
Loading summary
A
Welcome to Tanner the Stacy table on the Jesus Bebop podcast.
B
Tell us what we're doing today, bud.
A
We're making chocolate chip cookies.
B
And who do we have with us?
A
My sister Midge and our mom, Ms. Iki. Yes.
B
And what are we gonna be talking about today?
A
Jesus. And, yeah, we're gonna be talking about my faith. Yep.
B
Yes.
A
And my beliefs.
B
So excited for me too.
A
Me, too.
B
I watched every single episode of Love on the Spectrum with you.
A
I know you did.
B
And me and my wife Annie would sit there, and we would watch, and we'd go. Everyone in this family is the most beautiful picture of God's family and light and love. You have been such an expression.
A
Thank you. Thank you.
B
You're welcome. You're welcome.
A
I know you have, so.
B
I know you have, and I know you like cookies, so that's what we're gonna be doing today.
A
Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.
B
Let's make some cookies. Okay, we can get started, but I'm gonna ask you questions throughout. Guys, this is what we're calling a vlogcast. So this is where we like to do something fun, something interactive.
A
We.
B
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. Yes, I know your sister Midge has been so sweet to think through these with us, and I'm just so honored, guys. Thank you so much.
C
Thanks for having us.
A
Thank you for having us.
C
This would be the best cookies you've probably ever had in your life.
D
Here we go.
B
Okay, I've got a question for you. Okay. My first question for you is, how did your relationship with God begin?
A
It began when I was 11.
B
Really?
A
Because. Yes, because I was 11 when I became a Christian. So we were at the beach before my fifth grade year, and that night when we were out on the beach, I asked Jesus, I want to accept you in my heart, and I believe that you died on the cross for our sins. And I love you. Wow.
C
Isn't that great?
A
That is great.
C
Who helped you in that conversation?
A
You see? You did, Mom. You did, Mom.
D
That is a beautiful way to retell it.
A
That's right.
B
And what was that like for you, Nikki, to like?
D
Oh, it's like the moment you pray for. It's so good. So good. Yeah.
A
Yeah.
C
I think that would have been around the same time that I did as well, because I was nine when I got baptized, so I think that was like the.
D
You guys got baptized together?
C
Yeah. When we were having those conversations within our family all around the same time.
A
I was 11 when I got baptized.
B
Amazing. Yeah, that's so. Do you remember that day?
A
I do.
D
Who baptized you?
A
Do you remember, see, Ms. Joyce or Mr. Bobby?
D
Ms. Joyce. I'm sorry.
C
Yeah, that's right.
B
Amazing. Did that change the way that you saw how God views you?
A
Yes, it did.
B
Tell me more.
A
Okay. I see that God loves me and he can forgive. He can forgive me why I do wrong and people. Yeah, because he loves us. I know. Whether I'm upset or anxious, I have a bad day. I say, jesus, help me. I tell you.
B
Has your faith helped you in those moments? Because I'm sure growing up with autism, there's so many times where it's confusing, right?
A
Yes, it has helped me.
B
Your faith has helped you. Can you say more? What do you do in those moments where you feel confused?
A
I say, jesus and God are always with me. And sometimes when we have bad days. We all have bad days. Right. We just gotta go through rough times and move on.
B
Amen.
A
Yes, that's right.
B
That's amazing. Thank you for that. Okay, let's get started on this. Okay, so it says here that we need one cup of softened butter.
A
Right?
C
That looks pretty soft.
D
Pretty soft.
B
So this is the. Yeah, this is very soft. And then we need one cup of brown sugar.
C
Try not to get it on your white shirt.
B
Yep.
A
So also in the butter, do you pour the butter in first before I put.
B
I think it doesn't matter, but I could be totally wrong.
C
Mr. Ryan, have you ever made cookies before?
B
I think I need Annie.
C
Yeah.
A
Brown sugar crust or the butter.
B
What do you.
C
Maybe you can do at the same time?
A
I'm not sure.
B
Let's do as a team.
A
Let's do it as a team.
D
Wait, brown sugar.
B
You need a little bit more.
A
Oh, okay.
D
Brown sugar has to be packed.
C
Do a full thing.
B
Yeah, this is pretty melty here.
D
You ready?
C
Teamwork makes the dream work.
A
Teamwork makes the dream work.
D
Scrape the top.
A
Scrape the top.
D
Take your hand and scrape. And pack it down.
B
I'm a newbie at this, Tanner, so you're gonna have to help me.
A
Have made cookies before.
B
I have made cookies before.
A
Thank you, Midge.
B
Yeah, Usually I have the help from Ms. Annie.
A
Oh, yeah.
B
Okay, ready? Three, two, one. Okay. Okay. So how has your faith impacted your view about your autism?
A
And what do you mean by that?
B
What I mean by that is, you know, that God created you with a purpose. He created you special.
A
Right, right, right.
B
And how has that Made you view how God created you special because you have autism, which God has created that in you for a purpose. And so why do you think he gave you autism?
A
Because it's the way it's made me special. I think it's a gift. Yeah, it's a gift. It's a blessing because with Motsom, I know my brain works a little differently.
B
Right.
A
I had trouble paying attention to schoolsome, but if it says with Batsom wowzom comes life, I would never have met. I met all the football players. Coach Dabble, and I would have never met Coach Dabble in the football or the football players. I don't think I would have met. I would never have met Connor or his family if I didn't have Autumn either. Wow. So that's a blessing.
