Granger Smith on Grief, True Conversion, and Gaining a New Identity

Important Links: Dad Tired Annual RetreatHost A Dad Tired Conference at your churchJoin the FREE Family Leadership ProgramShop the Dad Tired store for best-selling gear__In this deeply moving episode of Dad Tired, Jerrad sits down with former country music star Granger Smith for a raw and hope-filled conversation about grief, faith, and true conversion.Granger opens up about the tragic loss of his three-year-old son, River, the darkness that followed, and the moment on a tour bus when he cried out for Jesus to save him. He shares how that moment began to unravel everything he thought he knew about himself, his identity, and even his faith.Together, Jerrad and Granger talk about what it means to move from simply knowing Christian language to truly tasting the goodness of God, why “I’ve always been a Christian” may be a warning sign, and how God sometimes strips away the very things we use to feel secure so that we can finally see Him clearly.Granger also shares why he eventually walked away from country music, what it looks like to serve in ministry now, and the heart behind his book Poison in the Well, written for those stuck in nominal Christianity.CONTENT NOTEThis episode includes discussion of child loss, drowning, grief, suicidal thoughts, and spiritual darkness. Please listen with care, especially if children are present.IN THIS EPISODE• Granger’s life as a husband, father, former country artist, and pastor• The loss of his son River and the grief that followed• The tour bus moment when Granger cried out to Jesus• Why grief, shame, and despair exposed the emptiness of surface-level faith• The difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God• Why Scripture became food instead of a religious obligation• What led Granger to walk away from country music• The warning signs of nominal Christianity• Why every man should examine whether he has truly been born againRESOURCESPre-Order Granger Smith’s book: Poison in the WellDad Tired Retreat: dadtired.com