In this episode, the dogs talk about their recent meet-up at Rob’s parish (01:00). The dogs gush over Rob (9:00), Mike cries at a wedding (2:20), and Connor shares a childhood story about his dad (5:50). They discuss the best video games from when they were kids (11:50), which leads to a discussion of dopamine culture (23:45). Connor closes out with parenting insights from Dr. Becky (38:30) and how to “sit in the tension” of being human with Jesus (41:00). Quotes: “High fives all around for frie...
Nov 20, 2024•49 min
In this episode, the dogs welcome Mike back to the states (01:05), Rob visits an older priest with a friend (13:40), and Connor shares his summer reading (16:55). They all talk about coming to terms with aging (28:05) and the inspirational people they love who have aged with grace (32:50). Quotes: “I try to integrate and circulate each day.” (Connor, 1:47) “It’s an aspirational thing, to be able to look back at life and realize, ‘God is the author of that story.”’ (Rob, 16:35) “It’s something re...
Aug 23, 2024•43 min
In this episode, the dogs catch up and reminisce (4:00) before a long summer break from the pod. Connor shares his new assignment at Mundelein (10:50) and Mike discusses his new position (26:53). They all speak about finding their identity in Jesus (35:00), especially in times of transition. They stress the importance of vulnerability (20:22) and surrender (23:25) for living a life of true freedom. Quotes: “I’m more into being than doing.” (Connor, 13:47) “The priesthood is an identity, it’s not...
May 10, 2024•45 min
In this episode, the dogs convene at Rob’s request (3:55) to talk about science fiction (4:39) and what’s so attractive about stories with a prophecy (13:50). Connor describes the new stained glass windows at Newman (20:00) and they all piece together “Main Character Energy” (22:19). Quotes: “The narrative form of the gospel is really important and actually tells a way better story than anything else that’s being offered.” (Rob, 16:29) “You are made for something huge, but you have to go small i...
Mar 12, 2024•30 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss whether there are any once in a lifetime experiences (2:50). Rob admits to his own FOMO (3:00), Mike revisits an enchanted moment from Bethlehem (13:52), and Connor describes living in the eternal reality of the sacramental worldview (16:30). They all reminisce (21:00) with hopeful longing (23:58). Quotes: “Each moment has its own unique flavor.” (Mike, 8:15) “There’s gonna be another day, another enchanted moment, because the world is sacramental.” (Rob, 12:40)...
Dec 08, 2023•28 min
In this episode, the dogs return to a previous discussion on parenting and control (5:00). Mike looks for Yao Ming in the California Redwoods (1:49), Connor reminds us just how useful childhood confirmation class was (17:35), and Rob jumps ship (14:57) twice (26:49). Quotes: “They (children) have this compass inside of them that I can’t read for them; I have to love them into reading it themselves and God will guide them.” (Connor, 8:20) “As a parent, your desire is to educate their freedom.” (M...
Nov 16, 2023•40 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss what it means to live with integrity (0:44). Rob opens by bringing up Bobby Jones’ loss in the 1925 U.S. Open (1:00), Mike gets a little heretical (10:10), and Connor experiences some technical difficulties (15:15). They close by reflecting on representations of integrity in various films (28:22). Quotes: “It’s just you have no integrity. That’s the worst thing I could say about anybody.” (from Calvary, 3:55) “Integrity is a result of a life lived in truth.” (Co...
Sep 09, 2023•42 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s future as a Jumpmaster (00:27), the start of the school year at UIC (13:13), and the difference between managers and leaders (19:00). Connor comes up with a new parable for the Gospel of Luke (27:00) and The Simpsons is referenced (35:58), twice (41:08). Quotes: “Leaders lead from the front.” (Mike, 7:05) “I’m the go-to guy… not because it’s “Mike”, but because it’s “Father”, which is always a humbling reality.” (Mike, 9:28) “Manage to maintain vs actu...
Sep 02, 2023•44 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss meekness (6:14) and the positive masculine virtues (2:45). Rob gives some historical context (6:14), Mike dodges deciding whether his dad is meek (9:11), and Connor shares a time when he’s seen men misuse their masculinity to diminish others (13:45). Lastly, they look to the saints (17:36) to better understand what it means to be formed by the Father’s love (26:50). Quotes: “Sir, my job is to hold back your testosterone.” (Mike quoting Bliese, 1:50) “When there ...
Aug 25, 2023•33 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss The Simpsons (0:50), Edith Stein’s feast day (4:05), and phenomenology philosophy (7:30). Mike names a new female doctor of the church (14:00) and speaks definitively on anthropology (17:40). They close out by sharing how to practically live in relationship with Jesus, as Stein says, in the “kern” (20:00). Quotes: “Come, Rosa, we’re going for our people.” (quote from Edith Stein, 10:20) “It just blew her away that Catholics could come and talk to a personal God ...
