Three Dogs North: Recent Episodes

Three Dogs North

Three Dogs North are Juice, C-Bisc, and Michael Metz. Topics are carelessly selected and poorly researched. The strength of the project lies in the fact that there is no way of knowing its audience. So please come in, grab a seat, and enjoy. Contact the Dogs at threedogsnorth@gmail.com Follow us @ThreeDogsNorth

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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.” (Connor, 1:47)

“It’s an aspirational thing, to be able to look back at life and realize, ‘God is the author of that story.”’ (Rob, 16:35)

“It’s something really beautiful because he’s allowing himself to be pierced by reality.” (Connor, 20:55)

“John Paull II, the way that he entered into eternal life, it was a real example of how to die well… He kept coming out and being a father and loving on people until the day he died. That’s how you do that.” (Mike, 25:10)

“I am both the one choosing, but I’m also being chosen… God’s choice of me is the one truth that can always be relied on.” (Connor, 31:10)

“Life has continued to get richer… There’s a hope in me that will continue.” (Rob, 37:55)

Media Mentions:* Dietrich von Hildebrand’s The Heart * John Mark Falkenhain’s How We Love * Herman Melville’s Moby Dick

References:* BFC (Battlefield Circulation) * West Point * Walter Reed * Peyton Manning * Fort Bragg (Fort Liberty) * Memphis * Sisters of Life * Arizona * West Point Parachute Team * Springfield, IL * Fr. John Kartje * Plato’s theory of the soul * St. Peter’s Basilica * energized affectivity and tender affectivity * Douglas MacArthur * Dwight D. Eisenhower * Mundelein Seminary * Hudson River * Pope John Paul II * Korean War * Vietnam War * Ultimate frisbee * Captain Ahab * North Carolina * Yadkin Road * 82nd Airborne Division

Shout- Outs:* Teresa Metz * Sister Bethany Madonna * Fr. James D. O’Shea * Fr. Marty Smith * Fr. Gus Belauskas * Fr. Raymond Webb * Fr. Larry Hennessy * Fr. Matt

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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 surrender (23:25) for living a life of true freedom.

Quotes:“I’m more into being than doing.” (Connor, 13:47)

“The priesthood is an identity, it’s not a job.” (Connor, 13:47)

“You’re a Christian with people and you’re a priest for people.” (Mike quoting Barron quoting Augustine, 19:20)

“I’m not excited, but I feel the capacity to go and give myself to it in a faithful way… That’s what freedom looks like.” (Rob, 19:40)

“You have to choose vulnerability in life. You have to consistently choose that.” (Rob, 20:10)

“I’ve been given this gift of priesthood and that’s why I have the capacity to interact in these ways with you.” (Rob, 21:00)

“I am not what I do.” (Connor, 23:55)

“The three people who don’t leave me are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” (Rob quoting Bremer, 26:26)

“The reality of my priesthood is not just a collar that I put on and off. It’s something that I believe Christ marked in my heart forever, so that no matter what I’m doing, I’m still doing chaplain stuff.” (Mike, 29:11)

“There’s no need to justify my existence.” (Mike, 30:40)

“God didn’t create us because he needed some outcomes from us. He made us so we could be in relationship.” (Connor, 35:10)

“When I treat myself as someone who matters, then I start doing what I want…. which is often, things that are generous.” (Connor, 36:00)

“The cult of busyness is selfish.” (Connor, 39:57)

“I feel totally loved and secure in who I am, so I want to share it.” (Connor, 40:00)

“Charitas Christi Urget Nos (The Love of Christ Urges Us Forward).” (42:00)

Gallery:* Fr. Mike and Fr. Rob canonical retreat with Bishop Robert Barron * Archdiocese of Atlanta * Holy Land * Grocery Shopping * Phone Case

Media Mentions:* Seinfeld * Colossians 2:12 * John 14: 2-4 * Patrick M. Lencioni’s The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team

References:* Archdiocese of Atlanta * SEEK 2019 * Mundelein Seminary * St. John Paul II Newman Center * Augustine of Hippo * IPF (The Institute for Priestly Formation) * RIM (Relationship. Identity. Mission.) * The Camino de Santiago * Abraham * Ur of the Chaldeans * Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) * Adam and Eve

Shout- Outs:* Fr. Robbie Cotta * Bishop Robert Barron * Fr. Michael Bremer

Bromides:* “Be church.” * “As church, be church.” * “As church you are to church.”

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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 actually tells a way better story than anything else that’s being offered.” (Rob, 16:29)

“You are made for something huge, but you have to go small in order for God to work through you.” (Mike, 18:00)

“There is a time when all of this will be in it’s fullness, all in all, unadulterated by sin and pettiness and death.” (Connor, 21:31)

“I’m going somewhere and that’s what’s making the now so beautiful.” (Connor, 25:30)

“The peace of Christ is available now.” (Mike, 26:05)

Media Mentions:* Rumer Godden’s An Episode of Sparrows * Dune: Part Two * Dune: Part One * Sigrid Undset’s Kristin Lavransdatter * Star Wars * The Crown (2016- 2023) * The Matrix * Monsignor James Shea at SEEK 2024 * The Christian Cosmic Narrative: The Deep History of the World * Dear St. Louis * Canticle: Revelation 4:11, 5:9, 10, 12 * Three Dogs North S5 E9- Word salad (Cubs win the world series) * Conceptualizing Christ (w/ Barron, Schmitz, and Peterson)

References:* Fontanos * Jerusalem * Chicago * Chicago Fire (1871) * The Eucharist * Norway * Zendaya * SEEK 2024 * Fr. John Riccardo * Marvel * Adam Wainwright * Cardinals * Cubs * Breviary * Christ the King * Escaton * Main Character Energy * Kwik-E-Mart * Indiana * Honda Accord * Marathon * Dr. Jordan B. Peterson * Fr. Mike Schmitz * Bishop Robert Barron

Shout- Outs:* Crystal (from the Newman Center) * Fr. Robbie Cotta * Emily Hines * Fr. Matt

Bromide:* “Let go and let God.”

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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 moment has its own unique flavor.” (Mike, 8:15)

“There’s gonna be another day, another enchanted moment, because the world is sacramental.” (Rob, 12:40)

“The sacramental reality is eternal.” (Connor, 16:30)

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” (Rob quoting Andy Bernard, 18:15)

“Here’s the thing, nobody cares.” (Rob, 18:50)

“It feels like it would be insanely ungrateful to be sad it’s over; it was so full.” (Connor quoting Bartosic, 19:45)

“Sometimes… on real cold nights… when I get into bed I will lean over to my wife and say, ‘I’m glad I’m not in Bastogne.”‘ (Connor quoting Band of Brothers Ep.6, 23:00)

“The sacramental worldview allows you to always return to the rock of grace.” (Mike, 23:52)

“Those moments of real encounter with Christ, they are now.” (Mike, 24:00)

“The destination is a person.” (Connor, 25:20)

“He’s drawing everything up into eternity with him.” (Connor, 25:50)

Media Mentions:* Ethan Hawke’s Rules for a Knight * The Last Dance * Band of Brothers (2001 miniseries)

References:* Ring light * Denver * Pot Mountain, Idaho * 2016 World Series * Chicago Cubs * Michael Jordan * The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) * Andy Bernard * Michael Scott * Fr. Raymond Webb * Bishop Mark Bartosic * El Camino de Santiago * Fr. Brian Welter (Old Welt Dog)

Shout- Outs:* Drew Hines * Jon Kearney * Monica Mackie * SIUE FOCUS team (Joseph, Emma, Daniel, and Rachel) * Fr. Derek Ho * Julie Johnson

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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 them; I have to love them into reading it themselves and God will guide them.” (Connor, 8:20)

“As a parent, your desire is to educate their freedom.” (Mike, 10:40)

“I was a martyr for the truth.” (Connor, 11:35)

“I’m the perfection of virtue.” (Rob, 14:52)

“What we are talking about is this long slow road toward wholeness and integrity, which is experiencing God’s love and our own goodness in his eyes even in the midst of our imperfections.” (Connor, 21:00)

“As parents you do have to form your children.” (Mike, 23:20)

“Everyone as a free person is responsible for their own life, including your child.” (Connor, 24:30)

“Jesus is never controlling anyone.” (Connor, 29:36)

“Only God can save us. Real peace and real justice comes from total surrender.” (Connor, 30:30)

“We enter into God’s will in the measure that we surrender a perceived result.” (Connor, 32:40)

“Life, when you abandon yourself to it, is not the prosperity gospel.” (Mike, 35:27)

“What my dad and my mom mirrored for me, was reality, which is God.” (Mike, 36:20)

Media Mentions:* Fr. Jacques Philippe’s Priestly Fatherhood: Treasure in Earthen Vessels * 3DN S11 E34- Loggerheads (Part 1) * 3DN S11 E35- Loggerheads (Part 2) * The Martian (2015) * Jeremiah 31: 29- 30 “The parents ate unripe grapes…” * Jesus Calms the Storm (Matthew 8:23- 27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25) * C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce * Flannery O’Connor’s Revelation (pg. 458 “…even their virtues were being burned away.”)

References:* FOCUS * Pender, Nebraska * Illiopolis, Illinois * Redwood National Park * Shaquille O’Neal * New Work Wednesday * Benedict Arnold * Pelagianism * Edith Stein * Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Catechism 1831) * Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Catechism 1832) * United States Army Jumpmaster School * Dr. Jordan B. Peterson

Shout- Outs:* Mike Guenther “The boys around here could use some Three Dogs North.” * Bliese and Mrs. Bliese * Yao Ming

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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 just you have no integrity. That’s the worst thing I could say about anybody.” (from Calvary, 3:55)

“Integrity is a result of a life lived in truth.” (Connor, 5:05)

“Beauty is the manifestation of truth.” (from Denis McNamara 3DN S11 E12, 5:16)

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:19, 9:10)

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” (from The Sandlot, 12:10)

“Real integrity, you can tell has been cultivated over a lifetime.” (Connor, 16:30)

“A good friend is not a conspirator in our vices.” (Mike quoting a friend, 20:50)

“You’re going to get the work done of one person because you’re one person.” (Connor, 25:45)

“God does manifest his glory through human creativity, but it’s not through the grind.” (Connor, 27:10)

“What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matthew 16:26, 31:30)

“When a man takes an oath, he’s holding his own self in his own hands like water, and if he opens his fingers then, he needn’t hope to find himself again.” (from A Man for All Seasons, 34:06)

“If you aim at the truth, at Jesus….. you become yourself.” (Connor 36:00)

Media Mentions:* Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica * Calvary (2014) * Bobby Jones: Sroke of Genius (2004) * The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) * The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005) * The Chronicles of Narnia * Miracle (2004) * Remember the Titans (2000) * Three Dogs North S11 E60- Formed by the Father (meekness) * The Death of Stalin (2017) * Arrested Development (2003- 2006) * A Man for All Seasons (1966) * A Hidden Life (2019) * Shūsaku Endō’s Silence * Silence (2016) * Star Wars

References:* Bobby Jones * 1925 U.S. Open * Thomas Aquinas: consonantia, claritas, and integritas * Brendan Gleeson * Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) * John the Baptist * Cardinal Francis George * Will Smith * Matt Damon * Shia LaBeouf * James Earl Jones * Babe Ruth * Aslan * Fr. Larry Hennessy * Shakespeare * “A mortal, sinful human being.” * Michelangelo * Sistine Chapel * Bishop Robert Barron * Steve Buscemi * Nikita Khrushchev * Sir Thomas More * Bishop Mark Bartosic * Liam Neeson * Andrew Garfield * Adam Driver * Darth Vader * Kylo Ren * Franz Jägerstätter

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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)

“I’m the go-to guy… not because it’s “Mike”, but because it’s “Father”, which is always a humbling reality.” (Mike, 9:28)

“Manage to maintain vs actually drive a mission; that’s the difference between a leader and a manager.” (Rob on leadership, 10:45)

“Aim small, miss small.” (Connor, 13:50)

“Jesus is my ultimate horizon.” (Connor 18:20)

“If you’re in communion with the Father then you have his vision, the divine perspective.” (Mike, 23:00)

“I want to help my people to become fully who they were created to be.” (Mike, 25:35)

“People who are holy, whether or not publicly recognized by the church as saints, keep the world from turning into hell.” (Connor quoting Cardinal George, 28:29)

“Life is a moment by moment expression of your identity.” (Connor quoting Whitfield, 30:10)

“Most of us live as if we’re going somewhere, not as if we’ve arrived.” (Connor, 31:10)

“That’s the whole point of Moby Dick. Lisa, the point of Moby Dick is be yourself.” (Rob quoting The Simpsons, 36:02)

“The present is the place where infinite love finds its rays of glory.” (Mike quoting Lewis, 37:20)

“The cemetery is full of indispensable people” (Connor, 42:40)

Media Mentions:* “They enlarged their phylacteries and lengthened their tassels.” (Matthew 23:5) * Tod Bolsinger’s Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory * Bob Schuchts’ Be Healed * Luke 13:18-21 * Charles L. Whitfield’s Healing the Child Within * The Simpsons S15 E5: The Fat and the Furriest * C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters * The Simpsons Movie- Whipping Dogs Sledding Scene

References:* Jumpmaster * Paratrooper * JumpMaster Personnel Inspection (JMPI) * 82nd Airborne Division * Boy Scouts of America * Leadership: Vision- Alignment- Accountability * Cor Coffee * “Nolite timere”- be not afraid (at the John Paul II Chapel at Mundelein) * Bishop Robert Barron * Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) * Fellowship of Catholic University Students * Shared understanding (from the 7 Principles of Mission Command) * North American Martyrs * Twix * St. Francis of Assisi * Fr. James Mallon * Homer

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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 it means to be formed by the Father’s love (26:50).

Quotes:“Sir, my job is to hold back your testosterone.” (Mike quoting Bliese, 1:50)

“When there is a father present, it brings about the masculine virtues in a positive way.” (Rob, 2:45)

“JPII is like Batman.” (Connor 18:45)

“St. Francis swung the whole world around like a trinket at his wrist.” (Connor on St. Francis, 19:37)

“I would have caused World War III. 100%.” (Mike, 23:00)

“What John Paul II is grieving there is something so sublime. It’s beyond anything you can put into words.” (Connor, 23:30)

“His dad’s hidden love (JPII’s), has now played a part in this great revelation of God’s love for the world.” (Mike, 25:00)

“The holy spirit works in these totally hidden ways.” (Connor, 29:00)

“You don’t have to create an experience or manufacture it. It’s this inexorable unfolding of the kingdom that’s happening and we get to cooperate with it.” (Connor, 29:34)

Media Mentions:* S11 E8- All man, all priest * Fr. Jacques Philippe’s Priestly Fatherhood * Jordan B. Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life * Matthew 11:29 (“I am meek and humble of heart”) * Numbers 12:3 (“Now Moses was meek”) * The Simpsons (1989- present) * The Simpsons’ S8 E22 In Marge We Trust (“I could probably stand to be meeker.”) * Holy Family School of Faith * 1 Peter 5:8 (“Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion.”) * S11 E8- Descent to the kern * Mother Mary Francis’ Blessed Are You * Matthew 5:5 (“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.”) * George Weigel’s Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II * Elizabeth Pardi’s article on meekness

References:* Rule 1: Stand up straight with your shoulders back (from 12 Rules for Life) * Bishop Robert Barron * Ned Flanders * Reverend Lovejoy * ChatGPT * Assumption of Mary * Afghanistan * Taliban * Chicago * Pope John Paul II * Homily of His Holiness John Paul II (Victory Square, Warsaw, 2 June 1979) * Poland * Krakow * Warsaw * Arvada, CO * Idaho * S.O.G. Michelle Duppong * South Dakota * Denver * Fr. John Riccardo * Cardinal Francis George

Shout- Outs:* Bliese (Mike’s bodyguard) * Fr. Nathan Goebel

Glossary:* pater familias: oldest living male in household * meek: strength that is under control (Rob) * alter Christus: another Christ

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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:

“Come, Rosa, we’re going for our people." (quote from Edith Stein, 10:20)

“It just blew her away that Catholics could come and talk to a personal God when they were out shopping.” (Rob, 11:25)

“You are tarnishing your voting record right now. I question everything about your character.” (Rob about Connor, 15:27)

“She has the most precise and correct anthropology of anybody who has ever existed.” (Mike about Stein, 17:25)

“You can see the harmony that exists between the physical body and the actual eternal soul. The way she (Stein) unites the two together is just true.” (Mike, 19:25)

“What is the human person? Is loved by God.” (Mike summarizing Stein, 20:30)

“The cross is the revelation of God’s love.” (Mike, 20:50)

“The body is the physical expression of the eternal invisible soul.” (Mike, 21:34)

“Fear is almost always a useless emotion. The truth is that we are always safe, because we are always a beloved child of God.” (Connor, 23:10)

"It’s not selfish to be aware of my heart's reactions to things and to be aware of my inner life more, because that’s the only way I can share it with God.” (Connor, 24:40)

“It’s tough to study Edith Stein without also growing in holiness.” (Mike, 26:11)

“In what part of reality are you living?” (Mike, 26:40)

“Experience it (darkness) not as a wall, but as a threshold.” (Rob, 28:40)

Media Mentions:

The Simpsons (1989- present)"Last Exit to Springfield" The Simpsons S4 E17It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005- present)Arrested Development (2003- 2019)"It's a good idea and I stand by it." "I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.""Large Marge" The Simpsons S14 E4 ("easy there college boy")John Paul II's Theology of the BodySt Thomas Aquinas' Quaestiones Disputatae de Veritate (Disputed Questions on Truth)Teresa of Avila's The Way of PerfectionEdith Stein's The Science of the CrossiBreviaryNapoleon DynamiteHallow

References:

Charles DickensInfinite Monkey TheoremMike TysonEdith Stein- St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (canonized October 11, 1998)Georg Wilhelm Friedrich HegelMartin HeideggerEdmund HusserlKarol WojtylaPolandGermanyPhenomenologyThe CarmelitesAuschwitz- BirkenauRosa SteinSwitzerlandSt. Maximilian KolbeFour women doctors of the church: Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Therese of LisieuxJoe RoganGoogleCartesian dualismCharles WhitfieldARRR: Acknowledge, Relate, Receive, Respond

Shout- Outs:

Fr. Michael BremerBishop Robert BarronFr. Marek DuranFr. Mike WardenFr. Dennis KasuleFr. Robbie CottaJacobBliese (Mike's bodyguard)

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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 […]

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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 visiting the Martin home in France (11:20), and Connor tells about a recent trip to the doctor (13:10). They all discuss being freed, as priests, to focus on loving people, not just trying to save them (21:30). Also, they reminisce about that time Mike got scabies (28:25).

