
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

3 hours ago
Remembering Pope Francis
3 hours ago
3 hours ago
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.

6 days ago
Jesus 1, Pirates 0
6 days ago
6 days ago
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 Franciscan University's Giving Day and Dcn. Bob's excitement about preaching at the upcoming “Night of Joy.”

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Palm Sunday
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
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 from Arthur Brooks. Plus, don't miss out on their plans for a live podcast from a baseball game next week!

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
The Woman Caught in Adultery
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
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.

Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
The Prodigal Son
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
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!

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
The Transfiguration
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
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 Hope with the Transfiguration Gospel reading, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the glory of the Lord in daily life.

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Into the Desert
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
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 leadership. The episode concludes by highlighting a new Lenten initiative featuring Gospel readings and prayers.
Don't miss the engaging discussions brought to you by faithandreason.com and osvpodcasts.com. Catch more episodes at theythathopepodcast.com.

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Robo-Baseball
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
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 address the challenges of Lent and fasting. Finally, they share signs of hope and encourage listeners to engage in their faith journeys thoughtfully.

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Hey Now, You’re an All-Star
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
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."

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Stressed Out
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
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.