Three Dogs North

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 SparrowsDune: Part TwoDune: Part OneSigrid Undset's Kristin LavransdatterStar WarsThe Crown (2016- 2023)The MatrixMonsignor James Shea at SEEK 2024The Christian Cosmic Narrative: The Deep History of the WorldDear St. LouisCanticle: Revelation 4:11, 5:9, 10, 12Three Dogs North S5 E9- Word salad (Cubs win the world series)Conceptualizing Christ (w/ Barron, Schmitz, and Peterson) References: FontanosJerusalemChicagoChicago Fire (1871)The EucharistNorwayZendayaSEEK 2024Fr. John RiccardoMarvelAdam WainwrightCardinalsCubsBreviaryChrist the KingEscatonMain Character EnergyKwik-E-MartIndianaHonda AccordMarathonDr. Jordan B. PetersonFr. Mike SchmitzBishop Robert Barron Shout- Outs: Crystal (from the Newman Center)Fr. Robbie CottaEmily HinesFr. Matt Bromide: "Let go and let God." Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 KnightThe Last DanceBand of Brothers (2001 miniseries) References: Ring lightDenverPot Mountain, Idaho2016 World SeriesChicago CubsMichael JordanThe Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)Andy BernardMichael ScottFr. Raymond WebbBishop Mark BartosicEl Camino de SantiagoFr. Brian Welter (Old Welt Dog) Shout- Outs: Drew HinesJon KearneyMonica MackieSIUE FOCUS team (Joseph, Emma, Daniel, and Rachel)Fr. Derek HoJulie Johnson Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 Vessels3DN 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 DivorceFlannery O'Connor's Revelation (pg. 458 "...even their virtues were being burned away.") References: FOCUSPender, NebraskaIlliopolis, IllinoisRedwood National ParkShaquille O'NealNew Work WednesdayBenedict ArnoldPelagianismEdith SteinGifts of the Holy Spirit (Catechism 1831)Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Catechism 1832)United States Army Jumpmaster SchoolDr. Jordan B. Peterson Shout- Outs: Mike Guenther "The boys around here could use some Three Dogs North."Bliese and Mrs. BlieseYao Ming Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 could say about anybody." (from Calvary, 3:55) "Integrity is a result of a life lived in truth." (Connor, 5:05) “Beauty is the manifestation of truth.” (from Denis McNamara 3DN S11 E12, 5:16) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" (Matthew 23:19, 9:10) "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die." (from The Sandlot, 12:10) "Real integrity, you can tell has been cultivated over a lifetime." (Connor, 16:30) "A good friend is not a conspirator in our vices." (Mike quoting a friend, 20:50) "You're going to get the work done of one person because you're one person." (Connor, 25:45) “God does manifest his glory through human creativity, but it’s not through the grind.” (Connor, 27:10) "What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" (Matthew 16:26, 31:30) "When a man takes an oath, he's holding his own self in his own hands like water, and if he opens his fingers then, he needn't hope to find himself again." (from A Man for All Seasons, 34:06) "If you aim at the truth, at Jesus..... you become yourself." (Connor 36:00) Media Mentions: Thomas Aquinas' Summa TheologicaCalvary (2014)Bobby Jones: Sroke of Genius (2004)The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)The Chronicles of NarniaMiracle (2004)Remember the Titans (2000)Three Dogs North S11 E60- Formed by the Father (meekness)The Death of Stalin (2017)Arrested Development (2003- 2006)A Man for All Seasons (1966)A Hidden Life (2019)Shūsaku Endō's SilenceSilence (2016)Star Wars References: Bobby Jones1925 U.S. OpenThomas Aquinas: consonantia, claritas, and integritasBrendan GleesonPope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger)John the BaptistCardinal Francis GeorgeWill SmithMatt DamonShia LaBeoufJames Earl JonesBabe RuthAslanFr. Larry HennessyShakespeare"A mortal, sinful human being."MichelangeloSistine ChapelBishop Robert BarronSteve BuscemiNikita KhrushchevSir Thomas MoreBishop Mark BartosicLiam NeesonAndrew GarfieldAdam DriverDarth VaderKylo RenFranz Jägerstätter Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 because it’s "Father", which is always a humbling reality.” (Mike, 9:28) “Manage to maintain vs actually drive a mission; that's the difference between a leader and a manager.” (Rob on leadership, 