Wall Street Banker: "The Devil Enters Through Your Ego"

John Studzinski — a leading investment banker and philanthropist — has spent his life at the intersection of global finance and the Catholic Church. In this conversation, he reflects on his rise on Wall Street, his commitment to serving others, and the spiritual vision behind his philanthropic work. A trusted advisor to popes and cardinals, he has supported initiatives in human rights, charitable outreach, and the arts. His work with the Genesis Foundation includes commissioning Angels Unawares, a sacred composition by Sir James MacMillan performed in the Sistine Chapel. The title points to a central theme of his life: an awareness of the unseen—and a call to generosity rooted in faith. Guest bio: John Studzinski is an international investment banker and philanthropist. Through his Genesis Foundation, he supports projects in the arts, education, and humanitarian work, often in collaboration with Vatican institutions. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 02:17 “The Eye of the Needle” — Wealth, Responsibility, and the Gospel 05:11 A Childhood of Giving — Inviting the Homeless at Age Six 08:28 From Boston to Wall Street — The Path into Finance 10:03 Faith on Wall Street — Mass, Discipline, and Purpose 14:13 The Reality of Power — Ego, Money, and Teresa of Ávila 16:32 Spiritual Warfare — Darkness, Evil, and the Modern World 17:50 The Car Crash — Survival, Suffering, and Surrender to God 24:25 The Genesis Foundation — Art, Opportunity, and Human Dignity 29:41 Philanthropy Reframed — Beyond Money to Time and Talent 32:59 Angels and the Supernatural — A Lived Experience 38:56 Angels Unawares — Sacred Music in the Sistine Chapel 45:30 The Talent for Giving — Rethinking Charity Today 48:54 The Poor and the Church — Charity vs. Transformation -- -- -- Subscribe to Vatican Access to receive new episodes, exclusive interviews, and special content delivered directly to your inbox at vaticanaccess.com. -- -- -- Follow Vatican Access on Social Media: 📌 Facebook: / vaticanaccess 📸 Instagram: / vaticanaccess 𝕏 Twitter/X: / vaticanaccess 🎵 TikTok: / vaticanaccess #Vatican #CatholicChurch #SistineChapel #Philanthropy #Charity #Arts