Exploring More
292 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 81 ratingsZoweh's Exploring More Podcast is an invitation to conversations committed to sharing our discoveries of the wild and wonderful Kingdom of God… how it works, who we are in it, and the Love and Life that is constantly pursuing us. The Kingdom of God isn’t easy nor is everything in our story good—there are predators and parasites in the spiritual realm, another kingdom, the kingdom of darkness that exists and violently opposes our discovering and becoming more.
Exploring More is hosted by Michael Thompson, produced by Zoweh, and recorded in Durham, NC.
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Episodes
Preparing Your Heart
April 23, 2024 16:00 - 43 minutes - 81.1 MBPreparing your heart for an encounter with Jesus is a pertinent thing to do, because Jesus Changes our lives. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings talk about how they practice rhythms of solitude, quiet, and presence to prepare their hearts to hear from the trinity. With the Heart of a Warrior Encounter coming up this weekend, Michael and SJ encourage men to get into a rhythm of slowing down and listening. How, why, and the effects, of practicing slowing do...
Women Talking about Men | Exploring More Podcast
April 16, 2024 16:00 - 44 minutes - 82.9 MBHearing what women think about generational masculinity is a perspective that is incredibly important. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, his wife Robin Thompson, and his friend Sherry Jennings, talk about what they are hopeful for in the work of redeeming generational masculinity for the healing of men, women, marriages, and families. They tell stories of hurt and hope. How men have let down, and not rose to the occasion of treating a feminine heart with curiosity, kindnes...
Women Talking about Men
April 16, 2024 16:00 - 44 minutes - 82.9 MBHearing what women think about generational masculinity is a perspective that is incredibly important. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, his wife Robin Thompson, and his friend Sherry Jennings, talk about what they are hopeful for in the work of redeeming generational masculinity for the healing of men, women, marriages, and families. They tell stories of hurt and hope. How men have let down, and not rose to the occasion of treating a feminine heart with curiosity, kindnes...
SPECIAL EDITION: What will you do with your Kingdom? ft. Jim Ramos
April 09, 2024 16:00 - 1 hour - 121 MBOn this special edition of The Exploring More podcast we are featuring an episode of the Men in the Arena podcast with Jim Ramos. Jim had Michael onto his show to talk all things King Me, Kingdom, and moving forward! Here’s what he had to say about the episode: ‘Every man has a kingdom. Not every king rules well. If you ever feel powerless at work or home, wonder how to become the hero in your life story, or just want to make sure you're wielding the power God has given you well, this episod...
The Impact of Spending Time with God
April 02, 2024 16:00 - 40 minutes - 76.6 MBGetting away with God is something that we love to talk about. Extended time alone with God has lead to some of the most important life change and experiences in Michael and SJ’s lives. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and his friend SJ Jennings, talk about the impact of spending time alone with God, in relation with Redeeming Generational Masculinity. They answer the questions, ‘what is the vision God has given us?’ ‘How does a mens retreat impact generational masculin...
Stories of Encounter
March 26, 2024 16:00 - 44 minutes - 83.4 MBStory is one of the most important piece of a mans life. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and his friend Josh Overton, watch, react, and respond to stories of men having encounters with God, and why they want that for their friends, families, and marriages. They tell stories and talk about their own hearts, and how God has met them in similar spaces that these men are talking about. Hear invitations into mission, God encounters, life change, and transformation. Learn ...
The Anniversary of King Me
March 19, 2024 16:00 - 46 minutes - 86.1 MBIn this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and his friend SJ Jennings, celebrate the one year anniversary of Michael’s newest book, King Me! They tell stories, talk about their own hearts, and how this book continues to effect Michael differently than even 6 months ago. Learn about the dynamics of walking with Jesus to bring this message into book form, and then how Jesus will continue to use the same message to come after our hearts newly every day. Hear reviews and responses to...
