July 23, 2025

The July Episode

31 minutes

What happens when the world’s top golfer says faith—not golf—is his top priority?

Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off this episode with that headline-grabbing story, plus summer sports updates, movie reviews, and a powerful look at how God is moving through this year’s youth conferences.

They cover everything from the MLB All-Star Game and Father Dave’s baseball “betrayal” (attending games without Bob) to a heartfelt reflection on Scottie Scheffler’s British Open win—and why his grounded priorities made bigger headlines than his major win. Father Dave also reviews the new Superman movie, featuring Krypto the Superdog, while Deacon Bob tries to catch up on Fantastic Four before heading overseas.

But the heart of the episode is ministry: stories from Steubenville Youth Conferences where teens received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and lives were changed through the theme “Consumed.” Father Dave shares insights from a friars’ retreat on hope as a spiritual discipline, while Bob prepares for a whirlwind ministry tour in the Philippines, Australia, and beyond (with protein bars and peanut butter in tow).

Naturally, there are tangents galore: a drone demo gone off-script, global food fears, and a preview of Franciscan’s upcoming Christ the King Chapel dedication. But through it all, the message is clear: Hope doesn’t disappoint—it transforms.

Highlighted Sections

(00:00) Summer Break, Baseball, and All-Star Highlights

The guys ease back into the podcast after a month off with All-Star Game highlights, reflections on the Tigers’ surprising run, and a lament over Father Dave attending games without Bob. They also touch on rising stars like Paul Skenes, who started for the National League, and celebrate the return of players wearing their own uniforms.

(05:10) Scheffler’s Priorities and Superpowered Blockbusters

Scottie Scheffler wins the British Open, but stuns the media by saying golf is third in his life after faith and family. The guys reflect on identity, ambition, and what really matters. Father Dave also reviews Superman (yes, Krypto the dog steals the show), while Bob desperately hopes he can catch Fantastic Four while on the road.

(11:30) Faith Under Fire

They highlight Father Dave’s recent In Person interview with Nina Shea, who shares sobering insights on Christian persecution across the globe—from Nigeria to China—and what it means to witness to hope in the face of violence and fear.

(13:17) Youth Conferences: Confessions, Vocations, and Conversions

From Halifax to Springfield, this summer’s Steubenville Conferences have been full of grace. Thousands of confessions. Vocational calls answered. And in St. Louis alone, 20 teens stepped forward expressing their desire to come more fully into the Church.

(23:56) A World Tour, a Friars’ Retreat, and Acts of Hope

Bob prepares to minister across the globe, while Father Dave shares a takeaway from the friars’ retreat: hope is an action—choosing to lean into God, especially when life feels uncertain.

(28:24) Chapel Countdown and a Drone in the Studio

They preview Franciscan’s upcoming chapel dedication, celebrate milestones, and attempt a live drone demo (with expected results). The episode closes with prayer for those struggling to hold onto hope.

Resources Mentioned

“Scottie Scheffler says 'faith and family' are most important after winning British Open” – Christian Post article

Steubenville Conferences – Life-changing encounters with Christ for youth and adults alike

In Person Interview with Nina Shea – Watch Father Dave’s interview with Nina Shea on global Christian persecution

Superman (2025)

The Fantastic Four: First Step

Ablaze Ministries

...more

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