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Cissie Graham Lynch — granddaughter of Billy and Ruth Graham, daughter of Franklin Graham — joins Greg and Cathe to talk about her new book "Stand Steady," her recent nomination as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, and what it was really like growing up in one of America's most well-known ministry families. In this conversation:- Why Cissie says the church has sometimes "weakened" women, and what strong biblical womanhood actually looks like- The hurricane that inspired "Stand Steady" and the foundation that remains when storms hit- Cathe on walking through grief after losing their son Christopher, and the prodigal years with Jonathan- Greg's personal memories of Billy Graham privately — including the "Not you again" welcome mat at Ruth's door- The four "kings" that quietly rule our lives: Feeling, Trend, Think, and Comfort- Raising kids in a phone-saturated culture, and Franklin's blunt advice to Greg after Christopher's death Plus a lighter round at the end — Thai food, blackberry cobbler, Last of the Mohicans, and why Cissie would want one more dinner with her grandmother. Pick up "Stand Steady" wherever you get your books. Timestamps 00:00 Cissie Graham Lynch on how culture and the church weaken women02:03 What kind of woman will you choose to be?03:26 Growing up a Graham and never wanting ministry08:17 The hurricane, the foundation, and what remains11:47 The four kings: Feeling, Trend, Think, and Comfort14:43 Her mother Jane, the unsung hero19:13 Fake strength from culture, weakened women in the church23:13 A word to young girls in the age of social media30:32 Billy Graham up close and Ruth's sanctified humor40:12 Walking with Jonathan and Christopher through prodigal years48:34 Back in the pulpit three days after losing Christopher57:00 Nominated Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom01:07:47 Favorites, Thai food, Last of the Mohicans, and Motown01:21:20 Closing prayers and blessing   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if 150 years of biblical archaeology hasn't produced a single find that contradicts the Bible? That's the claim Dinesh D'Souza makes in this conversation about his new book, The Stones Cry Out. We talk about the artifacts quietly coming out of the ground in Israel — including the bones of Caiaphas, the clay seal of a minor character from Jeremiah, and the recently confirmed location of Bethsaida — and why most of this isn't being shouted from the rooftops. We also get into:- Why younger generations are drawn to socialism (and how "crony capitalism" fuels it)- The modern state of Israel as prophecy fulfilled- Why Dinesh has been publicly challenging Calvinism- The Pool of Siloam, the Garden Tomb, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre- His years inside the Reagan administration- A lunch with Richard Nixon- Fried bananas, My Cousin Vinny, and Breaker Morant Dinesh is a filmmaker, author, and friend, and this one covers a lot of ground — from apologetics to American history to personal stories. Pick up The Stones Cry Out wherever you get your books.                                                                       Timestamps 00:00 Cold open00:18 Welcoming Dinesh D'Souza00:50 What's so great about America03:04 Why young people are drawn to socialism05:04 Capitalism without a moral base07:03 The Stones Cry Out and biblical archaeology10:29 The Caiaphas ossuary and Pilate findings13:44 The Pools of Bethesda and Siloam16:14 Garden Tomb vs Church of the Holy Sepulchre18:12 Israel's rebirth as fulfilled prophecy20:45 The Dead Sea Scrolls connection22:33 Balaam, son of Beor, and the skeptics24:58 When unbelief isn't really intellectual27:05 Atheism as revenge against God29:20 The problem with Calvinist predestination32:33 Rethinking total depravity34:30 Evangelicals, Arminians, and biblicists37:49 Reconciling free will and God's choice38:37 Favorite comfort food39:10 The three films Dinesh is proudest of41:35 Islam, the left, and a common enemy43:04 Movies he'll rewatch every time45:03 Having lunch with Richard Nixon47:41 Inside Reagan's ranch49:31 Should Christians send kids to secular colleges51:14 Advice to a younger Dinesh53:09 Closing thoughts on The Stones Cry Out Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Rick Rubin is considered by many to be the greatest music producer alive today. His work spans the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Run-DMC, Adele, U2, Neil Diamond, and his legendary American Recordings with Johnny Cash. He has also become one of the most influential voices in culture. His interviews include Paul McCartney in McCartney 3,2,1 and Jay-Z in the HBO series JAŸ-Z in 8. On his