The 9941 Podcast

In this compelling episode, Granger Smith sits down with apologist and author Greg Koukl (Tactics, Street Smarts) for an in-depth conversation about faith, fame, and how asking the right questions can open hearts and minds to truth. Greg shares his journey from cultural rebellion in the 1960s to a conviction of Christ’s truth in 1973—not through arguments, but through persistent love. The two discuss how to navigate hard questions like “Are you saying I’m going to hell?” with clarity and grace, and why the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just belief—it’s history. This episode is packed with wisdom on how to speak truth without religious jargon, how to live humbly in the spotlight, and how to engage skeptics by simply asking, “What do you mean by that?”

Whether you’re a believer seeking confidence in conversations, or a skeptic exploring deeper questions, this episode offers clarity, authenticity, and a path forward.

Support Greg’s ministry by visiting https://www.str.org

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This week singer-songwriter Ben Fuller shares his powerful journey from a broken upbringing in Vermont to finding redemption in Jesus Christ. Raised on a dairy farm without faith, Ben turns to alcohol and drugs to cope with deep emotional wounds. After losing his best friend to an overdose, he pursues music and moves to Nashville, where early success at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge deepens his struggles. Everything changes when a family invites him to church, leading to a radical encounter with Jesus in 2019. Ben is baptized and immediately leaves behind his addictions and old lifestyle. Since then, his music and life center on proclaiming the Gospel. He tours with major Christian artists, finds accountability through a Christ-centered community, and commits to regular Bible reading and prayer. In their conversation, Granger encourages Ben to stay rooted in Scripture, reminding him that storms will come but Christ remains steady. Ben now lives with the simple prayer: "Here I am, Lord. Send me," faithfully using his voice — and his life — to point others to Jesus.

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This week Granger Smith and Travis Hunt reflect on when they teamed up on a faith-driven mission to help believers in the Middle East create worship music in their own languages and styles. It all began with a simple offer—“Consider me a coin in your pocket.” Despite never working together before, they flew overseas with basic recording gear, a translator, and a deep trust in God.

In safe houses, local musicians—some speaking no English—recorded heartfelt songs. Lyrics were carefully translated and checked for biblical truth. In one moving moment, a singer grieving his son stepped away. Granger, who had also lost a child, wordlessly comforted him. The man returned and finished the song.

Amid tension, spiritual opposition, and the constant call to prayer, worship rose—raw, real, and in native tongues. And through it all, their quiet mantra remained: “To the King.”

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This week Granger interviews Tony Wood about the doctrines of grace, human depravity, and God’s sovereignty in salvation. Tony emphasizes that salvation is entirely the work of God—humans are spiritually dead and unable to seek Him without divine intervention. He explains how this challenges modern views of autonomy, particularly in American culture, and often stirs discomfort around the idea of God’s control over all things, including evil and salvation.

Despite the tension between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, Tony affirms that Scripture teaches both. He shares his personal journey from thinking he chose God to realizing that God had chosen him, seeing this truth consistently throughout the biblical narrative—from creation to Christ to the birth of the Church.

This theological shift profoundly changed Tony’s preaching. Instead of crafting messages around felt needs or cultural trends, he now practices expositional preaching—teaching the Bible verse by verse and letting Scripture shape the message. Granger and Tony agree that true church health begins in the pulpit, where God’s Word—not style, music, or production—must remain central. They encourage believers to seek churches that faithfully and deeply preach the Bible.

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This week Granger and AntMan discuss whether Christians should celebrate Easter, ultimately affirming it as a time to honor Christ’s resurrection—something believers should reflect on daily, not just annually.

They share personal Easter memories and explore traditions like eggs and bunnies. AntMan explains that eggs were preserved during Lent and later decorated, even gifted by King Edward I. The Easter bunny, originally a hare, became linked to spring, but ties to paganism are historically weak.

Granger reads from Exodus 12, connecting the first Passover to Jesus as the spotless Lamb. They emphasize that Easter isn’t about pagan roots or cultural symbols, but about God’s redemption through Christ.

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This week Alex Duke offers insights on how to recognize a healthy church.

Alex explains how his love for storytelling began in childhood, finding comfort in movies after his parents' divorce. This passion led him to create Storms in the Desert, a podcast exploring the slow, steady growth of churches over time.

The discussion contrasts deep, lasting faithfulness with the rapid, flashy growth many associate with modern churches.

Alex also reflects on his megachurch background, recognizing their impact while highlighting the powerful influence of smaller, faithful congregations.

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This week Ray Comfort shares his journey of faith, detailing his upbringing in New Zealand without a Christian background. At 20, despite business success, he faced an existential crisis that led him to Christ after reading Jesus’ words on sin.

Passionate about evangelism, Ray uses creative methods like gospel tracts, billboards, and even riding a bike with his sunglasses-wearing dog to spark conversations about faith. He critiques the modern church’s neglect of evangelism, emphasizing its urgency. His street preaching gained attention from a Christian media group, leading to the documentation of his impactful encounters.

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This week Annie Downes and Granger discuss faith, ministry, and generational shifts in Christianity. Annie reflects on learning from Granger and navigating the flow of worship events. They highlight the challenge of reaching young people wrestling with faith and identity.

They explore cultural Christianity in America, where churchgoing can be a social norm rather than a deep conviction—contrasting it with other cultures. Granger shares how suffering strengthens faith and should be understood universally.

They note how younger generations, shaped by technology, approach faith differently—some even simplifying their lives to stay grounded. While external motivations may bring people to church, they emphasize that true faith is about a personal relationship with Jesus, not just habit or obligation.

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This week John Crist talks with Granger about his journey into comedy. He recalls realizing he was funny during college while working in journalism, where his improvisation skills stood out. Encouraged to try stand-up, he pursued comedy despite his parents' disapproval. Raised in a strict household, John discovered comedians like Jay Leno, Kings of Comedy, and Katt Williams through sneaky means, as comedy was often seen as rebellious.

They discuss how comedy has evolved from being underground to mainstream, even appearing at political events. John notes that increased demand for comedy may indicate people are struggling more, similar to how alcohol sales rise in tough times. He reflects on how late-night shows once relied on structured bits, whereas modern comedy is more personal and unscripted.

They also touch on shifts in country music, from lighthearted storytelling to deeper, emotional themes. Granger brings up John's past church-planting satire, highlighting humor in cultural observations. Their conversation blends nostalgia, industry changes, and the enduring role of comedy in society.

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This week we have Allie Beth Stucky who discusses her busy schedule and how she balances her professional and personal life. She shares that working with her husband, who serves as her business manager, has been a game-changer, allowing them to travel together as a family while managing their responsibilities. Ali explains that she records multiple podcast episodes per week and relies on a large team to handle behind-the-scenes tasks.

She also reflects on how her career has shifted over time, particularly after having children, leading her to make adjustments in speaking engagements and interviews. Additionally, she discusses her faith journey, how she and her husband chose a church based on strong biblical teaching and community involvement, and the importance of being actively engaged in their local church. Ali highlights her upbringing in a Christian household, the influence of her mother and grandmother, and her deep interest in theology and apologetics, which shaped her beliefs.

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