In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series on Kingdom realities by exploring a powerful truth: the Gospel often meets us at our deepest point of need.

For some, it's forgiveness. For others, it's healing, freedom, belonging, comfort, purpose, or hope.

Michael and SJ share deeply personal stories of how God met them in seasons of desperation and transformed their understanding of the Gospel. SJ recounts one of the darkest chapters of his life—walking through divorce, estrangement from his son, PTSD, and months of suicidal thoughts. In the middle of that despair, a simple phone call from his sister and the truth of Isaiah 55 became an anchor that changed everything.

Together, they explore the idea of a "customized Gospel"—not a different Gospel, but the many ways the one Gospel reveals itself to meet people exactly where they are. The conversation highlights how our personal stories shape the way we first experience Jesus and reminds us that there is always more of His Kingdom available than we may have previously understood.

Michael and SJ also reflect on the verses, songs, and moments that become "posters on the walls of our hearts"—truths God uses to sustain us through every season of life.

Whether you're walking through pain, searching for hope, or simply wanting to understand the Gospel more deeply, this episode is a reminder that Jesus meets people personally, compassionately, and right where they are.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings begin a brand-new series exploring one of the most foundational themes in Scripture: life. Not simply existence—but the abundant, eternal, Kingdom life Jesus came to give.

Drawing from John 10:10, Michael and SJ unpack the biblical meaning of the Greek word zoe, revealing a life that is far greater than mere biological existence. It's the life of God's Kingdom available to us now—a life marked by intimacy with God, restoration, freedom, and transformation.

The conversation explores the intersection of personal theology and biblical theology, asking how our experiences with God shape the way we understand Scripture—and how Scripture continually reshapes the way we experience God. Michael shares pieces of his own journey through seminary, influential books like Wild at Heart, and the profound impact of discovering C.S. Lewis's distinction between bios (natural life) and zoe (the life of God).

Together, they challenge listeners to consider whether their faith has been built primarily on sin and forgiveness, or on the greater invitation of resurrection life and the Kingdom of God. The Gospel isn't simply about escaping death—it's about entering Life.

This episode launches a series that invites listeners to rediscover the biblical reality of abundant life and to experience the deeper love, freedom, and restoration Jesus has always intended for His people.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their conversation around The Life You Built by Scott Jennings, diving deeper into one of the most important realities of spiritual formation: growth is cyclical, not linear.

Many of us expect healing and transformation to happen in a straight line. But what if the journey actually looks more like a wave? Awareness. Breakthrough. Peace. Trigger. Old patterns resurfacing. New awareness. Deeper surrender. Renewal.

Michael and SJ explore how the false self and true self continue to emerge throughout life, especially in our closest relationships. They discuss the challenges of marriage, recurring conflicts, and the temptation to interpret, predict, and protect ourselves rather than remain open, curious, and compassionate. The conversation reveals how the false self operates through fear and self-protection, while the true self invites us into trust, presence, and connection.

The episode also continues the discussion on the Enneagram as a tool for understanding motivations, emotional patterns, and relational dynamics. Rather than serving as a label, it can become a map that helps us recognize why we react the way we do and where God may be inviting deeper freedom.

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder: healing is not a one-time event. It's a lifelong process of learning to "ride the wave"—returning again and again to awareness, compassion, and truth.

If you've ever felt discouraged by recurring struggles or wondered why old patterns keep resurfacing, this episode offers hope. Growth isn't about never falling back. It's about learning how to return.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Scott Jennings continue their conversation around The Life You Built, exploring one of the most transformative ideas in the spiritual journey: the Great Exchange.

What if the life you've been living was built around survival rather than freedom?

Together, they unpack the ongoing process of moving from the false self to the true self—from protecting to trusting, performing to resting, pretending to revealing, and fear to love. While survival strategies may have helped us navigate pain, wounds, and difficult seasons, they were never meant to become our permanent identity.

The conversation highlights the reality that freedom isn't about becoming someone new; it's about returning to who God created you to be. Michael, SJ, and Scott discuss how awareness, reflection, and grace help us recognize the ways the false self still operates in our lives and relationships.

They also dive into the Enneagram, not as a tool for labeling people, but as a map for understanding motivations, patterns, and the hidden drivers behind our behavior. While acknowledging the controversy surrounding it, they explore how the Enneagram has helped many people gain greater self-awareness, healthier relationships, and deeper compassion for themselves and others.

Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to exchange survival for freedom, fear for love, and self-protection for trust. The true self isn't something you have to create—it's the person God has been calling forth all along.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson welcomes Scott Jennings and Steve Knee for a powerful conversation around Scott's book, The Life You Built, and one of the most important journeys a man can take: moving from the false self to the true self.

What if the version of you that learned to survive isn't the real you?

Together, they explore the ways men construct false identities through wounds, fears, coping mechanisms, and performance. Over time, these strategies can become so familiar that they feel like who we are. But beneath the masks, defenses, and self-protection is the true self—the man God created and loves.

The conversation centers on what Scott calls "The Great Exchange"—the ongoing process of recognizing the false self, releasing its grip, and learning to live from a place of truth, freedom, and belovedness. Michael, Scott, and Steve unpack practical steps for this journey, including awareness, self-observation, compassion, and choosing presence over fear.

They also discuss the role of community in healing, using the image of interconnected aspen trees as a reminder that transformation was never meant to happen alone. Freedom isn't found by trying harder—it's found by becoming more honest, more awake, and more connected to God and others.

