Exploring More

Fathering Through the Stages: Presence, Healing, and the Power of a Dad's Yes In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings step into the sacred and strategic role of fatherhood—unpacking what it means to guide children through the stages of growth with intention, love, and grace. From boyhood to beloved son, explorer to warrior, and eventually king and elder sage, each stage of a child’s journey asks a father different questions: Do you see me? Do you love what you see? Will you walk with me? Michael and SJ explore how a father’s response—through presence, time, and affirming words—can either fuel a child’s identity or deepen their wounds. The conversation highlights the power of modeling a real, intimate relationship with God. Drawing from personal experiences, parenting wins and do-overs, and biblical truths like Proverbs 22:6, the hosts remind us that good fathering is less about perfection and more about orientation. When a dad is oriented—anchored in God’s love and awar

The Heart of a Father: Leading with Presence, Healing, and Grace In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings step into the sacred space of fatherhood—a role both powerful and profoundly influential. With studies showing that 92% of family behavior follows the father’s lead, the stakes are high. Michael and SJ unpack how a father’s presence—or absence—shapes the heart of a home. The conversation explores the vital link between a man’s personal healing and his ability to father well. They reflect on the wounds many men carry into parenthood and how those unaddressed hurts can manifest in reactivity, addiction, or disengagement. Rather than shame, this episode offers hope: that healing is possible, and authenticity is more powerful than perfection. Listeners are introduced to the Dad Series, a companion podcast aimed at equipping fathers to lead with courage, humility, and love. Through stories, insights, and spiritual reflection, Michael and SJ encourage men to shift from rea

The Fuel of Fear: How God's Love Disarms the False Self   In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings return to the powerful themes of hiding, proving, and fearing—three intertwined patterns that shape a man’s internal world. They examine how fear fuels a “false self” and keeps men from living in the freedom and love God offers. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and years of spiritual formation experience, Michael and SJ unpack the metaphor of a heart running on empty—pushing through the desert until it reaches the “filling station” of God’s love. This image frames a larger conversation about identity, healing, and the invitation to live with nothing to hide, prove, or fear. Listeners will discover how fear-driven behaviors often trace back to wounds, and how perfect love—real, experienced, and relational—can cast out that fear. The episode emphasizes the power of grace, honest self-reflection, and community in helping men step into the life of an oriented man: gr

The Weight of Proving: Finding Worth in God's Love This episode of the Exploring More Podcast delves into the concept of "something to prove" within the broader journey of masculinity and spiritual identity. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings examine how men often develop a false self rooted in hiding, proving, and fearing—patterns shaped by both societal pressures and personal experiences. Through honest storytelling, including anecdotes from childhood sports and relational struggles, they explore how these themes manifest in daily life and how deeply they affect a man's sense of worth and belonging. The hosts emphasize the need for a shift from performance-based identity to a heart grounded in the love of God. They discuss how personal theology—shaped by real-life experience—often speaks louder than biblical theology unless men actively encounter God's unconditional love. This love, they argue, must be more than a concept; it needs to be an experienced reality that reshapes how a man sees himself and ot

Living With Nothing To Hide: The Journey from False Self to Freedom In this reflective episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings revisit foundational themes of the season—hiding, fearing, and proving—and how these traits are deeply rooted in the false self. Through honest storytelling and personal reflection, they unpack how these tendencies often form early in life, influenced by environments like church, sports, and family. Whether it’s the fear of being judged or the drive to earn approval, the hosts highlight how these patterns subtly shape our identity and keep us from living freely. The heart of the conversation centers on the call to become an "oriented man"—someone who no longer needs to hide, prove, or live in fear. Michael and SJ emphasize that transformation doesn’t come from performance, but from receiving unconditional love and learning to live from a place of belovedness. They share moments from their own journeys that illustrate how freedom grows through vulnerabil

Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Fear: The Journey to Authenticity In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings unpack a transformative phrase that strikes at the heart of a man’s internal world: “Nothing to hide, nothing to prove, nothing to fear.” Drawing from biblical narratives like Adam’s hiding in Eden and Peter’s denial of Jesus, the hosts explore how these ancient stories mirror the modern male struggle with shame, self-worth, and identity. Personal moments—like the frustration of painting a camper—serve as vivid metaphors for deeper emotional triggers, revealing patterns of fear, anger, and a false self shaped by wounds and societal expectations. The conversation emphasizes how crucial it is for men to become self-aware, confront their past, and choose vulnerability. By naming emotions, recognizing emotional patterns, and engaging in healing practices like journaling and prayer, men can move from a place of hiding and proving to living free and whole. C