Aug 16, 2023•31 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss the heroes journey (12:45) and Rob asks the question: If we’re made for home, then why do we leave (14:00)? Rob gives his favorite Summer Reading combinations (7:55), Connor references the gospel of Luke (19:00) as well as SNL (24:30), and Mike shares what it’s like to maintain values while developing his career in the army (28:22). Quotes: “Culture without substance is empty.” (Mike, 1:30) “There’s nothing you can do but kick your horse.” (from Lonesome Dove, 1...
Jun 17, 2023•44 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about what it means to sacramentalize all things. They discuss the tendency to separate “holy” things from seemingly unholy things (1:30) and the opposing belief that all things are restored in Christ (4:00). Mike brings up his experience serving at Life Teen retreats (9:55), Rob shares what was so impactful about visiting the Martin home in France (11:20), and Connor tells about a recent trip to the doctor (13:10). They all discuss being freed, as priests, to focu...
May 25, 2023•43 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about ways they have grown over the past year (4:45). Connor shares his experience during Holy Week (7:00), Rob remembers lessons learned from Connor’s pandemic garden (8:30), and Mike defends the relevance of the liturgy (13:35). They all share the joys of priesthood that they’ve recently experienced (21:30). Quotes: “The kingdom of God is just coming.” (Rob quoting Connor, 8:37) “You just have to feel what you feel.” (Rob, 9:00) “Reality is hard, but it’s better....
Apr 13, 2023•37 min
In this episode, the dogs hear Rob’s hot take on 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (4:35). They all discuss the importance of choosing to engage with reality (11:48), especially when it can be tempting to “shirk” off the present moment (34:30). Quotes: “I am not alone. It’s not just on me to create the meaning of my life. This is not all there is.” (Connor, 23:10) “Jesus seems to rectify and provide a lived reality that you don’t have to rebel against everything in order to fully actualize you...
Mar 10, 2023•56 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about Rob’s Sabbath activities (1:50) and Connor’s obsession with Milanos (6:00). Connor brings up the Mother Teresa documentary (7:10) and they all discuss why she is so initially intimidating (10:42) and ultimately disarming (26:50). They close the episode with love for all the Teresas (34:34). Quotes: “Engagement with that kind of poverty… the truly untouchable, Mother Teresa so radically went to them and was willing to be affected by them in a way that I resist...
Feb 24, 2023•38 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss the movie Devotion (1:00) and what it takes to become a saint (6:10). They pull from the Office of Readings (7:29), Bishop Barron (10:14), and Cardinal George (27:30), all while making too many baseball references. Mike closes the episode with a reference to the North American Martyrs (35:35) and his modest rebellion against becoming a semi-pro therapist (30:30). Quotes: “It’s not morality that makes someone a saint.” (Rob, 6:15) “God desires for us to be saints...
Feb 17, 2023•48 min
In this episode, the dogs extend an invitation to a “big-souled life” (35:50). Connor brings up the pilgrimage to Rome in The Story of a Soul (2:25) and Rob connects St. Therese’s allure to truthfulness (5:50). Mike emphasizes the importance of living in the present truth (13:00) while also having your eyes fixed on eternity (20:40). Quotes: “I cannot tell you how deeply I was impressed with this scenery so full of poetry and grandeur. It was a foretaste of the wonders of Heaven. Then the though...
Dec 24, 2022•42 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about Connor’s office art (00:35) and Mike’s recent experience at the Joint Readiness Training Center (10:40). They all describe the feeling of wonder (24:54) being in the presence of a “massive reality” (21:30). Quotes: “Because she was innocent, it didn’t make her less prepared for reality, it made her more prepared to see things as they are.” (Connor quoting Mike, 28:00) “Innocence allows you to experience a thing as it is and it oftentimes leads to wonder.” (Mi...
Dec 16, 2022•32 min
In this episode, the dogs catch up (0:30) and discuss a recent movie Rob and Connor watched together (1:20). Connor asks the guys if they’ve ever unknowingly read a robot generated article (7:20). They continue to talk about the intersection of semiotics and AI (8:40), emphasizing its limitations (13:50). Rob compares emails and letter writing (18:46) and Mike brings up the coolest scene from a movie, ever (26:50). ( This summary was written by GPT-3, OpenAI’s language generator. ) Quotes: “Is o...
Dec 09, 2022•39 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about deer season (3:50) and the need for initiation rituals in young men (11:30). Rob brings up the importance of mentorship through a Harry Potter reference (14:20), which reminds Mike of Bishop Barron’s idea of the mystagogue (16:45). Connor recounts a story from early in his priesthood (21:11) and they all echo the importance of Fathers who aren’t afraid to “pass on the kingdom” (32:29). Quotes: “I’m always thinking about getting gored.” (Mike, 7:20) “You don’t...
