From hotdish vs. casserole debates to Costco rage, forgotten gifts, and the strange appeal of ice-fishing bars that deliver drinks by snowmobile, this episode is packed with relatable holiday regret and classic GCP banter. It’s laid-back, funny, and exactly the kind of conversation that happens when friends sit down with coffee after a long night out.

If you’ve ever overcommitted during the holidays, questioned your life choices at Costco, or wondered why people willingly live somewhere that makes 26 degrees feel “warm,” this one’s for you.

00:00 – Cold Open Chaos
Hangover Sunday energy kicks in with weather talk, rambling intros, and the crew easing into the episode.

03:30 – Pacific Northwest Flooding
Discussion of heavy rain, flooding, and how the PNW handles “extreme” weather compared to other regions.

07:45 – Regional Disaster Comparisons
Comparing floods, hurricanes, and winter storms — and which ones people think they’re prepared for.

12:10 – Hobby Farms & Animal Rentals
The conversation drifts into hobby farms, renting goats and sheep for land management, and why everyone secretly wants a farm.

18:00 – HOA Goats & Landscaping Logic
Using animals to clear land sounds ridiculous… until it actually makes sense.

22:30 – Holiday Shopping Panic
Forgetting what gifts you already bought, last-minute shopping stress, and the fear of missing something important.

28:10 – Mall Trips Right Before Christmas
Why the mall is the worst possible place to be during the holidays — and why people keep going anyway.

33:45 – Costco During the Holidays
Costco chaos, overbuying, and immediate regret the moment you walk through the door.

39:30 – Midwest Winters Explained
How extreme cold reshapes daily life, expectations, and what people consider “nice weather.”

45:00 – Ice Bars on Frozen Lakes
Fully operational bars and restaurants built on frozen lakes — including snowmobile delivery and ice roads.

52:20 – Ice Fishing Culture
Ice houses, fishing setups, and why drinking on a frozen lake somehow feels normal.

58:40 – Hotdish vs. Casserole Debate
A deeply serious discussion about terminology, Midwest food culture, and culinary loyalty.

1:05:30 – Holiday Regret Sets In
Reflecting on overcommitting, holiday exhaustion, and realizing everyone feels behind this time of year.

1:11:00 – Hangover Sunday Wrap-Up
Final thoughts, laughs, and the crew easing out of the episode in true GCP fashion.

Sponsored By:

• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15
• RCF Exteriors: Cut Wood. Not Corners. RCF Exteriors specializes in Window and Door installation across the South Puget Sound region. RCF Exteriors is a customer service orientated company with 20+ years experience in window and door installation. Our efficient and knowledgeable team is dedication to making sure you are satisfied with not only the final product but throughout the entire installation process. Email: rcfexteriors@gmail.com Phone: 253-446-8854
• The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Damage from record flooding in Washington state is profound, with more on the way, governor says - OPB — The extent of the damage in Washington state is profound but unclear after more than a week of heavy rains and record flooding, Gov. Bob Ferguson said Tuesday, as more high water, mudslides and power outages were in the forecast.
• Flooding in Washington
• 2025 Pacific Northwest floods - Wikipedia
• The MN Ice Bar Series 2025-2026 – Minnesota Ice — Embracing winter one ice bar at a time The MN Ice Bar Series was born from a desire to turn Minnesota winters into a season of opportunity and joy for local businesses and their communities.
• Where to Find Heated Patios, Ice Bars and Igloos This Winter | Explore Minnesota
• Don't Be a Bitch (Or You Won't Get Stuff for Christmas) - Clownvis Presley - YouTube
• Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe
• Hotdish - Wikipedia — A hotdish (or hot dish) is a casserole that typically contains a starch, a meat, and a canned or frozen vegetable mixed with canned soup.

00:00 – The episode kicks off debating the significance of mentioning when they experience echoes while recording, Justin shares how people can listen to them live, and talks about The Tacoma Light Trail. He shares the different events that happen during the festival, Erik joins them live from the Tacoma Double Header Soccer game, and Justin issues a correction and open invite to Side Piece Kitchen.

