The Intentional Parents Podcast
In a world full of distractions, this podcast helps parents and couples stay intentional in their marriage and parenting. Hosted by Brook and Elizabeth Mosser alongside Phil and Diane Comer, it offers biblical wisdom and practical tools for raising passionate Jesus followers. The intergenerational team shares insights from different life stages, including Q+R sessions and guest interviews. Each week, they explore God's design for life, marriage, and parenting with intention.
Episodes
Why Can’t I Stay Where I Am? Learning to Be Content With Your Actual Life
We're kicking off a new series called "Stay in Your Cell," and it starts with a question we've both been sitting with: why can't we stay where we are, in the current life we actually have?Before we get there, we share an update on the last eight weeks: Elizabeth's ongoing chronic back pain, and how it's shaping the honesty we're bringing into this conversation. We&#
5 Questions Parents & Adult Kids Need to Ask Each Other
Healthy families keep getting to know each other. We tend to think we already know our family, but people change, and when we stop asking questions, we start assuming intentions instead. Jesus ran into this too: in John 14, he asks Philip, “Don’t you know me...even after I have been among you such a long time?” Even Paul kept pursuing "that I may know him" in Philippians 3, present tense,
We Love Each Other. So Why Is Marriage This Hard?
This week, we open up about Sowing a Hidden Seed: Daily Prayers for Your Marriage to Heal, Grow and Flourish, our new prayer devotional for marriage, and the honest, sometimes hard road that led us to write it. This isn't a book born from a picture-perfect marriage. It came from a real one: two people who have had to learn, over and over, that marriage is worth the fight even when it's har
Supporting a Struggling Spouse, Honoring Different Values, and Parenting Without a Blueprint (Q+R)
This week, Brook and Elizabeth answer your real questions on marriage, ministry life, and parenting without a blueprint. First, we tackle supporting a spouse through mental health challenges and healing work, while avoiding enabling and codependency. This often requires doing your own work, not hiding behind theirs. It's easy to excuse yourself because your spouse "has more to heal from,&#
I Thought My Life Would Be Different By Now
Are you disappointed? In your marriage, your kids, your job, your friendships, even your relationship with Jesus? Maybe there's a quiet voice saying "it could be better," and you're not sure what to do with that.This week, we sit with disappointment: what it actually is, what Scripture says about it, and how it can become a place of growth instead of just a place of hurt. We share
Telling Your Story: The 4 Stories Every Family Needs to Pass Down
This week, Elizabeth sits down with her parents, Phil and Diane, for a follow-up on our conversation on generations. If the previous episode cast the vision for the role of a grandparent, this episode gets practical: what does it actually look like to set the table and bridge the gap between generations?We talk through four stories every parent and grandparent needs to be telling, stories that giv
Creating a Family Culture: Traditions, Rituals + Moments of Connection
Is the culture of your family built in the vision statement or on Sunday nacho night?This week, we talk about what actually forms a family: not the big goals we write down, but the small, repeated moments nobody puts on a calendar. We unpack why connection, rather than correction, is the real foundation kids launch from and come back to.We talk through what works against us: fragmented schedules,
The Lie of "I'm Not Enough" in the Age of Information
In a world where parenting advice is always at our fingertips, why do so many of us feel like we're failing? In this episode, we talk about the pressure to get parenting "right," the anxiety that comes from endless information, and the lie so many mothers carry: I'm not enough. Drawing from responses at our recent Motherhood Retreat, we explore what Scripture says about dependence
Grief + Hope: Infertility, Miscarriage and the Weight of Waiting (w/ Chad and Hillary Blake)
This week, we sit down with Chad Blake, Executive Director of Intentional, and his wife Hillary, dear friends who share their personal journey through infertility, miscarriage, grief, and ultimately, hope. With honesty and vulnerability, they reflect on the pain of longing to grow their family, the challenges of navigating infertility, and the ways God’s faithfulness sustained them through seasons
More Than Spectators: The Unique Role of Grandparents in Leaving a Legacy for the Next Generation
What are we passing on to those who come after us? In this episode, we explore the powerful and often overlooked role of grandparents, who are called not to be spectators but bridge-builders between generations. At the heart of the conversation is the Hebrew phrase L’dor V’dor (לְדוֹר וָדוֹר), meaning “from generation to generation,” a beautiful picture of faith, wisdom, and legacy being intention
Purity Culture: The History, the Harm + the Hope
In this episode, we explore the history of purity culture, how it emerged as a response to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s, and the lasting impact it has had on a generation of Christians now raising their own kids. While many parents and church leaders were motivated by a genuine desire to protect young people and uphold biblical values, purity culture often reduced purity to virginity
Raising Kids in a Sexually Broken World, Answering Difficult Questions + Not Parenting Out of Fear (w/ Laurie Krieg)
