Episode 180 - From Emerald Isle to Bronze Age Biblical Tales with John Leonard

#180 - Have you ever wondered what happens when a deep love for Ireland, masterful storytelling, and biblical foundations merge? That's exactly what unfolds in this captivating conversation with John Leonard, the creative mind behind the Wayfinder series – a fantasy adventure saga that bridges ancient myths with biblical narratives.Growing up in rural Colorado as the eldest of four siblings, John shares how his close relationship with his brother shaped his early years through sports and friendly competition. His journey took a fascinating turn in college when he discovered rugby, serving as team captain for four years at Colorado Mesa University. This passion later connected him deeply to Irish culture when he seized an opportunity to study abroad in Belfast.John's eight-mile walk from Dublin to the Neolithic site of Newgrange became a transformative experience, allowing him to absorb Ireland's countryside in a way impossible from behind a car window. "Walking that road was just something else," he recalls, describing how the sideways rain, winding paths, and ancient hamlets with thatched roofs transported him through time. His vivid descriptions of Irish pub culture – where storytellers gather, musicians spontaneously form bands, and strangers share life stories over shared drinks – reveal how deeply Ireland's storytelling tradition influenced his own writing.The heart of our conversation explores John's Wayfinder series, particularly his first book "Dawn of Destiny." This unique fantasy saga fills the narrative gap between the Tower of Babel and Abraham's story in Genesis, weaving together Mesopotamian, Akkadian, Egyptian, and other Bronze Age cultural myths into a cohesive narrative that respects biblical accounts. Using the rabbinical teaching method of Pardes, John creates stories with multiple levels of meaning – from surface-level adventure to deeper theological symbolism.Whether you're fascinated by ancient mythology, interested in creative approaches to biblical narratives, or simply love a good conversation about the writing journey, John's story will inspire you to see adventure as more than just reaching a destination. As he beautifully puts it: "The adventure is the journey in between...the relationships, the foundational aspects that form who you are along that journey." Subscribe now and join us for more inspiring conversations about overcoming life's challenges through adventure!To learn more about John give him a follow on Instagram @thewayfinderseries and get a copy of his book on Amazon.Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.