Exploring More

Shame: The Silent Thief of Identity | Breaking Free Through Christ Shame is more than a fleeting emotion—it’s a force that erodes identity, distorts relationships, and keeps us trapped in cycles of self-doubt and self-destruction. In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into the nature of shame, comparing it to cancer in the spiritual realm—silent, invasive, and deeply damaging. Through personal stories, expert insights from Brene Brown and Jay Stringer, and biblical truths, they uncover how shame often takes root in relational moments, shaping false identities and leading to self-protective behaviors. But there’s hope. Jesus offers a way to break free—not through punishment, but through love, grace, and the restoration of our true identity. Join us as we unpack the systems that reinforce shame, the impact it has on our lives, and the liberating power of the Gospel to set us free. If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, this conversation is for you. Let’s explore more together. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’re on this journey with you! 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

Breaking Free from Shame: Jesus’ Power to Heal In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their deep dive into the impact of shame and the path to freedom. Through biblical stories like Peter’s denial of Christ and the woman at the well, they reveal how Jesus confronts and transforms shame—not with judgment, but with love, grace, and restoration. The conversation explores the harmful effects of shame, particularly when it remains hidden in secrecy and silence. They discuss the importance of confession, empathy, and community support in healing from both personal and sexual shame. Through personal stories and metaphors, they illustrate how shame operates like an unwanted intruder—one that must be exposed and expelled to make room for healing and freedom. If you’ve ever felt trapped by shame, this episode offers practical steps and spiritual insights to help you break free. Tune in to Exploring More and discover how Jesus' love and truth can release you from the burden of shame and lead you into a life of freedom. 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

How God Speaks Through Our Desires and Experiences Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they dive into the practice of hearing from God and the importance of discernment. They discuss how God speaks through our deepest desires, the things we love, and life’s unexpected moments, offering encouragement for those seeking to recognize His voice more clearly. Through personal stories—like discovering a heart-shaped rock or receiving a bronze statue labeled Wagon Master—they illustrate how God uses tangible signs to affirm His presence. They also explore the challenges of hearing from God during spiritual dry spells and the role that dreams, visions, and past experiences play in divine communication. If you’ve ever questioned how to discern God’s voice or wondered if He is speaking to you, this episode provides practical steps, encouragement, and insights to help you posture yourself for deeper connection. Tune in to Exploring More and discover how slowing down, paying attention, and being open to God’s voice can transform the way you experience Him. 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

How Does God Speak to Us? Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they continue their journey into exploring spiritual truths in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast. This time, they dive into a question that resonates with so many: How does God speak to us? They unpack the incredible and diverse ways God communicates with His people. Drawing inspiration from Scripture and personal experience, they explore how God’s voice can come through various channels—and how we can develop discernment to recognize Him more clearly. Through honest conversations and personal stories, they share how they’ve experienced God’s voice in their own lives. From whispers of the Holy Spirit to the vivid imagery of creation, this episode sheds light on: The Scriptures, God’s essential and authoritative way of connecting with us. The hosts discuss how His Word frames our own stories within the greater story of walking with Him. The inner voice, What if our imagination is part of the process? Discover how to invite God into your thoughts and impressions while developing discernment. The World around You, God’s voice permeates His creation. Hear how circumstances, nature, and even coincidences can carry His message directly to your heart. Then they share personal stories of how they’ve encountered God’s voice through these diverse ways. Whether you’ve struggled to hear God’s voice or want to strengthen your connection with Him, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement. With a focus on intimacy with God, Michael and SJ provide tools to help you hear Him more confidently. Tune in to the Exploring More Podcast for a deeper understanding of how God speaks and how clearing the way can lead to a richer, more intimate relationship with Him. 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 creation calls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGvfdtI2c0

What’s in the Way of Hearing from God? Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they continue their journey into exploring spiritual truths in the second topical episode of this series. This time, they tackle a question that resonates with so many: Why can’t I hear God’s voice? Michael and SJ dive into the barriers that often block our ability to hear from God. Drawing from Scripture, they explore how distractions, wounding and trauma, and even misconceptions about God can hinder communication with Him. Through honest conversations and personal stories, they share how they’ve wrestled with these challenges, and misconceptions, in their own lives, and how they’ve learned to re-evaluate them. With a focus on the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and speaking to us, this episode offers practical insights to help you identify what might be standing in the way and take steps toward removing those obstacles. Whether you’ve felt distant from God’s voice for a long time or are simply seeking to strengthen your connection with Him, this discussion will inspire and equip you for the journey. Tune in to the Exploring More Podcast to uncover how clearing the way can lead to a richer, more intimate relationship with God. 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

