John Eldredge

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Author, Founder of Wild at Heart Ministries

John Eldredge

John Eldredge is an author (you probably figured that out), a counselor, and a teacher.

He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's Kingdom. John grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles (which he hated), and spent his boyhood summers on his grandfather’s cattle ranch in eastern Oregon (which he loved). John met his wife, Stasi, in high school (in drama class). But their romance did not begin until they each came to faith in Christ, after high school. John earned his undergraduate degree in Theater at Cal Poly, and directed a theater company in Los Angeles for several years before moving to Colorado with Focus on the Family, where he taught at the Focus on the Family Institute.

John earned his master’s degree in Counseling from Colorado Christian University, under the direction of Larry Crabb and Dan Allender. He worked as a counselor in private practice before launching Wild at Heart in 2000. John and Stasi live in Colorado Springs with their three sons (Samuel, Blaine, and Luke), their golden retriever (Oban), and two horses (Whistle and Kokolo). While all of this is factually true, it somehow misses describing an actual person. He loves the outdoors passionately, and all beauty, Shakespeare, bow hunting, a good cigar, anything having to do with adventure, poetry, March Madness, working in the shop, fly fishing, classic rock, the Tetons, fish tacos, George MacDonald, green tea, buffalo steaks, dark chocolate, wild and open places, horses running, and too much more to name. He also uses the expression “far out” way too much.


Books by John Eldredge


Recent Podcasts with John Eldredge

E861 | Wild at Heart Stories - Jan Janura & The Wild Adventure

February 2, 2026

Starting this year, we’ll occasionally offer Wild at Heart Stories—spotlighting allies who are spreading this message within their communities and around the world in unique ways. To kick things off, Jan Janura talks with John about the profound impact reading https://wildatheart.org/books/wild-at-heart had on his life. But the story doesn’t end there. For more than 25 years, Jan has held world-class fly fishing retreats for men—called The Wild Adventure—at an 1,100 acre ranch wilderness preserve on the Madison River in Montana. Get ready for a conversation that’ll stir your heart for greater adventure...and more of God! Show Notes: For details on how you can register for one of Jan Janura’s Wild Adventure fly-fishing retreats, visit https://twa.us/about.html. The two books referenced are https://www.amazon.com/escape-reason-classics-francis-schaeffer/dp/0830834052 by Francis Schaeffer and https://wildatheart.org/books/epic by John Eldredge.  Keywords: Wild at Heart, John Eldredge, The Wild Adventure _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/jyip1yivijk The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

E860 | The Good Heart 2.0 - Part 3

January 26, 2026

In this conclusion to the Good Heart series, John, Allen, Stacey, and Alex share personal stories and practical insights on the Good Heart—including why so few believers are aware of this truth, what it looks like to live from a good heart, and how doing so transforms our self-image as well as our view of God and others.  Keywords: Wild at Heart, Good Heart, John Eldredge, Allen Arnold, Christian _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/rayjnatujtm The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

E859 | The Good Heart 2.0 - Part 2

January 19, 2026

If you believe you have a wicked or bad heart, then you will treat your heart—as well as the hearts of others—with suspicion, judgment, and contempt. But if you know your heart is good...well, that changes everything. In this second episode of the three-part series, John is joined by Fintan and Elaine Supple (therapists in Ireland and part of the Wild at Heart team) for a conversation on how the concept of the Good Heart plays out with God and with others in the chaos of daily life. Keywords: Good Heart, Good Heart 2.0, Healing the Heart, Heart and Identity, God and the Heart, Emotional Healing, Relational Healing, Freedom from Shame, Christian Therapy, Wild at Heart Podcast _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/nbl-ksrotb0 The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: One Minute Pause App

E858 | The Good Heart 2.0 - Part 1

January 12, 2026

Do we really have a good heart? John and Allen take a fresh look at this question and the significant ramifications of how we answer it in the start of this foundational series. Many Christians still believe—and live under the false burden—that their hearts are desperately wicked. God, however, promises to set a new heart within us (Luke 15:8), and Jesus spoke of those with a “good and noble heart” (Luke 15:8). Discover the reality and the utter relief of the Good Heart in every area of life, including our self-image, relationships, calling, and walk with God. Show Notes: Find more information on Wild at Heart’s March 2026 Netherlands event at http://wildatheart.org/netherlands. Discover more about Replenish: Homecoming 2026 at http://wildatheart.org/events/homecoming-2026. The “Good Heart” excerpt Allen reads is from Free to Live (previously titled The Utter Relief of Holiness), by John Eldredge. The book John reads from is On the Incarnation, by Athanasius. The George MacDonald quote is from Unspoken Sermons: I. II, III. _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/ukj_eshwunu The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

