Could a single act of forgiveness rewrite a life shattered by war, pain, and betrayal?

On this extraordinary episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with the legendary Louis Zamperini—Olympic runner, WWII hero, and the subject of the best-selling book and film Unbroken. From his childhood as a self-proclaimed “rotten kid” in Torrance, California, to facing sharks and starvation adrift in the Pacific for 47 harrowing days, and enduring years of brutal captivity in a Japanese POW camp, Louis Zamperini shares his story in his own captivating words.

But survival is only the beginning. In a conversation filled with wit, candor, and deep vulnerability, Louis Zamperini reveals how trauma after the war nearly destroyed him—until a pivotal moment at a Billy Graham crusade transformed anger and nightmares into a life of peace, faith, and radical forgiveness.

Key Moments You Won’t Forget:

• The chilling truth about survival at sea—including a moment when Louis Zamperini turns the tables on circling sharks.
• His face-to-face encounter with Adolf Hitler after an electrifying race at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
• The astonishing night forgiveness replaced hatred—ending years of torment and shaping the rest of his life.

This is more than a war story. It’s a powerful testimony to the resilience of the human spirit, the possibility of redemption, and the freedom found in forgiveness. Whether you’re familiar with Unbroken or discovering Louis Zamperini's legacy for the first time, you’ll be inspired by his journey from bitterness to forgiveness, and the profound faith that anchored it all.

Subscribe for more conversations that will challenge and uplift your faith journey.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 "God Help Me"—Facing Death in a Plane Crash
00:38 Louis Zamperini: The Unbroken Story Unveiled
05:16 Qualifying for the 1936 Olympics Against All Odds
11:19 Meeting Hitler After the Olympic Race
13:28 Stealing a Nazi Flag—A Risky Souvenir
15:13 Surviving the Green Hornet Plane Crash
19:01 Fighting for Life—Miraculous Escape from Underwater Wreckage
24:09 Mental Exercises for Survival on the Life Raft
25:25 Shark Attack—Turning Predator Into Dinner
32:09 POW Camp Recognition—Japanese Know Zamperini’s Olympic Fame
34:15 The Bird—Facing His Cruelest Captor
40:41 Nightmares & Post‑War Trauma: The Bird Haunts Home Life
42:40 Billy Graham Crusade—Life‑Changing Faith Decision
43:01 Forgiving the Bird—Conversion Ends Nightmares
44:01 Reading the Forgiveness Letter to Watanabe
48:07 Experiencing Instant Transformation Through Christ
49:16 How Anyone Can Accept Jesus—Zamperini’s Simple Explanation
50:36 All Things Work Together for Good—Faith Tested

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What really happened behind the scenes of Jesus Revolution? In this unforgettable episode of The Greg Laurie Podcast, Pastor Greg sits down with his wife, Cathe Laurie, to share the raw, unfiltered story of their journey from rebellious teens to partners in faith, love, and ministry.

Together, Greg and Cathe pull back the curtain on the “Hollywood” version of their romance, revealing what the movie got right (and what it didn’t). With warmth and humor, they recount their first real meeting—not at a high school fence, but in a humble California coffeehouse Bible study. As they reminisce about young love, awkward first proposals, and the challenges of starting a family with little experience, listeners get a front-row seat to the genuine, grace-filled adventure that has sustained them for over 50 years.

Cathe shares her powerful spiritual awakening amidst the drug culture of Southeast Asia—a moment that changed the direction of her life. The couple also digs deep into common relationship myths, why lasting marriages require more than cultural “trial runs,” and the sacred call to support one another through all of life’s seasons.

If you were moved by Jesus Revolution or are searching for real wisdom about love, commitment, and God’s plan for your future, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more true stories, biblical perspective, and authentic conversations that will strengthen your faith and inspire your relationships!

Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:

https://harvest.org/.

