Metra: A Climate Revolution with Songs

A Show We Love: Forgive Me!

MythMakers Media Season 1

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We are SO CLOSE to the next batch of beautifully remixed and remastered Metra cast album songs! In the meantime, let us tide you over with another delightful show.

Forgive Me! Season 3, Episode 1 - "(Another) Disaster at the Donut Festival"

Father Ben left his congregation in Binghamton, New York, in the cover of night for the smaller, quieter pastures of St. Patrick’s. As our new, young, and at times progressive priest begins to acquiesce to his new surroundings, he finds himself butting heads with the eccentric parishioners who come to him seeking solace and advice. Whether he’s trying to understand Old Margaret’s “usual” confession; parsing out how Tom can better help care for his wife’s pet pig, David; or getting to the bottom of the Christmas Eve Mass Incident, Forgive Me! explores the intertwined lives in Ben’s new community and the funny, sad, and sometimes painful experiences that come out of confession and the Catholic experience.

Find all episodes and info here.

SPEAKER_12

Hey there, Metro listeners. We are so close to our next batch of remixed and remastered Metro Cast album songs. In the meantime, we're excited to introduce you to another great show. Forgive me, a rogue dialogue productions podcast. Forgive me tells the story of Father Ben, a tryhard young Catholic priest who was recently reassigned from Binghamton to St. Patrick's, a new parish in the state of New York under mysterious circumstances. Each episode follows Ben into the confessional with another eccentric version, exploring the intertwined lives of this new community and the funny, sad, and sometimes painful experiences that come out of the Catholic experience. It's a heartfelt and human story. There are three seasons out now, and season four is on the way. This episode is the first from season three, and it's a delightful spot to jump in. Find all seasons wherever you get your podcasts, and all info in the show notes for this episode. We hope you enjoy Forgive Me.

SPEAKER_11

Season 3, Episode 1. Another disaster at the Donut Festival.

SPEAKER_18

Sorry, Ben. A deal is a deal. You're not backing out of this now.

SPEAKER_10

Listen, it was one thing talking to you about this, but it's another seeing all of them.

SPEAKER_18

Oh, you'd be fine. A passionate man like you, I know you've got the heart.

SPEAKER_10

For now I do.

SPEAKER_18

I handled messes for two weeks while you were off garavanting around mecha friends.

SPEAKER_10

Gallivanting? I was on a silent retreat with the Genesee River monks.

SPEAKER_18

I'm sure you've had plenty of time to meditate on how to get through today.

SPEAKER_19

Father Ben! Hey, Father Ben!

SPEAKER_18

Oh, they actually came! Hi Luke! Stay there, I'll be right down! Don't you go too far. We're doing this in five minutes.

SPEAKER_10

I'll be back. Just making sure they're spelling my name right on the trophy.

SPEAKER_11

Hi, Father Ben. Good to see you, Adam. You two are doing it.

SPEAKER_10

Oh!

SPEAKER_11

Oh!

SPEAKER_13

Got it. Sorry about that, pa, father.

SPEAKER_10

It's alright, it's alright, Andrew. Good to see you.

SPEAKER_13

Well, Father, I'd like a word with you when you have a moment.

SPEAKER_10

Sure, Margaret. I'm going to greet some guests now, but I'll find you later.

SPEAKER_13

Don't leave me waiting for too long now, young man.

SPEAKER_10

I won't, Margaret. Hey, Luke! Oh, and Sydney, so great to see you both. And who is this little one?

SPEAKER_14

Hi, I bet! Good to see you too, Ben. This is Archer. Archie, can you say hi?

SPEAKER_10

Good to meet you too, Archie. He's very cute.

SPEAKER_02

Good job, you two. Thanks, Father. Hope we didn't get you in trouble back there. With who? Margaret?

SPEAKER_10

Oh, no, no. She's fine.

SPEAKER_14

She reminds me of Sister Marianne.

SPEAKER_10

I had the same thought when I first met her. Gosh, it's really great to see you both in person. I couldn't believe it when you called.

