Stressed Out

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 overprotection in the real world and chaos online have created a generation experiencing heightened anxiety. They also reflect on parenting, prayer, digital safety, and the role of faith in fostering real peace and resilience. 

Meanwhile, Father Dave celebrates his 60th birthday (officially “elderly”), Deacon Bob returns from a retreat in Arizona and a week in Texas, and together they close with a hopeful call for Christian unity in a fractured world. 

 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:00) Father Dave Is Officially Old (and Kind of Okay With It)  The guys reunite after a missed week, and Deacon Bob wastes no time celebrating Father Dave’s 60th birthday. From Googling “what is old?” to surprise parties and retreat moments, the milestone gets a heartfelt and hilarious treatment. 

(01:36) Super Bowl Blowout and the Lost Art of the Commercial  The Eagles crush the Chiefs in a game full of fireworks—literally. Deacon Bob vents about the lopsided score, Father Dave praises the Clydesdale commercial, and both give nods to halftime outfits that were refreshingly modest. 

(07:02) Luka to the Lakers?! Shockwaves in the NBA  In a trade that stunned fans and players alike, Luka Dončić heads to L.A. while Anthony Davis lands in Dallas. The guys unpack how the NBA's power dynamic is shifting, and celebrate the Cavs' rise with three All-Stars on deck. 

(10:20) Faith, Anxiety, and Catholic Mindfulness  Father Dave previews the “In Focus” series with Dr. Greg Bottaro, diving into the rise in youth anxiety. Deacon Bob brings in themes from The Anxious Generation and Bad Therapy, reflecting on parenting, digital dangers, and why we need both grace and grit. 

(19:55) Safer Internet Day, Pornography, and Protecting Kids Online  From age verification laws to the “Wait Until 8th” campaign, Deacon Bob shares practical ideas for creating safer digital environments—and why this battle has to be fought together, in schools, homes, and communities. 

(26:55) Utopia, TX and the Beauty of Christian Unity  Deacon Bob recounts a week with Young Life leaders in Texas, reflecting on the joy of shared mission between Catholics and Protestants. Father Dave underscores the Church’s call to unity without compromise—celebrating common ground without denying the real differences. 

(33:11) One Easter for All? A Humble Hope for the Future  They discuss the rare year when all Christians celebrate Easter on the same day—and the Vatican’s long-standing willingness to unify Easter calendars as a sign of communion. Spoiler: Pope Francis isn’t the first to suggest it. 

(36:18) Signs of Hope: Lifelong Ministry and Lifelong Friends  Deacon Bob shares the joy of meeting youth ministers with decades of service. Father Dave reflects on 35 years of friendship and the grace of walking together in faith. It’s a fitting close to an episode that starts with age—and ends with legacy. 

 

Resources Mentioned 

• In Focus with Dr. Greg Bottaro 

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 

• Bad Therapy  by Abigail Shrier 

• EndSexualExploitation.com 

• “Wait Until 8th” Movement 

 

Listen to more They That Hope episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.