In this special Christmas-themed episode, Grant sits down with Seth Udinski, co-host of Financial Issues and a historian with a background in church history and theology, to explore the true origins of Christmas. Together, they trace the holiday back to the early church, examine when Jesus was most likely born, and unpack why December 25th has been observed by Christians for nearly two millennia.

The conversation dives into:

Whether Christmas was “Christianized paganism” or an authentically Christian tradition

The early church’s understanding of Christ’s birth and why it mattered

How Rome’s conversion to Christianity shaped Christmas as a feast

The story of St. Boniface and the origin of the Christmas tree

The historical St. Nicholas, his generosity, and how his legacy points back to the Gospel

How light, trees, feasting, and gift-giving all symbolize Christ entering the darkness of the world

Rather than stripping Christmas of meaning, this episode shows how its traditions were redeemed, preserved, and intentionally centered on Christ—from the first centuries of the church to modern celebrations.

Whether you’re curious about church history, wrestling with questions about Christmas traditions, or simply want a deeper appreciation for the season, this episode offers a thoughtful, historically grounded perspective on the history of Christmas.

Instead of a traditional interview, Grant and Gabby slow things down, decorate the podcast set for Christmas, and talk candidly about the journey of the show so far, what’s coming next, and what this season means to them. From behind-the-scenes podcast updates and future plans, to reflections on faith, culture, and how we carry hope during the Christmas season, this episode is more about community than headlines.

It’s a relaxed, visual episode—so if you want to watch the Christmas tree get decorated, be sure to check out the video version on YouTube or Spotify.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast this year. Whether you’ve listened, shared an episode, or left a comment—we’re grateful for you.

Merry Christmas 🎄
New episodes continue next week.

In this episode, Grant sits down with John Davenport for an unfiltered, honest conversation about the political tension shaping America today. From the newly released Epstein files and the fight for real accountability to how both major parties manipulate information, Grant and John break down why the public feels increasingly misled—and increasingly exhausted.

They dive into evidence vs. conspiracy, media sensationalism, and why Americans are pressured to choose a “side” on every issue. The discussion also covers the Israel–Gaza conflict with clarity and nuance, emphasizing the complexity of the history, the failures of global leadership, and the human suffering often ignored in political debates.

Beyond global issues, the episode tackles polarization in Washington, the importance of local politics, the value of term limits, and why everyday citizens may need to step forward if they want meaningful change in their communities.

If you're tired of outrage-driven news, political echo chambers, and social media hot takes, this episode explores what real conversation looks like—respectful, grounded, and centered on truth rather than team loyalty.

In this episode, I’m joined by Pat Fitzgerald, a veteran of more than forty years in the staffing and talent industry. We dive into what it really takes to build a meaningful career in a job market that feels more crowded and competitive than ever. Pat shares how young professionals can set themselves apart, why sticking with your first couple of jobs matters more than people realize, and how AI is reshaping everything from resumes to interviews to entire industries. We also talk about the mistakes companies make when adopting new technology, the future of work, and what hiring looks like behind the scenes—from entry-level roles all the way up to the executive suite. It’s an honest, insightful conversation about navigating career growth, staying curious, and understanding where the job market is heading in a world rapidly transformed by AI.

Grant sits down with Dr. Modica — professor, researcher, and author — for a thoughtful conversation about race, racial identity, and why discussing these topics has become so difficult in today’s polarized culture. They explore the difference between individual prejudice and systemic racism, clarify misconceptions around DEI, and discuss why terms like “woke,” “CRT,” and “Christian nationalism” have been distorted in public discourse.Drawing from her research and real classroom experiences, Dr. Modica shares how listening to different perspectives helps us move beyond defensiveness and toward understanding. This episode is about honest conversation, curiosity, and seeing the humanity in one another.

Explore Dr. Marianne Modica’s work:
Website: https://mariannemodica.com/
Blog: https://risforrace.blogspot.com/

What does the future of faith look like in a world driven by algorithms, division, and digital noise? This conversation dives deep into how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping the spiritual landscape — from the search for authenticity and truth to the growing appeal of traditional church practices and the influence of social media on belief.Grant Ace and Pastor Nathan Franklin explore the generational shifts happening within culture, politics, and the Church, discussing how technology shapes worldview, why younger generations crave genuine faith, and what it means to stay grounded in truth in an ever-changing world.

Grant sits down with Joe Lorusso, a Republican candidate for Chester County Controller, to unpack what’s really going on behind the county’s growing budget, new executive offices, and rising taxes. Joe shares his concerns about financial mismanagement, government expansion, and the creation of unelected executive positions like the CEO, CXO, and COO roles. Together, Grant and Joe discuss the deeper implications for Chester County taxpayers, the need for accountability and transparency in local government, and how these issues reflect larger national trends.

Whether you’re a voter in Chester County or simply care about fiscal responsibility and local governance, this conversation dives into what’s at stake — and what it will take to turn things around.

Resources:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yZykkYz7TExRFWl4hXV1WNQ80rWrvXgM/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PacUybr0VUa1Kzrz4VQFfZnTT8ZC6Etn/view?usp=sharing

Grant Ace talks with Mark Minnella — host of Financial Issues, longtime investor, and one of the early voices who helped shape the movement of Biblically Responsible Investing. Together they dive deep into what it truly means to live a life of faith — from surrendering to God and walking through sanctification to seeing every part of life, including money and investing, as an act of worship.They also unpack how politics, culture, and modern Christianity often intersect — discussing judgment in the church, the dangers of addiction and misplaced identity, and how grace and truth can coexist in a world that desperately needs both.