Football frustration, birthday celebrations, and a million-dollar baseball card?
This week, Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, bounce between sports, sacraments, science, and serious social issues—starting with the Super Bowl matchup they didn’t want but expected: Chiefs vs. Eagles.
Along the way, they dig into the nuances of wearing clerics, honor a kid’s courage in turning down the Pirates, and highlight a new series bridging faith and science. But the conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they explore the complex Catholic response to immigration policy, urging a balance of justice, mercy, and human dignity.
From birthday affirmations, to March for Life reflections, this episode is full of laughter, challenge, and signs of hope—reminding us that faith touches everything from the football field to the halls of Congress. Join the conversation as faith meets football, science, and social conscience.
Highlighted Sections
(00:00) Super Bowl Set: Chiefs vs. Eagles
The hosts reluctantly preview the big game, discuss controversial ref calls, and air their mixed feelings about Mahomes, Reid, and Kelce (plus Taylor Swift cameos). Father Dave checks betting lines; Deacon Bob groans.
(06:13) Virtual Reality in the NFL & Bad Calls on the Field
Jaden Daniels’ VR training sparks a conversation about innovation in sports—and what makes a game feel unfair. The hosts recall past playoff heartbreaks and share Super Bowl hopes (and grudges).
(10:46) One Million-Dollar Baseball Card
An 11-year-old unboxes a rare Paul Skenes rookie card and turns down a once-in-a-lifetime offer from the Pirates. The moral of the story? Sometimes wisdom comes from kids—and cash beats perks.
(14:30) Faith and Science: Launching The Purposeful Lab
Dr. Dan Kuebler’s new video series, the Purposeful Lab, takes center stage. Inspired by Father Robert Spitzer’s legacy, the series explores topics like gender, the human person, and how Catholics engage the sciences without fear.
(20:23) Travel Tales and Political Turns
Father Dave recounts his “stuck” trip to Florida and meetings in D.C. about Title IX, religious liberty, and athletics. He also shares about connecting with students at the March for Life and the power of showing up—even for a terrible bus ride.
(26:13) Catholic Bishops and the Immigration Debate
The hosts unpack the USCCB’s recent statement on immigration, affirming the need for enforcement while condemning fear-based raids on schools, churches, and hospitals. It’s a raw and honest conversation about dignity, policy, and what the Church teaches.
(33:29) Signs of Hope
Deacon Bob finds hope in Young Life leaders and the chance to preach to a crowd that includes his own kids. Father Dave reflects on the deeper meaning of the March for Life—why we need to gather not just to oppose abortion but to proclaim the beauty of life itself.
Resources Mentioned
Listen to more They That Hope episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.