If you've ever felt trapped by old patterns, exhausted by performance, or disconnected from your true self, this episode offers a hopeful invitation: the real you is still there, waiting to emerge.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings reflect on the impact of the Good Man Series and the lifelong journey of becoming wholehearted men. Looking back on years of ministry, friendships, and conversations with men, they explore what it means to move beyond performance and into a life marked by healing, freedom, and authenticity. Drawing from stories of transformation and personal experiences, Michael and SJ revisit one of the central themes of the series: becoming the man God created you to be. They discuss the importance of identity, brotherhood, and the courage it takes to engage your story honestly. The conversation highlights how healing is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that continues to shape every area of life. They also explore the significance of legacy—not just what a man accomplishes, but who he becomes and the impact he has on others. Through stories of friendship, mentorship, and spiritual growth, this episode serves as a reminder that every man is invited into a greater story, one where his life, wounds, gifts, and experiences can be redeemed and used for good. Whether you're just beginning your journey or have been walking this road for years, this conversation offers encouragement to stay engaged, remain open to God's work, and continue becoming more fully alive.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue unpacking the heart behind the Good Man Series, an eight-session journey created to help men recover their identity, heal what has been wounded, and step into the fullness of who God created them to be.

What does it mean to become a good man? Not merely a better version of yourself—but a man who is becoming more wholehearted, more free, and more alive.

Michael and SJ revisit some of the central themes of the series: masculinity, healing, the false self, and the invitation to rediscover the true self beneath the wounds, performance, and expectations that shape so many men's lives. At the center of the conversation is a profound idea from Saint Irenaeus: "The glory of God is man fully alive."

The episode explores the significance of the final session on glory—the unique strength, calling, and beauty God placed in every man. It's not about ego or achievement. It's about becoming the man God dreamed of when He made you.

Michael and SJ also reflect on the importance of commissioning, brotherhood, and continuing the journey beyond a single event or study. Healing isn't a destination—it's a lifelong invitation into deeper freedom, intimacy with God, and wholehearted living.

This episode is an encouragement to stay in the process, share what you're learning with others, and trust that your story still holds purpose, healing, and more life ahead.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the conversation around the Good Man Series, exploring what healing actually looks like—and why becoming a good man is inseparable from learning how to receive love.

Healing isn't just about fixing what's broken. It's about uncovering the true self beneath the wounds, agreements, disappointments, and grief we've carried for years. Michael and SJ discuss the deeper work of restoration, the resistance many men feel toward receiving encouragement, and why even something as simple as a compliment can reveal what still needs healing.

At the center of the conversation is a profound truth: good overcomes evil through love. Not striving. Not performance. Not shame. But through the restoring work of God that calls men back to who they truly are.

Michael and SJ also unpack the effects of unresolved grief, the connection between emotional and physical health, and why healing is never meant to happen in isolation. Whether through friendship, brotherhood, or intentional spiritual practices, men need others to walk with them as they recover strength, goodness, and wholeheartedness.

The journey toward healing isn't quick—but it is good. And the more whole a man becomes, the more freely he can love, lead, and live from the heart God intended.

This episode is an invitation to keep going—to embrace the process, receive what God says is true about you, and trust that healing is still unfolding.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson continues the journey into the Good Man Series, offering a deeper look at the path men are invited to walk—from confusion and isolation to clarity, healing, and freedom.

At the heart of the series is a bold claim: many men are living from a false version of themselves—shaped by wounds, agreements, and survival strategies—while their true self, created in the image of God, remains waiting to be recovered.

Michael explores the core movements of the series—the larger story, the false self, and the true self—while sharing personal stories and real-world experiences from walking with men through this process. From moments of spiritual awakening (like being called "Aspen Andy") to the quiet, consistent work of brotherhood and community, this episode reminds us that transformation doesn't happen in isolation.

The journey to becoming a good man isn't instant—it's formed through awareness, healing, courage, and training over time. It requires honesty to face your story, humility to receive help, and a willingness to remain engaged with God and others.

If you've ever felt stuck, isolated, confused, or unsure how to move forward, this conversation is an invitation to keep going—to believe there is more healing, more freedom, and more life available.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson continues the journey into the Good Man Series, offering a deeper look at the path men are invited to walk—from confusion and isolation to clarity, healing, and freedom.

At the heart of the series is a bold claim: many men are living from a false version of themselves—shaped by wounds, agreements, and survival strategies—while their true self, created in the image of God, remains waiting to be recovered.

Michael explores the core movements of the series—the larger story, the false self, and the true self—while sharing personal stories and real-world experiences from leading men through this process. From moments of spiritual awakening (like being called "Aspen Andy") to the quiet, consistent work of community and brotherhood, this episode highlights that transformation doesn't happen in isolation.

The journey to becoming a good man isn't instant—it's formed through awareness, healing, and training over time. It requires courage to face your story, humility to receive help, and a willingness to stay engaged with God and others.

This episode is an invitation to keep going—to stay in the process, to step into community, and to believe that your story is not finished. There is more healing, more freedom, and more life available.

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue the journey into the Good Man Series, focusing on the process of becoming the man you were always meant to be—and the environments that make that transformation possible.

What does it actually look like for a man to engage his story, face his patterns, and recover his true self?

Michael and SJ unpack the heart behind the Good Man Series as more than just content—it's an experience. Whether through small groups, weekend intensives, or intentional conversations, this resource is designed to create space for men to slow down, reflect, and engage the deeper questions shaping their lives.

They explore the tension many men live in—swinging between aggression and passivity—and the importance of self-awareness, honesty, and community in breaking those patterns. The conversation emphasizes that growth begins with recognizing where you are, naming what's not working, and choosing to step toward something better.

At the core of it all is identity. Not something you earn, but something you uncover. As men begin to see that their true self is good—and worth fighting for—it opens the door to deeper intimacy with God and more authentic relationships with others.

This episode is an invitation to stop going it alone, to step into brotherhood, and to take the next step in your journey toward wholeness.