10:45) "Aim small, miss small." (Connor, 13:50) "Jesus is my ultimate horizon." (Connor 18:20) “If you’re in communion with the Father then you have his vision, the divine perspective.” (Mike, 23:00) “I want to help my people to become fully who they were created to be.” (Mike, 25:35) "People who are holy, whether or not publicly recognized by the church as saints, keep the world from turning into hell." (Connor quoting Cardinal George, 28:29) "Life is a moment by moment expression of your identity." (Connor quoting Whitfield, 30:10) “Most of us live as if we’re going somewhere, not as if we've arrived.” (Connor, 31:10) "That's the whole point of Moby Dick. Lisa, the point of Moby Dick is be yourself." (Rob quoting The Simpsons, 36:02) “The present is the place where infinite love finds its rays of glory.” (Mike quoting Lewis, 37:20) “The cemetery is full of indispensable people” (Connor, 42:40) Media Mentions: "They enlarged their phylacteries and lengthened their tassels." (Matthew 23:5)Tod Bolsinger's Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted TerritoryBob Schuchts' Be HealedLuke 13:18-21Charles L. Whitfield's Healing the Child WithinThe Simpsons S15 E5: The Fat and the FurriestC.S. Lewis' The Screwtape LettersThe Simpsons Movie- Whipping Dogs Sledding Scene References: JumpmasterParatrooperJumpMaster Personnel Inspection (JMPI)82nd Airborne DivisionBoy Scouts of AmericaLeadership: Vision- Alignment- AccountabilityCor Coffee"Nolite timere"- be not afraid (at the John Paul II Chapel at Mundelein)Bishop Robert BarronInstitute for Priestly Formation (IPF)Fellowship of Catholic University StudentsShared understanding (from the 7 Principles of Mission Command)North American MartyrsTwixSt. Francis of AssisiFr. James MallonHomer Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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). Quotes: "Sir, my job is to hold back your testosterone." (Mike quoting Bliese, 1:50) “When there is a father present, it brings about the masculine virtues in a positive way." (Rob, 2:45) "JPII is like Batman." (Connor 18:45) “St. Francis swung the whole world around like a trinket at his wrist." (Connor on St. Francis, 19:37) "I would have caused World War III. 100%." (Mike, 23:00) “What John Paul II is grieving there is something so sublime. It’s beyond anything you can put into words.” (Connor, 23:30) “His dad’s hidden love (JPII's), has now played a part in this great revelation of God’s love for the world.” (Mike, 25:00) “The holy spirit works in these totally hidden ways.” (Connor, 29:00) "You don't have to create an experience or manufacture it. It's this inexorable unfolding of the kingdom that’s happening and we get to cooperate with it.” (Connor, 29:34) Media Mentions: S11 E8- All man, all priestFr. Jacques Philippe's Priestly FatherhoodJordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for LifeMatthew 11:29 ("I am meek and humble of heart")Numbers 12:3 ("Now Moses was meek")The Simpsons (1989- present)The Simpsons' S8 E22 In Marge We Trust ("I could probably stand to be meeker.")Holy Family School of Faith1 Peter 5:8 ("Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion.")S11 E8- Descent to the kernMother Mary Francis' Blessed Are YouMatthew 5:5 ("Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.")George Weigel's Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul IIElizabeth Pardi's article on meekness References: Rule 1: Stand up straight with your shoulders back (from 12 Rules for Life)Bishop Robert BarronNed FlandersReverend LovejoyChatGPTAssumption of MaryAfghanistanTalibanChicagoPope John Paul IIHomily of His Holiness John Paul II (Victory Square, Warsaw, 2 June 1979)PolandKrakowWarsawArvada, COIdahoS.O.G. Michelle DuppongSouth DakotaDenverFr. John RiccardoCardinal Francis George Shout- Outs: Bliese (Mike’s bodyguard)Fr. Nathan Goebel Glossary: pater familias: oldest living male in householdmeek: strength that is under control (Rob)alter Christus: another Christ Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 from Edith Stein, 10:20) “It just blew her away that Catholics could come and talk to a personal God when they were out shopping.” (Rob, 11:25) “You are tarnishing your voting record right now. I question everything about your