# 265: GRANGER SMITH takes a detour from life as a decorated musician to pursue life in ministry

# 265: GRANGER SMITH takes a detour from life as a decorated musician to pursue life in ministry

Author: Contagious, Inc. December 14, 2024 Duration: 28:50

Farewell to country music, guilt, and pain. Granger Smith now has newfound purpose. After 24 years touring as an award-winning, platinum-selling, country music singer-songwriter, Smith chose to leave the music business to pursue a future in ministry. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the now best-selling author, five years after the tragic loss of his son, River, to discuss finding purpose in the pain. Granger also talks about his children's book on grief called "Up Toward the Light" and the significance of his youngest son Maverick's name. Through his story, Granger inspires hope and shows that there is light on the other side of darkness.

#GrangerSmith #YeeYee #KeepTheFaith #David Sams #ContagiousInfluencer #LikeARiver


The conversations found in CIA: Contagious Influencers of America are not your typical interviews. Hosted by nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, this podcast digs into the raw, human stories behind the people shaping culture from a foundation of faith. Each episode is a deep exploration of personal history, focusing on how guests-from artists and musicians to spiritual leaders and everyday pioneers-navigated profound challenges. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of battling addiction, confronting fear, and turning perceived failures into fuel for a meaningful life. The dialogue naturally unfolds to reveal how spirituality and creativity intertwine, offering listeners more than just inspiration; it provides a blueprint for resilience. This isn't about surface-level success stories. It's about the gritty, often unseen work of moving mountains, whether that work happens on a stage, in a studio, or within the quiet corners of one's own journey. The podcast creates a space where vulnerability is strength, and where the lessons learned in overcoming obstacles resonate with anyone seeking to make a tangible difference in their own world. Tune in for authentic conversations that examine the heart of influence, where faith meets action and music underscores the message of hope.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Podcast Episodes
Danny Gokey Gets Real: Loss, Faith & Fighting for Others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
American Idol Top 3 finalist and three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey joins nine-time Emmy winner David Sams back at the Contagious Influencers of America studio for a heart-to-heart that goes far beyond the music. Reco…
# 286: He Survived Iraq. Now He's Warning Us About AI | Ben Peterson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
David Sams sits down with Army veteran and Engage Your Destiny founder Ben Peterson for a conversation that moves from the battlefields of Iraq to the front lines of the AI revolution. Ben opens up about the darkest chap…
How Does Trauma Turn Into Trust? LISA HARPER Tells Her Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:22
What if the Bible isn't a rulebook, but a love story? Bestselling author, Bible teacher, and self-described "hot mess" Lisa Harper joins host David Sams on this episode of Contagious Influencers of America — and she come…
What If Your Dream Isn't Dead - Just Delayed? (HOPE DARST) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:15
Feeling like your window of opportunity has passed? Let Hope Darst's story be your encouragement to never give up. Hope signed her first record deal at 39, after two decades as a wife, mom, and worship leader at her chur…