Explore every episode of the podcast Space for Life

Brett McCracken has written about faith and culture for 20 years. His new book, The Wisdom of Sleep, starts with a simple question: why would God design people to be unconscious for a third of their lives, especially now, when a phone makes it easy to stay on? He and Tommy talk about sleep as a gift you receive, what scrolling does instead of rest, and how a bad night shows up in the people around you.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• Why a few minutes of scrolling feels like rest and leaves you more tired.
• Why God resting on the seventh day still matters when work can follow you home.
• How the garden, the wilderness, and heaven are all about rest, and where sleep fits.
• Why the single best thing you can do for your health is something you lie down and receive.
• What dreaming does with the conversations and inputs of the day you just lived.
• When sleeplessness is a disorder you should get help for, and when it is a choice.
• Why sleep looks like death on purpose, and why waking up points at resurrection.
• How a bad night changes how you show up for your family and your work.

(0:00) How he started writing (9:52) Parenting made sleep urgent (12:45) Technology gives you a reason not to rest (18:16) Why God made us sleep (24:14) Rest was the point, then we lost it (31:36) The best thing for your health is received (38:25) What your brain does while you dream (47:28) When poor sleep is a choice (53:50) Sleep looks like death on purpose (1:01:06) How your sleep lands on other people (1:06:52) The last 30 minutes, and the gaps in the day

The Wisdom of Sleep is available in print and as an audiobook Brett narrated. More of his writing is at The Gospel Coalition, and his other books are at brettmccracken.com.

Braxton Byerson grew up in a military family, played with both brothers at Virginia Union, then took the game to Uruguay and China before the ball stopped bouncing for him. Now he coaches, speaks, and writes about confidence, choices, and character, including the hard question he puts to young men: who are you when you do not get applause? Tommy talks with Braxton about getting cut, starting over with middle school girls basketball, life after a divorce, and why the words young people need most are I'm with you.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• Braxton grows up in Chester, VA, rooted in faith and humility by parents who cared more about character than applause.
• All three Byerson brothers play together at Virginia Union, a first in CIAA history.
• Pro ball in Uruguay and China puts him outside his language and comfort zone, and teaches him to sit back and listen.
• Confidence, choices, and character become his trifecta for student athletes.
• Getting cut in sixth grade, then again overseas, and choosing to show up anyway.
• Coaching a middle school girls team that had won three games in eight years into the playoffs four years running.
• Writing Stay on the Tracks, getting certified as a life coach, and taking the leap when fear and trust in God cannot share the same seat.
• Why youth open up when an adult says I'm with you, and Galatians 6:9 as the line he leaves people with.

(0:00) Intro

(3:50) Military kid to Chester, Virginia 

(7:45) Three brothers at Virginia Union 

(9:15) Pro ball in Uruguay and China

(15:15) Confidence, choices, and character

(19:25) Who are you without applause

(20:45) The ring of existence

(27:10) Bigger than basketball

(27:35) Cut in sixth grade, then overseas

(33:15) Coaching middle school girls

(38:15) Writing and life coaching

(48:30) I'm with you 

(57:05) Galatians 6:9 

(58:27) How to connect with Braxton

Stay on the Tracks, A Journey of Patience and Perseverance You've Got This, The Student Trifecta for Academic Achievement https://braxtonbyersonent.carrd.co https://www.instagram.com/braxb_7/ https://vuusports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/braxton-byerson/966 Instagram and TikTok: braxb_7 Facebook and LinkedIn: Braxton Byerson

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

You're in a known place, and then you're not. Parenthood, an empty nest, grief, a career, retirement. Tommy spent the summer wondering if this was the year he let Space for Life go, then he found Encore. Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons left big law at 35 to be with her kids, called it front ending retirement, and lost her identity anyway.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• Tommy takes a sabbatical, wonders if Space for Life is over, and then reads Encore.
• Elizabeth leaves Milbank at 35 to be with her kids, moves to Tucson, and loses her identity.
• The difference between the roles we walk in with and the person under those roles.
• Tommy adds a line to his mission statement, I am God's son.
• How to make a plan so you don't base jump into a panic.
• Grief, the choice toward hope, and taking one small action when you are stuck.

(0:00) Season eight after a sabbatical 

(2:55) Meet Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

(4:04) Leaving big law at 35

(7:40) Far from just fine

(12:17) The roles we lead with

(16:16) Who stays when roles go

(23:11) Tommy's encore after 40 years

(25:14) Call it a graduation 

(33:50) Plan, don't panic 

(38:08) Treat it like an experiment 

(41:50) Structure that fills you 

(47:28) Don't kill the dream 

(50:40) Hope after a terrible change 

(54:50) One small action

Encore, A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement 

https://encoraco.com 

https://zelinkaparsons.com 

Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons on LinkedIn

Tommy revisits a conversation with Lisa Ould, executive director of Barnabas Center and decades-long counselor, on one of the most personal and underaddressed topics he has taken on across all of Space for Life. Whether you tend to suppress what you feel or find yourself regularly overwhelmed by it, this episode offers a clear framework for understanding where emotions come from, why they matter, and how to stay in what Lisa calls your window of tolerance. Tommy gets personal too, sharing a formative story from his high school lacrosse days that quietly shaped how he has related to his own emotions ever since.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• What the emotions wheel is and why most of us only have five or six words for what we actually feel.
• The critical distinction between experiencing an emotion, expressing it, and the choices you make from there.
• The counseling concept of the window of tolerance, and what it looks like to be in hyperarousal or hypoarousal.
• How your belief systems shape your habitual emotional patterns, and why naming those beliefs is the first step toward changing them.
• Practical guidance for the over-expressive person and the emotionally shut-down person, including how habits and movement can shift where you land.
• Tommy's high school lacrosse story, the moment he made a quiet vow to shut down his emotions, and the cost of that vow on both the hard feelings and the good ones.
• Why the goal is never to stop feeling but to grow your ability to stay present and functional while you do.
• How faith and scripture connect to emotional health by reshaping the belief systems that drive our habitual responses.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(4:11) Emotions as part of how we're made

(6:20) The emotions wheel

(10:18) Feeling vs. expressing vs. choosing

(15:40) The window of tolerance

(21:44) Beliefs, emotions, and choices

(30:55) The person stuck in habitual negative emotion

(36:00) The emotionally shut-down person

(38:14) Tommy's lacrosse story and the vow he made

Resources / Next Steps:

Learn more about Lisa Ould and Barnabas Center at barnabascenterclt.com.

Visit TommyThompson.com for more helpful content and resources from Tommy.

If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps others find the show.