The R.G.M. Conversations: Warriors
March 12, 2024 20:00 - 47 minutes - 88.4 MBRedeeming Generation Masculinity is an exciting thing for men in the Warrior stage. In this Episode of Exploring More hear Michael Thompson, author of King Me, and his friends Josh Overton, and Caleb Richwine, explore the Warrior stage from a Kingdom perspective. Learn about the desires and awakenings that are discovered by a man in the warrior stage of his masculine journey. The orientation that is available, with Jesus, for a man in his 20s & 30s is life changing when you start to see the ...
The R.G.M. Conversations: Kings
March 05, 2024 21:00 - 40 minutes - 76.8 MBLoving and leading well in a wounding world is the key focus for a King. This is exactly why Michael Thompson authored the book, King Me, and exactly why he and his friends Scott Jennings, Keith Daniel, and Josh Overton, explore the King’s role from a Kingdom perspective in this conversation. Learn about the recovering, healing, and deployment that is available for a man in the King stage of his masculine journey. You have some reign and rule over your ‘small k’ kingdom, will you use it to l...
The R.G.M. Conversations: Elder-Sage
February 27, 2024 21:00 - 45 minutes - 63.5 MBRetirement is not a license to become a recluse. Rather, an exit from the regular workforce becomes an entrance into a valuable phase of life where Elder Sages can contribute meaningfully to others. Michael Thompson, Tom Benner, and Jim McCauley explore the Elder Sage role from a Kingdom perspective. Learn what the presence, purpose, and posture of an Elder Sage brings to relationships in this episode of Exploring More. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@z...
The R.G.M. Conversations: Overview
February 20, 2024 21:00 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBMichael and SJ discuss the concept of redeeming generational masculinity and why Zoweh wants to focus on this for 2024. Healthy masculinity comes from oriented men who take their responsibility to love and lead humbly. Transmitting healthy masculinity from the older generations to younger generations takes intentionality. The Elder Sage Initiative invites the elders to continue their intimate heart-healing journey with God while engaging the next generations (Kings, Warriors, and Explorers) ...
Valentine's Day Q&A
February 13, 2024 19:46 - 45 minutes - 63.6 MBOn this special Valentine's Day edition of Exploring More, Michael and SJ field questions about love and marriage. The Greeks used words for love like eros, agape, and koinonia. How do these words apply to the love one has for a spouse? Additionally, the book and topic of "The 5 Love Languages" surfaces and how it might intersect with the False Self. Join the discussion on learning to love as the Holy Trinity intended. Share your stories, questions, and comments with the Zoweh team at ...
Rebellion - Part 2
February 01, 2024 18:30 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MBJesus' First Coming broke through the barriers of darkness and ignited His revolution against the enemy of our souls. In doing so, He was crucified as a rebel. Yet His death brought life and freedom. As souls are set free, they seek to set others free. Redeeming generational masculinity invites oriented men who can guide younger men to wield their power and authority as Jesus intended. Join Michael and SJ as they discuss the importance and need of the Elder-Sage Initiative. Connect wit...
Rebellion - Part 1
January 24, 2024 01:44 - 28 minutes - 40.3 MBUnjust conditions, masses of people who are fed up, and a reformer with a vision and a glimmer of hope provide the key ingredients in the recipe for rebellion. Michael and SJ delve into the concept of rebellion - reformers willing to take a stand against oppression that echoes through the annals of history. As Zoweh rebels against the kingdom of darkness, we shine the light on the connection between the physical and spiritual realms in the ongoing battle for the hearts of men, women, and all...
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
January 17, 2024 12:15 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MBThe enemy of God's Kingdom wants to keep us divided, but God calls us to Reconciliation and Unity under Christ. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. understood and pursued this in his work. Our Zoweh founders, Michael Thompson and Keith Daniel, discuss the impact of the King's life and work, the parallels between Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr., and a current course offered by Keith titled CDR - Christianity Deconstructs Racism. Peace comes by understanding and understanding b...
