Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt

Episode: Social Media and Influence with Cole & Savannah LaBrant

Date: October 13, 2025
Guests: Cole & Savannah LaBrant

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode, Madison Prewett Troutt welcomes Cole and Savannah LaBrant to discuss how to "stay true" to faith, family, and purpose while navigating the world of social media influence. The conversation explores the LaBrants’ journey from viral video creators to parents of five, their approach to platform stewardship, parenting, and the centrality of Jesus in their lives. The trio dives into the balance between ambition and authenticity, spiritual disciplines, and modeling Christlike values in the public eye—and in the home.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Faith at the Center—No Matter the Platform

• Authenticity Over Popularity: Cole and Savannah reflect on their beginnings in social media, first with Vine and then transitioning to YouTube and TikTok. Despite millions of followers, they emphasize intentional living for Christ, not for "likes" or worldly approval.
  • Cole (33:38): “Aside from Jesus, truly, I have no joy and I have no peace... If I am not walking with Jesus every day, it’s no longer just about me. It’s going to affect my kids, my marriage, so much more.”
• Staying True in a Distracted World: Even with many opportunities and distractions, the LaBrants strive to keep Christ as the family’s foundation, recognizing the world’s pull and the constant temptation to drift from true priorities.

2. Their Love Story: Intentionality, Redemption, and God’s Timing

• Meeting through Social Media: Savannah shares how Cole reached out on Musical.ly after his Vine days ended; she was a single mom at 23, and Cole was 19.
  • Savannah (15:13): “Cole obviously was making his Dem White Boys videos…he had reached out to me on Musical.ly, which is where I started…one of those things of us lip syncing to Justin Bieber on the couch…”
• Early Impressions: Both came in with different expectations: Savannah felt initially embarrassed by the age gap and her being a young mom; Cole was oblivious to Savannah’s circumstances but clear in his pursuit once love developed.
  • Cole (24:59): “When I met the one and it was so clear…it wasn’t there wasn’t any hesitation around the kid aspect of it…as cheesy as it sounds, when you know, you know.”

3. Building a God-Centered Marriage After Brokenness

• Overcoming Past Hurts: Savannah opens up about never having a truly God-centered relationship before Cole, and the healing that came with experiencing Christian love in action.
  • Savannah (27:20): “God can put people into your life…to let you into the freedom that he brings. When I met Cole, I saw Jesus.”
• Spiritual Growth Together: Cole’s faith journey started strict Southern Baptist but deepened over time as he experienced more relational discipleship and real worship—especially through influential friends and conferences.
  • Cole (29:05): “I had a warped view of God for a little while…until I had radical encounters with Jesus…”

4. Parenting with Purpose & Defying Cultural Norms

• Intentional Parenting: The LaBrants share how they prioritize discipling their kids, homeschooling, and limiting technology to lead by example.
  • Savannah (54:11): “Teaching our kids to be generous…serving shouldn't be shouted…but your kids should always see you do it because how often are they going to learn how to serve?”
• Daily Spiritual Habits: They practice “5-5-5”—five minutes each of Bible study, prayer, and worship, even with little ones.
  • Savannah (55:35): “Even our little ones are like, ‘Why didn’t we do it today?’”
• Modeling Scripture: The LaBrants teach scripture memory by associating Bible verses with alphabet letters, showing even toddlers can soak up scripture truth.
  • Savannah (56:36): “With every letter has a different Bible verse. My kids know all A through J…”

5. Social Media: Blessing, Burden, and Boundaries

• Candid Reflections: Savannah is honest about the toll of social media and the greater peace she experiences when disconnected.
  • Savannah (40:33): “I find more joy when I’m off social media…my biggest advice for someone is just to not do it.”
• Platform with Purpose: Cole encourages those who feel called to influence to check their motives and steward their platforms for the kingdom, not self-promotion.
  • Cole (43:57): “If your motivation is to get a bunch of followers and to get famous…you’re going to be unsatisfied… But if your heart’s desire is to lead people to Jesus…that can be a beautiful thing.”
• Content Filtering: The LaBrants discuss their approach to posting—a mixture of authentic family moments and gospel truth, while being mindful not to idolize entertainment or fame.