Quotes:“Life with God is not an obligation, but it’s really a gift.” (Mike, 9:10)

“The retreat actually is reality; what we want to do is integrate the rest of your life into that relationship, into that experience.” (Mike, 10:30)

“Every room in their home was clearly about being together.” (Rob about the Martin home, 12:15)

“I want to bring Christ into that world. That’s what the invitation is, bring all of that suffering into Jesus. Even that is not outside of his power and grace.” (Mike, 20:40)

“I just get to love people. That’s my whole job.” (Mike, 21:00)

“Jesus says ‘behold I make all things new’, not ‘behold I make new things’.” (Connor quoting Schmemann, 22:05)

“Nothing is wasted. It’s all ingredients somehow in this ultimate project of joy.” (Connor, 23:20)

“He has assumed all of our humanity and now we donate our humanity to him to become transfigured and glorified.” (Connor, 23:36)

“I’m not on to save people, I’m on to love people.” (Rob quoting Mike, 25:29)

“The Christian is to the world what the soul is to the body.” (letter to Diognetus, 35:10)

“My prerogative is to treat everyone with equal love and equal dignity.” (Mike, 38:20)

Media Mentions:* Ned Schneebly * School of Rock (2003) * C.S. Lewis’ Perelandra * Jean Corbon’s The Wellspring of Worship * Corinthians * Genesis * Revelation * Romans * Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 * Diognetus’ letter * When you Wish Upon a Star * Dumb and Dumber (1994)

References:* Alexander Schmemann * Jack Black * Bishop Robert Barron * Life Teen * Georgia * Alençon, France * St. Thérèse of Lisieux * Sts. Zelie and Louis Martin * Madison Street Chicago * Chicago “L” * Port-au-Prince, Haiti * Missionaries of Charity * El Salvador * Nicaragua * Narcotics Anonymous * Alcoholics Anonymous * Cardinal Francis George * All American Chapel * Jiminy Cricket * Gepetto * Fort Bragg

Glossary:* “Instaurare omnia in Christo.” (To restore all things to Christ.) * “Creatio ex nihilo.” (Creation out of nothing)

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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:“The kingdom of God is just coming.” (Rob quoting Connor, 8:37)

“You just have to feel what you feel.” (Rob, 9:00)

“Reality is hard, but it’s better.” (Rob, 9:20)

“Everything in Heaven is so much more real.” (Connor, 12:15)

“When you live in reality and enter into the liturgy it becomes immediately relevant and pertinent because it’s God’s desire to save us and walk with us in our suffering.” (Mike, 13:50)

“God’s responsive love to the suffering human heart.” (Mike, 14:20)

“How much of a gift it is to be a priest and have Jesus explode your heart for people.” (Connor, 21:30)

“Christianity is real and it’s dope.” (Connor, 22:40)

“It’s good to be a priest.” (Mike, 26:00)

“It’s so good to have everybody home.” (Rob, 27:50)

Media Mentions:* Revelation Chapter 21 * Word on Fire’s Evangelization and Culture (“Suffering” Spring 2023) * C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce * John 13 (The Washing of the Disciples’ Feet) * Nate Bargatze (dead horse) * Snatch (2000)

References:* St. John Paul II Newman Center * Good Friday * Holy Week * RIM: Relationship. Identity. Mission. * IPF (The Institute for Priestly Formation) * Michelle Duppong * FOCUS: The Fellowship of Catholic University Students * Gummy worms * Milano Cookies * iBreviary * Calendar App * Maps * PETA Twitter * Dodge Caravan

Shout- Outs:* Fr. Paul Porter * Smalanick

Glossary:* Dromedary * Caravan

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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.” (Connor, 23:10)

“Jesus seems to rectify and provide a lived reality that you don’t have to rebel against everything in order to fully actualize your humanity.” (Mike, 25:10)

“She (St. Therese) only wants reality and what her human limits allow. She has no problem being limited by her humanity.” (Rob, 26:50)

“It’s impossible for Jesus to will useless suffering.” (Connor quoting St. Therese, 28:50)

“God is out there, in the desert with you.” (Connor, 31:30)

“We’re not at the promised land yet, but we are there, in those moments of Kiaros.” (Connor, 32:51)

“What gives me life is living within Christ and then responding to the reality with Him that’s in front of me.” (Connor, 40:40)

“Part of what’s been great about life is that it’s not what I expected.” (Connor, 41:20)

Media Mentions:* Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People * Fr. Brett Brannen’s To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood * Donald Trump and Tony Schwartz’s Trump: The Art of the Deal * Fr. Rob Johnson’s articles for Word on Fire * Fr. Michael Metz’s articles for Word on Fire * Fr. Connor Danstrom’s articles for Word on Fire * Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning * Jean Corbon’s The Wellspring of Worship * C.S. Lewis’ The Silver Chair * Megan Ulrich’s Untitled * Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina

References:* Jordan B. Peterson * Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) * St. Therese of Lisieux * Konstantin Levin * Rev. Daniel S. Siwek (homiletics)

Bromides:“The youth are the future.”

“We’re building tomorrow’s church, today.”

“Senior citizens are our past.”

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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 with that kind of poverty… the truly untouchable, Mother Teresa so radically went to them and was willing to be affected by them in a way that I resist.” (Connor, 10:42)

“You go into some of those rooms (at the gift of grace house) and it engages all of your humanity; it’s a very tangible experience of the “marginalized”.” (Mike, 18:00)

“Mother Teresa enters into that discomfort in this really remarkable way that can be intimidating.” (Mike, 18:35)

“You have no lifelines there (with the poor); you’re totally dependent on God.” (Mike, 19:10)

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” (Mike quoting his siblings, 20:40)

“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” (Connor quoting Pope Benedict XVI, 22:15).

“What she (Mother Teresa) was up to was not solving world hunger, the goal of what she was doing was communion with God… What was driving her, from the beginning, was a desire to be with Jesus and where she rested at the end of her day was in the company of Jesus.” (Connor, 24:30)

“The MCs are so joyful…. They are not spiritually intimidating; they are spiritually disarming.” (Mike, 26:50)

“It’s the circumstances I find myself in, that’s God’s will for me and that’s what she (Mother Teresa) would want me to do.” (Connor, 31:40)

“She (Mother Teresa) was disarming because in her own freedom, she was able to love the person in front of her.” (Rob, 36:00)

Media Mentions:* Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice * Pride and Prejudice (2005) * Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities * Mother Teresa: No Greater Love (2022) * Mother Mary Francis’ Blessed Are You * Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody

References:* LaCroix * FOCUS missionaries * Our Lady’s Sandlot * Jane Goodall * M. Night Shyamalan * Double Dark Chocolate Milano * Schnucks * Faith, Hope, and Charity Catholic Church * St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta * PSR (Parish School of Religion) * St. Therese of Lisieux * Missionaries of Charity Gift of Grace House in Atlanta, GA * Missionaries of Charity in Port-au-Prince, Haiti * Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago * St. Pope John Paul II * Kolkata, India * St. Francis and the leper * Teresa of Avila

Shout-outs:* Maria Fitzgerald * John Iberle * Teri (Fr. Connor’s sister-in-law) * Anna Therese (Fr. Rob’s niece) * Teresa (Fr. Mike’s sister)

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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 rebellion against becoming a semi-pro therapist (30:30).

Quotes:“It’s not morality that makes someone a saint.” (Rob, 6:15)

“God desires for us to be saints. It’s not enough for us to behave properly; He wants a transformation of the heart.” (Mike, 7:50)

“The desire on our hearts is that someone will crash land for us or that I will crash land for someone else… it calls to a deeper part of our humanity.” (Mike, 8:45)

“What makes a saint is not moral virtue, but union with God.” (Connor, 11:25)

“You become who you are and who you are meant to be in the measure that you receive your being from Him.” (Connor, 12:15)

“You’ve been set free as children of God.” (Connor, 12:40)

“What God wants is to simply enjoy you, to enjoy being with you” (Connor, 22:50)

“He can be anywhere He wants to be and He wants to be with us.” (Connor quoting Cardinal George, 27:50)

“God’s desire for us is to be with us.” (Connor, 28:35)

“He continues to crash land to get me… it’s often in those disasters that I feel least abandoned because I have to completely rely on grace and ask for His help and He provides it.” (Connor, 41:20)

Media Mentions:* Devotion (2022) * Top Gun: Maverick (2022) * Matthew 5:17 (fulfill the law) * Matthew 5-7 (The Sermon on the Mount) * Matthew 7:13 (narrow gate) * Galatians 2:11- 3:14 (The just man shall live by faith) * Genesis 37:3 (Joseph) * Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son) * 3DN S11 E32- The fourth port (2022 Three North Hangout) * 3DN S11 E27- Invitation to joy (Connor gets a dumb phone)

References:* Glen Powell * Jesse Brown * Office of Readings * Bishop Robert Barron * Fr. Jim Rafferty * IPF (The Institute for Priestly Formation) * chasuble: symbol of charity/”Yoke of Christ” * RIM: Relationship. Identity. Mission. * North American Martyrs * Cardinal Francis George

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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 cannot tell you how deeply I was impressed with this scenery so full of poetry and grandeur. It was a foretaste of the wonders of Heaven. Then the thought of religious life would come before me, as it really is, with its constraints and its little daily sacrifices made in secret. I understood how easily one might become wrapped in self and forget the sublime end of one’s vocation, and I thought: “Later on, when the time of trial comes, when I am enclosed in the Carmel and shall only be able to see a little bit of sky, I will remember this day and it will encourage me.” (Connor quoting The Story of a Soul: Chapter VI, 3:10).

“Here’s hoping that you probably like this.” (Rob, 4:55)

“We have a desire as men to not live in the pretend fake world, but to live in reality; that is costly, but it’s so much more substantial.” (Connor, 9:05)

“I’d much rather be a real person who loves real people.” (Connor, 11:00)

“I can use my words to build someone up, which is actually a cooperation with the creative word of God.” (Mike, 12:30)

“It’s safer in the longterm to constantly live in the truth because reality will break through eventually.” (Mike, 12:54)

“She (St. Therese) suffered the violence of grace in the most ordinary moments.” (Rob, 17:52)

“Therese lived fully in the moment while looking completely to Heaven, which isn’t the future, it was reality.” (Mike, 19:23)

“The more real you become to yourself and others the less you are interested in people not being real to you.” (Connor, 25:14)

“You are one of a kind, but you’re not the center of the universe and you don’t need to be.” (Connor, 36:17)

Media Mentions:* St. Therese of Lisieux’s The Story of a Soul * Rule 8: Tell the truth. Or at least don’t lie. (from Jordan B. Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life) * Three Dogs North S11 E51 * Carrie Underwood’s Jesus, Take the Wheel * Pinocchio (1940) * Athos (2016) * Discerning Hearts Podcast (Fr. Timothy Gallagher) * The Simpsons- Stupid Babies Need the Most Attention * Heather King’s Shirt of Flame

References:* Twitter * Elon Musk * St. Therese of Lisieux * Rome * Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, Italy * Mary * Paris * Switzerland * Carmel * Jordan B. Peterson * Dietrich von Hildebrand * Flannery O’Connor * Institute for Priestly Formation * Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson * Hanukkah * The Shire

Shout- Outs:* Fr. Paul Porter * Fr. Timothy Gallagher * Ross (Rob’s brother)

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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 to see things as they are.” (Connor quoting Mike, 28:00)

“Innocence allows you to experience a thing as it is and it oftentimes leads to wonder.” (Mike, 30:05)

Media Mentions:* Napoleon Dynamite * The Truman Show (1998) * Band of Brothers (2001) * Saving Private Ryan (1998) * Wonder Woman (2017) * Joan of Arc, Wonder Woman, and the Veiled Strength of Femininity (w/ Fr. Mike) * Fury (2014)

References:* Arc de Triomphe * Veduta dell’Arco di Tito * Spain * Immediate Response Force * 82nd Airborne Division * Airheads * Klondike Bar * Boeing C-17 Globemaster III * Rex Kwon Do * Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk * Geronimo * 10th Mountain Division * 101st Airborne Division * Rakkasans * E Company, 2nd Battalion (“Easy” company) * D-Day * Chicago, IL * Diocese of Owensboro (Kentucky) * AirBnb * Oklahoma * St. Joan of Arc * Wonder Woman

Shout- Outs:* Paul Porter

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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 (18:46) and Mike brings up the coolest scene from a movie, ever (26:50). (This summary was written by GPT-3, OpenAI’s language generator.)

Quotes:“Is our brain just the hardware that the software of the consciousness is uploaded to?” (Connor, 11:20)

“I think computers are always going to be trying to express what humans would say.” (Mike, 17:27)

Media Mentions:* Return to Me (2000) * Three Dogs North’s S11 E22- Window into Heaven (spoileralertshedies) * NPR’s This American Life- The Ghost in the Machine (757) * John Searle’s Minds, Brains, & Science * John Chapter 1 * C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy: Perelandra * Men in Black (1997) * The Office: Cafe Disco * Terminator Salvation (2009) * Discerning Hearts Podcast * Pier Giorgio Frassati’s Letter to His Friends and Family * Fury (2014) * Three Dogs North S11 E49 * Isaiah 6:8

References:* Michelangelo * Chips Ahoy * Pepperidge Farm Double Dark Chocolate Milano Cookies * David Duchovny * Minnie Driver * Jim Belushi * Bonnie Hunt * Top 100 Pro- Catholic Movies * The Rosary * Joe Pug * Unity Temple (Oak Park, Illinois) * Frank Lloyd Wright * The Turing Test * The Chinese Room * Walker Percy * Triadic creature * Elwin Ransom * Skynet * Christian Bale * Arnold Schwarzenegger * St. Therese of Lisieux * St. Zelie Martin * St. John Henry Newman * Marie Pauline Martin * Pier Giorgio Frassati * Shia LaBeouf * Howitzer * Germany * World War II * 3rd Infantry Division (based at Fort Stewart, GA)

Shout- Outs:* The Enthusiast Digest (Joe Pug Newsletter) * Fr. Scott Harter * New Work Wednesday (Megan Ulrich Newsletter) * Fr. Paul Porter * Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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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 […]

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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 the power of laughter (35:00).

Quotes:

"When Chuck Norris falls into water, he doesn't get wet the water gets Chucked." (Rob, 7:55)

"You do you, but that's not me." (Rob, 9:10)

"The boogeyman checks under his bed for Chuck Norris." (Mike, 9:24)

"How's Mormonism treating you?" (Anonymous, 12:49)

“We’ve been doing this for so long we can start repeating stories and nobody will know.” (Mike, 24:13)

“It’s one of my great stories. It’s one that I laughed hard at too, which is nice.” (Connor, 24:19)

“I talk to the customers so the engineers don’t have to.” (Connor quoting Office Space, 28:15)

“It’s a revelation of the person when you get to watch someone deep deep belly laugh.” (Mike, 35:00)

“To have someone's capacity to enjoy another person expressed, it’s deeper than words... it’s an authentic response to something.” (Mike, 38:40)

“As the kids say, neat-o.” (Fidel Jesus, 39:50)

“There’s something delightful in delighting in someone.” (Connor, 40:28)

“It’s important not to canonize the person (at their funeral), we’re here to pray for them.” (Rob, 41:10)

Media Mentions:

Connor Danstrom's Blue and Gold DaysConnor Danstrom's Why the Water CameBaptism of JesusPlato's The RepublicRudy (1993)Office Space (1999)St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica SNL's Stand- Up and Win3DN S11 E47 (The Screwtape Letters)C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape LettersThe Passion of the Christ (2004)A Quiet Place (2018)

References:

iMessageiPhoneBandcampChicago, ILThe Second CityUberNorm MacdonaldChuck NorrisNational Eucharistic RevivalKalamazoo, MISt. Augustine CathedralMormonsSt. Thomas AquinasJerry SeinfeldJim GaffiganNate BergatzeBill MaherInstitute for Priestly FormationSuper 8 CameraGoofyUtahMel GibsonJudas Iscariot

Shout- Outs:

Tony NapolitanoBishop Mark BartosicFr. Adam WilczakFr. Paul (IPF)Fidel Jesus

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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'm doing on the podcast." (Mike, 3:55)

“What do you think Jesus thinks about that?” (Mike quoting Fr. Brian Welter, 6:50)

“I could totally fail and the Lord would still so love me.” (Mike, 7:50)

“I want to live with the Lord.” (Mike, 8:20)

“It was a really cool experience to be saved from something that was less than the mind of Jesus.” (Mike, 8:30)

"Humility is telling the truth about yourself." (Connor quoting Fr. Tim Anastos, 10:45)

“I like drawing, I like dinosaurs, and I like myself.” (Connor quoting Donovan, 11:55)

"Pope Francis defines sin as forgetting." (Rob, 23:08)

Media Mentions:

30 Rock (2006- 2013)Forrest Gump (1994)C.S. Lewis' The Weight of GloryMatthew 25: 23C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape LettersC.S. Lewis' The Silver ChairThree Dogs North’s S11 E22- Window into Heaven (spoileralertshedies)Exodus Chapter 32 (The Golden Calf)Hot Rod (2007)Parks and Recreation (2009- 2015)- Ben's Claymation

References:

Tina FeyLiz LemonSandhills State Veterans Cemetery (Spring Lake, NC)Fort Bragg, NCJ.R.R. TolkienMundelein

Shout- Outs:

Fr. Brian WelterFr. Tim AnastosRev. Marek DuranFr. Emery de GaalJamie MuellerFr. Scott Harter 

Glossary:

Eucatastrophe: "A massive turn in fortune from a seemingly unconquerable situation to an unforeseen victory, usually brought by grace rather than heroic effort."Anamnesis: "The recollection or remembrance of the past."Betrayal: "When you realize that reality is not as you thought it was.” (Mike, 13:00)

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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 Baptist (14:20). Mike concludes that "a saint is someone who is passionate about the right thing" (25:19).

