Grub & Grace

This Bite Sized Episode peels back the fuzzy green wrapping paper on a figure we assume we’ve already figured out. Spoiler: we haven’t. The Grinch is more than a sour-faced holiday thief with a bad attitude and a questionable relationship to joy—he’s a surprisingly layered character with a long shadow and some real philosophical bite. In short, this green recluse has range.We’ll explore the Grinch’s many incarnations and what they reveal about belief, culture, and the strange ways we tell moral stories—past and present. Expect detours into symbolism, spirituality, and a few ideas that usually get shoved to the edge of the sleigh and avoided with a thirty-nine-and-a-half-foot pole.Before you decide this episode is proof that our hearts are “two sizes too small,” stick around. Yes, there may be some garlic in the soul—but as the song reminds us, one person’s toxic sludge is another person’s potpourri. So grab some roast beast, check your Christmas cheer at the door (or don’t), and come see how the Grinch didn’t just steal Christmas—he complicated it.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you listen.Check out our website at grubandgrace.com, or find us on our socials:Instagram: @grubandgracepodcastFacebookX: @grubandgraceCover art generated by Adobe Firefly AI model Gemini 2.5 (w/Nano Banana)Music Attributions:O'er The River Nore: UXIDYUKIJRPMLPIGWinter Wonder: LVNOVID1PHKUZ9UFChristmas Ballroom: 9PZD6AQSBUTGKFVZIn The Quiet Night: XO8BHGTLKTZPVHM2St Nick's Workshop: NGW9HNQEF0LCGSBJSugar Plum: JREHXR91OMGPTTEQChristmas Time Is Coming: L566O5WTZQDCJCCVMistletoe Farms: 2CTL6XME1DNHAYH5Yuletide Dawn: IF7ED4B4MZWVOFJXMrs Claus: SW05O3E0MYZLVDSFWe Wish You A Merry Christmas: JGMAAWLOXJUOQUQ4Harp- Arpeggio - Nordic Tune - Shepherds Melody.wav by gertraut_hecher -- https://freesound.org/s/564909/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Celtic Whistle Melody by f-r-a-g-i-l-e -- https://freesound.org/s/520148/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

What does revolutionary spirit look like? History has shown us examples from the French Revolution to the Sandanistas in Nicaragua. Mark Wayne hops on to have a discussion about this very topic as we navigate through Palestine, voting, and the revolutionary spirit of the Black Panther Party.Mark Wayne is an ex-army national guardsman who uses his platform to inform and bring people together. He co-hosts the podcast Colonial Outcasts with Greg Stoker.

Have you ever asked big theological questions about faith and God that you felt weren't acceptable in your immediate community to share? Have you ever felt that your faith tradition hasn't been living up to your vision of how it should be?You're not alone, and neither should it be that way. For us, Theology Beer Camp has been a space that allowed us to be us, and created a space to express yourself free of judgement and shame.Join us as we quest through Theology Beer Camp in St. Paul, MN, 2025.

Is there a unified concept of hell? That being eternal, conscious, torment.Does salvation give us a free pass to ignore evil in the world today?How does disgust tie in to the concept of hell?We will be exploring all of these questions on this episode. Buckle up, because we're about to find out why we're disgusted with hell.

From Mesopotamian spirits to the fiery figure of Satan, demons have haunted human imagination for millennia. In this episode, we journey through ancient mythologies and religious lore, uncovering how different cultures have defined and described these shadowy beings. We’ll explore infamous demons of early civilizations, trace their influence through Jewish and Christian traditions, and ask the big questions: Who is Satan really, and how does he fit into the broader story of the Bible? By looking at the evolution of these figures, we reveal how demons reflect cultural fears, moral struggles, and the eternal human search for meaning.

What comes to mind when the word “hell” is mentioned? Demons with pitchforks? Endless torment? Listening to ASMR of your grandparents eating sandwiches while they breathe through their nose?My guest today is Brian Recker, author of the new book Hellbent. Brian is a former evangelical pastor, public theologian, speaker, and writer on Christian spirituality without exclusionary dogma and he helps explain why we can stop worrying about hell and start focusing on love.You can find Brian on his website https://www.brianrecker.com/As well as Instagram @bereckerFind out more about his book, Hell Bent, here.

