In this episode, the dogs welcome Mike back to the states (01:05), Rob visits an older priest with a friend (13:40), and Connor shares his summer reading (16:55). They all talk about coming to terms with aging (28:05) and the inspirational people they love who have aged with grace (32:50). Quotes: “I try to integrate and circulate each day.” (Conno…

In this episode, the dogs catch up and reminisce (4:00) before a long summer break from the pod. Connor shares his new assignment at Mundelein (10:50) and Mike discusses his new position (26:53). They all speak about finding their identity in Jesus (35:00), especially in times of transition. They stress the importance of vulnerability (20:22) and s…

In this episode, the dogs convene at Rob’s request (3:55) to talk about science fiction (4:39) and what’s so attractive about stories with a prophecy (13:50). Connor describes the new stained glass windows at Newman (20:00) and they all piece together “Main Character Energy” (22:19). Quotes: “The narrative form of the gospel is really important and…

In this episode, the dogs discuss whether there are any once in a lifetime experiences (2:50). Rob admits to his own FOMO (3:00), Mike revisits an enchanted moment from Bethlehem (13:52), and Connor describes living in the eternal reality of the sacramental worldview (16:30). They all reminisce (21:00) with hopeful longing (23:58). Quotes: “Each mo…

In this episode, the dogs return to a previous discussion on parenting and control (5:00). Mike looks for Yao Ming in the California Redwoods (1:49), Connor reminds us just how useful childhood confirmation class was (17:35), and Rob jumps ship (14:57) twice (26:49). Quotes: “They (children) have this compass inside of them that I can’t read for th…

In this episode, the dogs discuss what it means to live with integrity (0:44). Rob opens by bringing up Bobby Jones’ loss in the 1925 U.S. Open (1:00), Mike gets a little heretical (10:10), and Connor experiences some technical difficulties (15:15). They close by reflecting on representations of integrity in various films (28:22). Quotes: “It’s jus…

In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s future as a Jumpmaster (00:27), the start of the school year at UIC (13:13), and the difference between managers and leaders (19:00). Connor comes up with a new parable for the Gospel of Luke (27:00) and The Simpsons is referenced (35:58), twice (41:08). Quotes: “Leaders lead from the front.” (Mike, 7:05)…

In this episode, the dogs discuss meekness (6:14) and the positive masculine virtues (2:45). Rob gives some historical context (6:14), Mike dodges deciding whether his dad is meek (9:11), and Connor shares a time when he’s seen men misuse their masculinity to diminish others (13:45). Lastly, they look to the saints (17:36) to better understand what…

In this episode, the dogs discuss The Simpsons (0:50), Edith Stein’s feast day (4:05), and phenomenology philosophy (7:30). Mike names a new female doctor of the church (14:00) and speaks definitively on anthropology (17:40). They close out by sharing how to practically live in relationship with Jesus, as Stein says, in the “kern” (20:00). Quotes: …

In this episode, the dogs discuss the heroes journey (12:45) and Rob asks the question: If we’re made for home, then why do we leave (14:00)? Rob gives his favorite Summer Reading combinations (7:55), Connor references the gospel of Luke (19:00) as well as SNL (24:30), and Mike shares what it’s like to maintain values while developing his career in…

In this episode, the dogs talk about what it means to sacramentalize all things. They discuss the tendency to separate “holy” things from seemingly unholy things (1:30) and the opposing belief that all things are restored in Christ (4:00). Mike brings up his experience serving at Life Teen retreats (9:55), Rob shares what was so impactful about vis…

In this episode, the dogs talk about ways they have grown over the past year (4:45). Connor shares his experience during Holy Week (7:00), Rob remembers lessons learned from Connor’s pandemic garden (8:30), and Mike defends the relevance of the liturgy (13:35). They all share the joys of priesthood that they’ve recently experienced (21:30). Quotes:…

In this episode, the dogs hear Rob’s hot take on 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (4:35). They all discuss the importance of choosing to engage with reality (11:48), especially when it can be tempting to “shirk” off the present moment (34:30). Quotes: “I am not alone. It’s not just on me to create the meaning of my life. This is not all there is…

