40 years into his career, Michael W. Smith says he still hasn't arrived — and that's the point.

Ben sits down with the legendary singer, songwriter, and now executive producer of *Daniel and the Fiery Furnace* (in theaters September 18) for an honest conversation about faith, family, and staying grounded in an industry built on adoration.

In this episode:
- The story behind *Worship* (2001) and why it became a healing album for America
- Crying through an entire concert in Bahrain — and what shifted
- Working alongside his son Tyler, who composed the score for *Daniel*
- Why he thinks God only reveals certain things to "deep people"
- The rules he and his wife Deb set 40+ years ago to protect their marriage
- A missed flight, an Uber driver, and why the interruptions matter
- New music, a guitar solo from Dan Huff, and what's coming in 2026

Michael's mentors included Billy Graham and his own father. Now, at 68, he sees his role as fathering the next generation of artists.

Watch, listen, and share with someone who needs it.

Timestamps
00:32 40 years of God moments
02:40 Feeling the atmosphere shift
04:22 Crying through Bahrain concert
07:56 How Daniel movie came about
10:06 Watching his son Tyler compose
14:09 Why this Bible story hits different
17:41 We've got it too easy
24:22 Staying stirred and hungry for God
26:27 Missed flight, divine Uber ride
30:15 Surviving 45 years of marriage
33:28 Fathering the next generation
35:20 New music and a guitar solo
39:18 Teach me how to abide

40 years into his career, Michael W. Smith says he still hasn't arrived &mdash; and that's the point.
Ben sits down with the legendary singer, songwriter, and now executive producer of *Daniel and the Fiery Furnace* (in theaters September 18) for an honest conversation about faith, family, and staying grounded in an industry built on adoration.
In this episode: - The story behind *Worship* (2001) and why it became a healing album for America - Crying through an entire concert in Bahrain &mdash; and what shifted - Working alongside his son Tyler, who composed the score for *Daniel* - Why he thinks God only reveals certain things to "deep people" - The rules he and his wife Deb set 40+ years ago to protect their marriage - A missed flight, an Uber driver, and why the interruptions matter - New music, a guitar solo from Dan Huff, and what's coming in 2026
Michael's mentors included Billy Graham and his own father. Now, at 68, he sees his role as fathering the next generation of artists.
Watch, listen, and share with someone who needs it.
Timestamps 00:32 40 years of God moments 02:40 Feeling the atmosphere shift 04:22 Crying through Bahrain concert 07:56 How Daniel movie came about 10:06 Watching his son Tyler compose 14:09 Why this Bible story hits different 17:41 We've got it too easy 24:22 Staying stirred and hungry for God 26:27 Missed flight, divine Uber ride 30:15 Surviving 45 years of marriage 33:28 Fathering the next generation 35:20 New music and a guitar solo 39:18 Teach me how to abide

We’re all looking for something.

 

In If You Can Hear Me, Ben Higgins sits down with people from all walks of life—celebrities, thinkers, everyday folks—to talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope.

 

These are honest conversations about the big stuff: identity, loss, purpose, peace, faith, and everything in between. Some guests have answers. Most are still figuring it out.

 

If you’ve ever felt like there must be more to the story—this show is for you.

We&rsquo;re all looking for something.
&nbsp;
In If You Can Hear Me, Ben Higgins sits down with people from all walks of life&mdash;celebrities, thinkers, everyday folks&mdash;to talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope.
&nbsp;
These are honest conversations about the big stuff: identity, loss, purpose, peace, faith, and everything in between. Some guests have answers. Most are still figuring it out.
&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;ve ever felt like there must be more to the story&mdash;this show is for you.

If You Can Hear Me

Michael W. Smith: The Missed Flight, the Uber Driver, and the Sermon

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/78e10a3f-958f-4432-8b4b-b4cd014910cb/transcript