Are demons real—or are they a story we’ve been telling ourselves for centuries? In this episode, we attempt to offer an alternative view of looking at demons as well as how the origins of demons may just be literary and cultural creations and how the idea evolved across history. From ancient texts to medieval folklore and modern horror, demons have been less about actual creatures lurking in the dark and more about shaping human behavior. We unpack how the concept of demonic forces has been used to provoke fear, enforce moral codes, and ultimately control communities. By looking at demons through the lens of psychology, storytelling, and power, we reveal how this enduring myth says more about us than about the supernatural.

Is hell really in the Bible? Are demons as ancient and evil as we think? This week, guest Brandon Forman joins us to dig into the surprising origins of these spiritual concepts—from sheol and Gehenna to ancient Greek daimons and New Testament visions. We explore how these ideas evolved and why they still influence mental health, politics, and even how we view the world and others around us today.Tune in for myth-busting, theology, and big questions about good, evil, and who gets to define them.

In this powerful unscripted conversation, we sit down with Father Castello to explore the intersection of faith, justice, and discomfort. From reviewing the first days of Pope Leo XIV, to the necessity of collaborative communication and living boldly outside our comfort zones, we wrestle with the hard realities of today—like the ongoing existence of concentration camps and modern-day captivity. Rooted in the radical call of the Gospel, we confront the question: if we can’t see Jesus in the poor, how can we see Him in the chalice?Father Castello is an independent Catholic priest serving in a sober bar community near Charlotte, NC, called Christ the Healer. Known for his accessibility and grounded spiritual direction practice, he brings Christ’s presence to unconventional spaces.Find him on his website fathercastello.netFacebook: Cas VoTikTok: @fathercastelloInstagram: @fathercastello

Ever tried talking to someone and ended up in a word salad with a side of frustration? Same. In this episode, we dive into the deceptively tricky art of actually listening—not just nodding until it's your turn to talk. With a wink and a few well-timed jokes, we unpack Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy (he was the real MVP of "I hear you"), why collaborative communication is harder than assembling IKEA furniture without instructions, and how active listening might just save your next awkward conversation. It's psychology, it's communication, it’s a little bit therapy-ish—but with fewer couches and more sarcasm.Come for the insights, stay for the gentle roast of your conversational bad habits.

In our third Star Wars trilogy episode, we explore how Star Wars—and especially the series Andor—portray resistance not as a grand myth, but as a gritty, personal fight against oppression. Andor brings a raw, grounded lens to rebellion, showing the everyday sacrifices, moral compromises, and quiet acts of defiance that fuel real change. From imperial surveillance to systemic injustice, the show mirrors the very real struggles faced in our own socio-political world today. What does it mean to resist when the odds feel insurmountable? And how can fiction inspire real-world action?Join us as we connect galaxies far, far away to the pressing realities of here and now.This episode should be free of any meaningful spoilers. But just in case, make sure to watch the show before jumping in.You can find Dr. Chris Kempshall's book Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire here.Music in episode by Luis Humanoide & Cody Martin with permission and/or copyright usage allowed.

In part 2 of our Star Wars trilogy, we dive deep into the dark heart of Star Wars, using The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by Chris Kempshall as our guide. Drawing sharp parallels between the fictional Empire and real-world history, we explore how Star Wars mirrors the rise of authoritarian regimes, propaganda, militarism, and the slow erosion of democracy. We break down the inner workings of the Galactic Empire—from its bureaucracy and chain of command to its use of fear and control—and examine how its creation wasn’t just evil, but eerily familiar.What does the fall of the Republic teach us about our own world? And how can sci-fi help us better understand the systems we live in? Join us for a thoughtful, galactic deep dive into power, history, and the myth that continues to speak volumes.You can find Dr. Chris Kempshall's book Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire here.Music in episode by Luis Humanoide & Cody Martin with permission and/or copyright usage allowed.

