What do typhoon evacuations, koala selfies, and second breakfast in Hobbiton have in common? They’ve all been part of Deacon Bob’s adventurous month. 

After a few weeks apart, Father Dave and Deacon Bob are back, swapping globe-trotting tales, ministry moments, and a surprisingly full slate of sports updates. Bob’s recent trip took him from the typhoon-swept Philippines to Singapore, Perth, Sydney, and a bucket-list stop in New Zealand’s Hobbiton (yes, complete with hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and second breakfast). 

Along the way, he preached to 90 youth leaders just hours after a typhoon hit, met a koala, saw kangaroos, and even met a listener named Rain who drove five hours just to hear him speak. There were plenty of memorable meals, from perfect pancakes to less-than-crispy bacon. 

Meanwhile, Father Dave stayed stateside, baptizing great-nieces (one walked to her own baptism), speaking at the Knights of Columbus Conference, and making a moving visit to the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. He shares Rother’s remarkable story—from failing Latin in seminary, to obeying his bishop’s call to return to Guatemala, to his martyrdom in 1981—and the beauty of a shrine built right in the heart of the city it serves. 

Sports fans get plenty too: the debut of MLB’s first female umpire Jen Pawol (including her Hall of Fame–bound first pitch), Tom Brady’s towering new statue, and even a trivia challenge about the University of Michigan making draft history. 

Naturally, there are detours, including CGI vs. AI, bad sports statues, and ministry moments that transcended cultural boundaries. But through it all, the heart stays the same: joyfully sharing the Gospel, wherever God sends you (even if it’s to a sheep paddock in New Zealand). 

 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:00) Sports, Schedules, and Saying Goodbye 

The guys open with bittersweet news about the podcast winding down, why recording has gotten harder, and an invitation for listeners to share favorite memories. They then go into the week’s light sports slate and review the new Superman. Even with the end in sight, their trademark banter is alive and well. 

 

(05:41) Football, Statues, and Sports Trivia 

Deacon Bob previews a Buccaneers-Steelers preseason game while Father Dave looks forward to Steelers training camp. They discuss Tom Brady’s towering statue and celebrate Jen Pawol historic debut as MLB’s first female umpire. The segment wraps with a trivia challenge about a university making draft history in all four major leagues. 

 

(15:44) From Typhoons to Hobbit Holes 

Bob recounts ministry in the Philippines, Perth, and New Zealand, including speaking to youth leaders after a typhoon and connecting with alumni abroad. He describes walking through the Shire set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, complete with hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn. Jenny may not be a huge fan of the films, but even she found the tour magical. 

 

(23:42) Sydney, Koalas, and the Ends of the Earth 

From welcoming bishops to preaching across cultures, Bob reflects on moments when the Holy Spirit’s anointing was tangible. He shares encounters with young adults, a koala, and a listener who drove five hours to hear him speak. Each stop reaffirmed the universal joy of sharing the Gospel. 

 

(25:42) Baptisms, Knights, and Blessed Stanley Rother 

Father Dave talks about baptizing his great-nieces and representing Franciscan University at the Knights of Columbus Conference. He shares the moving story of Blessed Stanley Rother a missionary priest martyred in Guatemala, and describes visiting the shrine dedicated to him. The witness of Rother’s courage and devotion left a lasting impression. 

 

(32:37) Feast Days and a Chapel Blessing 

Looking ahead to the Feast of the Assumption they pray for peace amid global tensions. Father Dave previews the blessing of Franciscan University’s newly renovated Christ the King Chapel, while Bob outlines upcoming speaking engagements. The conversation closes with anticipation for the start of the school year. 

 

Resources Mentioned 

Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine – Learn more about the first American-born martyr 

MLB First Female Umpire – Jen Pawol – Read about her historic debut 

Hobbiton Movie Set – Explore the filming location of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit 

Feast of the Assumption – August 15, a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church 

Christ the King Chapel Renovation – Franciscan University’s expanded and renewed chapel 

Purposeful Lab – New season started on Faith and Reason