17:49 – Justin expresses that GCP is a Juggalo-inclusive place, shares what’s on the Side Piece Kitchen menu, and Scott talks about Kia Boys making national news. He talks about Kia’s selling like crazy right now, they talk about interest rates being currently high, and Scott encourages Justin to join him on the train ride into Seattle.

35:51 – Jeff encourages the OG to step in and give the Kia Boys a reality check on where may be headed, Scott talks about the MLM scheme behind criminal gangs, and gives a shout-out to Nicks Handmade Boots. Justin affirms he’s a blue-collar creative, gives props to StreetBeefs Scrapyard, and reflects on one of his fave dive bars from the past.

52:25 – Justin talks about the new sports bar The Penalty Box opening in Lakewood, Scott expresses his love of Justin's transformation, and Justin talks about their upcoming guests. He expresses his love of freeze-dried Milk Duds, Scott talks about things in the works with Galactic Druid Treats, and Justin talks about the other guests they’ll be talking to soon.

Sponsored By:

• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• Grim Workshop: Grim Workshop specializes in the making and using of ultralight, reusable, and wearable everyday carry tools. Perfect for a standalone ultralight survival kit that you can keep on hand at all times or as an addition to an existing survival kit to remove unwanted weight. A Family Owned and Operated Company Grim Workshop is proudly family owned and operated deep in the heart of Texas
• RCF Exteriors: Cut Wood. Not Corners. RCF Exteriors specializes in Window and Door installation across the South Puget Sound region. RCF Exteriors is a customer service orientated company with 20+ years experience in window and door installation. Our efficient and knowledgeable team is dedication to making sure you are satisfied with not only the final product but throughout the entire installation process. Email: rcfexteriors@gmail.com Phone: 253-446-8854

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• The Grit City Podcast: GCP: Friday Night Hangout - Goodbye 2022! ~ Tacoma Light Trail — On this special episode, Justin first converses with Cheryl Rux, local artist and art coordinator from the Tacoma Light Trail.
• TACOMA LIGHT TRAIL – Light art downtown. — A free winter festival of light art in downtown Tacoma. Outdoor performances. Dragon Parades. Lumens concerts, Lighted Bike Ride and more.
• Tacoma Galaxy - Tacoma Stars
• BRUNCHIN' IN TACOMA | SIDE PIECE KITCHEN — GETTIN' BAKED SINCE 2022 JOIN US AT OUR BRICK AND MORTAR 4704 s oakes st | tacoma wa
• Parents concerned about their children's safety after latest 'Kia Boyz' incident near Tacoma middle school | king5.com
• Nicks Handmade Boots - Best Work Boots for Men and Women
• RCF Exteriors
• The Grit City Podcast: Streetbeefs Scrapyard — This time, the guys get the chance to talk with Steve Hagara, founder of Streetbeefs Scrapyard.
• Galactic Druid Treats | Facebook
• Don't Be a Bitch (Or You Won't Get Stuff for Christmas) - Clownvis Presley - YouTube

01:34 – Justin shares where people can listen to them live, talks about the bonus Patreon episode, and the recent mass shooting in Tacoma that made national news. They talk about bringing duals back, encouraging people to go to Street Beefs instead of using guns, and Scott recommends people leave their weapons at home before going out on a night on the town.

16:24 – Scott talks about choosing not to spend his money at places that support things he doesn’t support, Jeff talks about his interaction with the owner of Dorky’s, and they talk about other local game places. Derek talks about what he and his wife did for their anniversary, the bar in Seattle they met at, and Scott shares one of his favorite burger places in Salt Lake City.

32:09 – Justin talks about enjoying delicious, messy burgers at Carl’s Junior, gives a shout-out to Side Piece Kitchen, and mentions the return of pickle cheesecake there. He talks about them being at the upcoming Grit City Comic show, Scott expresses his excitement, and talks about them having two booths there.