Quotes:

"May this time tonight be enchanted." (Rob, 1:00)

“Maybe I found the natural HGH that is going to have me Brett Favring well into my 40s” (Connor, 3:37)

“I'm all excited! I hope you enjoyed it too…. I love you!” (Connor quoting Bill Alexander, 8:02)

“You can recognize excellence in different art forms, even if you aren’t familiar with the art form itself.” (Mike, 9:06)

“I am more alive because I am creating.” (Connor on Bill Alexander, 10:20)

“The evil one will always try to dampen the experience of both pleasure and pain in a human being, because both of those things put you in reality and allow you to see clearly.” (Rob, 12:00)

"When you see somebody that loves something and does it excellently, it’s very beautiful.” (Mike, 14:05)

"The happiness of the saints is an experience of the heart not of the mind.” (Connor, 18:40)

"The point of life is to enjoy God." (Connor summarizing Connolly, 23:04)

"A saint is someone who is passionate about the right thing.” (Mike, 25:30)

“When you live out of the head you become a spectator of your own life.... When it’s not just drudgery, that’s when we lose ourselves and become children again." (Connor 26:00)

Media Mentions:

SportsCenter Special: Gruden’s QB Camp -- Brett FavreMountain River by Bill AlexanderThe Last Dance (2020)C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape LettersC.S. Lewis' The Great DivorceWilliam A. Barry and William J. Connolly's The Practice of Spiritual DirectionFr. Jean Corbon's The Wellspring of Worship

References:

Make Squats Deep AgainGlucosamineBrett FavreMinnesota VikingsJon GrudenLas Vegas RaidersLeBron JamesBob RossBill AlexanderWill FerrellInstitute for Priestly FormationAugust 29th: The Passion of St. John the BaptistSt. Thomas Aquinas (Beatific Vision)IdahoNational Basketball AssociationWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Shout- Outs:

Fr. Michael BremerPaloma Metz

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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 Heaven (quite possibly the only one that exists on the internet) (27:20), and Connor closes out with a story about being held (37:45).

https://youtu.be/ZyMOQTo6_cE

Quotes:

“Hot yoga is very difficult and I am becoming extremely limber.” (Mike, 1:42)

“Forest Gump is absolutely lovable and very attractive because he is both unveiled and good.” (Mike, 18:39)

“I think that’s part of why it’s so hard to be unveiled, because if I unveil myself then I actually have to confront what’s going on in my heart and if that’s not healed and made whole then there is a lot of stuff that will come out.” (Mike, 19:50)

“There is something about the simplicity of a child that makes them also very vulnerable.” (Connor, 22:19)

“Joy is a by-product of being in communion with God.” (Connor summarizing Lewis, 26:40)

"We point to the eschaton." (Mike, 27:37)

“You can’t avoid the tragedy of life.” (Mike, 35:00)

"HOLD ME!" (Mary Anne, 39:18)

“You can’t go out and fight dragons unless you have a mom and a dad who love you.” (Connor, 40:15)

“Come to me, I can handle it.” (Connor, 41:01)

Media Mentions:

Forrest Gump (1994)Evangelization & CultureFrances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret GardenCoventry Patmore's The ToysThree Dogs North's S11 E22- Window into Heaven (spoileralertshedies)David After DentistFyodor Dostoevsky's The IdiotMother Mary Francis' Blessed Are YouMatthew 11C.S. Lewis' Surprised by JoyPowder (1995)The Apostle (1997)

References:

U.S. ArmyIdahoNetflixWord on FireEnglandYouTubeNew YorkBostonMaryWichita, KSAttachment TheoryTennesseeRobert Duvall

Shout- Outs:

Fr. Scott HarterConnor's nephewMallory KlaasFr. Isaac CoulterConnor's friend P.J. and family (Mary Anne, Margie)Daniel Sahyouni

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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 […]

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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 his gratitude for friends he's visited over the summer (19:42) and Connor brings up the upcoming Michelle Duppong documentary (24:30).

Quotes:

“The only reason God gives us something to do is to draw us close to Him and share his joy.” (Connor, 3:07)

“The impossibility of the task frees you from the lie that comes along with the task... You have to give it away and parent the way the Lord is asking you to parent.” (Mike, 7:20- 8:20)

“Parishioners are not blood sucking insects.” (Connor, 9:58)

“If I’m serving the record, the list of things I’ve done for God rather than God, then I’m only thinking about myself rather than being responsive to reality.” (Connor, 10:30)

“You cannot do this job perfectly, so don’t think that’s the object of the game.” (Connor, 11:10)

“Something I said really struck me.” (Mike, 14:15)

“Where you stand actually shapes what you’re looking at and the proper place to stand is with Christ.” (Mike, 17:14)

“At the Mass the altar is Christ.” (Mike quoting Dr. Denis McNamara, 18:00)

“My whole priesthood, I just wanna stand here. All these other things can come and go, but as long as I’m standing at this altar I think the rest will take care of itself.” (Mike, 18:18)

“Blessed are those who mourn. You’re not lost in your sadness, it stimulates you to be a more generous person. Your heart is pierced and therefore open to others.” (Connor, 26:26)

"Prayer is not something we do, it's something God does in us." (Connor quoting Thomas Merton, 31:30)

“I think the invisible reality is more real than the visible reality.” (Connor, 35:30)

Media Mentions:

Matthew 10:16Three Dogs North S11 E5- I need you to see this (The Two Standards meditation)The Goonies (1985)Peter Pan (1953)Joseph Ratzinger's Introduction to ChristianitySteve Angrisano's Go Make a DifferenceThree Dogs North S11 E42- Tangibly fruitfulMatthew 28:19Nacho Libre (2006)Thirst for Souls: The Michelle Duppong StoryTrain's Hey, Soul SisterBack to the Future Part II (1989)

References:

The Lost BoysInstitute for Priestly FormationUber Technologies, Inc.AlaskaFrancis BaconThe Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)Lincoln, NECancer Treatment Centers of AmericaChicago, ILSanta Barbara, CA

Shout- Outs:

Fr. Thomas ByrneDrew HinesEmily HinesMartha GriswoldFr. Scott HarterFr. Derek HoMonsignor Gregory K. KetchamMallory Klaas

Glossary:

ribald: referring to sexual matters in an amusingly coarse or irreverent wayquietism: in general, holds that perfection consists in passivity (quiet) of the soul, in the suppression of human effort so that divine action may have full play.

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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 direction (20:10). Rob applies his new philosophy to an upcoming family beach trip (22:13) and his delight at a recent Cardinal's game (33:33). Mike closes out the episode affirming God's grace and the worthwhile challenge to receive everything as a gift (34:48).

Quotes:

“There’s an aspect of simplicity and trying to do things very well (in living a Christian life). So my life feels less divided.” (Rob, 9:45)

“Me going down to visit you in November and giving a talk, regardless of whether it makes a million converts or all it is, is two dudes hanging out, it seems to be an invitation from God. It’s a good. It’s focusing on the relationship as the end and then the mission part flows out of it.” (Connor, 12:20)

“Happiness is one of those strange birds, you don’t hit it by aiming at it.” (Connor misquoting Chesterton's Fr. Brown, 13:36)

"The point of spiritual direction, as all of life, is the enjoyment of God.” (Connor's summary of The Practice of Spiritual Direction, 16:57)

“The goal of my life is to be in communion and enjoy God.” (Connor, 17:25)

“Even when I’m cutting my hair and doing my laundry I’m a priest. I belong to Jesus. That’s the point of my life.” (Connor, 18:00)

“The thing about God is that He always tells you the truth.” (Connor, 18:20)

"The things that have brought me peace and joy and freedom is returning to keeping the first things first." (Mike, 20:04)

“Sooner or later, we enjoy only souls” (from Letters to Young Men as cited in The Priest is Not His Own, 31:41)

“If you’re receiving from the Lord, that’s your place of communion. God being the creator and us being the creature. Then you can receive everything as a gift. And then your day and your ministry is now a gift.” (Mike, 34:46)

"Charitas Christi Urget Nos (The Love of Christ Urges Us Forward)" (40:00)

Media Mentions:

Daily Affirmation: Michael Jordan - SNLMore Cowbell - SNLGap Girls- SNLEvil Boss- SNLZoolander (2001)Will Ferrell's SNL AuditionMatt Foley: Van Down by the RiverGet in the Cage with Nicolas Cage- SNLBand of BrothersX-Men: First Class (2011)William A. Barry and William J. Connolly's The Practice of Spiritual DirectionMatthew 4:19Blade Runner 2049 (2017)The Simpsons (1989- present)Jean-Baptiste Henri-Dominique Lacordaire’s Letters to Young MenFulton J. Sheen’s The Priest is Not His OwnMatthew Levering's The Abuse of Conscience

References:

Joe PugLeBron JamesNational Basketball AssociationAl Franken (Stuart Smalley)Michael JordanSaturday Night LiveChris FarleyDavid SpadeWill Ferrell (Mugatu)Harry CarayChristina Applegate (not Alicia Silverstone)Jimmy FallonTom HardyJames McAvoyProfessor XSt. Louis CardinalsInstitute for Priestly FormationFellowship of Catholic University StudentsAirBnbLucky CharmsU.S. ArmyHomer SimpsonSt. PaulDr. Reinhard Hutter

Shout-Outs:

Fr. Walter CiszekFr. Tim AnastosNathan ThompsonFr. Brian Welter

Glossary:

Pontifex: member of a council of priestsSacred Synaxis: an assembly for public worship and prayer (i.e. Mass)

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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 (18:35), and how to impress your friends with grill lines (19:20).

Quotes:

“You just have to be there with people. It seems like the Lord has set up a bunch of moments and if you just show up and you follow Him, He’s gonna make stuff happen. I just simply show up and hang out with soldiers and next thing I know we're having great, real deal conversations.” (Mike, 6:03)

"A lot of those priestly moments, where you’re working with people on existential and spiritual margins and trying to navigate that terrain, to be able to walk with them and guide them in those rare, sacred moments. They pop up all the time... I think that’s where they live. (Mike, 6:45)

“The possibility of war and violence and death are on the front of their minds frequently and you can either become numb to it or you can try to rassle with a lot of that stuff.” (Mike, 7:25)

“Jesus is a soldier in you. He’s an officer in the U.S. Army, offering His body, blood, soul and divinity for these people serving our country this way.” (Connor, 12:20)

“The meat is the star. You are not the star. So I’ve been trying to let the meat be the star.” (Connor, 19:30)

Media Mentions:

Good Morning; Vietnam (1987)

References:

Mike's 4 Year Priesthood AnniversaryThe RosaryFort Lewis (Washington)The Sorrowful MysteriesHowitzer3DN S11 E39- Gooey center Lean CuisineSt. John Paul II Newman Center at UICSpirit II E-210 Gas Grill82nd Airborne Division

Shout- Outs:

Derek

Bromides:

“I’m not adulting very well.” "Our hands are like pillows. They’re for chalices not calluses.”

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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: […]

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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 universe (21:05).

Quotes:

“I’ve felt a pull to strive for a Christian life, which tangibly looks like sharing more meals and doing smaller things that actually produce real friendships.” (Rob, 4:12)

“The charism of the diocesan priesthood is being a man at prayer who is in the world.” (Connor, 6:20)

“We’re saved in community.” (Mike, 13:50)

“Desiring to share life, because life is a blessing.” (Rob, 15:35)

“Faith: the place where you are most firmly grounded.” (Mike on Ratzinger, 24:15)

“I don’t have to make meaning, I just have to continue to stand with God and the proper meaning will unfold.” (Mike, 25:30)

Media Mentions:

Rocky (1976)Joseph Ratzinger's Introduction to ChristianityJohn 15Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop

References:

Fellowship of Catholic University StudentsInstitute for Priestly FormationIgnatian SpiritualityBenjamin FranklinErnest ShackletonTheology of the EucharistThe Marvelous ExchangeDrumstick®

Shout- Outs:

Fr. Thomas BaimaFr. Emmanuel Torres-FuentesFr. Rey PinedaDr. Denis McNamaraFr. Emery de Gaal

Bromides:

"Pound ground to gain ground.""Steady gains.""Live your best life."“I could be better than I am if I just worked harder.”"Need a little we time."

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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 […]

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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 really smart or eloquent, but by putting our own oxygen masks on first: praying Holy Hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to the celebration of the Mass, Eucharistic reverence, and care of the poor.” (Connor, 9:55)

"Humility is freedom.” (Connor, 12:58)

“We committed to two things for next year: We’re going to live the sabbath in a biblical way and everything that we do has to be done with excellence, that’s it.” (Rob, 15:55)

“I don’t want to have attachments to my own agendas, but actually discover things as I go, which means I need to have the freedom to follow where life unfolds.” (Mike, 20:57)

"Whose voice is that, because it’s not God’s.” (Rob, 24:30)

Media Mentions:

National Eucharistic RevivalMark 6The Simpsons (1989- present)Tree of Tales: Tolkien, Literature, and Theology (Eds. Trevor Hart and Ivan Khovacs)

References:

Scott Thompson (Carrot Top)USCCBPew Research Center (on Transubstantiation)Bishop Robert Joseph Lombardo (Archdiocese of Chicago)Bishop Andrew Cozzens (Diocese of Crookston)Fr. Jorge TorresXXVIII International Eucharistic CongressNational Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 17- 21, 2024)Bishop Robert BarronFr. Mike SchmitzSr. Miriam James HeidlandSr. Bethany MadonnaMission of Our Lady of the AngelsArchbishop J. Peter Sartain1926 monstrance used in Eucharistic Procession at Mundelein V EncuentroHomer SimpsonJ.R.R. TolkienNazgûl (Ringwraiths)

Shout- Outs:

Sr. Alicia TorresFr. Paul Porter

Bromides:

"Let go and let God.""To Church one another as Church.""Let life unfold."

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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 just certain things for freedom.” (Connor chiding Rob, 9:20)

"There is a longing in my heart for total freedom; to do God’s will; to be in communion with Him all the time.” (Connor, 10:29)

“Lord, I need you so bad to call me out of slavery into freedom, constantly, but I believe that you will do it.” (Connor, 12:10)

“The formula of love: you have to move from self-awareness, into self-possession, which then leads to self-gift.” (Mike, 15:10)

“The Lord promises to set us free from slavery into life.” (Mike, 16:39)

“There has been a slow, steady, gentle, coaxing to freedom.” (Rob, 20:52)

“You can't promise me another second of life, but you try to promise me a lifetime of misery.” (Connor summarizing St. Ignatius, 22:11)

“I am trying to do God’s will as best I can and He is going to keep moving me from grace to grace to grace.” (Mike, 25:12)

"None of our suffering is meaningless. Period.” (Connor, 35:11)

Media Mentions:

YouTubeMike Tyson Talks About Tigers (from JRE #1805)Braveheart (1995)The Office (2005- 2013)Blade Runner (1982)Father Stu (2022)The Parable of the Lost SonCanticle of ZechariahJohn 20

References:

Object PermanenceGeneration ZCusperMillenialSeptember 11 AttacksMike TysonJoe RoganiPhoneChicago BullsiPadJohn Paul II (Love and Responsibility)FOCUSHarlan CobenSt. Ignatius of LoyolaEaster OctaveInstitute for Priestly FormationFr. Stuart Long

Shout- Outs:

Jon KearneyKaty DornbosFr. Timothy GallagherMaria (Mike's niece)

Bromides:

"Everything happens for a reason.""You're a slave, bro."

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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”, which was ultimately born out of being fully prepared (15:25). Connor makes a distinction between controlling others and self-control (17:35) and Mike admits that his parents' use of control ultimately helped him choose the “good” (20:30). Rob closes out the episode with a question: “How do you foster freedom?” (36:00).

Quotes:

“Leaders do have to control their people, but it’s not a manipulation of free will because those people have freely consented to being commanded by someone else.” (Mike, 3:50)

“When I walk outside, I’m taking your heart with me because we’ve built this relationship together.” (Connor on ideal relationships between parents and children, 9:00)

“Ultimately, I revere the fact that you are a free individual and are not to be controlled.” (Connor, 10:48)

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." (Michael Scott, 27:36)

"I put my pants on one leg at a time." (Rob, 27:46)

"I jump into my pants." (Mike, 27:50)

“A father provides an abundance for his children to enjoy” (Mike, 28:10)

"My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours." (Luke 15:31)

“Mary will be at the cross in order to spiritually and physically offer her son to the world.” (Connor, 32:10)

Media Mentions:

Athos (2016)Babette's FeastThe Office (2005- 2013)Josef Pieper's Leisure: The Basis of CultureThe Parable of the Lost SonNewton's law of universal gravitationThree Dogs North S11 E34The Wedding at Cana

References:

St. Thomas AquinasLife360Harrison StreetChicago, ILClassical VirtuesPaschal TriduumSt. John's Catholic Newman Centers (SIUE)

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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:

“When you don’t have authority you need to control people.” (Connor, 6:46)

“In Heaven you get all the joy, but no control.” (Connor, 7:40)

"So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me." And when he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11: 41- 43)

“God never controls. His love is always serene. It is always chaste. It is always non-possessive, even though we might want it to be.” (Connor, 14:32)

“You can’t love without freedom.” (Connor, 14:51)

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

"No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18)

“Woah, Dad’s here.” (Rob, 25:27)

“God speaks us into being out of Love.” (Connor, 27:10)

“I think when you grasp at things that are beyond your control, then you get in trouble. But when you are stewards of the good things that have been given to you, that’s when you cooperate with the grace of God.” (Mike, 28:25)

Media Mentions:

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)Art of Manliness Podcast #792: How Power CorruptsJesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead : John 11:1-45A Woman Caught in Adultery : John 8: 1-11Gospel of JohnC.S. Lewis' Perelandra (Space Trilogy, Book 2)Fr. Jean Corbon’s The Wellspring of WorshipBand of Brothers: The Breaking PointDietrich von Hildebrand’s Liturgy and Personality

References:

Explanation of the scrutiniesJerusalemBethanyPope John Paul IILieutenant Norman DikeCaptain Ronald C. SpeirsBishop Robert Barron

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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 a grip on me.” (Connor, 5:00)

"Anything for freedom." (from Anne Marie Brummer, 5:47)

“That’s where we became friends with Jesus.” (Mike, 15:45)

“Friendship with Jesus, that’s it.” (from Rob’s book club, 23:28)

"But what, in conclusion, of Joy? For that, after all, is what the story has mainly been about. To tell you the truth, the subject has lost nearly all interest for me since I became a Christian.... It was valuable only as a pointer to something other and outer." (C.S. Lewis, 24:17)

“Part of what makes this place transfigured is not just what happened 2,000 years ago, but right now He is still here.” (Connor, 26:15)

Media Mentions:

John Mark Comer's The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern WorldJohn 6 (Multiplication of the Loaves, Walking on the Water, The Bread of Life Discourse)Bishop Robert Barron's The EucharistC.S. Lewis' Surprised by Joy

References:

CardamomGoogle Translateكونور (Connor in Arabic)JerusalemPilgerhaus in GalileeFive day silent retreat (Rob and Mike)Church of the BeatitudesWitchita, KAHollywood, CAiPhoneHoly LandEtymology of "toll" and "troll"Basilica of the Annunciation in NazarethPilgrimage Church of St. Peter in CapernaumMichiganWisephone

Shout-Outs:

Anne Marie BrummerFr. Matt MarshallFr. Michael BremerDaniel Sahyouni

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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 Babette's Feast (2:38). Mike and Connor gush over Rob's hospitality (23:00) and they all discuss the importance of hierarchies (25:45) and order (36:40).

