The Intentional Parents Podcast

Intentional

In a world where distractions are endless and culture constantly pulls us in different directions, it’s more important than ever to remain intentional in your marriage and parenting. Brook and Elizabeth Mosser, alongside Phil and Diane Comer, invite you into a conversation about biblical formation — offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools for raising passionate Jesus followers. As an intergenerational team that is also family, we bridge the perspectives of different life stages, drawing from both decades-long experience and fresh insight on the topics of parenting and marriage. From vulnerable Q+R sessions to insightful guest interviews, we explore real-life stories of both steady formation and radical transformation — unpacking how God is shaping our lives and the lives of those around us. Join us each week as we pursue God’s design for life, marriage, and parenting — with intention.

  1. 2d ago

    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 give our kids and grandkids a cohesive picture of what a life with God actually looks like. The first is our salvation story, the story of how we came to truly walk with Jesus. The second is our calling story, which isn't only about ministry work. It includes our vocation, our roles, our passion projects, and the stories behind how we found them, with the reminder that gifting usually grows slowly, rarely on the timeline we'd choose. The third is our God-working story, a look at what He has done and what He is doing, told as a whole journey rather than a highlight reel. And the fourth is our generational story. This is the story of our own family, both the hard parts and the good ones, so our kids gain a compassionate framework for where their people came from, along with a clear sense of what to carry forward and what to leave behind. Underneath all of it is a quiet act of resistance. In a culture quick to cancel parents instead of seeking healing with them, telling these stories honestly, including the unanswered prayers and the hard chapters, is how we choose repair over rupture. Psalm 145 says one generation shall praise God's works to another, and shall eagerly utter the abundance of His goodness. That's not just a nice verse. It's a description of what we're actually called to do. This episode is a practical, story-shaped conversation on legacy, honesty, and what it means to hand your family a true picture of God's faithfulness, one generation at a time. Previous Episode Mentioned: More Than Spectators: The Unique Role of Grandparents in Leaving a Legacy for the Next Generation (Spotify, Apple Podcasts + YouTube) Scripture Mentioned: Psalm 145:3-7, Psalm 107:2, John 4:1-42, Ephesians 2:10, Proverbs 22:29, Psalms 145:8-19 + Proverbs 4:7 Books Mentioned: He Speaks in the Silence, Garden City + Raising Passionate Jesus Followers Practicing the Way Genogram Workbook Primal Path Intentional Motherhood Retreat: October 15-17, 2026 in Portland, OR Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: November 12-14, 2026 in Austin, TX Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalparents.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from. Sowing a Hidden Seed Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brookmosser @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional Raising Passionate Jesus Followers The Intentional Film Series

    Telling Your Story: The 4 Stories Every Family Needs to Pass Down
  2. Aug 5

    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, everyone on their own device, and different emotional worlds, creating a family life that just happens instead of one we build on purpose. And we get honest about the cost. Saying yes to being the house all the teenagers hang out at costs something, including time, noise, groceries, and other inconveniences. But it also puts your kids on mission with you, right in your own living room. We walk through three small, doable shifts: shared rituals that build belonging, connection before correction, and presence over perfection. It's not about doing more. It's about protecting what's already there. Along the way, we get specific, sharing some of our own family's traditions, moments of connection, and the little rhythms that have quietly become the culture of our homes. This episode is a personal, Scripture-anchored conversation on family rhythms, hospitality, and raising kids who know home is a safe place to come back to. 4 Things to Try This Week: Protect one daily touchpoint.Eliminate one barrier.Practice full attention moments.Create one weekly rhythm. Scripture Mentioned: 2 Peter 1:13, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 + Psalm 65 Intentional Motherhood Retreat: October 15-17, 2026 in Portland, OR Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: November 12-14, 2026 in Austin, TX Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalparents.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from. Sowing a Hidden Seed Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brookmosser @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional Raising Passionate Jesus Followers The Intentional Film Series

    Creating a Family Culture: Traditions, Rituals + Moments of Connection
  3. Jul 29

    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 on God, including Jesus' words, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," and the reminder in 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 that our sufficiency comes from Him, and not from mastering the latest parenting technique. We also discuss what it looks like to quiet the noise by curating your inputs, discerning truth from subtle lies, returning to the actual child God has entrusted to you, and embracing the limitations of your current season. Rather than striving for perfect formulas, we're invited to listen for the Holy Spirit's unique guidance for our families. We close by resting in God's promise from Isaiah 41:10, remembering that His presence, strength and grace are enough. Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 5:3, 2 Corinthians 3:4-6, Luke 5:16, Psalm 139:23-24, 2 Corinthians 12:9 + Isaiah 41:10 Books Mentioned: Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Jacques Philippe Intentional Motherhood Retreat: October 15-17, 2026 in Portland, OR Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: November 12-14, 2026 in Austin, TX Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalparents.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from. Sowing a Hidden Seed Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brookmosser @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional Raising Passionate Jesus Followers The Intentional Film Series

