What do typhoon evacuations, koala selfies, and second breakfast in Hobbiton have in common? They’ve all been part of Deacon Bob’s adventurous month. After a few weeks apart, Father Dave and Deacon Bob are back, swapping globe-trotting tales, ministry moments, and a surprisingly full slate of sports updates. Bob’s recent trip took him from the typhoon-swept Philippines to Singapore, Perth, Sydney, and a bucket-list stop in New Zealand’s Hobbiton (yes, complete with hobbit holes, the Green Dragon...
Aug 13, 2025•35 min•Ep. 221
What happens when the world’s top golfer says faith—not golf—is his top priority? Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off this episode with that headline-grabbing story, plus summer sports updates, movie reviews, and a powerful look at how God is moving through this year’s youth conferences. They cover everything from the MLB All-Star Game and Father Dave’s baseball “betrayal” (attending games without Bob) to a heartfelt reflection on Scottie Scheffler’s British Open win—and why his grounded priorit...
Jul 23, 2025•32 min•Ep. 220
There’s nothing like the NBA and NHL Finals… unless you count professional pillow fighting. In this episode, Father Dave and Deacon Bob celebrate the end of the sports season with a rundown of the Stanley Cup, the NBA Finals, and the rise of summer’s strangest athletic events, including the Pillow Fighting Championship (yes, it’s real). But the heart of the episode is hope—the kind that doesn’t come from scores or summer plans, but from Christ. They reflect on the Eucharist, the Sacred and Immac...
Jun 25, 2025•33 min•Ep. 219
What happens when you pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet in St. Faustina’s backyard? This week, Father Dave shares powerful moments from his recent pilgrimage to Poland—visiting sacred sites tied to St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Faustina, and St. John Paul II. From celebrating Mass at Kolbe’s friary to walking through Auschwitz and Birkenau, it’s a glimpse of God’s mercy amid some of history’s darkest places. While Father Dave walked in the footsteps of saints, Deacon Bob found hopeful witness in the des...
Jun 18, 2025•33 min•Ep. 218
There’s a new pope—and he’s an Augustinian! In this episode, Father Dave and Deacon Bob discuss the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to lead the Catholic Church. They explore why St. Augustine’s Confessions remains a spiritual masterpiece and how his vision of community, conversion, and interior prayer speaks to the Church’s call for renewal today. Naturally, they go off on many tangents, starting with a chilly trip to Cedar Point, detouring through spelli...
Jun 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 217
Why does the Ascension of Jesus—one of the great feasts of the Church—end up celebrated on a Sunday in most dioceses, while others keep it on Thursday? And what does that tell us about our faith, traditions, and the challenges of Holy Days of Obligation? Father Dave and Deacon Bob unpack the significance of the Ascension within the Paschal Mystery, showing why it’s more than just a “tag-on” after Easter, but a powerful reminder of Christ’s victory and our shared destiny in Him. But as usual, spo...
May 28, 2025•39 min•Ep. 216
The NBA playoffs may be unpredictable, but at least summer blockbusters deliver. In this episode of They That Hope , Father Dave and Deacon Bob unpack the Cleveland Cavaliers’ devastating playoff collapse (RIP hope), debate baseball scandals from Pete Rose to steroid-era legends, and preview the biggest summer movies hitting theaters. From Marvel’s new Thunderbolts to the return of Mission: Impossible and a much-anticipated Fantastic Four reboot, they break down what’s worth watching and what mi...
May 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 215
Habemus Papam! The Church has a new pope—and he’s from Chicago. In this episode, Father Dave and Deacon Bob react with joy, awe, and a healthy dose of disbelief to the election of Pope Leo XIV, a South Side Chicago native and fellow “Bob.” The first American pontiff, Leo XIV is an Augustinian, missionary, canon lawyer, and lifelong baseball fan with deep roots in both Villanova and Peru. His election is already making waves—and memes. Before diving into Vatican news, the hosts process a differen...
May 14, 2025•37 min•Ep. 214
What does it feel like when the eyes of the world turn to the Sistine Chapel, as everyone waits for white smoke? In this episode, Father Dave and Deacon Bob explore the sacred mystery—and human drama—of a papal conclave. But first: baseball, astronauts, Marvel movies, and pierogies. Father Dave shares a powerful conversation with retired astronaut and U.S. Air Force General Kevin P. Chilton, who received the Eucharist in space. The hosts also discuss the lesser-known fact that Buzz Aldrin took c...
May 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 213
The Chair of St. Peter is empty, the world is watching, and the Church is praying. In this episode of They That Hope , Father Dave and Deacon Bob reflect on the death of Pope Francis and the moving events surrounding his funeral in Rome. From the emotional procession through the streets—past landmarks like the Colosseum and the TOR friars’ house—to the intimate ceremony at St. Mary Major, they recount moments that highlighted the late Holy Father’s love for the poor and his devotion to simplicit...