Happy New Year from the Exploring More Podcast! Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they kick off an exciting new series to ring in the new year. In this thought-provoking and inspiring episode, Michael and SJ dive into the profound topic of Hearing from God. Together, they unpack what it truly means to hear God’s voice and why it’s such a transformative experience. This episode sets the stage for an in-depth journey over the coming weeks, as they explore key questions like: Is God’s voice meant for everyone? What barriers might be preventing us from hearing Him? How do we discern His voice in the midst of life’s noise? And perhaps most importantly, what impact can hearing from God have on our spiritual growth and daily lives? Whether you’re new to the idea of hearing from God or seeking to deepen your connection with Him, this series promises practical insights, personal stories, and heartfelt encouragement. Tune in and discover how opening your heart to God’s voice can lead to clarity, peace, and a more intimate relationship with Him. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast! Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102 In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings finish up responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. Diving in and knowing your story, and being able to share that is a very important tool for healing and training. Michael and SJ share during this episode about how this looks in Chapter .004, from the Wild at Heart’s series, and how it is a beautiful thing. They highlight key themes, such as feeling alone as a man, and coming to believe your parents are not safe.. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. They respond to three different portions of the episode, each highlighting a different theme that stuck out to them and why they believe it to be important. For some insightful responses and provoking questions to explore, tune in to with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast! Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial https://www.zoweh.org/give https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102 In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. Diving in and knowing your story, and being able to share that is a very important tool for healing and training. Michael and SJ share during this episode about how this looks in Chapter .002, from the Wild at Heart’s series, and how it is a beautiful thing. They highlight key moments and insights that stood out to them. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. They respond to three different portions of the episode, each highlighting a different theme that stuck out to them and why they believe it to be important. For some insightful responses and provoking questions to explore, tune in to with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast! Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial https://www.zoweh.org/give https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102 In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. With strong personal ties to Wild at Heart, Michael and SJ wanted to share their interaction with Wild at Heart, and how John has blessed their mission in taking the message of the Heart to the East Coast. The episode begins with Michael and SJ telling this story of blessing and Kingdom connection between Zoweh and Wild at Heart. They then transition into discussing Chapter .001 from the Wild at Heart’s series, highlighting key moments and insights that stood out to them. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. They respond to three different portions of the episode, each highlighting a different theme that stuck out to them and why they believe it to be important. For some insightful responses and provoking questions to explore, tune in to with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast! Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial https://www.zoweh.org/give https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102 In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off a brand-new series responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. With strong personal ties to Wild at Heart, Michael and SJ felt compelled to dive deep into the content, believing it holds significant value for them and our listeners. The episode begins with Michael and SJ setting the stage, explaining why this series resonates with them and why they believe it’s essential to explore. They then transition into discussing the first half of the prologue from Wild at Heart’s series, highlighting key moments and insights that stood out to them. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. Next, they explore the second half of the prologue, continuing to unpack its rich content. They share their reactions, favorite takeaways, and hopes for what the rest of the series will offer. Their heartfelt dialogue invites listeners to journey alongside them as they navigate these meaningful ideas together. Tune in to explore more with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast! Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings bring their series on Kingdom Masculinity to a thoughtful and engaging close. This final installment focuses on the essential and often overlooked subject of romance—exploring how men can and should embrace it as part of their lives in the Kingdom. Michael and SJ delve into what it means to be romanced by God, the role of romance within a marriage, and the vital nature of pursuit in both relationships. They take a deep dive into the elements that make romance meaningful, unpacking the importance of being fully known by your partner and acting with intention and commitment. The hosts also discuss the often-uncomfortable idea of being romanced by Jesus, encouraging listeners who feel unsettled by this concept to take their concerns to God. They emphasize that this intimate relationship is not just significant—it’s transformative. Furthermore, they address the challenges posed by spiritual warfare, explaining how the enemy actively works to disrupt romance, whether in our connection with the Trinity or within our marriages. Through this discussion, Michael and SJ highlight how the different ingredients of romance combine to form a powerful and beautiful expression of Kingdom Masculinity. This conversation is more than just a conclusion; it’s an invitation to continue the journey of exploring and embracing what it means to live out Kingdom Masculinity. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.dfgsummit.com https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, our hosts talk about intimacy with God. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how the scriptures back up intimacy with God, being a key part of Kingdom Masculinity. They dive into the topics of biblical references, modern day parables in movies, and intimacy being a critical ingredient in your walk with the Trinity. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into what intimacy really means, as opposed to what we have come to know it as. Knowing and being known by others is their definition of intimacy. They emphasize what love in this space really looks like, being loved by God. Just as spiritual warfare has played into the rest of the conversations, they explain how the enemy can and does get in the way of your intimacy with the Father. The conversation takes a deep look giving and receiving gifts, both from the Trinity, and from others in our lives, and how they speak to being known by others. The overarching message is the incredible importance that intimacy with God is the best thing you could pursue in your life. This conversation between Michael and SJ is another step in the journey of exploring Kingdom Masculinity together. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.dfgsummit.com https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, our hosts talk about living as your true self vs. your false self. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how the enemy can use us to do his work for him through our false self that is operating in us. They dive into the topics of biblical references, modern day parables in movies, and signals of the false self. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into the idea that true kingdom masculinity is rooted in being your true self, who God created you to be, to come fully alive. They emphasize that statements like “It’s just the way I am” are most likely justifying and pointing to a false self. Just as the enemy has files on you, you also can have files on the enemy. The conversation takes a deep look at Galatians 5 and what the false self life plays out to be filled with. The overarching message is the incredible importance that living as your true self directly impacts your own journey and kingdom masculinity. This conversation between Michael and SJ is another step in the journey of exploring Kingdom Masculinity together. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. Https://www.zoweh.org/2r2k https://www.dfgsummit.com https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we continue to dig into our series on "Kingdom Masculinity" and how it contrasts with "Biblical Masculinity” by exploring Spiritual Warfare. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how important it is to be awakened to the fact that spiritual warfare is very real and alive. They dive into the topic of practice and training, being able to see things as they come. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into the idea that true kingdom masculinity is rooted in being a masculine image-bearer of Jesus. They emphasize that Jesus talked to his disciples about spiritual warfare, and that his disciples wrote letters to the early church all about spiritual warfare. We need to actively be alert and aware to the warfare that is happening in and around us. The conversation also touches on examples, or modern day parables, such as the matrix, and the allusion to being asleep or becoming awakened. The overarching message is the incredible importance that spiritual warfare has in the Kingdom. This insightful discussion between Michael and SJ is a great continuation of what has been an enriching series so far. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.dfgsummit.com https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we begin to dig into our new series on "Kingdom Masculinity" and how it contrasts with "Biblical Masculinity." Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by exploring what it means for men to be image-bearers and how this concept shapes a man's life. They dive into the topic of false identities, addressing how these affect a man's self-image and his perception of Jesus. Michael and SJ take adeep dive into the idea that true kingdom masculinity is rooted in being a masculine image-bearer of Jesus. They emphasize that while Jesus is a powerful model for masculinity, simply knowing this isn’t enough. We need to actively walk with Him and experience His presence in our lives to fully embrace our true identity. The conversation also touches on how our personal stories, starting from boyhood, along with the influences (or lack thereof) from our upbringing, play a significant role in shaping our view of masculinity. They caution that telling men to "just be like Jesus" without context or deeper understanding isn't particularly helpful. This insightful discussion between Michael and SJ is a fantastic starting point for what promises to be an enriching series. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.dfgsummit.com https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

