They That Hope: A Catholic Podcast
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, and Dcn. Bob Rice are friends who see humor and hope in a crazy world. Whether they are talking about sports, movies, politics, the Church, or their own lives, Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob try to find Christ in all things, even in the messiness of today’s culture. “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). Come be refreshed and renewed!
Episodes
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. T...
Father Dave and Deacon Bob discuss the excitement of the NBA playoffs and NFL draft—and Franciscan University’s Night of Joy. Deacon Bob shares what it was like to watch Star Wars in the theater again in celebration of its 20th anniversary. They also touch on the Holy Father’s funeral, the ongoing preparations for the next pope's conclave, and the significance of St. Joseph the Worker and the value of work.
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob reflect on their Easter celebrations and awakening to the news of Pope Francis’ passing on April 21. They reflect on the pope’s humility, his heart for the marginalized, and his unshakeable love for Jesus as well as liturgical celebrations initiated by him and significant moments in his pontificate. They conclude by sharing Pope Francis' last Easter blessing.
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob discuss Rory McIlroy's thrilling victory at the Masters and their failed attempt to attend a baseball game. They also reflect on the profound beauty of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil, encouraging everyone to participate fully. They also touch on Franciscan University alumni events, inspiring student stories, and the role of priests and deacons. They conclude with an invitation to support Fran...
Join Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob on They That Hope as they celebrate Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record and discuss the thrilling conclusion of the college basketball season. They share humorous anecdotes about meeting famous people, the Haribo sugar-free gummy bear reviews, and the Minecraft movie. They also reflect on the beauty of Palm Sunday and explore how we can integrate faith in everyday life with insights...
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob discuss the start of the baseball season, March Madness, role-playing games, and Dcn. Bob’s son receiving a hockey puck from Sidney Crosby. Fr. Dave shares some beautiful things he experienced in Austria last week. They also delve into a profound discussion on Jesus' encounter with the woman caught in adultery, meditating on his merciful response.
Father Dave and Dcn. Bob discuss March Madness, Bob's mission trip to Belize, Fr. Dave's pilgrimage to Rwanda, and look ahead to this Sunday's Gospel about the Prodigal Son. Tune in to find out if Bob actually went in—or at least near— the ocean!
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob discuss their upcoming mission trips to Belize and Rwanda, reflecting on the impact of missions on students and communities. They delve into a light-hearted critique of the worst sports teams to cheer on as a fan, recounting frustrating fan experiences. They pay tribute to the late actor Gene Hackman and reflect on President Trump’s recent speech and the challenges of bipartisan politics. They close They That ...
In this episode, Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob start with Fr. Dave’s experience at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. They discuss the attempt to banish the “tush push” in the NFL and the rising popularity of phone booth boxing. They also talk about the Trump-Zelenskyy conflict at the White House and the reinstatement of the federal death penalty. Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob offer personal reflections on faith and leaders...
In this episode of They That Hope, Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob start with updates on hockey and baseball, including the Yankees' new grooming policy and the adoption of “robo umps.” They also humorously tackle the greatest James Bond villain ever—Amazon Alexa—following Amazon's acquisition of Bond rights. They touch on Trump's executive order on IVF and its implications from a Catholic perspective. They pray for Pope Francis' health and ...
It was an all-star weekend! Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob discuss the Four Nations Tournament (former NHL All-Star Game), NBA All-Star Weekend, Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary, the new Captain America movie, Rwanda, and the meaning of "ordo amoris."
Fr. Dave turned 60! He and Dcn. Bob talk about the Super Bowl, NBA trades, anxiety in young people, and the importance of Christian unity.
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob are disappointed about the upcoming Super Bowl matchup (but will probably watch anyway). They discuss the relationship between faith and science, their birthdays (Bob’s was last Sunday, Fr. Dave’s is this Saturday), the March for Life, and the U.S. Bishops’ most recent statement on immigration.
It is our 200th episode! Fr. Dave is “trapped” in Florida, and Dcn. Bob is recovering from being sick. They discuss the Notre Dame loss, NFL upsets, Trump’s inauguration, the ceasefire in Gaza, and a week of great liturgical feasts including the Conversion of St. Paul.
Though their favorite NFL teams are out of the playoffs, Fr. Dave is excited about Notre Dame making it to the college championship! Dcn. Bob baptized his grandson last week. Fr. Dave led a pilgrimage to Guadalupe. They also talk about Blessed Miguel Pro, the fires in California, Ordinary Time, and introduce a new segment to the podcast to celebrate the jubilee year, “Signs of Hope.”
The Jubilee of Hope has begun! In their first podcast of the New Year, Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob discuss the college football and NFL playoff picture, Bob’s broken rib, SEEK 2025, the attack in New Orleans, and how the media is changing its coverage of Pope Francis.
Dcn. Bob got to be in the tunnel of a Buccaneers game, but Fr. Dave got a private audience with the pope! They talk about sports, insane money in baseball, Red One, how friars celebrate Christmas, and reflect on what it means that Jesus is Emmanuel, “God with us.”
Make this the best Christmas ever for children growing up in poverty around the world by donating a Box of Joy®. Your gift will surprise a child with what could be their...
In this SUPERCUT episode, you can enjoy all of Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob's commentary on Pope Francis' encyclical, Dilexit nos, in one fell swoop.
Make this the best Christmas ever for children growing up in poverty around the world by donating a Box of Joy®. Your gift will surprise a child with what could be their first Christmas gift! Each box is filled with toys, clothing, school supplies, a rosary and a story about Jesus. Donate a ...
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob discuss why they love to talk about sports as much as they do, stories from Thanksgiving, movies they saw over the weekend, and the first week of Advent. They also finish their reflections on Pope Francis’ document, “He Loves Us.”
Make this the best Christmas ever for children growing up in poverty around the world by donating a Box of Joy®. Your gift will surprise a child with what could be their first Chris...
Today’s episode is brought to you by the letter F! Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob talk about football, femurs, faith, food, friars, friends, and (Pope) Francis. Happy Fhanksgiving!
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