Space for Life

1d ago

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

Dec 11

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. Key Takeaways 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. Chapters 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 Resources Mentioned 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

Dec 4

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. Key Takeaways 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. Resources 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

Nov 20

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. Timestamps 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 Referenced Links Jeff’s Podcast, Courageous Crossroads Artists & Writers Takeaways 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

Nov 13

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

Oct 30

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. Key Topics 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

Oct 23

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. Key Topics 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 Timestamps: 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

Oct 9

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