They That Hope: A Catholic Podcast

Palm Sunday

 What happens when you celebrate Palm Sunday and break a historic NHL record in the same week—then try to plan a live podcast at a ballgame? 

This week, Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, reunite after time on the road to talk sports, saints, and the start of Holy Week. They celebrate Alex Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, reflect on the highs and heartbreaks of March Madness, and make ambitious plans for a live podcast episode from a Pirates game. Spoiler alert: Torpedo bats and Trevor Williams may be involved. 

Meanwhile, Father Dave shares about the overlooked power of Palm Sunday, inviting listeners to stay close to Christ throughout Holy Week—not skipping ahead to the Resurrection, but walking daily with Jesus through His Passion. From the colt that never bucked to the crowds that cheered then jeered, it's a timely call to praise Jesus for who He is, not just what we want Him to be. 

Also in this episode: Star Trek celebrity sightings, Minecraft movie madness, and what happens when Jack Black meets Jason Momoa (or a mimosa). 

 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:00) Sugar-Free Gummy Bears, Hockey History, and Reunited Hosts 
Father Dave and Deacon Bob are back together and immediately dive into some classic They That Hope banter—including unforgettable Amazon reviews of Haribo sugar-free gummy bears. They also celebrate Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking moment on the ice and marvel at how the NHL pulled out all the stops for the Great Eight. 

 

(04:54) March Madness Surprises and Catholic Coaches on the Court 
The NCAA tournament wraps up with buzzer-beaters and big surprises, including historic representation among head coaches. The hosts reflect on what it means to win—and lose—with class, and how faith sometimes shows up courtside. 

 

(09:38) Torpedo Bats, Million-Dollar Cards, and a Possible Live Episode 
A new MIT-engineered “torpedo bat” sparks baseball buzz as the Yankees open strong and then crash hard. Meanwhile, a rare Paul Skenes card sells for a jaw-dropping price, and Deacon Bob pitches the idea of recording a live podcast from PNC Park. 

 

(11:45) Arthur Brooks, Evangelization, and the Art of Disagreement 
Father Dave shares a moment of deep insight from his recent interview with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, who spoke on campus about evangelization in a divided world. They reflect on the importance of friendship, dialogue, and belonging when sharing the Gospel with those who think differently. 

 

(23:19) Movies, Mimosas, and the Minecraft Mayhem 
Deacon Bob survives the cinematic chaos that is the new Minecraft Movie, starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa. The hosts also look ahead to Mission: Impossible, Thunderbolts, and the hopeful return of truly great summer blockbusters. 

(25:51) Palm Sunday Reflections and Staying with Jesus in Holy Week 
The hosts reflect on the beginning of Holy Week and the often-overlooked beauty of Palm Sunday. They explore what it means to praise Jesus not just for what He does, but for who He is—and invite listeners to walk with Christ, one day at a time, through the Passion. 

 

Resources Mentioned 

• In Person with Arthur Brooks – Faith and Reason 

• Love Your Enemies by Arthur Brooks 

• A Minecraft Movie 

• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 

• Thunderbolts 

The Woman Caught in Adultery

"Neither do I condemn you." These powerful words from John 8 echo through this week’s episode, as Deacon Bob and Father Dave reflect on Jesus’ radical mercy and the call to transformation. The Gospel story of the woman caught in adultery takes center stage, prompting a rich conversation about sin, dignity, and the scandal of grace. 

From there, the hosts weave this message of mercy into stories from real life—on the field, in the classroom, and even around a D&D table. They celebrate Franciscan’s women’s softball team, relive a touching moment between Sidney Crosby and Deacon Bob’s son, and laugh their way through an unexpected defense of role-playing games (featuring dragons, dice, and Dr. Mike Welker). 

Even as the episode touches on travel tales, NHL milestones, and pretzel cravings in Austria, everything circles back to one central truth: God’s mercy restores what shame tries to erase. 

 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:00) March Madness, Hockey Moments, and The Hope of Opening Day 
Deacon Bob kicks things off with NCAA updates and his son's unforgettable moment with Sidney Crosby. Father Dave shares travel tales and hopes for the Nationals (and the White Sox?!). 

(06:32) Sportsmanship and Surprises in the NHL 
From Ovechkin’s selfless plays to honoring retiring legend Marc-André Fleury, the hosts reflect on the character of hockey players and how moments of class can transcend rivalries. 

(13:53) Franciscan Updates, Study Abroad, and Parents’ Weekend in Vienna 
Father Dave checks in from Austria, recounting a beautiful Night of Mercy in the Diocese of St. Pölten and sharing how Franciscan’s Austrian Program transforms lives—including a student who decided to transfer after just one semester abroad. 

(18:29) Dice, Dragons, and Deacon Bob’s Geekiest Joy 
Bob explains the world of role-playing games—from character sheets to 20-sided dice—and why he finds creativity and community in tabletop storytelling. Father Dave listens… with mixed emotions. 

(25:58) The Gospel of Mercy: Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery 
The hosts read and reflect on John 8, exploring how Jesus both confronts sin and restores dignity. They discuss the cultural and legal dynamics at play, the Pharisees’ trap, and the power of Christ’s compassion: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” 

Resources Mentioned 

• Gospel Reading: John 8:1–11 

• Franciscan University’s Study Abroad Program in Austria 

• Franciscan University’s Online MA in Theology Program 

• Fall 2026 Admissions Now Open: franciscan.edu 

The Prodigal Son

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!

The Transfiguration

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.

Into the Desert

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.

Robo-Baseball

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.

Hey Now, You’re an All-Star

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."

Stressed Out

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.

Super Bored

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.

Hope for America

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.