Episode 174: 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.
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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
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Episode 173: 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.
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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
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Episode 172: 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.
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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
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Episode 171: 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.
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Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
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Episode 170: 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/)
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.