In this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we kick off the first series of season 4, diving into the concept of Biblical Masculinity vs. Kingdom Masculinity. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings set the stage for this thought-provoking conversation, exploring what biblical masculinity truly means. They raise the important question: is biblical masculinity the ultimate answer, or is there a different approach? Michael and SJ introduce the idea that Kingdom Masculinity may provide a more complete and dynamic perspective—one that involves living in communion with the Trinity. As they delve into this discussion, they touch on the complex topics: image-bearing, spiritual warfare, the concept of the true self versus the false self, romantic relationships, and intimacy with God. Although this episode merely scratches the surface of these subjects, it opens the door to exploring how Jesus' life provides a model for masculinity. They emphasize, however, that masculinity is not just about knowing who Jesus is, but about truly experiencing a walk with Him. Additionally, they explore how our understanding of masculinity is influenced by our boyhood and the stories we carry. The hosts suggest that these early influences—whether positive or negative—shape our view of manhood and must be examined and, in a lot of cases, undone to embrace a fuller understanding of what kingdom masculinity means. This episode with SJ and Michael serves as an intriguing introduction to the upcoming discussions in this series, offering a roadmap for what's to come. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by this episode of The Exploring More Podcast! Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.dfgsummit.com https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we bring you a special edition recorded live at the Heart of a Warrior Encounter. Host Michael Thompson is joined by Josh Wilson from Uncensored Advice for Men, and together, they have a heartfelt conversation in front of a live audience. In this episode, they explore the three essential things every man needs to hear: "I love you," "I’m proud of you," and "I’m sorry." Michael and Josh dive deep into how these words are not only vital to hear from God, the Father, but also from the important men and influences in our lives. They discuss the significance of understanding and accepting the Father's perfect love, while also emphasizing how our love for each other plays an essential role in shaping us as men. The two share personal stories about what it means to hear "I’m proud of you" from someone who matters, and how these words have impacted their lives and relationships. Finally, they talk about the healing power of the words "I’m sorry" and how seeking and granting forgiveness, both from God and from others, can lead to deep inner freedom and healing from past wounds. This bonus episode featuring Josh Wilson was an incredible experience for Michael Thompson, and we highly recommend checking out Josh's podcast, Uncensored Advice for Men. You can find his information below. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.dfgsummit.com Josh’s Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@uncensoredadviceformen https://www.zoweh.org/podcast