Quotes:

“Things are always greater than we can initially perceive.” (Mike, 12:35)

"Oh, how you will enchant the angels!" (from Babette's Feast, 14:55)

“In the end, what’s most essential about this guy is that he is a soul loved by Christ. That he believes in Him. That he will go with Him when he gets called.” (Connor, 17:50)

"If sins are like garbage, then the priest is like God’s garbage-man." (Fr. Mike Schmitz, 27:00)

“All is grace. Everything is possible. Reality is actually more wonderful than what is apparently true.” (Connor, 33:30)

“Christ reveals a hierarchy of Love.” (Mike, 38:18)

“The priesthood is really meant to give your life away for the good of everyone else.” (Mike, 38:40)

“There is an orderedness to the table, the fact that they are there in their places. They are disposed to receive reality and its goodness.” (Connor, 42:15)

"But the moment comes when our eyes are opened, and we see and realize that grace is infinite. Grace, my friends, demands nothing from us but that we shall await it with confidence and acknowledge it in gratitude. Grace, brothers, makes no conditions and singles out none of us in particular; grace takes us all to its bosom and proclaims general amnesty." (from Blixen's Babette's Feast, 54:40)

"At some point in our lives we have no choice but to ask for Him and He will give Himself to us.” (Connor, 53:50)

Media Mentions:

Babette's Feast (1987)3DN S10 E23- Open InvitationC.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of NarniaJordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (Rule #1)Josef Pieper’s Leisure: the Basis of CultureThe Golden CalfKaren Blixen's Babette's FeastDietrich von Hildebrand’s Liturgy and PersonalityFamily Matters (1987- 1997)Bishop Robert Barron's Eucharist

References:

Bishop Robert BarronCathedral Basilica in St. LouisSanta Barbara, CABlue Island, ILGeneral Lorens LöwenhielmThe Gateway ArchSt. Louis, MOThe Eiffel TowerFerris WheelEmpire State BuildingThe Great Pyramid of GizaGerald "Jerry" Lanahan Sr. Knights of ColumbusW.L. Weller's Wheated BourbonJordan B. PetersonMarxismPew Research Center surveyKaty DornbosSteve Urkel

Glossary:

episcopacy: government of the churchIn persona christi capitis: in the person of Christ the head

Bromides:

"Let go and let God.""Attitude of gratitude."

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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 of the Church (23:12). Mike speaks to the auxiliary nature of habitual prayer and its transforming power in his life (31:25).

Quotes:

"The riddles of God are more satisfying than the solutions of man." (G.K. Chesterton, 1:00)

“There are a lot of grounding fruits to devotions.” (Bob, 15:10)

"Catholicism is a way of life." (Cardinal Francis George, 15:35)

“Our bodies, our minds, our hearts, they’re in time. Even though we are capable of apprehending the eternal, our bodies still need to sleep every day.” (Connor, 16:10)

“With the liturgy of the hours, I have to be attentive to pray not just with my mouth and my mind, but with my heart. Through the habitual practice, there is a changing of my whole life... The Church leaves room for spontaneous prayer, but doing the same thing over and over again, leads to important encounters with Christ that develops your heart in a fundamental way.” (Mike, 31:25)

Media Mentions:

G.K. Chesterton's Introduction to the Book of JobHalfway SaintsS11 Episode 27- Invitation to joyAthos (2016)Back to the Future (1985)

References

Ring LightCold Stone CreamerySt. John Paul II Newman Center at UICCleveland Cavaliers VS. Chicago BullsFr. Tim AnastosDaniel and Holly GuertinMorning Offering to the Sacred HeartBob JohnsonThe Glory BeChapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mundelein SeminaryFr. Gus BelauskasFr. Tom BaimaiPadChicago, ILLiturgy of the HoursFr. Douglas MartisNight PrayerStations of the CrossThe Chaplet of MercyThe Precepts of the ChurchSt. John's Catholic Newman CenterThe RosaryMonsignor Gregory K. KetchamMarian ApparitionsOur Lady of LourdesNCDVDMount Tabor (Mount of Transfiguration)Fr. Nathan Goebel

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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 inclination toward slavery (30:49).

Quotes:

"Leaving Egypt is no easy process." (Mike quoting Connor, 14:50)

“Prejudice is really just a shortcut for engaging with life.” (Connor, 22:01)

"There is something more to the human person than can be scientifically explained.” (Mike, 27:12)

"The Mass is patterned off the movement from darkness into life, from slavery into freedom, from outside the world into the heavenly Jerusalem through Jesus.” (Mike, 30:00)

Media Mentions:

ExodusJordan B. Peterson's Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life (Rule 6: Abandon Ideology)Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life"Maureen stop looking in the door"John Cleese vs. ExtremismJosé María Gironella's The Cypresses Believe in GodLuigi Giussani's The Religious SenseDodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)John 4:4-26

References:

WolverineJordan B. PetersonFr. Paul PorterThe TabernacleTammy PetersonBreathe Right Nasal StripsRec Specs GlassesMDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine)LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)Sam HarrisBishop Robert BarronWord on FireHilaire BellocG. K. ChestertonLincoln- Douglas DebatesEgyptFr. Bob SchoensteneMonty PythonJohn CleeseFr. Thomas ByrneMarxismBenito MussoliniAdolf HitlerSpainMadridSt. John Henry NewmanCL (Communion and Liberation)

Bromides:

"Let go and let God.""Have an attitude of gratitude.""Remember the reason for the season."

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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 all times (26:30).

Quotes:

“In the fight for holiness, how I respond to this person’s email, that’s the battle that will make me a saint or not.” (Rob, 14:30)

“Instead of hating the people you think are war-makers, hate the appetites and disorder in your own soul, which are the causes of war. (Thomas Merton, 18:10)

“For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

“The escape from history and its determinisms is not by standing outside of it but by willingingly entering into it with Christ” (Connor, 18:40)

“Somehow through this suffering and this death we are being drawn not only closer to God but closer to each other so that when we all look back on this, as a family in Heaven, we can say, this is how He saved us.” (Connor, 20:04)

“I need to see the Christian narrative embodied in a person. To have those saints, who bring that into reality, who mediate heaven and earth, that’s a powerful thing to see.” (Mike, 21:56)

“Friendship is one of the great antidotes to despair.” (Connor, 25:00)

“The devil scatters, he wants us to think everything is discrete and separate.” (Connor, 25:21)

“The truth of communion is right here in front of us all of the time.” (Connor, 26:29)

“He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.” (Mark 3:13)

Media Mentions:

Thirteen Days (2000)Aldai Stevenson Addresses the United Nations on the Cuban Missile Crisis Barbara W. Tuchman’s The Guns of AugustThe Courier (2020)Jean Corbon's The Wellspring of WorshipSt. Therese of Lisieux’s The Story of a SoulTrue Detective (2014- 2019)Millennials living through their third “once in a lifetime” crisis within 5 years Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of ContemplationClifford Williams’ Free Will and DeterminismRestore the Glory- Episode 40: Sexual Healing (Part 4) J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

References:

Atlanta BravesKevin CostnerCuban Missile CrisisEverglades National Park (Nike Hercules missile site)Adlai Stevenson IIJohn F. KennedyUnited NationsCubaSoviet UnionWorld War IBenedict CumberbatchSecret Intelligence Service (MI6)KremlinMoscowRobert F. KennedyTurkeyCroatiaHerod the GreatPontius PilateCaesar AugustusSt. Therese of LisieuxSts. Louis and Zelie MartinBishop Robert BarronRussiaPresident Joe BidenPresident Vladimir PutinMatthew McConaugheyThomas MertonFr. Gus BelauskasFr. ChristianCardinal Francis GeorgeSt. John Paul IIWorld War IIPolandMatt FraddDr. Bob Schuchts Jake Khym, MASauronSarumanFinal Correspondence of St. Thomas More (pg. 133, To Dr. Nicholas Wilson)Fr. Timothy GallagherJordan B. PetersonAtlanta, GAServant of God Emil J. KapaunKansas

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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 balding men alike (25:19).

“You can’t save these people, but that’s not your job. Your job is to do what Jesus is asking and know that He is going to be faithful.”Fr. Michael Metz

Quotes:

“Over the years I've grown in deep confidence in Jesus’ fidelity to people.” (Mike, 11:42)“You can’t save these people, but that’s not your job. Your job is to do what Jesus is asking and know that He is going to be faithful.” (Mike, 12:21)“You’re going to where the edge is, to the people that are on it and giving them the Sacraments. You have to be responsive to reality, as it is.” (Connor, 13:47)“The point of us being on the internet is to gather a coterie of humans that insist on being human.” (Connor, 30:25)“Life is aggressive and it’s gonna kick you in the face. And if you’re not used to getting kicked in the face, it may knock you out.” (Mike, 33:54)

Media Mentions:

2 Maccabees Chapter 7Bishop Robert Barron's Eucharist3DN S11 Episode 27- Invitation to joyC.S. Lewis' The Abolition of ManThe Simpsons ("Make orphans of his children")

References:

82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg173rd Airborne BrigadeU.S. Military Conflicts: War in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom), World War II, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield), War in AfghanistanArmyXVIII Airborne CorpsRussian President Vladimir PutinKyiv UkraineRev. Marek DuranEdith SteinSEEKSt. John VianneyThird Order of St. FrancisFr. Emil KapaunCardinal GeorgeBishop Robert BarronFort Jackson in Columbia, SCDaniel SahyouniChipotleMike Tyson

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In this episode, the dogs talk about Connor's new "dumb" phone (0:55) and his experience living without an iPhone for the past ten days (4:30). Rob poses the question: "How many good friends are you capable of having?" (24:30) and the dogs give their own definition of true friendship (29:00).

Quotes:

“The iPhone isolates me and it makes me live my life and perceive the world through the prism of artificial reality.” (Connor, 5:04)“(A friend is) someone with whom you have no qualms about sharing the entire contents of your heart.” (Connor quoting St. Aelred of Rievaulx, 25:25)“I have a more general definition of friendship: someone who, if I was in a pickle, I could call and count on them.” (Mike, 28:55)“I don’t have anybody with whom I have no qualms about sharing the entire contents of my heart, only God. God is my friend, but no one else.” (Connor, 30:21)“You know how to follow the directions in the video game that is your life.” (Connor on GPS, 35:35)

Media Mentions:

Wired’s “AR Will Spark the Next Big Tech Platform- Call It Mirrorworld” The OfficeAziz Ansari’s Nightclub ComedianSean Paul’s What Sean Paul Can’t Live WithoutReady Player One (2018)

Shout- Outs:

Fr. Nick BlahaiPhoneOculusVerizonAndy BernardDwight K. SchruteAtlanta, GAChicago, ILInstagramTikTokSt. Aelred of RievaulxFr. Thomas ByrneFacebookAIMSafariSpringfield, ILMundelein

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In this episode, the dogs talk about a new book Mike is reading and its similarities to The Lord of the Rings (2:44). They all discuss various branches of the United States Armed Forces (6:53) and Connor suggests renaming the U.S. Army to "host" (9:20). The conversation turns to The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius (10:25) and examples of people who embraced their own littleness (18:45). They finish the episode by imagining what it's like to live in the Heavenly Jerusalem (37:40).

Quotes:

“There’s a lot of fear involved with the standard of the enemy.” (Rob, 16:03)

“Individual friendships are what move people into the light.” (Mike, 18:19) 

“Sam the great. Sam the wise. If you put on the ring he’d be this amazing guy.” (Mike’s rap, 19:33)

“We all know deep down that the world is not as it should be… so we experience conforming ourselves to God’s will as suffering.” (Connor, 21:40)

“God gives us a very small patch of land to till.” (Rob quoting St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, 24:28)

“Shower upon him every earthly blessing, drown him in bliss so that nothing but bubbles would dance on the surface of his bliss, as on a sea...and even then every man, out of sheer ingratitude, sheer libel, would play you some loathsome trick. He would even risk his cakes and would deliberately desire the most fatal rubbish, the most uneconomical absurdity, simply to introduce into all this positive rationality his fatal fantastic element...simply in order to prove to himself that men still are men and not piano keys.” (Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground & The Grand Inquisitor, 36:30)

“I think we are made for something more than just getting everything that we need.” (Mike, 36:50)

“To imagine being bored in Heaven is such an insult to God. It’s narcissism to think that God could bore me.” (Connor, 38:50)

Media Mentions:

Fortnite The Wheel of Time The Wheel of Time (2021) The Lord of the Rings The Lord of the Rings (2001- 2003) St. Ignatius of Loyola's "A Meditation on the Two Standards" St. Ignatius of Loyola's "The Call of the Temporal King" Leprechaun (1993- present) Antlers (2021)  Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles Progressive’s Dr. Rick Airport commercial Three Dogs North’s Pardon the interruption Matt Fradd’s interview with Peter Kreeft G.K.Chesterton’s "Tremendous Trifles" Andrei Rublev’s Trinity LEGO Masters (2020- present) Gospel of Luke Aziz Ansari’s Nightclub Comedian Brave Wilderness’ “STUNG by a TARANTULA HAWK” Megan Ulrich's Newsletter

Shout- Outs:

Army Airforce Amazon Shredder (Mouth of) Sauron Aragorn Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry) Peregrin Took (Pippin) Samwise Gamgee (Sam)  Frodo Baggins Knights of Columbus St. Rose Philippine Duchesne St. Charles Missouri Fr. John Titus Birkenstocks Gallup, NM GEICO Flo (from Progressive) Captain Obvious (from Hotels.com) St. Joan of Arc Newman Center Fyodor Dostoevsky G.K. Chesterton Chicago Cubs Blue Island, IL LA Fitness

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In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s mustache (1:13), Tiny Desk concerts (1:40), and Coyote Peterson (3:00). Rob revisits the monotasking discussion from “Altar of snackrifice” and asks Connor to summarize the Art of Manliness Podcast on monotasking (7:30). They broadly depict the difference between an office and a study (13:40) and give their own personal examples of activities that properly demand their complete attention (15:37).

Quotes:

“I like the part at the end where his mustache turned into a butterfly and flew away.” (Connor, 2:39)

“Monotasking is not a hack; in fact it’s the opposite of a hack.” (Connor 16:52)

“The disorder of multitasking is that we bring things together that don’t actually go together.” (Connor, 20:20)

“The greatest sin in today’s world is not taking a sabbath.” (Rob summarizing Fr. Bob Schoenstene, 24:51)

“The Mass is the example of how we take all of these individual particular lower level elements, but then they’re all integrated by Jesus and they actually enter into the Divine. If you properly order all those things together, then it’s one thing. We’re praying the Mass, even if we're doing a bunch of different activities.” (Mike, 26:37)

“I need an ultimate purpose of why I’m getting out of the bed in the morning and to me the only thing that makes any sense finally is the Mass.” (Connor, 27:58)

Media Mentions:

NPR’s Tiny Desk  Concert w/ Local Natives Jackass (2000- 2002) Brave Wilderness’ "STUNG by a TARANTULA HAWK "(official 3DN recommendation) Terminator franchise Art of Manliness Podcast #768 "Become a Focused Monotasker" Babbette's Feast (1987) Andrei Rublev’s The Trinity Bishop Robert Barron’s “Catholicism and Beauty” (2018 LA Religious Congress Talk, 38:50) Patricia Hampl’s The Art of the Wasted Day

Shout-Outs:

Zencastr Tiny Desk Concerts YouTube NPR The Oh Hellos Taylor Swift Lizzo Local Natives Coyote Peterson Lazer Lloyd Peter Jordanson (Jordan B. Peterson) Fr. Kyle Manno Steve Irwin Johnny Knoxville Schmidt Sting Pain Index Scoville scale Richter scale Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen) T- 1000 Amazon Zoom Wordle Notes application Bishop Robert Barron Coca- Cola Fr. Bob Schoenstene Fr. Thomas Byrne YMCA

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In this episode, the dogs talk about what it means to savor (7:00). Connor and Mike admit to guzzling large amounts of sweets (2:10, 4:00) and Rob eventually discloses his own proclivity to inhale ice cream (6:00). Connor brings up Josef Pieper’s work as a framework for understanding savoring (10:00) and the dogs recount fond memories from Mundelein (12:20) that were properly ordered toward fraternity (17:40). Connor brings the conversation back to Ratzinger’s Eschatology (S11 E21, S11 E22) and the places of addiction and attachments where we refuse to die with Christ and instead grasp to our own life (25:13). 

