Joe Rogan Shockingly Overtaken in Podcast Rankings by Unexpected Contender [WATCH]

In an era where faith often plays second fiddle to pop culture, one podcast is flipping the script.

Father Mark-Mary Ames, a Franciscan Friar and director of communications for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR), has achieved what many thought impossible: dethroning Joe Rogan and other podcast titans to claim the top spot on Apple Podcasts with The Rosary in a Year.

For three consecutive days at the start of the year, this faith-based show held the coveted #1 position, only slipping to #2 on January 4, as reported by Fox News.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

This isn’t just a win for Ascension Press, the publisher behind the podcast—it’s a victory for faith-based media as a whole.

Father Mark-Mary humbly credits the podcast’s success to God, saying, “There’s something particular that God wants to do through Mary that also continues now. The rosary is the thing that unlocks it. It opens the door to grace.”

Born into a wealthy Orange County family, Father Mark-Mary had every advantage a “country club kid” could ask for. But inspired by Mother Teresa’s example, he traded a life of comfort for one of service. “I’m made to give my life to the poorest of the poor,” he explained.

Despite leaving behind material wealth, Father Mark-Mary insists he’s been repaid “a hundred-fold” through God’s generosity.

Now based in New York, the friar lives out the Franciscan mission of embracing Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and serving others with humility. As an author, speaker, and now a podcast host, Father Mark-Mary’s mission is to make the rosary accessible to all, describing it as “physical therapy for the soul.”

Father Mark-Mary’s podcast breaks down the Marian mysteries and structure of the rosary, aiming to make it palatable for both seasoned devotees and newcomers. While acknowledging that the rosary can be intimidating, he emphasizes its perfection as a prayer.

“It took hundreds of years to be developed to get to what it is, as a perfect prayer that has our way of receiving and coming to God.”

He also reassures listeners that losing focus during prayer is natural—even for him. “A million percent,” he admitted. But rather than viewing distraction as a failure, he sees it as an opportunity to grow deeper in faith.

Despite the podcast’s success, Father Mark-Mary remains grounded. He believes there are countless unsung heroes doing “more beautiful” and “much more moving” work than achieving podcast fame.

“I’m very grateful for the podcast, its popularity, and that it’s a source of grace for people. [But] it’s not the hardest thing I do. It’s not the most honorable thing I do,” he said.

Father Mark-Mary’s story serves as a reminder that in a world obsessed with fame, true greatness often goes unnoticed. His journey from privilege to poverty, and now to podcasting success, underscores the timeless value of faith, humility, and service.