Ana Megrelishvili went through a troubled childhood: her family was poor and in disarray, and her own father sexually abused her. Nevertheless, she did not let trauma shape her identity, and she eventually found healing and peace after going on a silent retreat. In this episode, Ana joins Tommy Thompson to share how she immigrated to the United States, overcame her resentment of God, and is now changing the lives of many after fully understanding her purpose in life. She talks about the origins of her non-profit Christian Professionals Network Worldwide and how they are addressing the worsening state of homelessness in the country.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Tommy Thompson sits down with author and attorney Justin Earley to talk about one of the most underdiagnosed crises of our time, an epidemic of loneliness that most people are living with but can't even name. Justin is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and his most recent book Made for People, which makes the case that we were created not just for connection but for deep, covenant friendship. This conversation traces the biblical roots of why friendship matters, what it actually takes to build it, and why one honest hour a week with the right person might be the most life-changing thing you can do.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Justin's unlikely path from English major at UVA to missionary in Shanghai to Georgetown law school and Richmond business attorney, and how that journey gave birth to three books.
• The collapse Justin experienced in his first year of lawyering, and how that season of anxiety and panic attacks led directly to The Common Rule.
• Why Justin believes loneliness is one of the most dangerous conditions of our time, one most people are living with but would never self-diagnose.
• What Genesis reveals about why God made us to be fully known and fully loved alongside other people, not just with him alone.
• Why having a full network of acquaintances and connections is not the same as friendship, and can sometimes make the loneliness worse.
• The concept of covenant friendship and its ten ingredients, from vulnerability and honesty to geography, time, and worship.
• Why vulnerability is the hardest thing to get your heart around, and why scheduling is the hardest thing to actually follow through on.
• Why one honest hour a week with the right person is all it takes to begin changing your life.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(0:47) Justin's background and three books

(9:19) Anxiety, collapse, and the birth of The Common Rule

(17:54) Why Justin wrote Made for People

(21:01) The epidemic of loneliness

(23:49) The theology of friendship in Genesis

(29:06) Ten ingredients of covenant friendship

(37:24) One hour a week is enough

(41:03) Where to start if you feel alone

Resources / Next Steps:

Pick up Made for People on Amazon and leave a review to help others find it.

Find Justin and all of his books at justinwhitmoreearly.com.

Visit TommyThompson.com for more helpful content and resources from Tommy.

If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps others find the show.

Tommy Thompson and co-host Patricia Clark revisit a conversation that cuts to the heart of one of the most common struggles in modern life. Rather than treating stress as something to push through or accept as inevitable, Tommy makes the case that stress is a barometer, a signal worth reading about what is really going on beneath the surface. This episode walks through five practical ways to stop letting stress run the show, from the simple act of slowing down to the deeper work of engaging your faith in a way that actually changes how you feel.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why stress has become epidemic in modern society and how the American dream may be quietly fueling it.
• The barometer concept, treating stress not as noise to ignore but as a signal with something real to say.
• A quick review of five practical tools from a previous episode, covering morning routines, breathing, mini getaways, and distractions.
• Tip 1: How to take a step back, ask why you are stressed, and why naming the source gives you power over it.
• Tip 2: Why rushing and stress are inseparable, and what intentionally slowing down actually does to your nervous system.
• Tip 3: How narrowing your focus to one or two truly important things cuts through the overwhelm of a long to-do list.
• Tip 4: The discipline of simplifying, identifying what can wait and letting yourself cut it without guilt.
• Tip 5: How faith functions as the deepest stress barometer of all, and what it looks like to live like what you believe is actually true.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(1:53) Stress as a barometer

(4:13) Why stress has become epidemic

(10:15) Review of five previous tips

(11:57) Tip 1: Take a step back

(17:10) Tip 2: Stop rushing

(20:32) Tip 3: Focus on the important

(26:44) Tip 4: Simplify

(28:43) Tip 5: Engage your faith

Resources / Next Steps:

Visit TommyThompson.com for more helpful content and resources from Tommy.

If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps others find the show.

Today we're revisiting one of the more meaningful early episodes from Space for Life, a conversation with friend and co-host Patricia Clark recorded shortly after a full year sabbatical he called a Year of Jubilee. Tommy reflects on why he needed to step away, what he discovered when God took the year in a completely unexpected direction, and how creating that space led to a health transformation he never saw coming. Whether or not a full year off is possible for you, this episode is full of wisdom on what it looks like to rightsize your life and recover the rhythm between doing and being.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• The biblical concept of Jubilee and why Tommy used it as the framework for stepping away from work he loved.
• Why Tommy believes he was heading toward burnout but needed a different word to give himself permission to slow down.
• The unexpected health transformation that came out of clearing his schedule, something he says categorically would not have happened otherwise.
• The surprising freedom and joy that came from realizing how small he and his work actually are in the grand scheme of things.
• Why halfway measures like cutting back on one thing never give you enough of a break to actually reset.
• What Tommy calls mini jubilees, shorter but fully committed disconnects that anyone can build into their life.
• The balance board metaphor, and why staying in rhythm means constantly adjusting rather than finding a permanent steady state.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(1:15) Tommy and Patricia reconnect

(2:01) What is a Year of Jubilee

(5:41) Approaching burnout

(9:21) The unexpected health transformation

(17:34) The freedom of being small

(23:48) What if you can't take a year off

(25:42) Mini jubilees done right

(32:37) Rightsizing life and finding rhythm

Resources / Next Steps:

Visit TommyThompson.com for more helpful content and resources from Tommy.

If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review helps others find the show.

Tommy Thompson brings back one of the earliest and most beloved episodes from Space for Life, a conversation with his brother and 40-year business partner, Litt Thompson. After a business crisis in the early 1990s pushed Litt to his breaking point, one desperate morning spent alone in a university library set him on a path he has been following for over 25 years. In this episode, Litt shares his five-part formula for carving out intentional time to think deeply about your life, and why he believes it is the second greatest secret to life next to knowing Christ.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• The early 1990s savings and loan crisis that pushed Litt and Tommy to the edge of burnout, invisibly and simultaneously.
• The morning Litt spent alone in a university library with nothing but a legal pad and a pen, and why it became the most productive day of his career.
• How writing one focused question at the top of a page and going deep unlocks a level of creativity you cannot access in the middle of your normal day.
• Why so many of our stressors are fears in disguise, and how creating space helps you tell the difference.
• Litt's five-part formula for intentional solitude, including why place, time, and removing distractions all work together.
• Why this practice applies to everyone in every stage of life, not just entrepreneurs and leaders.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(1:25) Tommy introduces Litt Thompson

(3:20) The 1989 business storm

(5:20) Litt's first day off the freeway

(9:37) Legal pad and the blank slate

(15:33) From crisis tool to life practice

(21:15) Litt's five-part formula

(29:18) This applies to everyone

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Keith McCurdy is back on Space for Life for a follow-up to his episode on raising sturdy kids. This time the focus shifts to the adults, because it takes a sturdy adult to raise a sturdy child. After 40 years in mental health and tens of thousands of families, Keith shares why healthy struggle is the engine of growth, how to stop letting your emotions run the show, and the practices that build the kind of strength to do hard things and stay rooted in what actually matters.

What You'll Take Away:

• Why healthy struggle is the engine of growth and maturity for adults, not just kids.
• How to stop letting emotions run you with the "no parenting above a five" rule.
• A simple framework for processing your past: honor what's honorable, respect what's respectable, and forgive the rest.
• Why most things that feel like emergencies are not, and the question to ask yourself in the moment.
• The four Ps that keep adults chasing the wrong identity, and what to chase instead.
• How forbearance and forgiveness function as the glue of every healthy relationship.
• Why cultivating relationships takes the same intentional effort we give our hobbies and our work.
• The one small step Keith recommends to start with today.
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Timestamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(3:19) Why sturdiness matters now

(10:35) Short term happiness vs long term wellness

(19:48) We are not victims of our history

(25:49) Are your emotions running you

(27:14) The emotion Richter scale

(38:38) The four Ps of false identity

(43:54) Why we should not avoid struggle

(54:35) The practice of forbearance

(1:03:15) Start small with one thing

Resources:

• Keith's upcoming book, Raising Sturdy Kids, releasing May or June 2026.
• Basecamp Live podcast with Davies Owens, where Keith has appeared on roughly 50 episodes covering related topics.