character.” (Rob about Connor, 15:27) “She has the most precise and correct anthropology of anybody who has ever existed.” (Mike about Stein, 17:25) “You can see the harmony that exists between the physical body and the actual eternal soul. The way she (Stein) unites the two together is just true.” (Mike, 19:25) “What is the human person? Is loved by God.” (Mike summarizing Stein, 20:30) “The cross is the revelation of God’s love.” (Mike, 20:50) “The body is the physical expression of the eternal invisible soul.” (Mike, 21:34) “Fear is almost always a useless emotion. The truth is that we are always safe, because we are always a beloved child of God.” (Connor, 23:10) "It’s not selfish to be aware of my heart's reactions to things and to be aware of my inner life more, because that’s the only way I can share it with God.” (Connor, 24:40) “It’s tough to study Edith Stein without also growing in holiness.” (Mike, 26:11) “In what part of reality are you living?” (Mike, 26:40) “Experience it (darkness) not as a wall, but as a threshold.” (Rob, 28:40) Media Mentions: The Simpsons (1989- present)"Last Exit to Springfield" The Simpsons S4 E17It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005- present)Arrested Development (2003- 2019)"It's a good idea and I stand by it." "I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.""Large Marge" The Simpsons S14 E4 ("easy there college boy")John Paul II's Theology of the BodySt Thomas Aquinas' Quaestiones Disputatae de Veritate (Disputed Questions on Truth)Teresa of Avila's The Way of PerfectionEdith Stein's The Science of the CrossiBreviaryNapoleon DynamiteHallow References: Charles DickensInfinite Monkey TheoremMike TysonEdith Stein- St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (canonized October 11, 1998)Georg Wilhelm Friedrich HegelMartin HeideggerEdmund HusserlKarol WojtylaPolandGermanyPhenomenologyThe CarmelitesAuschwitz- BirkenauRosa SteinSwitzerlandSt. Maximilian KolbeFour women doctors of the church: Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Therese of LisieuxJoe RoganGoogleCartesian dualismCharles WhitfieldARRR: Acknowledge, Relate, Receive, Respond Shout- Outs: Fr. Michael BremerBishop Robert BarronFr. Marek DuranFr. Mike WardenFr. Dennis KasuleFr. Robbie CottaJacobBliese (Mike's bodyguard) Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 substance is empty." (Mike, 1:30) "There’s nothing you can do but kick your horse.” (from Lonesome Dove, 10:45) "Life is about relationship." (Mike, 18:09) "That's the cross and resurrection. The way to life is death." (Connor 19:30) "My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours." (Luke 15:31, 23:15) “Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new: late have I loved you. And see, you were within and I was in the external world and sought you there, and in my unlovely state I plunged into those lovely created things which you made. You were with me, and I was not with you." (from Augustine's Confessions, 25:20) “The ways that we live in "untruth" for some “greater good” can actually mar us and change us.” (Mike, 28:41) “The framework for the question of growth is off if it’s just about you.” (Rob, 32:50) "To be the truly human image of God, where you're an unselfconscious gift to God... that's holiness... you just have to receive it and step into that river with Jesus.” (Connor, 36:50) “You’ve answered all my questions because now I’ve seen you.” (Mike, 40:20) Media Mentions: Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)Pride & Prejudice (2005)A River Runs Through It (1992)Jane Austen's Pride and PrejudiceDownton Abbey (2010- 2015)Art of Manliness Podcast #871: Jane Austen for DudesEvelyn Waugh's Brideshead RevisitedMatt Fradd’s interview with Peter KreeftJ.