Three Dogs North

In this episode, the dogs discuss the necessity of patience in their own spiritual lives and in forming the people they've been given to shepherd (11:00). They reminisce on their wildly successful podcast career (0:35), Michael Metz gives so many compliments (5:30, 33:05), and Connor picks a fight with a teenager (47:00).  Quotes: "Patience is a universal fatherly virtue." (Connor, 11:10) "Violenc...

In this episode, the dogs mourn the loss of two episodes (0:02). Rob (7:40) and Michael Metz (11:15) offer Connor some suggestions for his upcoming trip to Rome. They spend the rest of the episode discussing salvation history and the power of finding our own story imbedded within it (18:00). * Sorry for the background noise this time, check out our GoFundMe so Fr. Mike can upgrade his recording ge...

In this episode, the dogs discuss the current state of collegiate sports (5:40). Michael Metz pretends to read books at the airport (23:00), Connor begins another lecture series (23:55), and Rob offers 3DN consulting services to fix college football (29:10). Quotes: “I do feel the centrifugal force of the world of artifacts, where we live totally in a man-made world that gets more and more removed...

In this episode, the dogs discuss summer movies (1:00), putting the highest goods first (14:00), and how God uses His incarnational reality to draw us into deeper communion (29:40). Additionally, Michael Metz discovers the hermeneutic circle in real time (30:40). Quotes: “How important it is for me to not try and take the greatest goods and use them as a manipulation to get the things that I want....

In this episode, the dogs center their conversation around a quote from Edith Stein (5:50) about hidden souls and their impact on salvation history. Connor shares his experience in Ireland so far (11:55), Rob reflects on the immense gift of the human soul (23:20), and Michael Metz ties it all back into Mary's fiat (26:10).  Quotes: "The greatest figures of prophecy and sanctity step forth out of t...

In this episode, the dogs discuss different experiences of time (8:15). Rob shares his recent trip to Nebraska for FOCUS training (3:18), Connor gives a brief lecture on metaphysics (14:50), and Michael Metz thinks the Sacred Heart of Jesus is "really cool" (35:10). Quotes: “There’s a particular grace of old friendships that’s deep magic of the human experience." (Rob, 12:45) “Heaven is entering i...

In this episode, the dogs celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi (2:20) by sharing their love for the Eucharist (11:50), the privilege of being a priest (12:55), and the joy of sharing the deposit of faith with God's people (20:35).  Quotes: “All I need to do is show up and Jesus is going to be there ( about the Mass ).” (Michael Metz, 3:30) “When all else fails, the Eucharist is our home.” (Connor...

In this episode, the dogs talk about the importance of fruitful relationships in the context of space travel (8:55), post-apocalyptic horror movies (31:40), and everyday life (35:40).  Quotes: “My priesthood, to be meaningful, must have a horizon beyond my life.” (Connor, 28:25) "We're supposed to exist for other people." (Michael Metz, 38:00) “In our human existence, we will always be in that ten...

In this episode, the dogs talk about being attentive to the "right things" (9:10). Michael Metz offers a tutorial on the art of pranking (23:45), and Connor shares how naming what is true helps him find peace in frustrating circumstances (35:30). Quotes: "You gotta know when to win." (Rob quoting Doug Johnson, 3:55) "I'm at that stage in my life where I keep myself out of unnecessary arguments, so...

In this episode, the dogs discuss Pope Leo's encyclical (1:00) and the inherent sacredness of the human face and voice (7:05). Michael Metz recounts his ongoing battle with META (13:55), Connor reflects on how Jesus' humanity was formed through his relationship with his mother (19:28), and Rob gives a brief lesson on soteriology (30:00). Quotes: “It’s inherently relational (our face and voice), th...

In this episode, the dogs discuss the power of good stories (15:40) and how they can help us make sense of our own lives (36:00). Mike reflects on what can be both consoling and frustrating about belonging to large institutions (18:30). Quotes: "Culture is what is celebrated, tolerated, and presumed." (Connor quoting Dr. Henry Cloud, 28:00) "It's way easier to destroy things than build them." (Con...

In this episode, the dogs record their final in-person cast from Maryville (00:08). The guys reflect with gratitude on the trip (3:50) and discuss how joyful it is when different parts of your life intersect (8:10). They also share their experience visiting some of Rob's parishioners (31:40) and discuss "the power of comedic melancholy" (47:30). The episode concludes with their highs, lows, and Go...

In this episode, the dogs continue their in-person visit in Maryville, Illinois (00:13). They discuss how the trip is going so far (2:30) and swap stories from trips to Alaska (9:50), Lyon (24:30), Paris (29:40), and elsewhere. Michael Metz frames the discussion around the difference between approaching travel with authentic receptivity versus consumerist self-indulgence (13:10), setting the stage...

In this episode, the dogs discuss why their time in seminary was both uniquely formative (4:00) and deeply universal (10:28). Connor highlights the importance of lifelong formation (16:00) and the dogs reflect on how that has played out in different parishes (24:50). They close the cast by pondering the eschatological tension of God's "already and not yet" kingdom (43:40)... and loud SunChips bags...

In this episode, the dogs discuss Walter's upcoming 101st birthday (3:44). Inspired by Walter's wisdom on perseverance, the conversation shifts to celibacy (7:30) and the "problem of evil" as it confront individuals (29:10). In the midst of it all, Michael Metz reenacts a self-titled "genius" homily (19:00) which is admittedly beautiful.  Quotes: "The self-possession to be able to see goods that y...

In this episode, the dogs answer the following questions (live): Question #1: Do you have a karaoke song that you like to sing? (Emily, 12:28) Question #2: What is the most memorable seminary story? (Nate, 14:00) Question #3: How many years were you together? (28:10) Question #4: How did you decide to become priests? (John, 29:00) Question #5: With the richness of the Catholic faith and so many th...

In this episode, the dogs regroup after an 18 month hiatus (3:10). They talk about Connor’s keynote address at Rob’s parish (4:30) and the crucified Christ as the ultimate idol smasher (9:55). Connor reminisces about riding into Luquillo on a horse (13:30) and Mike shares his favorite part of the Palm Sunday liturgy (21:30). They all contemplate how unsettling Holy Week can be and the humility of...

In this episode, the dogs talk about their recent meet-up at Rob’s parish (01:00). The dogs gush over Rob (9:00), Mike cries at a wedding (2:20), and Connor shares a childhood story about his dad (5:50). They discuss the best video games from when they were kids (11:50), which leads to a discussion of dopamine culture (23:45). Connor closes out with parenting insights from Dr. Becky (38:30) and ho...

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 t...

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...

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 e...

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) “The...

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...

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...

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...