The Heidi St. John Podcast

I'm visiting with my friend Connie again today, and we're talking about the fear that has gripped this nation. We can step back and interact in our culture from the perspective of a sound mind, and that will help us starve the fear that seems to be engulfing us. ***Find links and resources at HeidiStJohn.com***

As we close out 2025, I’m taking a moment to look back on the year that was—the hard moments, the blessings, and the faithfulness of God that carried us through it all. Then we’ll talk about where we’re headed and how to step into the new year with courage, hope, and a faith that’s anchored in truth. You’re not alone, friends. God is already at work as we move forward together.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Equipping The Persecuted Coffee | ETPcoffee.comShow mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday

I’m back from Australia—and what I saw both inspired and sobered me.On the Gospel Reset tour with Ken Ham and Barry Wilmore, I witnessed a beautiful nation that has quietly surrendered freedoms through passivity. Cameras everywhere. Speech limitations. Christian schools using secular curriculum.It was a powerful reminder: freedom is fragile—and the reset begins in Genesis.Let’s talk about why this matters for your family and how we stand boldly at the intersection of faith and culture.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

This episode originally aired on October 22, and I’m bringing it back because this is a conversation we simply cannot ignore.As explicit “romance” fiction and erotic content continue to become normalized—especially among women—it’s important that we talk honestly about what it’s doing to our hearts and our marriages.In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, Elise Orozco shares how so-called “romance” fiction slowly drew her in, how it impacted her marriage and her walk with the Lord, and how God led her to freedom.This isn’t about shame. It’s about guarding our hearts and remembering that God’s design for intimacy is protective, beautiful, and life-giving.If you care about strengthening your marriage and living in freedom, don’t skip this one.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to ⁠homeschoolhealth.com⁠ to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Lifestone Ministries | ⁠Lifestoneministries.com/heidi⁠Equipping The Persecuted Coffee | ⁠ETPcoffee.com⁠Show mentions: ⁠heidistjohn.com/mentions⁠Website | ⁠heidistjohn.com⁠Support the show! | ⁠donorbox.org/donation-827⁠Rumble | ⁠rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohn⁠Youtube | ⁠youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcast⁠Instagram | ⁠@heidistjohn⁠Facebook | ⁠Heidi St. John⁠X | ⁠@heidistjohn⁠⁠Faith That Speaks⁠ Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | ⁠heidistjohn.net/⁠fanmailfriday

Pastor and Colorado State Rep Scott Bottoms is running for Governor of Colorado, and he’s making the case for why Christians can’t sit out the political arena anymore. We talk about the pressure on pastors to stay silent, the “Christian nationalism” debate, and why policy is shaping the future of our kids in real time—from grooming and parental rights to trafficking and corruption. If you’ve been on the fence, this episode is a wake-up call: get off the bench and engage. Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off! Show mentions: Mentions — Heidi St JohnWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

It’s Fan Mail Friday, and you guys brought the questions. We’re talking about what it looks like to raise outspoken Christian young adults without living in fear, how to help a perfectionistic child learn rest in Jesus, and what to do when homeschooling is exhausting and the relationship is taking a hit. We’ll also hit hypocrisy in the church, navigating marriage and parenting tension, handling conflict with Christian leaders without sliding into gossip, and even what to do when one child dominates the family conversation. God’s Word isn’t silent on any of this—and it’s still the anchor we need right now.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% offShow mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

The National Education Association is under fire as lawmakers like Mary Miller and Buddy Carter push to revoke its unique federal charter.In this episode, I take a hard look at the NEA’s growing political influence inside public schools—and what it means for parental rights, religious liberty, and academic excellence. You’ll hear from whistleblower Christina Barton, a former school counselor who risked her career after raising concerns about policies that kept parents in the dark.If you care about who is shaping your child’s education—and whether schools are serving families or sidelining them—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

Are we in the middle of a teen mental health crisis—and is technology fueling it? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with clinical psychologist Johan D’Souza to unpack the dramatic rise in anxiety, depression, and suicidality since 2010 and what smartphones are doing to the developing brain. We talk honestly about dopamine, screen addiction, weak boundaries, strong leadership in the home, and what parents can do right now—even if a phone is already in their child’s hand. This isn’t about panic; it’s about courage, clarity, and raising kids who can flourish in a distracted world.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

In this special Fan Mail Friday re-run, originally recorded during our 36th-anniversary trip to Kona, Jay and I dive into your candid questions about marriage—intimacy after babies, navigating NFP, dating on a budget, perimenopause and HRT, staying close in busy seasons, and why Christ at the center changes everything. It’s honest, practical, and hope-filled (heads-up: rated “M” for Marriage). If you missed it the first time—or need the encouragement again—this one’s for you. Show up for your marriage—you’ll be encouraged.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs. Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to ⁠homeschoolhealth.com⁠ to get connected and see some of my favorite items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Lifestone Ministries | ⁠Lifestoneministries.com/heidi⁠Show mentions: ⁠heidistjohn.com/mentions⁠Website | ⁠heidistjohn.com⁠Support the show! | ⁠donorbox.org/donation-827⁠Rumble | ⁠rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohn⁠YouTube | ⁠/ @heidistjohnpodcastInstagram | ⁠@heidistjohn⁠Facebook | ⁠Heidi St. John⁠X | ⁠@heidistjohn⁠⁠Faith That Speaks⁠ Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | ⁠heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday⁠