SPEAKER_02

We couldn't believe it when we heard you were out here. Imagine our luck.

SPEAKER_10

What brings you over from Binghamton anyway?

SPEAKER_14

This one has always dreamed of starting an apple orchard.

SPEAKER_10

You bought an orchard!

SPEAKER_14

Well we bought a field, but one that Luke is certain can grow apples.

SPEAKER_02

It's gonna be amazing, Ben. The property is gorgeous. Like something out of a storybook. Plus, there's already a beautiful farmhouse on the property. It's a really special place.

SPEAKER_14

The tap water is brown and smells like sulfur, but other than that, I'm excited too.

SPEAKER_02

Who needs water when you can drink cider, right? Seems like a fun adventure. We gotta have you over. I'll give you a full tour of the place.

SPEAKER_14

You've been here, what, two years now, Ben? I think you can believe what a country field looks like, Luke.

SPEAKER_10

I'd love to see it sometime.

SPEAKER_14

Be careful what you say, Ben, or he'll have you with gloves on planting trees within five minutes.

SPEAKER_02

Oh, come on, Sid. I'd wait at least 15.

SPEAKER_10

I'm always open to a hard day's work. The life of a priest can definitely be a bit sedentary at times.

SPEAKER_02

Speaking of, we were so blown away when we called the church to speak to the pastor, and you picked up. The way Father Antonio talked after you left, it sounded like you'd been shipped halfway across the world. What'd he say?

SPEAKER_14

Father Ben has been chosen for an emergency mission on behalf of the church.

SPEAKER_10

That does sound a bit dramatic.

SPEAKER_02

So imagine our surprise finding you as the pastor in our new hometown.

SPEAKER_10

Not quite an emergency mission, but here I am.

SPEAKER_14

There's gotta be an interesting story there.

SPEAKER_10

Oh no, no, no, not not nothing so dramatic, but uh you know, it's just well, the the the priest on the stage there, he was sick and I had to leave. Well, not leave, I I was needed to support, you know, just helping out the church. Look at me, we're rambling on. Let me show you around.

SPEAKER_02

Yes, please. We've been dreaming of coming to the Donut Festival all week since you invited us.

SPEAKER_14

Seriously, nothing like a week of unpacking boxes to make you crave fried dough.

SPEAKER_10

Biggest event of the year. Let's come over to the right here. This is our petting suit, graciously hosted by Tom. Tom, this is Luke and Sydney.

SPEAKER_03

They're gonna be joining the parish. Good to meet you. Great to see some other younger faces around. Most of the community here is pretty stuck in the 1970s. Way to sell it, Tom.

SPEAKER_14

What?

SPEAKER_03

It's the truth.

SPEAKER_14

Don't worry, Father. We both love a good bingo night.

SPEAKER_10

Glad to hear it.

SPEAKER_03

Where's Emily? We left David's sweater in the car, and it's getting a little chilly. She had to take a call, so she ran back to get it for him.

SPEAKER_10

I'll come back around later to say hi. See you in a bit.

SPEAKER_03

Sounds good, Father. Oh, and good luck. You're gonna need it. Nice meeting you all.

SPEAKER_10

Uh, good luck? Heh, you'll see you in a couple minutes. Come over this way. This is our Dunk the Usher booth. Hey Steve. This is Luke and Sidney. They're new to the parish. Nice to meet you. Is that Wade?

SPEAKER_19

Hey there, Father Ben!

SPEAKER_08

Good to see you, Wade.

SPEAKER_19

Are you gonna dunk me?

SPEAKER_08

Maybe in a bit. Hey, Steve? Yeah, one one second, Father. That'll be one dollar. Here you go. It's like 50 degrees out here. Is it safe for us to be dropping people in the dunking booth? What? Oh no, he loves it. Carl Donaldson was in there earlier and did start turning purple, but Wade's young enough to be dunked for hours yet.

SPEAKER_19

Do your worst.

unknown

Well.

SPEAKER_02

Yes! Still got it.

SPEAKER_19

Oh, absolutely. What a rush!

SPEAKER_02

Great throw! We need you on the softball team! Seriously? That sounds great.

SPEAKER_14

And that'll pat his ego for the next week. Then can we move along before we sign up for more activities while trying to raise a newborn? Nice to meet you, Steve.

SPEAKER_08

You too. Look forward to seeing you at Mass.

SPEAKER_14

Yeah, you too.

SPEAKER_08

Alright, let's see here.

SPEAKER_10

Oh! Right over here. We'll follow you lead. Well, this is Roger. Supreme Admiral Roger Alito. A pleasure to meet you both. Roger runs St. Patrick's chapter of the Men's Club, The Armada of Americo. But today, he and Supreme Vice Admiral Brett are helping Lisa here with face painting.

SPEAKER_13

And what a big help they've been, Father. Oh, nice to meet you folks.

SPEAKER_07

Well, we were supposed to have a classic guess your age or weight booth. Vice Admiral Brett even brought the scalp from his UPS facility.

SPEAKER_10

But somebody But I said it would be wildly inappropriate for our already somewhat exclusionary church organization to go around guessing people's age and weight.

SPEAKER_07

Exclusionary, ma'am. I'll have you know that just last year Brett's wife founded a nearly equivalent organization for the women of this parish. Isn't that right, Brett? Sure is, Admiral.

SPEAKER_13

Yes. And she named them the seat maidens of Maria. Ha ha ha ha. That is certainly impressive, Admiral.

SPEAKER_10

It certainly is. Lisa, I'm guessing Mitch didn't want to join us today.

SPEAKER_13

Actually, he's around here somewhere.

SPEAKER_10

Oh, really?

SPEAKER_13

Oh, I'm as surprised as you. He was genuinely excited to come. I'm guessing he'd just take any excuse to call out of work on a Saturday, but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

SPEAKER_10

A win is a win with teenagers. Thanks again for taking on our extra volunteers.

SPEAKER_13

In all honesty, they've been fine. The Supreme Admiral isn't happy, but Brett has really taken to the canvas. Isn't that right, Vice Admiral?

SPEAKER_06

Oh! Yes. I'm just about finished with Emma here. And there. We're done. Take a look, Emma. What do you think?

SPEAKER_12

It's just a brown circle?

SPEAKER_06

Sounds like a donut to me, huh? Have a good day now.

SPEAKER_12

Thanks, I guess.

SPEAKER_06

Lisa, do you mind if I rest my hands for a bit? Have to respond to a few moves on my Jess with Buddies app.

SPEAKER_13

Sounds like you're up, Supreme Admiral.

SPEAKER_07

Can I interest anyone in a donut on their face?

SPEAKER_10

I think I'm good for now, Roger. Either of you want something? Baby Archie?

SPEAKER_14

Oh, sure. What do you say, Archie? Want some face pink?

SPEAKER_07

What kind of donut does he like? I can do glaze, frost with sprinkle, Boston cream.

SPEAKER_14

He's a baby, so honestly, whatever is fine.

SPEAKER_18

Please report to the stage. It's time.

SPEAKER_10

That's my cue.

SPEAKER_02

What's happening?

SPEAKER_10

Like I said, you'll see.

SPEAKER_18

And here he is, everyone's second favorite priest.

SPEAKER_10

Father Clem, folks. Well, hello everyone. Thank you for coming to this year's Donut Festival. I'm so excited about all the money we've been able to raise so far to support the St. Patrick's Food Pantry. It really warms my heart to know all the fun being had here today means food on the table for so many in our community. I'm also just so happy that our dear Father Clem, who founded this festival, is back and healthy enough to be both the host and guest of honor this year.

SPEAKER_17

See how happy you are in a few minutes!

SPEAKER_10

That we will, Father Clem. But in all seriousness, I do quickly just want to say that I know it's been a crazy couple of years for all of us, but it means the world to me how welcoming this community has been. We may not always see eye to eye, but I am consistently blown away with just how connected and loving this parish is. With Father Clem back in the fold and faces old and new joining together, I believe we're in for a very special year at St. Patrick's.

