Exploring More
303 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 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
The Glory of Your Life
July 09, 2024 16:00 - 41 minutes - 77.1 MBThis week's installment of The Exploring More Podcast delves deeply into the important concept of Glory. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings embark on an exploration aimed at understanding whether Glory is in us. Throughout this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the notion of being image-bearers of God, illuminating what it truly means to reflect this image in our daily lives. Drawing from a list of biblical passages and insights from theologians such as Gary Barkelow, Howard Thurm...
God Still Speaks
July 02, 2024 16:00 - 42 minutes - 79.7 MBThis week on The Exploring More Podcast, we are diving into the last part of our series called "The 4 Assumptions," which originated from our weekend events. In this episode, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore assumption number four: "God Still Speaks" a topic they frequently revisit. They emphasize why this assumption is pivotal for experiencing the fullness of the gospel. They discuss the interconnected nature of all four assumptions and highlight how God's ongoing communication enco...
Restoration is Available
June 25, 2024 16:00 - 41 minutes - 78.3 MBThis week on The Exploring More Podcast, we continue our compelling series titled "The 4 Assumptions," inspired by our weekend events. In this episode, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore assumption number three: “Restoration is Available.” The concept of restoration being available suggests both a state to be restored from and an ideal to be restored to, as an image bearer. The conversation delves into these aspects, outlining what the journey of restoring your heart with Jesus entails...
There is a War
June 17, 2024 16:00 - 44 minutes - 82.6 MBThis week on The Exploring More Podcast, we continue our captivating series titled "The 4 Assumptions" derived from our weekend events. In this episode, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings delve into assumption number two: "There is a War." They use metaphors to illustrate the spiritual forces at play, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and engaging in this warfare. The discussion expands to include strategies for navigating these challenges, including insights on how the enemy uses woun...
You Are a Kingdom Man
June 11, 2024 16:00 - 45 minutes - 86.1 MBThis week on The Exploring More Podcast we kick off a series we call the 4 assumptions that come from our weekend events. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and Josh Overton dig into assumption number 1, You are a Kingdom man. What does being a Kingdom man mean, look like, and what is the Kingdom life? MT & JO talk about enhancing or expanding our knowledge of what a Kingdom lifestyle looks like. The 4 assumptions are statements that Zoweh believes to be pivotal in goi...
Going to War with Your Brothers
June 04, 2024 16:00 - 42 minutes - 79.5 MBIn last weeks episode, Michael and SJ talked about spiritual orientation to the bigger story and war that is going on. It is not good for man to go through this story alone. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings dig into a quote that Zoweh has come to love from Dan Allender. It says “Find like-hearted kings living in the same direction. Sign treaties. When one kingdom is at war, both are at war.” The Kingdom is meant to be a brotherhood full of Allies. You’...
Spiritual Orientation
May 28, 2024 16:00 - 48 minutes - 89.9 MBBeing attuned, oriented, and aware, of both the good God is up to in your life, and what the enemy is doing in your life is the heart behind the Dangerous For Good Men’s Summits. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings continue the conversation about DFG summits, and what those summits will look like, more heart behind them, and the hopeful result of hosting and/or attending one. As image bearers, we are called to look like Jesus, who was Dangerous For Good. T...
Dangerous For Good
May 21, 2024 16:00 - 49 minutes - 92.3 MBThe reclaiming of words can be a hard and fragile process. Aslan is not safe, but he is good, Dangerous For Good. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings start the conversation about what Dangerous For Good means, and what it can look like in a man’s life. As image bearers, we are called to look like Jesus, who was Dangerous For Good. The difference between how men have been dangerous and being Dangerous For Good is vastly different. Reclaiming the idea of a ...
Hearing God's Voice
May 14, 2024 16:00 - 53 minutes - 100 MBIs hearing from God even possible? Does God still speak? Have you ever wondered these questions? In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and Josh Overton tell stories of hearing God’s voice, when they realized that it is for everyone, and the theology behind it. Hearing God’s voice is something that the Father wants all of his beloved Son’s and Daughter’s to experience. With our new YouVersion bible app reading plan ‘Comforted By God’ you can experience one way, that we belie...
More Healing is More Freedom
May 07, 2024 16:00 - 45 minutes - 85.2 MBLiving in more and more freedom comes from exploring more of the healing that Jesus offers us. As we continue this walk we get to further experience more of the Zoweh John 10:10 life Jesus is talking about. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings talk about what the recovery of the heart can look like. Using the Healing Along the Masculine Journey YouVersion plan that Zoweh has released, they walk through the last three days of the plan, and what healing withi...
Recovery from Your Trauma
April 30, 2024 16:00 - 41 minutes - 77.2 MBWalking through life disregarding our wounding, our hurt, and our trauma, is not the life Jesus offers us in John 10:10. Recovery of those experiences and healing is a big piece of the fullness of life that Jesus offers us. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings talk about what the recovery of the heart can look like. Using the Healing Along the Masculine Journey YouVersion plan that Zoweh has released, they walk through the first three days of the plan, and w...
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].