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Shola Richards, known as The Kindness Extremist and Brother Teresa, to talk about what kindness actually looks like when life gets hard. Shola shares his story of moving from bullying, burnout, and a near tragic moment on an LA freeway to building a global mission around freakishly practical kindness. The conversation gets into the real difference between niceness and kindness, how to handle the toxic people in your life, and why the hardest person to be kind to is usually yourself.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why kindness takes more courage than most people realize
• Shola's story of being highly sensitive, bullied, and burned out, and the moment that redirected his life
• The clear difference between being nice and being kind
• Six warning signs of a truly toxic person versus someone just having a bad day
• The Just Like Me practice for staying open when you would normally judge
• Why forgiveness is an act of kindness toward yourself, not the person who hurt you
• A simple courtroom framework for cross-examining your own negative self-talk
• Box breathing, knowing your triggers, and other tools for staying responsive instead of reactive

Timestamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(4:01) Shola's Story

(8:28) Making kindness freakishly practical

(14:05) Why kindness takes real courage

(16:30) Niceness vs kindness

(19:00) Six warning signs of a toxic person

(26:23) Are we part of the flood

(29:18) The 'Just Like Me' practice

(33:24) What forgiveness really means

(42:25) Boundaries as a backdoor kindness

(45:47) Turning kindness toward yourself

(49:29) The courtroom of the mind

(55:47) Where to find Shola

Resources / Next Steps:

• Shola's website, thesholarichards.com
• The Kindness Extremist Podcast
• Shola on Substack and LinkedIn
• Civil Unity by Shola Richards
• Go Together Global

Tommy reunites with close friend and collaborator Patricia Clarke for a rich, wide-ranging conversation on one of life's most important and most misunderstood questions: what does it actually mean to find and live a life of purpose? They bring two completely different approaches to the table, one intuitive and spontaneous, one intentional and structured, and together they land on something that applies to everyone regardless of age, season, or personality type. This is one of those conversations that will make you think differently about your own life.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why the question of purpose never goes away and keeps changing at every age and stage of life
• Patricia's Michelangelo framework: purpose is not something you implant, it is already inside you waiting to be revealed
• Tommy's four P framework for finding your purpose: passion, power, personality, and purpose
• Why the things that come most naturally to us are often the things we discount the most
• How accepting your deficiencies, not just your strengths, is one of the most freeing parts of living on purpose
• Patricia's waterfall story from Joshua Tree and why anything done in love has an eternal quality to it
• Why your grandmother's mashed potato recipe matters more than you think

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro and reunion

(3:03) Purpose is a question that never goes away

(5:47) Michelangelo and the purpose already inside you

(11:08) Patricia's approach: spontaneous, intuitive, looking back

(20:12) Tommy's four P framework: passion, power, personality, purpose

(33:21) Accepting your deficiencies and living in your lane

(44:08) The Joshua Tree waterfall and love's eternal quality

(54:56) Closing encouragement for people who feel stuck

Resources / Next Steps: Share this episode with someone who is navigating a season of uncertainty about their purpose or calling.

Tommy sits down with Katherine Wolf, stroke survivor, author, and co-founder of Hope Heals, for one of his dream conversations. At 26, Katherine had a massive brain stem stroke that left her permanently disabled, and nearly two decades later she is one of the most compelling voices on suffering, hope, and what it means to live a truly good life in the middle of an impossibly hard one. This is a conversation about what it looks like when good and hard coexist, and why the pain you are carrying right now might be too precious to waste.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Katherine's story: the brain stem stroke at 26 that changed everything and the nearly two years of recovery that followed
• Why there is no quota on suffering this side of heaven, and how that reframing actually brings freedom
• The invisible wheelchairs we all carry, and why the disabilities nobody can see often do the most damage
• The difference between wanting a cure and actually needing healing, drawn from the blind man in John 9
• What the practice of hope looks like when the feeling of hope is completely gone
• The Isaiah 45 passage that became the foundation for Treasures in the Dark and why she chose to gather treasure instead of waste it
• How to radically accept your story and trust an unknown future to a known God

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro and Katherine's story

(7:35) No quota on suffering

(11:51) Invisible wheelchairs

(14:43) Redefining what good actually means

(21:34) Treasures in the Dark and Isaiah 45

(28:18) The difference between a cure and healing

(30:18) Practicing hope when you can't feel it

(36:04) Hope Heals Camp and radical belonging

(45:51) Trusting an unknown future to a known God

Resources / Next Steps: Learn more about Katherine and Hope Heals at hopeheals.com. Listen to The Good Hard Story podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Pick up Treasures in the Dark on Amazon. If you are in Atlanta, visit Mend Coffee!

Tommy sits down with Drew Daniels, founding pastor of Boulevard Church in Richmond, Virginia, to explore what the resurrection of Jesus Christ actually means, not just theologically, but historically and personally. They walk through the evidence, wrestle with the hard questions, and land on why a 2000-year-old event still changes everything about how we live today. Drew brings an honest, grounded faith to one of Tommy's favorite conversation topics of the year.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Drew's family inheritance of faith, from a self-taught preacher grandfather in rural Nebraska to his own call to plant a church
• Why Christianity is the only world religion built on the claim that God came to you, not the other way around
• The historical and extra-biblical evidence that gives the resurrection credibility 2000 years later
• Why Tommy believes the resurrection can't be proven but says the preponderance of evidence is overwhelming
• The C.S. Lewis framework: Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord
• What Tim Keller meant when he said the gospel changes everything
• Drew's raw story of asking God for a week off from belief during the hardest season of church planting, and what happened the next morning

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(3:37) Drew's story

(10:31) Why the resurrection matters

(22:57) Historical evidence for the resurrection

(26:11) The disciples' martyrdom and women at the tomb

(34:03) What difference does it make?

(50:22) Final Thoughts + Connect with Boulevard Church

Resources / Next Steps: Learn more about Drew and Boulevard Church at blvdchurchrva.com. They meet Sundays at 1212 N Arthur Ashe Blvd in Richmond's Scott's Addition neighborhood. Whether you're a person of faith or still figuring out what you believe, they'd love to have you.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Loneliness is rising in a world that has never been more connected.

In this episode, Tommy sits down with longtime friend and recently retired pastor Dr. Nelson Ould to explore the power and practice of presence.

Drawing from decades of pastoral ministry and personal experience, Nelson shares a simple insight: in life’s most difficult moments, people rarely remember the exact words that were spoken, but they always remember who showed up. Together they discuss why distraction and hurry are eroding real connection, why loneliness continues to rise, and how the simple act of being present with someone can transform relationships.

They also share practical ways to grow in presence, including listening for open doors in conversation, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, creating margin before important interactions, and checking back in with people after meaningful conversations.

In a culture filled with noise and constant distraction, this conversation is a reminder that one of the greatest gifts we can offer someone is our full attention.

(0:00) Loneliness, distraction, and why presence matters today

(2:16) How pastoral ministry revealed the power of presence

(9:39) The biblical foundation of presence and God with us

(19:01) Listening for open doors in conversation

(22:07) The two enemies of presence, distraction and hurry

(29:42) Practicing presence with the people closest to you

(32:09) The underrated power of following up with people

(40:02) Creating margin and quieting distraction before conversations

Fifteen years ago, Pastor Steve Ruetschle was left paralyzed after a catastrophic motorcycle accident. Doctors told him he would never walk again.