In this episode, we’re joined by Laurie Krieg, author, speaker, podcast host, and Director of Parent Programs & Discipleship at The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. Laurie shares parts of her personal story, including life in a mixed-orientation marriage and the journey of confronting childhood trauma that resurfaced later in life. We also discuss her latest book and the experiences th
ADHD in Kids: What It Looks Like, How to Provide Support + the Hidden Costs of Missing It
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences and is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, or professional advice.Parenting is about stewarding the children God has given us and helping them flourish according to how He uniquely wired them. In this episode, we discuss ADHD in kids, what it is, how it shows up, and why understanding it matters. A
The Hidden Dangers of Technology Every Parent Should Know (w/ Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes)
In this episode, we had the honor and privilege of sitting down with Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes, father of four, and author of 5 Habits of the Tech-Ready Family. Chris shares his personal story of early exposure to pornography and how that experience eventually led him to dedicate his life to helping families navigate the realities of raising children in a digital world.Together,
20 Years From Now: What You'll Wish You Focused On As a Parent (w/ Sally Lemos, MS, LPC)
What if you could fast-forward 20 years and discover what really mattered in parenting…and what didn't? In this rich and encouraging conversation, Elizabeth sits down with her mother, Diane, and our dear friend and mentor, Sally Lemos, to reflect on the lessons they've learned through decades of parenting, faith, healing, and growth.Together, we talk about the pressures parents face in an
You're Not Broken: Finding Freedom and Clarity Through an Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences and is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, or professional advice.This week, Brook and Diane share their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD as adults and how that journey has given them a deeper understanding of themselves, their childhoods, and the challenges they’ve faced throughout life. F
Church Hurt, Conflict With Your Spouse, Fairness With Kids + Uninvolved Grandparents (Q+R)
For the first time from our brand-new studio, all four of us are together responding to your questions on personal formation, marriage, parenting, and navigating generational relationships.We talk about how to process church hurt while still raising kids in the church, including the importance of separating people’s failures from the character of God, remaining grounded in Scripture, and modeling
Live Q+R from the Motherhood Retreat: Fostering Vulnerability, Receiving Criticism + Parenting Without a Healthy Model
Live from the Intentional Motherhood Retreat in Franklin, this episode is a candid Q&R conversation around marriage, communication, parenting, and healing from the past. We respond to questions from attendees about how to cultivate deeper vulnerability with your spouse and parenting when you don't have a healthy model to follow.We talk about practical ways to help a spouse open up emotiona
The Hidden Blockers of Sexual Desire in Marriage + How to Move Past Them Together
We’re back with part two of our conversation on sex in marriage, this time getting into some of the hidden blockers of desire, along with a few practical ways to start moving past them. The goal isn’t just more sex, but a relationship where intimacy actually feels meaningful again.A lot of what gets in the way isn’t obvious. Small, unresolved tensions can build up over time and create distance, ev
Healing from Trauma in Adulthood, Re-Parenting Yourself + Acknowledging How We’ve Hurt Our Children
In this episode, Brook and Diane share a candid conversation about their overlapping journeys of healing from trauma, exploring what it means to grow emotionally and relationally. Reflecting on the “narrow way,” they talk about how true healing requires humility, acknowledging the need for God, confessing weakness, and recognizing there is always room to grow. Diane opens up about carrying pain in
When Life Doesn’t Look Like You Thought It Would, Stewarding Suffering + Allowing Hope to Heal (w/ Katherine Wolf)
In this meaningful conversation, we sit down with Katherine Wolf, whose story has deeply impacted our lives and understanding of faith and suffering. At 26, Katherine experienced a massive brain stem stroke that nearly took her life. Now, 18 years later, she lives with significant disabilities, yet continues to live with purpose, joy, and a resilient faith. She shares the long journey of learning
“I’m Not Doing Enough” + The “Should List”: Overcoming Shame and Guilt in Parenting
So many parents carry an unspoken “I should…” list: “I should be more patient, more present, doing more, doing better.” In a world full of parenting advice and constant input, it’s easy to feel like we know so much and yet, still aren’t doing enough. In this episode, we talk about how that pressure often leads to shame and guilt, and why it matters to understand the difference: guilt says “I did s
Loving People in Unseen Ways, Trusting God in the Detours + Saying “Yes” to Jesus (America’s Got Talent Winner Dustin Tavella)
In this spontaneous conversation from the Bless God Summit, Brook sits down with magician Dustin Tavella — best known for winning America’s Got Talent — to hear the powerful and inspiring story behind his life, faith, and calling.Dustin shares about his difficult childhood, marked by addiction and instability in his home, and the couple who stepped in to love and invest in him consistently. Throug
Was Parenting Always This Hard… Or Are We Just Failing?
