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They That Hope: A Catholic Podcast

They That Hope: A Catholic Podcast

Written by: theythathope
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About this listen

 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!Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • All Good Things...

    All Good Things...
    Sep 17 2025

    It’s the end of an era. After five years, Father Dave and Deacon Bob gather for the very last episode of They That Hope. True to form, the conversation blends laughter, sorrow, and a steady focus on Christ.

    The guys begin with one last round of sports heartbreak (Notre Dame, Broncos, and a Buccaneers game that hasn’t quite happened yet), plus Deacon Bob’s double-dose weekend of Weird Al concerts.

    Then they shift to reflect on the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk. They wrestle with grief and division, recognizing how fragile life feels, and wonder aloud how silencing faith-filled voices only deepens the darkness. Their reflection reminds listeners that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and that true hope is found in forgiveness, mercy, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Finally, they wrap up by sharing heartfelt listener letters, favorite memories from the past five years, and their gratitude for everyone who joined them at the “podcast table.” As they sign off with blessings and thanksgiving, Father Dave and Deacon Bob leave us with the reminder that hope does not disappoint—because the love of God has been poured into our hearts.

    Highlighted Sections

    (00:00) A Final Episode Begins Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off their last recording with gratitude and laughter. The bittersweet tone is lightened by jokes about Notre Dame football and whether ending the podcast jinxed their favorite teams. It’s a familiar start for a farewell filled with humor and heartfelt reflection.

    (03:47) Weird Al, Walk-On Songs, and Family Fun Deacon Bob shares his weekend of back-to-back Weird Al concerts, complete with Stormtroopers, “Amish Paradise,” and plenty of costume changes. The story turns tender as he recalls memories of singing parodies with his kids, now grown. Father Dave teases along the way, but it’s clear these goofy songs carry a deep family legacy.

    (12:39) Grief and Division After Charlie Kirk’s Shooting They then turn to recent news: the shooting of Charlie Kirk. They talk about his willingness to engage in dialogue, how violence eats away at our sense of safety and unity, and how we sometimes silence or dismiss voices that carry hope for fear of disagreement. Despite the pain this brings, they look for grounding in Scripture—especially the call to love even our enemies as part of the Christian witness.

    (22:08) Forgiveness, Mercy, and Real Hope

    Building on the previous reflection, Father Dave and Deacon Bob draw from Deacon Bob’s homily and the testimony of Immaculée Ilibagiza to explore what it means to respond in a Christ-like way. In times when the world feels fractured, mercy and forgiveness become the clearest sign of that hope we proclaim.

    (35:44) Listener Letters, Thank-Yous, and Final Blessing Fans write in to share how the podcast shaped their faith, lightened their burdens, and even sparked personal transformation. Father Dave and Deacon Bob laugh through memories, thank their families and the Franciscan University team, and offer one last blessing. They end as they began five years ago—reminding us that hope does not disappoint, because God is faithful.

    Resources Mentioned

    • “The Saga Begins” by Weird Al Yankovic – Bob’s family favorite parody
    • Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculée Ilibagiza
    • “The Light Shines In The Darkness” – Father Dave’s recent Daily Wire op-ed reflecting on Charlie Kirk
    • FaithAndReason.com – ongoing Catholic resources from Franciscan University of Steubenville
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    45 mins
  • Saints for Our Time

