They That Hope: A Catholic Podcast

Queen of Peace

Fr. Dave’s Broncos beat Dcn. Bob’s Buccaneers, yet they remain good friends!  They discuss other NFL results, Shohei Ohtani’s “50/50” season, World Series predictions, violence in the Middle East, and the Vatican’s recent approval of Medjugorje devotion.

Blofeld

Dcn. Bob calls in from Kansas City!  He and Fr. Dave talk about the NFL, concussions, last week’s presidential debate, and active shooter drills.  They conclude by reflecting on the promise of Jesus, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Sweet Baby James

This episode is essentially a therapy session to console Fr. Dave after the shock loss of Notre Dame football. He and Dcn. Bob also discuss the NFL (Bucs win!), the baseball game they almost went to, 9/11, James Taylor, and the Exaltation of the Cross.

Decoy, the Wonder Dog

Dcn. Bob finally found something worth watching in baseball!  He and Fr. Dave talk about the opening weekend of college football, a pregnant Paralympian, being trapped in space, and the legacy of St. Teresa of Calcutta.

Back to School

It’s back to school time!  Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob talk about classes resuming at Franciscan University, NFL kickoff weekend, steroid baseball, identity politics, and what it means to be a “community of believers.”

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob recap the highs (Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone) and lows (Raygun) of the 2024 Olympics! They also talk about Taylor Swift, politics, Alaska, and sacred art.

The Seven Deadly Sins (Part 2)

Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob conclude their analysis of the seven deadly sins.  In this episode, they discuss lust, gluttony, and wrath.  **PARENTAL WARNING** This episode contains open discussion about mature subjects.  Headphones recommended.

 

Olympic Debacles

Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob are back in the studio together!  They catch up on a crazy two weeks of Olympic scandals, political mishaps, and amazing conference experiences.

Abiding in Hope

Fr. Dave and Heather Khym team up for a very special crossover episode, recorded with a live audience at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis!

ADHD Is Awesome

Ever feel like your brain is juggling ten thoughts at once–while also trying to remember where you left your keys? Father Dave and Deacon Bob chat about the wild, wonderful world of ADHD–the struggles, the strengths, and how it can be gift in disguise.

In this episode, Deacon Bob discusses his recent ADHD diagnosis and how it has transformed his approach to life, work, and faith. With insights from the book ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide to Mostly Thriving with ADHD, the hosts explore how accepting ADHD quirks can boost creativity. This acceptance can also lead to deeper spiritual growth and a lot of joyful chaos.

Of course, no episode is complete without a bit of world news, sports, and history. Father Dave and Deacon Bob discuss the electric energy of the Copa América, the Euro Cup, and the touching return of Princess Kate to public life at Wimbledon.

They also commemorate the 800 anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata–because if there’s one saint who fully embodied divine intensity, it’s Francis. The conversation turns to the prophetic voice of Pope Paul VI and the urgent need for unity and prayer in the wake of the attack on former President Donald Trump.

And because ADHD means jumping between topics is inevitable, they also invite listeners to engage with the Jubilee Year of Hope, reflecting on its spiritual significance, and the transformative power of pilgrimage.

From indulgences to the upcoming Eucharistic Congress, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of hope, unity, and the enduring strength found in community and faith.

 

Highlighted Sections

(00:00) Chaos in Soccer and Politics
Father Dave and Deacon Bob chat about the wild world of soccer fandom, from the electrifying Copa América final to Spain’s Euro Cup victory. They compare the rowdy energy of European crowds to America’s more reserved enthusiasm. Plus, a look at Princess Kate’s emotional return to Wimbledon.

(08:07) Current Events and Political Commentary
Marking 800 years since St. Francis received the Stigmata, the hosts reflect on his radical faith and a special conference at Franciscan University. They also discuss the prophetic legacy of Pope Paul VI and the urgent need for unity following the recent attack on former President Trump.

(17:54) ADHD Appreciation
Deacon Bob discusses his ADHD diagnosis and how it’s reshaped his approach to faith and life. They unpack the book ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide to Mostly Thriving with ADHD and how embracing neurodivergence can be a superpower. Expect plenty of humor, honesty, and a few scattered thoughts.

(25:07) Year of Jubilee and Pilgrimage Hope
The Jubilee Year is all about hope–and pilgrimages, whether to Rome or the cathedral down the street. Father Dave and Deacon Bob discuss the 1700 anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and (half-jokingly) pitch a podcast pilgrimage to Disney World.

(32:05) Sacraments, Indulgences, and Hope
Indulgences aren’t just old-school Catholicism–they’re a roadmap to healing. The hosts break down how they work, why they matter, and how the upcoming Eucharistic Congress is the perfect time to embrace grace and renewal.

(36:46) Hope and Prayer at Franciscan
Need prayer? Franciscan University has you covered. Send in a request or stop by booth #340 at the congress to connect with a community rooted in faith and hope.

 

Resources Mentioned

Watch the Livestream of the Marked With the Wounds of Christ: An Academic Conference on the Stigmatization of St. Francis.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD by Penn and Kim Holderness

Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint) Papal Bull by Pope Francis