Welcome to the Sojournist.

Wilderness hikes for the soul, with a mix of faith, mysticism, art, and culture. For anyone on a journey to their True Self. From coach, wanderer, and author Michael D. Warden.

Hi. I’m Michael.

I’m a writer and a coach, living full time on the road in a van called Van Gogh.

(Yep. I am that meme.)

I write about Christian mysticism, philosophy, culture, and personal development, and how these forces impact—both positively and negatively— the human journey of becoming who we’re meant to be.

My interest in this topic isn’t merely academic. It’s personal. As a childhood survivor of sexual abuse perpetrated on me in a strict, deeply religious home, unraveling the mystery of how to recover from my wounds and still become the truest version of myself has been a matter of life and death for me.

Along the way, I’ve learned that my struggle is far from unique. It’s universal. Becoming your True Self is deeply challenging for all of us, We all face many challenges every day that try to keep us away from that truest version of ourselves.

If you're interested in becoming who you're meant to be, setting your heart free, and getting a helping hand on your journey to your True Self, I'd love to have you.

More About Me

I’ve published several books and essays over the last 20+ years, but I’ve made my bread and butter as a coach and trainer for leaders and teams. Over the last several decades, I’ve been privileged to partner with hundreds of leaders, artists, and every other kind of visionary, along with the teams they inhabit. I help my clients reconnect to their highest identity and deepest purpose, and unleash the passion to pursue that vision with all of their heart. I do this through 1-1 coaching, as well as through retreats, trainings and other group experiences. (If you’re curious about hiring me, drop me a note, and we’ll set up a time to talk.)

I’m also the founder of The BraveHeart Men — a training community for men I’m really proud of.

In 2022, I sold my home in the Colorado mountains and became a full time vanlifer, so I could focus on completing my fantasy novel tetralogy (coming out in 2025!) and share stories from the road. The Sojournist was born out of that decision.

Random facts: I’m a poet, photographer, and compulsive scifi/fantasy nerd. I love living on the road, but feel most at home in Colorado, and am never happier than when hiking a trail in the wilderness of that high country. I’m a 21st Century Monastic — never married, no kids. I am a lover of God; that one quality defines my life and identity more than any other. My friends call me a mystic, and I suppose I am, but definitely with an intellectual twist.

“Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?” — Rumi