Space for Life

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy welcomes Rob Ukrop, a prominent figure in Richmond, Virginia, known for his influence in the local soccer scene and as a member of the well-known Ukrop family, founders of Ukrop's Grocery Stores. Rob shares stories from his past, including his time at Davidson College, his professional soccer career, and his involvement in the Richmond Kickers soccer team. They discuss the significance of community, faith, and the small actions that contribute to a meaningful life. Rob highlights his mission to strengthen community connections through joyful and authentic soccer experiences and reflects on the values of kindness, optimism, and leading by example. The conversation underscores the importance of foundational habits and the impact of sports as a unifying platform.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

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.

In this episode of 'Space for Life', Tommy welcomes Jeff Kemp, an 11-year NFL quarterback and accomplished author, as the guest. The episode delves into the concept of developing a playbook for life, not just on the field. Jeff shares his journey from his football career to becoming a soul coach, helping people build deeper relationships. They discuss the importance of 'Level 5 Friendships', marked by vulnerability, trust, and mutual support, equating it to building a team that helps one navigate life's challenges. Kemp advocates for connecting deeply with a few close friends, drawing inspiration from his Christian faith and the principles illustrated by Jesus. They further highlight practical steps for cultivating such friendships and emphasize that both men and women can benefit from forming intentional, supportive relationships at every stage of life. They also introduce resources like the 'Level 5 Friendship Playbook' and Kemp's books 'Facing the Blitz' and 'Receive' for those looking to deepen their personal connections.Visit all of Jeff's resources at http://.menhuddle.com Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Michael Thaler, founder of Equity Concepts, Effective Ministries, and now, My Purpose Plan shares with Tommy the value of clarifying one's unique Purpose. Michael shares how discovering and fine-tuning his purpose has guided his journey as brought him to this pivotal point of devoting his time to helping others find their purpose through the new online process called My Purpose Plan. Join Tommy as Michael as they challenge each person to discover their God-given Purpose. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Money plays a significant role in shaping our lives, but are you making it work for you or simply working for money? Host Tommy Thompson welcomes Canon Hickman, a seasoned financial expert, to discuss practical strategies for managing money with purpose. From investing in yourself to automating savings and overcoming lifestyle creep, this conversation offers actionable insights for transforming your financial mindset. Discover how small, intentional steps can lead to lasting financial freedom and peace of mind. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that challenges the way we think about money and success!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy discusses the common struggle of living a purposeful, meaningful life while also creating space for rest and joy. He shares insights from a talk he gave at the New Canaan Society in Richmond, Virginia, addressing this tension. He narrates his own life journey, from being overloaded while running multiple businesses and church commitments to hitting rock bottom and finding hope through discovering the importance of margin. He outlines four key steps to living a life of purpose with margin: knowing your purpose, knowing your principles, identifying your big rocks, and accepting the dance of balancing work and rest. Tommy emphasizes the importance of clarity in one's purpose, having non-negotiable guiding principles, and having routine practices like daily time with God, weekly reviews, and observing the Sabbath. He concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace the challenge and possibility of living a purposeful life while maintaining space for joy and breathing room.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Amy Julia Becker reflects on her personal journey, recognising the detrimental impacts of her rigorous striving and pursuit of success during high school and college. While she effectually acquired commendable achievements, she confesses to falling into unhealthy practices that led to a severe eating disorder. Even while suffering, the pressure to perform made her overlook her own health. She discusses how this experience enabled her to understand her need to slow down and relinquish her persistent compulsion to achieve, acknowledging this as a necessary part of her personal wellbeing. Amy Julia Becker is an award-winning writer and speaker on disability, family, culture, and faith. She is the author of four books, including To Be Made Well: An Invitation to Wholeness, Healing, and Hope, a guest opinion writer for national publications, and the host of the Love Is Stronger Than Fear 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. SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerFacebook: @amyjuliabeckerwriterTwitter: @amyjuliabecker Website: amyjuliabecker.com BOOKS: ·       To Be Made Well: An Invitation to Wholeness, Healing, and Hope ·       White Picket Fences: Turning Towards Love in a World Divided by Privilege ·       Small Talk: Learning From My Children About What Matters Most ·       A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny  

What you can expect from the Space for Life podcast.

In this episode, Tommy is joined by Patricia Clarke to begin a 5-part series on habits. Today, they discuss experiencing real change in our lives. The type of change we really desire is something that happens from the inside out. Do we have the ability to change on the inside? Will we take the risk to believe we can change on the inside?

Today features part two of a two-part podcast conversation where Tommy sits down with entrepreneur and business owner, Michael Thaler. In this episode Tommy and Michael dive into purpose. Their conversation is both inspiring and challenging.

In this part one of a two-part podcast conversation, Tommy sits down with entrepreneur and business owner, Michael Thaler, to hear Michael’s unique story that led him to create both Equity Concepts and Effective Ministries. Michael has an amazing list of accomplishments, but most impressively, he lives into the purpose that God has for his life with tremendous faith.

Deb is an executive and business coach. She has 30+ years of global experience in top Fortune 500 companies in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, leading and coaching C-suite leaders, executive and senior management professionals, and their teams. In this episode, Deb shares some of her story and passion for heart-centered leadership. Tommy and Deb dive into the topics of leadership, self-care, and of course finding space.

Tommy is joined by Patricia today, and they talk about finding multiple streams of life. They take the concept of multiple streams of income, and apply it to more facets of life. This episode helps us expand our views on faith, giving, joy, and helps us live more into the abundance God has for us.

In this episode Tommy and Patricia take a look at practice. Yes, practice. Have you ever thought that all of life is practice? This episode challenges us to think about life and practice differently.

In this episode Tommy sits down with Steve Perkins to discuss designing their weeks. Have you ever thought about how much control you can actually have over your schedules? Listen in as Tommy and Steve share the current strategies they use to craft their weeks to support their priorities better.