But this episode is not primarily about a medical outcome. It is about something deeper.

In this conversation, Steve reflects on the different ways God heals, the power of community, and what it means to participate in the fellowship of suffering. He shares how the faith of others carried him when he could not believe for himself, how pain can either harden the heart or deepen it, and how redemptive healing does not always mean the removal of suffering. This is a thoughtful and pastoral conversation about chronic pain, unanswered prayer, community, gratitude, and the surrounding love of God.

If you are walking through illness, loss, or long term suffering, this episode offers a steady reminder that you are not alone and that God’s faithful love surrounds you even here.

(0:00) Introduction and How Steve’s Story Reached Space for Life

(2:19) The Motorcycle Accident and Becoming Quadriplegic

(6:31) Degrees of Paralysis and Living with Chronic Pain

(11:26) Community and the Story of the Paralytic

(16:00) The Turning Point and Moving His Toe

(21:10) Different Types of Healing

(30:06) Redemptive Healing and the Fellowship of Suffering

(36:33) Guarding Against Bitterness

(45:09) A Word for Those Walking Through Pain

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

So many people carry the quiet dream of writing something meaningful. A book. A devotional. A story that has been sitting inside them for years.

But the question lingers Where do I even begin?

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy sits down with Terry Whalin, acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing and author of more than 60 books, to talk about what it really takes to move from dream to discipline.

Terry pulls back the curtain on the publishing world and explains why most aspiring authors start in the wrong place, what publishers are actually looking for, and why writing success is often 80 percent about the author and 20 percent about the book. They explore the catch 22 of publishing, the power of critique groups and apprenticeship, and why becoming a better reader is foundational to becoming a better writer.

If you have ever considered writing, or simply want to understand how books truly shape lives, this conversation offers practical clarity and grounded encouragement for taking your next step.

(0:00) Why So Many People Dream of Writing

(6:41) How One Book Can Change a Life

(14:16) What Publishers Really Look For

(18:07) Where Aspiring Writers Should Start

(32:32) The Catch 22 of Getting Published

(40:19) The Power of Critique Groups

(48:34) Why Reading Shapes Better Writing

(58:53) Building Consistency as a Writer

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Your 30s can feel like a decade full of tension. The tension between freedom and responsibility, living fully now and preparing wisely for the future, wanting clarity without becoming rigid. In this episode of Space for Life, Joe joins Tommy for an honest conversation about what it really means to live well in your 30s with freedom and intention.

Rather than offering formulas or life hacks, this conversation explores the deeper internal work of defining what truly matters. Joe and Tommy talk through why so many decisions feel exhausting, how guiding principles and guardrails can simplify life’s gray areas, and why postponing life often trains us to keep postponing it. They close by reflecting on how habits, more than any single decision, quietly shape the direction of our lives. This episode is for anyone navigating the weight of this decade and looking for a calmer, more grounded way to move forward.

0:00 Intro

7:41 Avoiding Comparison

13:04 Guiding Principles

26:23 Making Decisions Easier

34:13 Now Versus Later

53:56 Auditing Your Habits

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy sits down with Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play and granddaughter of renowned play researcher Dr. Stuart Brown, for a powerful conversation about why play is not childish, frivolous, or optional, but essential to human health, creativity, resilience, and fulfillment.

They explore the science of play, the cultural myths that have stripped play from adult life, and why so many people feel burned out, disconnected, and exhausted in a world that treats play as a waste of time. Mia shares her personal journey growing up in a play-based learning environment, how her grandfather’s research shaped her life, and why play is now being reframed as a public health necessity.

This conversation challenges the idea that productivity and play are opposites, and instead shows how play fuels better work, deeper relationships, creativity, and emotional health. They unpack the difference between real play and modern forms of escapism, why social media often masquerades as play, and how adults can reconnect with the playful part of themselves they’ve forgotten.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

This is one of the most difficult and meaningful conversations Space for Life has ever held.

In this episode, host Tommy Thompson is joined by David Dwight, Senior Pastor at Hope Church Richmond, and Ray Paul, National Board Chair of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together, they share deeply personal stories of losing close family members to suicide and reflect on what it means to grieve, to care for one another, and to hold hope in the midst of profound loss.

Listener discretion is advised. This is a heavy and sensitive topic, and we encourage you to listen at your own pace and with support if needed.

This conversation is rooted in lived experience, not theory. With honesty, compassion, and care, they explore:

• What makes suicide-related grief uniquely complex
• How to recognize warning signs and risk factors
• How to talk about suicide without shame, fear, or judgment
• The role of community, presence, and faith in healing
• How we can better support both those who are grieving and those who may be at risk

This episode is for anyone who has lost someone they love, is walking alongside someone who is struggling, or wants to learn how to respond with greater care and understanding in these moments.

Important Support Note

If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect with trained counselors 24/7.

You are not alone.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to a Difficult Conversation

03:49 Personal Experiences with Suicide

11:27 Understanding Grief and Loss

24:08 The Complexity of Suicide

32:17 Statistics and Prevention Strategies

42:56 Navigating Conversations about Suicide

54:34 The Role of Community and Support

01:06:17 Faith and Understanding in Grief

01:14:35 Final Thoughts and Resources

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Suicide loss carries layers of grief that are often misunderstood
• Prevention and compassion must exist together
• Warning signs often show up as subtle changes in behavior or mood
• Asking direct questions and listening carefully can save lives
• Presence matters more than having the “right” words
• The way someone dies does not define the value or meaning of their life
• Healing often happens in community, not isolation

Resources Mentioned

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
• https://afsp.org
• What to Do When Someone Is at Risk
• https://afsp.org/what-to-do-when-someone-is-at-risk/
• Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs
• https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs/
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
• Call or text 988

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, host Tommy Thompson is joined by Dan Allan, Executive Director at Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, renewal, and what’s unfolding across college campuses today.

Dan shares his personal journey in ministry, how The Chosen has become a powerful catalyst for gospel conversations, and why collaboration across ministries is essential in this moment. Together, they explore the surprising signs of spiritual hunger among Gen Z, the tension between retreat and revival, and why this season feels bigger than any single strategy or organization.

This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and real hope for anyone wondering what God may be doing in the next generation.

• God appears to be moving in a unique way among Gen Z
• The Chosen is reintroducing Jesus in a relational, accessible format
• Collaboration strengthens impact more than competition
• College campuses show both spiritual retreat and renewal
• Watch parties create natural entry points for faith conversations
• Prayer and presence matter more than polished strategies
• Rising spiritual hunger is supported by both stories and data

00:00 Introduction and global perspective

02:08 The impact of The Chosen

07:18 Dan Allan’s journey into ministry

16:52 Collaboration across Christian ministries

30:05 Gen Z, retreat, and revival on campus

54:10 Stories of faith and transformation

• The Chosen Watch Party Discussion Guides (free and publicly available)
• Contact Dan Allan: dan.alan@cru.org

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, host Tommy Thompson is joined by Dr. Wendi Lord, Vice President of Localization for the Come and See Foundation, the organization responsible for taking The Chosen to the world.

Wendi shares her journey from the corporate and publishing worlds into a calling that sits at the intersection of faith, technology, and human flourishing. The conversation explores the ambitious mission to translate The Chosen into 600 languages, the importance of delivering content in heart languages, and how emerging technologies like AI are being thoughtfully used to serve people who would otherwise never hear the story of Jesus.

