Singing Past the Silence: Jordan Smith & Tyler White

2026-01-08

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In the foothills of Appalachia, Jordan Smith, a young boy from Harlan, Kentucky, found his voice in the hymns of a small country church. Years later, that voice would capture the nation’s heart when Jordan Smith won NBC’s The Voice in 2015. In our conversation, Jordan reflects on how hymns shaped his journey and how prayer and Scripture continue to anchor him through every season of life. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Tyler White, also known as DJ TyWy. Growing up on the spectrum, Tyler discovered the power of music to break...

In the foothills of Appalachia, Jordan Smith, a young boy from Harlan, Kentucky, found his voice in the hymns of a small country church. Years later, that voice would capture the nation’s heart when Jordan Smith won NBC’s The Voice in 2015. In our conversation, Jordan reflects on how hymns shaped his journey and how prayer and Scripture continue to anchor him through every season of life.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Tyler White, also known as DJ TyWy. Growing up on the spectrum, Tyler discovered the power of music to break through social struggles, from singing in talent shows to dancing at school events. Today, he DJs across Florida, including Autism Speaks Walks, using his platform to inspire others on the spectrum. In our conversation, Tyler reflects on perseverance, faith, and how music has shaped his journey and dreams.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Johnny and Donnie Van Zant

Upcoming interview: Dale Sutherland

Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season

Jordan Smith

NBC’s The Voice

Psalms

The People’s Hymnal

Gaither Music

www.therealjordansmith.com

Tyler White

Autism Speaks Walks

Love on the Spectrum

CMA Fest

Dillon Weldon

Randy Travis

*Tyler White would like to thank Clay Bradley, President of BMI, his manager Brent Daughrity, the board of directors for the CMA, and his attorney J. Reid Hunter for introducing him to the platforms for writing and recording in Nashville. He’d also like to thank Drew Trosclair, Jeff Garrison, Jackson Nance, and Cameron Bedell for helping him write and produce the songs.

Interview Quotes:

“Hymns are songs that are meant to be memorized and sung together. They’re songs that bring people together, they are songs that are centered around the message of the gospel. They highlight the truth of Scripture. They also bring people together and allow people to experience that truth together.” - Jordan Smith

“When you have a group of people coming together to sing these uplifting messages, to sing these messages of hope, and to sing these messages of the gospel, I think something just comes alive in you, and there’s something profound about it.” - Jordan Smith

“I found myself in moments where worry was stealing the joy of what God was doing in my life. Worry was taking away the happiness that I should feel in doing what God created me to do. I had to learn how to cultivate a consistent prayer life with God in order to remain at peace in every situation. I continually had to come back, sometimes even every single day, to give Him the same worries and fears and trade them and exchange them for His love and His peace.” - Jordan Smith

“I think the beautiful thing about faith and about a relationship with God is that it’s universal and it does bring unity and it does connect us together, but it’s also so extremely personal.” - Jordan Smith

“Christian faith is built on Christ as the foundation, but it’s sustained by Christian community. And we need each other to get through this thing.” - Jordan Smith

“With hard work, perseverance, determination, positive attitude, and faith in God, you can overcome any obstacle and do anything you set your mind to. I say that because really that’s how I’ve learned how to overcome things. I think everybody needs Jesus.” - Tyler White

“With my life growing up on the spectrum, I always say my autism is what’s helped me draw closer to Jesus. And I think it’s very important, no matter what you go through, to always put Jesus first and He’ll help you. I always ask God to use me in the way He’d have for me to be and always make sure that I’m using this to glorify Him, as well as inspire others on the spectrum.” - Tyler White

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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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