Ave Spotlight: Recent Episodes
Ave Maria Press
Want to hear more about life from a Catholic perspective? Listen to host Chenele Shaw as she 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.
Can the music you listen to be a bop AND spiritually nourishing? Join us this week on episode 2 of our Catholic Art and Media Series as Chenele sits down with Will Hickl of NOVUM Records to explain that, no, you don’t have to sacrifice good sound for good messages. Will shares how thanks to the easy access of streaming, on platforms such as Spotify, there has been a new Renaissance for Catholic musicians to share their talents and create music that is wholesome and fun. Whether you are an artist who wants to learn the ins and outs of the Catholic music scene or a music lover who is curious about how the tunes you dance to get produced, this episode offers you an insider view of how we can reclaim the beauty of music.
Join us this week as we talk with Sam Povlock of FemCatholic all about a truly dignified workplace. We talk paid leave, corporate balance, and the definition of work. You don’t want to miss it!
In the first episode of our series on Catholic Art and Media, Chenele Shaw is joined by Catholic evangelist Tanner Kalina. They talk about the power of using social media as a tool of evangelization, Hollywood, Tik-Tok, and the Eucharistic Revival. You don’t want to miss it!
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.
Are you looking for good summer reads for your kids that are not only entertaining but will also help them grow in virtue? Join Chenele Shaw this week as she speaks with Jessica Thornton from the Lion & Lamb, a subscription book club for kids ages newborn to twelve. Thornton discusses how she reads and reviews books to help busy parents find appropriate and inspiring reads for their kids. You don’t want to miss it!
Join Chenele Shaw this week as she talks with special guest Mari Wagner of West Coast Catholic about devotions, creativity, and growing in our relationship with Mary.
Allison Gingras, author of Encountering Signs of Faith, shares the story of how her daughter's adoption helped her trust and encounter the Lord. Allison and Chenele also talk about sacramentals and how they help us to learn about the faith in unexpected ways.
Have you ever had questions about the Catholic faith? Perhaps you were confused about something you heard at Sunday Mass? You are not alone. This week Chenele and Busted Halo's Fr. Dave Dwyer, CSP, discuss ways to learn more about the faith and avoid simply going through the motions. They also talk about Fr. Dave's new book Mass Class and the questions he is most frequently asked about Catholicism.
In this episode, Chenele and Lisa Hendey, founder of the award-winning CatholicMom.com and author of 5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath, talk about how to incorporate the Advent wreath into your seasonal traditions while building community and getting out of your normal routine.
The 60th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II was October 11, 2022. There have been a lot of misunderstandings about what really happened during the council. Fr. Blake Britton, author of Reclaiming Vatican II, joins Chenele to address common misconceptions, why the liturgy is a priority, and hope for the faith of millennials.
Listen to licensed counselor Regina Boyd discuss the challenges of self-change and how we can take action to improve our lives.
Join Chenele as she talks with Santonio Hill of Vagabond Ministries about his conversion story and how a simple invitation brought the Lord into his life. We are excited for you to hear it.
Danielle Bean joins Chenele to talk about sending your child to college, supporting their independence, and parental paranoia. Danielle shares her personal testimony of trusting God, and what she would tell her younger self.
This week we're celebrating the 100th episode of Ave Spotlight! Join host Chenele Shaw and former host Katie Prejean McGrady as they chat about how it feels to host their own show, their favorite episodes, and what gives them hope.
In the final episode of the Ave Spotlight summer conversion story series, host Chenele Shaw shares her own inspiring story of hope--from getting kicked out of high school to managing a Philly cheesesteak restaurant to becoming director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Orlando.
This week Chenele Shaw chats with Leah Darrow of Power Made Perfect, her new Christocentric personal development program. Darrow talks about being your best self and shares about her powerful conversion from despair and shame to hope, mercy, and the love of Jesus.
