Exploring More

Latest Episodes:

The Art of Listening | S4E44 Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

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

Restoration, Theology, and the Gospel of More | S4E43 Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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

Living by the Spirit | S4E42 Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Galatians 5: Living by the Spirit and Resisting the Drift to Bondage

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey through Galatians, diving deep into chapter 5 and its radical invitation: to live free and walk by the Spirit. They explore the tension between flesh and Spirit, law and grace, and what it means to express faith through love—not fear, performance, or legalism.

Drawing parallels to The Shawshank Redemption and Schindler's List, the conversation unpacks how easy it is to return to "institutionalized" ways of living—even after being set free. The hosts reflect on Paul's passionate call to resist that drift and instead live as adopted sons and daughters, led by the Holy Spirit.

They also examine the historical backdrop of the Reformation and Martin Luther's deep connection to Galatians, tracing how his translation work helped recover the gospel of grace in an age of religious rule-keeping. With stories, Scripture, and honest questions, Michael and SJ make the spiritual struggle tangible—and hopeful.

The episode also highlights Zoweh's Base Camp, a free resource library full of devotionals, discussion guides, and podcast-based study tools designed for personal and group growth.

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

Living in the Freedom of Grace | S4E41 Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Galatians 4: From Law to Sonship—Living in the Freedom of Grace

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey through Galatians, unpacking the powerful contrast between life under the law and life as sons and daughters of God. Using the characters of Les Misérables—Javert and Valjean—they illustrate the stark difference between rigid justice and transformative grace.

Michael and SJ reflect on Galatians 4 and the metaphor of the law as a guardian or tutor—meant to lead us to maturity, not define our identity. With personal stories and biblical insight, they explore the theme of adoption into God's family, emphasizing both the legal authority and intimate connection that come with true sonship.

The conversation calls believers to grow from spiritual slavery into spiritual maturity—moving from performance and obligation into freedom and responsibility, led by the Spirit. Grace isn't just forgiveness—it's the empowering presence of God that brings about real transformation.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journey with grace, and to prepare their hearts for the next step in the series: the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.

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

Faith, Freedom, and the Promise of More | S4E40 Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Galatians 3: Faith, Freedom, and the Promise of More

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson turns the spotlight to Galatians chapter 3—a pivotal passage where Paul passionately unpacks the difference between living by faith and being bound by the law. Building on earlier chapters, this conversation explores how grace, not performance, secures our place in God's family.

Through clear teaching and heartfelt reflection, Michael highlights Paul's rebuke of the Galatians for slipping back into works-based righteousness, and his reminder that the Spirit comes by faith—not rule-keeping. From Abraham to the coming of Christ, Galatians 3 unveils the promise of freedom through trust in God's covenant, not human effort.

This episode also reintroduces Zoweh's Base Camp, a new online resource library filled with devotionals, discussion guides, and podcast video series designed to help individuals and small groups dive deeper into Scripture—especially journeys like Galatians.

Whether you're walking this out alone or with brothers in community, Galatians 3 reminds us that there is always more—more to believe, more to trust, and more freedom to receive as sons and daughters of God.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp 🎧 More Episodes & Show Notes: https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Galatians Chapter 2 | S4E39 Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Galatians 2: Identity, Intimacy, and the Freedom Beyond Performance

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series on Galatians by diving into chapter two—where Paul boldly defends the gospel of grace and challenges efforts to impose law-driven faith on new believers. Through humor, baseball analogies, and historical insight, the hosts explore the cultural tension between Jewish and Gentile followers and how those same dynamics show up in modern faith and identity struggles.

The conversation centers on the difference between living in performance-based religion versus intimacy with God. Michael and SJ reflect on Paul's confrontation with Peter, the deeper meaning of justification by faith, and the subtle ways we still try to earn what Christ has freely given.

Drawing from personal stories, cultural comparisons, and even Tim Keller's commentary, this episode offers both theological depth and real-life application. The message is clear: our worth doesn't come from rituals or appearances—it comes from being known, loved, and justified in Christ.

This episode also spotlights Zoweh's Base Camp, a powerful resource for men seeking spiritual growth, healing, and deeper connection with God and others.

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 Chapter 1 | S4E38 Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Galatians 1: Gospel Clarity, Conditional Love, and Personal Theology

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series through the book of Galatians, focusing on Paul's bold defense of his apostleship and the uncompromising unity of the gospel. Writing with passion and urgency, Paul confronts distortions introduced by the Judaizers—reminding the Galatians that his commission comes not from man, but from Jesus Christ Himself.

The conversation moves from historical context to personal reflection, as Michael and SJ examine how cultural expectations, church upbringing, and performance-based faith can cloud our understanding of grace. They explore how many believers, knowingly or not, come to believe that love must be earned—when in fact, the gospel declares it's freely given.

This episode also introduces Zoweh's Base Camp, a new online resource hub offering devotionals, podcasts, and discussion guides to support deeper connection with God and others. Whether you're exploring Galatians in a group or on your own, this resource is a companion for your healing and restoration journey.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own personal theology and motivations: What's driving your faith—grace or performance? What version of love did your story teach you to believe?

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

🧭 Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

Galatians Bible Study | S4E37 Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

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

Special Edition with John Eldredge | S4E- Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

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

Practical tips for Christian Fatherhood | S4E36 Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

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

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