They That Hope: A Catholic Podcast

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.

¡Viva Cristo Rey!

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.”