Together, Tommy and Wendi wrestle with both the promise and the risks of new technologies, discussing how AI can support spiritual formation, creativity, and global connection without replacing human discernment, community, or God’s sovereignty. This episode offers a hopeful and grounded vision for engaging technology faithfully while staying rooted in what matters most.

• The mission of The Chosen and the Come and See Foundation
• Dr. Wendi Lord’s journey from corporate leadership to faith based work
• Why localization is more than translation
• The concept of heart languages and cultural relevance
• Reaching a billion people through technology and storytelling
• Using AI to support translation and lower resourced languages
• Opportunities and threats presented by emerging technologies
• Faith, discernment, and God’s sovereignty in a digital age
• Human flourishing in a technology driven world

(0:00) Introduction and Wendi’s Story

(4:34) From Corporate Leadership to Calling

(12:07) The Chosen and the Mission of Come and See

(18:15) Reaching a Billion People Through Story

(26:09) The Role of AI in Localization and Translation

(31:48) Speech to Speech Technology and Heart Languages

(39:31) Risks and Threats of Emerging Technologies

(49:14) Opportunities for Faith, Creativity, and Human Flourishing

(56:30) Balancing Technology With Human Connection

(1:05:49) Final Encouragement and Hope

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy Thompson sits down with Stan Jantz, Global Ambassador for the Come and See Foundation, the nonprofit behind the global production, translation, and distribution of The Chosen.

Stan shares firsthand stories from around the world showing how The Chosen is reaching people across cultures, denominations, and generations. They discuss the mission to translate the series into hundreds of languages, the intentional theological care behind the storytelling, and why the show has become a powerful entry point back to Scripture for many viewers.

The conversation also explores the current spiritual climate, signs of renewed hunger for faith especially among younger generations, and why “come and see” remains one of the most compelling invitations Jesus ever gave.

• The Chosen and the Come and See Foundation
• Global discipleship and Christian storytelling
• Translating faith-based media into hundreds of languages
• Why authenticity matters in portraying Jesus
• Signs of spiritual renewal around the world
• Reaching new generations through invitational faith

00:00 Introduction to The Chosen and Come and See

03:52 Global reach and international impact

10:47 Stan Jantz’s background and journey

21:32 The vision behind Come and See Foundation

32:57 Storytelling, theology, and production challenges

42:01 Signs of spiritual renewal and revival

51:28 How listeners can get involved

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy Thompson is joined by pastor and longtime ministry leader Tuck Knupp for a thoughtful conversation on kindness. Drawing from a men’s Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit, they explore how kindness is often misunderstood as niceness or weakness, when in reality it is rooted in strength, humility, and generosity of spirit. Together, they discuss kindness in relationships, leadership, work, self-reflection, and even cultural and political discourse. The conversation challenges listeners, especially men, to grow in kindness by embracing humility, receiving God’s kindness personally, and allowing that transformation to shape how they live, lead, and relate to others, particularly during the Christmas season. 

Key Takeaways

- Kindness is not the same as niceness, it is rooted in strength and truth

- True kindness requires humility and an honest view of our own brokenness

- Kindness reflects a generosity of spirit that believes the best about others

- Protecting someone’s reputation is a powerful expression of kindness

- Kindness should extend to work, home, relationships, and public discourse

- Receiving God’s kindness fuels compassion toward others

- Self-kindness is essential for growth and freedom from performance

- Kindness may lose short-term battles but can win long-term wars

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Kindness

05:09 Reframing Kindness Beyond Niceness

11:22 The Strength and Truth Within Kindness

18:23 Growing in Kindness Through Humility

25:36 Kindness in Relationships and Self-Compassion

32:09 Reflecting on Kindness During Christmas

36:20 Kindness in Society, Culture, and Politics

45:42 A Challenge to Men

47:11 Final Reflections and Closing

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode, Tommy is joined by bravery expert, leadership developer, and author Jill Schulman to unpack The Bravery Effect—the idea that bravery isn’t something you’re born with, but something you can train. Jill shares her unconventional path from Marine Corps officer to positive psychology expert, blending personal stories, scientific research, and practical tools to show that courage is a learnable skill.

Together, they explore how bravery drives personal and professional growth, why discomfort is essential, how mindset shapes action, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can make you braver than you ever imagined. Whether you're facing a tough decision, stuck in a rut, or seeking a more courageous life, this conversation offers a roadmap toward becoming who you were meant to be.

• Bravery is not innate — it’s a skill you can learn and strengthen.
• Choosing discomfort is often the doorway to growth.
• A supportive community (“your brave tribe”) elevates your bravery.
• Bravery = voluntary action in the presence of fear toward a worthwhile goal.
• Small acts of “micro-bravery” compound into high confidence.
• Mindset is foundational — especially growth mindset and stress-is-enhancing mindset.
• Planning and pre-deciding your actions prevent fear from talking you out of progress.
• Some brave actions involve letting go, not just taking on more.
• Bravery is a strategy, not just a feeling.
• Every person has an area where they can take the next brave step.

00:00 Introduction to Bravery

03:07 Jill’s Journey & The Science of Bravery

05:50 The Definition and Importance of Bravery

12:07 Building Bravery as a Muscle

17:50 The Role of Comfort and Discomfort

24:02 Micro-Bravery in Everyday Life

29:41 Mindset & Stress Management

35:48 Taking Action & Planning for Bravery

41:47 Right-Sizing Your Bravery Goals

47:42 Surrounding Yourself with a Brave Tribe

• Jill Schulman’s Website: https://www.jillschulman.com
• Bravery Quiz: https://www.jillschulman.com/bravery-quiz

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy and Joe dive deep into one of the most overlooked drivers of personal transformation: the environment you build around your life. Instead of focusing on tips, hacks, or quick fixes, they explore how habits, self-coaching, meaningful relationships, and spiritual spaciousness create the kind of “rich soil” where long-term growth actually happens.

Drawing from the Parable of the Sower, Tommy unpacks four types of “soil environments” and shows how they mirror the spiritual, emotional, and practical conditions we create in our lives. The conversation moves through the role of spaciousness, the discomfort that often precedes growth, why self-reflection is essential, and the four kinds of people every person needs around them.

If you want deeper relationships, meaningful progress, and a spiritual life that actually transforms you — this episode will help you create the conditions where real growth can finally take root.

• Creating the right environment is more important than any single growth tactic.
• The Parable of the Sower offers a framework for understanding how environment impacts growth.
• The three major components of a growth environment are habits, self-coaching, and people.
• Spaciousness is the foundational habit that enables reflection, listening, and deeper living.
• Weekly and quarterly rhythms create structure for long-term transformation.
• Growth requires a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
• Self-coaching begins with listening — to patterns, emotions, circumstances, and God.
• Four kinds of people accelerate growth: mentors, mentees, soul friends, and prophets.
• A “prophet” (your Nathan) is someone with permission to speak hard truth into your life.

• Tommy’s Book: Space to Breathe Again
• Space for Life Episode: “30 Minutes to Your Best Week”
• Space for Life Episode: “The Art of Journaling”
• Space for Life Episode: "What's the Big Deal About Margin?"
• Space for Life Episode: "What's a Spacious Life?"

0:00 Intro

1:46 Why Environment Matters

4:26 Parable of the Sower

9:42 Four Types of Soil

12:49 Three Elements of Growth

16:43 Habits of Spaciousness

25:06 Weekly + Long-Term Rhythms

32:57 Self Coaching + Reflection

41:50 People of Growth

45:22 4 Types of People You Need in Your Life

55:48 Finding Your Nathan

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy welcomes entrepreneur Jeff Johnson for a deeply moving conversation about surrender, resilience, and the ways God reaches us through life’s hardest moments. Jeff shares the powerful story of hitting the breaking point in his fourth-generation steel fabrication business, kneeling alone on the shop floor, and asking God to take over.