Brotherhood and the Deep Work of Friendship In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the heart of masculine friendship—unpacking the power of vulnerability, time, and intentionality in building deep, lasting brotherhood. They explore the difficulty many men face in creating meaningful relationships, particularly the courage it takes to be known and the investment of time required. True friendship, they say, isn’t just about shared interests—it’s about showing up, telling the truth, and choosing to engage when it matters most. Through stories, personal reflections, and practical suggestions, the conversation highlights rhythms that foster connection, like journal-sharing, outdoor activities, and carving out regular time for honest dialogue. They also emphasize the role of accountability—not as policing, but as a loving invitation to live fully and authentically. Milestones, serve as touch points for growth, healing, and honoring the journey of friendship. Listen

Finding Rhythms: Rest, Reflection, and Brotherhood In the rush of life, how do we maintain the rhythms that keep us grounded? This episode of the Exploring More Podcast dives into the balance between productivity and rest, focusing on the intentional rhythms that connect us with Jesus and with our brothers in faith. Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore the significance of solitude, reflection, and being present with God throughout the day. Drawing inspiration from The Chosen series, they discuss the Sabbath as a foundational rhythm—one that can be difficult to honor in a world that constantly demands more of us. The conversation offers practical steps for cultivating healthy spiritual habits, from creating the right environment for solitude to practicing audible prayer and revisiting past questions with a fresh perspective. They challenge listeners to not just bring requests to God, but to engage in meaningful dialogue, listening for His response. As life pulls us in every direction, intentional rhythms b

Breaking Free: The Journey from Shame to Freedom Shame thrives in silence, convincing us that our worst moments define us. But what if we could name it, face it, and walk into freedom? In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their deep dive into the journey of healing from shame. Through personal stories—like the sting of a high school basketball defeat—they explore how shame takes root, how it shapes identity, and how we can begin to break its grip. They discuss the importance of choosing the right support system, practicing grounding techniques, and embracing vulnerability with God’s perspective as the ultimate guide to healing. They also touch on the power of grace, the role of confession, and breaking shame contracts that keep us stuck in cycles of guilt. With insights from counseling and spiritual practices, this episode offers practical tools to help listeners find relief and transformation. Shame may whisper that you’re alone, but freedom comes when you

From Shame to Holy Regret: Reclaiming Freedom and Healing Shame keeps us stuck—bound to past mistakes, false identities, and wounds we were never meant to carry. But what if we could reframe our regrets and step into healing? In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into the transformation from shame to holy regret. They unpack how early experiences shape our sense of self, how soul ties and past wounds keep us bound, and why facing shame—rather than running from it—is the key to freedom. With stories of personal revelation, the power of vulnerability, and the unwavering presence of God’s grace, they reveal a path toward healing that leads to true redemption. Shame doesn’t have the final word. Tune in and discover how reinterpreting your past with God’s love can empower you to become the person He’s always seen in you. We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

Breaking the Cycle: Finding Freedom from Sexual Shame Shame thrives in silence, especially when it’s tied to sexual experiences and behaviors. In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings uncover how guilt and shame often drive self-destructive cycles, particularly in the context of pornography and unwanted sexual behavior. Drawing from personal stories, cultural insights, and spiritual truths, they address how societal pressures, media influence, and even well-intentioned messages about love and performance can fuel shame’s grip. The conversation highlights the importance of confronting these root causes, seeking wise counsel, and embracing God’s love as the ultimate path to freedom and healing. If you’ve wrestled with feelings of shame tied to your past or present struggles, this episode offers hope, understanding, and practical steps toward restoration. We invite you to listen, reflect, and take that first courageous step toward breaking free. Your story matters, and heal

Shame: The Silent Thief of Identity | Breaking Free Through Christ Shame is more than a fleeting emotion—it’s a force that erodes identity, distorts relationships, and keeps us trapped in cycles of self-doubt and self-destruction. In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into the nature of shame, comparing it to cancer in the spiritual realm—silent, invasive, and deeply damaging. Through personal stories, expert insights from Brene Brown and Jay Stringer, and biblical truths, they uncover how shame often takes root in relational moments, shaping false identities and leading to self-protective behaviors. But there’s hope. Jesus offers a way to break free—not through punishment, but through love, grace, and the restoration of our true identity. Join us as we unpack the systems that reinforce shame, the impact it has on our lives, and the liberating power of the Gospel to set us free. If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, this conversation is for you. Let’s explore

Breaking Free from Shame: Jesus’ Power to Heal In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their deep dive into the impact of shame and the path to freedom. Through biblical stories like Peter’s denial of Christ and the woman at the well, they reveal how Jesus confronts and transforms shame—not with judgment, but with love, grace, and restoration. The conversation explores the harmful effects of shame, particularly when it remains hidden in secrecy and silence. They discuss the importance of confession, empathy, and community support in healing from both personal and sexual shame. Through personal stories and metaphors, they illustrate how shame operates like an unwanted intruder—one that must be exposed and expelled to make room for healing and freedom. If you’ve ever felt trapped by shame, this episode offers practical steps and spiritual insights to help you break free. Tune in to Exploring More and discover how Jesus' love and truth can release you from t