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the RingsUnbroken (2014)Louisa May Alcott's Little WomenMark Twain's Huckleberry FinnLarry McMurtry's Lonesome DoveJoseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand FacesGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through ItJon Krakauer's Into the WildThe Prodigal SonC.S. Lewis' The Great DivorceIt's a Wonderful Life (1946)Last Supper Discource (John 14- 17)Romano Tours - SNLAugustine of Hippo's ConfessionsJordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for LifeJoe Pug's After CurfewPeter Kreeft's lecture on Till We Have FacesC.S. Lewis' Till We Have FacesJob (38:3) References: Jane AustenWWITherese of LisieuxSamwise Gamgee (Sam)Peter KreeftUSS IndianapolisJohn SteinbeckUniversity of ChicagoMontanaAdam SandlerRule 7: Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient.Rule 8: Tell the truth- or at least don't lie. Franz JägerstätterMaximilian KolbeThomas MorePope John Paul II Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 Connor tells about a recent trip to the doctor (13:10). They all discuss being freed, as priests, to focus on loving people, not just trying to save them (21:30). Also, they reminisce about that time Mike got scabies (28:25). Quotes: “Life with God is not an obligation, but it’s really a gift.” (Mike, 9:10) “The retreat actually is reality; what we want to do is integrate the rest of your life into that relationship, into that experience.” (Mike, 10:30) “Every room in their home was clearly about being together.” (Rob about the Martin home, 12:15) “I want to bring Christ into that world. That's what the invitation is, bring all of that suffering into Jesus. Even that is not outside of his power and grace.” (Mike, 20:40) “I just get to love people. That’s my whole job.” (Mike, 21:00) “Jesus says 'behold I make all things new', not 'behold I make new things'.” (Connor quoting Schmemann, 22:05) "Nothing is wasted. It’s all ingredients somehow in this ultimate project of joy.” (Connor, 23:20) “He has assumed all of our humanity and now we donate our humanity to him to become transfigured and glorified.” (Connor, 23:36) “I’m not on to save people, I’m on to love people.” (Rob quoting Mike, 25:29) "The Christian is to the world what the soul is to the body." (letter to Diognetus, 35:10) “My prerogative is to treat everyone with equal love and equal dignity.” (Mike, 38:20) Media Mentions: Ned SchneeblySchool of Rock (2003)C.S. Lewis' PerelandraJean Corbon's The Wellspring of WorshipCorinthiansGenesisRevelationRomansActs of the Apostles 2:42-47Diognetus' letterWhen you Wish Upon a StarDumb and Dumber (1994) References: Alexander SchmemannJack BlackBishop Robert BarronLife TeenGeorgiaAlençon, FranceSt. Thérèse of Lisieux Sts. Zelie and Louis MartinMadison Street ChicagoChicago "L"Port-au-Prince, HaitiMissionaries of CharityEl SalvadorNicaraguaNarcotics AnonymousAlcoholics AnonymousCardinal Francis GeorgeAll American ChapelJiminy CricketGepettoFort Bragg Glossary: "Instaurare omnia in Christo." (To restore all things to Christ.)"Creatio ex nihilo." (Creation out of nothing) Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 Connor, 8:37) "You just have to feel what you feel." (Rob, 9:00) "Reality is hard, but it's better." (Rob, 9:20) "Everything in Heaven is so much more real." (Connor, 12:15) “When you live in reality and enter into the liturgy it becomes immediately relevant and pertinent because it’s God’s desire to save us and walk with us in our suffering.” (Mike, 13:50) “God’s responsive love to the suffering human heart.” (Mike, 14:20) “How much of a gift it is to be a priest and have Jesus explode your heart for people.” (Connor, 21:30) “Christianity is real and it’s dope.” (Connor, 22:40) “It’s good to be a priest.” (Mike, 26:00) "It's so good to have everybody home." (Rob, 27:50) Media Mentions: Revelation Chapter 21Word on Fire's Evangelization and Culture ("Suffering" Spring 2023)C.S. Lewis' The Great DivorceJohn 13 (The Washing of the Disciples' Feet)Nate Bargatze (dead horse)Snatch (2000) References: St. John Paul II Newman CenterGood FridayHoly WeekRIM: Relationship. Identity. Mission.IPF (The Institute for Priestly Formation)Michelle DuppongFOCUS: The Fellowship of Catholic University StudentsGummy wormsMilano CookiesiBreviaryCalendar AppMapsPETA TwitterDodge Caravan Shout- Outs: Fr. Paul PorterSmalanick Glossary: DromedaryCaravan Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 provide a lived reality that you don’t have to rebel against everything in order to fully actualize your humanity.” (Mike, 25:10) “She (St. Therese) only wants reality and what her human limits allow. She has no problem being limited by her humanity.” (Rob, 26:50) “It’s impossible for Jesus to will useless suffering.” (Connor