podcast, Tetragrammaton, he recently sat down with Neil Young. Now add one more name to that list: Pastor Greg Laurie.In this unusual episode, legendary producer Rick Rubin turns the microphone around and interviews Greg about his life, faith, and the Jesus Movement that shaped him. The conversation moves at the pace of a long dinner between curious friends. Greg answers Rick's questions about faith, baptism, communion, the Holy Spirit, the Sabbath, and whether the God of the Old Testament really differs from the God of the New. He also speaks candidly about losing his son Christopher and what grief taught him about ministering to people in pain.Listen to the original episode on Rick Rubin's Podcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pastor-greg-laurie/id1671669052?i=1000793610276Youtube: https://youtu.be/KGR27hIf8Ow?si=v6Zp5ihvgBCQB2Wv Timestamps:00:00 Open00:06 Welcome and how the Rick Rubin interview came together04:17 Salt and light: pastor vs evangelist06:46 Growing up with a Marilyn Monroe mother and seven stepfathers08:46 Meeting the Jesus freaks and Lonnie Frisbee on campus11:54 Who Lonnie Frisbee really was17:00 Chuck Smith, the steady father figure18:46 Conditions that sparked the Jesus Revolution23:00 Was it just LA, or everywhere?25:53 Deepening faith and losing his son Christopher32:31 Always learning: how understanding Scripture grows39:51 Learning about Jesus after conversion42:02 Starting Harvest without meaning to start a church46:36 Friendship with Billy Graham50:09 Jesus's teachings vs church theology51:53 What faith actually is55:06 The Holy Spirit explained58:47 When burnt offerings stopped01:00:43 Baptism and the recent baptism movement01:03:25 Communion and the Last Supper01:07:00 How Greg prepares a sermon01:12:23 Is the Old Testament God more judgmental?01:15:31 Music, Love Song, and the birth of Christian music01:22:36 Church as grassroots vs industry01:25:08 What's stayed the same since Jesus's time01:27:12 Social media, TV, and the vet with the loaded gun01:29:34 The Sabbath and resting01:31:17 Bob Dylan's conversion and Slow Train Coming01:33:07 Did you choose Jesus or did Jesus choose you? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What would you have done during the Holocaust? Rev. Jonnie Moore says that's no longer a hypothetical question. In this conversation, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with Johnnie Moore—advisor to presidents, humanitarian, and one of the most connected evangelical voices on the global stage—three years after the October 7th attacks on Israel. We cover:• What actually happened on October 7th (and why the world moved on too quickly)• Hamas, Iran, and the reshaping of the Middle East• The surge of antisemitism on both the left and the right• Feeding Gaza while Hamas stole aid• Sharing the gospel with Muslims and Jews• Why Silicon Valley is quietly calling pastors about AI• What President Trump is really like behind closed doors• The best piece of advice Johnnie ever received — from a rabbi Johnnie grew up moving 20 times before age 12, ended up at Liberty under Jerry Falwell Sr., and now works at the intersection of faith, foreign policy, and emerging technology. His story — and his warnings — are worth your time. Subscribe for more conversations like this. Timetamps 00:30 Meet Johnnie Moore02:03 Growing up in the Deep South after his parents' divorce03:00 The balloon-animal mentor who taught him business04:34 Finding faith as his parents' marriage fell apart06:40 Moving to Lynchburg and landing at Liberty08:20 How Jerry Falwell Sr. became a father figure11:54 Three years after October 7th16:46 What Hamas and Iran were really trying to do21:14 The genocide accusation and feeding Gaza26:00 Advising Trump on Iran and the nuclear red line30:51 Sharing the gospel with Muslims and Jews41:03 Leading a Jewish friend to Christ on FaceTime44:10 Why evangelicals must stand against antisemitism now48:26 Bots, bot farms, and the global information war53:49 Why so many pastors are afraid to speak up56:15 Is AI a blessing or a threat?01:01:23 Why Silicon Valley is calling pastors01:06:19 AI as therapy and the church's human advantage01:07:30 Advice to a younger Johnnie: take more risks01:11:16 What would surprise you about President Trump01:16:00 The best advice he ever got, from a rabbi Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Cartoonist Butch Hartman—creator of Nickelodeon's *The Fairly OddParents*—sits down with Greg to talk about a career built on drawing, storytelling, and eventually surrender. Butch traces his path from a chaotic Michigan childhood, where cartoons were a refuge, to CalArts, Hanna-Barbera, and the day Ted Turner told the staff they could pitch their own ideas. He explains