Is parenting harder than it used to be? In many ways, yes. Today’s parents are navigating a faster, louder, more complex world than generations before us — marked by decision fatigue, rising costs, less community support, and the constant mental load of trying to care for both our kids’ emotional needs and our own. Add in technology, shifting family dynamics, and the pressure of “intentional paren
Sex in Marriage: Communication, Connection + Healing Past Wounds Around Intimacy
In this episode, Brook and Elizabeth sit down for an honest conversation about sex, intimacy, and connection in marriage. We begin with a few updates — including reflections from the Fatherhood Retreat, the upcoming Intentional Motherhood Retreat, and an update on Elizabeth’s back surgery — before diving into the topic.Just as the gospel reminds us that we are fully known and fully loved, marriage
Anger Q+R: Transformation Through Prayer Over Time, Choosing Compassion with Your Spouse + Healing Within Your Family of Origin
In this follow-up episode on anger, the four of us sit down to respond to your honest, relatable questions — especially where anger shows up in parenting, marriage, and our own personal healing. We start with a common parenting struggle: when it feels like kids only listen after we get angry. We talk about identifying what’s underneath that reaction, learning to respond calmly, and following throu
Anger, Underlying Pain, Justice Without Mercy, and Steps Toward Healing
This week, all four of us sit down for an honest and hopeful conversation about anger — where it comes from, why it’s such a universal part of being human, and how pain so often fuels it. We share a few personal updates on what we’ve been up to, including an update on Elizabeth’s health, and then dive into the reality that simply being alive gives us plenty of opportunities to feel angry. Anger is
Key Moments of 2025: Highlights from Our Most-Loved Episodes (Staying Calm, Emotional Intelligence, Shielding Our Kids, Tools of Discipline + Daily Habits)
This episode features five of our most-listened-to moments from 2025. These conversations clearly resonated with listeners and sparked meaningful reflection for parents trying to follow Jesus in everyday family life. We reflect on how pride shows up when we’re corrected and how parenting gives us daily opportunities to model humility, drawing from Scripture to show why God consistently meets humil
Spiritual Formation & Motherhood: Interview w/ John Mark Comer at the Intentional Motherhood Retreat
During the Intentional Motherhood Retreat 2025, Elizabeth sat down with her older brother, John Mark Comer, for a deeply honest and encouraging conversation about spiritual formation in the thick of motherhood. For so many mothers, life feels crowded with the dailyness and busyness of caring for little ones, making it easy to believe the lie that we must do more or try harder to grow spiritually.