48:14 – Justin talks about the game they’ll be playing during the event, the various events he’s also attended at the Tacoma Convention Center, and expresses his excitement for playing their new mini golf VR game. Derek talks about his new VR gear, testing the mini-golf game with Jeff, and Justin explains the various Patreon benefits they offer.

Sponsored By:

• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• RCF Exteriors: Cut Wood. Not Corners. RCF Exteriors specializes in Window and Door installation across the South Puget Sound region. RCF Exteriors is a customer service orientated company with 20+ years experience in window and door installation. Our efficient and knowledgeable team is dedication to making sure you are satisfied with not only the final product but throughout the entire installation process. Email: rcfexteriors@gmail.com Phone: 253-446-8854

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Shooting leaves 2 dead, 3 wounded in Tacoma, Washington | CNN — At least two people were killed and three others wounded in a shooting early Sunday morning at a business in Tacoma, Washington, according to the Tacoma Police Department.
• STREETBEEFS - YouTube — OUR EXHIBITION MATCHES ARE 100% LEGAL.
• Apollo Burger - quick service restaurants throughout Utah. — We at Apollo love giving Utah families quality food and quick service.
• Comic Book Convention, Tacoma, WA | Grit City Comic Show

00:05 – Justin kicks off this episode talking about why he loves shopping at Winco, talks about having Covid, and they talk about the sign-ups they've gotten so far for Putt Stuff. Justin discusses their plans to do a practice round before the event, the upcoming 4th of July party, and the 420 celebrations around town. He gives a shout-out to comedian Brian Posehn for doing the comedy show in Tacoma after being in a car accident and talks about the plans for a second comedy club in Tacoma.

26:03 – Justin talks about how late-night comedy shows are more entertaining, they review The Top 15 Bars in Tacoma article, and their take on each of the bars reviewed in it. Justin talks about being intimidated to go to Bob's Java Dive, Scott talks about the bar being in movies, and Justin shares what he loves about Top of Tacoma. He reflects on winning a costume contest back in the day, events at Dystopian State Brewing Company, and they make plans to take Derek to the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

51:05 – Scott shares his hate of the word keef, Justin kicks off Is It Tacoma, and goes through each headline. GCP live listeners give their insight on the articles, Scott gives his guess, and Jeff considers each of the stories and shares his guess. Justin reveals where each article is from, Scott expresses how Sumner is his least favorite train stop, and Jeff talks about an experience with his apartment flooding. Scott reflects on past adventures with his float tank, considering buying an underground house back in the day, and discusses the benefits of having a bunker.

76:33 – The group discusses whether they would live in the penthouse of a hotel, the downfalls of living there, and Scott talks about wanting to visit Maryhill's Stonehenge. Justin explains the spots history, where it's located, and they plan a road trip to explore it. Derek gives his review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, what he loved about the show, and a listener recommends they watch Cocaine Bear. Jeff and Derek share what scenes stick out from Caddyshack for each of them, Justin talks about appreciating Chevy Chase's performance in the movie, and Jeff recommends the documentary about the movie.

Sponsored By:

• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• RCF Exteriors: Cut Wood. Not Corners. RCF Exteriors specializes in Window and Door installation across the South Puget Sound region. RCF Exteriors is a customer service orientated company with 20+ years experience in window and door installation. Our efficient and knowledgeable team is dedication to making sure you are satisfied with not only the final product but throughout the entire installation process. Email: rcfexteriors@gmail.com Phone: 253-446-8854