What follows is a journey of obedience, transformation, and learning to “take your hands off” while still doing the next right thing. Through biblical stories of Simon Peter, reflections on work, and moments of vulnerability, Jeff illustrates how surrender opens the door to a deeper relationship with God and an unexpected path to renewal.

0:00 Intro

2:17 Scotland Trip and How They Met

3:45 Jeff Begins His Story

6:02 Marriage Counseling and Learning to Listen

7:49 Faith and Work in Jeff’s Life

10:26 History of Johnson Machine Works

14:07 When Nothing Works

16:28 Breaking Point on the Shop Floor

19:42 Praying Over the Building and Workers

23:49 The Unexpected Turnaround Begins

26:54 God’s Mercy, Not Formulas

29:33 Why Work Matters in God’s Design

40:38 How God Used the Crisis to Reach Jeff

44:22 Jeff’s Tuesday Night Practice of Surrender

46:25 Invitation for Anyone Needing Encouragement

Jeff’s Podcast, Courageous Crossroads

Artists & Writers

• Surrender is often where true transformation begins.
• Desperation can bring unexpected clarity.
• Work is part of God’s design for purpose and flourishing.
• Vulnerability opens doors that effort alone cannot.
• God uses circumstances — even painful ones — to reach us.
• Doing the next right thing is part of surrender, not separate from it.
• Resilience is built in the quiet, unseen moments.
• Prayer can reshape environments, mindsets, and outcomes.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this conversation, Tommy welcomes back author and teacher Gary Thomas to talk about his new book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God. Building on Gary’s deep engagement with Christian classics and spiritual theology, they explore how many sincere believers unconsciously live by “old rules” and assumptions, even after being spiritually reborn.

Gary and Tommy unpack why following Jesus is not about a safe, rule driven life, but about a deeper, riskier, more adventurous way of living that flows from intimacy with God. They dive into specific lies many Christians quietly absorb, like “family first,” “God owes me if I do my part,” and “I need to stay in control.” Along the way they connect Scripture, stories from church history, and their own personal experiences, including Tommy’s journey through his daughter’s cancer, to show how dismantling these lies is less about losing something and more about stepping into a fuller, freer life with God.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy sits down with parenting expert Keith McCurdy, founder of Live Sturdy and CEO of Total Life Counseling, to unpack what it really means to raise sturdy kids.

Keith shares decades of experience counseling more than 15,000 families, guiding parents toward raising emotionally mature, capable, and resilient children. Together, they explore the role of healthy struggle, practical responsibility, and emotional regulation in child development—and why comfort and happiness shouldn’t be the ultimate goals.

This conversation challenges modern parenting norms and provides practical steps for building sturdier families—ones grounded in values, identity, and the kind of leadership that grows capable kids and healthy adults.

• Why parenting can feel overwhelming and guilt-inducing
• What “sturdy” really means in child development
• How overprotection creates fragile kids
• Why emotions shouldn’t dictate parenting decisions
• The connection between practical skills and emotional maturity
• The value of healthy struggle and discomfort
• Moving children from consumers to contributors
• Establishing family identity and guiding principles
• Leading with sacrifice and consistency in parenting
• Practical steps to begin raising sturdier kids

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges

02:50 The Importance of Raising Sturdy Kids

06:10 Generational Wisdom in Parenting

08:51 The Role of Emotions in Parenting

11:48 Defining ‘Sturdy’ in Parenting

14:50 Practical Skills for Sturdy Kids

17:51 The Impact of Struggle on Growth

20:43 The Disconnect Between Happiness and Growth

24:05 The Process of Maturity Through Trials

32:09 The Fragility of Overprotection

36:21 The Role of Discomfort in Growth

41:31 Establishing Family Identity and Guiding Principles

47:03 Transitioning from Enabling to Empowering

55:42 Practical Steps for Raising Sturdy Kids

Keith McCurdy

President & CEO, Total Life Counseling

Founder, Live Sturdy

Counselor, Speaker, and Parenting Coach

livesturdy.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, host Tommy Thompson sits down with Meg Hunt, Senior Director of Strategic Services at Wycliffe Bible Translators USA, to explore how faith, technology, and community intersect in the mission to make God’s Word accessible to every language on Earth.

Meg shares Wycliffe’s incredible progress toward its Vision 2025 goal—ensuring every language community has a Bible translation project in progress—and explains how AI is transforming translation work while maintaining a deep commitment to faithfulness and human oversight.

Their conversation moves from the global mission of Wycliffe to personal reflections on faith, technology, and how communities can navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI together.

• Wycliffe’s mission to make God’s Word available to every language and community
• Over 7,000 languages worldwide, with more than 560 still without Scripture
• The story behind Vision 2025 and its bold goal
• How AI supports translation while keeping humans at the center
• Partnerships with local churches and communities worldwide
• Balancing innovation with integrity in faith-based work
• The role of community and the church in navigating technology
• How AI can be both a tool for good and a challenge for discernment
• Practical and personal reflections on using AI in daily life

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode

04:30 Meg’s Journey to Wycliffe and Church Planting in Orlando

12:10 The Mission and History of Wycliffe Bible Translators

19:45 Vision 2025: Every Language, Every Community

27:15 How AI is Changing Bible Translation

36:40 Faithful Translation and the Importance of Human Oversight

43:55 AI, Creativity, and Overcoming Global Barriers

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode, Tommy sits down with pastor and good friend David Dwight to talk about his new book Field Notes from the Letter to the Ephesians. Together they explore what makes Ephesians one of the most profound writings in Scripture, offering fresh insight into faith, the Church, and life in Christ.

David shares how his book came to life, what the Greek word sozo (“to be healed”) reveals about salvation, and why mutual submission in marriage reflects the very nature of God. Along the way, they unpack Paul’s remarkable conversion, the beauty of the Church, and the hope found in living a life shaped by grace.

What You’ll Take Away:

• Why Field Notes from the Letter to the Ephesians is more than a commentary — it's a reflection on life in Christ
• The deeper meaning of the Greek word sozo (“saved” or “healed”)
• What Paul’s conversion reveals about God’s power to transform anyone
• Why Ephesians offers such a vibrant, redemptive vision for the Church
• How “mutual submission” in marriage mirrors the relationship within the Trinity
• How Paul’s writing connects theology, beauty, and everyday life

Resources:

• Get your copy of Field Notes from the Letter to the Ephesians on Amazon (available in print and Kindle)
• Explore more episodes and resources at tommythompson.org

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(8:46) Exploring the Depth of Ephesians

(11:46) The Meaning of the Word “Saved”

(15:06) The Complexity of Theological Concepts

(17:59) The Structure and Style of the Book

(21:10) Personal Stories and Their Impact

(24:06) The Central Message of Ephesians

(31:56) The Unlikely Apostle: Paul’s Transformation

(35:42) The Magnitude of Conversion

(39:09) Exploring the Relationship Between Jesus and Paul

(44:49) Understanding Ephesians: A Deep Dive

(48:00) Marriage and Mutual Submission in Ephesians

(58:17) The Cultural Context of Ephesians

(1:01:59) The Beauty of God in Marriage and Family Life

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Recorded live at Hope Church’s Volunteer Appreciation Day in Richmond. Tommy shares two life-giving disciplines that help “always yes” volunteers find margin, joy, and balance. You will hear how Sabbath rest and intentional celebration can move you from burnout to sustainable service, plus a practical Q&A on making this work in real life and work.