Today we’re talking about a quiet power grab that most Americans won’t see until it’s too late: states moving to weaken—or outright override—your locally elected sheriff. Sheriffs answer to you, the voters, and that’s exactly why they’re being targeted.I’m joined by Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank to break down Washington’s Senate Bill 5974 and what it would really do: give unelected state bodies the power to disqualify, decertify, and effectively remove sheriffs the people chose. This isn’t about “standards.” It’s about who holds authority—citizens, or bureaucrats.Also—quick update from Olympia: we recently showed up to push back on a major homeschool regulation bill, and by God’s grace, it was stopped in committee. Freedom isn’t free, and God’s people have to show up.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off! Show mentions: Mentions — Heidi St JohnWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

In every generation, God raises up shepherds who are willing to speak the truth—even when it costs them. In this Shepherds in the Storm episode, I’m joined by my friend Pastor Phil Hopper, lead pastor of Abundant Life Church, to talk about why the church was never meant to be silent. We unpack the fear keeping pastors quiet, why today’s biggest issues are biblical—not political—and why courage in the pulpit matters more than ever. If you’re a pastor, church leader, or believer longing for clarity and conviction in a confusing culture, this conversation will encourage you.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

Dr. Mark Sherwood is back, and this time he brought his wife, Dr. Michele—and you guys, this conversation is so good. We’re answering your real health questions, from perimenopause and fertility to hormones, hot flashes, thyroid issues, anxiety, reflux, and even whether those grounding sheets and “detox” foot baths are worth your time. You only get one life, and feeling lousy all the time isn’t the plan. Let’s talk about what actually helps so you can show up for the life God’s given you.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

For a long time, we trusted our public libraries to be safe, neutral places for families and kids. But that’s just not true anymore. In this episode, I talk honestly about how taxpayer-funded libraries have shifted from simply offering books to actively promoting ideology—and why so many parents feel dismissed or even silenced when they raise concerns. I’ll share how we got here, why the American Library Association matters, and what everyday moms and dads can actually do about it—from showing up locally to building better alternatives that protect kids and respect families.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

We’re living in a moment where a teenager with a phone can shape theology faster than a pastor with a Bible—and the result is confusion, compromise, and a “feel-good” faith that can’t save. In this eye-opening conversation, Mike Winger joins me to expose what’s really driving digital discipleship, why “almost right” theology spreads so fast, and what parents, pastors, and leaders can do right now to anchor the next generation in Scripture—before the algorithm does. Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off! Show mentions: Mentions — Heidi St JohnWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

In today’s Fan Mail Friday, I’m answering questions from listeners navigating hard seasons with courage and conviction. We’ll talk about homeschooling, parenting, caregiving, comparison, and learning to rest without quitting. This episode is an encouragement to stay faithful and trust that God is still at work, no matter the season.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | https://www.heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday

The church was never meant to sit this one out. Today, Dr. Corey Miller joins me for a bold conversation about immigration, ICE, and the growing courage crisis inside the church. We talk about how compassion has been confused with compromise, why law and order are not unbiblical, and what happens when Christians disengage from the cultural moment. This episode is a wake-up call to step back into the public square with clarity, conviction, and courage.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

My son-in-law, Pastor Ryan Bates, is in the studio with me today, and we’re talking about life-giving parenting—especially when it comes to raising boys in a culture that’s confused (and often hostile) toward masculinity. We discuss why children are a blessing, why the family is under attack, what the Bible actually teaches about discipline, and how to raise boys with courage, purpose, and a love for the Lord. I think you’re going to be encouraged.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday

Pastor Rich Blum joins me for an unfiltered conversation about what happens when cultural hostility no longer stays outside the church doors. We unpack the disruption of a Minnesota church service and why moments like that demand courage and real shepherding—not silence. From COVID and government overreach to education, freedom, and biblical authority, this episode is a clear call for pastors and believers to stop playing defense and start leading. This is no time to shrink back—it’s time for faithful leadership to rise.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday

The knives are out—and homeschool freedom is on the chopping block. In this episode, I expose the growing push by lawmakers to bring homeschooling under government control, with New Jersey leading the charge. I’m joined by Rose-Anne Uwague (Ro), a New Jersey homeschool mom and advocate on the front lines of this fight, to break down what these bills really mean and why every parent should be paying attention. This is a wake-up call for families who value parental rights and freedom.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday

Homeschool burnout is real—and it’s wearing moms down. In this episode, my friend Zan Tyler joins me for an honest, hope-filled conversation about why burnout happens, the pressure homeschool moms quietly carry, and how to lighten the load without quitting. We talk about resetting unrealistic expectations, building community, delegating what you can, and finding the grace to keep going. If you’re exhausted, discouraged, or wondering how much longer you can do this, this episode is for you. You’re not failing—and you’re not alone.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday