Randy O'Connell: Finding God in the Wilderness

Randy O'Connell: Finding God in the Wilderness

From Built on Truth by Brett Wheeless

November 26, 2025 · 25 min · Season 2 · Episode 7

About this episode

Brett Wheeless interviews Randy O'Connell about his adventurous life and deep faith, exploring themes of outdoor leadership and spirituality.

In this episode, Brett sits down with one of the most interesting men he’s ever met — Randy O’Connell. Randy’s life is a tapestry of wild adventure, deep faith, and decades of outdoor leadership. From biking 135 miles through 117° heat in Death Valley, to summiting Mount Whitney, to climbing 20,000-foot peaks in Peru with nothing but a couple ice axes and a pack of pemican bars, Randy’s stories feel like they’re straight out of a novel. But behind the adventures is a man shaped by God’s grace. Randy shares openly about childhood epilepsy, youth-group moments that changed everything, and the privilege of leading countless young people into both the wilderness and a deeper understanding of Jesus. We talk climbing, parenting, calling, ministry, fear, hallucinating Texaco stations at altitude, and why the wilderness remains one of the clearest places Randy hears the voice of God. This conversation is funny, profound, humble, and packed with wisdom.

People in this episode

Guest: Randy O'Connell

Topics covered

  • adventure
  • faith
  • outdoor leadership
  • climbing
  • parenting
  • ministry

Keywords

  • wilderness
  • God's grace
  • epilepsy
  • youth-group
  • Jesus
  • wisdom

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Finding God in the Wilderness

Places: Death Valley, Mount Whitney, Peru

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