Word of the Year - Part 2
January 09, 2024 21:13 - 32 minutes - 45.5 MBIn this second part of the Word of the Year series, Michael and SJ journey through the Word of the Year devotional fully walking through Days 1 thru 7. In the process, Michael shares his word of the year which brings forth the topics of forgiveness, grief, and refinement. We invite you to join the journey with the 7-day Word of the Year devotional available on the YouVersion Bible App. Share your Word of the Year and your stories with the team at [email protected].
Word of the Year - Part 1
January 06, 2024 18:01 - 37 minutes - 70.4 MBWhat if God has a banner, an anthem to sing over your heart this year? When my kids were young, I would sing songs to them as they fell asleep. Over their early years, certain songs became their own personal anthems - ones they chose over and over or ones that welled up in my heart in the closing moments of the day. Imagine God singing the verse you land on today over you as you move throughout this year. May it become a sweet song of his particular kindness for your heart over this mile mar...
BONUS CONTENT: A Conversation with Brian Tome
January 05, 2024 18:09 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBInaugurating the Kings Row Podcast, Michael Thompson engages in a compelling dialogue with Brian Tome, the pastor of Crossroads Church in Ohio, leader of Man Camp, and author of The Five Marks of a Man. Together, they delve into the profound realm of identity and exploring the image men hold of Jesus. Brian emphasizes the significance of Brotherhood, Man Camp, and discipling men on making and developing friendships. This transformative conversation ranges from the misunderstood toughness of...
The Best Gift to Give
December 22, 2023 22:20 - 36 minutes - 51.1 MBDelight is the anticipation of preparing a gift and then watching the recipient open and express surprise and gratitude. Gifts have the power to invite both the giver and the recipient into a shared Presence of Joy. Michael and SJ take a trip down memory lane sharing some of their favorite Christmas gifts from childhood. Now as parents of adults, they remember some of the gifts given to their kids and the impact the gifts had. What about you? What was your favorite Christmas gift? Shar...
Belonging - Part 2
December 13, 2023 16:10 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBDuring the Christmas season, we consider God's message and his gift, Emmanuel, God with us! His appearing and his coming declares to us our worth and to let us know that we Belong! The pain of Rejection can be felt more acutely during the holidays; God provides a way to escape the crushing weight of isolation and separation. Learn how Michael and Greg cultivate Belonging through time and connection with family, friends, and Zoweh allies. Connect with the Zoweh Team at ExploringMore@Zow...
Belonging - Part 1
December 07, 2023 03:48 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MBBelonging is a key ingredient of love, and yet most of the time belonging ends up in the conditional category. One can feel "I belong if...one acts a certain way, one looks or dresses in a particular manner, or one talks like the group." How can we shift from "I belong if" to "I belong because"? Michael and Greg explore the idea of belonging and how Zoweh creates resources and spaces to cultivate belonging. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Healing the Wound - Part 2
November 29, 2023 15:08 - 36 minutes - 50.9 MBThe kingdoms of light and darkness that battle over our hearts have to follow the rules set up in God's universe. Michael and SJ discuss the legality of these terms and the algebra equation of wounds, vows, and agreements. Learn how invite God to help you solve the equation and restore freedom in your heart. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Healing the Wound - Part 1
November 21, 2023 22:05 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MBThe first step to healing is to identify the wound. Relational and spiritual wounds are tricky because the symptoms often do not match the underlying cause and could go for years without being treated. Furthermore, we are not likely to rush to the Emergency Room of a spiritual doctor as we would rush to a medical doctor if we had a physical ailment. Join Michael and SJ as they delve into where wounds come from and how to identify the False Self agreements that are made in response. Do ...
