Yes - There was a real Santa Claus - St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.

In this special Christmas episode, Emma and Ginny speak with Father John about the historic St. Nicholas and the significance of the whole Advent season. You’ll discover new traditions to make the season richer and more meaningful for your family. Take a listen!

Helpful Resources 

Books:

To Dance with God: Family Ritual and Community Celebration 

Glad and Golden Hours: A Companion for Advent and Christmastide

The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life - The Ancient Practices Series

Films:

VeggieTales | Saint Nicholas 🎄 Christmas Special

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story (2015) | Full Movie

Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa

Can gratitude really change your life?

Award-winning author and life coach Donna Wyland sits down with Emma and Ginny to explore how gratitude can reshape a life. Donna opens up about personal loss, seeking purpose, and the passion behind her books, A Guided Gratitude Journal and Last Best Year: A Short Guide to a Grateful Life.

Helpful Links: 

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Gratitude-Journal-Donna-Wyland/dp/1732870578/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Last-Best-Year-Short-Grateful-ebook/dp/B0FN6NM6FB/ref

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0025LHZNW?ingress=0&visitId=07fca6c8-afa3-4515-a342-f6a72bf4ff4f&ccs_id=93d32cc6-1e14-4c85-969c-d60a7aa7f482

Spotify "Last Best Year" Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZdrrHave9d6tGMsc88iAS?si=ec8508c022d240c3

"Free to Be" Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freetobe/id1563122045

Is God multilingual? Is McDonald's food "ethnic?"

Dr. Nelson Jennings, a Missions Professor and Author, shares his experiences living and teaching in Japan and Korea. He explores the powerful connection between Culture and Faith, the transforming power of learning a new language, and the adventure of "moving toward people" wherever we live. 

Helpful Links: 

AI is everywhere—and it’s changing how we live. 

Johns Hopkins Instructor David Concepcion separates the real from the hype—and explores how AI is impacting our society, relationships, and even our faith. A hopeful conversation that blends caution with curiosity.

About Today’s Guest:

David Concepcion | Hopkins EP Online

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trusted/

Articles and Websites:

AI and Faith

Does AI hurt the environment? Does it impact energy bills? : It's Been a Minute : NPR

How to master chatGPT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tLHVyd7WtM

Review of useful AI Tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upDOltxNRqQ

How can a church use AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaCU_y2b23U

Is the True Hero returning to popular culture?

Vincent Andreano, founder of Oblation Comics, talks about his upcoming graphic novel, Arbiter.  Discover how Vinny's daughter inspired him to return to his passion for art and storytelling and why he believes popular culture is seeking True Heroes. Get encouragement for rediscovering your own passion and getting to work today!

Links to Vinny's work

ARBITER | Oblation Comics

Arbiter - FundMyComic

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:39 Meet Vinny: The Artist's Journey

01:20 Founding Oblation Comics

02:33 Reigniting the Passion

04:12 The Craft of Graphic Novels

08:47 The Story of Arbiter

10:04 Inspiration and Themes

14:01 The Evolution of Heroes

16:29 The Evolution of Superheroes and Transhumanism

17:30 Revival and the Return to Truth

18:24 Bonding Through Art with My Daughter

21:08 Balancing Passion Projects with Family Life

21:44 The Journey of Creating Arbiter

27:05 Crowdfunding and Bringing Arbiter to Life

30:23 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Message

Want to spark your own creativity?

Performance Artist Lydia Lundgren shares how faith and creativity shape her life – and how you can ignite your own creativity.

Lydia’s journey from a restrictive church to embracing her God-given calling reveals how creativity can nourish our souls and carry us through hard times, blessing others along the way.

Lydia Lundgren’s Work

Fairy StoryTime Images on IG

Fairy StoryTime Videos on YouTube

Lydia’s Website

Lydia’s Performance art on YouTube

Resources

The Artists Way book by Julia Cameron

00:00 Introduction to Lydia Lundgren

00:19 Meet the Artist: Lydia's Creative Journey

02:56 Faith and Art: Lydia's Spiritual Path

07:49 Fairy Story Time: A Unique Ministry

25:36 The Healing Power of Art

27:54 Encouraging Creativity in Everyday Life

30:34 Conclusion and Listener Challenge

Back to Belfast - What happens when God calls you from a life of despair, depression, and self-destruction to be an Evangelist…in the very place you fled?

Deborah McCracken shares her raw journey from rebellion to new life and how she learned to hear God’s voice. Her story offers hope and a powerful prayer for anyone walking through dark places.

Follow Deborah’s Ministry and Travels:

Recovered Beloved on Facebook

Recovered Beloved on Instagram

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Deborah's Calling and Evangelism

01:50 Struggles and Turning Points

06:27 Influence of a Faithful Family

11:10 Evangelism in Northern Ireland

22:06 Hearing God's Voice

26:19 Encouragement and Prayer

31:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

Co-hosts Ginny and Emma interview Kara Medrano – an expert in special education, specializing in autism.

Medrano explains autism traits, misconceptions, and how to get support. She gives practical tips, including how to communicate with those on the spectrum and ways to help them build independence. Having a child on the spectrum, Ginny is eager to hear what Kara Medrano has to say.

Helpful Resources:

Book: Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:34 Meet Kara Medrano: Autism Expert

01:38 Kara's Journey into Special Education

04:09 Family Involvement in Special Needs

05:11 Understanding Autism: Common Traits

10:07 Misconceptions About Autism

12:52 Hope and Progress for Individuals with Autism

17:30 Effective Communication Strategies

19:38 Kara's Inspiration and Personal Growth

28:42 Resources and Recommendations for Parents

31:09 Conclusion and Farewell

Co-hosts Ginny and Emma interview Kara Medrano – an expert in special education, specializing in autism.

Medrano unpacks autism traits, misconceptions, and how to get support. She gives practical tips, including how to communicate with people on the spectrum and ways to help them build independence. Having a child on the spectrum, Ginny is eager to hear what Kara Medrano has to say.

Helpful Resources:

Book: Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:34 Meet Kara Medrano: Autism Expert

01:38 Kara's Journey into Special Education

04:09 Family Involvement in Special Needs

05:11 Understanding Autism: Common Traits

10:07 Misconceptions About Autism

12:52 Hope and Progress for Individuals with Autism

17:30 Effective Communication Strategies

19:38 Kara's Inspiration and Personal Growth

28:42 Resources and Recommendations for Parents

31:09 Conclusion and Farewell

Think you know enough about Human Trafficking? Think again. 

Simon Arkley of The Lantern Project explains both the tradition and new forms of trafficking that hide in plain sight - labor trafficking, dept bondage, and - the new face of trafficking - digital "sexploitation" of children through apps and social media, especially young boys. Learn the warning signs and how, together, we can make a difference.

Helpful Links:

The Lantern Project 

Site: https://thelantern.net

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheLanternProject01

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the.lantern.project/?hl=en

Email Sign Up: https://mailchi.mp/08ad491c5b99/joinus

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:21 Meet Simon Arkley and The Lantern Project

01:01 Understanding Human Trafficking

01:57 The Reality of Trafficking in Cities

03:19 Types of Trafficking and Their Impact

04:46 Simon's Personal Journey

07:22 Modern Trafficking Tactics

17:31 Parental Guidance and Safety Measures

22:29 Emotional Toll and Coping Mechanisms

26:29 Final Thoughts and Resources