quoting St. Therese, 28:50) “God is out there, in the desert with you.” (Connor, 31:30) “We’re not at the promised land yet, but we are there, in those moments of Kiaros.” (Connor, 32:51) "What gives me life is living within Christ and then responding to the reality with Him that’s in front of me.” (Connor, 40:40) “Part of what’s been great about life is that it’s not what I expected.” (Connor, 41:20) Media Mentions: Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleFr. Brett Brannen's To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan PriesthoodDonald Trump and Tony Schwartz's Trump: The Art of the DealFr. Rob Johnson's articles for Word on FireFr. Michael Metz's articles for Word on FireFr. Connor Danstrom's articles for Word on FireViktor Frankl's Man's Search for MeaningJean Corbon’s The Wellspring of WorshipC.S. Lewis' The Silver ChairMegan Ulrich's UntitledLeo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina References: Jordan B. PetersonSurvival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)St. Therese of LisieuxKonstantin LevinRev. Daniel S. Siwek (homiletics) Bromides: "The youth are the future." "We're building tomorrow's church, today." "Senior citizens are our past." Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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, Mother Teresa so radically went to them and was willing to be affected by them in a way that I resist.” (Connor, 10:42) “You go into some of those rooms (at the gift of grace house) and it engages all of your humanity; it’s a very tangible experience of the “marginalized"." (Mike, 18:00) "Mother Teresa enters into that discomfort in this really remarkable way that can be intimidating." (Mike, 18:35) “You have no lifelines there (with the poor); you’re totally dependent on God.” (Mike, 19:10) "Get comfortable being uncomfortable." (Mike quoting his siblings, 20:40) "The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." (Connor quoting Pope Benedict XVI, 22:15). “What she (Mother Teresa) was up to was not solving world hunger, the goal of what she was doing was communion with God... What was driving her, from the beginning, was a desire to be with Jesus and where she rested at the end of her day was in the company of Jesus.” (Connor, 24:30) “The MCs are so joyful.... They are not spiritually intimidating; they are spiritually disarming.” (Mike, 26:50) “It’s the circumstances I find myself in, that’s God’s will for me and that’s what she (Mother Teresa) would want me to do.” (Connor, 31:40) “She (Mother Teresa) was disarming because in her own freedom, she was able to love the person in front of her.” (Rob, 36:00) Media Mentions: Jane Austen's Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice (2005)Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two CitiesMother Teresa: No Greater Love (2022)Mother Mary Francis' Blessed Are YouQueen's Bohemian Rhapsody References: LaCroixFOCUS missionariesOur Lady's SandlotJane GoodallM. Night ShyamalanDouble Dark Chocolate MilanoSchnucksFaith, Hope, and Charity Catholic ChurchSt. Mother Teresa of CalcuttaPSR (Parish School of Religion)St. Therese of LisieuxMissionaries of Charity Gift of Grace House in Atlanta, GAMissionaries of Charity in Port-au-Prince, HaitiFranciscans of the Eucharist of ChicagoSt. Pope John Paul IIKolkata, IndiaSt. Francis and the leperTeresa of Avila Shout-outs: Maria FitzgeraldJohn IberleTeri (Fr. Connor's sister-in-law)Anna Therese (Fr. Rob's niece)Teresa (Fr. Mike's sister) Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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). Quotes: "It's not morality that makes someone a saint." (Rob, 6:15) “God desires for us to be saints. It’s not enough for us to behave properly; He wants a transformation of the heart.” (Mike, 7:50) “The desire on our hearts is that someone will crash land for us or that I will crash land for someone else… it calls to a deeper part of our humanity.” (Mike, 8:45) “What makes a saint is not moral virtue, but union with God.” (Connor, 11:25) “You become who you are and who you are meant to be in the measure that you receive your being from Him.” (Connor, 12:15) "You've been set free as children of God." (Connor, 12:40) “What God wants is to simply enjoy you, to enjoy