Chenele chats with Eve Tushnet about her conversion to Catholicism. After being deeply inspired by the reliquaries of the Church, Tushnet explored the faith more intentionally and was moved by the beauty and truth of Catholicism. She also shares some insight on how to discuss the topic of conversion with others.
Chenele talks with Leah Libresco Sargeant about her conversion from atheism to Catholicism. After many debates during college, Sargeant was inspired to investigate Catholicism more fully by the faithful witness of her peers. She also offers suggestions about how to engage in healthy debates with those who have different beliefs.
In this episode, Chenele Shaw chats with Gloria Purvis about her conversion to Catholicism when she was twelve years old after encountering the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. Although her parents were not Catholic, they supported her passion to witness to the faith as an advocate for the sacredness and dignity of the unborn, and Black lives.
You loved this episode from Tommy Tighe so much that we have brought it back! We hope you enjoy this new feature of Ave Spotlight in which we replay these "best of" episodes from time to time. Oscar Romero. Dorothy Day. Thérèse of Lisieux. Edith Stein. All these great saints struggled with their mental health. Join Chenele Shaw and mental health counselor Tommy Tighe on this special episode where they talk about saints who strove for holiness and brought their mental struggles to the Lord.
Are you interested in spiritual direction but not sure how to get started? Join us this week as Chenele talks with Vinita Hampton Wright about the difference between spiritual direction and therapy, why it is valuable to one's faith journey, and how to find a spiritual director. Wright also introduces us to her new book, Set the World on Fire: A 4-Week Personal Retreat with the Female Doctors of the Church.
Do you wish your work culture reflected the values of your Catholic faith? Join Chenele Shaw and John Cannon, founder of SENT Ventures—an organization that supports and mentors Catholic entrepreneurs— as they discuss how change in the workplace begins with one person who wants to grow in holiness. Cannon encourages those he mentors—and you—to be more intentional about scheduling time for prayer, Mass, community involvement, rest, and other practices that will allow God to work through you.
What do a priest, baseball, and the beatitudes have in common? Join Chenele Shaw this week as she talks with popular YouTuber Fr. Casey Cole, OFM, about social media, the priesthood, and this summer's Bleacher Brothers tour. He will visit all thirty MLB parks in eleven weeks with his friend Fr. Roberto "Tito" Serrano, OFM, to share the good news.
We only have a few firsts in life, but we have many new beginnings. Do you embrace a fresh start as an exciting opportunity or do you mourn what you left behind? In this week's episode, Chenele Shaw and Joel Stepanek discuss how to meet new beginnings with grace and as moments to encounter Jesus Christ. Stepanek—vice president of parish services at Life Teen—also offers practical strategies for beginning well that will help you joyfully grow as a Christian.
The Very Reverend Mark Morozowich joins Katie Prejean McGrady and Chenele Shaw, in a special crossover episode of Ave Explores and Ave Spotlight, to discuss the war in Ukraine and provide historical and spiritual context to the conflict, tell the stories of resilient and holy Ukrainian Catholics, and offer insights into how to pray and fast for peace.
In this episode, Fr. Michael White of Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, talks with Chenele about how fully engaging in Holy Week services, the Triduum, and the Easter season can be a powerful source of renewal.
How can God allow horrible things to happen? In this episode, Chenele talks with Tom Corcoran, coauthor of _Seriously God?, about evil and navigating the challenges of life. Corcoran says that difficulties are actually opportunities to rely on the Lord, learn more about him, and deepen our relationship with him.
Therapist Regina Boyd joins Chenele this week to talk about Lenten promises, scrupulosity, and not being too hard on yourself.
This week Chenele talks with Santonio Hill about how Vagabond Missions evangelizes to communities on the peripheries. Also, find out how you can answer the call to serve with your unique gifts.
Have you ever wondered what a scapular is and why Catholics wear one? Chenele talks with Steve Kerekes, founder of scapulars.com, about how he came to love the devotion of wearing scapulars and how it has changed his life.