Quotes:

“There is a definite art to savoring.” (Rob, 7:40)

“Savoring has a quality of timelessness because you’re so indulged in the present.” (Mike, 7:48)

“What makes leisure leisure is that it is worship. It is open to God. It’s an affirmation of the good of creation for the sake of the Creator.” (Connor, 10:15)

“Gummy bears are not bad. God wants me to have gummy bears.” (Connor, 11:42)

“In order to be open to the Divine Will, God mediates His love through creation, which means that the creation has to be properly ordered upwards toward God.” (Mike, 15:45)

“The way death is conquered, is that it becomes the place where love (communion with the Father) is most intimate… Now, post resurrection, death becomes a place where we draw life from.” (Connor, 24:35)

“Destiny is communion with God in Heaven.” (Connor, 26:30)

“It’s not like every death is suffering, but you do die into something larger than you. “ (Connor, 28:37)

“The good time and the good food became an occasion to give of myself to the other.” (Connor, 31:58)

Media Mentions:

Art of Manliness Podcast #768: Become a Focused Monotasker  Babette’s Feast (1987) Josef Pieper’s Leisure: The Basis of Culture Pacific Rim (2013) Chef’s Table (2015- present) Joseph Ratzinger’s Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life Psalm 19:8 Andrei Rublev’s The Trinity

Shout-Outs:

Flintstone Vitamins Lucky Charms Pepsi Coca-Cola Fr. Scott Harter Gummy bears The cam room Oreos Cheez Whiz M&M'S Peanut Butter Chocolate Candy Ristorante Abruzzi (Rome) Sheol Jesus Missionaries of Charity (Haiti) Martha Griswold Johanna Hughes Mundelein Fr. Ben Hasse Fr. Tim Anastos Goldfish

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In this episode, the dogs talk about the newly renovated chapel at UIC (00:50). Connor shares some feedback he’s received from students (04:10). Mike brings up the similarities between a church dedication and the sacraments of initiation (13:28). The dogs conclude with a discussion on living stones (21:20), the immortality of the soul (21:39), and Connor’s desires for the students at UIC (24:38). 

Quotes:

“We treat our Churches like people.” (Mike, 18:26)

“Actually the thing that’s important is the obedience of your heart to the Father’s will.” (Connor, 24:20)

“I truly do value more… that kids would pray in there, discern their vocations, encounter the Lord, and become fully alive in Him. That’s much more important.” (Connor speaking about the new chapel, 24:38)

“To say with conviction: 'I think God wanted me to do this.' Then it’s the most important thing in the world, even if it’s not here a year from now.” (Rob speaking about Connor’s conviction to renovate the chapel, 29:30)

Media Mentions:

Interstellar (2014) Passengers (2016) Joseph Ratzinger’s Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life 3DN S11 E21  Mike's Thesis

Shout-Outs:

St. John Paul II Newman Center Pope St. John Paul II Chapel at Mundelein Seminary Pope St. John Paul II Blessed Mother C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia St. John’s Catholic Newman Center  Matthew McConaughey St. Maria Goretti St. Sebastian St. Agnes Andrew the stonemason Cardinal Francis George All Saints St. Anthony in Bridgeport (Chigago, IL) Georgia Bulldogs 2021 national champions Stetson Bennett Blackshear, GA

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In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike's thesis (01:25), distributism (05:30), and the extent to which earthly resources can solve the world's problems. Connor gives a summary of Ratzinger's Eschatology (09:08, check out the glossary below). Rob shares a recent reflection about stewardship (20:55) and then they all discuss the hardships and grace of living within natural limits (26:55).

Quotes:

“Whenever someone wants to solve a problem by just spending more money, very rarely is that getting to the root of the thing.” (Rob, 03:35)

“The point of sacraments (God’s grace) is to bring about an earthly justice.” (Connor, 12:04)

“I want the Mass to be a vision of Heaven, of the deepest longings of my heart that have nothing to do with simple morals. I’m moral because I want to stay in communion with this beauty, goodness, truth that is the answer to every question of being human.” (Connor, 12:40)

“We cannot build the Kingdom of God through electing the right people or passing the right laws; it's just simply not a thing that’s for that. Politics is the necessary evil of living in a world of sin.” (Connor, 13:18)

“Any time we try to make Heaven on Earth it turns into a dystopia.” (Mike, 16:00)

“The kingdom of God is coming. You can choose to tend it, or not.” (Rob quoting Connor,19:57)

“Do you see yourself as a King or a steward?” (Rob, 21:19)

“Addiction is the infinite desire for God that I’ve just pegged on a material thing.” (Connor, 29:55 )

“Nothing is uglier than a steward who thinks he is a King.” (Rob, 37:08)

Media Mentions:

Megan Ulrich’s Lessons from Trying (and Failing) to Live on the Poverty Line  Joseph Ratzinger’s Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life Magnificat’s January 5th reflection from Pope Francis Thomas Sowell’s A Conflict of Visions J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings Star Trek Jordan B. Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos The Cable Guy (1996)- “Feed me the rock!” Auld Lang Syne

Shout-Outs:

Build Back Better Bill G.K. Chesterton Amazon St. Paul the Apostle Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor Job, The Book of Wendell Berry St. Francis Table in Atlanta, GA Chic-fil-A Fr. Paul Porter Herod the Great St. John the Baptist Pontius Pilate St. John Paul II Newman Center Grima Wormtongue Gandalf Professor Severus Snape Aslan, The Great Lion

Glossary:

Distributism: “An economic theory formulated by Hilaire Belloc and G.K. Chesterton largely in response to the principles of Social Justice laid down by Leo XIII in his encyclical Rerum Novarum. Its key tenet is that ownership of the means of production should be as widespread as possible rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few owners (Capitalism) or in the hands of state bureaucrats (Socialism).” (www.distributistreview.com) Subsidiarity: “An organizing principle that matters ought to be handled by the smallest, lowest or least centralized competent authority. Political decisions should be taken at a local level if possible, rather than by a central authority.” (Wikipedia) Eschatology: “A part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. This concept is commonly referred to as "the end of the world" or "end times"." (Wikipedia) Eschaton: The end of the world.  Christological: A doctrine or theory based on Jesus or Jesus's teachings. Autobosileia: the Kingdom of God in Person. (www.ewtn.com)  Hypostatic union: a theological term used with reference to the Incarnation to express the revealed truth that in Christ one person subsists in two natures, the Divine and the human.  (www.catholic.com)

Bromides:

“How do you church while adulting?” “Live and let live.” “Are you church or not?” “Have you churched today?”

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In this episode, the dogs talk about their favorite moments from recent and past podcast episodes (06:50). Connor's most memorable moments come from books and movies they have discussed (09:00); Rob and Mike admit to a more immediate memory (13:10). The dogs all recount stories from their time at Mundelein (18:00), the virtues of dogness (38:30), and the ethos of the "best damn cam on campus" (27:55).

Quotes:

“I’m too poor to buy cheap.” (Anonymous, 06:24)

“The church suffering on earth is an extension of the incarnation of Christ’s body.” (Connor. 11:25)

“A gust of beauty.” (Mike, 14:50)

“If you read the Bible every day you will be a friend of the Lord.” (Fr. Bob Schoenstene, 31:30)

“You’re an average of the five people you spend the most time with.” (Connor’s mom, 32:10)

“Dog is man’s best friend.” (possibly Mike, 39:05)

Media Mentions:

Graham Greene’s The End of the Affair Revelation Rear Window (1954) Three Dogs North S4 E14 Rusty Bucket Full of Fishheads

Shout-Outs:

Beats by Dre AirPods Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones Zencastr Logitech St. Sebastian Grace Kelly Dionysus Mundelein Seminary Fr. Nick Blaha Dungeons and Dragons Fr. Adam Wilczak Fr. Dan Weger Fr. Dog/Ed Fr.Scott Harter Fr. Tim Anastos Pope Benedict XVI Fr. Bob Schoenstene Fr. Anthony Nyamai Fr. Emanuel Torres- Fuentes Manno Fr. Jegar “squirrel” Fickel Fr. Tom Franzman

Miscellany:

Priest with a Mic- Mundelein Seminary (Mike appears at 0:55)

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In this episode, the dogs celebrate Mike’s braceless teeth (01:00) and he shares an epic stair jumping saga from a recent Metz family gathering (08:10). Rob brings up the importance of confronting fear after a close call (15:00) and asks Mike and Connor how they "convey the strength of God as a baby?" (28:05) They all discuss their desire for such a personal God (30:00). Connor shares his recent experience Christmas caroling (32:48) and Rob puts words to the disruptive power of the Incarnation (41:10).

Quotes:

“The art of getting better is having someone coach you to get out of your comfort zone.” (Connor, 11:40)

"Fear isn’t irrational, it’s almost too rational." (Connor, 17:40)

“It’s always personal, the father has to know his son in order to know what they are capable of and what they need. You can’t fake that.” (Mike, 25:35)

“There is a wildness to God.” (Rob, 30:25)

“This (The Nativity) is the most powerful moment in all of human history and it is in a cave with a child.” (Mike, 35:20)

“Christ breaks language.” (Mike quoting Bishop Robert Barron, 37:27)

“I cannot stay content; I have to be broken open. This world, it needs light. It needs this baby so bad.” (Connor, 39:00)

“Why would a 17-year-old illiterate peasant girl be in charge of the armies of France and win, unless St. Michael is actually talking to her?” (Connor 43:36)

“The only reason John the Baptist is the greatest of the prophets is because of his proximity to Jesus. He’s also the one who says the least. All he does is call to repentance, a turning to God who has a face.” (Rob, 44:25)

Media Mentions:

Paw Patrol Genesis (Cain and Abel) Adam Makos and Larry Alexander’s A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II The Witcher (2019- present) Luigi Giussani’s The Religious Sense Silent Night Fr. Jean Corbon’s The Wellspring of Worship Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc Peter Kreeft’s Making Sense Out of Suffering

Shout-Outs:

Theresa (Mike’s sister) Amazon Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chris (Mike’s brother) Max (Connor’s nephew) Fr. Tim Anastos Gabby (Connor’s niece) Momma Metz Kevin (Mike’s sister) Paul and Anthony (Mike’s nephews) Daniel Sahyouni Henry Cavill Ludwig Feuerbach Haiti Bishop Robert Barron Ego-Drama Vs. Theo-Drama St. Michael the Archangel John the Baptist

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In this episode, the dogs talk about football clock management (03:38), European soccer (05:44), steroids in baseball (08:00), and Deflategate (09:20). They reach resounding consensus over whether baseball should get rid of the home plate umpire (12:38) and their conversation about the use of technology moves from sports to the liturgy (27:06). Mike brings up the use of projectors in Mass (26:49) and Connor apples the hierarchy of values as a way to respect Ekklesia in the modern world (31:17).

Quotes:

“Reality is complicated.” (Connor, 22:45)

“A thing is beautiful if it’s revealing what it is.” (Mike, 34:40)

“There’s a big component to the liturgy on this side of death when we behold the face of God that is massively mysterious.” (Mike, 36:26)

“Liturgy is getting caught up into the other with others.” (Mike, 37:00)

“In another few years everybody around will have grown up in a world that is haunted and infected with too many screens; it’s a disembodied world.” (Connor, 37:25)

Media Mentions:

Chappie (2015) RoboCop (1987, 2014) ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts’ Unhittable: Sidd Finch and the Tibetan Fastball  Three Dogs North’s “Season 11 Episode 11- Hierarchy of goods” Dietrich von Hildebrand's Liturgy and Personality (hierarchy of values) Moneyball (2011) Lost Tapes of the 27 Club’s “Drowned In The Sun” (“new” Nirvana song)

Shout-Outs:

Chicago Bears Samuel Group Lance Armstrong Braids (Tom Brady) Kevin Metz Cardinal Francis George Notre Dame Cathedral (flying buttress) Kurt Cobain Dr. Denis McNamara Church of the Holy Family (Chicago, IL) Fr. Michael Bremer

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In this episode, the dogs talk about what it means to lead by love and treat others as "an end in themselves" (14:10). Their conversation on leadership spans baseball (0:50), combat (20:18), parish life (25:40), fatherhood (28:30), cycling (36:30), and basketball (33:37).

Quotes:

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?” (Brad Pitt, 03:00)

“Take care of those who are entrusted to you in the flesh.” (Rob, 5:38)

“The person is the kind of good which does not admit of use and cannot be treated as an object of use and as such the means to an end. The person is the kind of good towards which the only proper and adequate attitude is love.” (St. Pope John Paull II, 14:10)

“Being a leader requires asking other people to make sacrifices and that’s harder than just making sacrifices yourself.” (Rob, 19:43)

“Work is dignified.” (Mike, 28:10)

“I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” (John 15:15, 30:05) 

Media Mentions:

Ken Burns’ Baseball (1994) Moneyball (2011) Michael Lewis’s Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game Fr. Karol Wojtyla’s (St. Pope John Paull II) Love and Responsibility Steven Pressfield’s Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae Jason Hehir’s (ESPN and Netflix) The Last Dance (2020) Allen Iverson’s practice press conference (7:21) Ted Lasso (2020- present) Marina Zenovich’s (ESPN) 30 for 30 “LANCE” Every Time Michael Jordan Took It Personal

Shout-Outs:

Cor Coffee Jonah Hill Philip Seymour Hoffman Fr. Mike Schmitz FOCUS Leonidas Bishop Bartosic Monica (manager at Cor Coffee) Brian Snitker Michael Jordan Horace Grant Scottie Pippen Luc Longley Chicago Bulls Detroit Pistons Karl Malone Charles Barkley Megan Ulrich Jon Kearney

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In this episode, the dogs talk about Michael Metz’s lack of a nickname (00:30), pig iron plants (02:30), and how to get out of the stone age (05:20). Connor returns to last episode's conversation about expectations and desires (08:00), Rob speaks about the temptation to squash desire (11:50) and the fruits of Kreeft's book on suffering in one of his small groups (12:30). The dogs proceed to talk about suffering (22:58) demons in Tobit (29:40) and why God won't answer Job's questions (36:00). 

Quotes:

“Suffering has made me more myself.” (Connor, 22:58)

“I don’t want this grief to go away.” (quote from Andrew Garfield, 24:36)

“The more you love, the more you suffer.” (Connor, 25:30)

“The only real meaning of human life is love and yet the more you let go of your own expectations and enter into communion with the other, the more you make yourself vulnerable.” (Connor, 27:51)

“Even in suffering there can be love. It’s not either joy or suffering, but the possibility of joy in suffering.”  (Michael Metz, 32:00)

“I’m not answering questions so that the questions go away.” (Connor, 36:00)

“I have found enough clues to live by.” (quote from Peter Kreeft, 37:10)

“The only thing that satisfied the human heart is a face.” (Michael Metz, 39:00)

Media Mentions:

Pig Iron Alone: The Arctic (TV 2015- present) Peter Kreeft’s Making Sense Out of Suffering C.S. Lewis’s Till We Have Faces Peter Kreeft’s talk on Till We Have Faces Luigi Giussani’s The Religious Sense (Chapter 1 for more on “elementary experience”) Andrew Garfield on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Tobit 8:5-7 John Paul II’s Salvifici Doloris Job, The Book of Sheldon Vanauken’s A Severe Mercy Blade Runner (1982)

Shout-outs:

Joe Pug Katy Dornbos Jon Kearney Jordan B. Peterson G.K. Chesterton Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) Fyodor Dostoevsky

Miscellany:

(07:05) Bow Drill

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In this episode, the dogs talk about college football coaching shake-ups (00:33), the start of Advent (05:40), and the altar server pizza party at Mike’s parish (07:10). Mike asks the other dogs how they find a balance between desire and expectation (16:10). Rob describes the mystics and their posture of holy indifference as a way to heal from human expectations (21:22) and Connor pinpoints freedom as the main difference between desire and expectations (21:46). Mike very vulnerably acknowledges his own unmet expectations of priesthood and the healing transformation that came from giving those expectations back to the Lord (32:29). They finish up with some classic ribbing on “faith journeys” and “seasons” (39:55).

Quotes

“Do I know You well enough now Lord and trust You, that I can take this desire seriously, but have a holy indifference to the expectation that may come with it?” (Rob, 21:22) “The difference between desire and expectation is freedom; you allow the other to be free.” (Connor, 21:48) ”God does not have expectations of me. He wants something for me, not something from me.” (Connor, 23:42) “It’s a limitation on desire when we get wrapped up in expectations.” (Mike, 25:00) “Existing in hope is tense, to be constantly fighting against expectations and allowing desire to flourish, even though you know the more you desire, the less this world is going to be able to satisfy those desires and the more you have to point your heart to God, that often looks like the cross. It’s seriously painful.” (Connor, 31:12) “I wanna turn to the reality of this vocation, so instead of focusing on the limitedness of this desire, I can let that go. You realize you’re holding onto something that was too small and that the Lord wants something more for you.” (Mike, 33:15) “To be able to articulate our expectations and then give them to the Lord is a way of giving our humanity to Christ, which then allows Him to transform it into His Divine desire.” (Mike, 34:54) “If you can find that distinction, between expectation and desire, that is where humanity lives.” (Rob, 37:12) “God gives me whatever I want because whatever God gives me, that’s what I want.” (Connor summarizing Scott Hahn who was quoting St. Therese of Lisieux, 38:52) “Grace is not cheap.” (Mike invoking Rob who was verbatim quoting Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 39:55)

Media Mentions

Notre Dame vs Illinois (11/29 men’s basketball) Pacific Rim (2013) Jordan B. Peterson’s The 4 Horsemen of Meaning St. John of the Cross’ Dark Night of the Soul

Shout-outs

Notre Dame Football Georgia Bulldogs Brian Kelly Lincoln Riley University of Southern California, Los Angeles Louisiana State University Pete Carroll University of California, Los Angeles Rams Chargers Philip Rivers (preceding day 3 keynote at SLS20) Cor Coffee  FOCUS Theresa (Mike’s sister) Jordan B. Peterson Bishop Robert Barron St. John of the Cross Fr. John Kartje Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Walter Ciszek Scott Hahn St. Therese of Lisieux Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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In this episode, the dogs catch up about beef milk (02:55) Mike’s grandfather (09:07) and Squid Game (13:10). Connor brings up Hildebrand’s delineation of the classical man (18:41). Rob then asks for an explanation of those fundamental principles (22:02) and they all discuss.

