Exploring More
294 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 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
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...
Elder Sage Initiative
February 03, 2023 22:10 - 1 hour - 64 MBEvery hero needs a wise elder sage to help them in the journey. Michael and SJ open the discussion on the Elder Sage Initiative exploring the issue of fatherlessness and the importance of having an Elder Sage through the Stages of Masculinity. Jim Chenet and Jim McCauley join the discussion in the second half to share the reason why we need Elder Sages and invite the audience to explore more of this topic in the forthcoming Elder Sage Video Series. Connect with the Zoweh team at explor...
King Me Interview
January 28, 2023 18:22 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBSJ interviews Michael regarding the soon-to-be released book, King Me. As a man become the king of his respective kingdom, he is called to a higher lever of responsibility. The enemy persistently searches to gain a foothold to bring down not only the king but the loved ones in his domain. It's not uncommon for men to lose heart, but Michael wrote King Me to give men hope. Discover more about the authority that Jesus, the King of kings, bestows upon his disciples, his beloved kings. Connect...
End Isolation - Part 8
January 19, 2023 21:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBMichael and SJ complete the series on ending isolation by exploring courageous steps that we can take to minimize and ultimately end isolation. If you've been riding the struggle bus, it's ok to be vulnerable and admit that you need help. Perhaps it's time to re-enroll into the School of Your Heart University and learn ways to invite heart healing in a new way. Develop healthy rituals for your soul and discover new ways to behold beauty in the world. The Zoweh team is available to connect wi...
End Isolation - Part 7
January 12, 2023 21:33 - 28 minutes - 26.8 MBAre you wrestling with isolation? Perhaps you're tempted to throw in the towel and give up. Although this episode is not the "Top 5 Best Tips for Ending Isolation in Your Life," Michael and SJ discuss practical positive ways to escape the trappings of isolation. Engaging your will and making a positive move forward in even the smallest possible way are steps toward healing and community. We were not made to walk this earth alone. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
End Isolation - Part 6
January 05, 2023 21:00 - 39 minutes - 36.8 MBIsolation is a shutdown in the willingness to relate. We usually associate this with running away or hiding, but it can also be loud like a high energy outburst. Join the discussion with Michael, Robin, SJ, and Sherry share specific examples of isolation. The courageous step to be vulnerable and curious about your automatic reactions can open the door to a greater and deeper discovery of your own heart. This in turn can help develop curiousity and a willingness to listen to why your spouse'...
End Isolation - Part 5
December 22, 2022 17:50 - 24 minutes - 23.3 MBCreating isolation within marriage is one of the enemies favorite tactics. Join the discussion with Michael, Robin, SJ, and Sherry to discover how the enemies infiltrates by exploiting and nudging the False Self. Learn how to arm yourself with the Art of Listening to effectively neutralize the insane merry-go-round spun by Lies and Agreements with Past Wounds. Courageously take steps walking in your True Self to partner with your spouse's True Self: your marriage will thrive. Connect with ...
Navigating the Holidays
December 15, 2022 21:17 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBWhat is your mindset going into the holidays as you plan (or plan not) to visit family and friends? Are you excited, nervous, going into "endure mode," prepping for a fight, shutting down emotionally, or experiencing some other seasonal emotions? The holidays can be a source of comfort and cheer, however, they can also heighten friction during social gathering or even bring an awareness of loneliness in the midst of the crowd. How can we invite Jesus to pilot the ship as we navigate the holi...
End Isolation - Part 4
December 09, 2022 16:38 - 35 minutes - 64.9 MBHave you ever felt like you are the only one experiencing your present challenges? Are you knee deep or even neck deep in shame? Are the whispers, "You are alone" clanging ever louder in your heart and mind? Michael, Robin, and Sherry continue their discussion regarding isolation and how we can end it. Discover the power of community, the Divine Gaze concept, and helpful solutions to end isolation. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
End Isolation - Part 3
December 01, 2022 21:15 - 29 minutes - 55 MBMichael discusses ending isolation with Robin and Sherry as they share from their experience about how the enemy pushes women into isolation. The professional world, even the professional church world, does not invite vulnerability especially from women in women's ministry. When vulnerability is not allowed to be part of the equation, true connection cannot be made and isolation creeps in. Learn the types of things that can contribute to isolation and what can alleviate it. Connect with th...