B
So you're thankful because God has given you these relationships.
A
Yes.
B
Because your brain works a little bit different than most.
A
Yes.
B
But you're thankful to God for that?
A
I'm thankful to God for that. Exactly. And from Autumn? I would never. If I had Autumn, I would never met Connor or his family.
B
Yeah.
A
I don't have Madison or Tyler.
D
I don't think we would have. Buddy, haven't you? Wouldn't be on the show.
A
Yeah. We never met Dan either.
D
Tanner, way back before the show, how many amazing people have we met because of your autism? Can you remember where that started? Who were the very first really amazing people?
A
My therapist. Oh, yeah. Ms. Heather, Ms. Renee, Ms. Lissa, Ms. Olivia.
B
Oh, wow.
A
And you can't tell them. And they're amazing. And can I tell you what they taught me?
B
Please.
A
They taught me some words. Monkey do we. And can fire, too. And they taught me ambo, like a polar bear, a panda bear, a koala bear. And Melissa taught me a gorilla, And I asked Ms. Lissa what a gorilla is, and she told me that a gorilla is some kind of monkey. And when Miss Melissa told me that a gorilla is some kind of monkey, that's when I learned that gorillas are related to monkeys.
B
Yes.
A
And they taught me foods. Bagels and tacos. And Missetta taught me a grill, like a pyramid. Huh. And Ms. Heather taught me that. Addie.
B
Wow.
A
And.
B
And you. You were telling me earlier that gorillas are your favorite animals. Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
Why? Why gorillas?
A
Because they're animals and they look like humans, and they're animals with so. Because they're animals with hands and that they're. They look like humans. It's so cool how they look similar to us. That's fine.
B
And they're so strong.
A
They're so strong. Yes.
B
They're crazy strong. That's why I like gorillas.
A
Oh, me too. And that's why.
B
Too amazing.
A
It is fine.
B
Okay. And what is your favorite type of cookie?
A
Chocolate chip. That's the guy we're making.
B
That's what we got, buddy.
C
All right.
D
Tell them what we did.
C
All right. We stuck in the half a cup of regular sugar. Regular sugar. But we left a fun part for you guys.
B
Okay. Okay. We got. And isn't my wife sweet?
A
She wrote a sweet.
B
She wrote a note for me here. 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.
A
Yes.
D
Love it.
A
Thanks, Bella.
C
Sweet.
A
We love it.
B
She's so kind.
A
She's so kind.
B
Cause she knows I don't.
A
Yeah.
B
Did an amazing bakery.
A
That's okay. So.
B
So we're gonna mix these together.
A
Yes.
B
You wanna crack one? Which one do you want? The pink or the green?
C
Pink.
B
Okay, I'll take the green egg.
A
Can I tell you something?
B
Please do.
A
I'm glad my school therapist taught me to read. Cause I green eye cream books. I green on the back of movie cases of the details and what's going on.
B
That's why. So having autism from a young age, I'm sure there was a lot of things that were really confusing to you. How did your relationship with God help you? Like, what did you do? Did you go pray? Did you go walk? What would you do when things got confusing?
A
I did go walk some. I did pray.
B
Yeah, your prayer. What would you ask God?
A
God, I want you to help me get better when I get older. I know you can do it.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
That's amazing. And Nikki, I'm sure as a mom of someone who has autism and is such a sweet spirit, and then just noticing some of the challenges growing up, what did that do to your family's faith?
D
It's no doubt been the biggest faith builder in our entire life. And honestly for me, I grew up in a very, very, very conservative, very rule bound environment. And I actually struggled with my faith a lot. I grew up in a. If the church doors are open, you're there, you show up, you do what's right. Everything is black and white. We do these things, we don't do those things. Which honestly felt very confining and was really hard for me growing up. And it made it hard for my faith and for Jesus to feel real to me. I started to really know that God was good and God has a purpose for each of us and that God truly is in control and has mapped out our life for us.
A
Because I agree, Mom. I like that. I like that.
B
I like that, too.
D
You did, buddy.
A
I helped all of us grow.
D
Honestly, there was no other way to embrace it. There was no other way to make it okay than to think this is exactly who he was created to be. God has a reason. God's going to use him. God's going to do great things through.
C
This story is like, kind of the reason that I fell in love with Jesus. We were, of course, raised in the church and grew up, you know, in the faith, but always kind of felt like second place. So I'm the sibling right after Tanner. He was diagnosed around the same time I was born. So I feel like my whole life I've kind of lived as, you know, my parents had to give him their full energy, and I was always second place. And so when I was a sophomore in high school, I decided I'm going to read the whole Bible in a year, and I'm going to journal every night. And. And I did that. And I just remember sitting in my bedroom, like, I still have it journaled, like, I'm God's number one. He thinks about me first, and, you know, I'm his number one in his eyes. And so Tanner is a big part of my story and kind of what drew me to the Lord personally for my own, you know, personal walk with him. So big impact, dude. Keep rocking it, right?
B
Yes, please.
A
I used to be worried about getting older when I was younger because I thought things were going to change in a scary way. And, you know, I was scared about living away from my mom, my mom, dad first, maybe because I love them, but still. I live in Clinton's right now, only three hours away from them, and have it all planned out to move to Columbia while they're five and work the lantern and live in Columbia 15 years and then move back home, Saint Matthews and retire at 50.
B
Amazing.