Find Pastor Greg on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/

https://x.com/greglaurie

https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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CHAPTERS:
01:39 Fact vs. Fiction: How Greg and Kathy Really Met
06:50 Overcoming Parental Objections to Marriage
09:51 Kathy’s Memorable Proposal Ultimatum
13:50 Wedding Day Mix-Up: "Greg and Laurie Are Man and Wife"
15:29 Secrets to 50 Years: Embracing Irreconcilable Differences
19:30 Can You Really Change Your Spouse?
20:16 Roles in Marriage: Leadership and Support Explained
24:41 Controversy: Living Together vs. Marriage Commitment
29:46 Kathy’s Global Upbringing and Early Drug Use
36:15 Encounter With God: From Skepticism to Surrender
41:50 Shock of Early Parenthood: "I Was the Least Prepared"
45:00 Breaking Generational Patterns Through Faith
48:05 The Crisis of Family Breakdown in America
50:03 Biblical Femininity: Womanhood by Design
52:46 The Dangers of Modern Gender Ideologies
56:17 Chastity, Modesty, and Modern Pressures on Girls
59:58 Stop Waiting: The Myths of Delaying Marriage & Family
62:01 Encouraging Men: Let Boys Be Boys, Let Girls Be Girls
70:00 Don't Give Up: Hope for Marriages and Singles

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Before America had a revolution, it had a revival—and at the center of it was a “rock star” preacher named George Whitefield. On this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Greg sits down with Joshua Enck and Jonathan Blair—creators and star of the new film “A Great Awakening”—to uncover the forgotten story of the First Great Awakening and its lasting impact on our nation.

Joshua Enck (director, Sight & Sound) and Jonathan Blair (who portrays Whitefield) bring history to life, sharing how Whitefield’s radical preaching and partnership with Benjamin Franklin helped ignite a revival that transformed colonial America. Through powerful anecdotes, biblical insight, and a genuine passion for storytelling, the conversation explores not just Whitefield’s supernatural voice and courage, but also the authentic warmth and compassion that drove him to reach every corner of society.

Listen for two unforgettable moments: Jonathan describes the challenge—and surrender—in embodying Whitefield’s larger-than-life spirit, revealing how “getting out of the way” allowed something greater to shine through 06:09. And don’t miss the compelling analysis of Whitefield’s relationship with Franklin—a unique friendship that shaped both men and the birth of America 22:50.

This episode invites listeners into the heart of revival: how ordinary, flawed people can spark extraordinary change. If you’re hungry for authentic stories of hope, faith, and renewal, tune in as Greg and guests reflect on what America needs now—another spiritual awakening.

Subscribe for more inspiring conversations that illuminate faith, history, and the power of storytelling!

Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:

https://harvest.org/.

Find Pastor Greg on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/

https://x.com/greglaurie

https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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CHAPTERS:

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Gen Z’s Search for Authentic Faith
00:47 The Forgotten George: Spotlight on Whitfield
02:12 Thirty Years That Sparked a Revolution
03:27 Bringing Whitfield to Life On Screen
05:00 God Uses Unlikely, Flawed People
06:09 Whitfield’s Unstoppable Preaching Power
07:19 Becoming an Evangelist: Preaching for a Decision
10:27 Gospel Is Dunamis—The Power of Dynamite
11:37 Whitfield’s Compassion for All People
12:28 Franklin and Whitfield: Revolutionary Collaboration
16:01 Self-Governance Born from Revival
17:42 Franklin, the Reluctant Preacher’s Son
22:08 Why This Film Matters for America Today
23:12 Philly Rebuilt: Filming Market Street’s Awakening
25:40 Hollywood’s Alternate Universe and Film’s Influence
28:09 Every Christian Is a Candle—Personal Impact
30:06 Truth, Conviction, and Flawed Heroes
32:24 God Uses Crooked Sticks: Flaws in Scripture
36:13 America’s Revival Roots & Need for Awakening
37:20 Living Through Revival: The Jesus Movement
38:32 Can This Film Ignite Another Awakening?
39:29 Films That Changed Our Lives
44:05 The Power of Storytelling in Gospel Film
46:01 A Call to Unashamed, Bold Christian Art
47:52 God Ideas, Not Good Ideas
48:27 Closing Blessing: Fame of Revival Spreads the Flame

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.