Join us on our last episode for Black History Month where we visit with author and speaker Deacon Harold-Sivers. We talk about his journey to becoming a deacon, serving his community, and his new book Our Life of Service.
Chenele and Meg Hunter-Kilmer talk about the blessing and importance of befriending saints whose life experience is much different from our own. Meg also introduces lesser-known Black saints and shares her personal story of becoming friends with saints who are different from her. Do you ever think of the saints as your friends? What if you befriended a saint who is different from you?
Chenele talks with Shannon Wimp Schmidt, founding member and media director of Catholics United for Black Lives about responding to racism, educating the Church, and faithfully supporting the Black Lives Matter movement while staying true to Church teaching.
Happy Black History Month! Join Chenele and Marcia Lane-McGee in this special episode to talk about the uniqueness of Black Catholic culture, Marcia's new book Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s, and her work as cohost of the Plaid Skirts and Basic Black podcast.
How can we use social media to evangelize? In this episode, Chenele talks with Jon Blevins—AKA "Bearded Blevins"—founder of Little Flower Media, about building a community for Christ through gaming.
What does it mean to be consistently pro-life? This week Samantha Povlock, founder and CEO of FemCatholic, chats with Chenele Shaw about the pro-life movement and what being pro-life means. They also discuss how best to support women while maintaining ethical consistency. If you have ever wondered what the Church has to say about these issues, and how to go about living this out in your everyday life, this episode is for you.
What would happen if gay Christians began to believe the truth about God—that he loves all people unconditionally? Join Chenele this week as she talks with Eve Tushnet about navigating rejection and embracing God's love as a gay Christian. She'll discuss her new book ,_ Tenderness_, and what drew her to the Catholic Church.
How can parish communities best love and support those with visible disabilities, as well as those with disabilities we cannot see? Join Chenele and author Christy Wilkens as they talk about Christy's experience with family members who have disabilities. They also discuss how members of a parish can create a more welcoming community for those with disabilities.
Shelby from Good Body Nutrition joins us this week where we talk nutrition, faith, and learning to love your body.
How can we walk with loved ones struggling with gender dysphoria and stay true to the Catholic faith? Psychologist Julia Sadusky discusses with Chenele what she has learned about gender identity through her research and clinical practice. Sadusky shares helpful tips on talking about gender and most importantly on how to listen well.
Join Chenele on this special Christmas episode of Ave Spotlight with our good friend Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, as he leads us through an Ignatian meditation and talks about why Elf is the best holiday movie!
Enjoy this special episode from Ave Explores! Katie Prejean McGrady talks with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, about drawing near to Jesus during Advent for peace and comfort in times of sorrow and distress.
Servant of God Thea Bowman--a renowned Black Catholic evangelizer, teacher, writer, and singer--continues to inspire many people more than two decades after her death. Join Chenele as she talks with Karianna Frey, editor of We Are Beloved: 30 days with Thea Bowman, about what can learn from this holy woman.
Discernment can be a blessing and a challenge. In this episode, Sr. Dolores Carmel Benitez shares her story of discernment and how she responded to God's call!
Let's talk dating! Chenele and Regina Boyd, a Catholic licensed counselor, answer listener-submitted questions on dating, getting out there, and giving yourself a break.
Partying with friends can sometimes lead to behaviors that are unhealthy and harmful. Campus minister Mari Pablo shares tips to help fellow Catholics create a community of support, accountability, and holiness.
The new movie Shang-Chi has been rocking the box office. Chenele visits with fellow Marvel nerd Adrienne Garalde to talk about the lessons he takes from the film by viewing it through a Catholic lens, especially how meaningful it was to see an Asian-American hero portrayed on the big screen.
Memento Mori means "remember your death". In this interview, Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP shares with us how living every day with death in mind actually helps you to live more fully.
It’s the best day of the year! The amazing Meg-Hunter Kilmer talks about All Saints Day and many of her heavenly friends. Check out this episode and meet a new saint friend.
