Space for Life

Grief touches almost every life, yet many of us feel unsure how to face it, name it, or talk about it. In this candid conversation, Tommy and longtime friend David Dwight (Senior Pastor at Hope Church in Richmond, VA) explore the complexity of grief and sadness. This is an honest, compassionate guide for anyone carrying loss or walking with someone who is. “the presence of her absence is everywher...

We’re back for Season Six of Space for Life! This episode kicks off with exciting updates for the year ahead, including a new creative producer, a second podcast (Links for Life), and fresh energy for the YouTube channel. From there, we dive into the big theme that shaped the summer: taking a sabbatical. Why was it needed? What were the warning signs that led me to step back? Why does sabbatical f...

In this podcast episode of 'Space for Life', Tommy interviews Nicole and Jim Holland, founders of 'Hope 30' and 'Hope Essentials'. The Hollands share their unique wellness journey which began with a focus on improving personal health and evolved into a desire to help others. Jim talks about his transition from being overweight and diabetic to being healthy through natural methods and lifestyle adj...

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy Thompson welcomes Aaron and Vangie Hendrickson, co-directors of  RVA Hope Center  in Richmond, Virginia. They share their transformative journey, from leading mission trips in various cities to founding the RVA Hope Center. This ministry focuses on serving at-risk communities by providing after-school programs, community events, and extending outr...

In this episode of 'Space for Life,' Tommy invites his wife of 42 years, Weezie, to discuss their shared passion for journaling. They explore how they've developed their unique journaling practices over the years and the profound impact it has had on their lives. Weezie breaks down her journaling process, including the tools she uses and the type of content she writes, emphasizing the importance o...

In this episode, Tracey Gates, a wellness coach and author of The Power of a Few Kind Words discusses her practice of intentional kindness. She shares her year-long experience of writing an unexpected letter of appreciation each day, highlighting the transformative effects of this activity not only for her but also for the recipients. The most profound of these letters was the last one - a heart-t...

Nicole brings 20 years of leadership and counseling experience to her work as a coach and communicator. Nicole’s passion is facilitating environments of safety & vulnerability so that individuals & communities can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from maximum potential. As a speaker, Nicole brings both wit and wisdom, with an honest & vulnerable approach that appeals to bot...

This episode is all about the non-obvious patterns and realities of life. These truths exist for good and for bad, whether we like it or not.  (0:00) Intro (1:04) Principles of Life (7:41) Principle of Naming (15:46) Principle of Firsts (22:03) Principle of Environment (30:16) Principle of Finishing Well (34:59) Principle of Space (43:36) Principle of Small Changes (49:20) Principle of Divine...

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy welcomes his long-time friend, author, and speaker Amy Julia Becker. They discuss Amy Julia's journey from her early days, her background, her marriage, and significant life events such as her daughter's Down syndrome diagnosis which pivoted her career towards writing. They delve into her books, emphasizing themes of disability, family, culture, and faith....

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy Thompson and long-time friend Tuck Knupp discuss the concept of aging well, highlighting its relevance at any age. The conversation delves into Tuck's life journey, which spans decades of ministry work, including his involvement with Young Life and pastoral roles. Tuck shares insights on maintaining health, nurturing relationships, and the importance of spi...

Tommy welcomes AC Arendale, the youngest guest ever on the podcast, to share her incredible testimony of joy in service. A rising sophomore at Baylor University, she discusses her unique approach to life characterized by her commitment to service, particularly in special needs ministry and international missions. AC shares her journey from volunteering at her church's sensory room designed to help...

Living intentionally is not just about setting goals, it’s about aligning every aspect of your life with purpose. In this episode, Tommy Thompson reconnects with  Shawn Boyer , the visionary entrepreneur behind Snagajob and  goHappy , to dive deeper into the journey that took Shawn from bootstrapping a startup to redefining his life’s mission. After the emotional challenge of leaving Sna...

In this special episode, long-time friend and mentor, Elaine Metcalf, reflects on her life and the various 'seasons' she has navigated. The discussion includes her early days with her husband Bob and the working and faith journey that took them from pioneering ministries in Richmond such as STEP and CBS, to leading international mission work in East Asia. Elaine discusses the challenges and reward...

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 intervi...

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 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...

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...

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...

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....

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 ch...

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', marke...

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...

Ever wondered how the game of golf can shape your life for the better? Join Tommy Thompson as he sits down with golf pro  Joel Suggs  for a captivating conversation about life’s unexpected journey. Joel, a third-generation golfer, opens up about his tumultuous childhood, moving through 13 schools and even living without running water. Discover how Joel found his way, embracing faith and...

In this episode of 'Space for Life,' Tommy introduces Vic Marchetti, his personal trainer of two years, to discuss the profound interconnectedness of physical wellness with mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The host shares his journey of achieving physical fitness and emphasizes how it has positively impacted various aspects of his life. Vic Marchetti talks about his background, includi...

Tommy Thompson opens up about a pivotal childhood experience that profoundly shaped his understanding of faith. In this deeply personal episode, he bravely shares a never-before-told story from his childhood, revealing a moment of crisis and vulnerability where he felt utterly powerless. He recounts how a miraculous intervention ignited his lifelong faith journey, demonstrating the profound impact...