In this episode, the dogs talk about Rob’s Sabbath activities (1:50) and Connor’s obsession with Milanos (6:00). Connor brings up the Mother Teresa documentary (7:10) and they all discuss why she is so initially intimidating (10:42) and ultimately disarming (26:50). They close the episode with love for all the Teresas (34:34). Quotes: “Engagement w…

In this episode, the dogs discuss the movie Devotion (1:00) and what it takes to become a saint (6:10). They pull from the Office of Readings (7:29), Bishop Barron (10:14), and Cardinal George (27:30), all while making too many baseball references. Mike closes the episode with a reference to the North American Martyrs (35:35) and his modest rebelli…

In this episode, the dogs extend an invitation to a “big-souled life” (35:50). Connor brings up the pilgrimage to Rome in The Story of a Soul (2:25) and Rob connects St. Therese’s allure to truthfulness (5:50). Mike emphasizes the importance of living in the present truth (13:00) while also having your eyes fixed on eternity (20:40). Quotes: “I can…

In this episode, the dogs talk about Connor’s office art (00:35) and Mike’s recent experience at the Joint Readiness Training Center (10:40). They all describe the feeling of wonder (24:54) being in the presence of a “massive reality” (21:30). Quotes: “Because she was innocent, it didn’t make her less prepared for reality, it made her more prepared…

In this episode, the dogs catch up (0:30) and discuss a recent movie Rob and Connor watched together (1:20). Connor asks the guys if they’ve ever unknowingly read a robot generated article (7:20). They continue to talk about the intersection of semiotics and AI (8:40), emphasizing its limitations (13:50). Rob compares emails and letter writing (18:…

In this episode, the dogs talk about deer season (3:50) and the need for initiation rituals in young men (11:30). Rob brings up the importance of mentorship through a Harry Potter reference (14:20), which reminds Mike of Bishop Barron’s idea of the mystagogue (16:45). Connor recounts a story from early in his priesthood (21:11) and they all echo th…

In this episode, the dogs discuss Connor’s new album (00:39) and his recent experience at Second City (03:40). Mike asks the guys whether they make jokes during homilies (6:30); Rob (7:50), Connor (10:14), and Mike (24:20) give their different perspectives. Connor invokes Aquinas to explain man as the risible animal (30:15) and they all talk about …

In this episode, the dogs seek affirmation from one another (2:40) and Mike shares a grace from spiritual direction (4:10). Connor expresses his desire to live humbly from his heart (9:00). Rob gives an insight from C.S. Lewis on growing in humility (15:12) and Mike gets weirdly into building models (28:11). Quotes: “By the way, tell me how good I’…

In this episode, the dogs talk about how hard it has been to find a time to record (0:50). Connor talks about a new supplement he’s taking for joint pain (2:28) and a recent fascination with Bob Ross’ mentor: Bill Alexander (5:45). They discuss the pursuit of excellence in different forms, from Michael Jordan (9:40) to The Passion of John the Bapti…

In this episode, the dogs lament the upcoming recording hiatus (0:25). Rob brings up Forest Gump, the best movie of all time, as an example of childhood innocence (2:24) and they all discuss a child’s unique ability to respond to reality (5:24). Mike gives a throwback to his time with braces (14:50), they all agree that the pod is a sign-post to He…

In this episode, the dogs discuss the vocation of the priesthood. Rob recognizes a new freedom in staying home on Friday nights (6:22), which Connor describes as a “unity of life” (8:30). Mike admits his own struggle with FOMO (17:40) and Connor offers some encouragement with an image that came to him on the Feast of the Sacred Heart (20:14). Rob r…

In this episode, the dogs talk about submitting to God’s grace as opposed to getting bogged down in the impossibility of a task (7:00), especially in light of Mike’s new responsibility ministering to 50,000 people on post (0:40). Mike shares his perspective from the altar at Mass and it’s significance for the rest of his life (17:20). Rob expresses…

In this episode, the dogs share their favorite SNL skits (2:58). Rob gives an update on his new push for authentic Christian community on campus (9:30) and Connor echoes the importance of letting go of outcomes (12:10). Mike shares what it’s like living a priestly life in moments of solitude (16:28) as well as some recent insights from spiritual di…