SPEAKER_18

Alright, son, that's enough of your rambling. It's time to eat some donuts. As many of you likely know, the last time we had one of these festivals, I went into cardiac arrest during the donut eating competition. Well, after speaking to my doctor, she made it very clear participating in another one would be, in her words, suicide. Luckily for us, the formidable Father Ben has decided to take my place in pursuit of high glory. Can the other two competitors join us on stage? Please take your seats. In the middle seat, as I just mentioned, the bad man have been a few. Didn't expect to see you here, Joe.

SPEAKER_16

I may not receive the same respect I once did in this welcoming community. But my wife did fry the donuts, so I figure I could participate in the competition. Given I'm the reigning champion.

SPEAKER_14

You kept eating donuts after Clem Keel's over. They didn't even give you a trophy.

SPEAKER_16

And that's why I'm back. To take what's rightfully mine. Whatever you say, Joe.

SPEAKER_10

Claire, you're already eating? We haven't started yet.

SPEAKER_18

What? It's three donuts. In front of each competitor is a pyramid of 39 donuts. That's right. Three bakers dozen. They will have ten minutes to see who can eat the most donuts!

SPEAKER_10

Clem. Honestly, I don't know if I can do this.

SPEAKER_18

Too late, Ben. Begin eating in five. God, here we go. Three, two, one!

SPEAKER_17

Did you bring a gun?

SPEAKER_18

Dumber everyone is a prop gun. I borrowed it from Clara. Which is a great reminder. The Clara's youth group will be putting on a modern adaptation of the passion of the Christ this year. Looking at our contestants, it looks like Joe Voters is up to an early lead, but you have to wonder if he'll have the endurance to keep up his pace. Clara is right on his tail eating two at a time. Benji, you better start tucking those donuts away. These other two are already a baker's dozen in. I'm fine.

SPEAKER_10

I didn't expect the drink we'd get to be hot coffee.

SPEAKER_18

What else are you supposed to serve me donuts?

SPEAKER_10

What was that?

SPEAKER_18

Sounds like a priest looking for a reason to stop eating donuts.

SPEAKER_10

No, who's that running? Mitchell? Fire.

SPEAKER_13

There's a fire call 911.

SPEAKER_10

Thank you both so much for sticking around.

SPEAKER_14

Oh, of course. I mean, you know Luke wanted to play a volunteer firefighter for the afternoon. Plus, Archie and I got to hang out at the petting zoo, and nothing gets a one-year-old excited quite like a pig in a sweater.

SPEAKER_10

Well, I promise I've been at this parish for over a year, and this is easily the largest fire we've had so far.

SPEAKER_02

Donuts, fire emergency, watching you publicly embarrass yourself on stage. It's clear this place is a heck of a lot more fun than Mother of Mercy back in Bing. You've got yourself a couple new parishioners, I'd say.

SPEAKER_10

I'm glad to hear it.

SPEAKER_18

Benji, there you are. You know, I have to say, on the personal level, this was still a much more enjoyable festival than the last one.

SPEAKER_10

Hey Clem. This is Luke, Sidney, and baby Archie. They're the potential new parishioners I told you about.

SPEAKER_18

Well, can't say you didn't try, Benji. Look, Sidney, I don't think the Lutheran church has had a fire in several months. Might be a good place to look next.

SPEAKER_14

We'd still come here even if the church itself burned down. Father Ben was such a breath of fresh air at our last church.

SPEAKER_18

That pulpit must have been very far from the pews, I promise you. Father Ben's breath is anything but.

SPEAKER_10

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Honestly, though, I'd rather have our apartment burned down than deal with a hassle this will cause.

SPEAKER_18

Uh yes. Probably would have been better if the whole church burnt down on disrespect.

SPEAKER_05

I'm told you're the fire marshal. I demand answers. Now. Sorry, sir. I can't just share details from an active fire. Admiral, they already said it's likely an oil fire from the doughnuts.

