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PODCAST

Ave Explores

Ave Maria Press

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.

religion & spirituality christianity

All Episodes

37:33

NEW SERIES! Teaser: The Advent of Christmas with Matt...

Ave Explores ·

2025/11/19

Matt Maher takes Advent seriously, not only because he spends the season touring cathedrals across the country leading evenings of prayer and praise, but because Advent invites us to remember the gift and majesty of Mary’s “yes.” In this conversation, Matt reflects on how her courageous response shapes our own call to live the faith with renewed trust, hope, and openness each day. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte

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52:49

Week 4: The Pope Has a Wawa Order with Archbishop...

Ave Explores ·

2025/10/29

When Pope Leo was elected on May 8, 2025, Archbishop Nelson Pérez was flying home to Philadelphia from Rome. Mid-flight, he got to share the historic news with his fellow passengers. In this episode, Archbishop Pérez reflects on Pope Leo’s leadership style, his vision for the Church, and his awareness of the world’s challenges—qualities that are inspiring Catholics everywhere to renew their witness to Christ’s love and their commitment to making disciples. And yes, the new pope even has a Philly

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52:38

Week Three: Pope Leo, the Missionary Pope with Msgr....

Ave Explores ·

2025/10/22

Pope Leo is the first missionary Pope since St. Peter, and it is already quite evident how his formation as a missionary in Peru is guiding his papal ministry. Msgr. Roger Landry, the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, shares how the Holy Father is walking in the footsteps of his predecessors by first reminding us that we are called to "go out to all the world and share the good news" with a missionary mindset and a willing heart. We would love it if you

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1:14:01

Week 2: The Uniqueness of Each Pope with Inés San...

Ave Explores ·

2025/10/15

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

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1:00:56

Week One: A Dozen Popes with Shannon Wimp Schmidt

Ave Explores ·

2025/10/08

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

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22:36

NEW SERIES Teaser: Leo in the Fisherman's Shoes...

Ave Explores ·

2025/10/01

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

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37:43

Week 6: Digital Detox with Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP

Ave Explores ·

2025/08/20

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

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42:46

Week Five: Sharing Faith Online That Leads to...

Ave Explores ·

2025/08/13

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

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48:33

Week Four: Standing on Holy Ground Online with the...

Ave Explores ·

2025/08/06

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

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50:01

Week Three: Truthful and Trustworthy Content with...

Ave Explores ·

2025/07/30

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

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59:59

Influencer Culture in the Church with Grady Connolly...

Ave Explores ·

2025/07/23

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

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1:01:25

Week One: Phones Pushing us to Prayer with Alex Jones...

Ave Explores ·

2025/07/16

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

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31:06

NEW SERIES Teaser: Exploring the Digital Continent:...

Ave Explores ·

2025/07/08

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

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28:07

SPECIAL EPISODE: Let Leo Be Leo: Reflecting on the...

Ave Explores ·

2025/05/14

In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie McGrady shares her thoughts on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. She delves into his background, career, and what we might expect in the pontificate ahead. Ultimately, she encourages us to let the new Holy Father introduce himself before we decide who he is as the 267th Pope. 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/)

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43:00

SPECIAL EPISODE: Remembering Pope Francis with Fr....

Ave Explores ·

2025/05/06

When plans to attend the canonization of Bl. Carlo Acutis shifted following the death of Pope Francis, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, traveled to Rome to report for Our Sunday Visitor, while Katie Prejean McGrady stayed in the U.S. to cover events for CNN and SiriusXM. In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie and Fr. Patrick reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, share personal stories of meeting him, and discuss what may lie ahead for the Church as the 2025 conclave approaches. We

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43:23

Palm Sunday: Holy Week is a Dramatic Pause with Fr....

Ave Explores ·

2025/04/11

Join Fr. John Nepil, vice rector at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, as he explores the power of authenticity in faith and formation. He shares why “being normal” is essential—not only for preparing men for the priesthood but for all Catholics seeking to live and share their faith meaningfully. Fr. John also reflects on the significance of Holy Week, especially the Triduum liturgies, as a time to recognize God’s work in our lives throughout Lent. He challenges us to embrace the “dramatic pause”

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8:04

BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with...

Ave Explores ·

2025/04/10

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

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49:50

Renewing Your Relationship with Jesus each Lent with...

Ave Explores ·

2025/04/03

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

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9:42

BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with...

Ave Explores ·

2025/03/31

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/)

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43:04

4th Sunday of Lent: Finding Healing in Lent by...

Ave Explores ·

2025/03/28

The wounds we carry can leave us feeling fractured, but God’s love has the power to restore and heal. In this episode, Brya Hanna—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

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252 results

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