ENCORE | An Interview with Michael Franzese on Redemption, Faith, and Family

Braveheart’s Randall Wallace on the Power of Authentic Storytelling in Hollywood ENCORE

Would you risk everything for your faith, even if it meant facing failure? On today’s episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg sits down with acclaimed screenwriter and director Randall Wallace—the visionary behind iconic films like Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, and Heaven Is for Real—for an intimate conversation about faith, creativity, and the courage to stand firm when the world tells you to compromise. From the emotional roots of Braveheart’s legendary story to the spiritual battles that shaped Randall’s creative journey, the two explore what it means to pursue calling over comfort in both film and life. You’ll hear firsthand how a simple trip to Scotland sparked the inspiration for Braveheart, and the little-known story behind the prayer that set Randall on the path to writing one of the most enduring screenplays of our time. Plus, don’t miss a preview of Randall’s next groundbreaking project: a long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ, exploring the mystery and power of the resurrection. -------- CHAPTERS:  00:00 Randall Wallace’s Braveheart Prayer and Life Philosophy 01:17 Discovering William Wallace and the Birth of Braveheart 05:36 Faith, Family, and Facing Failure in Hollywood 10:25 Braveheart’s Enduring Message and Personal Meaning 13:00 Braveheart as a Christ-like Figure 15:35 Embracing Uncertainty and the Creative Process 16:04 The Highest Calling: Finding Your Unique Purpose 21:06 Film as Art and a Vehicle for the Gospel 22:06 The Power of Authentic Storytelling 26:42 Writing the Resurrection: Sequel to The Passion 33:02 Living the Braveheart Life: Lessons and Live Show 38:08 The Importance of Physical Action in Spiritual Living 40:05 Every Reading, a New Perspective on Faith 40:22 Closing Reflections and Wallace’s Lasting Impact -------- Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:   https://harvest.org/. [https://harvest.org/] Find Pastor Greg on social media: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/ [https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/] https://x.com/greglaurie [https://x.com/greglaurie] https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie [https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Alice Cooper: How the Godfather of Shock Rock Met the King of Kings ENCORE

What happens when rock’s most infamous showman finds redemption—and discovers his true purpose? On this week’s episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg sits down with legendary rockstar Alice Cooper for an honest, electrifying conversation about faith, fame, addiction, and the power of second chances. Once dubbed “the villain of rock and roll,” Alice shares the untold story behind the persona—revealing how decades of stardom brought him face-to-face with despair, addiction, and spiritual emptiness. Together, Pastor Greg and Alice dig deep into life’s biggest questions: What does it mean to reach the top and feel nothing? Why do so many icons lose themselves chasing fame, wealth, or escape? What happens when you finally answer the one knock that matters? If you’ve ever wondered how someone can turn the darkest chapters of life into hope for others, Alice and Pastor Greg’s conversation will serve as the testimony we all need to never give up on others, or ourselves.  Learn more about Alice Cooper on his website: https://alicecooper.com/ [https://alicecooper.com/].    --------   Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:   https://harvest.org/. [https://harvest.org/] Find Pastor Greg on social media: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/ [https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/] https://x.com/greglaurie [https://x.com/greglaurie] https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie [https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie]   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].   --------   TIMESTAMPS: 00:07 Alice Cooper Breaks Down Backstage Crying 01:57 Alice Cooper Hears His First Hit on the Radio 06:39 Meeting Elvis: A Loaded Gun and Priceless Story 08:53 Prison of Fame: Elvis’s Loneliness Revealed 11:13 Emptiness at the Top Without the Lord 14:05 Cocaine, Depression, and a Miraculous Turning Point 18:06 Walking into a Room of Rock Legends 23:32 Hollywood Vampires: Drinking with the Legends 24:44 God Heals Alice Cooper’s Addiction 26:06 Who Is Jesus to Alice Cooper? 29:36 Advice from Older Alice Cooper to His Younger Self 32:14 Answer the Door: Message to Addicts 35:12 Redemption & Life Priorities Redefined 41:11 Defining Redemption: None of Us Deserve It 43:24 Closing: Friendship, Faith, and Connecting Through Shared Stories Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Revival, Redemption & Storytelling: A Conversation with Andy Erwin on Faith, Film, and the Power of Testimony