Key Takeaways

• God did not design you to live overloaded, overwhelmed, and exhausted.
• Sabbath is both a command and a gift. It is meant to come first so your work flows from rest.
• Rest renews joy, relationships, and impact. You serve from overflow rather than empty.
• Celebration is a spiritual practice. Joy and gratitude strengthen service.
• Small margins matter. Arrive a few minutes early. Leave space between meetings. Build simple pauses into your day.
• In nontraditional schedules, take rest whenever the window opens. Treat it as a first priority when possible.

Timestamps

(0:00) Intro

(1:11) My Volunteer Addiction

(11:04) The Discipline of Rest

(30:11) The Discipline of Celebration

(38:26) Q&A Section

(39:32) Question 1

(43:12) Question 2

(47:57) Question 3

(52:13) Question 4

(53:50) Final Thoughts

Scripture Mentioned

• Isaiah 30:15
• Isaiah 58:13–14
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 150
• Matthew 11:28–30
• Hebrews 4:9–11

Books Mentioned

• Margin by Richard Swenson

If you found this helpful, please share the episode with a friend! Subscribe to Space for Life for more conversations on living with margin and purpose.

Grief touches almost every life, yet many of us feel unsure how to face it, name it, or talk about it. In this candid conversation, Tommy and longtime friend David Dwight (Senior Pastor at Hope Church in Richmond, VA) explore the complexity of grief and sadness. This is an honest, compassionate guide for anyone carrying loss or walking with someone who is.

“the presence of her absence is everywhere.” ~ Edna St. Vincent Millay

In This Episode:

- The language problem, grief vs sadness and why one word is not enough

- Myths that keep us silent, including the fear that talking about grief invites it

- The unhelpful urge to scale or compare grief and how to stop

- Different kinds of loss, extended illness, sudden death, suicide, job loss, broken relationships, losing a pet

- Family systems, differing timelines, and the need for permission and grace

- Guilt, shame, moments of happiness, and the surprising companion of relief

- Faith as refuge and wholeness when losses feel irreconcilable

Timestamps:

(0:00) Why We’re Finally Talking About Grief

(4:28) Why We Avoid Grief

(10:43) Permission and Grace

(17:58) Grief vs Sadness: Finding Better Words

(26:27) How Loss Changes Us

(36:08) What to Say (and Not Say)

(46:16) Families Grieve Differently

(55:32) When Acute Grief Becomes Lasting Sadness

(1:03:06) Guilt, Forgetting, and Moments of Joy

(1:10:08) Relief Alongside Sorrow

(1:15:30) Moving Forward With Hope

Resources:

- Psalm 46

- The Taste of New Wine, Keith Miller

- The Weathering Grace of God, Ken Gire

- Lament for a Son, Nicholas Wolterstorff

- A Grace Disguised, Gerald Sittser

- Healing the Heartbreak of Grief, Peter James Flamming

- Healing After Loss, Martha Hickman

If this episode helps you or someone you love, consider sharing it. 

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

We’re back for Season Six of Space for Life! This episode kicks off with exciting updates for the year ahead, including a new creative producer, a second podcast (Links for Life), and fresh energy for the YouTube channel.

From there, we dive into the big theme that shaped the summer: taking a sabbatical. Why was it needed? What were the warning signs that led me to step back? Why does sabbatical feel scary at first? And what did this summer actually look like in practice?

What’s In This Episode:

– Why discomfort can make a sabbatical meaningful

– Big updates for Season Six and new projects on the horizon

– The red flags that signaled it was time to pause

– Why sabbaticals shouldn’t have agendas

– Highlights from the summer (from golf in Scotland to welcoming a new granddaughter)

– The difference between recovery and true refreshment

– How space can expand your vision for what’s next

– Why sabbaticals aren’t just for pastors or executives

– Practical encouragement for creating your own sabbatical rhythm

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:08) Exciting Updates

(07:46) Today’s Topic

(09:16) What Was Behind Taking a Sabbatical

(15:47) Sabbaticals Are Scary

(18:48) Sabbaticals Shouldn't Have Agendas

(19:39) What Did This Sabbatical Look Like

(22:56) Highlights from the Summer

(26:49) Sabbatical is Refreshment not Just Recovery

(32:44) Sabbaticals Expand Vision

(38:35) Who Can Benefit From a Sabbatical

(44:59) Space to Breathe Again

Resources:

Email Tommy@TommyThompson.org to get copies of Space to Breathe Again for only $10 when buying 5+ copies.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this podcast episode of 'Space for Life', Tommy interviews Nicole and Jim Holland, founders of 'Hope 30' and 'Hope Essentials'. The Hollands share their unique wellness journey which began with a focus on improving personal health and evolved into a desire to help others. Jim talks about his transition from being overweight and diabetic to being healthy through natural methods and lifestyle adjustments. He discusses how achieving metabolic health is vital to overall wellness. The pair also focuses on the vital role community, accountability, and positive self-talk play in the process of health and wellness improvement. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of honoring our bodies as temples, considering it essential for spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. The podcast concludes with them highlighting their organic salad dressings, barbecue sauce, stir fry sauce, and upcoming sleep supplements aiming to aid in holistic health promotion.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy Thompson welcomes Aaron and Vangie Hendrickson, co-directors of RVA Hope Center in Richmond, Virginia. They share their transformative journey, from leading mission trips in various cities to founding the RVA Hope Center. This ministry focuses on serving at-risk communities by providing after-school programs, community events, and extending outreach initiatives for exploited women. The Hendricksons discuss the challenges and rewards of answering their calling, the importance of consistency and relationship-building, and the unexpected opportunities that opened doors for their ministry. They emphasize the need to step into uncomfortable spaces to experience true growth and impact.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of 'Space for Life,' Tommy invites his wife of 42 years, Weezie, to discuss their shared passion for journaling. They explore how they've developed their unique journaling practices over the years and the profound impact it has had on their lives. Weezie breaks down her journaling process, including the tools she uses and the type of content she writes, emphasizing the importance of keeping the practice fun and personalized. The couple also reflects on how journaling has helped them navigate significant life challenges, such as their daughter's cancer diagnosis and the ensuing grief. They offer practical advice for those new to journaling, underscoring the importance of consistency and personal enjoyment. The episode aims to inspire listeners to start their own journaling journeys, providing them with various methods and approaches to make the practice a meaningful part of their lives.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode, Tracey Gates, a wellness coach and author of The Power of a Few Kind Words discusses her practice of intentional kindness. She shares her year-long experience of writing an unexpected letter of appreciation each day, highlighting the transformative effects of this activity not only for her but also for the recipients. The most profound of these letters was the last one - a heart-tugging message to her deceased father. Tracey also shares practical tips for writing appreciation letters.

Additional topics include her father's powerful influence, recognizing the 'love language' of words of affirmation, and her book, 'The Power of a Few Kind Words.' Lastly, Tracey emphasizes that everyone has the inherent power to positively influence others and transform themselves through simple acts of intentional kindness.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Nicole brings 20 years of leadership and counseling experience to her work as a coach and communicator. Nicole’s passion is facilitating environments of safety & vulnerability so that individuals & communities can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from maximum potential.

