Claim OwnershipAve Explores
Subscribed: 155Played: 5,315
Subscribe
© 2025 Ave Maria Press
Description
A project of Ave Maria Press, Ave Explores helps you discover and learn about aspects of the Catholic faith from a variety of different angles, looking at topics relevant to the spiritual life in a fresh, engaging, and practical way.
250 Episodes
Reverse
Katie sits down with José Manuel de Urquidi of the Juan Diego Network and Inés San Martín of the Pontifical Mission Societies to discuss their personal experiences with Pope Francis and Pope Leo. Together, they explore how to understand Pope Francis’s legacy and the unfolding mission of Pope Leo. Reflecting on cultural nuances and the influence of social media, José Manuel and Inés reveal how each pope’s distinct personality and leadership style can be appreciated in light of those who came before.
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/)
Shannon Wimp Schmidt joins Katie to explore the significance of the papacy, highlighting key teachings and defining moments from the past twelve popes—from Leo XIII at the turn of the twentieth century to Leo XIV today. Together they trace how the papacy has evolved through the personalities, styles, and themes each pope brought to their encyclicals and homilies, showing how the Lord continues to guide his Church.
In the end, they consider a personal question: What role does the pope play in our individual faith journeys today?
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/)
When Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025, he stepped into the metaphorical shoes of the fisherman worn by 266 men before him. Choosing a name that hadn't been held by a pope in over 100 years, he entered an office held by men with varied personalities, lofty goals, numerous agendas and projects. Learning about those popes only helps us understand this current pope, and when we watch what Pope Leo does, says, writes, and where he'll go, we do so in light of all the ones who have done things in the papacy before. This upcoming series of Ave Explores will take a look at the history of the papacy, and the work of the popes, from Pope Leo XIII at the turn of the century up to Pope Leo XIV today.
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/)
Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP, dives into the intersection of faith and media in today’s digital world. Drawing on the vision of Bl. James Alberione—the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul—she unpacks how we can integrate our faith into the way we consume, create, and share content. Sr. Nancy also invites us to consider the importance of digital fasting—a spiritual detox that helps us reset our minds and hearts amid constant media noise. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on living faithfully both online and offline.
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/)
As a Catholic convert and Director of Digital Media at FOCUS, Kaylee Stoll knows the power of storytelling online—but also its limits. In this episode, she shares how digital media can reveal the beauty of the Catholic faith while ultimately leading people to in-person encounters with Christ and authentic community. Kaylee discusses the importance of genuine connection, the “look at this” vs. “come to this” balance, and how FOCUS inspires young adults worldwide to grow deeper in their faith.
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/)
Michelle Benzinger, Heather Khym, and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT—the beloved voices behind the Abiding Together podcast—join Katie to reflect on the story behind their show, their commitment to authentic and vulnerable conversations, and the impact of inviting others into their spiritual journey. They share why they believe online spaces can become “holy ground” when we speak with honesty, balance, and love—and why, if a message isn’t real and rooted in truth, it’s not worth sharing.
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/)
Check out the Abiding Together Podcast:
https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/subscribe
https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/abidingtogetherpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/abidingtogetherpodcast
In a world flooded with misinformation and digital noise, how can Catholics use media to evangelize with clarity and credibility?
Montse Alvarado, President of EWTN News, joins Katie to talk about why traditional media—especially television and radio—still matter and what it takes to earn and keep the public’s trust. Together, they dive into the urgent need for honesty and transparency in Catholic media and explore how that same trustworthiness must carry over into digital and social platforms.
This conversation is a timely and inspiring look at how truth, trust, and technology intersect in the mission of evangelization today.
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/)
Grady Connolly, a Gen Z Catholic influencer and digital strategist, shares key principles for discerning how to use social media well—especially when representing the Church. Drawing from his experience managing multiple social platforms for content creators and apostolates, Grady makes a bold claim: if influencers and digital missionaries aren't Christ-focused, they shouldn't be doing the work at all. In this episode, he unpacks the heart behind authentic digital ministry, tells the story of how he got started, and explains why everyone online has the power to influence others in ways they may never realize.