being with you” (Connor, 22:50) “He can be anywhere He wants to be and He wants to be with us.” (Connor quoting Cardinal George, 27:50) “God’s desire for us is to be with us.” (Connor, 28:35) "He continues to crash land to get me… it’s often in those disasters that I feel least abandoned because I have to completely rely on grace and ask for His help and He provides it.” (Connor, 41:20) Media Mentions: Devotion (2022)Top Gun: Maverick (2022)Matthew 5:17 (fulfill the law)Matthew 5-7 (The Sermon on the Mount)Matthew 7:13 (narrow gate)Galatians 2:11- 3:14 (The just man shall live by faith)Genesis 37:3 (Joseph)Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)3DN S11 E32- The fourth port (2022 Three North Hangout)3DN S11 E27- Invitation to joy (Connor gets a dumb phone) References: Glen PowellJesse BrownOffice of ReadingsBishop Robert BarronFr. Jim RaffertyIPF (The Institute for Priestly Formation)chasuble: symbol of charity/"Yoke of Christ"RIM: Relationship. Identity. Mission.North American MartyrsCardinal Francis George Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 scenery so full of poetry and grandeur. It was a foretaste of the wonders of Heaven. Then the thought of religious life would come before me, as it really is, with its constraints and its little daily sacrifices made in secret. I understood how easily one might become wrapped in self and forget the sublime end of one's vocation, and I thought: "Later on, when the time of trial comes, when I am enclosed in the Carmel and shall only be able to see a little bit of sky, I will remember this day and it will encourage me." (Connor quoting The Story of a Soul: Chapter VI, 3:10). “Here’s hoping that you probably like this.” (Rob, 4:55) “We have a desire as men to not live in the pretend fake world, but to live in reality; that is costly, but it’s so much more substantial.” (Connor, 9:05) “I’d much rather be a real person who loves real people.” (Connor, 11:00) “I can use my words to build someone up, which is actually a cooperation with the creative word of God.” (Mike, 12:30) “It’s safer in the longterm to constantly live in the truth because reality will break through eventually.” (Mike, 12:54) “She (St. Therese) suffered the violence of grace in the most ordinary moments.” (Rob, 17:52) “Therese lived fully in the moment while looking completely to Heaven, which isn’t the future, it was reality.” (Mike, 19:23) “The more real you become to yourself and others the less you are interested in people not being real to you.” (Connor, 25:14) “You are one of a kind, but you’re not the center of the universe and you don’t need to be.” (Connor, 36:17) Media Mentions: St. Therese of Lisieux's The Story of a SoulRule 8: Tell the truth. Or at least don't lie. (from Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life)Three Dogs North S11 E51Carrie Underwood's Jesus, Take the WheelPinocchio (1940)Athos (2016)Discerning Hearts Podcast (Fr. Timothy Gallagher)The Simpsons- Stupid Babies Need the Most AttentionHeather King's Shirt of Flame References: TwitterElon MuskSt. Therese of LisieuxRomeSanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, ItalyMaryParis SwitzerlandCarmelJordan B. PetersonDietrich von HildebrandFlannery O'ConnorInstitute for Priestly FormationBart, Lisa, and Maggie SimpsonHanukkahThe Shire Shout- Outs: Fr. Paul PorterFr. Timothy GallagherRoss (Rob's brother) Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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, 28:00) "Innocence allows you to experience a thing as it is and it oftentimes leads to wonder.” (Mike, 30:05) Media Mentions: Napoleon DynamiteThe Truman Show (1998)Band of Brothers (2001)Saving Private Ryan (1998)Wonder Woman (2017)Joan of Arc, Wonder Woman, and the Veiled Strength of Femininity (w/ Fr. Mike)Fury (2014) References: Arc de TriompheVeduta dell'Arco di TitoSpainImmediate Response Force82nd Airborne DivisionAirheadsKlondike BarBoeing C-17 Globemaster IIIRex Kwon DoJoint Readiness Training Center at Fort PolkGeronimo10th Mountain Division101st Airborne DivisionRakkasansE Company, 2nd Battalion ("Easy" company)D-DayChicago, ILDiocese of Owensboro (Kentucky)AirBnbOklahomaSt. Joan of ArcWonder Woman Shout- Outs: Paul Porter Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 