Getting Your Heart Back - Part 2
November 09, 2023 21:33 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBNo matter how we parse or define the heart, we recognize the critical function of the heart in governing our thoughts and actions. Why does the Bible say that we must guard our heart? Who could break into our heart and what damage could possibly be done? Can we escape having a wicked heart? Is it even possible to be pure in heart? Michael and SJ discuss the importance of guarding the heart and how it's possible to have a new heart that is yielded to God. Connect with the Zoweh team at ...
Getting Your Heart Back - Part 1
October 28, 2023 00:30 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MBGetting your heart back begs the question, "Where did it go?" Although we are born with a wandering, wayward heart, once Jesus takes residence and breathes in new life, we are transformed. Is the heart still wicked after Jesus has transformed it? Join Michael and SJ as they explore the concept of the heart as described in Scripture and how God is in the heart renovation business to ensure we can partner with Him in His Kingdom. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Next Steps: Walking With God - Part 2
October 17, 2023 20:58 - 50 minutes - 70.4 MBHaste makes waste including wounding relationships. Discover the benefits of slowing down - creating a gap between the stimulus and the response. Taking time to ask the question, "God, what's going on here?" allows for discernment and deliberate decision making. Join Michael and SJ as they unpack the Do's and Don'ts after a mountain top weekend encounter experience. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Next Steps: Walking With God - Part 1
October 12, 2023 20:00 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MBTo share or not to share, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler after a "Major Encounter with the Lord" to share emphatically with thy family, or to take a different approach and thereby experience wins via Practicing the Presence of God and Patient Endurance. Join Michael and SJ as they tackle the challenges of Re-Entry to the Home Front after a weekend Encounter. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Kindness and Strength - Part 3
September 26, 2023 16:00 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MBKindness begets kindness. Michael and Robin explore both fiction and real-life stories where kindness is a central theme or plays a significant role. As we begin to notice and experience kindness, we can discover ways to employ kindness in situations where it may be difficult such as kindness to self and kindness to enemies. Imagine a world where the default trait is kindness to diffuse anger, to encourage the downtrodden, and to loving confront wrong choices. Connect with the Zoweh Te...
Kindness and Strength - Part 2
September 06, 2023 20:04 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MBShowing kindness is easy when people are kind to you. Kindness shown in an adversarial environment exhibits "next level" Kingdom grace and strength. Extending kindness to self, especially one's younger wounded self, may be the greatest challenge to overcome in this Kingdom journey. How does the pursuit of kindness land on your heart? Join the discussion and share with the Zoweh team - [email protected].
Kindness and Strength - Part 1
August 25, 2023 20:00 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBWho or what do you associate with kindness? Would strength be a word that you initially choose to pair with kindness? Join Michael and SJ as they explore how the meaning of kindness has deepened an understanding of the fruits of the Spirit, helped to process emotions and self-talk, and open the doors for honesty and clarity. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Dangerous Encounters - Part 2
August 18, 2023 20:00 - 33 minutes - 46.9 MBDiscouragement and disappointment can invade one's heart when something doesn't go well. And yet...the provocation could usher in a Dangerous Encounter with God. Sometimes a disruptive whistle blowing event is needed to get our attention so we will talk to God. Are you willing to take a time-out to quiet your heart and mind to dialogue with Him? Join Michael, SJ and Caleb as they discuss stories of learning to collaborate with God. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Dangerous Encounters - Part 1
August 11, 2023 15:59 - 47 minutes - 66.1 MBNarnia buffs know the answer to the question, "Is Aslan safe?" 'Course he isn't safe, but he's good. In the Old Testament, encounters with the divine often started with an angel stating, "Fear not." In the New Testament, the disciples learned that walking with Jesus became a dangerous proposition. Today, in the age of grace with the Holy Spirit operating fully, we can experience dangerous encounters that change us forever. Are dangerous encounters safe? 'Course they aren't safe, but they're ...
