The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast

What happens when tragedy strips everything away and leaves something far greater behind? In this powerful episode, Jinger and Jeremy sit down with country music star-turned-pastor Granger Smith and his wife, author Amber Smith, for one of the most moving conversations about grief, marriage, and genuine faith you'll hear this year.

Granger opens up about walking away from a wildly successful music career, including his viral alter ego Earl Dibbles Jr. and how the devastating loss of their 3-year-old son, River, in 2019 became the catalyst for real, saving faith. Amber shares what it was like to rebuild their marriage in the wake of unimaginable grief, the pact they made to stay together, and her journey to writing her deeply hopeful book The Girl on the Bathroom Floor.

Together, they discuss the River Kelly Fund, water safety, finding purpose through pain, and what they'd say to anyone sitting on a bathroom floor with no hope left.

In this episode:

- Granger's decade-long grind in Nashville & the Earl Dibbles Jr. viral moment

- How Amber went from acting in his music video to becoming his wife

- The tragic loss of their son River and how it transformed their faith

- How they kept their marriage intact through catastrophic grief

- Amber's book The Girl on the Bathroom Floor and why it has a hopeful ending

- The River Kelly Fund and giving back globally in River's honor

- Granger's upcoming book on cultural Christianity

- What true saving faith looks like vs. cultural Christianity

Perfect for fans of: Christian podcasts, faith and grief, marriage and relationships, country music, Granger Smith, redemption stories, parenting, loss, and hope.

Don't forget to like, comment and SUBSCRIBE.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:51 - Life in Texas

00:03:01 - Current Season of Life

00:04:22 - Testimony of God's Faithfulness

00:05:07 - Granger's Music Career

00:07:00 - Meeting and Falling in Love

00:12:13 - The Break in Music Career

00:12:17 - Creation of Earl Dibbles Jr.

00:14:31 - Impact of Earl Dibbles Jr.

00:16:10 - Passion Shift: From Soccer to Ministry

00:18:53 - The Tragic Loss of Their Son, River

00:19:09 - The Catalyst of Their Faith: Grief

00:21:52 - Amber's Perspective on the Tragic Loss

00:23:18 - Finding God in the Midst of Grief

00:24:09 - The Power of Scripture in Healing

00:25:49 - Granger's Personal Transformation and Encounter with God

00:29:17 - The Revelation of God's Love and Identity

00:31:11 - Recognizing God's Presence

00:31:34 - The Journey of Faith

00:31:52 - Shared Grief and Faith

00:32:29 - The Girl on the Bathroom Floor

00:33:50 - Wrestling with God's Presence in Suffering

00:38:40 - The Pact to Stay Together

00:42:49 - The River Kelly Fund

00:45:07 - Hope for Those on the Bathroom Floor

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In this episode of the Jinger & Jeremy Podcast, we sit down with financial expert Rachel Cruze to talk about money, marriage, debt, and the emotional side of finances... and why so many people feel stuck living paycheck to paycheck.

From growing up as the daughter of Dave Ramsey to helping millions take control of their money, Rachel shares practical, life-changing advice on budgeting, getting out of debt, investing, and building a healthy relationship with money.

We dive into:

- Why money is one of the top causes of stress in marriage

- The difference between spenders vs. savers (and how to make it work)

- How your childhood shapes your financial habits

- The truth about debt, credit cards, and instant gratification

- Step-by-step advice to become debt-free faster

- How to start investing (Roth IRAs, 401k, and more)

- Why contentment (not more money) is the real goal

Rachel also shares what it was really like growing up in a household focused on financial discipline and why money is more emotional than most people realize.

Whether you're struggling with debt, trying to budget, or just want to steward your finances better, this episode will give you the tools and mindset you need to move forward with confidence.

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00:00:02 - Guest Introduction: Rachel Cruz

00:01:25 - Discussing Money and Its Emotional Impact

00:01:52 - Economic Challenges and Money Stress

00:03:13 - Money and Marital Tensions

00:06:05 - Growing Up with Dave Ramsey

00:11:16 - Rachel's Journey into Financial Advisory

00:15:11 - Understanding Personal Finance and Behavior

00:15:13 - The Power of Conscious Spending

00:15:34 - Impulsive Spending and Its Impact

00:16:22 - The Pathway of Debt and Instant Gratification

00:16:57 - The Power of Living Debt-Free

00:19:13 - Defining Debt-Free and Starting the Journey

00:19:34 - Parameters for Mortgage

00:22:23 - The Debt-Free Journey and Budgeting

00:27:48 - Understanding the Importance of Intentional Spending

00:30:15 - Discussing Budgeting and Spending Habits

00:30:27 - The Influence of Consumerism and Lack of Contentment

00:30:41 - The Importance of Intentional Spending and Budgeting

00:30:57 - The Role of Generosity in Personal Finance

00:36:17 - The Impact of Money on Identity and Self-Worth

00:36:44 - The Power of Generosity and Selflessness

00:38:41 - The Struggle with Consumerism and Clutter

00:40:37 - The Spiritual Aspect of Money Management

00:43:05 - The Influence of Social Media on Financial Decisions

00:44:22 - The Importance of Gratitude and Contentment in Personal Finance

00:45:29 - Investing and Saving Tips for Young Adults

00:48:53 - Practical Steps to Start Investing

00:51:14 - Teaching Kids About Money

00:55:00 - Different Approaches to Money Management

00:58:30 - Handling Difficult Financial Situations

01:00:46 - Appreciating Rachel's Contributions and the Ramsey Network

01:01:55 - The Importance of Trusted Financial Resources

01:02:15 - Gratitude and Closing Remarks

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In this episode, Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo address the heartbreaking headlines surrounding Jinger’s brother and the deeper question many are asking: Why does this keep happening?

