Exploring More

Register for Zoom Groups here: https://linktr.ee/zoweh Being Heard: The Healing Power of Presence and Empathy In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey into the art of listening—focusing on what it means to truly hear someone. They explore how childhood wounds, family dynamics, and emotional disconnects can shape our experience of being missed, misunderstood, or invalidated. Through personal stories and practical insights, they highlight what engaged listening actually requires: empathy, presence, safety, and attentiveness. From naming emotions to avoiding common pitfalls like “the advice-giver” or “the story diverter,” Michael and SJ offer helpful strategies to listen in ways that foster connection and healing. They reflect on how even a well-intentioned response can shut someone down—and how a well-timed question like “Where would you like to start?” can open the door to trust. This conversation is a powerful reminder that being truly heard can be

Register for Zoom Groups here: linktr.ee/zoweh The Extra Mile: Listening Like Jesus In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their conversation on the transformative power of listening—not just with our ears, but with our hearts. Drawing from Jesus’ invitation to go the extra mile, they explore what it means to carry someone’s emotional or spiritual load by offering your full attention and presence. With stories from encounter weekends, medic training, and the life of Jesus Himself, the hosts highlight the difference between “active” and “engaged” listening. They share how true listening builds trust, invites healing, and fosters deep relational and spiritual connection. Michael and SJ reflect on the pain of being misunderstood, the power of asking good questions, and the sacred ministry of simply being with someone in their moment. In a world that often talks too much and listens too little, this episode is a call to love others by listening well—like Jesus did

The Art of Listening: Building Trust, Connection, and Space for the Soul In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings begin a new series on listening—not just hearing, but truly engaging. They explore how good listening fosters trust, empathy, and connection, while poor listening erodes relationships over time. From the noise of everyday life to the emotional distractions within us, the hosts unpack why listening well is harder than we think—and more important than we realize. Drawing from personal stories, humor (including a nod to comedian Brian Regan’s “me monster”), and practical tips, Michael and SJ introduce the idea of “engaging listening”—a deeper, more relational approach that requires presence, emotional awareness, and intentionality. They reflect on their own growth, the pitfalls of distraction, and the small habits that either build or break connection over time. This episode also hints at what’s ahead: listening not just to others, but to God. Because in a world

Galatians 6: Gentle Restoration, Personal Theology, and the Gospel of More In this final episode of the Galatians series, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore Paul’s closing words in chapter 6—an invitation to live with gentleness, forgiveness, and mutual care. As they reflect on the early church’s challenges, Michael and SJ draw parallels to today’s world: pandemics, polarization, and the constant pull toward disunity. At the heart of the conversation is the reminder that we were never meant to walk alone. Whether it’s gently restoring a brother or bearing one another’s burdens, Paul’s charge is clear—live the gospel together. The hosts share personal stories of confrontation, accountability, and how grace multiplies when it’s sown in kindness rather than control. They also dive into the principle of sowing and reaping, using vivid metaphors (like boomerangs) to illustrate how our actions—good or harmful—have lasting impact. Listeners are invited to examine their “personal theology” and notice where they

Galatians 5: Living by the Spirit and Resisting the Drift to Bondage In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey through Galatians, diving deep into chapter 5 and its radical invitation: to live free and walk by the Spirit. They explore the tension between flesh and Spirit, law and grace, and what it means to express faith through love—not fear, performance, or legalism. Drawing parallels to The Shawshank Redemption and Schindler’s List, the conversation unpacks how easy it is to return to “institutionalized” ways of living—even after being set free. The hosts reflect on Paul’s passionate call to resist that drift and instead live as adopted sons and daughters, led by the Holy Spirit. They also examine the historical backdrop of the Reformation and Martin Luther’s deep connection to Galatians, tracing how his translation work helped recover the gospel of grace in an age of religious rule-keeping. With stories, Scripture, and honest questions, Michael

Galatians 4: From Law to Sonship—Living in the Freedom of Grace In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey through Galatians, unpacking the powerful contrast between life under the law and life as sons and daughters of God. Using the characters of Les Misérables—Javert and Valjean—they illustrate the stark difference between rigid justice and transformative grace. Michael and SJ reflect on Galatians 4 and the metaphor of the law as a guardian or tutor—meant to lead us to maturity, not define our identity. With personal stories and biblical insight, they explore the theme of adoption into God’s family, emphasizing both the legal authority and intimate connection that come with true sonship. The conversation calls believers to grow from spiritual slavery into spiritual maturity—moving from performance and obligation into freedom and responsibility, led by the Spirit. Grace isn’t just forgiveness—it’s the empowering presence of God that brings about rea

Galatians 3: Faith, Freedom, and the Promise of More In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson turns the spotlight to Galatians chapter 3—a pivotal passage where Paul passionately unpacks the difference between living by faith and being bound by the law. Building on earlier chapters, this conversation explores how grace, not performance, secures our place in God's family. Through clear teaching and heartfelt reflection, Michael highlights Paul’s rebuke of the Galatians for slipping back into works-based righteousness, and his reminder that the Spirit comes by faith—not rule-keeping. From Abraham to the coming of Christ, Galatians 3 unveils the promise of freedom through trust in God's covenant, not human effort. This episode also reintroduces Zoweh’s Base Camp, a new online resource library filled with devotionals, discussion guides, and podcast video series designed to help individuals and small groups dive deeper into Scripture—especially journeys like Galatians. Whether you're walking

Galatians 2: Identity, Intimacy, and the Freedom Beyond Performance In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series on Galatians by diving into chapter two—where Paul boldly defends the gospel of grace and challenges efforts to impose law-driven faith on new believers. Through humor, baseball analogies, and historical insight, the hosts explore the cultural tension between Jewish and Gentile followers and how those same dynamics show up in modern faith and identity struggles. The conversation centers on the difference between living in performance-based religion versus intimacy with God. Michael and SJ reflect on Paul’s confrontation with Peter, the deeper meaning of justification by faith, and the subtle ways we still try to earn what Christ has freely given. Drawing from personal stories, cultural comparisons, and even Tim Keller’s commentary, this episode offers both theological depth and real-life application. The message is clear: our worth doesn’t co

Galatians 1: Gospel Clarity, Conditional Love, and Personal Theology In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series through the book of Galatians, focusing on Paul’s bold defense of his apostleship and the uncompromising unity of the gospel. Writing with passion and urgency, Paul confronts distortions introduced by the Judaizers—reminding the Galatians that his commission comes not from man, but from Jesus Christ Himself. The conversation moves from historical context to personal reflection, as Michael and SJ examine how cultural expectations, church upbringing, and performance-based faith can cloud our understanding of grace. They explore how many believers, knowingly or not, come to believe that love must be earned—when in fact, the gospel declares it’s freely given. This episode also introduces Zoweh’s Base Camp, a new online resource hub offering devotionals, podcasts, and discussion guides to support deeper connection with God and others. Whether you

Galatians, Grace, and Gospel: Paul’s Passion and Our Freedom In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings open a brand-new journey through the book of Galatians. With passion and insight, they explore Paul’s missionary travels, his dramatic transformation from Pharisee to apostle, and the cultural tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church. This episode lays the foundation for the Galatians series—a deep dive into one of Paul’s most emotional and urgent letters. Michael and SJ unpack themes of identity, freedom, grace, and spiritual warfare, and examine how Paul’s personal encounters with the resurrected Christ shaped his bold message of salvation by grace, not by works. Alongside historical and theological context, the conversation gets personal: What are we adding to the gospel? Where are we still performing for acceptance? Through honest reflection and practical application, the hosts invite listeners to confront performance-based faith and embrace g

Kings Row with John Eldredge: Experiencing Jesus in Daily Life In this special episode of Exploring More, Michael Thompson welcomes bestselling author John Eldredge to launch the new series Kings Row. Together, they explore deeper spiritual experiences—not through religious striving, but through daily relational union and communion with Jesus. John shares his heart behind Experiencing Jesus, a guide to recovering ancient practices and creating space to connect with God. Drawing from Psalm 91, neuroscience, and his own journey, he introduces the “ordinary mystic”—believers who walk intimately with God in everyday life. The conversation explores the challenge of a culture driven by speed and distraction. John names the toll of technology and invites listeners to unplug and return to practices that foster healing and peace. From angelic encounters to Star Trek, the episode offers wisdom and wonder in how God meets us. Michael and John also highlight the role of spiritual fathering, mentors, and tools like the Pa

Healing the Father’s Heart: Questions, Connection, and the Power of Apology In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the deep waters of fatherhood and healing. They explore how a father’s spiritual health and emotional presence can shape not only his own heart but also the hearts of his children. The invitation is clear: walk with God, get your heart back, and reconnect with your children—no matter what season of parenting you're in. Through personal stories, including bread baking requests, football games, Star Trek marathons, and the hard lessons of missed moments, Michael and SJ unpack practical ways for fathers to stay engaged and grow in empathy. From asking better questions to reading books and watching shows alongside their kids, they share everyday strategies that create opportunities for meaningful connection. A major theme of the episode is the healing power of sincere apologies. The hosts offer guidance on how to make amends—not from a place of shame

Training Up a Child: Discovering Gifts, Asking Questions, and Fathering with Intentionality In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Josh Overton invite listeners into a candid and heartfelt conversation about the ongoing journey of fatherhood. Drawing from Proverbs 22:6 and their own lived experiences, they explore the sacred responsibility of training up children—not in a rigid mold, but in alignment with each child’s unique personality, giftings, and “bent.” Fatherhood, they reflect, is not about mastery—it’s about discovery. Whether it’s planning one-on-one adventures, reading books their kids love, or simply asking the right questions at the right time, Michael, SJ, and Josh share how intentional moments of connection become anchors for a child’s identity. The episode emphasizes the value of listening deeply, affirming consistently, and staying curious—especially as children grow into their own. The conversation also highlights how a father’s story—his wounds, gro

