web02.fireside.fm Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:40:30 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Ave Explores - Episodes Tagged with “Alex Jones Of Hallow” https://aveexplores.fireside.fm/tags/alex%20jones%20of%20hallow Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 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. en-us episodic Everyday Faith for Everyday Catholics 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. no Faith, Ave Maria press, Catholicism, Catholic, Mary, Church, Our Lady, Blessed Mother, Jesus Ave Maria Press katieprejean@gmail.com Week Six: Digital Detox with Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP https://aveexplores.fireside.fm/aveexploresdigitalevangelizationusselmann 974fad78-8008-49c2-884e-954b3cb4a393 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press full 29 Ave Maria Press 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. 37:43 no 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/) Ave Explores, Katie McGrady, Ave Maria Press, Digital evangelization, the digital continent, Alex Jones of Hallow, Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Michelle Benzinger, Abiding Together podcast, Grady Connelly, the Social Thomist, Montse Alvarado, EWTN, Kaylee Stoll, FOCUS, Sr. Nancy Usselman, Daughters of St. Paul 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/)

Links:

]]> 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/)

Links:

]]> Week Five: Sharing Faith Online That Leads to Real-Life Encounter Kaylee Stoll of FOCUS https://aveexplores.fireside.fm/aveexploresdigitalevangelizationkayleestollfocus 8ef04905-7a31-4c5c-9768-e09d3aa74146 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press full 29 Ave Maria Press 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. 42:46 no 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/) Ave Explores, Katie McGrady, Ave Maria Press, Digital evangelization, the digital continent, Alex Jones of Hallow, Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Michelle Benzinger, Abiding Together podcast, Grady Connelly, the Social Thomist, Montse Alvarado, EWTN, Kaylee Stoll, FOCUS, Sr. Nancy Usselman, Daughters of St. Paul 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/)

Links:

]]> 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/)

Links:

]]> Week Four: Standing on Holy Ground Online with the Women of the Abiding Together Podcast https://aveexplores.fireside.fm/aveexploresdigitalevangelizationabidingtogetherpodcasthosts 3ef45e02-126a-4a77-bd5c-865a63ace8e6 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press full 29 Ave Maria Press 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. 48:33 no 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 Ave Explores, Katie McGrady, Ave Maria Press, Digital evangelization, the digital continent, Alex Jones of Hallow, Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Michelle Benzinger, Abiding Together podcast, Grady Connelly, the Social Thomist, Montse Alvarado, EWTN, Kaylee Stoll, FOCUS, Sr. Nancy Usselman, Daughters of St. Paul 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

Links:

]]> 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

Links:

]]> Week Three: Truthful and Trustworthy Content with Montse Alvarado of EWTN https://aveexplores.fireside.fm/aveexploresdigitalevangelizationmontsealvarado 13ece2f9-372c-4dd8-a88d-f5d0609053a1 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press full 29 Ave Maria Press 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. 50:01 no 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/) Ave Explores, Katie McGrady, Ave Maria Press, Digital evangelization, the digital continent, Alex Jones of Hallow, Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Michelle Benzinger, Abiding Together podcast, Grady Connelly, the Social Thomist, Montse Alvarado, EWTN, Kaylee Stoll, FOCUS, Sr. Nancy Usselman, Daughters of St. Paul 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/)

Links:

]]> 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/)

Links:

]]> WEEK TWO: Influencer Culture in the Church with Grady Connolly of The Social Thomist https://aveexplores.fireside.fm/aveexploresdigitalevangelizationgradyconnellythesocialthomist 5f0ddfb3-cece-4cd7-9ee3-41d64611b90e Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press full 29 Ave Maria Press 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. 59:59 no 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/) Ave Explores, Katie McGrady, Ave Maria Press, Digital evangelization, the digital continent, Alex Jones of Hallow, Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Michelle Benzinger, Abiding Together podcast, Grady Connelly, the Social Thomist, Montse Alvarado, EWTN, Kaylee Stoll, FOCUS, Sr. Nancy Usselman, Daughters of St. Paul 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/)

Links:

]]> 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/)

Links:

]]> Week One: Phones Pushing us to Prayer with Alex Jones of Hallow https://aveexplores.fireside.fm/aveexploresdigitalevangelizationalexjoneshallow 345526c2-7442-4e5f-83a5-37cc1fe49ea6 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press full 29 Ave Maria Press 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. 1:01:25 no 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/) Ave Explores, Katie McGrady, Ave Maria Press, Digital evangelization, the digital continent, Alex Jones of Hallow, Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Michelle Benzinger, Abiding Together podcast, Grady Connelly, the Social Thomist, Montse Alvarado, EWTN, Kaylee Stoll, FOCUS, Sr. Nancy Usselman, Daughters of St. Paul 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/)

Links:

]]> 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/)

Links:

]]> NEW SERIES Teaser: Exploring the Digital Continent: Why the Catholic Church Cares About the Internet https://aveexplores.fireside.fm/aveexploresdigitalevangelizationmcgrady c2beabef-3710-4f2c-adee-39ec89eb281f Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press full 29 Ave Maria Press 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. 31:06 no 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/) Ave Explores, Katie McGrady, Ave Maria Press, Digital evangelization, the digital continent, Alex Jones of Hallow, Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Michelle Benzinger, Abiding Together podcast, Grady Connelly, the Social Thomist, Montse Alvarado, EWTN, Kaylee Stoll, FOCUS, Sr. Nancy Usselman, Daughters of St. Paul 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/)

Links:

]]> 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/)

Links:

]]>