Quotes:

“I am going to be a human being in the world and not let technology trump my humanity and my embodiedness.” (Connor 20:52)

“Sanctity never goes out of style.” (Connor 23:15)

“Everything stops for a funeral.” (Fr. Baima 25:50)

“To be fully alive is to be small.” (Connor 35:00)

Media Mentions:

Parks and Recreation (2019- 2015) TikTok Slack Google Docs Squid Game (2021) Parasite/Gisaengchung (2019) Dune (2021) Blade Runner (1982) Dietrich von Hildebrand’s Liturgy and Personality (The Classical Spirit in the Liturgy) Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons (play) Jordan B. Peterson’s The 4 Horsemen of Meaning Taco Bell’s Taco Neck G.K. Chesterton’s Tremendous Trifles Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

Shout-outs:

Starbucks UGG Boots Fr. Gus Mike’s grandfather Dave Ramsey Connor’s dad St. John Paul II Newman Center Cor Coffee Juice Box Maximilian Kolbe Fr. Paul Porter Fr. Oakes Fr. Baima St. Thomas More Jordan B. Peterson Bishop Robert Barron John Vervaeke Jonathan Pageau

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In this episode, the dogs talk about early mornings (1:50), trucks (9:40), and beards (10:00). Connor considers what it means to be overwhelmed by beauty (6:45) and Rob asks the dogs to differentiate possessions and belongings (12:50). They all discuss how to have a healthy attachment to material goods (19:55), their plans for the end of the world (39:10), and approaching the final horizon of death as a saint (43:08).

Quotes:

“The human heart is wired for God.” (Connor, 7:22)

“We have a longing for God, which is goodness.” (Mike 25:30)

“It’s important to have a relationship with things according to reality.” (Connor 29:55)

“Part of walking through the pilgrimage of life is being properly attached to the things that belong to you, but not in a way that makes them your final end.” (Connor, 31:50)

“The only thing you get to take with you is what you’ve given away.” (Cardinal George, 32:07)

“Here was a man words cannot describe. Death could not defeat him nor toil dismay him. He was quite without a preference of his own; he neither feared to die nor refused to live. “ (second reading from the Office of Readings on November 11th)

Media:

Impossible without Him-  Season 7 Episode 10 (marathon story starts at 24:49)  Family Feud Erazim’s Kohák’s The Embers and the Stars Wendell Berry’s Jayber Crow Henry David Thoreau’s Walden Pond Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince (Chapter 13) Luke 17:11-19 (Jesus heals the ten men with leprosy) Friedrich Nietzsche’s Eternal Recurrence Robert Hugh Benson’s Lord of the World SNL’s What Up With That? 

Shout-Outs:

SEEK 2019 (Indianapolis, IN) Steve Harvey Alex Trebec Gable (the Great) Sr. Alicia, Sr. Kara Davis, and Sr. Kate Jon Kearney SEEK 2020 (Phoenix, AZ) Ben Hasse 1997 Ford F-250 Fr. Nick Blaha Cardinal George Bishop Paprocki Jay Leno Astros Cardinals Michael Scott Martin of Tours Pope St. John Paul II Chapel (Mundelein Seminary, IL) Pope Francis Joe Pug

Dog Wisdom

Rob starts the day by saying, "Thank you Lord for this day." (2:00)

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In this episode, the dogs talk about the Atlanta Braves (0:34) and “baseball guys” (04:00). Rob brings up the objective characteristics of beauty (9:01) and his concerns over Facebook’s newest attempts to make the internet even more immersive (16:30). Connor critiques some recently viewed dystopian films (22:50). Mike speaks about the limits of technology as it relates to the human experience (34:21) and they all discuss what it means to be "gripped by the spirit of love" (36:30) so as to experience a foretaste of Heaven.

Quotes:

“Beauty is the manifestation of truth.” (Denis McNamara, 9:27)

“Relating to God in a true way helps you relate to human beings in a more embodied way.’ (Connor, 31:50)

“Part of the enticement of technology is that it gives the façade that we are capable of handling more than we actually are.” (Mike, 34:21)

“We have an infinite desire to relate.” (Connor, 35:50)

Media:

Chris Ballard’s One Shot at Forever Ken Burns’ Baseball (1994) Bishop Robert Barron's “Catholicism and Beauty” // 2018 LA Religious Congress Talk (40:20) Facebook Google Ready Player One (2018) Blade Runner (1982) Chappie (2015)

Shout-Outs:

Brian Snitker Macon, IL Macon, GA Joe Madden Dusty Baker Premier League Bill Belichick Cor Coffee Bishop Robert Barron John Madden Gable (the Great) Megan Ulrich Jacelyn from UIC (sorry….) Jordan B. Peterson Truist Park Chicago Bulls Trent Schmidt Mundelein March Madness Kansas State Basketball Mark Zuckerberg Miguel Montero

Dog Wisdom:

Objective characteristics of beauty: Integrity (integritas), Clarity (claritas), and Composition (consonantia). (09:00) A-R-R-R Prayer (31:40)

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In this episode, the dogs discuss the renovations to the chapel at UIC (01:35). Mike brings up a Ratzinger quote about the Eucharist as thanksgiving (04:40) and Connor responds with some thoughts on what it means to live as a human who appropriately responds to value (11:12).  They close by discussing how to authentically embrace suffering (14:20) and Rob brings the conversation back to Christ’s humanity and His intimate relationship with us (20:05).

Quotes:

“Is the entirety of my existence transformed into thanksgiving?” (Mike, 06:55 in response to Ratzinger’s quote)

“Can I offer up my limitations, my lack, as a way to glorify God?” (Mike, 08:53)

“The normal person is the one who responds to value according to the hierarchy of goods.” (Connor, 11:12 in summary of Hildebrand)

“God doesn’t heal places, he heals people.” (Jim Rafferty, 20:05)

Media:

Jordan B. Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life-Rule (#8 “Tell the truth-or, at least, don’t lie”) Usedchurchitems.com Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’s God Is Near Us: The Eucharist, the Heart of Life Dietrich von Hildebrand’s Liturgy and Personality Brian Regan's The Emergency Room (broken femur) C.S. Lewis’s A Horse and His Boy  Leo Tolstoy’s Death of Ivan Ilyich Art of Manliness The 7 Habits: Begin With the End in Mind 

Shout-Outs:

All Saints St. Anthony in Bridgeport St. John Cantius Church Cardinal Cody Sistine Chapel Maximilian Kolbe Bishop Robert Barron Christopher Daniels Pinecrest Academy Jim Rafferty Jocelyn from UIC

Dog Wisdom:

“To be full, you have to be empty” (Rob, 31:17)

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In this episode, the dogs talk about situations when anger is the appropriate response to evil. 

Connor recounts his experience at a recent Joe Pug concert in Berwyn, IL (02:30) and Rob’s nine-year-old nephew shot his first deer (04:45). Rob shared the fruit of his five-day silent retreat (08:30) and the encouragement he received to have anger toward evil (12:24) to the extent that it reflects God’s own steadfast resistance to sin and death (25:50). Connor brings up Lewis’s reflections on God as a skilled surgeon and they all reflect on their experiences of celibacy (37:43).

Quotes:

“Keep the edge. Don’t let go of the edge.” (Linda Couri, 12:24)

“It’s God’s goodness that is almost scary because He’s not going to stop until I’m all the way healed.” (Connor, 28:31 in response to A Grief Observed)

“I get to wake up every morning, 5 am, make some soup!” (Ignacio, 38:21)

Media Mentions:

Dietrich Von Hildebrand’s The Heart The Hulk C.S. Lewis’s A Grief Observed (pg. 43) Nacho Libre Seinfeld

Shout-Outs:

Jon Kearney Joe Pug Berwyn, IL Fr. Bob Crouger St. Rene Goupil Fr. Bob Regan Juice Box (Rob’s nephew) Linda Couri Fr. John Kartje  Fr. Lawrence Hennessey Fr. Brian Welter (Old Welt Dog) Jesper Parnevik Fr. Emil Kapaun

Miscellany:

fantasy justice (14:15) affective movements (22:20) void of reciprocity (31:10)

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In this episode, the dogs talk about how to take care of Gremlins (2:10) and exploding kittens (4:40). Connor shares his fear of unmet expectations (6:30) and they all discuss what it means to ultimately trust that God is a good father (11:30) who will provide for his children (13:00). Rob asks for grace on his upcoming retreat (19:45) and they all come up with the characteristics of a stout heart (Rob, 21:31; Mike, 23:10; Connor: 25:20).

Quotes:

“I am not the architect of my own life and the happiness that is in store for me is not because I’ve planned it or because I chose the right thing.” (Connor, 8:30)

“My life is a story that is being written by God, not me.” (Connor, 11:05)

“You just have to be a kid and let the Father provide, because sometimes you forget to put on your pants.” (Mike, 13:05)

“A stout heart is not looking for anything other than reality.” (Rob, 22:45)

“I want my heart to be convicted of the things I assent to believe with my mind.” (Mike, 25:00)

“When one enjoys consolation, let him consider how to conduct himself during the time of ensuing desolation, and store up a supply of strength as defense against that day.” (St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises 323, 25:20)

“A stout heart is confronting reality with the absolute courage and conviction that the Lord is in it, that there is no better reality if I had just planned ahead better.” (Connor, 27:25)

“To be somebody or to do something. In life there is often a roll call. That’s when you will have to make a decision. To be or to do? Which way will you go?” (John Boyd, 29:35)

“The more and more I’m radically available, the more and more people will come and demand my love for them.” (Mike, 32:15)

Media Mentions:

Antlers (2021) Gremlins (1984) Band of Brothers: Bastogne (2001) 1 Corinthians 2:9 George Weigel’s The Fragility of Order (in reference to stouthearted friendship with Bishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Robert Barron) St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises Robert Coram’s Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War

Shout-Outs:

Cor Coffee Box of Exploding Kittens Unstable Unicorns Major Winters Bishop Bob Lombardo St. Ignatius of Loyola George Weigel Bishop Robert Barron Connor’s Dad John Boyd Hans Urs von Balthasar (ego-drama vs. theo-drama)

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In this episode, the dogs talk about a Korean War chaplain who is a candidate for canonization as well as the specific graces they are praying for right now. 

Connor talks about a redo July 4th celebration in September (4:48) and Mike shares that he will be attending Fr. Emil Kapaun’s funeral mass in Wichita, KS (6:50). Rob asks the group for help in discerning what graces to ask for on his upcoming retreat (10:45). Connor and Rob circle around the idea of Divine intimacy (11:35) and Mike shares his recent desire for a decluttered heart in prayer (13:11). The dogs close out the episode sharing inspiring stories about Fr. Kapaun’s leadership and his servant’s heart (18:24)

Quotes:

“All man, all priest.” (description of Fr. Emil Kapaun, 8:56)

“When God wants someone to die for sin, he sends his son.” (from Monsieur Vincent, 26:55)

Media Mentions:

John Philip Sousa Toby Keith’s “The Angry American” Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to Be an American” Travis Heying and Roy Wenzl’s The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier, and Korean War Hero Monsieur Vincent (1947) Step Brothers

Shout-Outs:

Anthony (Mike’s Nephew) Ryder Cup Fr. Emil Kapaun Bishop Carl A. Kemme The Blessed Mother St. Francis St. Vincent de Paul Le Louvre Netflix Pierre and Cecile Roux Lisieux, France Will Ferrell

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In this episode, the dogs talk about encroaching technology and the role of the parish priest. After discussing which celebrities they would have dinner with [00:24], Connor and Rob give brief updates about life on campus [6:36]. Connor laments plumbing problems [9:00] and Rob discusses the lag he feels keeping up with multiple assignments [10:25]. Connor describes settling into his role as a shepherd and they all consider the function of the modern priest [15:13]. Connor pitches his idea to revive the AIM away message [18:55] and Mike shares his initial refusal to use Bluetooth in his vehicle [24:20].

Quotes:

“The role of the modern day priest is to properly order the charisms of the people of God.” (attributed to Bishop Barron, 16:06)

“I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter mile.” (Uncle Rico, 23:30)

“We are not properly engaged with the objects in our lives.” (Connor, 28:03)

“The problem is not the phone, it’s you.” (Connor, 29:17)

Media Mentions:

Brett & Kate McKay’s "9 Things to Think About When You're Waiting"  Napoleon Dynamite

Shout-outs:

Bishop Barron G.K. Chesterton Marilyn at SIUE Abraham Lincoln Freddie Mercury Winston Churchill Herschel Walker Bo Jackson Daniel- Focus Missionary Team Director  Light Phone  Rescue Time 

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In this episode, the dogs talk about finding awe in a transcendent universe [5:50] and their varying experiences of childhood boredom [8:50]. Rob brings up a farmer who recites Paradise Lost while ploughing the field [19:45] and Connor talks about settling into humanity as a way to find true joy [21:30]. Mike shares about a recent hiking trip [25:50] and they all discuss moments that transcend the subjective. 

Quotes:

[11:20] “Boredom is running up against the poverty of humanity. We are a question mark to ourselves and we do not have the capacity to fulfill what we ultimately desire. We are dependent on some transcendent other to provide the thing we want the most: permanent, eternal communion.” (Connor)

[7:40] “Sloth is the inability to love something that is lovable” (Peter Kreeft)

[35:25] “Sooner or later, we enjoy only souls” (from Letters to Young Men as cited in The Priest is Not His Own)

Media Mentions:

G.K. Chesterton’s Everlasting Man Matt Fradd’s interview with Peter Kreeft  PTI (Pardon the Interruption) from ESPN Dragon Ball Z Dr. Stephen Blackwood on the Jordan B Peterson Podcast Boethius John Milton’s Paradise Lost Paperboy on the NES Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men Fulton J. Sheen’s The Priest is Not His Own Jean-Baptiste Henri-Dominique Lacordaire’s Letters to Young Men

Shout-outs:

Gable the Great (Dane) Fr. Paul Porter 5th graders at Connor’s home parish Anthony Esolen Rabun Bald Foster’s Beer

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In this episode, the dogs experience some technical difficulties [8:55] and Danstrom dreams up his ideal audio interface [9:33-11:10] with some mock encouragement from Johnson and Metz [10:44]. Johnson brings up a new technique in prayer [11:20] and they all discuss using this new prayer as a way to enter into communion with Christ. Danstrom reflects on loneliness and its ability to worsen situations that are already difficult [20:10] and Johnson shares the fruit of this new reflection in the confessional [24:50].

Quotes:

[16:52] “You can’t pray with how you should feel, you have to pray with how you do feel” (Johnson) [21:20] “It’s not that the evil one makes things happen, it’s that he takes things that are happening and creates a narrative in your heart… that God can’t be trusted.”(Connor)

Media:

Matthew 25:24-26 (Danstrom) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis (Johnson) The Two Standards meditation from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises (The Standard of Satan: riches, honor, and pride. The Standard of Christ: poverty, insults, humility.)

Shout-outs:

Jonathan Kearney Connor officially named Vicariate Vocations Director for Vicariates III and IV Libertyville, Illinois Joe Pug https://joepugmusic.com/ Institute for Priestly Formation

Dog Wisdom:

[11:20] The prayer from Johnson’s spiritual director: Name the things you don’t like about your life. Then, “Jesus I need you to see this.” In closing, “Lord, help me to see it as you see it.” [14:24] Metz on wanting to communicate the mercy of God to His children in confession. He encourages the penitent to ask themselves, “How does Christ see you in that (sin)?” as a way of inviting Christ and His mercy into the situation.

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Check us out on Clubhouse today at 3pm Central.

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Come and join us on Clubhouse this afternoon, June 16 at 3pm Central for live homily prep with dogs.

Come and see live music by Fr. Connor in Blue Island on June 19th at 7pm.

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Check us out on Clubhouse this afternoon (6/9/21) at 3pm Central for live homily prep.

Join Fr. Connor for some live music in Blue Island, IL on June 19th at 7pm.

Check out the Word on Fire blog tomorrow for a new essay from Three Dogs North.

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Thank you to all who generously responded to our last episode. If you are still interested in sharing feedback about the podcast or helping us develop 3DN as an apostolate, please email us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

If you would like to join us LIVE on Clubhouse this Wednesday at 3pm Central, click this link to RSVP and join the app.

If you want to check out Fr. Connor play live music on June 19th, click here to get a ticket.

Finally, check out this video of a kid doing the robot in 2001, but don't get caught in the vortex.

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If this is your first time with us, do yourself a favor and don't start with this episode.

If you have been with us for a while, and you have feedback or want to get more involved in helping develop 3DN as an apostolate, please reach out to us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

Update 5/27/21:

Join us LIVE on Clubhouse on June 2nd at 3pm central for homily prep with the dogs. If you click this link you can RSVP for the event and join the app without an invitation.

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Here's the St. Therese talk we mentioned.

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Here's the reading list.

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Reading list here.

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Reading list:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16ycT9B26_YowL_5kI6QtWXQLqS6qC9zLSRCYafz0b5c/edit?usp=sharing

Check out the Cor Coffee Sessions:

https://youtu.be/mOOKpp1Q1hc

https://youtu.be/gel9E7OJdiM

https://youtu.be/qY5xUtibj5M

https://youtu.be/YunV1zI-rWo

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Reading list here.

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Check out a new thing we're doing, a read/watchlist from every episode starting with this one.

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Check out these sweet metal rosary plate-card things that we love from www.everydayprayerco.com

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We talk about The Social Dilemma and this article about the Digital and Analog City.

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"The soul united to God and transformed in him draws from within God a divine breath, much like the most high God himself. And God, abiding in the soul, breathes forth the life of the soul as its exemplar. This I take to be what Paul meant when he said: Because you are children of God, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father”; this is what takes place in those who have achieved perfection.

One should not wonder that the soul is capable of so sublime an activity. For if God so favours her that she is made God-like by union with the most Holy Trinity, I ask you then, why it should seem so incredible that the soul, at one with the Trinity and in the greatest possible likeness to it, should share the understanding, knowledge and love which God achieves in himself."

  • St. John of the Cross

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Check out The Embrace of God's Mercy by Mother Elvira

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Listen to The Art of Manliness - How to Make Better Decisions by Thinking Like a Rocket Scientist.

The story "A Christmas Tale" by Francois Mauriac can be read in The Substance of Things Hoped for: Short Fiction by Modern Catholic Authors.

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Check out Fr. Connor's new music, Doralydia

Also, consider helping the Newman Center reach its summer goal of $50k

And here is Dennis Rodman guarding Shaq in one of my favorite 90s Bulls highlight videos of all time

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Check out Megan's book Hell, Bring the Kids Too.

Bonus points if you can find the spot when Fr. Mike realizes his internet cuts out.

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Special thanks to Carey Jansen for joining us on the podcast this week!

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Thanks to Bishop Barron for joining us this week!

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You can listen to Fr. Connor's daily private Mass here.

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Here is the article on the porn epidemic that was referenced.

