Three Dogs North

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 […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s mustache (1:13), Tiny Desk concerts (1:40), and Coyote Peterson (3:00). Rob revisits the monotasking discussion from “Altar of snackrifice” and asks Connor to summarize the Art of Manliness Podcast on monotasking (7:30). They broadly depict the difference between an office and a study (13:40) and give their […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about what it means to savor (7:00). Connor and Mike admit to guzzling large amounts of sweets (2:10, 4:00) and Rob eventually discloses his own proclivity to inhale ice cream (6:00). Connor brings up Josef Pieper’s work as a framework for understanding savoring (10:00) and the dogs recount fond […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about the newly renovated chapel at UIC (00:50). Connor shares some feedback he’s received from students (04:10). Mike brings up the similarities between a church dedication and the sacraments of initiation (13:28). The dogs conclude with a discussion on living stones (21:20), the immortality of the soul (21:39), and […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about Mike’s thesis (01:25), distributism (05:30), and the extent to which earthly resources can solve the world’s problems. Connor gives a summary of Ratzinger’s Eschatology (09:08, check out the glossary below). Rob shares a recent reflection about stewardship (20:55) and then they all discuss the hardships and grace of living within […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about their favorite moments from recent and past podcast episodes (06:50). Connor’s most memorable moments come from books and movies they have discussed (09:00); Rob and Mike admit to a more immediate memory (13:10). The dogs all recount stories from their time at Mundelein (18:00), the virtues of dogness (38:30), […]

In this episode, the dogs celebrate Mike’s braceless teeth (01:00) and he shares an epic stair jumping saga from a recent Metz family gathering (08:10). Rob brings up the importance of confronting fear after a close call (15:00) and asks Mike and Connor how they “convey the strength of God as a baby?” (28:05) They […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about football clock management (03:38), European soccer (05:44), steroids in baseball (08:00), and Deflategate (09:20). They reach resounding consensus over whether baseball should get rid of the home plate umpire (12:38) and their conversation about the use of technology moves from sports to the liturgy (27:06). Mike brings up the use […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about what it means to lead by love and treat others as “an end in themselves” (14:10). Their conversation on leadership spans baseball (0:50), combat (20:18), parish life (25:40), fatherhood (28:30), cycling (36:30), and basketball (33:37).     Quotes: “How can you not be romantic about baseball?” (Brad Pitt, 03:00) “Take […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about Michael Metz’s lack of a nickname (00:30), pig iron plants (02:30), and how to get out of the stone age (05:20). Connor returns to last episode‘s conversation about expectations and desires (08:00), Rob speaks about the temptation to squash desire (11:50) and the fruits of Kreeft’s book on suffering […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about college football coaching shake-ups (00:33), the start of Advent (05:40), and the altar server pizza party at Mike’s parish (07:10). Mike asks the other dogs how they find a balance between desire and expectation (16:10). Rob describes the mystics and their posture of holy indifference as a way […]

In this episode, the dogs catch up about beef milk (02:55) Mike’s grandfather (09:07) and Squid Game (13:10). Connor brings up Hildebrand’s delineation of the classical man (18:41). Rob then asks for an explanation of those fundamental principles (22:02) and they all discuss.     Quotes: “I am going to be a human being in the world […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about early mornings (1:50), trucks (9:40), and beards (10:00). Connor considers what it means to be overwhelmed by beauty (6:45) and Rob asks the dogs to differentiate possessions and belongings (12:50). They all discuss how to have a healthy attachment to material goods (19:55), their plans for the end of […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about the Atlanta Braves (0:34) and “baseball guys” (04:00). Rob brings up the objective characteristics of beauty (9:01) and his concerns over Facebook’s newest attempts to make the internet even more immersive (16:30). Connor critiques some recently viewed dystopian films (22:50). Mike speaks about the limits of technology as […]

In this episode, the dogs discuss the renovations to the chapel at UIC (01:35). Mike brings up a Ratzinger quote about the Eucharist as thanksgiving (04:40) and Connor responds with some thoughts on what it means to live as a human who appropriately responds to value (11:12).  They close by discussing how to authentically embrace […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about situations when anger is the appropriate response to evil.  Connor recounts his experience at a recent Joe Pug concert in Berwyn, IL (02:30) and Rob’s nine-year-old nephew shot his first deer (04:45). Rob shared the fruit of his five-day silent retreat (08:30) and the encouragement he received to […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about how to take care of Gremlins (2:10) and exploding kittens (4:40). Connor shares his fear of unmet expectations (6:30) and they all discuss what it means to ultimately trust that God is a good father (11:30) who will provide for his children (13:00). Rob asks for grace on […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about a Korean War chaplain who is a candidate for canonization as well as the specific graces they are praying for right now.  Connor talks about a redo July 4th celebration in September (4:48) and Mike shares that he will be attending Fr. Emil Kapaun’s funeral mass in Wichita, […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about encroaching technology and the role of the parish priest. After discussing which celebrities they would have dinner with [00:24], Connor and Rob give brief updates about life on campus [6:36]. Connor laments plumbing problems [9:00] and Rob discusses the lag he feels keeping up with multiple assignments [10:25]. […]

In this episode, the dogs talk about finding awe in a transcendent universe [5:50] and their varying experiences of childhood boredom [8:50]. Rob brings up a farmer who recites Paradise Lost while ploughing the field [19:45] and Connor talks about settling into humanity as a way to find true joy [21:30]. Mike shares about a recent […]