movie, ever (26:50). (This summary was written by GPT-3, OpenAI’s language generator.) Quotes: “Is our brain just the hardware that the software of the consciousness is uploaded to?” (Connor, 11:20) “I think computers are always going to be trying to express what humans would say.” (Mike, 17:27) Media Mentions: Return to Me (2000)Three Dogs North’s S11 E22- Window into Heaven (spoileralertshedies)NPR's This American Life- The Ghost in the Machine (757)John Searle's Minds, Brains, & ScienceJohn Chapter 1C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy: PerelandraMen in Black (1997)The Office: Cafe DiscoTerminator Salvation (2009)Discerning Hearts PodcastPier Giorgio Frassati's Letter to His Friends and FamilyFury (2014)Three Dogs North S11 E49Isaiah 6:8 References: MichelangeloChips AhoyPepperidge Farm Double Dark Chocolate Milano CookiesDavid DuchovnyMinnie DriverJim BelushiBonnie HuntTop 100 Pro- Catholic MoviesThe RosaryJoe PugUnity Temple (Oak Park, Illinois)Frank Lloyd WrightThe Turing TestThe Chinese RoomWalker PercyTriadic creatureElwin RansomSkynetChristian BaleArnold SchwarzeneggerSt. Therese of LisieuxSt. Zelie MartinSt. John Henry NewmanMarie Pauline MartinPier Giorgio FrassatiShia LaBeoufHowitzerGermanyWorld War II3rd Infantry Division (based at Fort Stewart, GA) Shout- Outs: The Enthusiast Digest (Joe Pug Newsletter)Fr. Scott HarterNew Work Wednesday (Megan Ulrich Newsletter)Fr. Paul PorterFr. Timothy Gallagher Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 on the kingdom" (32:29). Quotes: “I’m always thinking about getting gored.” (Mike, 7:20) “You don't get maturity without someone to help you mature and initiate you.” (Connor, 11:23) “If this were the 90s we’d be playing with baseballs and headshots would be encouraged.” (Connor quoting Matt Alexander, 12:25) “Youth can not know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young.” (quote from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 14:29) “I think we actually need people there to be mystagogues, to walk with you into a mystery.” (Mike, 17:40) “I want the future to be analog.” (Rob, 18:21) “The Lord put the right people in my way and they cared about me and loved me.” (Mike, 25:40) “The sabbath is made for man not man for the sabbath.” (Connor, 29:35) “There’s something about a father who does not cling to what he has, but gets to share that freely.” (Mike, 32:40) “It’s okay to pass on the kingdom, that’s what we’re supposed to do.” (Mike, 33:20) “Look, I called my mom earlier and she said I was so handsome, so it doesn’t matter what you think.” (Mike, 34:40) Media Mentions: Season Four of Three Dogs NorthYouTubeHarry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixStar WarsForrest GumpThree Dogs North S10 E21 References: Chicago Cubs (2016 World Series win)Thanksgiving 2022Bird Flu (outbreak started in 2015)Donald TrumpAdvent (2022)Mundelein SeminaryBishop Robert BarronSt. John Paul II Newman Center at UICArmyProfessor Albus DumbledoreObi- Wan KenobiLuke SkywalkerYodaForrest Gump Shout-Outs: Juice-Box (Rob's nephew)Fr. Matt AlexanderBishop Mark Bartosic Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 Norris falls into water, he doesn't get wet the water gets Chucked." (Rob, 7:55) "You do you, but that's not me." (Rob, 9:10) "The boogeyman checks under his bed for Chuck Norris." (Mike, 9:24) "How's Mormonism treating you?" (Anonymous, 12:49) “We’ve been doing this for so long we can start repeating stories and nobody will know.” (Mike, 24:13) “It’s one of my great stories. It’s one that I laughed hard at too, which is nice.” (Connor, 24:19) “I talk to the customers so the engineers don’t have to.” (Connor quoting Office Space, 28:15) “It’s a revelation of the person when you get to watch someone deep deep belly laugh.” (Mike, 35:00) “To have someone's capacity to enjoy another person expressed, it’s deeper than words... it’s an authentic response to something.” (Mike, 38:40) “As the kids say, neat-o.” (Fidel Jesus, 39:50) “There’s something delightful in delighting in someone.” (Connor, 40:28) “It’s important not to canonize the person (at their funeral), we’re here to pray for them.” (Rob, 41:10) Media Mentions: Connor Danstrom's Blue and Gold DaysConnor Danstrom's Why the Water CameBaptism of