Dangerous Community - Part 2
August 01, 2023 21:05 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MBEvery community has a culture. Some of us have a good guide book to navigate the community and some don't. Chances are high that you've experienced things not going well in your community. What are your options? Michael and SJ discuss how people react when friction creates discomfort or dissastifaction within community. Discover stories in the Bible where men walked through disagreement, but later learned to embrace reconciliation. Connect with the Zoweh community at exploringmore@zowe...
Dangerous Community - Part 1
July 25, 2023 20:03 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MBCommunity is a two-sided coin. On one side there are amazing benefits like fellowship and the sense of belonging, while on the other side there are risks of things going badly. What motivates people to become a part of a community? What are the risks involved with existing community members versus new members? Join Michael and SJ in the discussion to explore more about community and how it affects our lives. Connect with the Zoweh community via email at [email protected].
Dangerous For Good - Part 2
July 19, 2023 01:38 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBMichael, SJ, and Josh discuss how a man becomes Dangerous For Good: he's a man with a whole heart, a full life, and Kingdom authority. He joins arms with his Kingdom brothers on a mission to protect the hearts and lives of others. Learn the lies and traps that the enemy sets to cause warriors to stumble. Discover more about how the Zoweh team recruits DFG men at the Heart of a Warrior Encounter weekends. Connect with the Zoweh team by email: [email protected]
Dangerous For Good - Part 1
July 06, 2023 20:00 - 44 minutes - 61 MBAs part of the battle cry against the kingdom of darkness, Zoweh has adopted the phrase "Dangerous For Good." Michael shares where he first encountered the phrase while he, SJ and Josh discuss what the phrase means to each of them. How do we see Jesus as being Dangerous For Good and ultimately how can we wield power and authority to better defend and uplift what is good and right in this world? Join the Zoweh team on this expedition. Connect with the Zoweh team by email: exploringmore@...
Honor and Validation - Part 3
June 13, 2023 20:00 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MBElder Sage Ron Gascho stated, "If you want to know who you can encourage or who you can validate, just find somebody breathing." Michael unpacks two words on the Zoweh Validation Coin, kindness and healing, that are resonating with him in this season of life. SJ shares how God recently orchestrated a validation ceremony for Zoweh teammate Christopher. Explore more regarding a culture of honor and the power of validation in this final episode on the Honor and Validation series. Connect ...
Honor and Validation - Part 2
June 06, 2023 20:00 - 40 minutes - 56.4 MBWe hunger for validation, but often search for it in the wrong places such as social media. How can we cultivate healthy validation and a culture of honor? In the military, challenge coins are a symbol of honor and commitment. In this episode, Michael and SJ reveal Zoweh's validation coin including the process to create it and the importance of images and the words inscribed on both sides of the coin. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Honor and Validation - Part 1
May 18, 2023 20:00 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBAs a key ingredient of love, validation provides food for the soul. Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings unpack the concept of validation and how it's evident from social media to movie clips to everything in between that people are hungry for validation. How does God validate us and how can we build a culture of validation for those around us? Join us on the journey of honor and validation as we explore more of God's Kingdom together. Connect with the team at [email protected].
Modern Day Parables - Part 2
April 27, 2023 20:00 - 50 minutes - 70.3 MBOur hearts overflow with the stories we want to tell, but often something stops us. Perhaps we don't have a trusted story listener who will hear and care about our story. Maybe we have a jaded view and have resigned never to share stories of the heart. Michael and SJ discuss the benefits of pausing to rest on the Observation Deck to share and listen with God, to consider stories that tug at our own heart's story, and to explore the effect that your story has had upon your soul. Your story ma...
Modern Day Parables - Part 1
April 13, 2023 18:14 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MBHave you ever felt a strong connection with a character in a book or movie? Michael and SJ delve into story with a focus on character. Certain stories and characters move us deeply. Why is that? Discover how to notice and to explore characters near and dear to your heart in this week's episode. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Getting Away with God - Part 2
April 07, 2023 19:40 - 52 minutes - 73.2 MBOne name for God is Yahweh which is connected to the idea of your breath. What if you were able to slow down life to one deep breath at a time and shift your focus to experiencing God in a practical, real way? Michael and SJ discuss what "getting away with God" looks like for each them. They highlight some valuable ingredients that are helpful to notice and be more aware of God with Him. Beware of letting the autopilot of daily distractions and mental ruts take over! Learn the ways of settli...