SPEAKER_07

Do you have any idea who I am?

SPEAKER_05

Oh yeah, you're that guy from the van commercials. You think you're a man? Get a conversion van.

SPEAKER_07

Well, yes. And come by the dealership anytime for our special local heroes rate. But I'll have you know that I am the Supreme Admiral of the St. Patrick's chapter of the Armada of Americo.

SPEAKER_06

Look, Supreme Admiral, there's Father Ben. Maybe we can leave the Fire Marshal alone? Especially considering he's my wife's cousin. Sorry, Ted.

SPEAKER_18

All good, Brad. Part of the gig.

SPEAKER_10

Here they come.

SPEAKER_18

Sorry, Benji. You're on your own with this one. Look, Sidney, little baby. Why don't I give you a quick history of St. Patrick's?

SPEAKER_10

Oh, that sounds great.

unknown

Sorry, father.

SPEAKER_10

Wait, don't leave me.

SPEAKER_07

And they're gone. Okay. But no, I go to the same country club as the mayor, and he will be hearing about this.

SPEAKER_05

You're welcome for stopping your church from burning down.

SPEAKER_07

Oh, so you think you're so heroic for doing your job.

SPEAKER_06

Please come on, Admiral. He's not worth it, and I have to go to a wedding with him next week.

SPEAKER_07

Fine.

SPEAKER_10

Fine. Father, a word, please. Hi, Roger. I'm so sorry for what happened to the A of A lounge.

SPEAKER_06

And bowling alley?

SPEAKER_10

What?

SPEAKER_06

It's the A of A lounge and bowling alley.

SPEAKER_07

It was the A of A lounge and bowling alley. You've upset him, Father. You know how fragile the Vice Admiral is.

SPEAKER_10

I'm sorry for the oversight, and again, so sorry for what happened. I know how much that space meant to your community.

SPEAKER_07

We appreciate that, Father, and look forward to the rebuilding.

SPEAKER_10

I know you're a resilient bunch and wouldn't expect anything less.

SPEAKER_07

With that in mind, I think it's only appropriate for a redirection of today's fundraising. Wait, what? I'm sure everyone here would agree that this is the most urgent cause facing our ministry now.

SPEAKER_10

You want us to use funds that were raised for our food pantry, which feeds hungry people to repair your lounge.

SPEAKER_06

And bowling alley!

SPEAKER_10

And bowling alley?

SPEAKER_07

I mean it's a drop in the bucket of what we'll need, but it's a start. I know it's a difficult conversation, and you have a tendency for what do you kids call it? Anxiety about this whole thing. But I believe in you, Father.

SPEAKER_10

I don't think you're seeing the point.

SPEAKER_07

Father Benjamin, come on now. We're all in this together. We'll raise funds and use church funding to rebuild. That, in combination with the lawsuit, we'll be slapping on the arsonists who did this, will allow us to create a space greater than what was there before.

SPEAKER_06

And two lanes for the bowling alley.

SPEAKER_07

That's right, Vice Admiral. Two lanes. We're going to have two lanes. But but Admiral, I don't think there's been any evidence of arson. I wouldn't expect you, or these fools in the fire department, to see it, but nothing escapes the eyes of a car salesman. We'll find him or her.

SPEAKER_10

Please tell me you're not about to start interrogating half the church.

SPEAKER_07

Father, I get it. You're scared. This is a scary time. But we'll do what's best.

SPEAKER_10

Roger, I'm not. Look, the church won't condone that kind of thing from you.

SPEAKER_07

Given this is your fault, I expect a bit more cooperation. Are you accusing me of arson? Whoa, whoa, calm down, big hoss. I'm just saying that you've poisoned this church against its more traditionally minded parishioners.

SPEAKER_10

I highly doubt somebody would stoop to that level.

SPEAKER_07

You really don't think there are any left-wing, gay supporting, socialist SJWs in this church who would be willing to go full Antifa on our peaceful lounge.