A
And you know what? Now I know that getting Gorey is a good thing, and I'm not worried about it anymore.
B
That's amazing. And. And that must have been scary. It took a lot of bravery.
A
I told Ryan that it was scary at first, so I was worried about getting going.
D
That was a huge time of growth for you, wasn't it? Because you were. You had a hard time coming to us and talking about it.
A
Exactly.
D
But now you're. What has happened since you made that transformation in your heart, since you decided it was not a bad thing, what has happened in your life? How has your life been?
A
It's been amazing. Listening another way, how it's been well,
D
I think amazing is actually the perfect
A
and I tell you all my friends that I'm glad I got to my fear of getting older. I told Lala kid because I have it all panned out. Moved to college B 135 work the lantern.
D
And that's the way you got a lot more confident.
B
Yes.
A
Yes.
D
And you started learning to ask for help. Or when you didn't understand something, you started learning that it's okay to say, I don't know, I'm confused. Help me. Right? And that was something that you were struggling with before that but you didn't tell us.
A
That's right.
D
And now you're so much more confident.
A
Zach used to be worried about getting older when you was younger too. Zach, calibrate.
B
It's normal.
A
And Chris did too.
D
Chris, I think a lot of people. I think a lot of people.
A
But I can show them that gaining
D
water is a good thing.
B
Was I not supposed to do.
D
No, you're good.
B
This is my first time on Tanner's tasty table, so I'll get that. Or next time take a tight next time.
D
Okay.
C
One teaspoon of baking soda.
B
Tanner, I have a question for you.
A
Yes. So you have some stride.
B
So I'm sure that you know you've had some doubts in your faith. Do you think it's bad to have doubts as a Christian?
A
I don't think so.
B
I don't think so either.
A
I don't think you and Mommy do. I don't think you and Mitch think it's bad.
D
No, I think it's normal.
C
Do you have doubts in your faith? Like when you were young, did you used to think have any doubts about God or big questions?
A
Oh, no, because all of you have said God. I know that I knew God exists.
C
Really? You've never thought like, oh, maybe he doesn't exist?
A
Well, not really, Mitch, but not really. But the truth is, before I learned, I didn't know what heaven or hell is until I learned.
C
Yeah, that's right. How old were you when you learned that?
A
I say, I think maybe let me probably like six or seven. Like four or five. Or maybe six or seven. Because our black cat, Ally died. They asked you where Ally is and she said. And you said, she's up in heaven.
C
That's how you learn. That's so exciting.
A
I didn't know what the word die means at first.
D
Okay.
A
I think I was probably like six or seven. While they're.
D
You were working really hard on acquiring more language, weren't you? Like around five more at five years
A
old with me and Ms. Heather and you. And you said Ms. Heather was dad because then Ms. Daddy died.
D
Yeah. We were still doing a lot of speech therapy. We were still doing a lot of therapy at home during those days. You were working on getting more words, weren't you?
A
Exactly.
D
Yep, exactly. You sure were.
B
It sounds like your family has been super helpful in understanding Jesus.
A
She has. They have. They have.
B
That's amazing. When did you first learn that Jesus loves you?
A
Because when our mom, dad did.
B
Told me. Okay.
A
At first I thought Jesus was a girl. At first he did. To tell you the truth. There.
B
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let's say one of your favorite actors, if you got the chance to tell them about Jesus, what would you tell them? Let's say they're standing right here. Let's say that I'm one of your favorite actors in the world.
A
Like Dustin Hoffman.
B
Sure. Yeah. So I'm right in front of you, and you have the chance to tell them about Jesus. What would you tell him?
A
Well, hey, Dustin, just remember, you can do it. Jesus. One day, you can ask him. You can accept it. You can ask Jesus in your heart and you can learn that he loves you and he's always here for you and God. Just remember that. It's okay.
C
We're learning that, like, when you have conversations with people who believe something different, it's okay to just love them how they are, right?
A
That's right.
C
And we can share about Jesus, but we don't want to make them feel bad.
D
Tanner.
A
I've got to learn that.
D
Do you know how? I think you taught a ton of people about Jesus and you didn't even know you did it. Tell me, mom, do you remember on season two when you and Kate went out to eat at the Bistro?
B
Yeah, I remember.
D
And you took the time to pray over your meal?
A
Yes, ma'.
C
Am.
D
Do you know how many comments? I think we got tired of counting them.
A
Okay. Kate's a Christian.
C
It is.
D
And do you remember how many people said, I cried watching this? I wanted to go read the Bible after this. This was so special. So many people watched you pray for your meal, and it was a really beautiful, simple prayer. I think in that way you told millions of people about Jesus love just by living it.
A
Yes.
D
And just by being who you are.
A
Yes.
D
Right. Just something you would normally do with a way of witnessing.
A
Yes.
C
Yeah.
B
That's amazing, buddy.
A
Oh, yeah.
B
I'm gonna let you do the chocolate chips. Why don't you pour? We need. It says, I think it says let's
D
give it a little run to the KitchenAid first.
B
Oh, okay.
D
Okay.
A
Yeah.
D
Just to make sure that. Flowers.
C
Lord, would you please bless these cookies and help them to be really good.
B
So I think we're doing two and a half cups. Two and a half cups of chocolate chips.
A
Yes.
B
I think we should do four.
A
Me too. Me too. Yeah.
D
Yeah.
A
Let's do more. Okay.
B
Okay. Why don't you pour these?