King Me - Heirs to the King
March 30, 2023 20:00 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBOur hearts and the hearts of those we love are under assault in little and big ways each and every day. Michael and SJ finish the King Me book podcast series by highlighting the chapters about our children, the heirs to the kingdom, and spiritual warfare. Ultimately, our hope is that King Me will spur a revolution on masculinity because it needs healing and restoration on a grand scale to right the wrongs. Discover the power that healing and forgiveness have in thwarting the assaults and tur...
King Me - The Reign of a King
March 23, 2023 20:00 - 25 minutes - 35 MBAn oriented king cherishes the glory of his queen. As Michael and SJ continue the discussion regarding about King Me: Loving and Leading in a Wounding World, they talk about the reign of a king and the valuable relationship between the king and the queen. The kingdom of darkness lures men to draw strength from women whereas the kingdom of light empowers men to provide strength for women. Explore more of the kingdom with the valuable questions that Michael and SJ share. Connect with the...
King Me - The Glory of a King
March 16, 2023 20:00 - 45 minutes - 63.6 MBWe've all heard plenty about original sin, but not too much about original glory. Are you curious about the glory that God has in mind for you? God created you to bring something unique to the world that only you can. As Michael and SJ explore Part 3 of King Me: Loving and Leading in a Wounding World, learn how getting healed of past wounds along with the encumbering vows and agreements can release you into more freedom. Imagine the effect on your heart and how it will impact the hearts and ...
King Me - The Journey of a King
March 10, 2023 16:22 - 47 minutes - 66.3 MBHave you interpreted your life accurately? Chances are there may be a few things that you misinterpreted. Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings discuss the second part of the book, King Me: Leading in a Wounding World. This section of the book invites the reader and the listen to take inventory by looking at the Six Stages included in the Masculine Journey. Discover what it takes to become a good king and to be able to handle expansion of your kingdom. Connect with the Zoweh team via Explor...
King Me - The Heart of a King
March 02, 2023 21:00 - 49 minutes - 68.6 MBWhat's the injury rate of a ______? 100% Michael and SJ delve into the complex topic of masculinity with the soon-to-be released book "King Me: Loving and Leading in a Wounding World." We explore the nuances of being a leader in one's kingdom and how being wounded can affect this role. The book is divided into four main parts with the first part being the Heart of a King. Having an accurate understanding of Jesus affects our hearts and from that flows everything else in our lives. SJ serves ...
March Madness
February 23, 2023 21:00 - 26 minutes - 50.2 MBMichael, SJ and Greg are excited to share upcoming events, updates and the latest around King Me in this episode of Exploring More!
Valentine's Remorse
February 16, 2023 21:00 - 14 seconds - 733 KBHow well do you know your spouse's heart? Michael and Robin invite you to explore your marriage relationship with questions from the upcoming My Wife's Heart / My Husband's Heart Journal. In this episode, our Zoweh founders share the story of how they met and how they have learned to cultivate a practice of curiosity and listening through the highs and lows that every relationship experiences. Shift from remorse to rekindling a deeper intimacy with your spouse. Connect with the Zoweh team ...
Getting Away with God - Part 1
February 09, 2023 21:27 - 47 minutes - 44.1 MBIs time alone with God a discipline? In this episode, Michael, shares the critical difference between "quiet time" and "getting away with God." SJ highlights an important relational question that fosters deeper intimacy. The goal is not to impose a holy Christian checklist, but to encourage listeners to cultivate a way of life that prioritizes time with God in a way that resonants with each individual. Discover more on how to prioritize the most important relationship in our lives. Con...