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/)
Katie sits down with Alex Jones, CEO and co-founder of the Hallow app, to explore how one of the world’s most popular Catholic apps is transforming lives through digital prayer. Once an agnostic, Alex shares his powerful reversion story and how it inspired him to create a tool that helps people encounter Christ right where they are—on their phones. Hear how Hallow is using technology to make prayer more accessible, engaging, and meaningful in today’s fast-paced world.
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/)
The Vatican has begun using a powerful new phrase to describe evangelization in the digital age: digital mission on the digital continent. As people spend increasing amounts of time online—scrolling, streaming, and searching for meaning—the Church recognizes that the internet isn’t just a tool but a place, a mission field where the Gospel can be shared.
In this teaser episode of Ave Explores: Digital Evangelization, host Katie McGrady introduces the theme of this series and unpacks why the Catholic Church is taking digital evangelization seriously. Why does it matter? Who is being reached? And what does it mean to be a digital missionary today?
Tune in as we begin this essential conversation about faith, presence, and purpose in the digital world.
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/)
Katie and Tommy discuss the most hated practices people “have” to do during Lent. Is it fasting? Extra prayers? Almsgiving? They dig into why these practices feel so hard—and why we often dread them—even when we know they’re supposed to help us grow. Plus, they share some personal stories, spiritual insights, and maybe even a few Lenten hot takes you didn’t see coming.
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/)
Courtney Roach, digital marketing manager for FOCUS and host of The Daily Nothings podcast, reflects on her journey to Catholicism and how her conversion ten years ago deepened her love for Jesus. She shares how Lent offers a renewed opportunity to grow in intimacy with the Lord. In this episode, Courtney discusses the power of authentic relationships, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who live their faith, and why turning to Christ before turning to your phone is key to true fulfillment—especially as a young adult.
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/)
Katie and Tommy discuss the gift of going to confession during the Lenten season through the lens of the prodigal son.
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/)
The wounds we carry can leave us feeling fractured, but God’s love has the power to restore and heal. In this episode, Brya Hanan—author and licensed marriage and family therapist—shares how Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and tend to the weeds in the garden of our hearts. Discover how embracing vulnerability before the Lord can open the door to his abundant and limitless love.
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/)
At this middle point of the Lenten journey, Fr. Josh Johnson sits down with Katie to discuss the value of making a good confession in Lent, spending time praying about conversion and brokenness, and what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, in the confessional.
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/)
What is bearing fruit in our lives, what is draining us, and what do we need to change or fix when it comes to our relationship with Jesus? Katie and Tommy offer a practical activity to help evaluate things halfway through Lent.
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/)
Katie and Tommy discuss how much we look at our phones, screens, and all sorts of distractions throughout our day, which means we are often unable to be seen by the Lord. Lent is a chance to be vulnerable, and allow ourselves to be seen by Jesus.
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/)
During Lent, when life feels busy, noisy, and overwhelming, making room for the Lord is more important than ever. In this episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, Oscar Rivera, host of Ave Spotlight, explores how Lent challenges us to embrace vulnerability and authenticity—not just with God, but with others. When we resist the temptation to close ourselves off and instead open our hearts, we create space for real spiritual growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how Lent serves as a training ground for deeper faith and genuine connection.
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/)
Tommy and Katie McGrady talk about how we can fully enter into Lent with a willingness to let Jesus work on our hearts throughout these 40 days, and encourage listeners to find something they can commit to that will help them grow in a distinct way.
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/)
Being rooted in love is key to thriving in life and experiencing a fruitful Lent. In this episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Sr. Josephine Garett, CSFN, Mari Pablo shares how trusting in Jesus’s love and mercy—and seeking refuge in his Sacred Heart—has guided her through life’s challenges and the depths of her own heart. During Lent, as we intentionally pray, fast, and give, Christ offers us comfort, rest, and transformation.
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/)
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States