In this episode, Chenele talks with Daniel and Bethany Meola, cofounders of Life-Giving Wounds, a ministry for Catholic adult children of divorce that allows them to discuss their pain and experience Christ's healing. The Meolas also share resources they offer, including online or in-person retreats, support groups, and more.
Multiple natural disasters have left many of our brothers and sisters, especially those in Louisiana, in great need. Today we are joined by Adam Fuselier, managing director of Dumb Ox Ministries. He discusses ways we can support our brothers and sisters affected by tragedy.
Samantha Povlock, the founder of FemCatholic, discusses how to navigate tough conversations and shares resources we can use to be a part of challenging dialogues.
Is ethical and sustainable shopping attainable? If so, how do you do it? Join us this week as we talk about fashion and consumer responsibility with Veronica Marrinan, founder of Litany NYC fashion brand.
Let's talk purity culture! In this episode, Hannah Gutierrez, formerly with the Culture Project, talks about sexual education and how to find balance in our hyper-sexualized world. Gutierrez hopes that people recognize their value and worth to live a life of virtue free of shame and open to God's mercy.
In this special episode, we talk about how the Church responds to mental illness and suicide. Deacon Ed Shoener shares the story of the tragic death of his daughter Katie and the power of community after loss.
How do we live our lives as joyful Catholics after a pandemic? How do we re-enter parish life? Join us this week as Fr. Blake Britton discusses how to find joy amid anxiety.
This past year has brought its fair share of challenges, especially in regard to the mental health of children. School counselor Jasmyn Joubert discusses how to help kids navigate difficult times.
Listen to licensed counselor Regina Boyd discuss the challenges of self-change and how we can take action to improve our lives.
This one is for the ladies! What does diversity of femininity in the Church look like? Join Chenele Shaw as she talks feminine genius with Rachel Wong, host of The Feminine Genius Podcast.
Going from college roommates to business owners wasn't an easy feat for Christie Peters and Kassie Manning, cocreators of Every Sacred Sunday, a popular weekly Mass journal. Join us this week as we chat with Peters about using her creative talent to share her love of the Mass and the Gospel with others.
As a young teen, Mariana Pimiento, aka Big Apple Catholic, dreamt of moving to New York City. While in the Big Apple, she fell away from the faith until she was invited to Mass and dinner by a street missionary. Hear more from Pimiento on how God called her to missionary work with FOCUS, The Fellowship of Catholic University Students.
Dr. Monique Ruberu, a pro-life Ob/Gyn, answers submitted questions on women's health, Natural Family Planning, and contraception. Ruberu shares a wealth of information to empower women and enhance the love of spouses. This is an episode you don't want to miss!
Can the sacraments help on the journey to sobriety? Scott Weeman shows us that the answer is "absolutely" as he shares his amazing story of how his faith brought him from battling his addiction to being a thriving, sober father of three.
Can we be saints and struggle with mental illness? Join Chenele Shaw and mental health counselor Tommy Tighe on this special episode where they talk about saints who strived for holiness and struggled with mental illness.
Let's talk saints! Author and speaker Meg Hunter-Kilmer discusses St. Mark Ji Tianxiang who, although he struggled with addiction throughout his life, lived with great faith.
Let's talk about mental health: Join Chenele Shaw and mental health counselor Regina Boyd on this special episode where they answer listener questions about everything from managing anxiety to going to therapy.
She’s a neuroscientist, homeschool mom, and founder of Catholic Polytechnic University: Don’t miss Jennifer Nolan as she discusses her hopes for future Catholic scientists!
Oluwaseun Ogunmodede shares his excitement about being a new father with host Chenele Shaw. He discusses his hopes for fatherhood and the lessons he's already learned.
Emily Jaminet discusses how devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus influenced her life and that of her family. She also talks about her book Secrets of the Sacred Heart.
Mary Pezzulo discusses how personal encounters in her life changed her perspective on what it truly means to live the Works of Mercy.