SPEAKER_10

What the hell are you talking about?

SPEAKER_07

Hey, hey, hey, hey, easy there, Father.

SPEAKER_06

I didn't mean to strike a nerve. You really don't need to get upset, Father.

SPEAKER_10

Look, you cannot harass the members of this church.

SPEAKER_07

We'll find some time to talk next week. Please bring the church financial books to the meeting. We have some reworking to do.

SPEAKER_10

I get that this is shocking, and what happened is terrible, but I'm serious. Your group does not run St. Patrick's.

SPEAKER_07

Oh, yes, that's a good point. We'll talk more next week. Come on, Brett, we have to plan a vigil and an investigation.

SPEAKER_10

What? Wait! Ugh. Here we go again.

SPEAKER_11

Stay tuned for a glimpse into Father Ben's time with the Genesee River monks, but first, the credits. Forgive me is a rogue dialogue. Production. This episode was written and directed by Jack Marone. And Bob Remunda.

SPEAKER_10

Here's our cast in order of appearance. Josh Rabino, Father Kim, Casey Callahan, Father Ben. Zach Valenti, Luke.

SPEAKER_11

Dallas Wheatley, Andrew. Adam Remunda. Adam.

SPEAKER_10

Milo Marone.

SPEAKER_03

Archie.

SPEAKER_14

Lauren Shippen. Sidney. And sweet? Margaret.

SPEAKER_03

Derek Emerson Powell. Tom. Jack Marone. Steve.

SPEAKER_05

Jordan Higgs. Wade. Bob Frame. Roger.

SPEAKER_13

Danielle Elliott. Lisa.

SPEAKER_06

Michael Antico. Brett.

SPEAKER_13

Sam Twardy. Emma.

SPEAKER_06

Michael Larkin. Joe Walters. Crystal Osborne.

SPEAKER_11

Clara. Sawyer Green. Mitchell. Jake Kelka.

SPEAKER_19

Ted.

SPEAKER_11

And coming up in the epilogue.

SPEAKER_15

Jeremy Beasley. Brother Jonathan.

SPEAKER_11

Script editing by Jordan Stillman. Dialogue editing by Bob Ramunda. Sound design, score, and mixing by me, Adam Raymondda. Additional music by John Bartman. All of our graphic design comes from Sam Twardy. This season, we've got a 13-episode Patreon exclusive series called Confessions with Clem. Our patrons will get a glance into the secrets of the St. Patrick's community with everyone's favorite witty nihilistic priest. This week's episode, we hear Bella come into the confessional for the first time in preparation for her first communion.

SPEAKER_01

Forgive me, Father Farsen.

SPEAKER_18

You're forgiven! Ah, that wasn't so bad, was it?

SPEAKER_01

Father Cloud!

SPEAKER_18

What?

SPEAKER_01

You can't forgive me until I tell you what I've done.

SPEAKER_11

To get access to this Patreon exclusive series as well as an ad-free version of our feed, become a supporting parishioner over at patreon.com slash roguedialog. Are you enjoying the start of our new season? If you are, go follow the show on your favorite podcast player. If you really enjoyed it, rate it and review it on Podchaser or Apple Podcasts. We'll be back in two weeks with episode two. For now, let's flash back to Father Ben's experience with the Genesee River Monks.

SPEAKER_09

Thank you, Brother Jonathan. It's great to be here and commune peacefully. My lips are sealed.

SPEAKER_04

My lips are sealed? Don't joke. What a waste of my last words. Brother Jonathan didn't even crack a smile. Are you allowed to smile here? You have to be, right? Gotta remember to keep an eye out for people smiling. Well, here we are. At peace. This is nice. Fully calm. Such a beautiful quiet. Shoes. What why did I just think the word shoes? Weird word. Shoes. Not that weird. Did I bring more than one pair?

SPEAKER_10

I think I just brought these recent balances. I can't imagine why you'd need a pair of ox herds.

SPEAKER_04

But what if we go on a hike? Do monks hike? I didn't think we'd be leaving the grounds.