In Part 1 of our Star Wars trilogy, we journey to a galaxy far, far away to explore the deeply political roots of the beloved saga. From the fall of the Republic to the rise of the Empire, Star Wars has always been more than just lightsabers and space battles—it’s a reflection of real-world power struggles, corruption, and resistance. We unpack the allegories behind the Jedi, the dangers of authoritarianism, and how George Lucas used sci-fi to comment on war, democracy, and the fragility of freedom. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this episode peels back the layers of myth to reveal the very real politics beneath.The rebellion has only just begun.You can find Dr. Chris Kempshall's book Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire here.Music in episode by Luis Humanoide & Cody Martin with permission and/or copyright usage allowed.

In this flavorful episode, we dig into the delicious history of food in video games—how pixelated meals became cultural icons and why they’ve always mattered more than just health points. From power-up mushrooms to pixel-perfect potions, we explore how food shapes storytelling and gameplay.We also dive into the deeper meaning of symbols in art and games, unpacking how visual language communicates emotion, culture, and identity.And for the grand finale: we roll up our sleeves and share a few real-life recipes inspired by our favorite in-game dishes—yes, we actually made them, and yes, we have opinions.Whether you're a foodie, a gamer, or just hungry for insight, this episode serves up something special.-Joshua Noel is a licensed minister, an aspiring Taoist Christian, an open theist (not process), taught hermeneutics & children's church for many years. He has been a podcaster for a long time with the Anazao podcast network. Under the umbrella of Anazao, you can find him as part of the Whole Church Pod, Systematic Geekology, and Dummy for Theology. He also has his own substack.

Gather ‘round the campfire for an episode that flickers with heat, smoke, and truth. In this special fireside edition, we share true stories of people who were labeled criminals. The individuals presented in these stories were thrust in the situations they found themselves in, and they responded in kind. We explore how the lines between legality and morality blur when the law serves power over people. Morality can be messy and such a difficult concept to define, and it's through stories and recorded history that allows us to hone in on what that may look like. How often is justice found not in the courts, but in the courage to resist?Through gripping tales and thoughtful discussion, we unpack the dangers of legalism and the transformative power of civil disobedience. Whether it’s confronting racial injustice, environmental destruction, or everyday ethical dilemmas, we ask: when is it not only acceptable—but necessary—to say no? This episode is a call to conscience, a spark of rebellion, and a reminder that justice sometimes starts with a simple act of defiance.

In this episode, we dive into the murky waters where religion and government collide, exploring how faith is being co-opted for political power. We examine the unsettling rise of religious rhetoric in policymaking and what it means for democracy.From there, we tackle cognitive dissonance—how people hold conflicting beliefs and why it’s so hard to break out of that mental tug-of-war.We also talk immigration, challenging some of the loudest myths and highlighting the real human stories behind the headlines.And of course, no modern conversation is complete without addressing the wildfire spread of misinformation—who's pushing it, who's believing it, and how we can push back.It’s a challenging episode, but one that digs deep into the heart of some of today’s most urgent issues.

In this episode, we take a wild ride through old college stories that are equal parts nostalgic and mildly incriminating. Then we shift gears to unpack the rise of Christian nationalism—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s showing up in culture and politics.We also break down the controversial He Gets Us ads: sincere outreach or slick PR campaign? You decide.And finally, don’t miss our tongue-in-cheek “Prophecy Hour,” where satire meets scripture and the end times have a surprising sense of humor. Come for the laughs, stay for the theological hot takes.

Joe Smith joins us this week as we discuss a whole slew of topics ranging from the passing of Pope Francis, racism, eugenics, deportations and nonviolent resistance. Find a comfy seat and stay for this conversation as we dig into these topics.You can find Joe Smith:Instagram @therealjoe.smithTik Tok @therealjoesmithThreadsFacebookAlso check out his spouse's t-shirt business The Slippery Slope

Shift happens. But what do we do when life gets messy? How do we proceed when our foundations are shaken? Sometimes a shift in perception can make a world of difference. The way we tell our stories can be a powerful tool in how we perceive our reality. Let's be the change!

This is a bit of a unique episode as it is a snippet of a crossover episode with the Systematic Geekology podcast. They kindly invited me over to discuss Star Wars and the politics therein, as well as digging into the second season of Andor. If you like what you hear in this episode, be sure to check out Systematic Geekology wherever podcasts are found.SpotifyInstagram @systematicgeekologyFacebook