Exploring More

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 grace as the empowering presence of God. Whether you're listening alone or with a small group, this series invites you into the heart of the gospel—a life of freedom, identity, and unshakable belonging in Christ. 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

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 Pause app—resources to reorient the soul and experience God in real time. This episode invites you to linger in God's presence, embrace the unseen realm, and rediscover the joy of walking with Jesus daily. 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 🕊️ Pause App & Experiencing Jesus Module: https://www.pauseapp.com

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, but from a place of humility and love. They emphasize that even past mistakes, when owned and addressed, can become sacred moments of restoration. The conversation also highlights the spiritual dimension of fatherhood: praying for and with children, standing in spiritual authority, and staying attentive to God's voice in the parenting journey. Resources like Zoweh's Daily Prayer and the book King Me are recommended as tools for this sacred calling. Whether you're in a season of reconnection or just beginning to examine your own story, this episode offers hope, honesty, and help for the road ahead. 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

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, growth, and transformation—inevitably shapes the map he offers his children. From stories of moving day emotions to navigating different personality types, the episode offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for dads walking through every stage of parenting. Ultimately, Michael, SJ, and Josh point to the deeper reality that to father well, a man must be fathered by God. Healing the false self, becoming more self-aware, and leaning into community are all part of the ongoing work of fatherhood. This episode is a reminder that while parenting is hard, no man is meant to do it alone. 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

Josh Overton, a father of three and leader of the Zoe Allies, shares heartfelt stories about fatherhood and healing. He discusses the nuances of parenting boys versus girls and the deep impact of generational wounds. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, active listening, and acknowledging mistakes in parenting. Josh recalls moments with his sons, focusing on reconnecting after missed opportunities and the power of a father's presence. Ultimately, they emphasize turning regrets into opportunities for reconciliation and growth, fostering a safe space for children.

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 aware of his influence—he can lead his children with clarity and strength. Listeners will hear practical strategies for parenting: from playing games and navigating emotions to recognizing when wounds have been left unaddressed—and going back to make things right. Michael and SJ also use helpful metaphors, like building the right "boats and charts" for the uncharted waters of parenting, urging dads to be intentional rather than reactive. This episode is an invitation to every father to show up, make course corrections, and step more deeply into the role God has entrusted to them—not out of pressure, but out of love. 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

Dive into the profound impact of fatherhood on family dynamics, where a father's presence shapes the home. Discover how unresolved wounds can lead to reactivity and disengagement. Embrace the idea that personal healing fosters authentic parenting. The hosts encourage fathers to shift from reactive habits to mindful responses, highlighting that courage and love outweigh the pursuit of perfection. This heartfelt discussion invites dads to reclaim their role and find joy in leading with compassion.

Fear is often the driving force of the 'false self,' compelling men to hide and prove themselves. Michael and SJ explore how personal stories illuminate the roots of these behaviors, linking them to shame and early experiences. They emphasize that perfect love can dispel fear, inviting listeners to engage deeply with God's love rather than mere doctrine. With practical wisdom on accountability and community, they encourage honest self-reflection as a pathway to freedom and authentic living.

A candid look at how hiding emotions and the need to prove oneself shape masculine identity. Stories from sports and ministry reveal how cultural pressures teach men to chase affirmation. The conversation contrasts performance-based beliefs with experiencing God's unconditional love. They explore grace, shame, and the path toward authentic acceptance and spiritual formation.

Dive into a conversation about shedding the false self and embracing vulnerability. The hosts explore how early experiences shape our tendencies to hide and prove ourselves. They emphasize the journey to becoming an 'oriented man' who lives authentically and without fear. Unconditional love is highlighted as the key to transformation, along with the importance of brotherhood and community in healing. Personal stories shed light on growth through openness, grace, and the support one finds in trusted relationships.