
They That Hope: A Catholic Podcast
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!
Latest episodes

Oct 16, 2024 • 36min
Bottom Gun
Fr. Dave visited an aircraft carrier at sea! He and Dcn. Bob talk about the MLB playoffs, college and professional football, Pete Rose, and how to have hope in the last weeks before the election.

Oct 2, 2024 • 34min
The Captain
Dcn. Bob met Captain Kirk! He and Fr. Dave talk about the “Brady vs. Baker” fight, MLB playoffs, and going to Hamilton with students. They also offer prayers for those affected by the hurricane this past weekend.

Sep 25, 2024 • 38min
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.

Sep 18, 2024 • 31min
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).

Sep 11, 2024 • 34min
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.

Sep 4, 2024 • 34min
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.

Aug 28, 2024 • 34min
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.”

Aug 21, 2024 • 34min
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.

Aug 7, 2024 • 34min
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.

Jul 31, 2024 • 37min
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.