For more information on "The Good Man Series" Visit: https://www.thegoodmanseries.com/ To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue introducing the Good Man Series—a powerful, biblically grounded resource designed to help men rediscover who they truly are and step into a life of freedom, strength, and connection. This series isn't just content—it's a guided journey. Through four key movements—understanding the larger story, identifying the false self, addressing past wounds, and recovering the true self—men are invited to examine the narratives shaping their lives and begin the work of healing and transformation. Michael and SJ unpack the reality that many men are living from a version of themselves shaped by fear, shame, and performance. The Good Man Series offers a way out—through intentional reflection, honest community, and deeper intimacy with God. Alongside the video sessions, the companion journal and leader guide provide practical tools for individuals and groups to engage the process in meaningful ways. This episode is an invitation to step into the journey—not alone, but with others—and to discover the kind of man God created you to be: one who knows his identity, faces his story, and lives from a place of belovedness.

To help fuel this podcast: https://www.zoweh.org/give The Good Man Series: https://www.thegoodmanseries.com/

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings introduce something new and deeply needed—the Good Man Series—a free, biblically grounded video resource designed to help men recover their identity and step into the goodness God created them for. Using the powerful film The Shawshank Redemption as a starting point, they explore timeless themes of hope, freedom, friendship, and redemption. Why do stories like this resonate so deeply? Because they echo the larger story we're all living in—the longing to be free, to be known, and to become who we were meant to be. Through the journey of Andy Dufresne and Red, Michael and SJ unpack the danger of "institutionalization"—how environments, wounds, and lies can quietly shape our identity—and the courageous, costly choice to hold onto hope anyway. Hope, in this story, isn't wishful thinking. It's defiance. It's resistance. It's the beginning of freedom. This episode is both an invitation and a preview—into a series that calls men out of passivity and performance, and into a life of authenticity, courage, and restoration.

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The Gospel In Secondhand Lions

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their exploration of powerful stories by stepping into the film Secondhand Lions—a story rich with themes of honor, courage, and what it truly means to become a good man.

Why do certain stories stay with us? Why do lines from films resonate in our hearts the same way Scripture can? Michael and SJ unpack the idea that great storytelling acts like a tuning fork—awakening something deep within us that was always meant to respond to truth, beauty, and goodness.

Through the journey of young Walter and his uncles Hub and Garth, they explore the masculine journey, the power of initiation, and the importance of having older men speak identity and courage into the next generation. A pivotal moment in the film—Hub's speech about what makes a man—becomes a doorway into deeper conversations about belief, virtue, and choosing to live for something worth fighting for.

This episode is an invitation to rediscover the power of story—not just as entertainment, but as formation. To consider the stories shaping you, the truths they awaken, and the kind of man they are calling you to become.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!

Email us: [email protected] 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

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The Gospel In The Matrix

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings step into one of the most iconic films of a generation—The Matrix—and explore its powerful spiritual parallels to the Christian journey.

What if the world isn't as it seems? What if much of what we believe, pursue, and react to has been shaped by a system we were never meant to live in?

Through the story of Neo's awakening, Michael and SJ unpack themes of deception, identity, and freedom—drawing striking connections between the Matrix and the spiritual reality of a world at war for the human heart. The idea of being "unplugged" becomes more than a cinematic moment—it becomes a picture of what it means to awaken to truth, to step out of false narratives, and to begin living as who we were truly created to be.

They explore the role of the mentor, the cost of awakening, and the ongoing training required to live free. Along the way, they reflect on personal moments of spiritual awakening—times when God broke through assumptions, exposed lies, and invited them into a deeper understanding of His presence and kingdom.

This episode is an invitation to examine the systems shaping your thinking, to recognize the battle for your heart, and to consider what it might look like to truly wake up—and live free.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!Email us: [email protected] 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

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The Stories Fathers Leave Behind

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings conclude the Father Matters series with a powerful conversation about legacy—what fathers ultimately leave behind in the hearts of their children.

Legacy isn't built through perfection or achievement. It's formed through presence, engagement, forgiveness, and the stories we share along the way. Michael reflects on the lasting influence of his own father's words and presence, reminding dads that their impact doesn't end when children grow up. The invitation is to stay engaged, to keep asking questions, and to continue investing in relationship no matter the stage of life.

Throughout the episode, Michael and SJ explore the role of forgiveness in shaping legacy, the importance of sharing personal stories so children understand their parents' journey, and the power of prayer as fathers bless and intercede for their sons and daughters. Practical ideas—simple conversations, shared experiences, texts, letters, and moments of attention—become the building blocks of a meaningful inheritance.

As the series closes, fathers are reminded that the greatest legacy is not wealth or accomplishment but a heart that felt seen, known, and loved.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!

Email us: [email protected] 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

Link to the Pursuit of Happiness: https://youtu.be/UZb2NOHPA2A?si=uW8ZKT1F4mNo2pvF

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Healing Shame in the Family Story

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by addressing one of the most powerful and often hidden forces shaping father–child relationships: shame.