E112 | Living Rooted: A Gentler Way Into the New Year

January 7, 2026

As a new year begins, Stasi is joined in the studio by her husband, John, for a thoughtful conversation about the pace of life and guarding our hearts. Together they reflect on what the past year has taught them and the gentle invitation of Jesus to slow down, release false urgency, and come back—again and again—to a life deeply rooted in Him. ….. SHOW NOTES: ….. VERSES:  Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) – Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Psalm 46:10 (NIV)  – He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ Matthew 11:29–30 (NIV) – Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. John 4:32 (NIV) – But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’ John 4:34 (NIV) – Then Jesus said, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’ Psalm 1:1–3 (NIV) – …That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NIV) – But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Revelation 22:2 (NIV) – Down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. ….. RESOURCES Explore the Pause App – Includes the One Minute Pause, 30 Days to Resilience, and the Experience Jesus 20-day program. Simple, beautiful, practices to help you slow down and deepen your union with God.   https://www.pauseapp.com/http://www.pauseapp.com The Daily Prayer from Wild at Heart – Now available within the Pause App or on the Wild at Heart App.  https://wahe.art/4e1nsig Lectio 365: https://wahe.art/3ckq7xg Pray As You Go: https://pray-as-you-go.org Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. By John Mark Comer  https://bit.ly/4jzthci Stasi’s new book, The Ladder of Love, will be available October 2026. We are so excited, and will keep you updated! Dallas Willard quote: “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” ….. Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for Free Subscribe using your favorite podcast app: YouTube – https://wahe.art/4h8dell Spotify Podcasts – https://wahe.art/496zdfn Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42e0oz1  Amazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3m9u6hj

E857 | Listen and Obey

January 5, 2026

As we start the new year, one of the most dangerous assumptions is that things will be the same as last year. Our world is growing increasingly dangerous and uncertain. Rather than move through it casually or rely on self-effort, a sobriety is required to follow God in both the big and small things. To help, John and Allen reveal the difference in dreams and desires, what keeps us stuck, and an often-missed condition for God’s blessing and protection. Show Notes: The book referenced is Walking with God by John Eldredge. The 3-part Wild at Heart podcast series with Blaine Eldredge is “What Is God Up To in Your Life?” (September 21, September 28, October 5, 2025). _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/ewaoiod7ydc The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

E856 | A Thin Place

December 29, 2025

Christmas is past but the new year hasn’t yet arrived. In this in-between week, John and Allen invite you to slow down and experience a thin place with God before jumping back into your regular routine. Doing so can radically change your new year—if you’ll try these simple yet profound practices. Show Notes: The five steps of the Ignatian Examen include coming into God’s presence, asking for help to be aware of how God has been moving, reviewing the year, gratitude and confession, and considering how this might shape your approach in the new year.  The Wild at Heart podcast with Mary Ellen Owen is “How Can You Survive Without...? - Part 2” (October 20, 2025). The 3-part Wild at Heart podcast series with Blaine Eldredge is “What Is God Up To in Your Life?” (September 21, September 28, October 5, 2025). _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/rlsrnhovbo4 The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

E855 | John and Stasi’s Christmas Carol

December 22, 2025

In this special holiday podcast, John and Stasi read (in character) from Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol. The experience will bring a smile to your face, chase away the “bah humbugs,” and serve as a beautiful reminder of the power of new beginnings. Show Notes: A Christmas Carol is available wherever books are sold. _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/welqhqc-m3g The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

E854 | The Second Advent

December 15, 2025

We can get so caught up in the busyness, routine, and familiarity of Advent that we miss the main thing: Jesus isn’t focused on Christmas past but on his return. Given that, what if this Christmas season we choose to not only look back at Bethlehem—but equally celebrate the coming return of Jesus, known as the second Advent? Show Notes: Show Notes: The essay John reads from is “The World’s Last Night,” by C. S. Lewis. The song excerpt is from Most Like Home, by Kingdom Culture Worship. It can be found https://open.spotify.com/track/42z1fgxmmptprrao9ky2hr?si=d0acc0ac4b4f4671 Discover more about Allen’s creativity coaching at http://withallen.com/coachinghttp://withallen.com/coachinghttp://withallen.com/coaching. Find the Wild at Heart Gift Guide https://wildatheart.org/books-by-john-and-stasi-eldredge-that-make-meaningful-gifts. _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/-65c7ue3cnu The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

E853 | The Advent Obstacle

December 8, 2025

In the Christmas rush, it’s hard to slow down and savor the season. The pace of things makes experiencing any sort of spiritual depth a struggle, but there’s a deeper, often hidden, obstacle more likely to steal your joy. John and Allen offer a powerful question to help you see what’s in the way of this Advent season. Show Notes: Find the Wild at Heart Gift Guide https://wildatheart.org/books-by-john-and-stasi-eldredge-that-make-meaningful-gifts. The book John reads from is On the Incarnation, by Athanasius. _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/trc_bqrqcf0 The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

E852 | More Questions...More Answers!

December 1, 2025

We’re back with more of your questions as Allen asks John his thoughts on the following: Does God allow ongoing suffering to build our character? How do you deal with a narcissistic spouse? Should we avoid praying out loud to prevent the enemy from hearing what we say to God? How do parents help young children understand evil without shattering their sense of safety? Will we see our beloved dogs again in the coming Kingdom? Show Notes: The three movies mentioned are On a Clear Day, Life is Beautiful, and Moana. The two books referenced are Walking with God by John Eldredge and Bold Love by Dan Allender. The podcast featuring Susie Larson is “How Can You Survive Without...? - Part 3” (October 27, 2025). Keep the questions coming! Send them to mailto:questions@wildatheart.org. _______________________________________________ There is more. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at mailto:questions@wildatheart.org Support the mission or find more on our website:  http://wildatheart.org/ or on our app. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-at-heart/id427657975 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplash.thechurchapp.ransomedheart&pcampaignid=web_share Watch on https://youtu.be/dr7nbb8hrye The stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/when-laid-to-rest More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause&pcampaignid=web_share

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