why limited animation gave Fred Flintstone a five o'clock shadow, why confidence with ink matters more than talent, and why he left Nickelodeon in 2018 to build a studio around *The Garden*—a Christian series he self-funded when no one else would. Along the way: how tithing broke a stronghold, why he and his wife now pastor a church that started under a tree, and his conviction that if God gives the vision, He gives the provision. Timestamps 00:00 Prototype plush and the $8,000 Goofy maquette story01:22 Meeting a fellow artist and Fairly OddParents' 18-year run03:07 CalArts, Hanna-Barbera and the day Cartoon Network launched05:16 How limited animation made TV cartoons possible06:14 Discovering he could draw by tracing Peter Pan on a wall07:41 Greg's chaotic childhood and the animator with the "magic pencil"09:04 Butch's Michigan upbringing and retreating into cartoons10:57 TV dads as father figures — Hugh Beaumont and Mike Brady12:03 Yellow Dog, brush pens and Mad Magazine influences16:17 Why caricaturing women is a bad idea17:34 Drawing fast at Magic Mountain and switching to digital19:13 First jobs: American Tail, Dexter's Lab, Powerpuff Girls19:55 Seizing the pitch opportunity that changed everything21:05 Writing letters to Charles Schulz as a kid22:38 Getting saved at 35 at Crenshaw Christian Center24:47 Starting Church in the Park during COVID25:13 Preaching Esther on a whiteboard26:24 The Garden: making a Christian cartoon nobody else would28:52 Giving vs. the culture of self-worship30:26 Why Nickelodeon won't touch overtly Christian content31:50 Reaching unexpected people in unexpected places34:42 Where Butch stands on AI in animation37:27 Voice acting and playing Dr. Rip Studwell38:49 Favorite movies and the greatest animated film ever42:35 Human creativity, arrogance and the last days44:47 Advice to a younger Butch: don't be afraid46:13 Go-to Scriptures for anxiety and trust47:01 An invitation to make Jesus Lord of your life50:15 If God gives the vision, He'll give the provision51:32 How Butch wants to be remembered Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it mean to spiral—and is it actually possible to find blessings amid devastating loss? On today’s episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg welcomes author and pastor Levi Lusko for an honest—and often humorous—conversation about grief, calling, leadership, and the surprising ways faith can sustain us through the worst life has to offer.  Together, Pastor Greg and Levi trace their family’s intertwined journeys through ministry, loss, and redemption. From the nostalgia of swapping cassette tapes and youth ministry war stories to the raw pain of losing a child or parent, the two open up about suffering, resilience, and the pursuit of God’s purpose in real life. This conversation is both a balm for broken hearts and an encouragement for leaders, parents, or anyone wondering how to move forward when life gets overwhelming. Find Levi’s book on loss, Through the Eyes of a Lion, here: https://levilusko.com/through-the-eyes-of-a-lion.  Check out Blessed are the Spiraling here: https://www.blessedarethespiraling.com/.  -------- Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:   https://harvest.org/. Find Pastor Greg on social media: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/ https://x.com/greglaurie https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 How a Missed Mentorship Changed Everything02:33 First Meeting: From Fan to Friend04:33 Youth Ministry: “If You Can Preach to Teens…”06:38 Choosing Montana Over Harvest: Defining Your Calling08:05 Walking Through Grief: The Loss of Christopher12:05 “Seeing Through the Eyes of a Lion”: Lenya’s Legacy14:09 Navigating Grief: Guilt, Healing, and Connection16:33 Losing His Dad: “A Different Kind of Grief”17:51 Writing About Pain: Impact Beyond Tragedy18:25 “Success Builds Walls, Failure Builds Bridges”21:44 How Personal Loss Changed Pastoral Ministry22:09 Honoring Lost Loved Ones by Healing23:50 Brokenness, Empathy, and Leadership Growth24:20 Separating Grief: The Laundry Pile Analogy26:14 Hope in Heartbreak: “They’re Not Lost If You Know Where They Are”29:09 Parenting and Calling: Raising Kids in Ministry31:09 Marriage & Hydration: Keeping Relationships Alive32:27 “Intimacy Is Into-Me-You-See”: Wisdom for Newlyweds35:20 Message Prep: Connections, Curiosity & “Move It or Lose It”37:45 Preaching & Writing: The Unique Joys of Both39:46 Writing Habits: Seinfeld, Deadlines, and Staying Creative43:06 Staying Faithful: Why I Chose My Church Over Big Offers45:23 New Book: “Blessed Are the Spiraling” and Midlife Crisis47:38 From Fire to Significance: Shifting Life’s Focus51:25 Movement Conference: Investing in the Next Generation53:18 