Many fathers carry unresolved shame from their own stories, and without realizing it, can pass that weight on to their children through words, expectations, or reactions. Michael and SJ unpack the crucial difference between guilt and shame—guilt says "I did something wrong," while shame whispers "something is wrong with me." When shame takes root, it can quietly shape identity and relationships for years.

Through personal stories and honest reflection, the conversation explores how fathers can become more aware of the impact of their tone, responses, and presence. They highlight the power of empathy, attentive listening, and real-time repair—those humble moments when a father says, "I'm sorry." Far from weakening authority, these moments build trust, healing, and connection.

This episode invites fathers to move beyond fear and perfection into humility and redemption—becoming men who confront shame, repair wounds, and help their children grow in freedom and belovedness.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!

Email us: [email protected] 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

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Seeing the Glory in Your Child

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by stepping into one of the most sacred assignments of fatherhood: supporting your children's dreams.

Building on previous conversations about glory and identity, this episode explores how fathers can affirm the direction their children are heading—without controlling, lecturing, or projecting their own unmet ambitions. Through the story of Rudy and personal parenting moments, Michael and SJ highlight the power of simple but life-shaping words like, "I'm proud of you," and "I want to."

They unpack the difference between interpreting your child's story accurately versus imposing your own narrative, the importance of being present in both success and failure, and the critical role of prayer in guiding a child's path. Supporting dreams isn't about guaranteeing outcomes—it's about offering belief, advocacy, and steady love along the way.

This episode is an invitation for fathers to move from correction to encouragement, from pressure to partnership, and from fear to faith as they walk with their children toward the future God is shaping.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!

Email us: [email protected] 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

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Seeing the Glory in Your Child

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by moving fatherhood beyond behavior management and into something far deeper: character, calling, and glory.

Too often, parenting can default to correction, compliance, and control. But what if fathering is about recognizing and nurturing the unique "glory" God has placed within each child? Drawing from Proverbs 22 and personal stories of missed and redeemed opportunities, Michael and SJ invite fathers to shift from shaping behavior to stewarding identity.

They explore the long-term impact of presence, the courage it takes to truly understand a child's heart, and the importance of advocating for a child's interests—even when it requires inconvenience or sacrifice. The conversation also widens the lens, reminding men that spiritual fathering isn't limited to biological children. There are sons and daughters everywhere who need affirmation, guidance, and belief.

This episode is a call to see your children as image bearers, to pursue understanding over control, and to nurture the particular design God has entrusted to you.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!

Email us: [email protected] 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

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Fighting for the Hearts of Your Kids

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by exploring a powerful dimension of fatherhood: advocacy.

What does it mean to truly fight for your children's hearts?

Michael and SJ unpack the difference between passive fathering and aggressive control—and introduce a third way: engaged, intentional advocacy. Fathers are invited to move beyond simply providing or correcting and into actively supporting their children's interests, decisions, and growing agency. Whether it's backing a big move, stepping into online gaming worlds, or standing up for a child in difficult environments, advocacy communicates something profound: "I am with you."

The conversation also revisits the deeper roots of fathering—how our own upbringing shapes our instincts, reactions, and fears. Healing matters. Being fathered by God matters. Because when we receive unconditional love from the Father, we're empowered to extend that same steady presence and strength to our sons and daughters.

This episode is a call to courageous engagement—to become the kind of father who protects without controlling, guides without shaming, and loves without condition.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!

Email us: [email protected] 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

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Restoring Relationship with Your Kids

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the Father Matters series by diving into the heart of fatherhood—a journey that begins with healing and continues through connection, repair, and redemption.

Through Ephesians 5:1–2 and personal stories, the conversation unpacks the core truth that you can't love your kids well if you haven't received the extravagant love of the Father. Michael and SJ share their own experiences of navigating past wounds, rebuilding trust, and falling off the pedestal of perfection. They speak candidly about parenting from the false self, the challenges of offering real apologies, and the power of engaging our kids in conversations about their experience of being fathered.

This episode is an invitation for dads to move from performance into presence, from distance into intimacy—with their children and with God. Whether you're starting the journey or already in the deep waters of fatherhood, there's more healing and hope available than you think.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!

Email us: [email protected] 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

In this week's episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their deep dive into fatherhood with Part 2 of the Father Matters series. Centered around three foundational truths—that you can't father well unless you've been fathered, that fatherhood is relational not transactional, and that fatherhood never ends—the conversation challenges men to reflect on their own stories and press into presence over performance.

Through personal stories and practical insights, Michael and SJ explore how being present, engaged, and intentional creates space for deeper connection and healing in relationships with children. They name the common distractions—busyness, financial stress, past wounds—and point to the quiet heroism of simply showing up. The power of meaningful questions, the role of forgiveness, and the impact of being emotionally available are all part of the journey.

Whether you're a new dad, a seasoned father, or healing from your own father story, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that God is still fathering you—and He wants to empower you to father well.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast, and invite you to connect with us!

Email us: [email protected] 📕 Podcast: zoweh.org/podcast 📅 Register for The Heart of a Warrior Encounter (April 16–19, 2026): zoweh.org/events