Fatherhood and the Healing Journey: Reconciliation, Empathy, and Presence In this heartfelt episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson, Josh Overton, and SJ Jennings take listeners into the complex and sacred terrain of fatherhood. Through honest conversation and personal stories, they explore how generational wounds, busy lives, and missed moments can shape our parenting—and how empathy and reconciliation can transform it. As Josh shares his experience coaching his son Judah and revisiting conversations with his son Steven, the episode paints a vivid picture of the power of a father’s presence—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Michael and SJ reflect on the ways a father's understanding of his own story, including that of his parents and grandparents, plays a vital role in the healing process. The conversation moves between themes of masculine identity, parenting sons vs. daughters, and the shift from dictating to listening. With warmth and humility, the hosts highlight the im

Fathering Through the Stages: Presence, Healing, and the Power of a Dad's Yes In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings step into the sacred and strategic role of fatherhood—unpacking what it means to guide children through the stages of growth with intention, love, and grace. From boyhood to beloved son, explorer to warrior, and eventually king and elder sage, each stage of a child’s journey asks a father different questions: Do you see me? Do you love what you see? Will you walk with me? Michael and SJ explore how a father’s response—through presence, time, and affirming words—can either fuel a child’s identity or deepen their wounds. The conversation highlights the power of modeling a real, intimate relationship with God. Drawing from personal experiences, parenting wins and do-overs, and biblical truths like Proverbs 22:6, the hosts remind us that good fathering is less about perfection and more about orientation. When a dad is oriented—anchored in God’s love and awar

The Heart of a Father: Leading with Presence, Healing, and Grace In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings step into the sacred space of fatherhood—a role both powerful and profoundly influential. With studies showing that 92% of family behavior follows the father’s lead, the stakes are high. Michael and SJ unpack how a father’s presence—or absence—shapes the heart of a home. The conversation explores the vital link between a man’s personal healing and his ability to father well. They reflect on the wounds many men carry into parenthood and how those unaddressed hurts can manifest in reactivity, addiction, or disengagement. Rather than shame, this episode offers hope: that healing is possible, and authenticity is more powerful than perfection. Listeners are introduced to the Dad Series, a companion podcast aimed at equipping fathers to lead with courage, humility, and love. Through stories, insights, and spiritual reflection, Michael and SJ encourage men to shift from rea

The Fuel of Fear: How God's Love Disarms the False Self   In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings return to the powerful themes of hiding, proving, and fearing—three intertwined patterns that shape a man’s internal world. They examine how fear fuels a “false self” and keeps men from living in the freedom and love God offers. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and years of spiritual formation experience, Michael and SJ unpack the metaphor of a heart running on empty—pushing through the desert until it reaches the “filling station” of God’s love. This image frames a larger conversation about identity, healing, and the invitation to live with nothing to hide, prove, or fear. Listeners will discover how fear-driven behaviors often trace back to wounds, and how perfect love—real, experienced, and relational—can cast out that fear. The episode emphasizes the power of grace, honest self-reflection, and community in helping men step into the life of an oriented man: gr

The Weight of Proving: Finding Worth in God's Love This episode of the Exploring More Podcast delves into the concept of "something to prove" within the broader journey of masculinity and spiritual identity. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings examine how men often develop a false self rooted in hiding, proving, and fearing—patterns shaped by both societal pressures and personal experiences. Through honest storytelling, including anecdotes from childhood sports and relational struggles, they explore how these themes manifest in daily life and how deeply they affect a man's sense of worth and belonging. The hosts emphasize the need for a shift from performance-based identity to a heart grounded in the love of God. They discuss how personal theology—shaped by real-life experience—often speaks louder than biblical theology unless men actively encounter God's unconditional love. This love, they argue, must be more than a concept; it needs to be an experienced reality that reshapes how a man sees himself and ot

Living With Nothing To Hide: The Journey from False Self to Freedom In this reflective episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings revisit foundational themes of the season—hiding, fearing, and proving—and how these traits are deeply rooted in the false self. Through honest storytelling and personal reflection, they unpack how these tendencies often form early in life, influenced by environments like church, sports, and family. Whether it’s the fear of being judged or the drive to earn approval, the hosts highlight how these patterns subtly shape our identity and keep us from living freely. The heart of the conversation centers on the call to become an "oriented man"—someone who no longer needs to hide, prove, or live in fear. Michael and SJ emphasize that transformation doesn’t come from performance, but from receiving unconditional love and learning to live from a place of belovedness. They share moments from their own journeys that illustrate how freedom grows through vulnerabil

Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Fear: The Journey to Authenticity In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings unpack a transformative phrase that strikes at the heart of a man’s internal world: “Nothing to hide, nothing to prove, nothing to fear.” Drawing from biblical narratives like Adam’s hiding in Eden and Peter’s denial of Jesus, the hosts explore how these ancient stories mirror the modern male struggle with shame, self-worth, and identity. Personal moments—like the frustration of painting a camper—serve as vivid metaphors for deeper emotional triggers, revealing patterns of fear, anger, and a false self shaped by wounds and societal expectations. The conversation emphasizes how crucial it is for men to become self-aware, confront their past, and choose vulnerability. By naming emotions, recognizing emotional patterns, and engaging in healing practices like journaling and prayer, men can move from a place of hiding and proving to living free and whole. C