BONUS: James Dobson on His Childhood, Marriage, and How to Build Strong Families
In light of Dr. Dobson’s passing, we'd like to reshare this special episode from the archives.
Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with renowned psychologist, author, and speaker Dr. James Dobson. As the founder of Focus on the Family and Family Talk, Dr. Dobson has shaped generations through his nationally syndicated radio programs and bestselling books like Bringing Up Boys, The Strong-Willed Child, and Dare to Discipline. Their conversation spans Dr. Dobson’s formative years, his marriage, and his enduring commitment to building strong, faith-centered families.
Listeners will also hear reflections on Dr. Dobson’s historic interview with serial killer Ted Bundy, conducted on the eve of Bundy’s execution—a moment that underscored the urgency of moral clarity and parental guidance. Together, Pastor Greg and Dr. Dobson explore how to raise children with Heaven in mind, emphasizing the divine inspiration behind family and the spiritual responsibility of parenting. This wide-ranging interview offers timeless wisdom for anyone seeking to nurture a godly home.
Pastor Greg's statement on the passing of James Dobson (April 21, 1936 – August 21, 2025):
Dr. James Dobson has gone to Heaven at the age of 89.
I knew James very well, and I can tell you he was a true man of God who lived a life of integrity. I’ll never forget that after our son Christopher went to Heaven 17 years ago, Dr. Dobson personally called us and spent a great deal of time ministering to our whole family.
Over the years I had the privilege of interviewing him many times, including once at a Harvest Crusade, and he also interviewed me on his radio program. We went on a trip to Israel together, as well as to the White House on more than one occasion. He and his devoted wife Shirley shared such a beautiful marriage—one that we would all aspire to.
His life and ministry touched millions as he faithfully taught us how to build godly families. He was a legend, a treasure to the church, and he will be greatly missed.
---
Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit https://harvest.org/.
Find Pastor Greg on social media:
- https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/
- https://x.com/greglaurie
- https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In 1990, Laurie founded the Harvest Crusades, a series of large-scale evangelistic events designed to present the gospel to broad audiences. These events have since drawn more than 11.5 million participants in person and online. In 2012, he launched Harvest America, a nationwide outreach event that utilized HD livestreaming to broadcast to thousands of venues across the United States. Collectively, these efforts have resulted in over 700,000 documented professions of faith.
A prolific author, Laurie has written over 70 books, including House of David, Billy Graham: The Man I Knew, Steve McQueen: The Salvation of an American Icon, Revelation: A Book of Promises, and Jesus Revolution.
His filmography includes Lost Boy: The Next Chapter, Hope for Hurting Hearts, Steve McQueen: American Icon, and Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon. In 2023, Greg and Cathe Laurie’s life and conversion during the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and ‘70s were depicted in the Lionsgate film Jesus Revolution, starring Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie.
Greg Laurie has been married to Cathe Laurie for over 51 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren.
Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit harvest.org
Find Pastory Greg on Instagram
