
John lives a monastic lifestyle, and is notoriously hard to get a hold of. Here are the best ways to stay connected with him.
Author, Founder of Wild at Heart Ministries
John Eldredge
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.
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
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
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
When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? For many, this American holiday is filled with warm memories of food, family, and gratitude. But for others, it’s filled with challenges of fractured family relationships, missed desires, and time alone. In this hopeful podcast, John, Stasi, Allen, and Kellye swap stories about lessons learned from past gatherings as well as how to enter this Thanksgiving being fully present to God, others, and your own heart. Show Notes: The book Every Moment Holy 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/wby6puhnbsy 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
We’re receiving such good questions from viewers and listeners of the podcast...and doing our best to answer as many as possible! This week, Allen asks John his thoughts on a wide range of topics, including these: How do we pray for unbelieving adult children? When does a daily routine become an idol? What is stolen grief? When things change or look like they’re coming to an end, how do we know whether to fight for them or let them go? Show Notes: The podcast referenced with Mary Ellen Owen is “How Can You Survive Without...? - Part 2” (October 20, 2025). Keep the questions coming! Send them to us at: 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/qxh57ptftjk 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
In the series conclusion, Jon Tyson joins John Eldredge to respond to the statement: “I don’t understand how people can survive without...” His simple yet profound answer leads to a wide-ranging conversation on the hopeful and alarming developments regarding the body of Christ, how to restructure our lives around the priorities of God, and what will sustain us during the increasing global chaos. Show Notes: The books referenced are 1) Great by Choice by Jim Collins, and 2) The Inner Chamber and the Inner Life by Andrew Murray. Jon Tyson’s weekly podcast—Church of the City Podcast—is available wherever you get your podcasts. _______________________________________________ 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/e8lpyrfsu3a 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
How do we interpret the crisis, resistance, and chaos in our lives? Find out as Blaine joins John and Allen for Part 4 of this series on “I just don’t understand how people can survive without...” In this conversation, Blaine provides a helpful tool kit for processing the questions, pushback, and struggles that keep us stuck. Show Notes: Access Blaine’s hand-written diagram with the four categories https://b-cdn.wildatheart.org/files/podcasts/wildatheart/848/blaines-sketch.jpg _______________________________________________ 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/scb38kogy1q 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
As this series continues, Susie Larson joins John to give her answer to the statement: “I just don’t understand how people can survive without...” Susie is a bestselling author, national speaker, and host of the popular radio show Susie Larson Live. She states, “The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need.” It’s a profound insight gleaned from a life filled with unbelievable tragedy, powerful triumph, and God’s unwavering love woven through it all. You won’t want to miss her story...or her response to what she can’t live without. Show Notes: Discover more about Susie Larson at http://susielarson.com/. Access Wild at Heart’s “Life” Prayer at http://wildatheart.org/prayer/life-prayer and the Wild at Heart Daily Prayer at https://wildatheart.org/prayer/daily-prayer-john. _______________________________________________ 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/g-lxb6wk8tq 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
What would be the most difficult thing for you to live without? In this second installment of the series, John invites respected therapist Mary Ellen Owen into the studio to respond to the following statement: “I just don’t understand how people can survive without...” Her thought-provoking answer leads to a tender invitation into unexpected tears and deep healing. Show Notes: The books referenced are All Things New, by John Eldredge, and Whistling in the Dark, by Fredrick Buechner. _______________________________________________ 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/kkh8lllcbys 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
For this new series, John and Allen invite five guests over five weeks to complete the following statement: “I just don’t understand how people can survive without...” Sam Eldredge kicks off the opening episode with a surprising response. Sam is a licensed therapist, the director of Noble Workshops, and John’s oldest son. You’ll be intrigued by his insights into the human condition and the one thing he believes we most need to make it through the day. Show Notes: To find out more about Noble Workshops and upcoming events, visit http://nobleworkshops.com/. The movie John references is Sing Sing. Sam’s media recommendations include Gustav Holst’s The Planets, “Jupiter”; Jensen McRae’s song “My Ego Dies at the End”; William Shakespeare’s The Tempest; the movie Arrival; the book The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt; the quote from Simone Weil (“There are only two things that pierce the human heart. One is beauty. The other is affliction.“); and the poem “The Peace of Wild Things,” by Wendell Berry. _______________________________________________ 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/cmblbsdek-g 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