Ave Spotlight

Oscar sits down with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, Catholic sister, licensed counselor, and speaker, and author of Wilderness of the Heart, for a conversation about the intersection of faith, emotions, and mental health. Drawing from Catholic theology and her experience in counseling, Sr. Josephine explores why emotions are not inherently sinful and how learning to understand them can lead us toward greater freedom and virtue. Together, they discuss the dangers of allowing emotions or diagnoses to define our identity, the cultural stigma surrounding mental health and practical ways to navigate situational anxiety. Through the beautiful image of stained glass, Sr. Josephine reminds us that God doesn't ask us to erase our humanity but to allow His light to shine through it.

Three Takeaways:

Emotions are not sins.

Your struggles are not your identity.

Healing allows God's light to shine through us.

Oscar welcomes Justin Dery, founder of Dery Music and Media to explore the growing tension between artificial intelligence and human creativity in church communications. Together they broach the question, are we sacrificing intentionality for efficiency when using Ai in church communications? This conversation challenges Catholics to embrace technology without surrendering the very gifts that make us human. After all, being made in the image of a Creator means we were created to create.

Three Takeaways:

Efficiency doesn't equal intentionality.

AI should assist, not replace.

We were created to create.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Oscar welcomes Catholic speaker, author, and radio host Katie McGrady back to Ave Spotlight for a conversation about the legacy of Blessed Fulton Sheen and the power of media to proclaim the Gospel. Fresh off receiving the inaugural Sheen Award for Impact in Radio and Podcasting, Katie reflects on the importance of using our platforms for something greater than recognition. Together, they explore Sheen’s groundbreaking television ministry and his remarkable gift for communicating timeless truths with clarity, boldness, humor, and a profound understanding of the Church’s mission. From the missionary creativity of the 1950s to today’s world of podcasts, social media, and algorithms, this episode asks a challenging question: If we have more ways than ever to share Jesus with the world, what are we doing with that gift?

Three Takeaways:

The platform is a tool, not the prize. Fulton Sheen understood that the value of media wasn’t found in awards or recognition, but in its ability to communicate Christ and his Church to the world.

The Church is bigger than what we see. The veneration of relics and the communion of saints remind us that we belong to one Body of Christ, united across generations and throughout the world.

Every generation has a missionary opportunity. From television and radio to podcasts and social media, the challenge remains the same: use the tools of our time to bring people closer to Jesus.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Oscar sits down with Catholic hip-hop artist and evangelist Joe Melendrez for a conversation about identity, creativity, and what happens when an encounter with God redirects your entire life. From appearing on MTV as a teenager to encountering the Holy Spirit at a teen A.C.T.S. retreat, Joe shares how he discovered that his gifts for music, dancing, and performance weren’t meant to build up the world but to glorify God. We explore why Catholic artist should pursue excellence, not because we are perfect but because our God is so perfect.

Three takeaways:

Encounter with Jesus changes our direction in life.

Creativity is part of evangelization

Your gifts are your mission.

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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Oscar sits down with Lauren Gothard to discuss how to navigate major transitions without retreating into what feels comfortable. Starting with an insightful takeaway from Spider-Man, they explore what happens when life shifts and we are challenged to embrace who we are becoming rather than clinging to who we’ve been.

Lauren and Oscar dive into the difference between being a consumer of faith and an active contributor to the Gospel. Lauren shares practical insights on overcoming the fear of sharing our faith, getting past the mental blocks that quiet the Holy Spirit, and recognizing that goodness is meant to be shared with those around us. She reminds us that God meets us as a healer in our brokenness so that we can step out in courage.

Whether you’re heading to college, entering a new season, trying to deepen your faith, or just wondering whether God is real, this episode offers a simple challenge: give God an opportunity to lead you somewhere new.

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/)