Conversation w/ Ronald Rolheiser: Restlessness, Leaving a Legacy, Dealing With Anger + the Power of Fidelity
In this episode, Brook and Justin sit down with Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, one of the most trusted and influential spiritual voices of our time, and someone whose work we deeply admire and return to often. A Catholic priest, theologian, and author, Fr. Rolheiser has spent more than 50 years teaching and writing about prayer, vocation, and the interior life, helping countless people understand how God m
Bridging Generations with Humility + Removing the Pressure and Performance of Prayer (w/ Addison + Juli Bevere)
In today’s episode, we sit down with new friends we have a lot in common with: Addison and Juli Bevere of At Home with the Beveres. We talk about life, ministry, parenting four kids, and what it means to steward faith across generations in a world where the gap between young and old can feel wider than ever. Addison and Juli share honestly about the beauty and challenges of being part of a multige
Intentional x Dadville (w/ Dave Barnes + Jon McLaughlin from Dadville)
In this episode, we sit down for a “co-pod” with Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin from the Dadville podcast for an honest, funny conversation about parenting, podcasting, and why intentionality matters in the first place. We share the heart behind Intentional and Intentional Fatherhood, getting back to the basics of why we do this work and what we hope it creates. Along the way, there’s plenty of la
Reflection and Projection: Remembering What God Has Done + Trusting Him With What’s Next
In this end-of-year episode, we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026 through the practices of reflection and projection, rooted in Scripture and focused on formation rather than pressure or performance. We revisit meaningful moments from the year, both personally and within Intentional, including the Motherhood Retreat, Intentional Fatherhood, and the launch of Sowing a Hidden Seed. Reflection h
What It’s Like to Be a Teenager Right Now: Pressure, Comparison, and Technology Boundaries (With Our Kids, Duke and Scarlet)
In this special end-of-year episode, we’re joined by our two oldest kids — Duke (16) and Scarlet (13) — for an honest, funny, and unfiltered conversation about what it’s really like to be a teenager right now. From public high school to middle school in a Christian co-op, they share what daily life looks like in their worlds, complete with sibling jokes, family banter, and plenty of real-life mess
Digital Thorns: Minimizing Proximity to Our Phones + Choosing Hope Over Resignation (w/ Joey Odom of Reclaimwell)
In this episode, we sit down with our dear friend Joey Odom of Reclaimwell for a timely and challenging conversation about reshaping our relationship with our phones. Reclaimwell exists to help people put technology back in its proper place, and Joey shares his own story of struggle and growth, along with honest examples of both failure and success. He names the urgency of our moment, reminding us
Facing Dysregulation + Family Dysfunction as Bringers of PEACE (Christmas Special)
It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also one of the most stressful. In our Christmas episode, we explore how to foster peace — not striving for perfection, but accepting the Spirit’s invitation to enter the season with intention, humility, and grace. The holidays can stir up dysregulated kids, busy schedules, grief, and unrealistic expectations, so we walk through the acronym P
Should We Have Another Child, Parenting Kids With Different Personalities, and Being a Follower Instead of a Leader (Q+R)
In this episode, all four of us respond to your questions on marriage, parenting, and discipleship. We begin with a listener who feels stuck navigating a blended family and a husband who wants another child while she feels content with their current season. We talk about honoring both present realities and future hopes, acknowledging the unique weight moms carry, communicating clearly, and seeking
Generations, Leaving and Cleaving + 6 Ways to Honor Your Parents
In this episode, we explore what Scripture really means when it calls us to leave and cleave. Leaving isn’t just moving out, it’s a purposeful, decisive shift of loyalty and identity so a new family can truly become one. This kind of separation can feel confusing or even painful, especially for parents who have spent years nurturing their children. But leaving is not rejection; it’s the healthy fo
Aura Farming vs. Spiritual Formation, Hiddenness Over Hype, Slowness Instead of Spectacular + Childlike Dependence
