Three Dogs North

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 mo...

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 they all echo the importance of Fathers who aren’t afraid to “pass...

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...

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 yo...

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 someon...

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 t...

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 of the Sacred Heart (20:14). Rob reflects on Screwtape Letters (30:38) and Mike prop...

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 s...

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...

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 gril...

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: “Conservatism starts from a sentiment that all mature people can readily sha...

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...

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 in the world that simply do evil for evil’s sake and therefore...

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 oxy...

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...

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...

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...

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 freed...

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 Ro...

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 auxilia...

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: “Leav...

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 holines...

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 peop...

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 a...

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 finis...