D
We're going to use the handle release. Look at this.
A
Yes.
D
That's a nice mixer. We need one of those.
A
We need one of those. Yeah.
B
Someone's gotta lick it.
A
Oh, memory.
B
We got it.
A
I mean, share. You too, Mitch.
B
We will share.
C
Thank you for including me.
A
You're welcome in.
D
Yeah, I think that's good.
A
You got the flower on.
B
Okay. Beautiful.
A
Oh.
D
Oh.
B
Well, it's up.
A
I got some you can lick out there.
B
Lucky if you want to get down. I got some on my shirt too.
C
How is it?
D
There you go.
C
They look like a good.
D
I think it did good. Yeah. Nice.
B
Okay, Tanner, what do you think, buddy? I think should we do three or
A
should do three or four? What do you think, Ryan? Three, four, I guess I'm good with three or four.
B
Three and a half.
A
Three and a half. Three one a half. Yeah. Okay. What?
B
You want to start pouring them in there?
A
Yes. Yes. Hey, Mom. Mitch. I told Ms. Ryan that when our cousin Ryan takes me, the farmer farts on his wife.
D
Okay.
A
Wow.
D
Thank you.
B
Laugh. Isn't it appropriate for me to action?
C
Yeah, I think it's just cool.
A
Just because you're a good person. But that doesn't mean you're a Christian.
B
Oh, tell me more.
A
Oh, no. Well, at first I did. I thought that being good does get you heaven. I thought that only bad people go to heaven. But we all know bad people couldn't change like poachers can and Virgos can. But my mom. Our mom told me. My mom told me. It's not okay. Just be good, guys. He told me, to heaven.
C
What else do you have to do?
A
You have to accept Jesus in your heart, right?
C
It matters, doesn't it?
A
Until this joke.
C
How is it? Ew. Do you want any? After he just looks at me, she said, I'm good.
D
I'm good.
A
Acceptance in your heart. Let's take a few to a few other things.
B
Okay. What else?
A
I know you had to accept these in your heart. And you had to know that he died on the cross for our sins.
B
Yes.
A
I'm thinking of one more. Okay.
B
Do you want me to think of it?
A
Yeah. You think of one more.
B
Okay. You have to believe in your heart.
A
You have to believe in your heart.
B
You have to accept him.
A
Accept him.
B
And you have to share about him with your mouth. Right. Is that the last one?
A
That's right. That's a good one. So we gotta pray for those, right?
B
To pray for him. Do you want to pray for him right now?
A
Yes.
B
Okay, go ahead.
A
Okay. Dear, thank for this day. I pray for. For this good day we're having. We making cookies. And I pray that. That you keep Maverick safe, whether he's in St. Matthews or in North Carolina right now. And pray when me, mommy and Mitch go back to South Carolina later. Later today, that we get back safely. And pray that keep us safe and that we'll be okay. Amen.
B
Amen. Okay, well, how does this look to you, dude?
A
I mean, that was good to me. Okay.
B
How do you open this, babe?
A
That was so funny. Annie, I'm about to put the cookies on the tray.
D
Show Mr. Ryan how to space them out.
A
Watch this. Watch how. I'm Tanner.
B
Get in there, Tanner.
A
Okay, see, that's right. One time.
D
Okay. I know what he's doing. Yeah, I know. Okay.
C
Yeah.
D
What do we have to make sure, Tanner, that they're not. What?
A
They're not poisoned.
C
Well, that's true.
A
And. Well, that they're not. What?
D
Not too close together.
A
Not too close together.
D
When they get hot and cook, they
A
all stick together and then they spread out. You gotta make a certain amount of
D
room between each one.
C
Perfect. There you go.
D
There you go.
A
Also, this thing that I bought, I used to do. I used to stim. I used to do this.
D
Why do autistic people have stims, Tanner? Can you explain stimming to people that might not know?
A
Makes them feel good. And it can make them feel calm
D
because you had a lot of, like, extra energy.
B
What was the stim that you did?
A
Oh, I used to do this. And I see it. Belts and traps. Watches on my hands. And I used to make the squealing sound.
B
Okay.
D
And what was the really funny one you did?
A
I used to run up downstairs a lot.
D
That. But what are you really good at that most people aren't? That you used to do because you used to stem stands.
C
Handstands.
A
Handstands. Now I usually do whistle stems.
B
Whoa.
D
Well, you know what you've done, Tanner? You've adjusted how you regulate yourself as you've gotten older, haven't you?
A
Yeah.
D
You figured out how to regulate in a different way.
C
That's amazing.
A
Right?
D
Because you can't flip a handstand now that you're 5, 10, and 178 pounds.
B
Well, I guess you could. He can do some handstands if you want.
C
Yeah. Out in the yard.
A
Out of the yard he does. And if I'm outside by myself, I still do squeal some.
D
Oh, for sure. And when do you squeal? Like Tanner, when do you choose to do those things? Now.
A
Like while I'm now around a lot of people outside.
D
When you're driving the players.
A
I'm driving the players. Exactly. Yeah. I take a walk.
B
What is one thing that you wish people would understand about you that maybe they don't know?
A
Well, I know that they know I'm kind and nice. Yeah. But you know what? That's hard to answer right now.
B
Sure. That's okay. You can think about it a little bit.
A
Because I know that everybody knows I'm nice and kind. Yep.
B
Is there something about you that you're really proud of?