In this episode, we explore the growing “aura farming” movement — the cultural pressure to project effortlessness, curate our image, and step into our “main-character era.” While the world urges us to amplify our greatness, Jesus invites us into something entirely different.We look at Jesus’ call to become like children in Matthew 18:1–5, a posture marked by humility, dependence, and openness. Aur
8 Rules for Families in a Digital World
In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest parenting challenges today — raising kids in a digital world. Many of us have overprotected our children in the physical world but underprotected them in the digital world. To help you add some guardrails, we share the practical tools and boundaries our family uses around technology — from phones and iPads to TV — and the eight foundational r
Generational Differences with Self-Care, Child Loss, Social Media Addiction, Submitting to Limitations (Live Q+R From Intentional Motherhood Retreat 2025)
Recorded live at the Intentional Motherhood Retreat in Portland, Oregon, this special Q+R features our entire Intentional team, with Joey Odom of Reclaimwell guiding the conversation as we move from humor to depth. From lighthearted moments — like where Diane and Elizabeth’s pant suits came from — to honest questions about self-care, marriage, grief, and limitations, this episode captures the hear
Same-Sex Attraction, Freedom in Vulnerability + an Unfinished Symphony (Conversation w/ Jeff and Jourdan of Open Spaces)
Note: This episode contains mature themes that may not be suitable for younger listeners. Please use discretion.This week, we’re joined by our new friends Jeff and Jourdan Johnson, hosts of the Open Spaces Podcast. They share their remarkable story — a journey marked by honesty, redemption, and deep faith. Jeff opens up about his decades-long battle with same-sex attraction and how bringing his st
Language of Encouragement, Speaking Life + Soul Friendships (Teaching from the 2024 Motherhood Retreat)
In this special episode, we’re sharing a powerful recorded teaching from Diane and Elizabeth at our 2024 Motherhood Retreat. This session dives deep into our God-given desire for connection — the longing to be seen, soothed, safe, and secure — and how that shapes our relationships with one another.Our female relationships can often feel complicated, yet Scripture reminds us that we were created fo
Helping Phone-Free Teenagers Stay Connected, Regrets in Parenting Toddlers, and Managing Sibling Rivalry (Q+R)
In this Q+R episode, we’re tackling your questions about parenting through some of the more complex seasons — from helping phone-free tweens stay connected to navigating sibling rivalry and reflecting on what we might have done differently with our younger kids.We start with communication and technology, sharing practical ways to help teenagers connect with friends without giving them full phone a
Raising Kids in a Clickbait Culture, Shaping Critical Thinkers, Encouraging Empathy, and Living in the Gray
In this episode, we dive into what it looks like to raise kids in today’s clickbait culture. With endless information at our fingertips, outrage-driven headlines everywhere, and our children frequently walking through traumatic national events, it can be hard to know what’s real, what matters, and what doesn’t. No matter how many boundaries we put in place, outside voices are loud — and that makes
Fear of Repeating Unhealthy Family Patterns, Saying No to Good Things, and Initiating Conversations Around Generational Patterns (Q+R)
In this Q+R episode, we dive into some real-life questions about family patterns, parenting decisions, and initiating difficult conversations.First, we talk about the fear of repeating unhealthy family patterns. How can we learn from our past while creating a different path for our own kids? And what do we do when we notice ourselves falling into the same habits? We share how naming those fears —
Trauma and Crisis, Being Present for Those Suffering, and Carrying Each Other’s Burdens
This week, all four of us sit down for an honest and emotional conversation about trauma and crisis — how to respond when it strikes, and how to navigate it as a family. The reality is that at some point in life, you will walk through seasons of pain, and the question becomes: how do we carry each other’s burdens as Galatians 6:2 calls us to? Together, we share raw, personal stories of both acute
Breaking Generational Patterns, Knowing Your Story, Healing Family Wounds, Finding Freedom, and Passing On Faithfulness
In this episode, we explore how generational sin, trauma, and family stories shape who we are — and how God invites us into healing and freedom. Scripture reminds us in Numbers 14:18 that the effects of sin can ripple through generations, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, those patterns don’t have to define us.We talk about epigenetics — how experiences like stress and trauma can actually