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As Western culture becomes more isolated from the influence of God’s personal love and its members settle into an opaque world where the supernatural is obscured, they begin to live as fleshly (sarx), and so denigrate the real, the body (soma), where they risk being ingrates to the wonder of the ordinary. Those who still live in the soma receive meaning from within their communion with Christ, sharing in His body the Church and receiving it as gift (“This is my body, which will be given for you” [Lk 22:19]). The body is more than the pain of boredom bearing an invitation to seek entertainment. Succumbing to such is the very core of sloth. Neither time nor ordinary living is to be jettisoned in favor of fantasy. The body in time is one’s life; immersion in Eucharistic culture means one’s life is meant to be “given.” The body in time is meant to be received as a gift and then given to God and others in return as “liturgy.” This reciprocal gifting of bodies (ours and Christ’s) is the action celebrated liturgically in “Ordinary Time.” -Dcn James Keating, "Boredom, Ordinary Time, and God's Gift of Himself"

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Thanks to Joe Pug for joining us this week.

Check out Hymn #101, the song that gave Joe the keys to the world, as well as all his other music.

Also, check out his podcast The Working Songwriter.

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Check out Megan Ulrich's book of poetry Hell, Bring the Kids Too.

Also mentioned: Get With the Program by The Art of Manliness.

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Check out Melissa Villalobos' talk on the miracle that made Cardinal Newman a saint.

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Here is the story about Mother Theresa's doctor's appointment.

Also mentioned is The Sacred Gaze by Susan Pitchfork.

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Here is the article Juice mentions about the "Millennial Nuns".

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Come support the Newman Center at UIC and see the new coffee shop at our Oktoberfest. Buy tickets here: http://jp2newman.org/oktoberfest

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Check out the stuff we mention in this episode:

The new 30 for 30 about Dennis Rodman

Bishop Barron's Pivotal Players documentary on Flannery O'Connor

The Unsettling of America by Wendell Berry

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

The Science of the Cross by Edith Stein

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From the episode:

This American Life 680 - The Weight of Words

The Unsettling of America by Wendell Berry

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Drink Guadalupe Roastery, the official coffee of Three Dogs North.

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Drink Guadalupe Roastery coffee. It's coffee for the common good.

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“I am of your opinion about the mountains, the sea, and the forest; they are the three great things in nature… I am as fond as yourself of them; but as old age creeps on, nature takes less hold upon us, and we feel the beauty of the saying of the Marquis de Vauvenargues. “Sooner or later, we enjoy only souls.” This is why we can always love and be loved. Old age withers the body but to the soul that is not corrupted it gives a new youth. And the moment of death is that of the blossoming of our minds.”

-Lacordaire, Letters to Young Men Drink Guadalupe Roastery coffee.

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Check out Father C-bisc on TV in Boston, among other cities.

Here's Bishop Barron on the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast.

Watch Summer in the Forest about l'Arche.

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Here is the article we talk about by Joseph Ratzinger.

Also mentioned is Disarming Beauty by Julián Carrón.

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Drink Guadalupe Roastery coffee.

Read For the Life of the World by Alexander Schmemann.

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Check out Fr. Scott Harter's talk on healing of memories.

Check out Fr. Connor's Why the Water Came EP on Bandcamp. If you care to buy it, all proceeds will go to support the St. John Paul II Newman Center at UIC. The music will be on Spotify, etc. on May 17, 2019.

Fr. Connor will be playing live music at the Lagunitas Brewing Company in Chicago on Monday, May 20, 2019. All proceeds from the event will also go to support the Newman Center. Come on out if you're in the area.

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Sorry about the sound on this one. Accidentally recorded my end through the laptop, like a dummy. See, even professional amateur podcasters make mistakes sometimes. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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T-shirts! Get them now while you can! Only available for two weeks! Tell your friends!

Buy them here:

https://cottonbureau.com/products/three-dogs-north-silent-guest

Also, the more we sell, the more free ones we get to give away. If you have a cool idea for a contest, email us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com, or tweet at us @threedogsnorth.

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Thanks to silent guest, Zion Williamson, the human C-17.

Check out Bold Moves for Real Life, a new podcast from Catholic young ladies at Fr. Rob's Newman Center at SIUe.

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Check out God's Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson

Go on a FOCUS mission trip.

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Drink Guadalupe Roastery - coffee for the common good.

If you haven't watched the Athos documentary yet, what are you waiting for?

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Check out the Liturgical Institute's Young Adult Liturgy Conference at betransfigured.com, July 12-14, 2019.

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Check out Father C-bisc on Spotify.

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Sorry it sounds like I'm in a tunnel or something.

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Thanks for all who came to see and hear us live at SEEK.

For video of the live cast, check it out here.

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Three Dogs North will be podcasting LIVE at SEEK on January 6th, 2019, 5:30pm in Indianapolis. Please join us if you're there.

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Watch Mr. Rogers love a person the way God does.

Or watch the dad who ran Ironman marathons with his disabled son.

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Should Fr. Rob go back to a dumb phone?

Watch the penhold master, but don't get caught in the vortex.

Or try to live the strenuous life.

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Check out Guadalupe Roastery's new project on artist Dony MacManus:

https://twitter.com/guadaluperoast/status/1051473909617438720

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If you want to donate to the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels (Franciscans of the Eucharist) on behalf of Fr. Mike go here:

https://www.givecentral.org/location/520/event/15012

Please put your name with the donation and Fr. Mike will offer a portion of his marathon in prayer for you and your intentions.

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Another one quick. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com.

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Recorded this on August 21, 2018. Things appear to have gotten worse since.

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Hey all. Thanks for sticking with us during the break. We're back, and Fr. Rob and Fr. Mike are priests now. We talk about the joys of being ordained, and then cover some hard stuff regarding the recent scandals. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com.

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"Art has a right and a duty, for the sake of realism, to reproduce the human body, and the love of man and woman, as they are in reality, to speak the whole truth about them. The human body is an authentic part of the truth about man, just as its sensual and sexual aspects are an authentic part of the truth about human love. But it would be wrong to let this part obscure the whole - and this is what often happens in art."

-Karol Wojtyla, Love and Responsibility Buy Guadalupe Roastery coffee if you know what's good for you, workers, the environment, and the Kingdom of God.

Video of the Blue Island Sessions Live with Fr. C-Bisc

The Word on Fire Show explains the religious significance of A Quiet Place

This American Life explores the awkwardness of teenagers watching an intense movie and its consequences

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"The discipline of temperance, understood as selfless self-preservation, is the saving and defending realization of the inner order of man. For temperance not only preserves, it also defends: indeed, it preserves by defending. For since the first sin man has been not only capable of loving himself more than he loves God his Creator but, contrary to his own nature, inclined to do so. The discipline of temperance defends him against all selfish perversion of the inner order, through which alone the moral person exists and lives effectively."

-Josef Pieper, The Four Cardinal Virtues These Irish Rowers were sad they missed their own celebration.

This week's This American Life Episode is about a pastor who stopped believing in hell.

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"True, the Sacrifice of the Logos is accepted already and forever. But we must still pray for it to become our sacrifice, that we ourselves, as we said, may be transformed into the Logos, conformed to the Logos, and so be made the true Body of Christ."

-Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy Drink Guadalupe Roastery Coffee, because it's good to drink and good to do.

Priest with a Mic Sneak Peek - with Fr. Kyle Manno

Spirit of the Liturgy by Romano Guardini

Spirit of the Liturgy by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy by Denis R. McNamara

And I was the fastest 33-year-old at the race:

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Buys some Guadalupe Roastery Coffee at GuadalupeRoastery.com. It's Coffee for the Common Good.

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Buy some Guadalupe Roastery coffee, because it's good and good for you. Just hácelo™, you'll be glad you did.

Love's Sacred Order: The Four Loves Revisited by Esramo Leiva-Merikakis.

A Mans Duty to Pursue (with Arleen Spencely) by Matthew Sewell.

Peter Kreeft's lecture on Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis.

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Here's the video with the guy talking about millennials

In Defense of Immortality from First Things

Proof that it is Jem Finch, not Jim.

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Visit GuadalupeRoastery.com and get some delicious coffee and feel good about it.

It’s Coffee for the Common Good: Hácelo™

Christ the Ideal of the Priest by Columba Marmion

The Hidden Face by Ida Friederike Gorres

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"Just that," said the fox. "To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world....” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince Please visit our unofficial sponsor, Guadalupe Roastery: Coffee for the common good.

Travis Chapman summarizing the quintessential 3DN

Up in the Air with George Clooney

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

Values-Based Leadership by Harry Kraemer

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Check out Deacon Michael Bremer's play-by-play of the final two games of the Mundelein Basketball tournament.

Here's Bishop Barron's commentary on World War Z.

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Here's Sr. Bethany Madonna's talk at SLS.

Here's the ninja tweet that hit Mike's funny bone.

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"In the beginning I dwelt in the Paradise of God, where Man was naked.  Or rather, I was in Man, and of his Essence when he was naked, walking with him in that spacious Paradise, fearing nothing, doubting nothing, thinking no Evil.  I thought to have stayed with him forever, for he had been created by the Most High…for possessing Nothing, he belonged wholly to God"

-The Lady Poverty: a XIII century Allegory; with a chapter on the spiritual significance of evangelical poverty, by Father Cuthbert, o. s. f. g. In case you don't know what is meant by "MCs", it means "Missionaries of Charity"

This video is about all you need to see to get you to buy Guadalupe Roastery coffee from guadaluperoastery.com.

Also check out Jim Caviezel's talk at SLS

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The local historical society was kind enough to ask me to play a live show, which I did on December 16th, 2017. People actually came, and it was a pretty good time. I thought it was worth sharing.

Here is audio from that night. And the set list:

Widower's Heart - Trampled by Turtles Springfield - Sufjan Stevens Karma Police - Radiohead One Great City! - The Weakerthans She is a mother - Original Since I have known you - Original Remember when - Original River - Leon Bridges Murder in the City - The Avett Brothers Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie - Bob Dylan Four Green Fields - Irish Folk Song Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Down in the Valley - The Head and the Heart

Thank you to Megan Miller for accompanying on me on a few of these numbers. Thanks to My B.I., Blue Island Arts Alliance, and Blue Island Historical Society for making this happen. Hope you enjoy. New episodes will be coming in the new year.

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"These subjects were reasoning. They were working quite hard at reasoning. But it was not reasoning in search of truth; it was reasoning in support of their emotional reactions. It was reasoning as described by the philosopher David Hume, who wrote in 1739 that 'reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them."

-Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind If you want to drink the coffee of the dogs, check out Guadalupe Roastery, coffee for the common good.

Also check out the Monks of Norcia, who we reference.

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. And don't just do whatever feels right.

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"A pipe cleaner is just metal with, like, fur on it."

-Michael Metz, S6 Episode 10 - Gorp!  

Check out Sr. Bethany Madonna's story about the Golden Gate Bridge here.

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. And remember that it's like the Bible says, "You ain't gonna get a second chance."

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"Like the choice between competing political institutions, that between competing paradigms proves to be a choice between incompatible modes of community life. Because it has that character, the choice is not and cannot be determined merely by the evaluative procedures characteristic of normal science, for these depend in part upon a particular paradigm, and that paradigm is at issue. When paradigms enter, as they must, into a debate about paradigm choice, their role is necessarily circular. Each group uses its own paradigm to argue in that paradigm's defense."

-Thomas Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions Some stuff we mentioned:

The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt

Christopher Hitchens on why belief in God is illogical

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"Hey, Linc If Scylla really is in there, there's gonna be security.

I need you focused.

Yeah.

Hey.

Hey.

All clear upstairs.

You find something?

Picture of my mom.

Someone must have known I was coming.

Someone who's connected enough to be working with Carruth and who knows you well enough to get their hands on that picture.

There's only one person I can think of that fits that description.

You're saying my mom's in Miami? If she was operating out of this house, she certainly had access to money.

She's a Company agent.

Gretchen said she thought that this could be an inside job.

Linc your mother could have Scylla."

-Prison Break, s04e17 Some stuff we reference:

Nicaraguan Organic Coffee by Guadalupe Roastery

The tweet that will distract you at Mass

Litany of Trust by the Sisters of Life

The tweet about being real by Tim Glemkowski

I Want to Be Well by Sufjan Stevens

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"You have to correct. To redirect. To point out shortcomings. If your teenage son can't think of anything to do for fun other than playing video games, then you need to turn off the devices and get him into the real world. You need to educate his desire. You have to teach your child your values rather than allowing him or her to adopt by default the values promoted by contemporary American culture."

-Leonard Sax, The Collapse of Parenting Here's some stuff we mentioned:

Irritating or Inscrutable, an article by Fr. C-bisc

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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"But what, in conclusion, of Joy?...It was valuable only as a pointer to something other and outer. While that other was in doubt, the pointer naturally loomed large in my thoughts. When we are lost in the woods the sight of a signpost is a great matter. But when we have found the road and are passing signposts every few miles, we shall not stop and stare. They will encourage us and we shall be grateful to the authority that set them up. But we shall not stop and stare, or not much; not on this road, though their pillars are of silver and their lettering of gold. 'We would be at Jerusalem.'"

-C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy Here's some stuff referenced in passing:

Reflections at Nazareth by Pope Paul VI

Introduction: 33 Days to Merciful Love by Fr. Michael Gaitley

Rules for Discernment by St. Ignatius Loyola

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"We are proprietorial (yet also apprehensive) about time, thus we think and speak of 'my time'. We speak glibly of time, as if it were just another throw-away item of our consumer society...Like our talents and our material goods, time is meant to be shared. Time in solitude and time with others - both are sacred because of God's companionship."

-Robin Daniels, The Virgin Eye The Hobbit (now a major motion picture) by J.R.R. Tolkien

To Save a Thousand Souls by Fr. Bret Brannen

Not About the Beer homily by Fr. Nick Blaha (subscribe on iTunes at "Didde Catholic Campus Center")

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"If our religion is something objective, then we must never avert our eyes from those elements in it which seem puzzling or repellent; for it will be precisely the puzzling or repellent which conceals what we do not yet know and need to know."

-C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory Look alive. Speak with authority. Read books. And don't use Google. At least not, like, 70% of the time.

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"In the midst of tears, she sheds no tears herself. The crowds marvel at her recklessness in throwing away her life untasted, as if she had already lived life to the full. All are amazed that one not yet of legal age can give her testimony to God. So she succeeds in convincing others of her testimony about God, though her testimony in human affairs could not yet be accepted. What is beyond the power of nature, they argue, must come from its creator."

-St. Ambrose, Office of Readings for the Feast of St. Agnes Hey, all. Enjoy some of the stuff we mention:

Willa Cather's 40 Classic Works on Kindle

Hardcore History 50 - Blueprint for Armageddon I by Dan Carlin

Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather

Identity: Lenten Mission with Father Mike Schmitz

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. And stop practicing sitting on the fence.

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"He told me, that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything which we are sensible does not lead to GOD; that we might accustom ourselves to a continual conversation with Him, with freedom and in simplicity. That we need only to recognize GOD intimately present with us, to address ourselves to Him every moment, that we may beg His assistance for knowing His will in things doubtful, and for rightly performing those which we plainly see He requires of us, offering them to Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have done." -Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God, Fourth Conversation

Here's Lou Holtz's commencement speech. Don't get caught in the vortex.

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This is the ultimate in easy-to-use authoritative Scrabble challenge resources

I'm sure that's all you came for.

Actually, here's the video we talked about, in case you missed it.

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I do not know what I'm doing.

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Any imperfection that I have, feel free to point it out.

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If God loves the world, might that not be proved in my own love for it? I prayed to know in my heart His love for the world, and this was my most prideful, foolish, and dangerous prayer. It was my step into the abyss. As soon as I prayed it, I knew that I would die. I knew the old wrong and the death that lay in the world. Just as a good man would not coerce the love of his wife, God does not coerce the love of His human creatures, not for Himself or for the world or for one another. To allow that love to exist fully and freely, He must allow it not to exist at all. His love is suffering. It is our freedom and His sorrow. To love the world as much even as I could love it would be suffering also, for I would fail. And yet all the good I know is in this, that a man might so love this world that it would break his heart.

-Wendell Berry, Jayber Crow  

For those that are curious, here is the podcast Rob was referring to:

The Case for Blue Collar Work with Mike Rowe by Art of Manliness

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Hey, all. Sorry for the sound quality. The guys forgot the power chord for the sound board on their pilgrimage to France. You'll just have to deal till they get back. Peace!

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"That was more than sixty years ago. My friend grew up and learned all about entropy and supernovas and colliding galaxies and quantum mechanics and the general theory of relativity. But still, when she closes her eyes, she can see that carpet of stars and hear her father's voice: "God made the world beautiful because he loves us." Creation is more than an accident of dead matter. It's a romance. It has purpose. It sings of the Living God. It bears his signature. And it's our home."

-Archbishop Charles Chaput, Strangers in a Strange Land Hey all, Rob got ordained a deacon. here's some stuff we reference in this episode:

The Strangest Way by Bishop Robert Barron

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure

The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers

Archbishop Fulton Sheen's St. Therese - A Treasured Love Story

Introduction to Introduction to Christianity by Joseph Ratzinger

A great week to you all. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Leave us a review on iTunes. And remember there's always a possibility.

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Hey all. Rob's getting ordained in about two weeks, and we talk about that. Here's something to check out:

Seeing the Invisible by Catholic Stuff You Should Know (on the analogy of faith and falling in love).

Hope you're having a great week. God bless!

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"E. L. Doctorow once said that 'writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.'...This is right up there with the best advice about writing, or life, I have ever heard."

-Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird Greetings, friends. Thanks for your patience as the guys get back from the Holy Land and I get settled into my new role in charge at my parish. We'll try to get back to a more consistent schedule. Here are some things we mention in this episode:

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Mermaid Avenue albums by Wilco and Billy Bragg

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Leave us a review on iTunes. At the beginning of the end of the day.

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"We are moving forward by remembering the past." This podcast episode brought to you by Kodak disposable cameras.

Here is some stuff to check out:

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

I'm pretty under the weather, so that's about all the description I can muster. Enjoy! And please review us on iTunes. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter. And like us on Facebook. Time to rest.

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"The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it. The Lord God gave the man this order: You are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die."

