Exploring More

From Good Men to Loved Men What if the real invitation of men's ministry isn't to be better, but to be loved? In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson, Josh Overton, and SJ Jennings take an honest look at the past, present, and future of men's ministry. They reflect on the shift from performance-based models of discipleship, service, and behavior modification to a new frontier—intimacy with God and the journey of becoming a beloved son. From fragile beginnings to lasting impact, the conversation explores what it takes to build spaces where men can be vulnerable, known, and free. The guys share stories from the field, the power of starting small, and how brotherhood and story are essential to healing. Whether you're leading a group, exploring a calling, or simply hungry for more, this episode will encourage you to trade striving for sonship. 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 https://www.zoweh.org/allies

Explore the metaphor of The Matrix to understand spiritual training and the unseen battle between good and evil. Discover how believers can be proactive in guarding their hearts against modern programming and distractions. Learn about hearing God's voice through personal encounters and the importance of building spiritual authority. Uncover how training parallels military preparation to avoid casualties in life’s battles and embrace the fruit of the Spirit for spiritual maturity. Join the journey of becoming agents of freedom and love in the world.

Encounter Weekend: www.zoweh.org/the-heart-of-a-warrior-encounter The Heart of the Story: Why Everything Flows from the Inside Out In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings unpack the central role of the heart in the spiritual life. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and personal experience, they explore how the heart is not just symbolic—it's the seat of belief, perception, and transformation. Referencing The Wizard of Oz and the Tin Man's search for a heart, they reflect on why the heart matters so much in our stories, and why it's often misunderstood. Is it wicked? Is it good? The answer is complex—but critical. They dig into what it means to live "life from the heart," the lies that often corrupt our core beliefs, and the role of the Holy Spirit in healing and restoration. With practical next steps and recommended resources like Search and Rescue, this episode is an invitation to begin inspecting, guarding, and transforming your heart—because that's where life really starts. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 📘 Read Search and Rescue zoweh.org/books 📚 Explore A Biblical Theology of the Heart (PDF Download) 🌐 Learn more: zoweh.org/podcast

The Kingdom for You: Hearing God's Voice and Partnering in the Battle In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore the profound reality that the Kingdom of God isn't just coming—it's for you. Picking up the thread from previous episodes on the map of darkness and light, they discuss how Jesus didn't just defeat the enemy—He invites us to join Him in bringing the Kingdom to earth. From stories like The Chronicles of Narnia and 50 First Dates, to biblical truths and personal experience, Michael and SJ unpack what it means to recognize God's voice, partner with the Holy Spirit, and live as image bearers of light in a world still shadowed by darkness. They emphasize that hearing from God isn't a spiritual elite experience—it's part of our design. With tools like the Pause app and YouVersion devotionals, they offer practical ways to slow down, be still, and listen deeply. This episode is a call to engage: to practice stillness, recognize the King's voice, and live as an agent of redemption in the Story we've been invited into. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🗺️ Explore the map: zoweh.org/map 📲 Try the Pause app: pauseapp.com 📚 Base Camp Resources: zoweh.org/basecamp

Mapping Darkness and Light: Discernment, Love, and the Spiritual Battle In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the ongoing spiritual battle between darkness and light. Using stories from Scripture, personal experiences, and even a 1974 NFL game, they highlight the critical importance of discernment—knowing the enemy's tactics and understanding where you are on the map of the Larger Story. They explore how love, kindness, and forgiveness aren't passive virtues—they're powerful weapons in spiritual warfare. Whether it's learning to resist the devil, naming deceptive thoughts, or walking in mercy toward others, this conversation offers wisdom and tools for fighting well and living free. Michael and SJ remind us that we were never meant to walk this path alone. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the support of community, and the clarity that comes from spiritual training, we can navigate this battle with courage and hope. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us! 📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🗺️ Explore the map: zoweh.org/map 🌐 Learn more: zoweh.org/podcast 📚 Base Camp Resources: zoweh.org/basecamp

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