Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

Jesus Calling

Finding Your Footing in the Face of Uncertainty: Mike Nawrocki and Jennie Smythe

June 5, 2025 ● 30 min

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This week, we’re joined by Mike Nawrocki, best known for his work in co-creating the beloved children’s series VeggieTales, and voice of Larry the Cucumber. Mike shares the leap of faith he took with college friend and VeggieTales co-creator Phil Vischer, the setbacks and devastating losses they faced along the way to create what would become an iconic staple for families all over, and how simple stories told by talking vegetables helped people understand just how much God loves them.

Later, we’ll hear from Jennie Smythe, the CEO of Girlilla Marketing. Through the tragic cancer diagnosis that Jennie helped her father walk through, to her own battle with breast cancer, Jennie shares how life’s challenges have shown her that her security and identity rests in Jesus alone.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Brandi Rhodes

Upcoming interview: Becky Murray

Jesus Calling commemorative edition

Christian and Missionary Alliance

Crown College

Jim Henson

Peace Corps

Everland Entertainment

3-2-1 Penguins

Jonah

My Utmost for His Highest

The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything

www.girlillamarketing.com

Becoming Girlilla

Interview Quotes:

“The Silly Songs helped the kids fall in love with Larry the Cucumber and the other characters to the point where they love this character, they trust this character, and they care what the character has to say about God making them special and loving them very much.” - Mike Nawrocki

“We lost everything, so it was a really, really tough time. For me, from a kind of a personal and spiritual standpoint, it really made it clear to me how much I needed God in my life. It's like my only security can be found in my relationship with Jesus. That's really the only truly secure thing that there is in this world.” – Mike Nawrocki

“It’s really neat to see kind of everything coming together and the heart of the [Dead Sea Squirrels series] and my wanting to do this in the first place was to share more of the gospel story, tell more New Testament stories, and share the gospel message with kids.” - Mike Nawrocki

“While there’s nothing great to talk about in terms of pancreatic cancer and losing your father, what was amazing about that situation is that he gave me forgiveness.” - Jennie Smythe

“I can’t help but think that my dad speaking to me at that time was a little bit of a divine intervention, and I am forever grateful for that.” - Jennie Smythe

“As I was able to get better physically [from my cancer], I was also able to recognize the amazing things that I had. I just decided I wouldn’t have any bad days. I might have bad moments. I certainly still get angry and emotional, say the wrong things, don’t do the right things–you know—normal human behavior. But [I approach life] more from a place of appreciating that I wake up each day and I have the opportunity to make it the best day of my life.” - Jennie Smythe

“It’s really important to show up when you are vulnerable and when you’re struggling, because you can really help people.” - Jennie Smythe

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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7

Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw

Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C

Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj

Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u

What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj

Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY

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