Exploring More

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 reaction to response, from self-protection to wholehearted presence.

Fatherhood isn’t a calling for the perfect—it’s a journey for the willing. And this episode is a compelling invitation to every dad to recover his heart, reengage his role, and rediscover the joy of leading with love.

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

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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 vulnerability, grace, and a willingness to be seen as we truly are.

The role of brotherhood and trusted community is woven throughout the episode, reminding listeners that healing rarely happens in isolation. Instead, it unfolds through support, presence, and being known. From these safe places, men can begin to let go of the false self and walk into the life of courage, authenticity, and wholeness they were made for.

As the episode closes, listeners are invited into deeper exploration—with resources like The Heart of a Warrior and an open door to reach out for connection and support. This episode serves as both a mirror and a compass, offering perspective, hope, and a clear path forward into freedom.

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

📧 Email us: [email protected]

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https://www.zoweh.org/events

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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 filled with purpose and direction. Michael and SJ paint a compelling picture of what it looks like when men who are fully oriented—those who are in tune with God's work in their lives—come together to speak into each other’s lives. They envision men who are not just passive participants but active partners with God in the pursuit of a life filled with meaning and More. The episode opens with personal stories from the recent DFG summit held in the southern Ohio area, where the hosts witnessed these concepts in action. They share powerful examples of how the principles of initiation, validation, and orientation played out among the men who attended, offering a vivid illustration of the transformative potential of these ideas. Throughout the episode, Michael and SJ emphasize the critical role of walking with God as the cornerstone of healing and restoration. They encourage listeners to engage deeply with their own hearts, to embrace the vision of redeeming generational masculinity, and to commit to doing life together with others. By fostering a community of oriented men, they believe that the landscape of masculinity can undergo a radical transformation, leading to the redemption of generational masculinity and a future where men live with greater purpose, strength, and connection. This episode is a call to action for men to not only reflect on their own journeys but to actively participate in the collective healing and growth of masculinity. By partnering with God and each other, Michael and SJ argue that we can reshape the future for generations to come, creating a legacy of strength, compassion, and godly leadership that will resonate through time.

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What if God has a banner, an anthem to sing over your heart this year? When my kids were young, I would sing songs to them as they fell asleep. Over their early years, certain songs became their own personal anthems - ones they chose over and over or ones that welled up in my heart in the closing moments of the day. Imagine God singing the verse you land on today over you as you move throughout this year. May it become a sweet song of his particular kindness for your heart over this mile marker in your story.

Join Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings for part 1 of this conversation on The Exploring More Podcast, as they invite us to journey with God to uncover this anthem for our heart!

Pick up your FREE COPY of the Word of the Year Devotional here or start a reading plan on YouVersion's Bble app here.