Podcast Summary: TIME with Denise Renner – Are You Preaching to Deaf Ears?
Podcast: Rick Renner Podcast (Audio)
Host: Denise Renner (Rick Renner Ministries)
Guest: Drew Hammer, author of “Hammered”
Date: April 5, 2026
Main Theme
This heartfelt episode revolves around the transformative power of God’s grace, finding hope and healing after deep pain, and the importance of sharing faith—especially with those who seem unlikely to hear it. Guest Drew Hammer shares powerful stories from her own life and those around her, illustrating how God can redeem any heart, no matter how wounded or resistant.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Everyone’s Heart Has Been “Hammered”
- Drew Hammer’s book, “Hammered,” captures her testimony of a messy but miraculous life shaped by God.
- Denise and Drew agree that hardship is universal:
- Quote (Denise, 01:23): “Honestly, Drew, I think everybody’s heart at one time has been hammered.”
- Drew (01:36): “If you’re alive, you’ve been hammered.”
- The conversation frames pain as something God redeems:
- Denise (02:10): “You’re going to see…the miraculous power of God that can take the worst hurt and problems and turn them around for the good.”
2. Ministering to “Deaf Ears” in Family and Beyond
- Drew shares about her grandfather-in-law, Dr. Armand Hammer, a Russian Jewish businessman who only accepted Christ late in life—demonstrating patience and wisdom in ministry.
- Drew (03:04–07:24): She shares “slow ministry” stories, explaining how she would gently introduce the Gospel and honor her grandfather’s background and pace.
- Notable quote (Drew, 08:17): “Even if you minister to family members and you think they’re not listening, God’s word never returns void…He was listening that whole time.”
3. Drew’s Family Legacy & Testimony
- Drew recounts her unique family history—marrying into the Hammer family, whose patriarch helped save millions during famine in Russia and initiated US-Russia trade.
- Drew (10:20): Describes Dr. Armand Hammer’s humanitarian negotiation with Lenin to send wheat to starving Russians (“saved $10 million”—later clarified as 10 million people).
- Quote (Denise, 12:38): “10 million people.”
- Hammer illustrates the principle:
- Drew (12:39): “We are blessed to be a blessing…Armand was doing that, not even knowing that he was in the will of God.”
4. Generational Impact: Children and Influence
- Drew shares about her sons—Armie (actor) and Victor (businessman)—and the unexpected ways their lives are shaped and challenged.
- Drew (09:23): “He’s been hammered, but I can see God changing his heart.”
- Highlights the tension and learning curve in ministering to family:
- Drew (08:24): “I was like the hammer just pounding at my kids…”
5. Notable Encounters: Ministering to Princess Diana
- Drew details her interactions with Princess Diana—moments of vulnerability that became opportunities for ministry.
- Drew (17:16): Princess Di showed heartfelt concern over Francis’s (Armand's wife) death.
- In a light-hearted but purposeful moment, Diana asks, “Did you get her jewels?” and Drew responds:
- Drew (17:31): “She didn’t take them with her. What she took was her relationship with Jesus. And that’s the only thing we take with us into eternity.”
- Later, prompted by the Holy Spirit, Drew writes Diana a four-page letter sharing the Gospel and her own struggles.
- Quote (Drew, 20:22): “Jesus loves you. He is there for you. He is waiting for you to invite Him into your heart as your Lord and Savior.”
- Drew reflects on Princess Di’s tragic death, praying her Gospel words took root in Diana’s final moments.
6. All Are Equally Valuable to God
- Drew emphasizes that salvation is for everyone—highlighted through her stories not only of Princess Di but also of those less famous:
- Quote (Drew, 23:21): “If there’s anyone listening that doesn’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, you are every bit as important as Princess Di in God’s eyes.”
- The Gospel and God’s love are universal, not reserved for the “special” or “notorious.”
7. The Simplicity of Receiving Christ
- The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to accept Jesus, modeling how to pray a simple, heartfelt prayer of salvation.
- Call and response format, guiding listeners step-by-step.
- Quote (Denise, 26:41): “You may say that seems too simple. Well, Jesus did all the work. All He asks us to do is to believe on Him and to give Him our life.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Drew Hammer (01:36): “If you’re alive, you’ve been hammered. If you’re alive.”
- Denise Renner (02:10): “The deepest hurt—He took the hammering of it.”
- Drew Hammer (08:17): “God’s word never returns void…He was listening that whole time.”
- Drew Hammer (12:39): “We are blessed to be a blessing.”
- Drew Hammer (17:31): “She didn’t take them [jewels] with her. What she took was her relationship with Jesus.”
- Drew Hammer (23:21): “You are every bit as important as Princess Di in God’s eyes. He leaves the 99 for the one.”
- Denise Renner (26:41): “You may say that seems too simple. Well, Jesus did all the work.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:33–02:44: Introduction, theme of being “hammered” and God’s redemption
- 03:04–08:28: Drew’s testimony—Ministering to “deaf ears” in her family, Armand Hammer’s salvation story
- 09:23–10:12: Drew shares about her sons and the “hammering” younger generations face
- 10:20–13:47: Dr. Armand Hammer’s humanitarian work in Russia and the biblical principle behind it
- 15:46–18:33: Stories of meeting Princess Diana and witnessing to her
- 20:21–21:25: Writing a Holy Spirit-inspired letter to Princess Di
- 23:05–23:21: The universality of the gospel—salvation is for everyone
- 26:11–26:41: Invitation and prayer for salvation
Conclusion
With a warm, relatable, and faith-filled tone, Denise Renner and Drew Hammer deliver a series of moving accounts that encourage listeners:
- To never give up hope, even when ministering to unresponsive people;
- To see value in every individual, regardless of fame or status;
- To recognize that God can redeem the worst circumstances;
- And, above all, to respond simply and personally to Jesus’ invitation.
Listeners are encouraged to share their response and find support via Renner Ministries.