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Pint Defiance | Taproom | Tacoma — With our wide range of specialty beers, both in bottle and on tap, along with our casual and friendly atmosphere, we’ve proven again and again that we value providing quality beer and company to our community.
• Doyle's Public House – The best whiskey bar on the West Coast!
• World famous Bob's Java Jive (@bobsjavajive) • Instagram photos and videos — Bob's Java Jive is a national landmark, historic site where many movies have been filmed and famous entertainers got their start.
• SPD: Man arrested after setting hotel room mattress on fire, leaving — A man was arrested in downtown Seattle after reportedly setting a bed on fire in his hotel room Tuesday evening.
• Sumner armed robbery leaves customer injured, store flooded — Two robbers in Sumner are accused of beating up a customer, then leaving the store flooded after shooting a hole into a pipe in the ceiling.  
• Tacoma woman accused of flooding her apartment, causing millions in damage & displacing dozens — Dozens of people on fixed incomes need to find a new place to stay after police said one of their neighbors destroyed a pipe in their Tacoma apartment complex, causing $2 million in damage. 
• 15 Best Bars in Tacoma, Washington in 2023 - MyBartender — Tacoma, Washington, affectionately known as the “City of Destiny” or “Grit City,” is nestled in the stunning Pacific Northwest!

01:05 – Jeff reveals the safe word of the day, Justin talks about where they are recording, and the importance of never swiping right on Jeff's cell phone. Justin shares the location of Pint and Pie, Greg shares the company's history, and getting the second taproom in Tacoma started. He talks about partnering with the person that makes their pies, Justin talks about his excitement over the savory pies they have, and Alec talks about how he got started working with Greg. Greg shares his appreciation for having Alec on the team, Justin reflects on his gratitude for the process behind brewing, and Scott talks about his love of interviewing breweries.

15:24 – Justin talks about the history around the Old City Hall area in Tacoma, Greg talks about the history behind the building they are in, and Justin expresses his love for the Union Club where they record. Greg talks about what the building was before they moved in, how the pies are made, and Yolanda talks about the weird ghost activity that has gone on at the bar. Justin talks about past Scott and Brogans ghost-hunting adventures, and Jeff expresses the importance of local businesses letting people in for ghost-hunting tours.

30:37 – Justin talks about the city's hopes to renovate Old City Hall, Greg talks about their holiday plans, and Justin shares their recent decision to put up their Christmas Tree. Greg calls himself out around decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving is over, Yolanda talks about the events they have at the bar, including hosting a wedding, and Greg talks about how easy it is to book something there. Jeff talks about where he and his wife had their marriage ceremony at in Tacoma, Scott talks about the area still recovering from Covid, and Geg talks about the different dynamics between running a bar in Tacoma and other areas.

43:32 – Greg explains how many beers they typically have on tap, Alec talks about finding new ideas for beers, and how long he's been in the area. He speaks on the difference between the PNW and where he's from in Michigan, how Tacoma has grown on him, and Greg talks about the whole brewing industry is in flux right now. Alec shares his beer preference, Yolanda describes how they sell flights, and Greg talks about them going through a company name change. He talks about what caused them to make the change, being a hockey fan, and his excitement for the Kraken.

Special Guest: PintNPie.

Sponsored By:

• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Pint & Pie - Tacoma — Northwest Brewing Company was born in the Pacific Northwest. We use the finest ingredients from right in our backyard.
• Pint & Pie Public House on Facebook
• Professional cornhole rocked by 'BagGate' cheating scandal — Professional cornhole has been rocked by controversy after the top-ranked team was accused of using illegal bean bags at the 2022 American Cornhole League World Championships in August.
• PINT & PIE on Yelp
• Pint & Pie Public House (@pint_n_pie) • Instagram — Your neighborhood gathering spot specializing in craft beer and savory / sweet pies
• Northwest Brewing Company

01:55 – Jeff shares what square GCP would be if they were on Hollywood Square, they talk about pre-funking, and Justin welcomes Joe to the podcast. Joe shares how often Game of Grief is published, being up to podcast 141, and where the idea for the podcast came from. He discusses what made him start the podcast, talks about getting the Play Sation 5, and questions the group on different ways of using cannabis. Justin talks about his love of playing Magic online, Jeff explains his preference for playing DND, and they discuss the local Tacoma DND group.