End Isolation - Part 2
November 17, 2022 21:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MBAs Michael and SJ continue their discussion on ending isolation, they reveal different facets of isolation. For instance, existing in an in-between place can contribute to feeling like one doesn't "quite belong." Sadly, isolation can lead to a self-defeating downward spiral. There is hope for healing. You are welcome, you are wanted. There is a community that wishes to invite you to the table. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to [email protected].
End Isolation - Part 1
November 10, 2022 21:00 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MBHave you ever had a moment where you were in a crowded room but you felt completely alone? Isolation is an issue that every one faces from time to time. The pandemic increased the level of isolation and the enemy capitalizes on any opportunity to drive each of us into further isolation. Why is that? We were created to be in relationship, so the kingdom of darkness wants to move us away from connection, community, intimacy, and friendship. Michael and SJ discuss the symptoms and some of the c...
Family Vacations, Vulnerability and Listening
November 03, 2022 20:00 - 44 minutes - 61.4 MBMichael and Robin Thompson share some heartfelt updates about what's new at Zoweh and some of their personal journey. They discuss the importance of being in the moment. They suggest being curious, observant of one's emotions, and asking, "Why am I feeling this way?" Share your journey or your questions at [email protected].
New Season - Part 2
October 27, 2022 13:44 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBDo you remember playing checkers? The ultimate glee in the moment when you successfully crossed the board and declared, "King Me!" Michael and SJ discuss the forthcoming book, King Me, and the journey in the production of the book as well as pertanent highlights. They also share upcoming series in Season 2 of Exploring More. Connect with the team at [email protected].
New Season - Part 1
October 13, 2022 13:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBMichael and SJ discuss some of their favorite podcast series from the year and a brief update on the changes happening at Zoweh headquarters. We officially launch into Season 2 with a video edition in addition to the audio only version of the podcast. For more details or to connect with the team, email [email protected].
Revisiting Debunking Prayer - Part 4
August 19, 2022 15:36 - 48 minutes - 67.5 MBPrayer can often be thought of as something to "endure" rather than a mindset to journey "with." If we won't pray, then we're not a threat to the enemy of the Kingdom. Every battle plan changes once the first boot steps onto the battlefield. Prayer is about alignment, wielding, interceding, listening, and fielding questions that arise in the midst of the battle. The Zoweh team has made the Daily Prayer available to learn how to wield our words with power and authority as Jesus taught in the ...
Revisiting Debunking Prayer - Part 3
August 11, 2022 19:58 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MBPrayer is like learning to play an instrument or playing a sport and definitely not chucking rocks over a wall hoping to get Jesus’ attention. It’s not an unending monologue or wish list; it’s the wild Kingdom of Prayer! How is worship prayerful? What is soaking prayer? Explore more about the world of prayer with the Zoweh team. Connect with the team at [email protected].
Revisiting Debunking Prayer - Part 2
August 05, 2022 15:19 - 45 minutes - 63.6 MBThe Bible says to pray without ceasing, but how can we do that and drive a car? The Zoweh team discusses developing the rhythm of prayer as an integral part of our daily walk. They explore the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11 and how it was a powerful teaching tool. In warfare, the two keys to gaining an upper hand are to cut off access (supply) and communication. It is vital that we keep the communication lines open with the Triune God. The team puts forth a way and mindset to proceed in victorious...
Revisiting Debunking Prayer - Part 1
July 27, 2022 15:33 - 40 minutes - 56.3 MBThe men of Zoweh delve into debunking prayer. Many words have been associated with prayer - obligation, formality, repetitive, holy... We remember simplistic prayers from our childhood such as "Now I lay me down to sleep." What is the right way to pray anyway? Is there a special formula? In this discussion, the team suggests, "Our perception of God determines our conversation with Him." Connect with the Zoweh team via email at [email protected].
Revisiting the Four Pillars - Part 8
July 21, 2022 03:02 - 47 minutes - 65.3 MBWhat if your relationship with God could move from black and white to technicolor? The Zoweh team explores the final Pillar of Zoweh - More Love, More Life, More Freedom. As they describe the Journey with God, they unpack the concept of More. Ultimately, the Four Pillars of Zoweh support each other in a somewhat circular way. 1) Intimacy leads to 2) Orientation which inspires 3) Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Fear which opens up 4) More Love, More Life, More Freedom which invi...
