The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast

What happens when you grow up in a closed, communal community, speaking your own language, wearing homemade clothes, owning nothing, and needing permission just to leave for a dentist appointment?

This week, Jinger and Jeremy sit down with their friend Michael Wurtz, who was raised inside a Hutterite colony in South Dakota and made a daring midnight escape at just 18 years old.

Michael opens up about life inside one of America's most secretive communities, from colony politics and strict dress codes to shared bank accounts, no back pockets, and a world almost entirely cut off from the outside. He traces the Hutterites' fascinating roots in the Anabaptist Reformation, their migration through Ukraine and Ellis Island, and how a community built on Scripture slowly drifted from the gospel into control and conformity.

But this isn't just a story of escape, it's a story of answered prayer, God's providence, and life on the other side of freedom.

Michael shares the prayer he prayed three days before his brother-in-law called, the flashlight signal in the field at 11pm, and what it looked like to walk away from everything he'd ever known with just $20 in his front pocket.

Today, Michael is a seminary graduate serving at his local church, a husband, and a father of two little girls and he calls himself the richest man alive.

00:00:47 - Introduction

00:02:35 - Michael's Background

00:08:16 - Hutterite Community Structure

00:14:01 - Understanding the Hutterite Language

00:16:04 - Education and Schooling in the Hutterite Community

00:17:30 - Music and Secrecy in the Hutterite Community

00:24:45 - Hutterite Community Politics

00:25:07 - Personal Experiences in the Hutterite Community

00:26:44 - Subculture and Side Hustles in the Hutterite Community

00:31:59 - Identity and Beliefs in the Hutterite Community

00:32:28 - Questioning the Hutterite Community

00:33:11 - Views on Non-Hutterites and Apostates

00:36:41 - Hutterite Community as a Cult

00:37:42 - Escaping the Hutterite Community

00:39:26 - Introduction to the Gospel

00:43:38 - Becoming a Believer and the Role of Radio

00:46:18 - Leaving the Hutterite Community

00:47:23 - Religious Pressure and Suppression in the Hutterite Community

00:49:31 - The Hidden Reality of Sin in the Hutterite Community

00:50:54 - Understanding the Gospel Outside the Hutterite Community

00:51:45 - Planning the Escape from the Hutterite Community

00:51:48 - The Night of the Escape

00:57:33 - Life After Leaving the Hutterite Community

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Is your summer actually restful or just busy in a different place?

Jinger & Jeremy get real about planning a truly restorative summer with little kids, sharing their own vacation wins and fails, why they're staying in California this year, and the honest truth about traveling with young children.

But this episode goes deeper than travel tips.

They dive into a theology of rest... what Scripture says about why we crave vacations, what the Sabbath really points to, and how Jesus' promise of rest connects to our everyday longing to slow down.

What we cover:

- How to plan a family vacation that's actually restful (not just survived)

- Hotels vs. Airbnbs with kids and what works and what doesn't

- Why they're exploring California instead of flying cross-country this summer

- The biblical concept of Sabbath and what it means for modern life

- Why Jesus promises rest for weary souls and what that has to do with your summer

- Childhood vacation memories and why making them for your kids matters

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00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:14 - Theology of Rest

00:00:50 - Summer Vacation Plans

00:01:33 - Challenges of Vacationing with Kids

00:02:24 - Choosing Family-Friendly Vacation Spots

00:03:29 - The Struggles of Staying in Hotels

00:04:09 - Staying Local for Vacation

00:04:54 - The Benefits of Airbnb

00:05:22 - Exploring California

00:09:46 - Planning for Future Travels

00:15:06 - Different Types of Vacation

00:15:50 - Personal Preferences for Vacation

00:17:44 - The Need for Rest

00:20:55 - Reflections on Work and Rest

00:27:00 - Childhood Vacation Memories

00:30:16 - Creating Memories for Children

00:30:17 - Summer Plans

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.

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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

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!

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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.

OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS:

CURE HYDRATION: For our listeners, Cure is offering 20% off your first order! Stay hydrated and feel your best by visiting http://curehydration.com/jinger and using promo code JINGER at checkout. That’s http://curehydration.com/jinger—and use code JINGER for 20% off your first order!

DELETE ME: Protect your privacy and take control of your personal data online. DeleteMe makes it easy to find and remove your information from data broker sites, helping keep your address, phone number, and family details out of the wrong hands. Visit https://joindeleteme.com/JINGER and use code JINGER to get 20% off your plan today.

TRUST & WILL: Protect what matters most. Trust & Will makes it simple and affordable to create your will or trust online in minutes. Visit https://trustandwill.com/JINGER and get 20% off when you use the code JINGER.
MOMENTUM SHAKE: Fuel your body with clean, powerful nutrition. Momentum Shake is a daily all-in-one supplement packed with protein, collagen, omega-3s, and more. It’s simple, effective, and actually tastes good. Visit https://momentumshake.com/JINGER to get started and receive a free $70 value welcome kit & travel collection with your order today.
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