What happens when art, film, faith, and real-life transformation collide? In this inspiring episode, filmmaker Andy Erwin sits down with pastor Greg Laurie for a candid conversation about the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and spiritual revival. Greg Laurie—whose own life inspired the hit film "Jesus Revolution"—shares never-before-heard stories behind the making of the movie, his early love for the arts, and how testimony and cinematic storytelling can open hearts to life-changing truth. They explore the crucial role of authentic narrative, why emotion matters in both sermons and screenplays, and how film can be the "opening hook" that invites deeper engagement with the gospel. Highlights include: * The unforgettable moment Greg Laurie guided 50,000 people in the Lord’s Prayer for a pivotal movie scene, revealing how spontaneous acts of faith become cinematic gold. * A behind-the-scenes look at how true stories are adapted for film—with all their messiness and miracles—and why embracing artistic license can help reach a new generation. * Greg Laurie's moving reflections on mentorship from Billy Graham and the importance of humility, authenticity, and community in a life of faith and public leadership. * Candid discussion about the new wave of baptisms and spiritual awakening sparked by the Jesus Revolution film, pointing to a surprising, ongoing revival in today's culture. From poignant childhood memories to powerful lessons on integrity, loss, and the unchanging message of the Gospel, this episode is a masterclass on the power of story to connect, heal, and transform. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and hope. Subscribe now for more behind-the-scenes stories and real-life inspiration from the storytellers shaping our world. CHAPTERS: 00:00 We've Been Disney-fied: Chasing "Happily Ever After" 00:43 How the Jesus Revolution Movie Began Over a Burger 03:28 The Church and Film: From Skepticism to Embracing Storytelling 04:13 Childhood Escapes: Drawing, Art, and a Letter from Schulz 06:26 Movies That Shaped Me: From Disney to The Godfather 08:58 Storytelling as Evangelism: Hooks, Emotions, and Lasting Impact 10:40 The Gospel Hidden in Zombie Movies: “Warm Bodies” Analogy 13:07 Testimonies as Powerful Evangelistic Tools 16:01 Life Imitates Art: Baptism Movement Sparked by Film 17:55 From Laugh to Faith: An Irish Influencer's Movie Conversion 21:07 Why Gen Z Is Hungry for Spiritual Awakening 24:20 Behind-the-Scenes Memories Filming Jesus Revolution 28:28 Meeting Billy Graham: Letters, Hats, and Humility Lessons 34:05 Billy Graham’s Secret Sauce: Fame, Friendship, and Roast Beef 39:10 Grief, Authenticity, and the Value of Friendship in Ministry 44:40 Behind the Scenes of “Imagine 2”: Confronting Broken Happily Ever Afters 48:34 Desert Island Films: Greg Laurie’s Movie Favorites Revealed Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Are God’s Promises to Israel Still Active? | A Conversation with Joel Rosenberg

Has God abandoned Israel—or is the story of His chosen people far from over? In this thought-provoking episode of The Greg Laurie Podcast, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with best-selling author, Middle East expert, and Bible prophecy teacher Joel Rosenberg for an honest, often humorous deep-dive into one of the most hotly debated questions in Christianity: Have the Jews been replaced by the Church as God’s chosen people? Together, Greg Laurie and Joel cut through centuries of theological debate, exploring “replacement theology,” the modern rebirth of Israel, and why understanding biblical prophecy is more relevant—and controversial—than ever. Drawing from real-world encounters with global leaders, first-hand stories from modern Israel, and fresh research into prophecy’s place in today’s world, this conversation reveals why the question of Israel matters for every believer. You’ll discover: * Why so many pastors shy away from prophecy—and why Joel believes the Church can’t afford to ignore it. * The explosive rise in Jewish believers in Jesus, and why this surge is reshaping what it means to be part of God’s family. * How to share the Gospel with Jewish friends in a way that’s loving, respectful, and rooted in Scripture—not centuries-old stereotypes. Whether you’re wrestling with big questions about God’s promises, fascinated by the intersection of current events and biblical prophecy, or simply seeking wisdom for sharing your faith cross-culturally, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical insights. Don’t miss this challenging—and hope-filled—conversation that will leave you rethinking what it means to be part of God’s unfolding story. Subscribe for more conversations like this, exploring faith, culture, and the tough questions that shape our world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Faith Over Fear in the Age of AI: Finding Hope, Connection, & God in Perilous Times

What if the greatest threat to your soul isn’t outside—but hidden within your phone? In this thought-provoking episode, Pastor Greg Laurie exposes the perilous pursuit of self, the rise of artificial intelligence as a substitute for real relationships, and the crisis of faith facing our generation. Kicking things off with a gripping, real-life account of chaos at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and an assassination attempt that rattled the nation, Pastor Greg draws a direct line between the anxiety saturating our headlines and deeper spiritual longings that technology can never satisfy. You’ll also hear a fascinating conversation between legendary music producer Rick Rubin and his podcast guest on Gen Z’s unexpected hunger for spiritual truth. This episode dives deep into: * The dangerous “main character syndrome” driven by social media and why the worship of self has left Gen Z more anxious and lonely than ever before. * The heartbreaking story of a teenager’s search for solace in an AI chatbot, and a sobering call to parents about the hidden risks of digital companionship. * Why ancient wisdom from Psalm 27 and the teachings of Jesus offer lasting hope and courage for anyone facing fear, uncertainty, or the pressures of modern life. * From practical advice on guarding your mind and heart to an inspiring reminder of the quiet spiritual revolution stirring among young people, you’ll be challenged and encouraged to anchor your identity in something far greater than technology or self. Ready to cultivate unshakeable faith in turbulent times? Subscribe for more conversations like this, and join us in exploring where real hope, resilience, and meaning can be found. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Searching for Meaning Beyond Technology 02:13 Shannon Bream’s Firsthand Account of White House Chaos 04:12 Prayer and Preaching: The Christian’s Secret Weapons 06:18 God’s Plans: “Thoughts of Peace, Not of Evil” 08:10 Main Character Syndrome and Self‑Obsession in Culture 10:09 What “Deny Yourself” Really Means 14:15 Dangers of AI Companions for Young People 16:07 Tragic Story: Teen’s Suicide After AI Chatbot Relationship 18:11 Parents: Why You Must Snoop in Your Kids’ Digital Lives 20:12 Seeking Divine Intelligence Over Artificial Intelligence 21:00 Gen Z’s Nostalgia for the 1990s Explained 24:01 Rick Rubin on Gen Z’s “Quiet Revolution” Toward Faith 27:00 America’s Top Fears and the Power of Stress 30:13 “Face Your Giants”: Overcoming Addiction & Adversity 32:03 Choose Faith Over Fear: Psalm 27 Insights 35:15 Whale Protects Marine Biologist From Shark—God’s Unexpected Providence 38:39 The One Thing: Jesus, Not Main Character Syndrome 39:39 “Seek First the Kingdom”—Finding True Balance 40:05 Invitation to a Relationship With God Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].