Space for Life

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.

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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

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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: [email protected]

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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