22:33 – Joe talks about trying to be positive on Twitter, Justin talks about "hate reading" tweets, and Scott talks about shutting off his social media. He talks about the live streaming on the Citizen app, Justin talks about using the police scanner on his phone, and the multiple cannabis stores that have been robbed recently in the PNW. Jeff talks about his t-shirt ideas for the show in March, they discuss the illegal marijuana farms that are still out there in the states where it's legal, and share their reviews of Mead.

47:05 – They jump into Jeff’s Capades, Jeff gives the ending to his recent car drama, and Joe talks about what he's branched off to with the podcast. He shares what makes the best episodes for the podcast, they talk about the different types of games made to deal specifically with grief, and what the most recent grief game is about. They talk about doom scrolling, Facebook's recent loss of billions of dollars, and Joe talks about expanding his podcast to Spotify.

67:17 – Joe talks about his appreciation for GCP, Justin gives a shout-out to the listener that runs the Ferrell Furniture program, and they discuss Washington easing up on the mask and vaccination mandates. Justin talks about where listeners can find Gaming with Grief online, Joe encourages listeners of his podcast to provide feedback, and Justin discusses GCP's upcoming plans. Scott share's where people can buy GCP t-shirts, Jeff talks about designing the shirts, and Justin promotes the local Shroom Brothers artists. They talk about potential teaming with paranormal groups in the PNW, and Joe talks about shutting off the flat earth episode.

Thanks Joe for joining the guys for a great conversation!

Special Guest: Joe Carlson.

Sponsored By:

• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• The Grief of Politics (podcast) - Avin Carroll and Joseph Carlson | Listen Notes — The politics and policies on the national and local stage effect all of us.
• Gaming with Grief Podcast

1:35 – Justin shares where listeners can find GCP online, how listeners can help them out online, and give props to Jason from Castle Security and Protection. Mark talks about how their podcast came to be, how they found haunted taverns on their quests, and they talk about their tours with Andrew from Tacoma Ghost Tours. Justin talks about the old, potentially haunted, buildings in Tacoma, the different businesses that have been in The Union Club over the years, and they share their haunted experiences there.

13:01 – They talk about the difference between Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Mark talks about how they got into scooters, and their goal to hit 40 bars in 4 days. They give a shout out to The Sandy Hut bar in Portland, the two new ghost stories they just learned about in Tacoma, and Brogan passes out their roulette drinks. They talk about dealing with other drivers on the road, the crazy drivers in the area, and Mark shares the length of time it takes them to create the episodes.

27:15 – Justin shares his ghost experience in Wisconsin, Brogan shares his paranormal experience in one of his old houses, and Jeff talks about the recent ghost experience in his new house. Scott chimes in with his ghost story, they talk about the haunting of the Olympus hotel, and Mark shares his most recent ghost encounter in Union Washington. The show ends with conversation about the haunting of the Pythian Temple in Tacoma and Mark talks about how often they record.

Special thanks you both for joining the guys for great stories and information on your podcast!!!!

Special Guest: Chasing Ghosts. On Scooters. In Bars..

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Chasing Ghosts, Ghost Chasers, Ghosts, Ghost Stories, Ghost Hunting — Chasing Ghosts. On Scooters. In Bars.  Our meandering stories about ghosts, bars, and scooters.  Sure, it's an odd combo, but trust us on this, it all makes sense.
• Tacoma Ghost Tours — THE FIRST & LONGEST RUNNING GHOST TOUR COMPANY IN THE CITY, TACOMA GHOST TOURS HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE OCTOBER 2012 
• Union Club Tacoma — The Union Club is a mixed-use project contributing to Tacoma’s growing artistic and entrepreneurial community.
• The Sandy Hut — 1430 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, Oregon
• Chasing Ghosts. On Scooters. In Bars on Facebook
• Chasing Ghosts. on Scooters. in Bars on Twitter