Learning to Champion Others, Not Compete55:12 What’s Changed in Reaching Young People58:16 “Make Your Bed”: Keystone Habits & Authentic Leadership59:45 The Power of Challenge, Not Coddling01:00:19 Last Meal? In-N-Out & Good Coffee01:01:11 Movies, Heroes, and Becoming Yoda01:02:19 Pulpit Bloopers: Unusual Booty and Other Slip-Ups01:05:08 Hope, Legacy, and What’s Next Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Frank Turek was near Charlie Kirk on the day he was killed at UVU. A year later, he sits down with Greg to talk about grief, evil, and what Charlie's legacy means for the church now. From there, the conversation opens up into Frank's new book, The War on Reality (co-written with Phoenix Hayes, with a foreword by Erika Kirk), and the cultural questions Frank is hearing most on college campuses today. In this episode:- The night Charlie was killed and what Erika said to Frank at the hospital- Why the top three objections to Christianity today are all about morality- The transgender conversation, detransitioners, and what to actually say to your kid- Why socialism keeps making a comeback on campus- The rise of antisemitism after October 7th- AI, hallucinations, and the "Madagascar" test that failed 33 out of 35 students- Plus: Beatles trivia, desert island songs, and Greg's awkward encounter with Ringo Learn more about Frank's book at thewaronreality.com. Subscribe for new conversations every week. Timestamps: 00:41 Remembering Charlie Kirk one year later02:26 Why it's not PTSD — it's normal grief04:11 Evil, eternity, and the ripple effect07:16 Erika Kirk: "Don't let his legacy die"09:53 How campus objections shifted to morality14:10 Is the church feeding the war on reality?18:34 The trans social contagion and detransitioners22:03 Questions to ask a child who says "I'm trans"25:38 Why socialism keeps making a comeback29:13 Ten reasons Christians must engage politically32:51 The hidden dangers of AI hallucinations37:20 The spiritual roots of rising antisemitism44:09 Go-to verses for stress and suffering49:42 One last sermon: glorified or horrified53:35 Beatles rabbit hole and witnessing to Ringo59:10 Why he wrote The War on Reality Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the day thousands of Americans lost their lives at the hands of Islamic terrorists. Pastor Greg Laurie reflects on this tragic moment in our history, and how a unique spiritual moment was born from it, sharing from his personal experience at the World Trade Center just two days after the attack. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"This is a tribute I wrote and filmed to remember the impactful life of Charlie Kirk on the first anniversary of his tragic death. Charlie, a follower of Jesus, lived a life worth remembering—and emulating. His courage, conviction, and commitment to sharing his faith made a lasting impact on countless lives." —Pastor Greg Laurie Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jeremy Boreing on why revolution isn't the answer — and what actually is. In Part 2 of our conversation, Jeremy makes the case that America doesn't need to tear down the Constitution. It needs to become the kind of people the Constitution was written for. We talk about why every godless revolution in history has ended in blood, why the American founding was different, and why the revolution we actually need is a revolution of the heart. Then things get personal. We swap favorite films (Braveheart, Ben-Hur, Tombstone, The Godfather), argue about the Beatles, trade Eagles memories from the Sphere, and land on how art — even a small movie with a jazz score — can travel further than you'd ever guess. We close with the story behind the bent key Jeremy has worn around his neck for 31 years. It's worth staying for. Timestamps 00:33 Who should run in 2028?01:51 Conservatism didn't fail — we did03:33 America's revolution vs. all the others05:46 Why revolution today would destroy us07:31 The real revolution is in the heart08:12 Hardest and easiest people to interview11:02 Top five favorite films13:31 Dinner with Churchill, Paul, and Henley15:33 The hidden hero behind country rock17:03 Death row meals and Taco Villa19:12 Desert island songs and the Beatles23:15 How Ben-Hur led Greg to Christ26:15 Artists as co-creators with God27:12 The Wayne Shorter jazz score story31:01 The story behind the bent key Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jeremy Boreing on why conservatives keep missing the future — and what he's building next after The Daily Wire. In this conversation, Greg Laurie sits down with Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire, to talk about creativity, failure, faith, and the next generational shift already underway. What you'll hear:- The