6. Community, Discipleship, and Leaving a Legacy

• Value of Mentorship: Both Cole and Savannah stress finding families to look up to, being in community, and humbly asking for advice.
  • Savannah (63:33): “If someone’s ever like, ‘Give me some advice on being a parent,’…find a family or two that you guys look up to.”
• Slow, Faithful Fruitfulness: Cole uses the example of Jesus discipling 12 and the power of slow, consistent, intentional relationships—emphasizing that you don’t need a huge platform to make a difference.
  • Cole (72:46): “Jesus could have had at times thousands…yet he chose this small, almost exclusive group to pour into…because of that 12, we have the gospel that has survived 2,000 years…”

7. The "Bear Fruit" App—Practical Discipleship

• Why They Built It: The LaBrants wanted a central hub for practical faith resources, Bible studies, and family discipleship content.
  • Cole (65:03): “We wanted to create this place…with the resources that could empower [people]…practicals on how to potty train my kid… so there’s a lot of real practical things that induce joy and peace or the absence of that.”

8. Warnings Against Idolatry of Platform and Purpose

• Purpose as an Idol: The group warns of making “purpose” or influence the main thing, rather than God himself.
  • Maddie (78:02): “A lot of people in the name of God, quote unquote, are building their own platforms and their own kingdoms…it’s so important…everything we have is from you and for you [God].”
• Open-Handedness: Savannah and Cole emphasize regularly surrendering every aspect of their lives to God, ready to release anything if He asks.
  • Savannah (81:12): “If God were to take away my social media…my house…would I still be okay?...That’s where I want to be, in a good heart posture…”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Motivation:

  “If your motivation is to get a bunch of followers and to get famous…you’re going to be unsatisfied. Whether you try and it doesn’t happen, or you try and it does happen, eventually you’re gonna be unsatisfied.” — Cole (43:57)

• On Joy in Christ:

  “Whenever I’m with Jesus, life is better. And not better in the sense of having more things…but having that peace and that joy that everybody’s heart is longing for.” — Cole (33:38)

• On Parenting:

  “I love being able to be the number one disciple in my kids’ lives.” — Savannah (58:45)

• On Social Media & Advice:

  “I find more joy when I’m off social media…my biggest advice for someone is just to not do it.” — Savannah (40:33)

• On Platform and Purpose:

  “Whatever your platform is…you have something. And it’s the one. It’s that one that you’re getting in the trenches with, the one whose life you’re really transforming.” — Cole (72:45)

• On Surrender:

  “If He took anything away from me…would I be fine because they’re all His anyways? That’s a good question to ask yourself.” — Savannah (81:12)

• On Eternal Perspective:

  “You could go and lead the entire world to Jesus and still not be with Jesus and go to hell. Isn’t that terrifying?” — Cole (83:14)

Important Timestamps

• Their love story beginnings: 15:01 – 22:23
• Long distance, engagement, and early marriage: 22:12 – 24:49
• Parenting philosophies & spiritual habits: 53:38 – 57:55
• Social media: blessing vs. burden & platform stewardship: 39:57 – 47:45
• Bear Fruit app vision: 65:03 – 66:50
• Warning against idolizing influence/purpose: 78:02 – 81:12
• Closing encouragement & prayer: 81:12 – 86:47

Conclusion: How to Stay True

The LaBrants and Madison urge listeners to root their identities in Christ, not their platforms, and to seek joy, purpose, and peace first in Him—then in service to family and community. Lasting fruit comes from daily abiding, humble obedience, and surrender, not viral success.

Final Prayer

“Lord, we just love you so much and we honor you in this place…God, we pray that you would steer hearts back to you. You are the only one who ever satisfies…Help us to abide in you.”
— Cole Labrant (86:13)

For more, check out the Bear Fruit app and stay connected with the LaBrant and Troutt families for more practical, purpose-driven encouragement.