How God Speaks Through Our Desires and Experiences Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they dive into the practice of hearing from God and the importance of discernment. They discuss how God speaks through our deepest desires, the things we love, and life’s unexpected moments, offering encouragement for those seeking to recognize His voice more clearly. Through personal stories—like discovering a heart-shaped rock or receiving a bronze statue labeled Wagon Master—they illustrate how God uses tangible signs to affirm His presence. They also explore the challenges of hearing from God during spiritual dry spells and the role that dreams, visions, and past experiences play in divine communication. If you’ve ever questioned how to discern God’s voice or wondered if He is speaking to you, this episode provides practical steps, encouragement, and insights to help you posture yourself for deeper connection.  Tune in to Exploring More and discover how slowing do

How Hearing from God Transforms Your Life Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they explore how hearing from God is not just an experience but a transformational process. When we recognize and respond to His voice, it creates a positive feedback cycle—one that deepens our faith, strengthens our relationship with Him, and opens our hearts to even greater clarity and direction. In this episode, they share stories of specific moments when they unmistakably heard from God—moments that reshaped their journeys, provided life-altering clarity, and affirmed His presence in ways they could never have anticipated. As they unpack these experiences, they reveal how each encounter with God’s voice fuels the next, reinforcing a cycle of trust, responsiveness, and transformation. If you’ve ever wondered how to hear God more clearly—or how listening to Him can truly change your life—this episode will offer both practical insights and deep encouragement. Tune in to Explo

How Does God Speak to Us? Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they continue their journey into exploring spiritual truths in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast. This time, they dive into a question that resonates with so many: How does God speak to us?   They unpack the incredible and diverse ways God communicates with His people. Drawing inspiration from Scripture and personal experience, they explore how God’s voice can come through various channels—and how we can develop discernment to recognize Him more clearly. Through honest conversations and personal stories, they share how they’ve experienced God’s voice in their own lives.    From whispers of the Holy Spirit to the vivid imagery of creation, this episode sheds light on: The Scriptures, God’s essential and authoritative way of connecting with us. The hosts discuss how His Word frames our own stories within the greater story of walking with Him. The inner voice, What if our imagination is part of the process? Discover how to invite G

What’s in the Way of Hearing from God? Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they continue their journey into exploring spiritual truths in the second topical episode of this series. This time, they tackle a question that resonates with so many: Why can’t I hear God’s voice?   Michael and SJ dive into the barriers that often block our ability to hear from God. Drawing from Scripture, they explore how distractions, wounding and trauma, and even misconceptions about God can hinder communication with Him. Through honest conversations and personal stories, they share how they’ve wrestled with these challenges, and misconceptions, in their own lives, and how they’ve learned to re-evaluate them. With a focus on the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and speaking to us, this episode offers practical insights to help you identify what might be standing in the way and take steps toward removing those obstacles.   Whether you’ve felt distant from God’s voice for a long time or are simply seeking to strengthen your

God Wants to Speak to You! Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they dive into the first topical episode of this series. In this thought-provoking and inspiring discussion, Michael and SJ tackle a profound question: Is hearing from God truly for everyone? While their answer is a resounding "YES," they dive deep into the complexities that make this topic so impactful. Drawing from John 14-17, they explore what Scripture reveals about hearing God's voice and share personal stories of their own journeys—from believing it wasn’t possible for them, to discovering that it was, and how it has transformed their lives. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on the Holy Spirit’s vital role in communication with us. Whether you're new to the idea of hearing from God or eager to strengthen your relationship with Him, this series offers practical insights, heartfelt encouragement, and inspiring testimonies. Tune in to the Exploring More Podcast and discover how listening to God’s voice can bring clarity, peac

Happy New Year from the Exploring More Podcast! Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they kick off an exciting new series to ring in the new year. In this thought-provoking and inspiring episode, Michael and SJ dive into the profound topic of Hearing from God. Together, they unpack what it truly means to hear God’s voice and why it’s such a transformative experience. This episode sets the stage for an in-depth journey over the coming weeks, as they explore key questions like: Is God’s voice meant for everyone? What barriers might be preventing us from hearing Him? How do we discern His voice in the midst of life’s noise? And perhaps most importantly, what impact can hearing from God have on our spiritual growth and daily lives?  Whether you’re new to the idea of hearing from God or seeking to deepen your connection with Him, this series promises practical insights, personal stories, and heartfelt encouragement. Tune in and discover how opening your heart to God’s voice can lead to clarity, peace, an

Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102 In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings finish up responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. Diving in and knowing your story, and being able to share that is a very important tool for healing and training. Michael and SJ share during this episode about how this looks in Chapter .004, from the Wild at Heart’s series, and how it is a beautiful thing. They highlight key themes, such as feeling alone as a man, and coming to believe your parents are not safe.. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. They respond to three different portions of the episode, each highlighting a different theme that stuck out to them and why they believe it to be important. For some insightful responses and provoking