A
Yes, that I graduated from high school in Clemson Life. And now I'm doing all this hard work and I got my plan to retire at 50. This. I still got 23 years until I retired.
B
That's amazing. Tell me about Clemson life. What is Clemson life?
A
So it's a program for people with disabilities, abilities to help them learn how to have jobs and live independently. Amazing. Yes.
B
And you graduated?
A
Yes, I graduated.
B
Congratulations, buddy.
A
I said autumn, kiss my butt anytime.
C
What do they say?
A
Autism.
B
Autism can kick my butt.
C
There you go.
A
That's great. You know, autism being different, it's not a bad thing.
D
Yeah. Tanner, would you say that, like most of your friends who have autism, do all their stims look a little bit different than yours?
A
His stimming like this? Yep.
D
And everybody just kind of has a little different way of expressing themselves.
A
He does his stimming with his mouth. Yeah. Cuz he has down syndrome. Yep.
B
Tanner, is there a Bible story that you really like that inspires you?
A
David and Goliath.
B
Tell me more.
A
Okay. Because we had the book of it and when he. He wore his yellow shirt and I saw one pages of the mountain lion part and one part where we know David, he insulted. I mean, Goliath, he insulted David.
B
Yeah.
A
And so one page of Goliath was holding a spear and our mom read it to us where like Woodward, Goliath was holding his sword and David had a slingshot and he shot his. He shot his slingshot out and the brown stone out of it and he hit Goliath in the forehead and One page is where Goliath was dead.
D
Tanner, tell Mr. Ryan what is kind of interesting with that story. What's your first name?
A
David. David. Our grandpa's name's David. Our mom's side, I think that's my grandpa.
D
And Tanner, what have we talked about before? Like in your life, you're David, right? With your slingshot. And autism is kind of your Goliath, right? Right.
A
That's right.
D
But you got it.
B
I got it.
D
But I got it.
A
That's right.
B
That's right.
D
You got it.
A
That's right. That's right.
D
Like in your life, like autism is kind of like the Goliath in your life.
A
I can say autism is kind of my Goliath.
D
But you took it out, didn't you?
A
I don't think the Giants had to disability because no people.
D
I think they were just rude, but
A
someone asked about or someone polite.
B
Maybe so. But buddy.
A
Yeah.
B
Nobody thought David was going to beat Goliath.
A
That's right.
B
In the same way, nobody thought that Tanner from South Carolina was going to reach millions of people and inspire them to be light, to be loved, to follow Jesus, to be kind to other people.
A
That's right.
B
Do you realize that?
A
I do. I realize that.
B
That's amazing.
A
But I know David, he believed in this.
D
And do you believe in yourself?
A
I do.
D
And who else believes in you?
A
You do. And Mitch does. And Daddy does.
D
I think millions of people do.
A
And all my friends do.
B
I believe in you, bud.
A
I don't know anybody who doesn't believe in me.
C
I don't either.
A
David's mom and dad believed in him.
D
I know they did. I know they did.
A
I don't think he had any siblings, though.
D
He had tons.
A
I'm sure his siblings believed in him.
D
Well, you know what? We have to go deeper into that story because guess what? He went through a time where his brothers were kind of mean to him. And they were very mean to him, actually. But then it all came back around later in his life.
C
Life.
A
Yeah.
D
And it all ended up working for good.
A
Yeah.
D
Which is kind of your story too.
A
That's right. That's right, isn't it? That's right. Uh huh.
D
You want to wash that off and
A
pop them in the oven?
B
Yeah, let's wash our hands. It looks like we got. I think you can pop them in the oven here. And we still got more.
C
All right, Tank, you want to help put them in the oven?
B
You want to put this in there?
A
Put this in the oven.
C
Go rockstar.
A
Yes.
B
Put it on.
A
I'm Ready?
C
Are you ready?
B
Okay. Why don't you put it right in the center one? Right there?
A
Yes, Ms. Ryan.
B
Careful because it's hot, bud.
A
I'll be very careful.
B
Okay.
A
I'll be very careful there.
B
Beautiful, Buddy. All right, now, what were the instructions? It was 10 to 15 minutes.
A
10:13. Right.
B
Okay, so I'm gonna set a timer. Once the timer goes off, we'll grab them and we'll munch them.
A
Yes. This was Ryan. This was Ryan.
B
All right.
A
Buddy has asked something.
B
What prompted the decision to not go on Love on the Spectrum this last season?
A
Because I said that I'm not interested in dating. I mean, I'm not ready to get married right now.
B
Yeah. So you'd rather have someone else have that spot?
A
Yes. Yes. Yeah. I'm glad I'm telling you this, Brian. I'm glad I'm telling you this.
B
Well, it's so kind of you.
A
Yes.
B
Because you could have taken that spot because you wanted to be on TV or because you wanted to just do more to get in front of more people, but you're like, hey, I don't really feel like I'm supposed to do this right now, so I'm gonna let someone else take that spot. Is that right?
A
Yeah. Yep. Perfect.
C
Was that an easy or hard decision for you?
A
That was an easy decision to not
C
go on the season.
A
That was easy for me, Mitch.
C
It was easy.
D
Have you felt relieved now that you're not dating right now?
A
Yes, I felt relieved. I'm not dating right now.
D
And we're so proud of you.
A
I'm so proud of you.
D
You did a great job expressing yourself.
C
Yeah. And there's. It's not right or wrong to get married.
D
It just is where you are right now.