Special Intentional Fatherhood Feature: Your Fatherhood Needs You to Know Your Story, Facing Generational Sin, and Trusting God to Bless What’s Been Broken
This week, we are releasing one of the most-loved episodes from our Intentional Fatherhood podcast, all about knowing your story, facing generational sin, and trusting God to bless what’s broken.Note: This episode contains mature themes that may not be suitable for younger listeners. Please use discretion.We are storied people, living within the grand narrative of the kingdom of God. And as a fath
The Myth of “18 Summers,” Speaking Life, Routines + Comparison (Back-to-School Special)
As the school year begins, we’re diving into the hopes, pressures, and rhythms of this season. We start with the myth of “you only get 18 summers,” a phrase that can put unnecessary pressure on parents. Instead of viewing time with our kids through a lens of scarcity, Scripture reminds us that God’s kingdom is one of abundance (2 Corinthians 9:8).We also explore the power of words in shaping our c
Tools of Discipline: Gentle Correction, A Loving Rebuke, Patient Instruction and Encouragement
Parenting can feel confusing. Many of us grew up in homes focused on rules and behavior, while today, there’s more awareness around emotions and connection. Both matter — but what do we actually do about our kids’ behavior? In this episode, Brook, Elizabeth, and Diane talk about what discipline really is, why it’s important, and how to approach it with wisdom and love.Discipline isn’t punishment —
Differing Parenting Styles, Distinguishing Your Pain From Your Child’s + Supporting Your Spouse Through Growth (Q+R)
This week, all four of us sit down to respond to your thoughtful questions about parenting and marriage.We start by exploring what to do when your parenting style differs from your spouse’s. Differences don’t have to be a problem — in fact, they can be a gift. But what about when the stakes are high, like deciding on the best schooling option for your child? We share how to find unity in your appr
Parenting the Anxious Generation: Identifying + Walking Through Anxiety With Our Kids
It’s no secret that we live in an anxious world — and we are raising an anxious generation. One in eight kids will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and that number is rising.So how do we parent through this? What exactly does anxiety look like in our kids? How do we recognize it — especially when it hides under the surface? What tools can we use to respond? And what hope does Scripture offer
Sowing a Hidden Seed: Cultivating a Culture of Prayer in Your Home
We’re thrilled to introduce Sowing a Hidden Seed — a 31-day prayer devotional for parents faithfully planting spiritual seeds in their children’s lives, even when the fruit feels far off. Each day features Scripture, a meaningful quote, and a guided prayer, with flexible themes you can make your own.Right now, Sowing a Hidden Seed is available exclusively to monthly donors who give $25 or more. As
When It Hurts Too Much, Finding God in the Middle of Pain, and What Do I Do With All This Pain? (Conversation w/ Andrew Damazio)
This week, Brook sits down with Andrew Damazio — pastor of Rose Church in Portland and author of My Heart Hurts: A Guide to the Theology of Pain and Suffering.After walking through deep, personal suffering — often multiple losses at once — Andrew emerged with a burden to help others navigate pain with both truth and tenderness. When enduring pain, he was either approached with a highly theological
Facing Mortality, Choosing Margin, Showing Weakness + Modeling Prayer (Interveiw w/ Tyler Staton)
This week, Brook sits down with Tyler Staton — pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, author, husband, and father of three boys — for a profound, powerful conversation about mortality, margin, weakness, and prayer.Tyler shares his journey through an unexpected and grueling cancer diagnosis, offering a raw look into the spiritual refinement that comes when you’re suddenly faced with your own limi
Extending Forgiveness, Re-Prioritizing Your Marriage, Sharing Family Priorities, and Disclosing Your Broken Past (Marriage Q+R)
This week, all four of us sit down for another Marriage Q+R, diving into your questions about navigating tension and other difficult dynamics in marriage.We talk through when it might be wise to extend forgiveness face-to-face versus process it privately, and explore the nuance between sin in thought and sin in action — while remembering that all sin must ultimately be brought before God.We share
Spiritual Intimacy, Spiritual Leadership + Highlighting Negative Patterns in Your Spouse (Marriage Q+R)