Apr 30, 2025•36 min•Ep. 212
Pope Francis has passed into eternal life—and Father Dave and Deacon Bob take time to remember him with reverence, gratitude, and a few good stories. In this episode, recorded shortly after the announcement of his death, the hosts reflect on the Holy Father’s legacy: his love for the marginalized, his embrace of simplicity, and his tireless call to joy. They recall his early days as a pope who rode the subway, paid his own hotel bill, and preached Christ with bold, missionary zeal. They also exp...
Apr 23, 2025•39 min•Ep. 211
This episode was supposed to be Live from PNC Park … Until wind, hail, and freezing temps benched those plans. Instead, Father Dave and Deacon Bob recap what didn’t happen at the Pirates game—and what did happen at Petco Park, Jackie Robinson Day, and the Pierogi Race. They also cheer for Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited Masters win, reminisce about $300 Air Jordans and train robbers, and share a touching moment from an alumni visit to California. They close with rich reflections on the beauty of the...
Apr 17, 2025•38 min•Ep. 210
What happens when you celebrate Palm Sunday and break a historic NHL record in the same week—then try to plan a live podcast at a ballgame? This week, Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka, reunite after time on the road to talk sports, saints, and the start of Holy Week. They celebrate Alex Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, reflect on the highs and heartbreaks of March Madness, and make ambitious plans for a live podcast episode from a Pirates game. Spoiler alert: Torp...
Apr 09, 2025•35 min•Ep. 209
"Neither do I condemn you." These powerful words from John 8 echo through this week’s episode, as Deacon Bob and Father Dave reflect on Jesus’ radical mercy and the call to transformation. The Gospel story of the woman caught in adultery takes center stage, prompting a rich conversation about sin, dignity, and the scandal of grace. From there, the hosts weave this message of mercy into stories from real life—on the field, in the classroom, and even around a D&D table. They celebrate Francisc...
Apr 02, 2025•36 min•Ep. 208
What do a prodigal son, a Belize beach revival, and Marian apparitions in Rwanda have in common? They all point us back to the mercy of the Father. This week on They That Hope , Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka reflect on powerful journeys of repentance, healing, and homecoming—from the Gospel of Luke to the real-life stories unfolding in mission fields and pilgrimage sites. Recording from opposite sides of the globe, the hosts reunite after two transformative trips. Deacon Bob shares abo...
Mar 26, 2025•42 min•Ep. 207
What does God’s glory look like in your everyday life? This week on They That Hope , Father Dave and Deacon Bob reflect on the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, exploring how moments of divine glory give us strength and perspective during life’s hardest trials. They share how Christ reveals his presence both in the extraordinary—like mountaintop encounters—and the ordinary rhythms of daily life. As Deacon Bob prepares to lead a mission team to Belize and Father Dave readies for a pilgrimage...
Mar 12, 2025•38 min•Ep. 206
As Lent begins, Deacon Bob and Father Dave turn to the Gospel of Luke and the image of Jesus being led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. From fasting and temptation to spiritual dryness and surrender, the hosts reflect on how the desert becomes a sacred space of encounter and transformation. This week’s episode moves from the spiritual to the political, as Father Dave shares his experience at the Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., and the launch of Franciscan’s Homeland Mission...
Mar 05, 2025•37 min•Ep. 205
This week’s episode swings from dodgeball chaos at Franciscan University to international hockey heartbreak as Team USA falls to Canada. Father Dave and Deacon Bob also unpack the Yankees’ shocking decision to allow facial hair—and ponder whether robot umpires and AI-controlled baseball are the future of America’s pastime. Oh, and Juan Soto buys a teammate a $92,000 SUV for a jersey number. All-star moves, indeed. In entertainment news, the hosts react to Amazon’s takeover of the James Bond fran...
Feb 26, 2025•38 min•Ep. 204
It’s an All-Star weekend—from the NHL to the NBA to the 50th Anniversary of Saturday Night Live —and Father Dave and Deacon Bob are here for all of it. In this episode, they dive into the revamped All-Star formats (including USA vs. Canada on ice), heated hockey fights, and the quirky charm of watching sports evolve. They also unpack the latest SNL celebration, share some Marvel movie hot takes, and reflect on deep questions raised by the Holy Father’s Ordo Amoris —a framework of love that recen...
Feb 19, 2025•35 min•Ep. 203
This week on They That Hope , Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, tackle the rising tide of anxiety affecting young people—and all of us! From Super Bowl surprises to shocking NBA trades, it’s a whirlwind of headlines, but the heart of this conversation is deeper: Why are so many teens (and adults) overwhelmed, and what can we do about it? Drawing from Dr. Greg Bottaro’s new “In Focus” series, alongside insights from The Anxious Generation and Bad Therapy , the hosts explore how overpr...