A
Just where I am right now. So I'm gonna have to learn.
B
I love it, man.
A
Hey, I'm glad I told you. I told you this was Ryan.
B
I'm glad you told me too, bud.
A
I want to ask you, what are some of your beliefs, like, about Jesus in God?
B
Oh, that's a great question, because I.
A
I know you're a Christian. Okay.
B
So you.
A
So.
B
So this is something I've been thinking about a lot. In the Bible, it says that God is love.
A
Yes.
B
He doesn't just love, but literally, God is love embodied.
A
Right.
B
So if Jesus is love, the Bible tells us we're supposed to stay really close to that love.
A
Uhhuh.
B
And then the picture is, like, when you stay really close to that love, like, I just poured you some Coke Zero in it.
A
Oh, thank You. Thank you. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
B
So if I kept pouring Coke Zero in there. Let's pretend that Coke Zero is love.
A
Okay.
B
And you're just pouring love into Tanner. Yeah. And then what if I kept pouring. What's going to happen if I kept pouring love? Is it going to.
A
It's going to. It's going to spill. It's going to spill. Spill.
B
It's going to spill. That's kind of like what we're supposed to do in the world.
A
Yeah.
B
Is we're first supposed to be so filled by God's love that it just spills out. All the love spills out to everyone else.
A
Yes.
B
And so that's what I've been thinking about a lot lately. Lately. Even in terms of, like, prayer is, like, when I'm praying, like, am I praying to make myself become love? Because Jesus is love. So am I spending time with Jesus in order to love others?
A
Yes.
B
Like, you know, I talk about Jesus on social media.
A
Yes.
B
Okay. So I want to. The word the Bible uses a lot is commune. You stay. You commune with him. You stay really close to him. And I want to commune with him. I want to go talk to him. I want to go on a walk and talk to Jesus so that I get so filled with his love that I can pour it out to other people. Because if I'm. Okay. This cup of this used to have Coke Zero in it.
A
Yes.
B
Watch me pour out all this Coke Zero.
A
Okay. Oh, and it was just a little
B
bit of ice, right?
A
Just a little bit ice and nothing.
B
But there's no Coke Zero.
A
No. There's no Coke Zero.
B
I didn't pour Coke Zero all over myself. Right. Because it was empty.
A
Yes.
B
So me going and trying to be a good person and trying to help people and trying to talk about Jesus online, if I didn't have any love in me and I did this, am I gonna be able to spill love onto other people?
A
No.
B
No. But if I'm constantly filling myself with this love, then I can do that, right? Yeah.
A
That makes sense. That makes sense. Yeah.
D
Yeah.
A
Yes.
B
Cookies are ready, buddy.
A
Yes.
B
Should we go check on it?
D
Yeah.
A
Yes.
B
Right on.
A
Let's smell them. Yeah.
B
Okay. Let's go check.
D
Smell em.
B
That was a great question, Tammy.
A
I love that question. I'm glad I asked you that question.
B
Thank you for asking.
C
You're welcome.
B
What do those look like? Do you like them a little more chewy?
A
I like them a little more chewy.
B
I think they need. What do you think? Maybe one more.
A
One more bit? Yeah.
B
I think One more.
A
We like them.
B
I don't. I don't understand when people like them, like overcooked.
A
Overcooked, that's right. Thank you, Mom. Did one of your brothers at Luke or Blake tell you what Evan is?
B
My parents told me what heaven is.
A
Mitch kind of told me what heaven is. Just like when me and Ms. Heather watched the first day of our time and Lupus mother dies because she got bit by T. Rex protecting him and Sarah. We said it until we. Ls mother died cuz she got by shark tooth, she meant say bitten by shark tooth. And told me that. Ls mother's in heaven, you know. But you know what? In the first one, I assume. Ls mother, after she died, I assume she went to heaven. But still, the real dinosaurs, they're exceeding now and we don't know if they're in heaven. We don't know.
B
We don't know. Okay, I think 30 more seconds.
A
30 more seconds. 30 more Seconds. Hey, you know, on some days when Claire cuts my hair and I have another friend who cuts my hair named Megan and another one named Tina, I also get haircuts of great clips. That's amazing.
B
Yeah, that's amazing.
A
I'm so, so.
B
Here, let's grab these real fast. I want to make sure. Perfect.
A
Yes. Yes. Perfect.
B
Should we get milk, too?
A
Yeah, let's get milk. Yes, let's get milk.
B
Here, let's get some milk. All right.
A
I'm enjoying this. You're one of my best friends, Ms. Ryan.
B
Yeah, you're one of my best friends too, buddy. I'm so glad I met you. Would you guys like some milk? Annie, would you like some milk? No? Okay, just me and Tanner then.
A
I'll say.
B
Okay.
A
I'm so excited.
B
All right, buddy.
A
Oh.
C
Take care of you.
B
Presenting our chocolate chip cookies for dinner's tasty table. Cheers, buddy.
A
Yeah, cheers.
B
Cheers, cheers. Dive in, Nikki. Dive in. Midge, we're dipping ours.
C
Oh, they look good.
B
They're nice and soft.
C
Oh. What would you rate them?
A
A 10?
C
10.
D
All right, you guys killed it.
B
Super yummy. What would you share with a family that maybe doesn't share your experience where autism is? Been really challenging for that family?
D
I do know that those families need a voice. They need to be understood. They need their community members, their church members, their family to reach out and give them respite and pray for them and encourage them. And people need to support those families.
