Space for Life

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 HopeLove 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 See03:52 Global reach and international impact10:47 Stan Jantz’s background and journey21:32 The vision behind Come and See Foundation32:57 Storytelling, theology, and production challenges42:01 Signs of spiritual renewal and revival51:28 How listeners can get involvedLove 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 warsTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Kindness05:09 Reframing Kindness Beyond Niceness11:22 The Strength and Truth Within Kindness18:23 Growing in Kindness Through Humility25:36 Kindness in Relationships and Self-Compassion32:09 Reflecting on Kindness During Christmas36:20 Kindness in Society, Culture, and Politics45:42 A Challenge to Men47:11 Final Reflections and ClosingLove 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 Bravery03:07 Jill’s Journey & The Science of Bravery05:50 The Definition and Importance of Bravery12:07 Building Bravery as a Muscle17:50 The Role of Comfort and Discomfort24:02 Micro-Bravery in Everyday Life29:41 Mindset & Stress Management35:48 Taking Action & Planning for Bravery41:47 Right-Sizing Your Bravery Goals47:42 Surrounding Yourself with a Brave TribeResources MentionedJill Schulman’s Website: https://www.jillschulman.comBravery Quiz: https://www.jillschulman.com/bravery-quizLove 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 Intro1:46 Why Environment Matters4:26 Parable of the Sower9:42 Four Types of Soil12:49 Three Elements of Growth16:43 Habits of Spaciousness25:06 Weekly + Long-Term Rhythms32:57 Self Coaching + Reflection41:50 People of Growth45:22 4 Types of People You Need in Your Life55:48 Finding Your NathanLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org