Revisiting the Four Pillars - Part 7
July 14, 2022 01:08 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MBIn many ways, the third Pillar of Zoweh, Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, and Nothing to Fear is the fruit of the first two Pillars: Intimacy and Orientation. As one becomes better connected to God and oriented, it is easier to let go of the things that aggravate the False Self. Example of the False Self revealing itself are anger, defensiveness, and especially this concept of "holding on." We have the freedom to let go. "Authentic spirituality is always on some level or in some way about ...
Revisting the Four Pillars - Part 6
July 07, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBAs the Zoweh men's guide team discusses the Pillar of Orientation, they explore different stories in each of their lives that speak to the necessity of orientation. They cover how to identify triggers that may lead a man off track and how to get back in alignment. One of the orientation tools in the Zoweh arsenal is the Two Realms, Two Kingdoms map which can been view on the Zoweh website: https://www.zoweh.org/2R2K-map. To connect with the Zoweh team, send a note to exploringmore@zowe...
Revisiting the Four Pillars - Part 5
June 30, 2022 15:43 - 57 minutes - 80 MBThe Zoweh Men's Guide Team - Michael Thompson, Scott Jennings, Greg Sailors, and Jeff Andrechyn - are joined by their special, special guest Kevin Casner of the Barn Brothers to continue the discussion of Orientation. There are times when we feel like we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes we are in the midst of being dismantled - life isn't going the way WE planned. God allows certain things to be stripped away in order to bestow a proper mantle upon us. The old...
Revisiting the Four Pillars - Part 4
June 23, 2022 05:44 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MBThe Men's guide team unpacks the Second Pillar of Zoweh, Orientation, as knowing who you are, where you are, and the good God is up to in your life. Sharing real life examples from flying to hunting as well as scenes and quotes from popular movies, the men navigate this topic and how it applies to our relationship with God. To connect with the Guide Team, email [email protected].
Revisiting the Four Pillars - Part 3
June 17, 2022 17:03 - 31 minutes - 44.3 MBHave you lost the life of your heart? What if there was a sacred romance that could stir life into your heart and soul? Don't mistake romance with God as the sort of intimacy experienced between a man and a woman. The foundation of romance is knowing and being known. Many attributes flourish in this environment with validation being one of them. Listen as the Zoweh team shares stories that will open the eyes of your heart to the First Pillar of Zoweh - Intimacy, Oneness, and Connectedness w...
Revisiting the Four Pillars - Part 2
June 10, 2022 17:46 - 35 minutes - 49 MBWe search and search and search for God and then we are found. We don't have to work hard to find God. He wants us to be found. God pursued Adam and Eve in the garden and He pursues you today. Let yourself be found and kindle an intimacy that opens the door of communication with the Creator. The Zoweh team discusses the Pillar of Intimacy, Connected, and Oneness with God. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Revisiting the Four Pillars - Part 1
June 03, 2022 01:43 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBIn this series, the Zoweh team discusses the Four Pillars of Zoweh. The first pillar is Intimacy, Oneness and Connectedness with God. What is intimacy apart from what the typical definition in the world might be? Discover a new understanding of intimacy as it applied to one's relationship to the Creator. To connect with the team, email [email protected].
Revisiting the Ingredients of Love - A Woman's Perspective
May 21, 2022 15:43 - 39 minutes - 55.3 MBRobin and Sherry join Michael and SJ in the discussion regarding the ingredients of love: validation, acceptance, worth, belonging, and significance. From personal experience and from the shared experiences from the Heart of a Warrior and Deepening Weekends, the team shares how to trade up from service in the Kingdom to realizing the belovedness we have as a Son or Daughter of the King. They also ponder how the enemy tries to hijack the love of God in our hearts and minds.
Revisiting Ingredients of Love - Significance
May 11, 2022 04:41 - 39 minutes - 54.7 MBDo you see me? Do you love what you see? Do you want to be with me? These are some of the core questions that stem from the heart. Jesus desired to been seen, loved, and wanted for who He was and not just what He could do. He wants to have significance in our hearts and love for Him. There's a weightiness and glory associated with significance. You have much more significance in the Kingdom compared to what you may think. Discover the power of significance as an ingredient of love in this we...
