Maps, Mountain Lions, and the Larger Story

Season Five kicks off with Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings reflecting on where the journey has taken them—and where it’s going next. Surrounded by memorabilia, laughter, and memories, they introduce the guiding theme for this new season: understanding the larger story through the lens of maps, spiritual reality, and the battle between light and darkness.

From tales of mountain lions in Montana to metaphors pulled from The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, this episode invites listeners to reframe how they see their lives—not as random or isolated, but as part of a greater narrative shaped by love, war, and redemption.

Michael and SJ emphasize the centrality of the heart in that story, the importance of spiritual awareness, and the need to know where you are and where you’re headed. This season, the podcast will explore Zoweh’s Map of the Larger Story, offering listeners tools, truth, and orientation to help them navigate life in both the physical and spiritual realms.

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

📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org

🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

📚 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

Hearing God’s Voice: Removing Obstacles and Restoring Intimacy

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and Josh Overton dive into one of the most personal and transformative themes of the spiritual journey: hearing the voice of God. Through stories, theology, and personal reflection, they remind us that God is still speaking—and always has been.

Michael shares a powerful encounter in an aspen grove, while Josh recalls a moment of divine validation as a "Giant Slayer." Together, they unpack the misconceptions, fears, and shame that often block us from hearing God clearly and offer encouragement for both solitude and community as sacred spaces where we can connect with Him.

They also introduce their new YouVersion reading plan, “Comforted by God,” which is designed to help listeners engage in contemplative prayer and learn how to hear God’s voice in everyday moments. From walking in the woods to holding a rock in your hand, no moment is too ordinary for God to speak.

This episode is an invitation to posture your heart to listen, believe He’s speaking, and experience the comfort of His voice.

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

📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
📲 Download the plan: Comforted by God on the YouVersion Bible App
🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
📚 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp

King Me: Becoming the Hero in Your Story

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson shares a powerful conversation with Jim Ramos, host of the Men in the Arena podcast, centered on the themes of King Me—the masculine journey, identity, and living as image bearers of God.

Michael unpacks the five stages of a man’s life: boyhood, explorer, warrior, king, and elder sage, and the importance of validation and initiation in each. Together, they explore the wounds men carry, the battles they face, and the calling to live as strong and kind kings who reflect the glory of God.

The conversation is filled with practical wisdom for cultivating intimacy in marriage, blessing your children, and seeking healing from past pain. With honesty and encouragement, Michael and Jim invite men to ask two life-shaping questions: How do You see me, God? and How do I see myself?

This episode is a clarion call to step into the Larger Story, live from a whole heart, and reign well in the relationships that matter most.

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

📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
🌐 Learn more:
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
📚 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp