The number one podcast in the world to kick off the new year doesn't belong to Joe Rogan.
It's not Alex Cooper, Mel Robbins, or even someone from the Kelce family.
It's Father Mark-Mary Ames of Ascension Press. Or, as he humbly puts it, it belongs to God.
Surprisingly, at a time when Bible sales are climbing while many drift from organized religion, The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) took the #1 spot on Apple Podcasts. It held the top position for three days before slipping to #2 on January 4.
Father Mark-Mary Ames is the director of communications for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, whose mission focuses on embracing Jesus Christ and St. Francis of Assisi. A best-selling author of Habits for Holiness, Ames shared his thoughts on the podcast’s success at SEEK25 DC, a Catholic event featuring speakers, music, and worship.
Joe Rogan’s The Joe Rogan Experience currently sits at #3, just behind Ames’ podcast. Rogan might be a household name, but Ames’ rise to the top is a story of faith, not fame.
Born in Orange County, California, Ames grew up in a wealthy family but chose a life of service inspired by Mother Teresa. "I heard about a group of Franciscans in New York who are hardcore and sleep on the ground,” he said. “I looked them up, and I thought, ‘If that’s true, it’s everything I’m looking for.’”
"I’m made to give my life to the poorest of the poor," he explained. "God has repaid every sacrifice a hundred-fold."
Though the podcast isn’t his proudest work, Ames credits its success to God and a deep devotion to the rosary. “The rosary is the great remedy for our time,” he said. “It’s the thing that opens the door to grace.”
He acknowledged that the rosary can seem daunting but insists it’s a perfect prayer. "It’s like physical therapy for the soul," he explained. "It helps strengthen our ability to focus, which is crucial for prayer."
The podcast breaks down Marian mysteries and offers something for everyone, from seasoned meditators to beginners. Ames added that the rosary can be a deeply personal experience. "It’s not a commandment, but there’s space for personalization. You can make it your own."
Even a rosary expert like Ames struggles with focus at times. "A million percent," he admitted. "That’s part of the journey — growing deeper."
Hosting the podcast wasn’t his plan, but he felt called to do it. "If God wants this to be number one, awesome. It’s all for Him."
Despite the podcast's success, Ames remains grounded. "There are more beautiful things happening in the world that don’t make the news,” he said. “The podcast is a source of grace, but it’s not the hardest, most honorable, or most heroic thing I do — and definitely not compared to what my brothers and neighbors do."