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. Listeners are encouraged to rethink the way they show up for one another: to listen better, ride together, and move toward deeper connection.

Brotherhood takes effort, but the fruit is worth it—a life lived with others, known and loved in return.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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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 become essential for staying connected to God and each other. Join the conversation and discover how to create space for rest, reflection, and deeper faith.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jHsq36_NTU

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 step into the light. Join the conversation and discover how to break shame’s hold and reclaim the identity God sees in you.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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Brene Brown video: https://youtu.be/KZBTYViDPlQ?si=0S21UhVY7ob63X31 

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!

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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 healing is possible.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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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 more together. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’re on this journey with you!

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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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 the burden of shame and lead you into a life of freedom.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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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 and the biblical transition from shame under the Old Covenant to grace in the New Covenant, they explore how Jesus' love and acceptance offer a path to freedom. They discuss practical ways to break free from shame, including vulnerability, connection, and spiritual healing, and emphasize the importance of confronting shame rather than letting it define us.

If you’ve ever wrestled with feelings of unworthiness or struggled to silence the voice of shame, this episode offers deep encouragement and practical steps toward healing.

Tune in to Exploring More and discover how freedom from shame is not just possible—it’s within reach.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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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 down, paying attention, and being open to God’s voice can transform the way you experience Him.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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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 Exploring More and discover how hearing from God isn’t just possible—it’s life-changing.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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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 God into your thoughts and impressions while developing discernment. The World around You, God’s voice permeates His creation. Hear how circumstances, nature, and even coincidences can carry His message directly to your heart.

Then they share personal stories of how they’ve encountered God’s voice through these diverse ways.

Whether you’ve struggled to hear God’s voice or want to strengthen your connection with Him, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement. With a focus on intimacy with God, Michael and SJ provide tools to help you hear Him more confidently.

Tune in to the Exploring More Podcast for a deeper understanding of how God speaks and how clearing the way can lead to a richer, more intimate relationship with Him.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

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creation calls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGvfdtI2c0