This is a difficult but necessary conversation.

We unpack the influence of Bill Gothard and the teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), exploring how harmful theology, isolation, and fear-based purity culture can create environments where secrecy and abuse take root.

While every individual is responsible for their own actions, we take a closer look at the belief systems that shape behavior and why ideas about God, sin, sexuality, and authority truly matter.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The real impact of IBLP and Bill Gothard’s teachings

- How purity culture and silence around sex can lead to shame and secrecy

- Why isolation doesn’t fix sin and can actually make things worse

- The difference between external rules vs. true heart transformation

- What the Bible actually says about sin, justice, and healing

- How to find hope, healing, and truth in Jesus Christ

This conversation is rooted in truth, accountability, and ultimately hope.If you’ve been hurt by toxic religion, spiritual abuse, or confusing teachings, this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real, honest conversations.

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What is life really like inside the Amish community and what happens when someone leaves?In this episode of the Jinger & Jeremy podcast, we sit down with Mr. Vuolo to uncover the truth about Amish culture, faith, and the hidden struggles many don’t see. From strict rules and shunning to powerful stories of transformation, this conversation dives deep into one of the most misunderstood communities in the world.

We explore the realities of Amish life, including their traditions, beliefs, and the challenges individuals face when questioning the system. You’ll also hear about the dangers of isolation, the role of faith, and what true heart transformation looks like beyond rules and religion.

Whether you're curious about the Amish, interested in stories of faith and freedom, or searching for deeper truth, this episode will challenge what you think you know.✨

Topics we cover:

- Amish culture, lifestyle, and beliefs

- The reality of shunning and isolation

- Rumspringa and youth in the Amish community

- Stories of leaving the Amish

- Faith, legalism, and true transformation

- The hidden struggles and untold stories

00:00 Introduction to Amish Ministry

02:04 Welcome Mr. Vuolo

04:03 Ministry Journey

09:25 Amish Ministry

15:39 Understanding the Amish

16:05 Amish Culture & Lifestyle

18:11 Ministry Challenges

21:24 Bible Study Experience

21:40 Amish Rules

23:23 The Danger of Isolation

26:52 Abuse in the Community

28:17 Heart Transformation

29:35 Positive Aspects

31:18 Shunning Explained

33:18 Leaving the Amish

33:47 Rumspringa

35:00 Youth Retention

39:52 Conversion & Gospel

45:50 Personal Stories

49:11 Closing Thoughts👍

If this conversation impacted you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real, honest conversations.

OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS:

COZY EARTH: Luxury Shouldn’t Be Out of Reach. Visit https://CozyEarth.com/jinger/ and use my exclusive code JINGER for 20% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.

FUNCTION HEALTH: Function because it’s the only health platform that gives you access to the kind of data most people never see—and the insights to actually take action. Learn more and join using our code JINGER at https://functionhealth.com/JINGER/ for $25 off your membership!

COVE SMART: Protect what matters most with smart, reliable home security. Cove makes it simple and affordable to secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring and easy DIY setup. Visit https://covesmart.com/JINGER and use code JINGER to get up to 60% off your system today.

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In this episode, Jinger Duggar Vuolo sits down with her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, to unpack his journey from soccer-obsessed kid to professional athlete.

Jeremy shares his full journey, from intense childhood training to playing professionally overseas, and ultimately walking away from the game. In this episode, Jeremy opens up about the sacrifices, pressure, identity struggles, and faith that shaped his path both on and off the field.

From being inspired by legends like Peter Schmeichel to navigating the realities of professional sports in Finland, this is an honest look at what it really takes to pursue a dream and what happens when your passions begin to shift.

We also dive into:

The truth about becoming a pro athlete (and common misconceptions)

The mental and physical demands of elite soccer

College recruitment pressure + choosing the right path

Life after sports and transitioning into ministry

How faith influenced Jeremy’s biggest decisions

Whether you’re an athlete, chasing a dream, or questioning your next step—this episode will challenge and encourage you.

🔔 Don’t forget to:

👍 Like
💬 Comment
📩 Subscribe for weekly episodes

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:19 - Jeremy's Early Soccer Journey

00:01:03 - The Ginger and Jeremy Podcast

00:03:51 - Jeremy's Soccer Obsession

00:09:18 - Influence of Peter Schmeichel

00:13:23 - Jeremy's Intensity on the Field

00:15:39 - Jeremy's Travel Soccer Experience

00:16:29 - Sacrifices for Soccer

00:17:40 - Jeremy's Soccer Obsession Grows

00:17:56 - Realizing Professional Potential

00:24:02 - Training in All Weather

00:25:42 - The Impact of Religion on Soccer

00:30:01 - Overcoming Obstacles

00:30:32 - Meeting Coach Ian McIntyre and Choosing Hartwick College

00:31:38 - The Pressure of Choosing the Right College

00:31:46 - Transition to Professional Soccer at Asiolu, Finland

00:32:00 - Success at Hartwick and Syracuse

00:38:53 - Challenges in Finland

00:41:59 - Misconceptions about Being a Pro Athlete

00:45:41 - The Reality of Professional Sports

00:47:52 - Perks of Being a Pro Athlete

00:48:23 - The Bond Among Teammates

00:49:00 - Maintaining Identity in Professional Sports

00:49:55 - Shifting Passions and Early Retirement

00:51:58 - Transitioning from Soccer to Ministry

00:52:54 - Playing Soccer Post-Retirement

00:53:30 - Using Soccer Experience in Ministry

00:54:22 - Conclusion and Future Topics

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