In this engaging conversation, Michael Didway interviews Robert Smith Jr., a renowned preacher and professor, discussing the evolution of preaching, the art of sermon preparation, and the distinctive characteristics of African-American preaching. Smith shares his insights on the importance of substance in sermons, the joy of preaching, and the challenges faced by preachers today. He emphasizes the need for humility and authority in preaching, the role of celebration, and the influence of various preachers on his own style. The conversation highlights the transformative power of preaching and the deep connection between the preacher and the text.