
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

May 31, 2023 • 37min
One Wedding and a Funeral
The NBA and NHL playoffs are heating up! Fr. Dave shares about his vacation, Dcn. Bob talks about his son’s wedding, and they both discuss heresies in the Church and what the feast of the Most Holy Trinity means for our lives.

May 24, 2023 • 28min
The Hours (Sneak Preview)
Dcn. Bob recorded this podcast from the Pittsburgh airport, the Detroit airport, a plane to Houston, and in Houston, Texas! He shares new music from the album he recorded with the Brewer Sisters called, “The Hours.”

May 17, 2023 • 33min
Texting Like a Baby
After the obligatory sports segment (with new theme music!), Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob talk about Franciscan’s graduation weekend, being “dangerously good,” vacation disasters, and wedding fails.

May 10, 2023 • 37min
The Gambler
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob went to a baseball game that was delayed two hours because of rain and the home team lost 10-1, reinforcing Bob’s belief that baseball might not be the most exciting sport to watch. They talk about gambling (is it a sin?), favorite books (spiritual and non-spiritual), and Our Lady of Fatima.

May 3, 2023 • 39min
10,000 Screaming 7-Year-Olds
Dcn. Bob had a tough sports week, with both his Cavs and Lightning out of the playoffs. He and Fr. Dave recap NBA, NHL, and MLB news, share some listener emails, talk about the beauty of Catholic apostolates and the blessings and challenges of Father Dave’s 27 years as a priest.

Apr 26, 2023 • 32min
Artificial Intelligence
Abiding Together attacks! Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob record their podcast in the aftermath of a glitter-bomb/soy candle assault on their studio. They heroically persevere to record this episode, talking about the Cavaliers, artificial intelligence, Dennis Prager’s visit to Franciscan, and ecumenism.

Apr 19, 2023 • 38min
Nightmare on Franciscan Street
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob do their usual sports update (with a moment of silence for the Pittsburgh Penguins) and talk about ’80s music, weird dreams, women’s ministry, and the “signs and wonders” of Easter.

Apr 12, 2023 • 35min
Achtave, Baby
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob discuss the start of baseball season (and other sports), their experience of the Triduum, and the spirituality of Easter.

Apr 5, 2023 • 30min
Appendages With Digits
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob talk about NCAA basketball, the start of baseball season, Bob’s first time doing a eucharistic procession, and what they love about the Easter Triduum.

Mar 29, 2023 • 36min
It Was Rocky IV
Fr. Dave and Dcn. Bob talk about the NBA (go Cavs!), March Madness (go Owls!), curling (go … somebody?), secular movies, religious movies, Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, Palm Sunday, and Holy Week.