From NBA history to boxing hilarity to heavenly devotion, this episode covers it all. 

Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off this episode with undefeated basketball teams, NFL surprises, and a now-notorious boxing match that left the world talking about Mike Tyson’s… britches. But the real focus? A heartfelt look at devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the ways God continues to work through saints, sacraments, and sacred spaces. 

They cover everything from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ record-breaking start to Deacon Bob’s visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the first approved Marian apparition site in the U.S. Father Dave shares exciting updates about Franciscan University’s new presence in Washington, D.C., and how students will be engaging with the nation's capital in fresh, faith-filled ways. 

Meanwhile, the duo breaks down the highly anticipated (and widely mocked) Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, including buffering woes, bizarre interviews, and the mystery of Tyson’s missing pants. But at the heart of the episode is a rich discussion on how saints like St. Augustine, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque open the Church to deeper encounters with the Sacred Heart—especially through the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. 

Naturally, there is a wide-ranging conversation: sports fandoms, pilgrimage dreams, movie trailers, and a plea for listeners to join a They That Hope pilgrimage. Through it all, the message remains: God’s heart thirsts for us—and when we encounter it, we are transformed. 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:00) Sports Glory and Cavs’ Dominance 
Deacon Bob celebrates the Cavaliers’ 15-0 start, breaking team records and stepping out of LeBron James’ shadow. Father Dave joins in with NFL talk, including big wins, surprising losses, and a shoutout to Sister Mary Beth’s Steelers. 

(07:51) Mike Tyson’s Britches and Buffering Woes 
The guys recount the odd spectacle of the Tyson vs. Paul fight, which featured hours of filler, bad boxing, and Tyson walking off set sans pants. Was it worth $20 million? Apparently so. 

(11:30) Pilgrimage Preview and a Shrine Visit 
Deacon Bob visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, sharing its miraculous history and peaceful presence. Father Dave outlines upcoming pilgrimages to Guadalupe, Rwanda (with Immaculée Ilibagiza), and more—inviting listeners to join future adventures. 

(20:53) D.C. Mission Update and Serving the Poor 
Father Dave shares plans for Franciscan’s D.C. facility, where students will engage with national institutions and local outreach. The focus: forming faithful leaders who understand both poverty and policy. 

(27:19) Sacred Heart Devotions and Saints 
At the heart of the episode? A deep dive into devotion to the Sacred Heart, drawing on writings of St. Augustine, St. Bernard, and St. Margaret Mary. Themes include Jesus’ thirst for us, the grace of the sacraments, and honoring Christ’s wounds. 

(36:55) Closing Prayer and Invitation to Encounter 
Father Dave prays for a renewed encounter with Jesus’ Sacred Heart, especially through the Eucharist and Reconciliation. The guys invite listeners to share prayer requests and pilgrimage ideas. 

Resources Mentioned 

• FaithandReason.com/pilgrimages – Learn about upcoming pilgrimages with Franciscan friars 

• Return to the Heart by Dr. Shane Owens – New book on Sacred Heart spirituality and St. Augustine 

• Shrine of Our Lady of Champion – Learn more about the first approved U.S. Marian apparition 
• They That Hope Merchandise – CatholicToTheMax.com 

Listen to more They That Hope episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.