-Genesis 2:15-17 Greetings, friends. Sorry again for the delay between episodes while the brodudes are on pilgrimage. Today they are casting from the Mount of Beatitudes on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Not bad. Here are a couple of things we reference in passing:

How do I discern my vocation? by Fr. Mike Schmitz

Video of Fr. C-Bisc saying Mass at the Mount 2000 retreat in Emmitsburg, MD

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes. Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. And tell so-and-so I said "Hi".

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"We tremble here on a vertiginous edge. The self is not a thing but a perspective; but, as Nagel reminds us, perspectives are not in the world but on the world."

-Roger Scruton The Face of God Apologies for the quality of connection. The guys are on pilgrimage in the Holy Land right now but found the time to podcast. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Leave us a review on iTunes. It's like letting the world into your living room.

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When he took the three disciples To the mountainside to pray, His countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame. Two men appeared: Moses and Elijah came; They were at his side. The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would die.

-Sufjan Stevens, The Transfiguration Mike and Rob are headed off to the Holy Land for a few months, so podcasts will be sparse for a while. Enjoy this extended episode if you can. Here is some stuff we reference:

Alpha

The Hidden Face by Ida Friederike Görres

Kid Logic by This American Life

Millennials in the Workplace by Simon Sinek

Please forgive us if we're away for a little while. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Leave us a review on iTunes. And don't let your kids burn down the church.

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"A new law of the Cosmos, applicable only to the recently appeared triadic creature: If you're a big enough fool to climb a tree and like a cat refuse to come down, then someone who loves you has to make as big a fool of himself to rescue you."

  • Walker Percy, Lost in the Cosmos: The Last Self-Help Book Here is some stuff we mention in the episode:

Manchester by the Sea (Movie trailer)

Office of Readings for the Feast of St. Stephen

Everybody Got 2 Suffer by Fr. Stan Fortuna

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Leave us a review on iTunes. And go to Waffle House in a cassock.

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"All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace! good will henceforth from God to man: begin and never cease!"

-The Oh Hellos, Mvmt II., "Begin and Never Cease" The three of us went to a concert that we all really liked. Here is some stuff we mention:

The Oh Hellos Christmas Extravaganza Tour

Stranger Things (TV Show)

Homilies of Fr. Nick Blaha (available on iTunes via "Didde Catholic Campus Center")

Silence by Shusaku Endo

Theology of the Body and the New Evangelization by Christopher West

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Leave us a review on iTunes. And sabbath.

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"And just as we should need some extra powers of breathing, not contained in our nature, to live on another planet, so we need extra powers in our soul, not contained in our nature, in order that we may live the life of heaven. These powers which are not ours by nature, which are necessary in order that we may live a life totally above our nature, are what is called in Catholic teaching, the Supernatural Life."

-Frank Sheed, A Map of Life Get in touch with us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Leave us a review on iTunes. And live forever with science.

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"I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think that many confuse 'applicability' with 'allegory'; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author. An author cannot of course remain wholly unaffected by his experience, but the ways in which a story-germ uses the soil of experience are extremely complex, and attempts to define the process are at best guesses from evidence that is inadequate and ambiguous."

-J.R.R. Tolkien, Foreword to the Second Edition of The Lord of the Rings Here are some things to check out:

Trailer for Silence, directed by Martin Scorcese, book by Shusaku Endo

Under the Shadow of His Wings by Fr. Gereon Goldmann

Teddy Bear Toss

The short story referenced in the episode is called "A Christmas Tale" by Francois Mauriac

The Oh Hellos Family Christmas Album

No man is a failure who has friends by Clarence the Angel

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Leave us a review on iTunes. And believe in fairy tales.

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"Dad’s philosophy of life was that if you can get somebody on a lawn chair, outside on a Sunday, while he was doing pork steaks in the barbeque pit, listening to Harry Caray and the Saint Louis Cardinals in the background with a bottle of Busch, you could win over anybody. There’s nobody that if you eyeball, have a beer with, and really start talking to…rare would be the person with whom you would not find a common bond."

-Timothy Cardinal Dolan, A People of Hope Thanks to Buddy Pete for joining us on this episode. Here is some stuff to check out:

First Things Erasmus Lecture by Russell D. Moore

The Path to the Dark Side by Yoda

The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton

Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell

How to Be Awesome at Your Job by Pete Mockaitis

Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Vote for us at bestcatholicwebsites.com. Leave us a review on iTunes. And mind your own business.

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"I see it now," she said. "You think times have lengths. A night is always a night whatever you do in it, as from this tree to that is always so many paces whether you take them quickly or slowly. I suppose that is true in a way. But the waves do not always come at equal distances. I see that you come from a wise world...if this is wise. I have never done it before-stepping out of life into the Alongside and looking at oneself living as if one were not alive. Do they all do that in your world, Piebald?"

-C.S. Lewis, Perelandra Check out some stuff we referenced in this episode:

ESPN story about the joy and sorrow of the Cubs World Series victory

Pope Benedict's thoughts on the World Cup

Email us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Leave us a review on iTunes. Stuff matters. Have a bodacious day!

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Such was my heart, O God, such was my heart. You had pity on it when it was at the bottom of the abyss. Now let my heart tell you what it was seeking there in that I became evil for no reason. I had no motive for my wickedness except wickedness itself. It was foul, and I loved it. I loved the self-destruction, I loved my fall, not the object for which I had fallen but my fall itself. My depraved soul leaped down from your firmament to ruin. I was seeking not to gain anything by shameful means, but shame for its own sake.

- Saint Augustine, Confessions, X, xxvii Check this stuff out:

Mr. Bossy - by Brian Doyle

The Word on the Hill by the Lanky Guys

O Lord! You are so big! - by Monty Python

Thanks for all your votes for us for "Best Catholic Podcast"! If you still haven't voted, go to bestcatholicwebsites.com to show your support. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Leave us a review on iTunes. Dump your shame and be set free. Peace!

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With the drawing of this Love and the voice of this Calling

We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. Through the unknown, unremembered gate When the last of earth left to discover Is that which was the beginning; At the source of the longest river The voice of the hidden waterfall And the children in the apple-tree

Not known, because not looked for But heard, half-heard, in the stillness Between two waves of the sea. Quick now, here, now, always-- A condition of complete simplicity (Costing not less than everything) And all shall be well and All manner of thing shall be well When the tongues of flames are in-folded Into the crowned knot of fire And the fire and the rose are one.

-T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding In this episode Juice sums up the entire Paschal Mystery quite concisely: "You really die, and then you're back."

Show your support for 3DN by voting for us at bestcatholicwebsites.com. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Leave us a review on iTunes. And thanks for listening.

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The dove descending breaks the air With flame of incandescent terror Of which the tongues declare The one discharge from sin and error. The only hope, or else despair Lies in the choice of pyre or pyre- To be redeemed from fire by fire.

Who then devised the torment? Love. Love is the unfamiliar Name Behind the hands that wove The intolerable shirt of flame Which human power cannot remove. We only live, only suspire Consumed by either fire or fire.

  • Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot This kind of turned out to be a pre-emptive Halloween Spooktacular. Here are some things you might check out:

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

A Pinky and the Brain Halloween by The Animaniacs

Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis

Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis

Forbidden Closet of Mystery by Chief Wiggum

First Mass Homily by C-Bisc

Thanks for listening. Leave us a review on iTunes. Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Cut off the head of a chicken and dance around a tree stump. Wave your hands five times. Do whatever it takes.

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"Say your prayers in a garden early, ignoring steadfastly the dew, the birds and the flowers, and you will come away overwhelmed by its freshness and joy; go there in order to be overwhelmed and, after a certain age, nine times out of ten nothing will happen to you." - C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves, p.22 Greetings, friends. We recorded this episode together on 3 North after I surprised Metz and Juice with a visit. In fact, pleasant surprises might serve as the theme of this podcast. Here's some stuff to check out:

Top Gun (the actual thing)

How to tell an aspen tree (very neat!)

Life in a Secular Age by The Art of Manliness

NHL '94 by Sega

Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen

Help me, Tom Cruise by Ricky Bobby

Thanks for listening. Leave us a review on iTunes if it suits you. Email us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Peace!

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Another podcast, another thing checked off the list. Here's some stuff:

To Save a Thousand Souls by Fr. Brett Brannen

Stoner by John Williams

Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis

Kieran Setiya on the Midlife Crisis by Philosophy Bites

Get ahold of us via email at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Like us on Facebook. Review us on iTunes. If you will.

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I have a cold, and Mike might too. We talk about mediation in this episode. Here's some stuff to check out:

Stained glass window of Mary Immaculate at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Chicago

The Liturgy Guys with Dr. Denis McNamara and Mr. Chris Carstens

Echoes from the Bell Tower by the Monks of St. Meinrad Abbey

Fr. Vincent Capodanno

The Bishop by Anton Chekhov (short story)

Email us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. Leave us a review on iTunes. Or don't. Peace!

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Here are a couple of things mentioned in the episode you might want to check out:

Lancelot by Walker Percy

Priests for the Third Millenium by Timothy Cardinal Dolan

City of God by Saint Augustine

The Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 12

Foundations of Western Civilization (Great Courses) by Thomas F. X. Noble

The Importance of Having a Tribe by The Art of Manliness

Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis

We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth, or leave us a review on iTunes. Peace!

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Greetings, friends. Miraculously, we are already beginning our fifth season of the podcast, despite only having been at it for a little over two years!

The dogs are back in their right place, and we should be at it pretty steadily for a while. You can expect weekly podcasts, and hopefully some more written work on the website. In case you'd like to check out some of the things mentioned on the episode, you can find them here:

Lord of the Rings (50th anniversary edition) by J.R.R. Tolkien

The bearded squirrel - On nature and natural law by C-bisc

Getting Things Done by David Allen

Addiction and Grace by Gerald May

Philosophy and Theology by John Caputo

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

Thanks for listening, and feel free to email us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com or follow us on Twitter @threedogsnorth. And if you really like us, leave us a review on iTunes.

And please note: I am aware that the title of this episode is a split infinitive. I'm too edgy to truly care.

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Unbelievably, this is our hundredth episode. To mark the occasion, threedogsnorth.com has gotten a facelift, and the architect behind the scenes of this whole project finally steps out from behind the microphone. Special thanks to my brother Ethan for getting Three Dogs North off the ground more than two years ago, and for giving us the advice that has kept us going: "keep doing it until it's good."

We will keep trying.

If you're not in the habit, you may want to check the website periodically for articles written by the dogs. Now that it looks, as Metz aptly put it, "way better than we deserve", we may feel a little more impetus to give reasons for people to go there.

For everyone who has listened, sent us an encouraging email, put a 3DN sticker on on their cellular telephone, left us an iTunes review, or otherwise shown their support of what we're doing, thank you. As long as you're listening, we will keep trying to do this. If this is you're first time listening to Three Dogs North, hello.

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I think I'm going to paint the moment.

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I've always been empathetic.

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Florida is huge.

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You are crushing the human person right now.

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You don't know what's coming.

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I am just so happy with my life right now.

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His orders are very specific.

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I only read Catholic books.

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We've run out of good ideas.

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I don't know how to be Church to people.

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You don't know how badly I want that to be true.

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Why do you believe all this stuff?

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I was a scoundrel.

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I'm wearing a friendship bracelet.

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We'll just ignore that.

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Do you have anything else to confess?

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Why is this making me misty?

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Oh, you're the people on the news!

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Too tall to be small.

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Oh, I have a house.

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The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.

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Yeah, but Teddy Bears!

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I was born in San Diego.

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God's still in the blessing business, and I might be next.

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You're all in or you're not in at all.

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It's not as dark as I thought.

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O God, bless the plans we've made for you.

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Send it back to the sea.

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Put that on a t-shirt.

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That little high school kid is still in there.

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Overwhelming in a good way.

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I have two things to tell you.

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Whatever's not in there I can draw.

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True joy is what you still want more of, even when you're full.

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Please don't cry. We'll be back in the Fall (si Dios quiere).

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Not always in my life do I bet on him, but he continues to bet on me.

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God doesn't make junk.

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Kid, why don't you do something important with your life?

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A bear did it.

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I'm definitely keeping that little car.

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You’re never as far along in the spiritual life as you think you are.

And the only people who don’t make mistakes are those who do nothing.

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We are not pieces of garbage.

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Don't try to judge the sweetness of something you've never tasted.

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God knows I'm not perfect.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: In celebration of the 10,000th unique download of Three Dogs North, we will be honoring one special fan by giving him or her an original, Michael Metz masterwork.

THE PRIZE: Mike will paint an acrylic, stylized version of the Three Dogs North logo on a 16x24 canvas, to be sent to the fan who has had the most uniquely transformative experience as a result of listening to our unscripted, free-wheeling, poorly informed, and occasionally profound conversations.

THE CONTEST: Send an audio file (2 minutes or less), a written testimonial, or both, describing how listening to Three Dogs North has radically transfigured the way you see reality. Entrants will be judged on personality, uniqueness, sincerity, and panache. Testimonials preferably should be true, but they need not be. Embellish at will. Send whatever you create to threedogsnorth@gmail.com

THE DETAILS: One winner will be selected to be played (or read) on an episode of Three Dogs North, and he or she will also receive the original, signed painting in the mail. Honorable mentions may also receive print versions of the painting, depending on whether or not we figure out how to do that.

Please send in your testimonial by Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2015.

Any questions may be sent to threedogsnorth@gmail.com, or simply tweet @threedogsnorth

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Father Ed Oakes is now the official patron (unofficial) saint of 3DN. Probability says this should not have happened.

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You'll never be ready to leave. The good byes are always excruciating.

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Always unconditional love. Sometimes Coca-cola.

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I get by with a little help from my friends.

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The dogmatic is what unites us. You want much more than to be a good person, so don't herniate on the fence of ambivalence.

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You'll never guess who we had on the podcast!

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That's a mama.

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It’s gonna be a bro night.

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Some of the most important things in life.

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Listen to us struggle to understand the movie Interstellar.

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I just wanna get involved in my faith and $&!#

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It's exactly like Jurassic Park.

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Ideally the Kingdom of God is not boring.

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If you're there, ghost, it's me, Ghost Hunter.

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You're a victim of circumstance, so create better circumstances.

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Just start talking, and once you say something good, stop talking.

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Look, Jesus keeps it real. So lay down your weapons, and stop making plans.

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Don’t get worked up about results; He doesn’t tell you anyone’s story but your own.

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A lion with tears in his eyes; a master scourged like us. Through it all, it’s only grace.

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This stuff is no good to us if we hang on to it. Get both feet in the Kingdom and share what you’ve been given. Anyone can do this.

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Do science till you’re blue in the face: chemistry, biology, zoology…all of the ologies. You’re just helping.

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God doesn’t expect you to get a perfect score on your first try. Just pour a glass of home-made wine, and try not to beat yourself up about it. Feat. Dmac and Fr. Scott, plus special called-in guest Fr. Tom.

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Throwback episode. To flush or not to flush; Fish lives hang in the balance.

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Feat. Dmac, Fr. Scott, and Fr. Nick. You’re floating in orbit looking down at the earth, but you just want to get back and eat some Cap’n Crunch (sans berries). At least they have a Skymall up here.

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Special guests Dmac, Fr. Scott, and Fr. Nick. People invite us into the gunk of their lives, as well as the occasional blood-curdling prayer scream.

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One nice thing about eating dinner with the Pope is that you don’t have to ask anyone for faculties to hear his confession. Dang papists.

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I say we take an M-80 to the toilet bowl of the American University. Wouldn’t that sound good with a little Aerosmith in the background?

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Don’t have a vacuous life now so you can have a full one later. Have an adventure instead.

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Can we still have a reasonable discussion about a male-only priesthood in a post-"Junior"-starring-Arnold-Schwarzeneggar world? You'll just have to listen to find out.

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Let’s be honest, at our best we feel like A.C. Slater climbing onto a backwards chair. But there are the Screech moments as well.

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If heaven’s only good enough for you if other people can’t have it, then you’re not ready for it yet. But don’t beat yourself up about it.

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If you steal root beer and then lie about it, you’re trying to kill Aslan. And, by the way, you might as well forget about trying to turn a baseball card into a dinosaur.

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It doesn't take a Sherlock Holmes to figure out the difference between Old and New Testaments. A water bottle and a little mercy go a long way.

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You’re eating a burrito and you notice a monster rose right over your shoulder. Just remember that yellow is for friendship.

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Monday bonus! When it comes to a good beard, there’s just not that much to be said. We defy this principle. (Feat. Dmac)

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It could be incense or it could be cheese in a can, but the moment you smell it you think, “I don’t know what it is, but I want it.” This podcast brought to you by Tide Bleach. (Feat. Dmac)

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It might be a video of a figure skater with overdubbed flatulence, but some things just have to be shared. “You can have your thing and we’ll have ours” is costing us lives, people.

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If you’re looking for silver or gold you’re barking up the wrong tree. You might be able to squeeze some breviaries out of us if your timing is good, though.

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Ochocinco tweeted at you. Now you have an hour to figure out how twitter works. You should probably ask someone other than us.

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Vladimir Putin might be trying to infiltrate the seminary and kids are stabbing each other with tacks in Mike’s catechism class. We really need to work on our group energy.

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Do you think we can put this Vatican up on Craigslist? Imagine how many five dollar foot longs we could afford. We’re going to be masters of divinity, after all. I think we know what we’re talking about, God.

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Which is stronger, the Rite of Exorcism, the Sacrament of Penance, or a Super-soaker full of holy water? Why don’t you just read my palm and tell me to hop on one foot and we can call it good.

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Juice got up early this morning warm and well-fed, because Christianity is not something you just sit around a podcast about. (Feat. Dmac)

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How do you make a building represent “God to the third power”? Spoiler alert: the answer is “make it a cube”. And in case you were wondering, you and not it are deficient. (Feat. Dmac)

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A brief conversation about babies, both human and divine. The demons in the radiators don’t want you to hear this. (Feat. Dmac)

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Your gold medal is going to be lava in the core of the earth someday, so just please come back home.

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Dennis Rodman, Bill Murray, St. Francis of Assisi, Homer Simpson, and the Dali Lama. Are we all just Legos after all?

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Hollywood wants you to have your cake and eat it too. Choose one.

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That kind of conduct is unbecoming of patrons of “Juice’s Cigar Palace”. Kindly man up, and please change the channel.

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It’s Stephen A. Douglas, not Frederick Douglass. You get less points now.