Three Dogs North

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...

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...

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 f...

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 while developing his career in the army (28:22). Quotes: “Culture without substa...

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 Conno...

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...

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 pr...

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, M...

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)....

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...

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,...