Revisiting the Ingredients of Love - Belonging
April 28, 2022 16:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBBelonging goes deeper than acceptance because it's more than a handshake: it is being seen and known. Sometimes belonging comes as a birthright but often we need to pass through an initiation to belong. Our desire to belong can be so strong that we are willing to succumb to our False Self for a False Belonging. Discover what it means to experience True Belonging. Connect with the Zoweh team via email: [email protected].
Revisiting the Ingredients of Love - Worth
April 21, 2022 03:50 - 36 minutes - 51.1 MBWorth is the bedrock of our identity. If we view ourselves as worthless, then it will affect all our relationships. Men often find worth in what they do. Accept the challenge to break free from this unhealthy foundation. Discover how to agree with our Heavenly Father's version of your worth. Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Revisiting Ingredients of Love - Acceptance
April 14, 2022 12:14 - 30 minutes - 42.8 MBAs the Zoweh team further discusses the Ingredients of Love, they consider the power of Acceptance. When we truly acknowledge the Acceptance of God, we feel His invitation to come closer and to belong. We reciprocate by providing Him a platform to speak into our lives. Furthermore, Acceptance by God plants the seed in us to demonstrate Acceptance to others. They also unpack the difference between Acceptance of the person vs. behavior and how they have navigated this in real life examples. ...
Revisiting Ingredients of Love - Validation
April 08, 2022 14:33 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MBAre you lovable? Strangely, we sometimes find this question hard to answer. Our Heavenly Father has assured us many times that we are indeed LOVABLE! As the Zoweh team discusses the Ingredients of Love, they consider "Validation" as an Ingredient of Love. Just as Jesus received Validation at His baptism, we too need Validation from Our Father. Oh, and the answer is, "Yes, you are lovable!" Connect with the Zoweh team: [email protected].
Recalibrate - Resources for Men's Ministry - Part 2
April 01, 2022 22:35 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBJosh Overton shares about the Top 5 Resources for Men's Groups. Hint: it's about building relational equity! The goal is not to see how many books y'all can read (even though they are GREAT conversation starters), but to foster storytelling in your own band of brothers. Discover how to measure your men's group by BEING not DOING. To connect with the Zoweh team, email [email protected].
Recalibrate - Resources for Men's Ministry - Part 1
March 24, 2022 03:50 - 16 minutes - 23.8 MBJosh Overton shares in the importance of relationship this week’s Recalibrate episode. Discover why the Zoweh team teaches to value relationship over resource and freedom over formula. The best way to road to More Love, More Life, More Freedom is More Story! Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
Recalibrate - What is the Elder Sage Initiative?
March 17, 2022 21:34 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MBIn this episode from the Recalibrate series, Michael Thompson, Greg Sailors and the Zoweh team discuss what it means to be an Elder Sage and the merits of having an initiative. What does it take to connect a younger man in the boyhood, ranger, lover, warrior, or king stage to a more experienced man in the elder sage stage? Connect with the Zoweh team at [email protected]. Check out the upcoming events at http://www.zoweh.org/events.
Revisiting Grief, Loss, and Thankfulness? - Part 2
March 10, 2022 06:47 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBMichael Thompson, Scott "SJ" Jennings, and Greg Sailors discuss the 2020 battle with Covid within the team and their families. Ultimately, they explore how the challenges of 2020 brought them to a place of thankfulness. Connect with the Zoweh team by email - [email protected].
Revisiting Grief, Loss, and Thankfulness? - Part 1
March 04, 2022 05:06 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBScott Jennings, SJ, opens this episode sharing some recent losses with friends and family and invites us into a converation with Michael Thompson and Greg Sailors on grieving, loss, and surprisingly, thankfulness. Connect with the Zoweh Team at [email protected].
The Kingdom - Part 4
February 24, 2022 06:41 - 34 minutes - 48.7 MBAs Michael and SJ wrap up the series on The Kingdom, they expand this quote, “The new good heart God has given you and the life He intends for you come together and find their purpose in God’s Kingdom.” [The Heart of a Warrior] A kingdom is not a democracy where the will of the people rules. In a kingdom, the will of the king reigns. Discover how this applies to us, His Kingdom heirs, and our life’s journey. Connect with the Zoweh team by email: [email protected].
The Kingdom - Part 3
February 17, 2022 05:53 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MBThe enemy rarely uses an all-out assault to diminish God’s kids. He starts skirmishes with whispers of lies or doubts. How we handle these Kingdom tussles defines our identity and relationships. Naiveté or disorientation about the landscape, allies, and opponents of the 2 Realms / 2 Kingdoms could lead to POW or victim status. Prepare for battle with Michael and SJ as they talk about life in the Kingdom trenches. To connect with the Zoweh team email us at [email protected].