Fresh off the Intentional Marriage Retreat, we sit down for a special Q+R episode — answering your thoughtful questions about marriage. In this conversation, we discuss a variety of topics with a special focus on one overarching theme: growing in spiritual connection with your spouse.We talk about how to nurture spiritual intimacy in your marriage by creating space for regular, meaningful conversa
You’re Not Broken, You’re Patterned: Why We Do Things We Don’t Want to Do in Parenting
Do you ever feel stuck in a reactive cycle as a parent — responding in ways you wish you wouldn't, again and again? Like Paul in Romans 7:15, you might find yourself saying, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”Here’s the good news: you’re not broken — you’re patterned. And patterns can be healed.In this episode, we unpack what it means to be
The Broken Parts of Ourselves, How Weakness is Forming Something Deeper and The Fellowship of the Withered Hand
This week, we’re getting honest about our inadequacies as parents — when all we can say is, “I can’t.”Inspired by The Fellowship of the Withered Hand, a concept from John Ortberg’s Steps, we explore how embracing our weaknesses can actually be a gateway to deeper healing and growth. Rather than hiding our shortcomings, what if we brought them into the light — to both God and to trusted community —
Hopelessness, Bitterness, Simmering Resentment, Passive-Aggressiveness, and Everyday Forgiveness in Close Relationships
This week, all four of us sit down for a meaningful conversation about everyday forgiveness — small, often-overlooked moments of hurt that show up in our closest relationships and call for repair. Whether it's with a spouse, parent, friend, or coworker, these minor offenses can quietly accumulate and widen the distance between us — unless we learn to close the gap before it becomes a chasm.Dia
Parenting with Scars + Becoming the Parent We Needed (A Conversation w/ A.J. Swoboda)
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back our dear friend A.J. Swoboda — author, professor, theologian, lay pastor, and fellow podcaster — for an honest conversation about what it means to parent while carrying our own scars. Like physical ones, emotional scars tell the story of pain endured and healing found.We talk about the reality that many of us are giving our kids something we never received
The Boring Years, Spiritual Formation in the Shadows, Beneath the Routine, and Praying the Ordinary
Do you ever catch yourself wishing away the ordinary, mundane days of parenting — those moments that feel repetitive, exhausting, or spiritually dry? Maybe you carry guilt for not “praying enough,” or wonder when you’ll ever have space for deep spiritual encounters again.In this week’s episode, Brook and Elizabeth invite you to reimagine what prayer looks like in the midst of diapers, dishes, and
Unlearning Together, The Cost of Humility in Culture and Teachability in the Everyday Mess of Family Life (Interview w/ A.J. Swoboda)
This week, Brook sits down once again with author, professor, theologian, lay pastor, and podcaster A.J. Swoboda to talk about the importance of having a teachable spirit in today’s world. Centered around his latest book, A Teachable Spirit, this episode invites listeners to see teachability not just as a personality trait, but as a deeply spiritual discipline.We begin by naming a sobering truth:
Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down: A Balanced Approach of Correction + Connection in Discipline
Do you ever find yourself at a loss when it comes to disciplining your children as they move beyond the toddler years? Do you wish you could instantly curb the pushback, mood swings, and moments of disrespect?This week, we discuss our Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting resource, which reframes how we respond to our children’s behaviors by emphasizing both correction and connection.After all, God has
Character, Dying to Self in Marriage + Modeling Biblical Manhood (Interview with Kirk Cameron)
This week, Brook sits down with actor, author, and producer Kirk Cameron for a powerful conversation about faith, marriage, and what it means to live as a man of God.While many remember Kirk from his prominent roles in the Growing Pains TV series and the Left Behind films, his story goes far beyond the screen. He shares how a shift from atheism to Christianity as a teenager altered the trajectory
Procedural Memory: How God Redeems Reflexes, Rewrites Patterns and Renews the Mind
This week, we explore procedural memory — the unconscious, long-term memory that drives us to perform actions automatically. Shaped by childhood experiences and behaviors modeled by our parents, procedural memory often feels like running on autopilot or slipping into default mode, especially in how we respond under pressure. It’s that reflexive reaction, internal or external, that surfaces when we
Spiritual Formation in Motherhood: Announcing the Intentional Motherhood Retreat 2025 in Portland, Oregon!
