From Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (“The Big Dumper”) to Cracker Barrel pancakes to mother-son saints, Father Dave and Deacon Bob serve up another classic mix of sports, pop culture, and faith. This week’s wide-ranging conversation moves from baseball nicknames and Ryder Cup golf to the Solemn Blessing of Christ the King Chapel and Franciscan University’s theme for the year: keeping Jesus at the center. 

Along the way, they debate Cracker Barrel’s new logo, celebrate St. Monica and St. Augustine, and swap stories from recent travels to Corpus Christi and Superior. And since the podcast is nearing its final episodes, they invite listeners to share both favorite nicknames and treasured podcast memories as this chapter draws to a close. 

 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:00) A Podcast Nearing the Finish Line 

Father Dave and Deacon Bob reflect on the bittersweet reality of wrapping up the show and invite listeners to send in nicknames and stories from past episodes. 

(01:22) Nicknames and Sports Roundup 

The guys kick things off their sports banter with Cal Raleigh’s unforgettable nickname before rolling into football predictions, Buccaneers talk, and Ryder Cup golf. They even touch on Notre Dame’s Sunday night matchup with Miami and the return of the so-called “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry, popularized in ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary. 

(11:46) Cracker Barrel and Breakfast Theology 

Cracker Barrel’s new logo sparks a lively debate about breakfast chains, maple syrup, and cultural shifts. From First Watch to Bob Evans, the guys weigh in on their favorites. 

(15:47) The Best-Named Diocese 

From Superior, Wisconsin, to Corpus Christi, Texas, the hosts trade stories from recent travels and give shout-outs to friends and listeners along the way. 

(19:07) Christ the King Chapel Blessing 

Franciscan’s newly expanded chapel is blessed and opened, a joyful moment for the University and its largest freshman class. The new space is full of Franciscan beauty, from the San Damiano Cross to a nativity carving at the altar. 

(22:01) Saints of the Week and Theme of the Year 

St. Monica and St. Augustine take center stage, with reflections on Monica’s perseverance as encouragement for parents praying for their children. The episode closes with Franciscan’s theme for the year: Jesus at the center of all things. 

 

Resources Mentioned 

Why is Cal Raleigh nicknamed 'Big Dumper'?– USA Today 

Notre Dame vs. Miami Rivalry: Catholics vs. Convicts– ESPN 30 for 30 documentary 

Cracker Barrel Rebrand Coverage – Coverage of the new logo and redesign 

Christ the King Solemn Blessing Mass – Watch the solemn blessing 

Catechesi Tradendae (On Catechesis in Our Time) – St. John Paul II on catechesis