As a speaker, Nicole brings both wit and wisdom, with an honest & vulnerable approach that appeals to both faith & leadership environments alike. As a coach, Nicole brings clarity & courage for individuals and teams as they pursue growth.

Her latest book, “The Miracle Moment: How Tough Conversations Can Actually Transform Your Most Important Relationships” invites readers into the practical steps that create moments of breakthrough within relationships. Her books come to life through her popular video curriculum series found on RightNow Media. 

Invitations to speak have taken Nicole around the world, but she loves her home in Richmond, VA, which she shares with her husband and three kids. Nicole holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and serves on the board of CHAT, a local nonprofit focused on restorative work with young people in poverty.

Join Tommy in this delightful conversation with Nicole Unice.

www.nicoleunice.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

This episode is all about the non-obvious patterns and realities of life. These truths exist for good and for bad, whether we like it or not. 

(0:00) Intro

(1:04) Principles of Life

(7:41) Principle of Naming

(15:46) Principle of Firsts

(22:03) Principle of Environment

(30:16) Principle of Finishing Well

(34:59) Principle of Space

(43:36) Principle of Small Changes

(49:20) Principle of Divine Multiplication

(56:38) Principle of Proximity

(1:01:31) Principle of Recency

(1:05:59) Outro

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In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy welcomes his long-time friend, author, and speaker Amy Julia Becker. They discuss Amy Julia's journey from her early days, her background, her marriage, and significant life events such as her daughter's Down syndrome diagnosis which pivoted her career towards writing. They delve into her books, emphasizing themes of disability, family, culture, and faith. Her latest book, 'To Be Made Well,' which focuses on holistic healing, is explored in depth. They discuss the idea of interconnected healing—physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual—and practical steps and practices to develop a listening life, humility, and hope in one's healing journey.

Amy Julia Becker helps people reimagine the good life through her writing and speaking on disability, faith, and culture. She is the author of To Be Made Well, White Picket Fences, Small Talk, and A Good and Perfect Gift and the creator of the Reimagining Family Life with Disability workshop. She is a guest opinion writer for national publications and hosts the Reimagining the Good Life podcast. Becker is a graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv). She lives with her husband and their three children in western Connecticut.

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In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy Thompson and long-time friend Tuck Knupp discuss the concept of aging well, highlighting its relevance at any age. The conversation delves into Tuck's life journey, which spans decades of ministry work, including his involvement with Young Life and pastoral roles. Tuck shares insights on maintaining health, nurturing relationships, and the importance of spiritual practices. The discussion also addresses the challenges of aging, such as learning to grieve losses and reframing regrets within the context of God's grace. Both Tommy and Tuck emphasize the value of intergenerational relationships and leaving a legacy of faith and wisdom.

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Tommy welcomes AC Arendale, the youngest guest ever on the podcast, to share her incredible testimony of joy in service. A rising sophomore at Baylor University, she discusses her unique approach to life characterized by her commitment to service, particularly in special needs ministry and international missions. AC shares her journey from volunteering at her church's sensory room designed to help those with special needs to participating in several mission trips to Niger and Zambia. She talks about the challenges and rewards of these experiences, and how they have shaped her faith and perspective. They also delve into the generational differences and the impacts of social media on the current generation. Throughout the conversation, the theme of finding joy through serving and discerning God's calling is emphasized.

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Living intentionally is not just about setting goals, it’s about aligning every aspect of your life with purpose. In this episode, Tommy Thompson reconnects with Shawn Boyer, the visionary entrepreneur behind Snagajob and goHappy, to dive deeper into the journey that took Shawn from bootstrapping a startup to redefining his life’s mission. After the emotional challenge of leaving Snagajob, Shawn spent years reflecting on what truly matters, ultimately leading him to found goHappy—a tool designed to help people nurture their most important relationships. Listen in as they explore the intersections of personal and professional growth, the power of mentorship, and how applying business principles to life can create a more balanced, intentional way of living. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply looking to live more purposefully, this episode offers invaluable insights into how to thrive in both work and life.

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In this special episode, long-time friend and mentor, Elaine Metcalf, reflects on her life and the various 'seasons' she has navigated. The discussion includes her early days with her husband Bob and the working and faith journey that took them from pioneering ministries in Richmond such as STEP and CBS, to leading international mission work in East Asia.

Elaine discusses the challenges and rewards of making impactful choices in the midst of the everday challenges of work and raising a family.

The conversation explores 'seasons of life' and emphasizes the importance of embracing change, seeking God, and boldly following Him.

Elaine also opens up about her battle with cancer and how she continues to find faith and purpose during this time.

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In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy announces his plan to take a mini sabbatical during the summer, pausing the regular episodes to focus on rest and reflection. He shares his belief in the importance of sabbaticals and encourages listeners to consider taking their own mini-sabbaticals. During this period, the podcast will feature 'greatest hits' episodes, selected from past impactful interviews and topics. Tommy provides practical suggestions for planning a mini sabbatical, emphasizing the importance of choosing a restful location, minimizing distractions, and having a purpose with reflective prompts. This episode aims to inspire listeners to take time for personal reset and balance.

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In an address given at Hope Church in Richmond, Virginia to church leaders, Tommy emphasizes a unique approach to leadership that centers on rest as the foundation. Contrary to the typical notion that rest follows productivity, the script highlights the biblical perspective of rest preceding work, using examples such as the Sabbath and various scripture passages. The speaker outlines five elements in this 'rhythm of leadership': rest, clarity, character, connection, and returning to rest. They stress the importance of leading from a place of rest to achieve clarity, maintain strong character, and foster meaningful connections. The ultimate goal is to transform leadership and church culture by giving people permission to live from rest.

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In this episode of 'Space for Life,' host Tommy and guest Joel Suggs, a recurrent co-host, discuss the profound topic of humility and its crucial role in everyday life and on the golf course. They explore how golf serves as a mirror to life, revealing key aspects of personal character and humility. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, including references to biblical figures and writings by Andrew Murray, they outline what humility is and isn't. They emphasize humility as honest self-awareness, seeing oneself rightly in the context of the world and God, and freedom from posturing and people-pleasing. The podcast transitions into practical ways golf can teach and reflect humility, underscoring the mental and emotional disciplines that foster a humble spirit. The conversation aims to inspire listeners towards actions that grow humility, highlighting its transformative potential for greater freedom and joy.

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Despite the many distractions of the earthy world, humans are forever intertwined with God. Therefore, we must learn how to live a sacred life, let go of our desires, and be one with the Lord. Tommy Thompson sits down with bestselling author Gary Thomas who wrote over 20 books centered on bringing people closer to God and others. With most of his works containing the word “sacred” in the title, he shares how his writings guide readers on reconnecting with God in various ways while building a Christ-centered legacy. Gary also opens up about his passion for running marathons, his most important writing practices, and how to maintain healthy and long-lasting relationships.

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In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy meets with AJ Swoboda, author of over 10 books, including his upcoming release 'A Teachable Spirit.' The discussion delves into the themes of humility and teachability that run through Swoboda's work. The episode explores Swoboda's background as an associate professor of Bible and Theology and discusses the meaningfulness of his podcast, 'Slow Theology.' A significant portion of the conversation is devoted to understanding the discipline of teachability, how it shapes our learning process, and why it is critical to engage with differing perspectives, including those of our enemies. This discussion emphasizes the importance of humility and learning from others for personal and spiritual growth.

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