All Episodes

August 27, 2025 45 mins

Register for Zoom Groups here: https://linktr.ee/zoweh

Being Heard: The Healing Power of Presence and Empathy

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey into the art of listening—focusing on what it means to truly hear someone. They explore how childhood wounds, family dynamics, and emotional disconnects can shape our experience of being missed, misunderstood, or invalidated.

Through personal stories and practical insights, they highlight what engaged listening actually requires: empathy, presence, safety, and attentiveness. From naming emotions to avoiding common pitfalls like "the advice-giver" or "the story diverter," Michael and SJ offer helpful strategies to listen in ways that foster connection and healing.

They reflect on how even a well-intentioned response can shut someone down—and how a well-timed question like "Where would you like to start?" can open the door to trust. This conversation is a powerful reminder that being truly heard can be transformational, and that listening well is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
🌐 Learn more:
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Ruthie's Table 4

Ruthie's Table 4

For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.