A Note From That KEVIN - 12/13/25

A Note From That Kevin

Audio By Carbonatix

Some weeks don’t just pass by — they arrive, fully dressed, ringing the doorbell, demanding to be remembered. This was one of those weeks.

It began on Sunday in a place that still feels a little surreal every time I say it out loud: the White House Christmas reception. Perfect December weather, the kind that sharpens the air and heightens every sense. As we entered, the sound of live music — a Marine Corps string ensemble blended with a classic power trio — wrapped the evening in something reverent and joyful all at once. Each room revealed its own story, its own Christmas tree, its own carefully imagined theme. No two alike. All stunning. It was elegance without arrogance, tradition without dust.

The food? Otherworldly. Stone crab claws, whisper-thin filet, mac and cheese elevated to something near holy. Champagne, eggnog, the famous gingerbread cookies — all of it flowing freely as conversations bounced from faith to policy to family to gratitude. And then the President arrived, funny and sharp, delivering good news extemporaneously like a man genuinely enjoying the moment. It was, in every sense, a reminder of why Christmas still matters — publicly and personally.

By Tuesday, the celebration shifted from Washington to New York City, where we gathered with our Salem NYC, Fun Friday, and Oilfacts families. Different rooms, different accents, same heartbeat. These are the people who make the long days possible and the big dreams sustainable — colleagues, collaborators, friends. There’s something powerful about standing in a room with people who believe in the work, the mission, and the values that anchor it all. We laughed. We clinked glasses. We reminded ourselves that none of this is built alone.

And the pace isn’t slowing.

This weekend brings another full slate — including a big television show featuring Cooper Smith, Derrick Morgan, Patrice Onwuka, and Lee Strobel. Important conversations, timely insights, and — because it is the season — music that lifts the soul. The Gettys, We The Messengers, and Blessing Offor will be part of our Holiday Spotlight, and if you know anything about my heart for music, you know how much that means to me.

There’s also something else I don’t want you to miss.

Right now, you have a chance to WIN a trip to Italy — yes, that Italy. It’s our Italy Unfiltered adventure, and the details are waiting for you at the very top of the main page at ThatPassportLife.com. Go look. Seriously. It could be the beginning of a memory you’ll carry for the rest of your life.

Finally, a personal note of gratitude: I’m proud to now be part of the Salem Podcast Network. If you haven’t yet, please listen, like, follow, and subscribe. Every click helps us tell better stories, reach more people, and keep building what we’re building together.

This season is full. And beautiful. And moving quickly.

More this weekend.

— That KEVIN