What if your soul has been trained not to experience God?

In this profound and timely conversation, Steve Adams sits down with bestselling author John Eldredge to explore the themes of his new book, Experience Jesus—Really. Together, they confront one of the most overlooked realities of modern spiritual life: we’ve been discipled by distraction, noise, and digital overload—and it’s making it harder to connect with God.

From reclaiming ancient practices to becoming “ordinary mystics,” John and Steve guide listeners into a deeper, more intimate daily encounter with Jesus. You’ll discover the path back to healing, peace, and joy—through union with Christ.

🎧 Topics covered:

Why you can’t focus in prayer (and it’s not your fault)

What it really means to be a disciple of the internet

How to become an “ordinary mystic” and live like David, Paul, and Mary Magdalene

Simple practices to experience Jesus daily

Healing through presence—not performance

📲 Mentioned Resources:

Experience Jesus—Really (book + study guide) https://a.co/d/64HLow3

Wild at Heart Ministries — https://wildatheart.org/

The Pause App – new “Experiencing Jesus” module https://wildatheart.org/apps/one-minute-pause/

When Laid to Rest (Wild at Heart Pause App Music)

By Patrick Rundblad

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – You’ve Been Discipled by the Internet

01:17 – Welcome to the Embracing Brokenness Podcast

03:03 – Why We Pause: A Prayer for Presence

06:00 – How’s Your Heart? Life, Ministry & Sabbath Rhythms

10:01 – Discipled by the Internet (Expanded)

14:18 – What Is an Ordinary Mystic?

17:39 – Is God's Love Really Better Than Life?

20:27 – Trauma, Anxiety & the Healing Union

24:29 – Why the Goal Is Union, Not Performance

28:04 – Why Experiencing God Feels So Hard (And What to Do About It)

29:56 – Examples of Ordinary Mystics

36:17 – Dwelling Within: The Indwelling Christ

39:00 – Practicing Union: Sacred Daily Rhythms

43:03 – One Thing You Can Do Today

44:31 – What Writing This Book Changed for John

45:56 – Closing

Is your view of God shaped by truth—or trauma? In this episode, Steve & Colleen explore how our past experiences distort our understanding of God, and how neuroscience, spiritual warfare, and abiding in Christ reveal the God who is truly love.

If fear has shaped your faith, this is the episode for you.

What do Mr. Rogers, the founder of LEGO, and a civil rights legend have in common? They were all "mere Christians" doing extraordinary things through ordinary work.

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness Podcast, Steve welcomes back bestselling author Jordan Raynor to dive into his latest book, 5 Mere Christians—a fresh, binge-worthy collection of biographies showing how everyday believers glorify God in powerful, practical ways.

From Fred Rogers’ Christlike presence to Fannie Lou Hamer’s fearless justice, Jordan shares untold stories that will leave you inspired, challenged, and maybe even in tears (in the best way).

You’ll hear:

✅ Why “secular” work is sacred

✅ How to eliminate hurry and live like Jesus

✅ What CS Lewis, a former atheist, teaches us about discipleship

✅ How your daily work—no matter what it is—matters for eternity

🔥 Plus: Get the scoop on a once-in-a-lifetime giveaway trip to England & Denmark—walk in the footsteps of Lewis and LEGO!

Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to discover purpose in your 9-to-5, and see how your own brokenness is the starting point for something beautiful.

📘 Pre-order "5 Mere Christians" and enter the epic trip giveaway ➡️ https://www.jordanraynor.com/

🌐 Explore more at https://embracingbrokenness.org/