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 ...
Mar 05, 2025•55 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast 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 sec...
Feb 26, 2025•40 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast From Shame to Freedom: Breaking the Cycle Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they dive into the universal struggle of shame—how it takes root, thrives in secrecy, and impacts our identity, relationships, and spiritual lives. Drawing from personal experiences, literature, and biblical perspectives, they reveal how shame distorts our self-worth and fuels isolation, addiction, and unhealthy behaviors. Referencing insights from Brené Brown an...
Feb 19, 2025•50 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast 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 sta...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Feb 05, 2025•53 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast 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 disc...
Jan 29, 2025•44 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast 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 communica...
Jan 22, 2025•53 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast 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 the...
Jan 15, 2025•49 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast 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’...
Jan 08, 2025•35 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast 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 th...
Dec 25, 2024•58 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast 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 continue 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 .003, from the...
Dec 18, 2024•49 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast 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 continue 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 .002, from the...
Dec 11, 2024•52 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast 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 continue responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. With strong personal ties to Wild at Heart, Michael and SJ wanted to share their interaction with Wild at Heart, and how John has blessed their mission in taking the message of the Heart to the East Co...
Dec 03, 2024•45 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast 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 kick off a brand-new series responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. With strong personal ties to Wild at Heart, Michael and SJ felt compelled to dive deep into the content, believing it holds significant value for them and our listeners. The episode ...
Nov 26, 2024•54 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast , hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings bring their series on Kingdom Masculinity to a thoughtful and engaging close. This final installment focuses on the essential and often overlooked subject of romance—exploring how men can and should embrace it as part of their lives in the Kingdom. Michael and SJ delve into what it means to be romanced by God, the role of romance within a marriage, and the vital nature of pursuit in both relationships. ...
Nov 19, 2024•53 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast , our hosts talk about intimacy with God. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how the scriptures back up intimacy with God, being a key part of Kingdom Masculinity. They dive into the topics of biblical references, modern day parables in movies, and intimacy being a critical ingredient in your walk with the Trinity. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into what intimacy really means, as opposed to what we have...
Nov 12, 2024•46 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast , our hosts talk about living as your true self vs. your false self. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how the enemy can use us to do his work for him through our false self that is operating in us. They dive into the topics of biblical references, modern day parables in movies, and signals of the false self. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into the idea that true kingdom masculinity is rooted in being y...
Nov 05, 2024•55 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast , we continue to dig into our series on "Kingdom Masculinity" and how it contrasts with "Biblical Masculinity” by exploring Spiritual Warfare. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how important it is to be awakened to the fact that spiritual warfare is very real and alive. They dive into the topic of practice and training, being able to see things as they come. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into the idea ...
Oct 29, 2024•51 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast , we begin to dig into our new series on "Kingdom Masculinity" and how it contrasts with "Biblical Masculinity." Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by exploring what it means for men to be image-bearers and how this concept shapes a man's life. They dive into the topic of false identities, addressing how these affect a man's self-image and his perception of Jesus. Michael and SJ take adeep dive into the idea that tr...
Oct 22, 2024•49 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast In this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we kick off the first series of season 4, diving into the concept of Biblical Masculinity vs. Kingdom Masculinity . Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings set the stage for this thought-provoking conversation, exploring what biblical masculinity truly means. They raise the important question: is biblical masculinity the ultimate answer, or is there a different approach? Michael and SJ introduce the idea that Kingdom Masculinity may provide a ...
Oct 15, 2024•49 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast , we bring you a special edition recorded live at the Heart of a Warrior Encounter. Host Michael Thompson is joined by Josh Wilson from Uncensored Advice for Men , and together, they have a heartfelt conversation in front of a live audience. In this episode, they explore the three essential things every man needs to hear: "I love you," "I’m proud of you," and "I’m sorry." Michael and Josh dive deep into how these words are not only vital to he...
Oct 08, 2024•48 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Season 4 of The Exploring More Podcast is finally here, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you! After a month-long break, we’re returning with some truly captivating and thought-provoking conversations. This season, our aim is to inspire a fresh stirring in the hearts of men, inviting you to dig deeper into your own story and emotions. We hope the content sparks new reflections and encourages you on your journey. In the season premiere, we kick things off with a special Director/Pr...
Oct 01, 2024•25 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings wrap up their discussion on the current state of masculinity, diving deeper into the hope for men today. Building on the entirety of the series and the season, where they explored the importance of recognizing what’s at play, how it is affecting you, and partnering with God to get your heart back, this episode takes listeners into a wrap up of all of that and the importance of self-examination and introsp...
Aug 27, 2024•41 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their thought-provoking discussion on the current state of masculinity, diving deeper into the hope for men today. Building on their previous conversation, where they explored the importance of accurately interpreting one's life and becoming oriented to the good that God is doing in their life, this episode takes listeners on a profound journey into the heart of what it means to live a life fille...
Aug 20, 2024•42 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast , hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings tackle a profound and challenging question: What are the odds that you have truly interpreted your life correctly? Building on their previous conversation about biblical masculinity—what it is, and what it should ideally look like—this episode delves into even deeper territory, examining how our understanding of our own lives shapes our perceptions of God and, consequently, of ourselves. Michael and SJ o...
Aug 13, 2024•49 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast What is Biblical Masculinity? Do we have the right understanding of it? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into these questions as they continue their extensive conversation about the challenges men face today. In the previous episode, they explored the obstacles preventing men from achieving a healthy sense of masculinity. This episode delves further into defining what that healthy position of masculinity looks like. Michael an...
Aug 06, 2024•46 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast Is there something in the way of masculinity becoming redeemed? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into this question as they continue an extensive conversation about the challenges facing men today. In the previous episode, they explored what might be missing from a man's life and the factors that have shaped men's experiences, rather than simply focusing on men's shortcomings. This episode delves further into the obstacles hin...
Jul 30, 2024•53 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast Is there something missing from masculinity that needs to be redeemed? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings embark on a thoughtful discussion about the struggles faced by men today. Rather than focusing on what men are doing wrong, they explore what might be missing from a man's life and what has happened to men over time. This deep dive into the concept of restoration sets the stage for further conversations on the topic. Michael and SJ em...
Jul 23, 2024•52 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their discussion on the importance of glory. They explore what it means to discover and embody your own glory in everyday life. This conversation delves into the idea of being image-bearers of God, being restored to an image, highlighting how we can reflect this image in our actions and choices. Building on the theological insights from the previous episode, the hosts shift their focus to healin...
Jul 16, 2024•42 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast This 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 Thurman, an...
Jul 09, 2024•41 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast 