B
So when did you find out that Tanner had autism? And then what was your emotion?
D
So Tanner was born in 98. And we started seeing some unusual behavior and like, just delays in development. Tanner always. You always could talk, which was so such an incredible blessing. He never lost language, but he stopped acquiring language at the normal rate. And you guys would understand that with very young children in the house, you know, like, there's that kind of that explosion between two and three where they go from just little phrases to like full on conversation that wasn't happening. And we started seeing all kinds of unusual play patterns, different socialization stuff, some withdrawal. And so we started doing testing at around two and a half. And we. I had heard the word autism only from the movie Rain man with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. And then they're telling me that my child has this, and I was like, what are you talking? Like, what does that even mean? And the only visual I had in my head is Dustin Hoffman's character. So it was literally. I would always compare it to like somebody taking you and throwing you in the deep end of the pool, but you don't know how to swim and saying, now figure it out. Get to the top. And it was just, I don't know, it was the most overwhelming, terrifying time. And, you know, Taylor was already here, obviously she's older and Madeline was a baby. We were building our home, the home we live in now. We were living in a rental house. So there was just a lot going on. I was 29 years old when all this was happening. So it was just a lot happening. And all of a sudden you had to like, do the research, understand the disorder, be the expert, know what your child needed, choose the right therapist and the right modality of therapy, and then it's a crushing financial prospect. I mean, like just crushing. I mean, it was just like what everything cost to provide the therapy that he needed was incredible. So that, you know, incredible pressure on my husband. So it was a lot. It was really, really, really a lot. But now that I look back, every little step of the way, every little step of the way, God provided, like every single thing we needed. I didn't see it then, but I look back now and I'm like, oh my God, I needed a driver that year because he went to school almost an hour away. He did not go where they went. And at the last minute, somebody would show up that needed a part time job or the therapist that we got, I mean, all of them just happened to be available that summer to start working for me. They just. And they were the perfect girls. And the therapy company that we worked with, they're not a Christian Company. But the ones that got assigned to us were so, like, as I look back, everything fell into place as it was supposed to. It was pretty amazing.
B
Yeah.
D
It's just so cool, like, and I see it all now so clearly, but I didn't see it at the time.
B
Well, it just speaks to the sovereignty of God.
D
Oh. That's what I always say. Like, that's what Tanner's life symbolizes to me. Like, just like that, how much God has the plan. And I hope we can remember that the next time we go through something really hard, because we all know it's coming. I mean, like, life is just a valley and a high. A valley and a high. And it was such a valley for such a long time. But now I look back and I'm like, oh, my gosh. This was the reason, like, this where we are today, what's happening right now, is the whole reason that it all happened and the way that it did. And if we had not just kept going and just kept pushing through and just kept trusting that someday this was all going to come around. I mean, you know, marriages often break, and I'm so blessed that ours did not. I. I mean, a lot of people don't have any more children. And I have these other three wonderful children.
C
Thank God she has three.
D
Thank God.
B
How about you, Midge? Maybe a sibling? Yeah.
C
I think each of us, like mom was saying, has a little bit of a different story. And Taylor, our older sister, her story is a lot different than mine. But I think talking about it and sharing your side and feeling like you don't have to hide the way that you feel, you know, like, maybe that sibling is getting a lot more attention, but finding somebody, finding a friend or a great mom who's super supportive and empathetic to share that and not feel like you have to, you know, hide what you're going through.
B
Yeah. How has this impacted your faith?
C
Well, like, I shared, like, Tanner kind of drove me to, like, pursue the Lord because I always felt like a little bit overshadowed when I was young. That. So it kind of like kick started my personal journey with the Lord. And then every day I'm learning things from you because you're very empathetic.
A
I am. Bitch.
C
And you remember people's names and you are patient with people. And you remind me of things that are important in life, that it's so important to spend time with people. Right. People are the most important thing. So you teach me every day.
A
I do.
C
About my faith.
A
Yeah, I do, Mitch. I do, Mitch.
B
That's the thought that keeps coming to mind is like, how good is God? That you needed all of those special tutors.
A
Yeah.
B
You need to go to that school. You needed that driver.
A
That's right. That's right.
B
And you didn't know 20 some years down the road that your son. That you. I'm sure you had to grieve in some ways for years.
D
For years.
B
You got diagnosed with autism, and now you've become famous for your joy.
A
Right. That's right.
B
That's incredible that God is so kind and know exactly what we need.
A
Yeah.
B
At that specific time, and we have no idea what's going on. It's like Joseph, right? Joseph gets thrown.
A
Joseph, king of dreams.
B
Yes. Yeah.
A
I love Joseph, King of dreams. That's right.
B
Yeah. So Joseph gets, you know, thrown into a pit because he has this colorful coat and his brothers are jealous. Then he goes to. To work at this guy's house, and his wife accuses him of something he didn't do. So he gets thrown into prison. But he didn't deserve it.
A
He didn't deserve it.
B
And he stays in prison and he interprets against.
A
That's right.
B
And the guy says, hey, I'm going to free you. The guy forgets about him. So he's still in prison. He didn't do anything wrong.
A
Right? He didn't do anything wrong.
B
And then finally, he interprets Pharaoh, the big president's dream. And then he gets freed, and he ascends to be the second in command in the entire country of Egypt. And then he looks back at his brothers who were the ones who did the bad thing to him in the first place, threw him into the pit, and he says, you didn't know what you were doing, but God did.