night reading Galatians in a Pizza Hut parking lot changed everything- Why Jeremy told Michael Knowles to hold his dreams loosely- The billion-dollar lesson from Jeremy's exit from The Daily Wire- How conservatives keep falling into a "fail, complain, fundraise" cycle- Why AI is the next social media moment — and what happens if Christians sit it out- The failure of Gen X and Boomers to hand the next generation better choices- How to answer nihilism, antisemitism, and despair with actual creation Jeremy makes the case that dominion isn't about reacting to culture — it's about building something worth choosing. Greg presses him on what that looks like for the gospel in an AI age. Subscribe and download the Harvest+ app for more. Timestamps 00:31 Meet Jeremy Boreing02:28 From West Texas to failing in LA03:22 The billion-dollar mistake at Daily Wire05:42 Spotting Ben Shapiro's talent early07:49 The Michael Knowles breakfast: holding dreams loosely10:06 Discovering he was a creator, not an actor14:48 Reading Galatians in a Pizza Hut parking lot19:29 Truth Revolt, getting fired by David Horowitz25:30 The generational insight behind Daily Wire28:57 Why conservatives keep missing the next wave33:23 AI as the new mission field40:55 Nihilism, antisemitism, and a failed generation45:08 What Gen X and Boomers owe the next generation Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

From gang life at age 11 to reaching millions on YouTube — Ruslan KD sits down with Greg Laurie to talk about the long road home. Born in Azerbaijan, ethnically Armenian, and raised by a single mom in San Diego, Ruslan's story starts with a botched break-in, a cop next door, and a Black Baptist church that told an 11-year-old kid God would use him one day. They were right. In this conversation: How Ruslan finally surrendered to Christ at a Miles McPherson crusade• The 3 pillars of biblical manhood: priest, provider, protector• Why Gen Z is the most Jesus-curious generation — and what they need from boomers• The difference between selfish ambition and godly ambition (from his new book)• Why every pastor should have a podcast• Financial literacy, communism vs. capitalism, and what the church keeps missing• The verse Ruslan returns to when life gets loud Whether you're a young man trying to figure out what a godly life looks like, or an older believer wondering how to reach the next generation — this one's worth your time. Grab Ruslan's book Godly Ambition wherever books are sold. Timestamps 00:22 Meet Ruslan: rapper, apologist, YouTuber01:37 From Baku to a Vegas gang at age 1104:24 Community service leads him to church07:10 Wrestling with Jesus vs. Jehovah's Witnesses09:54 Why the gospel finally clicked14:14 What "godly ambition" actually means18:33 The three pillars: priest, provider, protector26:11 Communism, socialism, and taxing the rich29:26 Gen Z: the walking paradox36:39 Why open your home to a stranger39:41 What's fueling the church growth boom50:17 Teaching young people how to think54:00 If you had 2 minutes with a million Gen Z kids   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations from The Greg Laurie Show, featuring acclaimed actor Dennis Quaid and his powerful story of faith, fame, addiction, and personal transformation. What drives a Hollywood legend to trade red carpets and fame for a deeper search for meaning? From iconic roles in films like "The Big Easy" and "I Can Only Imagine," Dennis Quaid opens up about his unconventional spiritual journey—from his Baptist upbringing to exploring Eastern mysticism in India, and ultimately, a life-changing encounter with Jesus. The episode dives deep into the heart of Quaid’s story, revealing the turbulence behind the spotlight, his battles with addiction, and what finally brought him home to a living, personal faith. Highlights include: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of faith-based films in Hollywood, including surprising moments from "I Can Only Imagine" and "Soul Surfer" that shaped the genre and broke box-office expectations. Thoughtful reflections on the role of shame, forgiveness, and the persistent hope found in Christ—no matter your past. Honest advice for anyone chasing success, struggling with temptation, or searching for something real in a world of quick fixes. Woven throughout, Pastor Greg Laurie and Dennis Quaid share candid moments about life, lessons from legendary figures like Johnny Cash and Steve McQueen, and powerful truths for anyone standing at a crossroads. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can bring beauty from ashes—or if you’re just curious what happens when a Hollywood star dares to get real about faith—you won’t want to miss this conversation. Subscribe for more conversations like this, where faith meets life, and real stories lead to real hope. Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:   https://harvest.org/. Find Pastor Greg on social media: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/ https://x.com/greglaurie https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. --------   CHAPTERS: 00:07 Recording Johnny Cash at Home01:12 Dennis Quaid Learns Guitar from Johnny Cash03:36 Dylan’s Influence on The Beatles & Rock Legends05:44 Movie Roles Dennis Quaid Regrets Turning Down08:03 Not Getting Typecast: Dennis Quaid’s Career Philosophy09:56 Jesus, Shame, and Freedom: Spiritual Reflections11:30 Preparing for Doc Holliday: Physical & Emotional Toll13:53 Ronald Reagan: Insecurity & Triumphs16:17 Reagan’s Strategy with Gorbachev Explained17:10 Behind the Scenes with President Trump19:15 Staying at the White House: Clinton & Instant Coffee20:43 The Political Divide: Common Sense vs. Extremes22:03 Dennis Quaid’s "Seeker" Years & Spiritual Journey26:55 The Power of Jesus’ Red Letters28:22 "I Can Only Imagine": Shifting Faith Film Standards31:54 Standing Up for Faith in “Soul Surfer”33:31 Hollywood’s Spiritual Revolution Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christine Caine on why the "victim narrative" is destroying a generation—and what the real gospel actually says. In this conversation, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with Christine Caine (founder of A21, evangelist, author) for a wide-ranging talk about faith, calling, and the fight against human trafficking. What we cover:• Finding out at 33 she was adopted—and how a decade of renewing her mind with Scripture prepared her for that moment• Childhood abuse, shame, and why "despite" is the real language of the gospel• Why she believes evangelism is the most unwanted job in the 21st-century church• Running A21 across 22 countries and what she's learned on the front lines• 30 years of marriage, 260+ hotel nights a year, and building a life around purpose• The hardest prayer she's ever prayed• Why Jesus is coming back—and what that should change about how we live today• Numbering your days: the practice she started at 22 that still shapes her life Two evangelists, one long conversation, plenty of laughter along the way. Subscribe for new episodes of the Greg Laurie Podcast every week. Timestamps 00:16 The one-night stand and the plan of God 01:54 A phone call reveals the family secret 06:29 Renewing the mind before the storm hits 10:14 Making pain a tool, not a prison 14:17 Redemption is "despite," not "if only" 18:44 Losing a son and the resurrection witness 22:53 What Jesus did is bigger than what was done to you 29:33 Preaching to the back row, not the front row 34:06 Why eschatology still matters 41:26 The hardest prayer: getting the "want" back 46:28 Marriage built on purpose and the fruit of the Spirit 01:07:12 J. John and the power of another cup of coffee 01:12:03 Numbering your days from age 22 01:17:15 Three questions from Eden for the unwanted Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Michael W. Smith almost died of a drug overdose at 17. He'd been a Jesus freak at 13, then lost his way. What brought him back was a night on the linoleum floor of a Nashville apartment, alone, sensing God next to him saying, "It's going to be okay." In this conversation, Michael sits down with Greg Laurie to talk about the moments that shaped him — and the ones most people never hear about.What we cover:• Walking into a record store at 13 and finding Christian music for the first time• The prodigal years from '75 to '79, and what pulled him back• Late-night visits with Billy Graham in Montreat — and praying for Billy at the end• Meeting Presidents Bush, Reagan, and playing tennis in Kennebunkport• Rocketown, Nashville — why he built it and what's happening there now• His goal of never being offended again• Marriage, mentorship, and staying grounded after 43 years in the industry• Johnny Cash, John Williams, and the perfect pizza A conversation about faith that held, a father who never gave up, and a life still being written. Subscribe for more conversations like this. Timestamps00:19 Meeting Michael W. Smith01:26 Discovering Jesus music at 1303:24 Coming to Christ at age 1004:26 The prodigal years and near-fatal overdose06:16 Rock bottom and God's embrace09:38 Breaking into music through Amy Grant10:52 Working with Billy Graham13:30 Personal visits with Billy at Montreat17:07 Friendship with the Bush family23:47 The Rick Rubin interview and Johnny Cash27:13 State of Christian music today29:22 Secrets to a lasting marriage36:50 The origin of Rocketown40:37 Rocketown's ongoing impact Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.