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 (49:45). Quotes:"It was what it should be." (Rob on seminary, 6:00)“I think our experience of life is abnormal compared to most of human history. The seminary is artificial... but there is something kinda more normal about it too.” (Connor, 15:10)“I’m not in control, ultimately. Everything I build could be destroyed in a night and that's okay because Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Connor, 32:30) "Catholicism stands on it’s own and it feeds hungry people.” (Michael Metz, 35:40)"Wait... did Barron kill new athiesm?" (Connor, 37:00)"Stanley Rother didn't go to Guatemala to do things. He went to Guatemala and things happened around him." (Connor, 39:50)"The whole point of celibacy is that you are forgoing created beauty for the source of beauty.” (Connor quoting Deacon James Keating, 40:00)Media Mentions:Saint Augustine's ConfessionsCatholic Stuff You Should Know's What is a Parish?Act 3:6Michael Metz on creatineReferences: Baked LaysFr. Isaac CoulterFr. Michael BrungardtFr. Michael SteffesMichigan State SpartansMichigan Wolverines ("Go Blue!")Carmelite MonasteryDes Plaines, ILAll Saints Catholic CemeteryBishop Robert BarronSt. John's Catholic Newman CenterUniversity of Illinois (UIUC)Fr. Larry HennessyFr. Daniel SiwekThe Institute for Priestly FormationFOCUSRenew My ChurchChicago, ILFr. Thomas ByrneSt. Francis Xavier of Our Lady of Mercy ParishFr. Thomas ByrneWin. Build. Send.COVIDJeff BezosMark ZuckerbergBurger KingFOCUS parishNew AtheismFriedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche Vatican IIDeacon James KeatingBlessed Stanley RotherGuatemalaOklahomaThe Catechesis of the Good ShepherdFr. Victor MoseleSierra LeoneSt. John Paul II Newman CenterSpiral NebulaSun ChipscreatineChatGPTRussiaCrimeaThorMegamindFollow us on instagram @threedogsnorthContact us at [email protected]

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 you can't have, to be moved by the beauty of things you cannot possess.” (Connor, 10:40)"You cannot have everything you want." (Connor, 12:40)“If the grass is always greaner on the other side, it’s time to water your lawn." (Connor quoting Hennessy, 14:24)"We get to see the examples of the disciples (in the Acts of the Apostles). They are people living in the reality of the full promises of God in the midst of a fallen world; that's the church, that's what the church looks like." (Michael Metz, 21:20)"When you see a guy (Walter) who goes through suffering like that, it's a form of worship." (Michael Metz 24:30)"Suffering is not victorious, Jesus is victorious." (Michael Metz, 24:45)"You know how it is, Mose." (Connor 27:35)"Angels can’t suffer. The highest drama in being is in the human heart because we are so vulnerable and yet called to image God in our freedom.” (Connor, 29:55)Media Mentions:Fulton Sheen's Life of ChristJohn 6Acts of the ApostlesJ.R.R. Tolkien's The SilmarillionBenedict XVI/ Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger ("God writes straight on crooked lines")Joshua 24:15Not Dead Yet podcastRoss Douthat's "How Ben Sasse Is Living Now That He Is Dying"John 14:13Psalm 23References: JumpmasterFort Benning82nd Airborne DivisionD-Day (Normandy)Fr. Patrick J. BoyleSt. Thérèse of LisieuxAaron (Moses' brother)Ben Sasse (former United States Senator)NebraskaUniversity of FloridaNew York TimesShout-Outs:WalterFr. John KartjeFr. Larry HennessyFollow us on instagram @threedogsnorthContact us at [email protected]

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 things to learn, where do you even start? (Jill, 49:00) Question #6: What is the hardest part of being a priest? (58:35) Quotes: ”All that we wanted to maintain is that we would spend time in friendship together.” (Michael Metz, 9:10) “We’re not good enough at life to give solid advice.” (Rob, 11:25) “The Holy Spirit had brought us together.” (Connor, 16:00) “The environment that we were formed in began to shape you.” (Michael Metz on Mundelein’s campus, 21:40) “Jesus called and asked me to be his priest.” (Michael Metz, 29:30) “The more I lived out the Catholic faith the happier I was.” (Rob, 32:20) “In trusting Jesus is how we become who we’re supposed to be.” (Rob, 34:25) “You are trying to love me way more than I am trying to love you.” (Connor on God, 47:00) “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” (Rob trying to quote Rocky, 50:45) “You have to be in love with the Christ of the Gospels.” (Connor, 52:00) “Catholicism is all relational, it’s all from Christ and toward Christ.” (Michael Metz, 56:20) “Living with a relentless integrity and never letting that go.” (Michael Metz on the hardest part of the priesthood, 58:40) “Our lives are hidden with Christ in God.” (Connor quoting St. Paul, 1:00:30) “I believe God’s love is so real, I’m going to stake my whole life on it.” (Michael Metz, 1:03:20) Media Mentions: 3DN S7 Episode 10 (LIVE at SEEK2019) Bohemian Rhapsody Don’t Stop Believin’ Wagon Wheel Rocky movie franchise Luke 4:14- 30, John 8:59, John 10:31- 39 (“His hour had not yet arrived”) John 20:11-18 (Mary seeing Jesus in the garden after the Resurrection) Psalm 63 Colossians 3:3 (“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”) References: SEEK 2019 Newman Center at UIC FOCUS Archdiocese of Atlanta Bishop Robert Barron Fort Bragg Pope St. John Paul II Chapel Mundelein Seminary St. Mary’s Lake Holy Land canonical retreat The Mount of Beatitudes Sea of Galilee Jameson Irish Whiskey John Paul II St. Louis, Missouri Lincoln, Nebraska 30- Day Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola Bethany Jerusalem Aristotle John Henry Newman Shout- outs: Willie Jansen Bryan Roberts Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at [email protected]

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 the priesthood (23:00). Quotes: “Do you wanna control the future?” (Connor, 7:40) “Creating a Eucharistic culture- it will bear fruit- but if you aim at the fruit you will make it something weird.” (Connor, 8:00) “When you start reaching and grasping for joy is when you can’t find it.” (Connor quoting C.S. Lewis, 8:18) “A lot of what we do is thinly veiled control of the future.” (Mike, 8:40) “Idols always promise control and a better future and no more suffering.” (Connor, 10:20) “I love that Palm Sunday is one of the days you get to say ass during the liturgy.” (Mike, 21:39) “The sacraments are visible signs of the invisible reality. We cannot make invisible things visible by our strategies and teaching methods.” (Connor, 27:00) “In a world that’s full of death, you have to shout.” (Mike quoting Flannery O’Connor, 27:40) “My job is not to be a teacher; my job is to be a priest, to offer sacrifice and worship.” (Mike, 28:40) “I am not God and yet he lives in me in a way that the people need to accept in order that he may do his work.” (Connor, 30:30) Media Mentions: Matthew 16:22 Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls References: SEEK Fort Bragg Mundelein Seminary SIUE UIC C.S. Lewis Bishop Robert Barron San Juan, Peurto Rico Dominican Republic Cuba Haiti Juan Ponce de Leon Luquillo, Peurto Rico Hanoi, Vietnam Paris, France Buenos Aires, Argentina Cancun, Mexico Bebop Rocksteady J.R.R. Tolkien Flannery O’Connor Missionaries of Charity Shout- Outs: The bash bros. (Paul and Anthony) Glossary: kerygma moral therapeutic deism intersticial paso fino Orcinus orca (derived from Orcus, Roman god of the underworld) clericalism Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at [email protected]

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 how to “sit in the tension” of being human with Jesus (41:00). Quotes: “High fives all around for friendship.” (Rob, 4:20) “Rob’s a really good priest.” (Mike, 9:00) “I wish I could cry.” (Connor, 10:15) “I would be ready and willing to accept from God a life of suffering.” (Connor, 28:00) “Being grown-up is being willing to be interrupted and be put-upon.” (Connor, 30:45) “Here is a man that words cannot describe. Death could not defeat him nor toil dismay him. He did not fear death, nor did he refuse to live.” (Breviary, 36:45) “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.” (Psalm 24, 38:00) “Sitting in the tension of the longing is one of the most frustrating things about being a person.” (Connor, 40:40) “The only way to Heaven is, we have to die.” (Connor, 41:41) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21, 42:00) Media Mentions: Napoleon Dynamite Super Mario Bros. NHL ’94 (Sega Genesis) NHL 94 REWIND (Xbox One) Super Nintendo Blades of Steel (NES) Madden NFL NBA Jam (1993) Guitar Hero Halo GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64) Zelda Tony Hawk Pro Skater Fortnite Call of Duty: Warzone Dr. Becky Kennedy’s Good Inside References: Blockbuster NHL Facebook Link St. Thérèse of Lisieux St. Martin de Tours Shout-Outs: Hess Family Drew and Emily Hines Matthew and Maggie Truty Fr. Tim Anastos Fr. Nick Blaha Ethan Danstrom Kevin Metz The bash brothers Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at [email protected]

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 Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at [email protected]

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.” Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at [email protected]

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.” Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at [email protected]

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 Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at [email protected]

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 Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at [email protected]