The Gospel in The Notebook

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings turn to an unexpected favorite—The Notebook—to explore the deeper longings of the human heart. What might seem like a simple romantic drama becomes a window into themes of pursuit, sacrifice, faithfulness, and sacred romance woven into the larger story God is telling.

Through the characters of Noah and Allie, Michael and SJ unpack what it means to fight for love over time, through opposition, loss, and suffering. They reflect on the beauty of being chosen, known, and pursued—and how true romance always carries a cost. The conversation moves beyond sentimentality into the reality that real love is forged through perseverance, courage, and self-giving devotion.

Alongside their film analysis, Michael shares a personal story of encountering God's presence in an unexpected moment—drawing a parallel between divine pursuit and human romance. Together, they invite listeners to consider how stories like The Notebook awaken something holy in us: a longing to be fully loved and to give ourselves away for something greater.

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

Sign Up for the Heart of a Warrior Encounter: www.zoweh.org/events

📧 Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org
🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

The Gospel in Lord of the Rings

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings journey through the epic world of The Lord of the Rings—exploring how Tolkien's masterpiece mirrors the deeper spiritual realities of our own lives. From the quiet comfort of the Shire to the battlefields of Middle Earth, the conversation follows Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, and the fellowship as they answer the call to adventure, face down evil, and sacrifice for something greater than themselves.

Using the trailers from The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, Michael and SJ unpack the arc of the Hero's Journey and why it continues to resonate. They reflect on the pull toward comfort, the cost of leaving "the normal world," and the significance of choosing hope in the darkest places. The ring becomes more than a plot device—it's a symbol of the burdens we carry and the battles we face daily.

With personal stories, spiritual insight, and reverence for the storytelling genius of Tolkien, this episode reminds us that every man is in a larger story—one filled with glory, grief, and a King worth following.

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

Sign Up for the Heart of a Warrior Encounter: www.zoweh.org/events

📧 Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org
🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

The Gospel in Tombstone

Sign up for the Father Matters Zoom Group: https://www.zoweh.org/events#circles

In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off their new "Faves" series by diving into one of their all-time favorite films: Tombstone. Through the lens of the friendship between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, they unpack themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and brotherhood—exploring how one man laid down his life so another could live his. Drawing from Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey," they reflect on the arcs of transformation, the call to adventure, and the role of mentors, weaving these archetypes into real-life spiritual parallels.

As they recount powerful moments from Tombstone, the conversation touches on the universal longing for a normal life, the inevitable confrontation with evil, and the beauty of redemptive friendship. Whether it's Wyatt's search for peace or Doc's act of selfless love, the hosts invite listeners to consider the ways story helps us see our own battles, questions, and courage more clearly.

It's not just a movie episode—it's a deep reflection on the power of story to mirror truth, stir the soul, and invite us into the greater story God is telling.

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

Sign Up for the Heart of a Warrior Encounter: www.zoweh.org/events

📧 Email us: exploringmore@zoweh.org
🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/podcast