Exploring More

Explore the transformative power of storytelling as Michael and SJ delve into the Hero's Journey through beloved classics. They discuss the importance of maps for understanding life's spiritual landscape, emphasizing the battle between good and evil. Personal experiences highlight how formative beliefs shape identity and authority. Learn about the theological shifts from the Old to the New Covenant and the significance of reinterpretation for healing. Discover why knowing your place in the story is crucial for navigating life's challenges.

Maps, Mountain Lions, and the Larger Story Season Five kicks off with Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings reflecting on where the journey has taken them—and where it's going next. Surrounded by memorabilia, laughter, and memories, they introduce the guiding theme for this new season: understanding the larger story through the lens of maps, spiritual reality, and the battle between light and darkness. From tales of mountain lions in Montana to metaphors pulled from The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, this episode invites listeners to reframe how they see their lives—not as random or isolated, but as part of a greater narrative shaped by love, war, and redemption. Michael and SJ emphasize the centrality of the heart in that story, the importance of spiritual awareness, and the need to know where you are and where you're headed. This season, the podcast will explore Zoweh's Map of the Larger Story, offering listeners tools, truth, and orientation to help them navigate life in both the physical and spiritual realms. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 📚 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

Josh Overton, a ministry leader sharing insights on hearing God's voice, discusses transformative ways to connect with the divine. He recounts a profound story of being called a 'Giant Slayer' through a simple stone. Michael Thompson shares his encounter in an Aspen grove that reveals God’s presence in nature. They explore the obstacles that block spiritual communication, emphasizing the importance of shifting from performance-based faith to a conversational approach to prayer. This engaging dialogue encourages listeners to embrace everyday moments as opportunities to hear and receive God's voice.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Jim Ramos, host of the Men in the Arena podcast, discusses the masculine journey and identity. He and Michael Thompson explore the five stages of a man's life, emphasizing the need for validation and initiation. They tackle deep issues like the wounds men carry and the importance of living as strong, kind kings. Listeners gain practical insights on intimacy in marriage, parenting, and hearing God's voice, with calls to explore their true identities and reign well in their relationships.

Writing King Me: Friendship, Editing, and the Journey to Wholeness In this special episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson sits down with longtime friend and editor Bob Harding to reflect on the creative journey behind King Me. What began as a professional connection through a mutual friend soon became a deep friendship rooted in trust, truth, and the shared mission of helping men rediscover their identity as beloved sons. Michael and Bob recount how their work together on The Heart of a Warrior paved the way for a more intimate collaboration on King Me—a book crafted not just through edits, but through prayer, coaching, and candid conversations. They share honest stories about the writing process, preserving Michael's unique voice, and the growth that unfolded for them both. More than a behind-the-scenes look at a book, this episode offers insight into the power of brotherhood, creative vulnerability, and the healing that comes when we tell our stories well. With humor, heart, and deep appreciation, Michael and Bob invite listeners to see what can happen when two hearts align for a greater good. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Register for Zoom Groups here: https://linktr.ee/zoweh Listening, Naming, and Hearing God: Wrapping Up Season Four In the final episode of season four, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings close out their five-part series on listening with a heartfelt reflection on what it means to truly pay attention—to others, to ourselves, and to God. They revisit the podcast's journey since 2018, the shift to video, and the personal stories that have shaped their own listening growth. This conversation explores the deeper layers of listening: the spiritual practice of naming, the voices that influence us, and how empathy, curiosity, and presence can bless—or wound—the people around us. Michael and SJ reflect on how listening connects us to love and how hearing from God anchors all other listening. They offer practical guidance for discerning God's voice and share plans for the upcoming season, which will explore the Larger Story map and the heart of a listener. Whether you've journeyed through every episode or just joined the conversation, this one invites you to keep growing, keep listening, and keep exploring more. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

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 transformational, and that listening well is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

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. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! Hearing God Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2CxbBdJ5je0lxLcQl6Gki5ECUruT3EJC 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

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 full of noise, creating space to hear His voice might be the most transformative practice of all. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 📚 Visit Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

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 may be relying on a "Christ plus" mindset, instead of resting in Christ alone. With reflection, prayer, and gratitude, this episode closes the Galatians journey by pointing back to the bigger truth: there is always more freedom, more love, and more grace available in the life God invites us into. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 📚 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp