Exploring More

Healing Shame in the Family Story | S5E24

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give 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: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

Guiding Your Kids Without Controlling | The Exploring More Podcast | S5E23

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give 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: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

Seeing the Glory in Your Child | S5E22

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give 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: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

Father Matters: Fighting for Their Hearts | S5E21

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give 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: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast

Restoring Relationship with Your Kids | S5E20

To help fuel this podcast: Zoweh.org/give 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: exploringmore@zoweh.org 📅 Heart of a Warrior Encounter: April 16–19, 2026 – Register Here 📕 Podcast Archive + Show Notes: zoweh.org/podcast