Autism, Jesus & Finding Purpose | Jesus People E75 w/Tanner Smith | Love on the Spectrum on Netflix
5/26/202636 min
Tanner Smith: Autism, Faith & Finding Purpose | The Jesus People Podcast
For Christian life coaching rooted in identity in Christ If you are wrestling with sin, fear, addiction, anxiety, or spiritual stagnation, you do not have to walk alone. Trusted coaches will guide you through Scripture, prayer, and practical steps toward freedom and purpose. https://www.sharethestruggle.org/coaching-rm
In this unforgettable episode, Tanner Smith from Love on the Spectrum joins The Jesus People Podcast for one of the most heartfelt and inspiring conversations yet.
From autism and faith to fear, purpose, heaven, and God’s love, Tanner shares his journey with raw honesty, childlike wonder, and powerful wisdom that has impacted millions around the world.
Alongside his mom and sister, Tanner opens up about growing up with autism, overcoming fears about the future, finding confidence in Christ, and how God used his life to encourage people everywhere.
This episode is funny, emotional, deeply moving, and full of simple truths about Jesus that will stay with you long after it ends.
Key Highlights: • Tanner shares how he gave his life to Jesus at 11 years old • Growing up with autism and learning to embrace it as a gift • “Autism is my Goliath” and how faith changed everything • Fear of getting older and learning to trust God • Heaven, eternity, and childlike faith • Behind the scenes of Love on the Spectrum • Powerful family stories about autism and God’s faithfulness • Why Tanner chose not to return to dating on the newest season • How simple faith and kindness have inspired millions online • Tanner prays for viewers and shares his heart for people to know Jesus
If you or someone you love is navigating autism, anxiety, purpose, or faith, this conversation will encourage you deeply and remind you that God has a plan for every life.
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Follow and stay connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_miller/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dudewithgoodnews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dudewithgoodnews/ Website and coaching: https://www.sharethestruggle.org/coaching-rm Email: podcast@thejesuspeoplemovement.org
Listen now on your favorite platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0RLKmkUpydJr2y84tqQekp?si=8768039f3f5f4e38 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-people-podcast/id1768632876 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dac27441-bed6-4d73-9246-d2dbe93dccf0/jesus-people-podcast
#TannerSmith #LoveOnTheSpectrum #AutismAwareness #Faith #JesusPeoplePodcast #ChristianPodcast #AutismJourney #GodsPurpose #DisabilityAwareness #FaithInJesus #Heaven #ChristianLiving #JesusLovesYou
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsTanner Smith· Guest0:00
Welcome to Tanner Staceys table on the Jesus People podcast.
Ryan Miller· Host0:03
[clapping] [clapping] Tell us what we're doing today, bud.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:08
We're making chocolate chip cookies.
Ryan Miller· Host0:10
And who do we have with us?
Tanner Smith· Guest0:11
My sister Midge, and our, and our mom, Ms. Nikki.
Ryan Miller· Host0:13
Great.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:13
Yes.
Ryan Miller· Host0:14
And what are we gonna be talking about today?
Tanner Smith· Guest0:15
My, my, oh, Jesus, a- and, uh, we're gonna be talking about my faith. Yep.
Ryan Miller· Host0:19
Yes. It's so good.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:20
And my be- and my beliefs.
Ryan Miller· Host0:21
So excited for that.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:22
Me too. Me too.
Ryan Miller· Host0:23
I watched every single episode- Yeah ... of Love on the Spectrum with you.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:27
I know you did.
Ryan Miller· Host0:27
And me and my wife, Annie, would sit there and we would watch, and we'd go- Uh-uh ... everyone in this family is the most beautiful picture of God's family and light and love Uh-uh.
Nikki Smith· Guest0:37
Aww.
Ryan Miller· Host0:37
You have been such an inspiration to us, buddy.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:39
That's so nice of you, Ryan. Thank you. Thank you.
Ryan Miller· Host0:40
You're welcome. You're welcome.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:41
I know you have. I know you have.
Ryan Miller· Host0:42
[laughs] And I know you like cookies, so that's- Yeah ... what we're gonna be doing today.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:45
Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Ryan Miller· Host0:45
So let's make some cookies.
Nikki Smith· Guest0:47
Whoo.
Ryan Miller· Host0:47
Okay. I, we can get started, but I'm gonna ask you questions throughout.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:50
Yeah.
Ryan Miller· Host0:50
Guys, this is what we're calling a vlogcast.
Tanner Smith· Guest0:53
Yes.
Nikki Smith· Guest0:53
Yeah.
Ryan Miller· Host0:53
So this is where we like to do something fun, something interactive. We're still gonna talk about Jesus. We're still gonna ask you really good questions, and I know that you've been practicing, you've been thinking through these questions and these answers.
Tanner Smith· Guest1:04
Yes.
Ryan Miller· Host1:04
I know your, your sister Midge has been so sweet to think through these with us.
Tanner Smith· Guest1:07
Right.
Ryan Miller· Host1:07
And I'm just so honored, guys. Thank you so much for being here.
Nikki Smith· Guest1:11
Thanks for having us. We're excited.
Tanner Smith· Guest1:12
Thank you for having us, Ryan.
Nikki Smith· Guest1:12
Thank you for having us. These will be the best cookies- Of course.
Tanner Smith· Guest1:13
Of course ...
Nikki Smith· Guest1:13
you'll probably ever have in your life.
Ryan Miller· Host1:14
Yes.
Nikki Smith· Guest1:14
Here we go.
Ryan Miller· Host1:15
[laughs] Okay. I've got a question for you, okay?
Tanner Smith· Guest1:17
Yes.
Ryan Miller· Host1:17
My first question for you is, how did your relationship with God begin?
Tanner Smith· Guest1:21
It began when I was 11.
Ryan Miller· Host1:22
Really?
Tanner Smith· Guest1:23
Because, yes, because I was 11 when I came, when I became a Christian. So- Yeah ... we were at the beach- Mm-hmm ... before my fifth grade year,