    Saints for Our Time
    Sep 10 2025
    Two young saints, one who loved mountaineering and the other rocked Nike sneakers: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati prove holiness doesn’t mean leaving normal life behind—it means living it to the fullest with Christ. Father Dave and Deacon Bob reflect on Pope Leo’s homily at the canonization Mass for these two young Italians and explore why so many saints begin saying yes to God in their youth. True to They That Hope form, they take a lap through the weekend in sports, from NFL openers to U.S. Open storylines to the eternal LeBron vs. Jordan debate. Then they settle into the title’s theme: modern sanctity. Carlo’s wisdom (“In front of the sun you get a tan; in front of the Eucharist, you become a saint”) and Frassati’s cry “to the heights!” frame a simple invitation: say yes to the Lord today. They close with campus updates, a prayer, and a warm invitation to share your favorite podcast memories. Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us! Highlighted Sections (00:29) Jubilee of Hope and Merch Madness Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick things off with playful banter about sponsors, the Jubilee Year of Hope, and whether the pope might be a secret podcast listener. They also remind everyone there’s one last chance to snag They That Hope merch, including the highly prized Heather Khym mug, at CatholicToTheMax.com. (07:24) NFL, Tennis, and the LeBron vs. Jordan Debate They next jump into sports to discuss the NFL’s opening weekend, recap the US Open finals, and, of course, argue over The Athletic’s “Basketball 100.” Jordan or LeBron? The debate continues. (15:47) Franciscan Homecoming Preview Campus is buzzing for Homecoming Weekend with chapel tours, a St. Francis Festival, and alumni reunions. Father Dave and Deacon Bob share details on the newly renovated Christ the King Chapel and joke about who may—or may not—be getting awards at the banquet. (Pssst, sign up to join Homecoming here.) (21:43) Five Years of Movies, Memes, and Memories Looking back on the podcast’s run, the hosts laugh about their obsessions (Hamilton, Top Gun, Black Widow) and reflect on milestones from solar eclipses to campus life during COVID. They recall both joyful and sobering moments, always framed through the lens of hope. (26:16) Modern Saints for Modern Times Next, they move into the heart of the episode: celebrating the canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Father Dave and Deacon Bob highlight the families present in Rome, the youthful joy of both saints, and the reminder that holiness often begins with a simple yes lived in ordinary life. (32:54) Carlo’s Wisdom in His Own Words “In front of the sun you get a tan; in front of the Eucharist, you become a saint!” The hosts share Carlo’s best lines on joy, sin, and holiness, and revisit his Eucharistic Miracles project as a reminder of how young people enrich the Church. (35:37) Prayer and Sending Forth The episode closes with gratitude for these new saints, a prayer for their intercession, and a heartfelt thank-you to listeners. As the season draws to a close, Father Dave and Deacon Bob invite fans to send memories and well-wishes to Hope@Franciscan.edu. Resources Mentioned They That Hope Mug that Heather Khym Illegally Stole from Deacon Bob's House and Vandalized with Abiding Together Propaganda— purchase your own at CatholicToTheMax.com. “The Basketball 100”— from The Athletic FaithAndReason.com — more Catholic content from Franciscan University Homecoming Weekend— learn more about Franciscan’s upcoming homecoming from September 26-28, 2025 Papal Chapel with the Rite of Canonization of Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis— Pope Leo’s canonization homily “Blessed Carlo Acutis and the Many Miracles of the Eucharist” by Timothy P. O’Malley— learn more about the Eucharistic Miracles project inspired by St. Carlo Acutis
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    37 mins
  • Hope in Tragedy

    Hope in Tragedy
    Sep 3 2025
    Father Dave and Deacon Bob come to this episode with heavy hearts, reflecting on the recent church shooting in Minnesota. They share Archbishop Bernard Hebda’s moving words of hope, grapple with the reality of evil, and talk about the call to persistent prayer. It’s a sobering reminder of the world’s brokenness—and of the hope Christians cling to when sorrow feels overwhelming. Yet, even in hard weeks, these two help listeners find joy and laughter: Notre Dame heartbreak, Ohio State bragging rights, Alabama’s shocking stumble, the NFL’s opening buzz, Taylor-and-Travis engagement memes, and even the joyfully bizarre antics of the Savannah Bananas. They also pause to look back on five years of They That Hope—from pandemic beginnings to Deacon Bob’s ordination and Franciscan University’s bold “Step in Faith” initiative—grateful for the unexpected gift of sharing life and faith through this podcast. As the show nears its final stretch, listeners are invited to share their favorite memories. Through it all, the reminder is the same: true hope isn’t found in scores or headlines, but in Christ who never abandons his people. Highlighted Sections (00:00) From Heartbreak to Hope The episode opens with Father Dave and Deacon Bob holding space for the deep grief caused by the Church of the Annunciation shooting in Minnesota and offer prayers for the victims. (01:21) Football Woes, Memes, and Bananas Notre Dame loses, Ohio State gloats, Alabama falls to an unranked team, and the NFL season is about to kick off. Along the way, the guys joke about Bill Belichick’s off-field drama, laugh through Taylor-and-Travis engagement memes, and tip their hats to the always-entertaining Savannah Bananas. (12:03) Five Years, Countless Laughs (and a Few Tears) With the podcast coming to a close, Father Dave and Deacon Bob rewind to its pandemic origins and how simple recorded conversations grew into a ministry of encouragement. They reflect on their friendship, their ministry together, and the joy of bringing hope and humor into uncertain times. (20:33) Bob’s Ordination Flashbacks & Dave’s Bold Moves Deacon Bob shares how COVID unexpectedly deepened his vocation and shaped his path to the diaconate. Father Dave remembers Franciscan University’s “Step in Faith” initiative and the surprising blessings that flowed from those bold decisions. (26:26) Standing in Prayer Amid Tragedy Returning to the heartbreaking story from Minnesota, the hosts emphasize intercession when words fall short, the nature of evil, share the archbishop’s words of hope, and why the Christian response is always prayer, action, and steadfast hope in God. (35:01) Closing Prayer and Listener Memories A prayer for Minnesota and an invitation for listeners to share favorite moments from the show. Resources Mentioned Archbishop Bernard Hebda Statement — press conference remarks after Minnesota tragedy The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis – referenced in reflection on evil Step in Faith initiative – Franciscan University program launched during COVID Savannah Bananas– proof that baseball is better with dancing umpires "How Can We Not Pray?” — Father Dave’s Washington Examiner op-ed on the reality of evil and prayer In Person episodes with Heather Khym and Ryan Anderson — two recent interviews Father Dave did on Faith and Reason.
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    36 mins
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