Dec 02, 2022•36 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss Connor’s new album (00:39) and his recent experience at Second City (03:40). Mike asks the guys whether they make jokes during homilies (6:30); Rob (7:50), Connor (10:14), and Mike (24:20) give their different perspectives. Connor invokes Aquinas to explain man as the risible animal (30:15) and they all talk about the power of laughter (35:00). Quotes: “When Chuck Norris falls into water, he doesn’t get wet the water gets Chucked.” (Rob, 7:55) “You do you, but t...
Oct 28, 2022•51 min
In this episode, the dogs seek affirmation from one another (2:40) and Mike shares a grace from spiritual direction (4:10). Connor expresses his desire to live humbly from his heart (9:00). Rob gives an insight from C.S. Lewis on growing in humility (15:12) and Mike gets weirdly into building models (28:11). Quotes: “By the way, tell me how good I’m doing on the podcast.” (Mike, 3:55) “What do you think Jesus thinks about that?” (Mike quoting Fr. Brian Welter, 6:50) “I could totally fail and the...
Sep 16, 2022•32 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about how hard it has been to find a time to record (0:50). Connor talks about a new supplement he’s taking for joint pain (2:28) and a recent fascination with Bob Ross’ mentor: Bill Alexander (5:45). They discuss the pursuit of excellence in different forms, from Michael Jordan (9:40) to The Passion of John the Baptist (14:20). Mike concludes that “a saint is someone who is passionate about the right thing” (25:19). Quotes: “May this time tonight be enchanted.” (R...
Sep 08, 2022•28 min
In this episode, the dogs lament the upcoming recording hiatus (0:25). Rob brings up Forest Gump, the best movie of all time, as an example of childhood innocence (2:24) and they all discuss a child’s unique ability to respond to reality (5:24). Mike gives a throwback to his time with braces (14:50), they all agree that the pod is a sign-post to Heaven (quite possibly the only one that exists on the internet) (27:20), and Connor closes out with a story about being held (37:45). https://youtu.be/...
Jul 29, 2022•43 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss the vocation of the priesthood. Rob recognizes a new freedom in staying home on Friday nights (6:22), which Connor describes as a “unity of life” (8:30). Mike admits his own struggle with FOMO (17:40) and Connor offers some encouragement with an image that came to him on the Feast of the Sacred Heart (20:14). Rob reflects on Screwtape Letters (30:38) and Mike proposes that, generally, the question “what if” is not from God (32:10). Connor concludes with a recent...
Jul 21, 2022•39 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about submitting to God’s grace as opposed to getting bogged down in the impossibility of a task (7:00), especially in light of Mike’s new responsibility ministering to 50,000 people on post (0:40). Mike shares his perspective from the altar at Mass and it’s significance for the rest of his life (17:20). Rob expresses his gratitude for friends he’s visited over the summer (19:42) and Connor brings up the upcoming Michelle Duppong documentary (24:30). Quotes: “The o...
Jul 14, 2022•38 min
In this episode, the dogs share their favorite SNL skits (2:58). Rob gives an update on his new push for authentic Christian community on campus (9:30) and Connor echoes the importance of letting go of outcomes (12:10). Mike shares what it’s like living a priestly life in moments of solitude (16:28) as well as some recent insights from spiritual direction (20:10). Rob applies his new philosophy to an upcoming family beach trip (22:13) and his delight at a recent Cardinal’s game (33:33). Mike clo...
Jul 01, 2022•43 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s first few weeks settling into base (2:10) and the sacred moments he’s experienced so far (6:45). Connor returns to the topic of Christian living (10:22) and shares his own need for community in the midst of hardship (10:50). They close-out the episode discussing Lean Cuisines (17:25), outdoor meal smells (18:35), and how to impress your friends with grill lines (19:20). Quotes: “You just have to be there with people. It seems like the Lord has set up a...
Jun 24, 2022•34 min
In this episode, the dogs talk about Tom Cruise (1:00), fighter jets (1:05), and why we need a Maverick (11:10). Mike hones in on the need for stability (16:50) from Peterson’s Five Factor Model of Personality and Connor (24:53) and Rob (31:00) give their own examples of maintaining structure as a gift for others. Quotes: “Conservatism starts from a sentiment that all mature people can readily share: the sentiment that good things are easily destroyed, but not easily created.” (Roger Scruton, 13...
Jun 17, 2022•34 min
In this episode, the dogs discuss what it means to live an authentic Christian life. Rob shares a recent decision to develop deeper relationships on campus (4:22), Connor suggests a charism to describe the inherent tension within the diocesan priesthood (6:25), and Mike brings the conversation back to the marvelous exchange at the heart of the universe (21:05). Quotes: “I’ve felt a pull to strive for a Christian life, which tangibly looks like sharing more meals and doing smaller things that act...
Jun 10, 2022•28 min