In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s first few weeks settling into base (2:10) and the sacred moments he’s experienced so far (6:45). Connor returns to the topic of Christian living (10:22) and shares his own need for community in the midst of hardship (10:50). They close-out the episode discussing Lean Cuisines (17:25), outdoor meal smells …

In this episode, the dogs talk about Tom Cruise (1:00), fighter jets (1:05), and why we need a Maverick (11:10). Mike hones in on the need for stability (16:50) from Peterson’s Five Factor Model of Personality and Connor (24:53) and Rob (31:00) give their own examples of maintaining structure as a gift for others. Quotes: “Conservatism starts from …

In this episode, the dogs discuss what it means to live an authentic Christian life. Rob shares a recent decision to develop deeper relationships on campus (4:22), Connor suggests a charism to describe the inherent tension within the diocesan priesthood (6:25), and Mike brings the conversation back to the marvelous exchange at the heart of the univ…

In this episode, the dogs talk about the nickname origins of the 504th Infantry Regiment (3:22), spiritual lessons in TMNT (7:00), preparing for spiritual combat (10:10), and God’s fidelity (14:15). Quotes: “The pathologizing of evil is so tempting because you can always make an excuse for people when they do bad, but there are forces in the world …

In this episode, the dogs talk about Connor’s participation in the National Eucharistic Revival (1:15), Rob shares a recent decision to change his approach to campus ministry (14:04), and Mike closes with a Tolkien inspired discussion on living in freedom (20:50). Quotes: “The way the Eucharistic faith will be revitalized is not through us being re…

In this episode, the dogs talk about Tyson’s tigers (5:56), YouTube vortexes (11:30), and God’s promise of freedom (14:24). Rob shares insights from an old journal he started as a FOCUS missionary (17:19) and Mike speaks about the peace that comes from resting in Christ (33:35). Quotes: “So, philosophically you went from anything for freedom to jus…

If you haven’t yet, listen to S11 E34 Loggerheads (Part 1) In this episode, the dogs pick up where they left off last time (0:25). Mike clarifies when he thinks control is appropriate in a leadership position (2:50) and Rob proposes that control, when it’s properly used, can be a training in the virtues (12:53). Rob shares an “anointed moment”, whi…

In this episode, the dogs discuss the relationship between authority and control (3:30). Rob brings up the scrutiny readings from The Gospel of John (3:51). Connor takes a hard line against any positive connotations surrounding control (6:10), but Rob and Mike are less convinced (11:30). They end in disagreement (29:20). To be continued…. Quotes: “…

In this episode, the dogs share stories about their respective trips to the Holy Land (6:10) and the freedom of traveling without a phone (3:40). They compare their experiences with Turkish coffee (6:30), travel laundry hacks (14:00), and the breathtaking views in Galilee (15:25). Quotes: “The flip phone is a tool I use, whereas the smartphone had …

In this episode, the dogs talk in-person at Rob’s house in Maryville, IL (1:50). They share highlights from the 2022 Three North Hangout which include, but are not limited to: a steak dinner (2:35), the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis (2:10), the Gateway to the West (10:40), a concelebrated funeral Mass (15:51), and Connor’s inaugural viewing of Ba…

In this episode, the dogs talk about various devotions and the grounding force of prayer. Connor shares how grateful he is for the cast (4:00). Mike asks Connor about his morning offering (7:51) and shares how his own offering has changed over time (12:00). Bob talks about his lack of devotions growing up (21:22) and his reassurance in the Precepts…

In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s recent attendance at a Jordan B. Peterson lecture (1:50), Exodus (2:40), and the dangers of ideology (3:15). Connor speaks about political extremism in The Cypresses Believe in God (17:09) and how difficult it can be to approach reality (22:00). Mike brings the conversation back to Egypt and his own human…

In this episode, the dogs talk about the current Russian invasion of Ukraine and its similarities to previous conflicts (00:45). Rob poses the question: “Do ideas shape history or do people shape history?” (08:15). They all discuss the glory of the saints (20:26), the need for true friendship (25:00), and the communion that is available to us at al…

In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s new assignment with the 82nd Airborne Division (4:00) and the fulfillment of a decade-long call to be an Army chaplain (10:20). Mike (20:30) and Rob (23:54) lament the loss of their own hair. Connor offers a prediction for the future of the cast (29:50) and they all find a way to offend conductors and bal…