Feb 12, 2025•39 min•Ep. 202
Football frustration, birthday celebrations, and a million-dollar baseball card? This week, Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, bounce between sports, sacraments, science, and serious social issues—starting with the Super Bowl matchup they didn’t want but expected: Chiefs vs. Eagles. Along the way, they dig into the nuances of wearing clerics, honor a kid’s courage in turning down the Pirates, and highlight a new series bridging faith and science. But the conversation takes a thoughtfu...
Jan 29, 2025•37 min•Ep. 201
What does hope for America look like in 2025? A new inauguration, a national championship loss, and a 200th podcast episode offer some surprising answers. This week on They That Hope , Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, reflect on what it means to hope—both in the life of our nation and in our own everyday moments. Against the backdrop of recent political transitions and ongoing national tensions, they discuss where real hope can be found: in unity, faith, and the freedom only God can...
Jan 22, 2025•36 min•Ep. 200
Viva Cristo Rey! More than a rallying cry, it echoes through history as the final words of a martyr, a witness of faith, and the heartbeat of this week’s episode. Father Dave returns from a pilgrimage to Mexico, where he visited the tomb of Blessed Miguel Pro and stood in the very place where the young priest was executed for celebrating Mass in secret. With deep reverence, he shares the powerful story of Miguel’s final words, “Viva Cristo Rey” , and invites listeners to consider the courage of ...
Jan 16, 2025•38 min•Ep. 199
What does it mean to begin 2025 with a Holy Door, a hoodie, and a broken rib? In this milestone 198th episode, Father Dave and Deacon Bob celebrate the beginning of the Jubilee Year—a time of grace, mercy, and hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). The conversation moves from Rome to Guadalupe, football playoffs to fractured ribs, weaving together the sacred and the silly. They reflect on Pope Francis’ call to joyful hope, the return of traditions at Notre Dame, and the invitation for all o...
Jan 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 198
Holy Smokes. Not just an exclamation, but a perfect reaction to an episode where sports, surprises, and the sacred collide. In this final 2024 episode of They That Hope , Deacon Bob shares the electric experience of standing in the tunnel as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the field, while Father Dave recounts something even more awe-inspiring: a private audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican. From the roar of NFL fans to the quiet reverence of the Pope’s library, the hosts explore the breadth ...
Dec 18, 2024•40 min•Ep. 197
This episode was supposed to be a regular chat… Until Father Dave and Deacon Bob decided to take a break. So instead, enjoy this special supercut episode celebrating Pope Francis’s newest encyclical, Corde Amavit ( He Loved Us ), with a heart-to-heart on the Sacred Heart. They unpack Pope Francis’s bold reflections on love, suffering, piety, and empathy—and why the Sacred Heart still speaks powerfully to our anxious, distracted world. Their reflections wind through stories of Pope statues on cle...
Dec 11, 2024•49 min•Ep. 197
What does Ad Orientem have to do with Gladiator 2 ? Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off the Advent season with football victories, movie mayhem, and final reflections on the pope’s encyclical on the Sacred Heart. From Notre Dame’s playoff hopes to Gladiator 2’s brooding battles, it’s an episode filled with sports, spirituality, and a surprising amount of wine. (Star Trek wine, that is.) They swap Thanksgiving stories, reflect on family traditions, and explore how sports can form deep relational ...
Dec 04, 2024•38 min•Ep. 196
What happens when Sidney Crosby scores his 600th goal and Deacon Bob is there to witness it? Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off this Thanksgiving-themed episode with a celebration of hockey greatness, some painful sports history, and a hearty helping of NFL analysis—with bets and bold predictions included. But amid the laughs and stats, the duo also turns toward gratitude, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the healing power of forgiveness in family life. They cover everything from Crosby’s milesto...
Nov 27, 2024•35 min•Ep. 195
From NBA history to boxing hilarity to heavenly devotion, this episode covers it all. Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off this episode with undefeated basketball teams, NFL surprises, and a now-notorious boxing match that left the world talking about Mike Tyson’s… britches. But the real focus? A heartfelt look at devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the ways God continues to work through saints, sacraments, and sacred spaces. They cover everything from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ record-break...
Nov 20, 2024•38 min•Ep. 194
What do a boxing match, a beloved dog, and a playoff-bound soccer team have in common? They’re all part of the ride in this week’s episode, Taxi Driver . Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, and Deacon Bob Rice take listeners on a wild journey through sports drama, media frenzy, and spiritual reflection—with plenty of unexpected turns and heartfelt pit stops along the way. They start with an NFL roundup, including shocking upsets, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ undefeated streak, and Franciscan University’s PAC ...
Nov 13, 2024•38 min•Ep. 193