This week, Elizabeth and Diane make an exciting announcement: The Intentional Motherhood Retreat is BACK for 2025 — this time, in Portland, Oregon from October 23-25! They discuss what the retreat is all about, why you should come, and what to expect if you haven’t been before.As retreat speakers and hosts, Elizabeth and Diane reflect on the deep connections, vulnerability, and transformation expe
Unlocking the Power of Emotional Intelligence In Ourselves and In Our Kids
This week, we’re diving into the topic of emotional intelligence — the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in both ourselves and those around us. Developing emotional intelligence helps us navigate life with maturity and stability, while also equipping us to guide our children in naming and managing their emotions with confidence and care.At its core, emotional intelligence is bu
Being Emotionally Present with Toddlers Amidst Responsibilities, Dealing with Overstimulation as a Parent + Shielding Kids from Emotional Pain (Q+R)
This week, the entire Intentional team sits down to respond to your questions, covering a range of topics, including emotional availability, attachment, overstimulation with kids, physical intimacy in marriage, and navigating emotional pain with our children.We discuss the difficult task of staying emotionally present with toddlers while tending to household responsibilities. Elizabeth unpacks com
5 Necessities to Being a Calm, Regulated Parent in the Midst of Chaos + the Power of Meekness and Humility
In this episode, the whole Intentional team comes together to unpack five essential practices for maintaining calm and regulation as parents — even in the midst of chaos. We explore how our response to our children must be rooted in humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and contentment.We discuss the fleshly desire to respond to heightened emotions and dysregulation in our kids by matching
The Life-Long Journey of Healing from Generational Trauma, Eternal Perspective and the Power of “But God” (Interview with Sally Lemos, MS, LPC)
This week, we welcomed Sally Lemos, MS, LPC back on the show for a continued conversation around generational trauma, this time focused on the path to healing.Drawing from her own history of significant childhood trauma, Sally walked us through what it can look like to find healing and restoration, offering a raw account of her transition from denial and blame to naming and claiming. Sally’s heali
Feeling Stuck as a Parent, Changing our Minds as Parents, and the Permission we Need to Give Ourselves
Have you ever felt stuck in your decisions, as if changing your mind would mean admitting defeat? This week, we’re talking about the beauty and bravery of pivoting, whether it’s within your marriage, the way you parent your children, or other areas of life. We unpack the reasons we may have trouble granting ourselves permission to change, whether that’s worry, fear, pride, ignorance, identity, or
Walking With Kids Through Grief, Good News in Sad Stories + Singleness in Church (Interview with Annie F. Downs)
This week, we welcomed author, speaker, fellow podcaster, and overall inspiring, vibrant and magnetic human Annie F. Downs to the show.First, we highlighted the children’s book Annie co-wrote with her sister, ”Where Did TJ Go?”, which helps kids navigate grief and loss. The story was born from personal tragedy. After her sister’s family lost a baby, Annie wrote it for her nephew, Sam, to help him
Marriage In Sickness and In Health, Parenting Neurodiverse Children Alongside Neurotypical Children + Handling Parenting Differences (Q+R)
This week on the podcast, all four of us (Brook, Elizabeth, Phil and Diane) sat down to respond to some questions centered on avoiding bitterness in your marriage while dealing with sickness and the unique challenges of parenting neurodiverse children alongside neurotypical children.We discussed the reality of living out the marriage vow, “in sickness and in health,” and how it requires a deep loy
Fighting for Connection, Being Present with our Kids + Leading with Vulnerability (Interview with Ruth Chou Simons)
This week on the podcast, we welcomed back Ruth Chou Simons — author, artist, podcaster, and mom of six(!) boys — for an inspiring conversation about nurturing relationships with our kids.Ruth shared her wisdom on fighting for connection, especially during the teenage years, emphasizing the importance of leading with vulnerability. We explored the idea of viewing parenting as a journey rather than
ADHD, Neurodivergence, and How We Damage in the Unknown (Special Q+R)
In this episode, we take a heartfelt and insightful dive into the unique challenges and profound joys of parenting neurodivergent children. We acknowledge the emotional, spiritual, and practical complexities that come with raising children who experience the world differently, while also embracing the beauty and growth that can emerge from these experiences. Throughout our discussion, we explore h
Thriving Through Exhaustion, Overstimulation, In-Laws, and Overwhelm (Marriage Q+R)
Today on the show, Brook+Elizabeth and Phil+Diane answer your marriage-related questions, offering practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom for navigating the challenges and celebrations of married life. They tackle everything from difficult in-law dynamics and moments of overstimulation to prioritizing your spouse during the busiest or most exhausting seasons. With a focus on communication, resp
Generational Trauma, Wounded Parts and How Trauma is Passed Down (Interview with Sally Lemos, MS, LPC)
We wholeheartedly welcome back Sally Lemos, MS, LPC, to our show today to talk about trauma as it relates to families through generations. In this episode, we want to lay a foundation and start at the beginning by defining what trauma and abuse are and how they can show up in different ways in us, in our families, and how it’s passed down to future generations. Sally shares with us through the wis
Canceling family, 8 Essentials for Difficult Relationships, Enemies and Triggers (Christmas Episode)
Merry Christmas! Welcome to our special Christmas episode! Today, Brook and Elizabeth, along with Phil and Diane, dive into the challenges of navigating interpersonal relationships, especially in a culture where it’s often easier—and even socially accepted—to cancel those who feel inconvenient. Together, they share eight essential principles for handling difficult relationships and explore the bet
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