Jennifer Hubbard discusses her book Finding Sanctuary, what sanctuary means to her, and the healing power of forgiveness.
James L. Papandrea discusses how his devotion to the Rosary began after his reversion to the faith and how the Rosary helps us grow closer to God.
Fr. Cassidy Stinson discusses the power of Pentecost and how we can pray for the Holy Spirit to help us get a better understanding of ourselves.
This week Ave Spotlight celebrates teachers, Madeleine Post discusses what she's learned working with students in an all-girls Catholic school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during COVID and what inspired her to become a teacher.
Sarah Christmyer discusses how to make the Bible part of your daily life. She also outlines the unique features of The Ave Catholic Notetaking Bible for which she is a contributor.
Musician Steven Joubert discusses self-care and wellness, the beauty of Easter, and the power of the Resurrection on our spiritual lives. Joubert said he lives with a greater sense of peace and a stronger relationship with Christ and his Church.
Deacon Greg Kandra discusses his journey to become a deacon, tips for growing in your spiritual life, and the beauty of the Easter liturgy.
Michele Faehnle discusses how devotion to the Divine Mercy has shaped her life. She also shares tips on living out the works of mercy in your day-to-day life and how we can be merciful to others.
Lillian Fallon discusses her passion for what she calls a "theology of style": how to view your personal style through the lens of the Theology of the Body. Through social media, Fallon expresses how personal style is an opportunity "to make visible, what is invisible," which St. John Paull II identified as the soul of the person.
Fr. John Burns talks about how Holy Week gives us a chance to enter intentionally into the suffering of Christ.
James McLoughlin, director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Clogher in Northern Ireland, discusses the history and tradition of St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. He explains how St. Patrick is revered in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Carolyn Pirtle, author of Ten Ways to Pray: A Catholic Guide for Drawing Closer to God, discusses the importance of explaining prayer in a way that encourages people to pray intentionally.
Fr. Trey Ange and his large Sicilian family traditionally host a St. Joseph's Altar on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19. Ange, a priest of the Diocese of Lake Charles, explains how devotion to St. Joseph has fostered a deep faith within his entire family. He has three priests and a religious sister who are his cousins.
Recording artist Sarah Kroger discusses her process of writing worship music and offers advice on how to pray with music during Lent.
Most Rev. Bill Wack, C.S.C., bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, discusses the true purpose of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer during Lent. He also explains that the ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday help us ponder the new life found in Christ.
Mark Hart, executive vice president of Life Teen International, is the coauthor of Our Not-Quite-Holy Family with his wife, Melanie. He shares his own family's successes and failures and discusses how family life can be fruitful, joyful, and faithful. He will help you see how every member of your family can strive for holiness in 2021.
Catholic artist Jen Norton, author of Surrender All: An Illuminated Journal Retreat through the Stations of the Cross, says praying with sacred art can be an easy, effective, and beautiful way to grow deeper in faith, especially during Lent. Norton also discusses her creative process.
Gary Zimak, bestselling author of Give Up Worry for Lent, discusses focusing on making the liturgical season fruitful, healing, and hope-filled by allowing the Holy Spirit to direct our Lenten practice.
Ann M. Garrido, author of #RulesofEngagement, discusses how to engage online in a healthy, life-giving, and productive way.
Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman discusses how cooking and welcoming people with simplicity and joy is the perfect way to build community, share faith, and grow in relationships with others.
Karen Barbieri, founder of Pietra Fitness, explains how we can set goals for the new year that focus on faith and fitness. Barbieri helps us recognize that health and holiness go hand in hand.
Chenele Shaw and Katie Prejean McGrady discuss their favorite Ave Spotlight episodes of the year as they reflect on 2020 through the lens of faith, prayerfulness, and hope.
Fr. Joe Laramie, S.J, North American director of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, talks about the Year of St. Joseph recently designated by Pope Francis. Laramie says that praying for the Pope's intentions each month is a good practice to incorporate into your spiritual life.
