Exploring More

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give The Gospel In The Matrix In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings step into one of the most iconic films of a generation—The Matrix—and explore its powerful spiritual parallels to the Christian journey. What if the world isn't as it seems? What if much of what we believe, pursue, and react to has been shaped by a system we were never meant to live in? Through the story of Neo's awakening, Michael and SJ unpack themes of deception, identity, and freedom—drawing striking connections between the Matrix and the spiritual reality of a world at war for the human heart. The idea of being "unplugged" becomes more than a cinematic moment—it becomes a picture of what it means to awaken to truth, to step out of false narratives, and to begin living as who we were truly created to be. They explore the role of the mentor, the cost of awakening, and the ongoing training required to live free. Along the way, they reflect on personal moments of spiritual awakening—times when God broke through assumptions, exposed lies, and invited them into a deeper understanding of His presence and kingdom. This episode is an invitation to examine the systems shaping your thinking, to recognize the battle for your heart, and to consider what it might look like to truly wake up—and live free. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give The Stories Fathers Leave Behind In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings conclude the Father Matters series with a powerful conversation about legacy—what fathers ultimately leave behind in the hearts of their children. Legacy isn't built through perfection or achievement. It's formed through presence, engagement, forgiveness, and the stories we share along the way. Michael reflects on the lasting influence of his own father's words and presence, reminding dads that their impact doesn't end when children grow up. The invitation is to stay engaged, to keep asking questions, and to continue investing in relationship no matter the stage of life. Throughout the episode, Michael and SJ explore the role of forgiveness in shaping legacy, the importance of sharing personal stories so children understand their parents' journey, and the power of prayer as fathers bless and intercede for their sons and daughters. Practical ideas—simple conversations, shared experiences, texts, letters, and moments of attention—become the building blocks of a meaningful inheritance. As the series closes, fathers are reminded that the greatest legacy is not wealth or accomplishment but a heart that felt seen, known, and loved. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us! Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