JesusPlato's The RepublicRudy (1993)Office Space (1999)St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica SNL's Stand- Up and Win3DN S11 E47 (The Screwtape Letters)C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape LettersThe Passion of the Christ (2004)A Quiet Place (2018) References: iMessageiPhoneBandcampChicago, ILThe Second CityUberNorm MacdonaldChuck NorrisNational Eucharistic RevivalKalamazoo, MISt. Augustine CathedralMormonsSt. Thomas AquinasJerry SeinfeldJim GaffiganNate BergatzeBill MaherInstitute for Priestly FormationSuper 8 CameraGoofyUtahMel GibsonJudas Iscariot Shout- Outs: Tony NapolitanoBishop Mark BartosicFr. Adam WilczakFr. Paul (IPF)Fidel Jesus Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 you think Jesus thinks about that?” (Mike quoting Fr. Brian Welter, 6:50) “I could totally fail and the Lord would still so love me.” (Mike, 7:50) “I want to live with the Lord.” (Mike, 8:20) “It was a really cool experience to be saved from something that was less than the mind of Jesus.” (Mike, 8:30) "Humility is telling the truth about yourself." (Connor quoting Fr. Tim Anastos, 10:45) “I like drawing, I like dinosaurs, and I like myself.” (Connor quoting Donovan, 11:55) "Pope Francis defines sin as forgetting." (Rob, 23:08) Media Mentions: 30 Rock (2006- 2013)Forrest Gump (1994)C.S. Lewis' The Weight of GloryMatthew 25: 23C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape LettersC.S. Lewis' The Silver ChairThree Dogs North’s S11 E22- Window into Heaven (spoileralertshedies)Exodus Chapter 32 (The Golden Calf)Hot Rod (2007)Parks and Recreation (2009- 2015)- Ben's Claymation References: Tina FeyLiz LemonSandhills State Veterans Cemetery (Spring Lake, NC)Fort Bragg, NCJ.R.R. TolkienMundelein Shout- Outs: Fr. Brian WelterFr. Tim AnastosRev. Marek DuranFr. Emery de GaalJamie MuellerFr. Scott Harter Glossary: Eucatastrophe: "A massive turn in fortune from a seemingly unconquerable situation to an unforeseen victory, usually brought by grace rather than heroic effort."Anamnesis: "The recollection or remembrance of the past."Betrayal: "When you realize that reality is not as you thought it was.” (Mike, 13:00) Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com

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 someone who is passionate about the right thing" (25:19). Quotes: "May this time tonight be enchanted." (Rob, 1:00) “Maybe I found the natural HGH that is going to have me Brett Favring well into my 40s” (Connor, 3:37) “I'm all excited! I hope you enjoyed it too…. I love you!” (Connor quoting Bill Alexander, 8:02) “You can recognize excellence in different art forms, even if you aren’t familiar with the art form itself.” (Mike, 9:06) “I am more alive because I am creating.” (Connor on Bill Alexander, 10:20) “The evil one will always try to dampen the experience of both pleasure and pain in a human being, because both of those things put you in reality and allow you to see clearly.” (Rob, 12:00) "When you see somebody that loves something and does it excellently, it’s very beautiful.” (Mike, 14:05) "The happiness of the saints is an experience of the heart not of the mind.” (Connor, 18:40) "The point of life is to enjoy God." (Connor summarizing Connolly, 23:04) "A saint is someone who is passionate about the right thing.” (Mike, 25:30) “When you live out of the head you become a spectator of your own life.... When it’s not just drudgery, that’s when we lose ourselves and become children again." (Connor 26:00) Media Mentions: SportsCenter Special: Gruden’s QB Camp -- Brett FavreMountain River by Bill AlexanderThe Last Dance (2020)C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape LettersC.S. Lewis' The Great DivorceWilliam A. Barry and William J. Connolly's The Practice of Spiritual DirectionFr. Jean Corbon's The Wellspring of Worship References: Make Squats Deep AgainGlucosamineBrett FavreMinnesota VikingsJon GrudenLas Vegas RaidersLeBron JamesBob RossBill AlexanderWill FerrellInstitute for Priestly FormationAugust 29th: The Passion of St. John the BaptistSt. Thomas Aquinas (Beatific Vision)IdahoNational Basketball AssociationWolfgang Amadeus Mozart Shout- Outs: Fr. Michael BremerPaloma Metz Follow us on instagram @threedogsnorth Contact us at threedogsnorth@gmail.com