Born into a cattle-ranching family in Ojai, California, John studied literature and psychology at Ojai Valley School, Kearsney College (South Africa), Princeton University, UC Berkeley, the Graduate Theological Union and the Radix Institute. He did brain research for NIH, then participated in the early American Film Institute’s Intern Program in Los Angeles, and was mentored as a budding screenwriter. However, frustrated with boring TV writing assignments, John left Hollywood to pursue his alter ego as a Radix therapist in San Luis Obispo, and went on anthropological expeditions in southern Africa, Mexico, Guatemala and Hawaii. He then spent 7 deep years in Europe before returning to Santa Fe, Santa Barbara, Kauai – and Santa Cruz where he is now based.

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John has published over 30 books in 17 languages and sold over 600,000 copies worldwide. He was the head of The BrightMind Network where he pioneered the online delivery of audio meditation and self-therapy programs. He also worked with Microsoft in Silicon Valley on app-driven mood-management inventions. But his primary love and focus has remained his unique approach to suspenseful drama that carries a meaningful punch and mythically-impactful heroes. Returning to California in 2011, John and his High Heart Films writing team have developed a set of 8 primary film properties. Half of these ‘lucid tales of love and discovery’ are highly-commercial cable series, while the other half are smaller feature films for innovative mid-budget production.

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John is currently based in Santa Cruz, working on his own film projects while also developing properties for funder/clients. For a more in-depth author bio please enjoy the audio-bio version of John’s life story.

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