Link to the Pursuit of Happiness: https://youtu.be/UZb2NOHPA2A?si=uW8ZKT1F4mNo2pvF To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give Healing Shame in the Family Story In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by addressing one of the most powerful and often hidden forces shaping father–child relationships: shame. Many fathers carry unresolved shame from their own stories, and without realizing it, can pass that weight on to their children through words, expectations, or reactions. Michael and SJ unpack the crucial difference between guilt and shame—guilt says "I did something wrong," while shame whispers "something is wrong with me." When shame takes root, it can quietly shape identity and relationships for years. Through personal stories and honest reflection, the conversation explores how fathers can become more aware of the impact of their tone, responses, and presence. They highlight the power of empathy, attentive listening, and real-time repair—those humble moments when a father says, "I'm sorry." Far from weakening authority, these moments build trust, healing, and connection. This episode invites fathers to move beyond fear and perfection into humility and redemption—becoming men who confront shame, repair wounds, and help their children grow in freedom and belovedness. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us! Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give Seeing the Glory in Your Child In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by stepping into one of the most sacred assignments of fatherhood: supporting your children's dreams. Building on previous conversations about glory and identity, this episode explores how fathers can affirm the direction their children are heading—without controlling, lecturing, or projecting their own unmet ambitions. Through the story of Rudy and personal parenting moments, Michael and SJ highlight the power of simple but life-shaping words like, "I'm proud of you," and "I want to." They unpack the difference between interpreting your child's story accurately versus imposing your own narrative, the importance of being present in both success and failure, and the critical role of prayer in guiding a child's path. Supporting dreams isn't about guaranteeing outcomes—it's about offering belief, advocacy, and steady love along the way. This episode is an invitation for fathers to move from correction to encouragement, from pressure to partnership, and from fear to faith as they walk with their children toward the future God is shaping. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us! Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give Seeing the Glory in Your Child In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by moving fatherhood beyond behavior management and into something far deeper: character, calling, and glory. Too often, parenting can default to correction, compliance, and control. But what if fathering is about recognizing and nurturing the unique "glory" God has placed within each child? Drawing from Proverbs 22 and personal stories of missed and redeemed opportunities, Michael and SJ invite fathers to shift from shaping behavior to stewarding identity. They explore the long-term impact of presence, the courage it takes to truly understand a child's heart, and the importance of advocating for a child's interests—even when it requires inconvenience or sacrifice. The conversation also widens the lens, reminding men that spiritual fathering isn't limited to biological children. There are sons and daughters everywhere who need affirmation, guidance, and belief. This episode is a call to see your children as image bearers, to pursue understanding over control, and to nurture the particular design God has entrusted to you. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us! Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give Fighting for the Hearts of Your Kids In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by exploring a powerful dimension of fatherhood: advocacy. What does it mean to truly fight for your children's hearts? Michael and SJ unpack the difference between passive fathering and aggressive control—and introduce a third way: engaged, intentional advocacy. Fathers are invited to move beyond simply providing or correcting and into actively supporting their children's interests, decisions, and growing agency. Whether it's backing a big move, stepping into online gaming worlds, or standing up for a child in difficult environments, advocacy communicates something profound: "I am with you." The conversation also revisits the deeper roots of fathering—how our own upbringing shapes our instincts, reactions, and fears. Healing matters. Being fathered by God matters. Because when we receive unconditional love from the Father, we're empowered to extend that same steady presence and strength to our sons and daughters. This episode is a call to courageous engagement—to become the kind of father who protects without controlling, guides without shaming, and loves without condition. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us! Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give Restoring Relationship with Your Kids In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by diving into the heart of fatherhood—a journey that begins with healing and continues through connection, repair, and redemption. Through Ephesians 5:1–2 and personal stories, the conversation unpacks the core truth that you can't love your kids well if you haven't received the extravagant love of the Father. Michael and SJ share their own experiences of navigating past wounds, rebuilding trust, and falling off the pedestal of perfection. They speak candidly about parenting from the false self, the challenges of offering real apologies, and the power of engaging our kids in conversations about their experience of being fathered. This episode is an invitation for dads to move from performance into presence, from distance into intimacy—with their children and with God. Whether you're starting the journey or already in the deep waters of fatherhood, there's more healing and hope available than you think. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us! Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

A candid conversation about choosing presence over performance in fathering. Personal stories reveal the harm of emotional absence and the quiet power of simply showing up. Practical moments and question prompts for deeper connection are highlighted. Spiritual formation, forgiveness, and everyday opportunities to engage with children are explored.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings launch a powerful new series called Father Matters—an eight-part journey into the heart of fatherhood, sonship, and legacy. Inspired by the final chapters of Michael's book King Me, the series invites men to examine their fathering stories: how they were fathered, how they father now, and how their relationship with God the Father can transform both. Michael and SJ walk through the first few themes of the devotional—beginning with the foundational idea that we are sons before we are fathers. The conversation explores the tension between presence and performance, the impact of blessing and naming identity, and the need to initiate—not just manage—our children's experiences. From making repairs to setting boundaries to letting go, each session of Father Matters invites deep reflection and courageous conversations. As Michael shares, the way we were fathered influences how we lead, protect, and love. This episode is a personal and practical start to a series that calls men to heal old wounds, live from their restored identity, and leave a meaningful legacy. 📕 email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org 🧭 Join a Father Matters Zoom group: https://www.zoweh.org/allies 📅 Register for The Heart of a Warrior Encounter (April 16–19, 2026): https://www.zoweh.org/events

SJ Jennings, a film and theology enthusiast, joins Michael Thompson to explore the hidden gospel themes in 'The Notebook.' They discuss how the love story of Noah and Allie illustrates deep human longings for pursuit and sacrifice. Michael shares a personal moment with God that parallels the film’s themes, emphasizing how true love requires courage and devotion. They dissect pivotal scenes, revealing the beauty of perseverance amidst challenges, inviting listeners to see romance as a sacred journey of being chosen and fully loved.