Podcast Summary: Standing On An Imperfect Faith | Canaan Smith

Podcast Title: The Bobby Bones Show
Host: Granger Smith
Guest: Canaan Smith
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Description: In this heartfelt episode, host Granger Smith engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with country artist Canaan Smith. They explore Canaan's personal and professional journey, focusing on his struggles with faith, career challenges, and the transformative impact of family and spirituality.

1. Reconnecting and Aligning Goals [00:00 - 00:19]

The episode begins with Canaan Smith expressing enthusiasm to reconnect with Granger Smith after some time apart. Both acknowledge that their current goals are well-aligned, setting the stage for an open and honest discussion.

• Canaan Smith: "Our goals are very much aligned. So, yeah, everything's a free open season." [00:12]

2. First Encounters and Early Career Moments [00:19 - 05:57]

Canaan and Granger reminisce about their first meeting at an award show, recalling memorable and sometimes embarrassing moments, such as Granger throwing a drum at a music festival. Canaan reflects on his past career, admitting that his earlier obsession with perfection and fame led him to miss the true essence of his journey.

• Granger Smith: "And for some reason I was just in a bad mood... and you threw a drum." [00:47]

• Canaan Smith: "I just wanted everything to be perfect... I needed to go find myself." [02:25]

3. Career Struggles and Turning Points [05:57 - 09:55]

Canaan delves into his professional struggles, particularly his decision to walk away from a promising record deal in 2018. Feeling lost and overwhelmed by external pressures and advice, he chose to prioritize self-discovery over immediate career advancement.

• Canaan Smith: "I was completely lost as an artist... I need to go find myself." [05:58]

4. Transitioning and Finding Support [09:07 - 13:16]

During his transitional phase, Canaan focused on songwriting with the support of friends Tyler Hubbard and BK. The birth of his daughter Virginia in October 2019 further solidified his new direction, emphasizing the importance of family and faith in his life.

• Canaan Smith: "God has intervened multiple times... I've never been happier than I am now." [09:12]

5. Embracing Independence and Creativity [13:16 - 29:15]

Canaan discusses signing with Round Here Records and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted his touring plans. He highlights the financial and creative aspects of producing his independent album, emphasizing gratitude towards those who supported him.

• Granger Smith: "10 songs have faith elements... it's the foundation you're on." [17:04]

• Canaan Smith: "I'm thankful now... I've accepted that I'm not defined by my career." [29:15]

6. Faith, Personal Tragedy, and Church Influence [29:15 - 32:28]

Canaan opens up about the tragic loss of his brothers in a car accident, the impact of his Pentecostal upbringing, and the shortcomings he perceived in his church community's response to his grief. He emphasizes the importance of genuine empathy over pressured spiritual directives.

• Canaan Smith: "We all dealt with loss... but there was a sense of 'seek him harder.'" [29:15]

7. Redefining Purpose Through Faith [32:28 - 41:40]

The conversation shifts to the role of faith in shaping Canaan's life and music. Granger and Canaan discuss how understanding and glorifying God has become the cornerstone of Canaan's career, rather than the pursuit of commercial success. Canaan expresses contentment in prioritizing his spiritual journey and family over his music career.

• Granger Smith: "God doesn't need you or me... but he wants you to glorify him." [39:05]

• Canaan Smith: "Our biggest responsibility is to try to love others." [44:52]

8. Personal Growth and Future Aspirations [41:40 - 46:46]

Granger commends Canaan's personal growth and independent approach to his music career. They share personal anecdotes that highlight Canaan's transformation from a frustrated artist to a thoughtful and compassionate individual. Both express a desire to continue supporting each other's journeys.

• Granger Smith: "The Lord is drawing you and changing you." [41:44]

• Canaan Smith: "That's beautiful to see what the Lord is doing with you." [44:24]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Canaan Smith [00:12]: "Our goals are very much aligned. So, yeah, everything's a free open season."

• Granger Smith [00:47]: "And for some reason I was just in a bad mood... and you threw a drum."

• Canaan Smith [02:25]: "I just wanted everything to be perfect... I needed to go find myself."

• Canaan Smith [09:12]: "God has intervened multiple times... I've never been happier than I am now."

• Granger Smith [17:04]: "10 songs have faith elements... it's the foundation you're on."

• Canaan Smith [29:15]: "We all dealt with loss... but there was a sense of 'seek him harder.'"

• Granger Smith [39:05]: "God doesn't need you or me... but he wants you to glorify him."

• Canaan Smith [44:52]: "Our biggest responsibility is to try to love others."

Conclusion

In "Standing On An Imperfect Faith," Canaan Smith and Granger Smith engage in a profound dialogue about faith, personal growth, and the true meaning of success. Canaan's journey from seeking perfection in his career to embracing his role as a father and a man of faith offers inspiring insights into overcoming adversity and finding genuine fulfillment.

This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.