly changing America. Drawing from his book Blind Spot , Deacon Charlie explains why language is only a tool—while culture is the true gateway to evangelization. From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime moment to the real risks of syncretism and cult...

Host Oscar Rivera sits down with Catholic hip-hop artist and school administrator John Levi Davidson for a conversation where history, faith, and mission converge. From raising ten kids to guiding students at the historic St. Peter Claver High School in Tampa, Florida, John reflects on legacy, leadership, and why the Eucharist remains the center of everything he does. We would love it if you could...

Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding. Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded i...

Oscar Rivera welcomes Steve Beckholt—a devout Catholic, Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and Houston Texans “Ultimate Fan”—for a conversation that blends football passion with fearless faith. From praying the Rosary for strength to standing by a team through criticism, Steve draws powerful parallels between lifelong fandom and steadfast devotion. This episode challenges listeners to live their fa...

Gloria Purvis joins Oscar for a powerful dialogue on faith, race, and the Church’s call to uphold human dignity with no qualifiers. When rightly understood scripture demands justice rooted in love not just law. From Southern roots and Catholic School discipline to the Church’s response to racial injustice, Gloria challenges listeners to confront false narratives and reclaim justice and equity root...

In the final week of Advent, Oscar reflects on prayer during this sacred season, the swiftness of time, and the need to slow down amid the rush toward Christmas. He invites listeners to spend quiet, prayerful moments before the manger, making space to contemplate the profound truth of God’s immense love for us. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your frien...

January Donovan joins Oscar for a heartfelt conversation on what it means to live intentionally in a noisy, demanding world. From early-morning cappuccinos to setting the tone of the household, January offers practical wisdom on balancing vocation and career, embracing dignity in every season, and creating a home rooted in peace. Together, we reflect on God’s original design for men and women, dis...

Oscar sits down with Tim Hanley, a restaurateur and former Franciscan brother to talk about what makes community truly come alive. Tim shares how his time with the CFRs shaped his understanding of simplicity, fraternity, and the priority of relationships over success. We dive into the heart behind his restaurant concepts—from Neapolitan pizza to a 90s hip-hop speakeasy—and how each space is design...

In this Veterans Day episode, host Oscar Rivera pauses to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces. Oscar reflects on the themes of faith, discipline, obedience, and sacrifice—virtues shared by both a life in Christ and a life of military service. Drawing on the humility and trust of the Roman centurion in the Gospels, he explores how authentic freedom is always...

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...

Country singer and songwriter John Paul Von Arx joins Oscar for a heartfelt and uplifting conversation about what it truly means to see the image of God in every person. We talk about human dignity, authentic respect, and how to move beyond superficial inclusion when engaging with people who have Down syndrome or other disabilities. From lessons learned in MMA fights to everyday encounters that ch...

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...

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 c...

* 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 fr...

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...

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 With...

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...