Wild at Heart

Many of us have been living inside a lie so long it feels like the truth. It has quietly shaped our identity, our relationships, and even how we see God. But there is a way to be free. Jennie Allen—bestselling author, speaker, and founder and visionary of IF:Gathering—joins John to share her passion for God and heart for the lost, the growing worldwide revival among young adults, and how her new book, The Lie You Don’t Kno...

Several times a year, John and Allen reserve the podcast to answer as many viewer questions as possible. It’s important we learn how to partner with Jesus in every aspect of life—including our biggest questions. This week’s topics address how to navigate life with ADHD, whether God wants us to dream about our future in what feels like the end times, what is meant by the term “unholy trinity,” the challenge young adults hav...

Over 40 percent of the boys in this country don’t have a dad at home. The result has been a dramatic increase in drug use and school drop-out—with some kids averaging up to 70 hours a week in front of a screen yet only 40 minutes outside. Countering that trend is Kids Outdoor Zone (KOZ), an outdoor ministry for boys that trains and equips men to mentor boys through outdoor adventure. In this episode, John talks with KOZ fo...

It’s incredibly orienting to discover that when we say “yes” to Jesus, we are now part of a great campaign—one that’s already in motion—to help overthrow evil, restore the human heart, and fix God’s universe. This wildly beautiful invitation, however, isn’t secondary. It takes priority over our personal plans and priorities. As this series concludes, John, Blaine, and Allen reveal practices for staying grounded in the larg...

We love when things go as planned, but it reveals far more about us when they don’t. The exquisite beauty of life with God is that we don’t have to figure everything out. We have an intimate ally in the smartest person in the universe. What does this look like? John, Blaine, and Allen provide a real-time example as they enter the studio unsure of the podcast topic...but sure that God will reveal next steps. This isn’t just...

In this restless world, satisfaction is fleeting. Rather than chasing after success and validation, what if we began pursuing meaning and refuge? John invites Matt Fradd, noted author and host of the Pints With Aquinas podcast, to discuss how our lives would radically change if we took Christ seriously, stopped seeking false comforts, and found our true refuge in Jesus.

Show Notes: The books referenced are Jesus Our Refuge ...

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 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 Adventu...

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
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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 p...

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 th...

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 G...

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 ...

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.

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There is more.

Got a question you wa...

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 s...

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 here. The book John reads from is On the Incarnation, by Atha...

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...

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 pres...

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...

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 refere...