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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 followedWhy there is no quota on suffering this side of heaven, and how that reframing actually brings freedomThe invisible wheelchairs we all carry, and why the disabilities nobody can see often do the most damageThe difference between wanting a cure and actually needing healing, drawn from the blind man in John 9What the practice of hope looks like when the feeling of hope is completely goneThe Isaiah 45 passage that became the foundation for Treasures in the Dark and why she chose to gather treasure instead of waste itHow 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 churchWhy Christianity is the only world religion built on the claim that God came to you, not the other way aroundThe historical and extra-biblical evidence that gives the resurrection credibility 2000 years laterWhy Tommy believes the resurrection can't be proven but says the preponderance of evidence is overwhelmingThe C.S. Lewis framework: Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or LordWhat Tim Keller meant when he said the gospel changes everythingDrew'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 complexHow to recognize warning signs and risk factorsHow to talk about suicide without shame, fear, or judgmentThe role of community, presence, and faith in healingHow 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 misunderstoodPrevention and compassion must exist togetherWarning signs often show up as subtle changes in behavior or moodAsking direct questions and listening carefully can save livesPresence matters more than having the “right” wordsThe way someone dies does not define the value or meaning of their lifeHealing often happens in community, not isolation Resources Mentioned American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) https://afsp.orgWhat 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. Key TakeawaysGod appears to be moving in a unique way among Gen ZThe Chosen is reintroducing Jesus in a relational, accessible formatCollaboration strengthens impact more than competitionCollege campuses show both spiritual retreat and renewalWatch parties create natural entry points for faith conversationsPrayer and presence matter more than polished strategiesRising spiritual hunger is supported by both stories and data Timestamps00:00 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 Resources & ContactThe Chosen Watch Party Discussion Guides (free and publicly available)Contact Dan Allan: [email protected] 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. Key TopicsThe mission of The Chosen and the Come and See FoundationDr. Wendi Lord’s journey from corporate leadership to faith based workWhy localization is more than translationThe concept of heart languages and cultural relevanceReaching a billion people through technology and storytellingUsing AI to support translation and lower resourced languagesOpportunities and threats presented by emerging technologiesFaith, discernment, and God’s sovereignty in a digital ageHuman 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. Key Topics:The Chosen and the Come and See FoundationGlobal discipleship and Christian storytellingTranslating faith-based media into hundreds of languagesWhy authenticity matters in portraying JesusSigns of spiritual renewal around the worldReaching new generations through invitational faith00:00 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. Key TakeawaysBravery 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. Chapters00:00 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 MentionedJill Schulman’s Website: https://www.jillschulman.comBravery 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. Key TakeawaysCreating 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. ResourcesTommy’s Book: Space to Breathe AgainSpace 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. Timestamps0:00 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 LinksJeff’s Podcast, Courageous Crossroads Artists & Writers TakeawaysSurrender 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