The Greg Laurie Show

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 later 02:26 Why it's not PTSD — it's normal grief 04:11 Evil, eternity, and the ripple effect 07:16 Erika Kirk: "Don't let his legacy die" 09:53 How campus objections shifted to morality 14:10 Is the church feeding the war on reality? 18:34 The trans social contagion and detransitioners 22:03 Questions to ask a child who says "I'm trans" 25:38 Why socialism keeps making a comeback 29:13 Ten reasons Christians must engage politically 32:51 The hidden dangers of AI hallucinations 37:20 The spiritual roots of rising antisemitism 44:09 Go-to verses for stress and suffering 49:42 One last sermon: glorified or horrified 53:35 Beatles rabbit hole and witnessing to Ringo 59:10 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 did 03:33 America's revolution vs. all the others 05:46 Why revolution today would destroy us 07:31 The real revolution is in the heart 08:12 Hardest and easiest people to interview 11:02 Top five favorite films 13:31 Dinner with Churchill, Paul, and Henley 15:33 The hidden hero behind country rock 17:03 Death row meals and Taco Villa 19:12 Desert island songs and the Beatles 23:15 How Ben-Hur led Greg to Christ 26:15 Artists as co-creators with God 27:12 The Wayne Shorter jazz score story 31:01 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 Boreing 02:28 From West Texas to failing in LA 03:22 The billion-dollar mistake at Daily Wire 05:42 Spotting Ben Shapiro's talent early 07:49 The Michael Knowles breakfast: holding dreams loosely 10:06 Discovering he was a creator, not an actor 14:48 Reading Galatians in a Pizza Hut parking lot 19:29 Truth Revolt, getting fired by David Horowitz 25:30 The generational insight behind Daily Wire 28:57 Why conservatives keep missing the next wave 33:23 AI as the new mission field 40:55 Nihilism, antisemitism, and a failed generation 45:08 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, YouTuber 01:37 From Baku to a Vegas gang at age 11 04:24 Community service leads him to church 07:10 Wrestling with Jesus vs. Jehovah's Witnesses 09:54 Why the gospel finally clicked 14:14 What "godly ambition" actually means 18:33 The three pillars: priest, provider, protector 26:11 Communism, socialism, and taxing the rich 29:26 Gen Z: the walking paradox 36:39 Why open your home to a stranger 39:41 What's fueling the church growth boom 50:17 Teaching young people how to think 54:00 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 Home 01:12 Dennis Quaid Learns Guitar from Johnny Cash 03:36 Dylan’s Influence on The Beatles & Rock Legends 05:44 Movie Roles Dennis Quaid Regrets Turning Down 08:03 Not Getting Typecast: Dennis Quaid’s Career Philosophy 09:56 Jesus, Shame, and Freedom: Spiritual Reflections 11:30 Preparing for Doc Holliday: Physical & Emotional Toll 13:53 Ronald Reagan: Insecurity & Triumphs 16:17 Reagan’s Strategy with Gorbachev Explained 17:10 Behind the Scenes with President Trump 19:15 Staying at the White House: Clinton & Instant Coffee 20:43 The Political Divide: Common Sense vs. Extremes 22:03 Dennis Quaid’s "Seeker" Years & Spiritual Journey 26:55 The Power of Jesus’ Red Letters 28:22 "I Can Only Imagine": Shifting Faith Film Standards 31:54 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. Timestamps 00:19 Meeting Michael W. Smith 01:26 Discovering Jesus music at 13 03:24 Coming to Christ at age 10 04:26 The prodigal years and near-fatal overdose 06:16 Rock bottom and God's embrace 09:38 Breaking into music through Amy Grant 10:52 Working with Billy Graham 13:30 Personal visits with Billy at Montreat 17:07 Friendship with the Bush family 23:47 The Rick Rubin interview and Johnny Cash 27:13 State of Christian music today 29:22 Secrets to a lasting marriage 36:50 The origin of Rocketown 40:37 Rocketown's ongoing impact Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In part two of this conversation with Pastor Greg Laurie, Pastor Chuck Swindoll opens up about what he'd do differently across six decades of ministry—chief among them, saying yes sooner, affirming more, criticizing less, and bringing his wife Cynthia into full partnership years before he actually did. He names the four temptations every pastor faces and explains why the last one never stops requiring vigilance. Pastor Greg asks what text Chuck would preach if he had one sermon left, and the answer will surprise you. Along the way: memorized hymns, mentors from Dallas Seminary, the rise of antisemitism, and a tender word about caring for Cynthia through dementia. This conversation closes with Chuck's prayer over Pastor Greg's family and ministry. Subscribe for more conversations like this on The Greg Laurie Show. Timestamps 00:33 Intro: one last sermon 01:03 Preaching after losing his son 02:38 Fearing for his other children 04:03 Preaching to himself through grief 05:35 Any regrets looking back? 07:06 Chuck: say yes sooner, affirm more 10:00 Nearly ruining his marriage with Cynthia 14:50 Loneliness in ministry 15:27 Four temptations: sloth, silver, self, sex 22:30 The final sermon: grace 24:35 Lightning round: food, movies, Lincoln 29:38 The rise of antisemitism 30:11 Hymns he sings while driving 32:36 Sitting under giants at Dallas Seminary 38:28 Cynthia's dementia and advice on marriage Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.