What happens when you celebrate Palm Sunday and break a historic NHL record in the same week—then try to plan a live podcast at a ballgame?
This week, Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, reunite after time on the road to talk sports, saints, and the start of Holy Week. They celebrate Alex Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, reflect on the highs and heartbreaks of March Madness, and make ambitious plans for a live podcast episode from a Pirates game. Spoiler alert: Torpedo bats and Trevor Williams may be involved.
Meanwhile, Father Dave shares about the overlooked power of Palm Sunday, inviting listeners to stay close to Christ throughout Holy Week—not skipping ahead to the Resurrection, but walking daily with Jesus through His Passion. From the colt that never bucked to the crowds that cheered then jeered, it's a timely call to praise Jesus for who He is, not just what we want Him to be.
Also in this episode: Star Trek celebrity sightings, Minecraft movie madness, and what happens when Jack Black meets Jason Momoa (or a mimosa).
Highlighted Sections
(00:00) Sugar-Free Gummy Bears, Hockey History, and Reunited Hosts Father Dave and Deacon Bob are back together and immediately dive into some classic They That Hope banter—including unforgettable Amazon reviews of Haribo sugar-free gummy bears. They also celebrate Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking moment on the ice and marvel at how the NHL pulled out all the stops for the Great Eight.
(04:54) March Madness Surprises and Catholic Coaches on the Court The NCAA tournament wraps up with buzzer-beaters and big surprises, including historic representation among head coaches. The hosts reflect on what it means to win—and lose—with class, and how faith sometimes shows up courtside.
(09:38) Torpedo Bats, Million-Dollar Cards, and a Possible Live Episode A new MIT-engineered “torpedo bat” sparks baseball buzz as the Yankees open strong and then crash hard. Meanwhile, a rare Paul Skenes card sells for a jaw-dropping price, and Deacon Bob pitches the idea of recording a live podcast from PNC Park.
(11:45) Arthur Brooks, Evangelization, and the Art of Disagreement Father Dave shares a moment of deep insight from his recent interview with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, who spoke on campus about evangelization in a divided world. They reflect on the importance of friendship, dialogue, and belonging when sharing the Gospel with those who think differently.
(23:19) Movies, Mimosas, and the Minecraft Mayhem Deacon Bob survives the cinematic chaos that is the new Minecraft Movie, starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa. The hosts also look ahead to Mission: Impossible, Thunderbolts, and the hopeful return of truly great summer blockbusters.
(25:51) Palm Sunday Reflections and Staying with Jesus in Holy Week The hosts reflect on the beginning of Holy Week and the often-overlooked beauty of Palm Sunday. They explore what it means to praise Jesus not just for what He does, but for who He is—and invite listeners to walk with Christ, one day at a time, through the Passion.
Resources Mentioned