The Kingdom - Part 2
February 10, 2022 13:00 - 43 minutes - 60 MBMichael and SJ continue discussing the Kingdom. Our identity and how we identify with God and others provides a critical foundation for relationships in this borderless Kingdom. Scripture provides examples such as potter and clay, vine and branches, but we also read about being a friend of God. Is it a good thing to be “used by God” or to be a “tool in the Master’s hands?” Explore more about your identity in the Kingdom. Stay connected with the Zoweh team via email with exploringmore@zoweh...
The Kingdom - Part 1
February 03, 2022 04:32 - 55 minutes - 77.2 MBJesus talked about one topic so many times that it might be His favorite: the Kingdom. Michael and SJ launch a series on how the Kingdom is a central, foundational framework for understanding all that Jesus has for us. Jesus came to save the world, His Kingdom, in a way that was unexpected. Today He still invites us into the Kingdom and encourages us to invite others. To connect with the Zoweh team, send an email to [email protected].
Walking in the New Year - Part 3
January 27, 2022 03:37 - 33 minutes - 46.9 MBMichael and SJ post a series of questions to consider while walking in the new year. Grab a journal, a quiet spot, and clear your appointments. Father, what was last year about for me? Father, what were you doing, or trying to do in me, for me, or through me? Jesus, where was the enemy particularly working? Jesus, are there any places still unhealed where the Kingdom of Darkness has authority in my Life? Holy Spirit, what do you have for me in the new year? Holy Spirit, ...
Walking in the New Year - Part 2
January 20, 2022 05:58 - 24 minutes - 34.4 MBIn the second episode of this series on Walking in the New Year, Michael and SJ discuss some of the upcoming resources that will be available in 2022: The Deepening Journey for women and the book King Me geared toward men. Mid-January propels most people to rev the engine of busyness. As one goes about each day, consider the following question: What am I bringing into the next ____? It takes discipline to shift into a lower gear to consider the lens by which we examine the next appointment, ...
Walking in the New Year - Part 1
January 13, 2022 23:35 - 22 minutes - 31.8 MBIn a World where Words Matter, Michael and SJ discuss the terminology surrounding Zoweh. Some examples including calling Zoweh a Mission vs a Ministry. Some other terms are Team vs Staff, the Tower vs the Office, and the War Room vs. the Board Room. While many churches and parachurch organizations use increasingly institutionalized language, Zoweh strives to facilitate relationships, allies, and redemptive community. Share your thoughts and stories with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zowe...
New Year's - Part 2
January 06, 2022 04:12 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBMichael and SJ continue the discussion around Resolutions, Rituals, and Routines and how to move into a space of solitude and reflection around the New Year. The goal is to connect with God like one would over a slow candlelit dinner with cloth napkins and not settle for inhaling fast food while speeding through traffic to the next appointment. Romance is to pursue and to be pursued. What has been crowding out or what has suspended your intimacy with God? Seek stillness and invite God to spe...
New Year's - Part 1
December 30, 2021 04:39 - 23 minutes - 33.1 MBMichael and SJ discuss the "dead week" between Christmas and New Year's. The holiday season is a perfect time to move into a space of solitude and reflection while preparing for the New Year. Carve out some time to consider your resolutions, routines, and rituals. Share your thoughts and stories with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
What is the "More" of Christmas?
December 23, 2021 00:49 - 37 minutes - 52.7 MBMichael Thompson and SJ Jennings discuss the importance of story in several of their favorite Christmas movies from Die Hard to It’s A Wonderful Life to The Grinch and how these Christmas stories relate to Emmanuel, God with us. They consider “What is the "More" of Christmas?” with additional Christmas movies such as The Messengers with The Chosen and The Nativity. Share your stories with the Zoweh team at [email protected].
A Night of Stories - Part 4
December 15, 2021 20:22 - 31 minutes - 44.7 MBIn this final excerpt from A Night of Stories, team members Greg Sailors and Scott and Sherry Jennings share about their journey in Zoweh's history. Michael provides the final update including how the Zoweh team shifted during the pandemic to build more resources such as The Rendezvous Project. Share your Kingdom story with the team at [email protected].