A
Hey, I have a DVD of Joseph in your dreams.
D
You do?
A
I have a DVD of the Prince of Egypt. I'm glad to reside. Bible movies. Yeah.
B
Yeah. It's so cool that. That God gives us these stories that we can look at and be, like, not just entertained by, but inspired by.
A
That's right. That's right.
B
Tanner, can I put you on the spot?
A
Yes.
B
So there's a lot of people listening to this that have watched you, that have been so inspired by you. Could you pray for that person that's maybe watching and just maybe pray for God's blessing on their life?
A
Yes.
B
Mr. Rye, could you close us. Could you close Tanner's tasty table on the Jesus People podcast with that?
D
Yes.
B
Okay, awesome. Let's pray, guys.
A
Let's pray.
B
Would you lead us?
A
Yes.
C
So you Know what he's asking you to do?
A
What are you asking me to do?
B
I'm asking you to pray. Because there's people on the other side of that camera right there that are listening to you that are inspired. Can you pray for them? Can you pray that God gives them a good life?
A
Yes. But are they Christians, though?
B
Yes, they are.
A
Yes. I can pray that God gives them a good life.
B
Awesome.
A
Okay, I'm ready to pray. Give everything this day. I pray for this good day we're having. I pray that keep Daddy Taylor and Jimmy and Chief and a Papa safe at home in St. Matthews. I pray to keep Ruby safe. Greenville. And I pray to keep Maverick safe, whether he's in Saint Matthews or North Carolina. And I pray that you give the people good purposes. Jesus gives them love. I pray that when we go back South Carolina later today, that we get back South Carolina State safely. Everybody should keep it safe, and then we'll be okay. Amen.
D
Thanks be to God.
A
Amen.
B
Thank you, buddy.
D
So proud. You got to make cookies. You got to have a good conversation. You made a new friend.
A
Wait. Make new friends.
D
You made a new friend.
A
I make a new friend.
B
Yes. You want to say goodbye to people? Guys, thank you for tuning in to the Jesus People Blogast.
A
Thank you. Thank you for the. For the what good people.
B
Just the people who watch. Just say thank you for coming to Tanner. Stacy, table.
A
Thank you for coming to Tanner's history table.
B
We had a great time with you. We will see you next week.
A
We had a great time with you. We'll see you next week. All right.
B
Hi. Good job, buddy.
A
Good job. I did a good job.
B
You did so good. I'm getting another cookie.
D
Two in a row.
A
Two in a row. Yes. I'm. Two in a row.
D
Yeah.
A
Two in a row.
D
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
A
Good job, guys.
Host: Ryan Miller
Date: May 26, 2026
Guests: Tanner Smith (Love on the Spectrum), Midge (sister), Nikki (mom)
This special “vlogcast” episode invites listeners into a joyful, candid kitchen conversation as Ryan Miller joins Tanner Smith—known for his appearance on Love on the Spectrum—his sister Midge, and his mother Nikki. As they bake chocolate chip cookies, the group dives deep into Tanner’s faith journey, his experiences as an autistic self-advocate, and how faith and family intersect with personal growth. The episode is filled with warmth, humor, and realness, offering encouragement to families, individuals with disabilities, and anyone wrestling with the intersection of faith, purpose, and being different.
Tanner’s Spiritual Milestones
The Role of Family
Embracing Differences
Therapist Influence
Overcoming Anxiety About the Future
Family Growth Through Challenge
On Doubt
What Makes a Christian
Stimming, Self-Regulation, and Acceptance
Clemson Life & Personal Accomplishments
Favorite Bible Stories
Natural Faith Sharing
How to Share About Jesus
Letting Others Take the Spotlight
Advice for Other Families
Gratitude and Everyday Joys
| Timestamp | Segment | |:-------------:|------------------------------------------------------| | 01:21 | Tanner’s conversion experience | | 04:22 | Seeing autism as a blessing, connecting to purpose | | 07:41 | Family’s faith journey in the face of challenges | | 09:33 | Tanner’s fears about aging and growing in confidence | | 13:37 | Witnessing through small, real acts | | 15:33 | “Being good” vs. accepting Jesus | | 17:42 | Stimming and self-regulation explained | | 19:16 | Tanner graduates from Clemson Life | | 19:54 | David & Goliath, biblical inspiration for Tanner | | 22:39 | Tanner’s decision not to return to the show | | 25:15 | Pouring out love—the “Coke Zero” metaphor | | 27:31 | Encouragement to families with autism | | 30:27 | Nikki on the practical and financial hardships | | 33:01 | Story of Joseph and God’s plan through hardship | | 34:47 | Tanner’s closing prayer for listeners | | 35:43 | Episode wrap-up and gratitude |
This episode is overflowing with warmth, honesty, and hope. While playful baking sets a homely scene, the real substance lies in the Smith family’s vulnerability and faith—demonstrating how embracing difference, seeking God’s purpose, and loving others authentically can transform lives and ripple into the wider world. Tanner’s perspective shines a light on gratitude, viewing challenges as blessings, and inviting listeners to stay “so filled with God’s love that it overflows.”
Memorable closing quote:
“You made a new friend. ... I make a new friend.” (Tanner, 35:33)
Recommended for:
Listeners wrestling with faith and disability, caregivers, families navigating neurodiversity, and anyone in need of encouragement about God’s presence in both the struggles and joys of life.