Elissa Tiprigan, founder of Catholic Family Crate, discusses how she creates activities to make feast days and liturgical seasons fun, family-centered, and life-giving. She also shares ways to celebrate Advent and the twelve days of Christmas.
Geovanne Garcia, an art teacher and youth minister in Dallas, Texas, discusses the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the Mexican people and how participating in celebrations for the feast day deepened her faith as a teen.
Suzanne WiWi, copresident of the Christ Child Society of South Bend, Indiana, discusses how caring for families in need is important during this time of year, and even more so in the midst of the pandemic.
Fr. Edward Looney, a pastor of two parishes in the diocese of Green Bay and author of A Heart Like Mary’s, discusses his daily life as a priest and shares how he makes time for prayer, connecting with family, and writing.
Haley Stewart, author of The Grace of Enough, discusses liturgical living and how orienting family life to the Church calendar is joyful, simple, and will keep you focused on faith.
Catherine Fowler Sample, author of_ Gather Together_ and creator of _The Dating Project _documentary, shares how forming community is essential to our faith and valuable for our well-being and happiness. Fowler Sample offers tips on ways we can foster friendships and relationships even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meg Hunter-Kilmer, a Catholic blogger and speaker who is known as the "Hobo for Christ," discusses how learning the stories of the saints, especially those who are lesser-known, is an opportunity to grow in personal holiness.
Tommy McGrady, a high school teacher and coauthor of Advent and Christmas: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens, shares ways to intentionally prepare for Advent and enter into the new liturgical year with purpose and a desire to pray daily.
Jessica McMillan explores the role of women in ministry and authority in the Church. She also discusses women’s understanding of themselves, what they have to offer, and their unique wisdom and insight.
Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an acquisitions editor at Ave Maria Press, reflects on the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from Pope Francis on March 27th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that the new book Christ in the Storm is a school of prayer for those who find themselves navigating challenging times.
Fr. David Guffey, C.S.C., shares the story of Venerable Patrick Peyton, the founder of Family Rosary who is famous for the phrase “The family that prays together stays together.” The forthcoming documentary Pray tells the story of Peyton’s life and shows how his wisdom can help families navigate media today.
Ann M. Garrido, professor of homiletics at the Aquinas Institute of Theology and author of Let’s Talk About Truth, explains the definition of “truth,” how we determine what truth is, and how we can use truth to engage in civil discourse and grow in relationship with others.
Chenele Shaw talks about her experiences of racism and how it’s affected her relationship with God and explains how recognizing and resting in the sacredness of Black lives is more important than merely acknowledging that Black lives matter.
Catholic author and speaker Jared Dees talks about how sharing faith with kids is not only an essential part of the mission of a family, but a great way for parents to engage more with the faith themselves.
Ave Spotlight features a special rebroadcast of the episode from Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life with actress, writer, and producer Jeannie Gaffigan, who shares the challenges and joys of being quarantined with her husband comedian Jim Gaffigan and their five children during the pandemic.
Catholic speaker and author Chika Anyanwu shares about her recent decision to take a break from social media, not only to use her time better, but also to focus on the voice of Jesus in her life and to return to deeper prayer.
Roy Petitfils, a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and the author of Helping Teens with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, talks about how to help teens and young adults get back into the routine of the new school year. Petitfils suggests how everyone can achieve a sense of normalcy and balance by keeping their eyes focused on the Cross.
Gary Zimak, author of Give Up Worry for Lent! And the forthcoming Let Go of Anger and Stress!, joins the show to discuss how to deal with anxiety and fear of the unknown, especially during the pandemic. He also chats about rules for schools opening and share their hopes for the week.
Introducing Ave Spotlight with a brief discussion of Taylor Swift’s new album, Folklore and an overview the vision for this new show: hope as an anchor for all Christians, especially as we face an uncertain and potentially stressful fall.