    The Lie of "I'm Not Enough" in the Age of Information
  4. Jul 22

    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 of deep suffering and uncertainty. Throughout the conversation, Chad and Hillary share what it was like to walk through years of uncertainty, prayerfully consider medical options, experience the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, and wrestle with questions about God’s presence in suffering. They discuss the unique ways infertility impacts both men and women, the loneliness that can accompany long seasons of waiting, and the importance of having people who are willing to sit with you in grief rather than trying to fix it. As they candidly share their experiences with miscarriage, anxiety, therapy, and healing, they offer wisdom for those walking through similar struggles and for those seeking to support loved ones dealing with infertility. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder that God is with us in our pain. Rather than offering easy answers or neatly tying a bow around suffering, Chad and Hillary explore how faith makes room for both joy and sorrow, grief and hope. They reflect on how seasons of pain and waiting turned theological theory into lived reality, and how God’s faithfulness through every chapter has deepened their trust in Him. Their story is a testimony that while suffering is real, it does not have the final word, and that even when hope feels foolish, God remains present, trustworthy, and at work. Scripture Mentioned: John 11:35, Romans 8:28, John 14:9, John 1, Romans 4:18-22, Romans 5:3-5 + Luke 11:5-10 Books Mentioned: The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis, A Grace Disguised by Jerry L. Sittser Intentional Motherhood Retreat: October 15-17, 2026 in Portland, OR Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: November 12-14, 2026 in Austin, TX Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalparents.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from. Sowing a Hidden Seed Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brookmosser @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional Raising Passionate Jesus Followers The Intentional Film Series

    Grief + Hope: Infertility, Miscarriage and the Weight of Waiting (w/ Chad and Hillary Blake)
  5. Jul 15

    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 intentionally passed down. We discuss the tension many grandparents feel between stepping back too much and overstepping their role, and how healthy involvement can be one of the greatest gifts they offer their families. Investing in children and grandchildren often requires sacrifice, flexibility, and generosity, but it also creates opportunities to leave a lasting spiritual legacy. Grandparents have a unique opportunity to encourage their adult children while helping shape the faith and character of future generations. Three Key Roles of Grandparents: Rememberers: Passing down stories of God’s faithfulness and the lessons learned through both successes and failures.Blessers: Speaking life, truth, encouragement, and identity into the lives of children and grandchildren.Embodiers: Modeling a lifelong walk with Jesus through the way they live, love, and persevere. Ultimately, grandparents have the opportunity to become living proof of the gospel, not through perfection, but through lives that demonstrate that faith can endure hardship, mistakes can be redeemed, relationships can be restored, and following God is worth it. This episode invites listeners to consider the kind of legacy they are building today and what it means to faithfully pass on something of lasting value from generation to generation. Scripture Mentioned: Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35, Psalm 78:1-8, Hebrews 11, 2 Peter 3:1, Deuteronomy 4:9-10, Psalm 105:5, Psalm 103:2, Psalm 92:12-15 + Romans 12:2 Books Mentioned: It's Not About Me by Max Lucado + The Blessing by John Trent Previous Episodes Mentioned: Your Children Will Become Who You Tell Them You See Them Becoming: The Blessing Part 1 (Spotify + Apple Podcasts) + Your Children Will Become Who You Tell Them You See Them Becoming: The Blessing Part 2 (Spotify + Apple Podcasts) Intentional Motherhood Retreat: October 15-17, 2026 in Portland, OR Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: November 12-14, 2026 in Austin, TX Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalparents.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from. Sowing a Hidden Seed Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brookmosser @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional Raising Passionate Jesus Followers The Intentional Film Series

    More Than Spectators: The Unique Role of Grandparents in Leaving a Legacy for the Next Generation
  6. Jul 8

    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 and communicated messages rooted in fear, shame, and performance rather than grace. We discuss how these teachings affected both men and women, the pressure and responsibility often placed on women, and the ways purity culture shaped how many people view sex, relationships, and their own worth. We also talk about the challenges it created for those who carried shame from their past, as well as those who struggled to embrace sexuality as a good gift from God after years of hearing that desire itself was dangerous. Most importantly, this conversation is about hope. The gospel reminds us that our identity is not defined by our failures and that God's grace is greater than any mistake we have made. We discuss how the church can move toward a healthier, more biblical understanding of sexuality, one that honors God's design while making room for grace, healing, and honest conversations. We close with three practical takeaways: Give your kids a theology of the body, not just a list of rules. Teach them that their bodies are good, desire is healthy, attraction is normal, and intimacy is sacred.Give your kids a view of grace that is bigger than their failures. Help them understand that they are not defined by their worst decisions and are never beyond God's forgiveness and redemption.Give them wisdom instead of formulas. Equip them with discernment and the ability to navigate life's complexities rather than relying on simple rules or guarantees. Scripture Mentioned: Colossians 3:1-17, Matthew 5:8 + Mark 9:24 Previous Episode Mentioned: 20 Years From Now: What You'll Wish You Focused On As a Parent (w/ Sally Lemos, MS, LPC) (YouTube, Spotify + Apple Podcasts) Intentional Motherhood Retreat: October 15-17, 2026 in Portland, OR Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: November 12-14, 2026 in Austin, TX Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalparents.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from. Sowing a Hidden Seed Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brookmosser @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional Raising Passionate Jesus Followers The Intentional Film Series

    Purity Culture: The History, the Harm + the Hope
  7. Jul 1

    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 that have shaped her passion for helping the Church develop a gospel-centered vision for sexuality. Together, we explore the biblical picture of marriage through Ephesians 5:32, discussing how covenantal marriage reflects the profound mystery of Christ’s relationship with His Church. Laurie shares how these truths have influenced the way she disciples her own children and approaches conversations about sexuality, identity, and marriage in the home. We also dive into practical guidance for parents who want to help their kids navigate difficult questions. Laurie explains why it’s important to fill the “narrative void” before culture does, how to respond when children ask hard questions, and why phrases like “I don’t know” can be both honest and helpful. Along the way, she offers a powerful reminder that “we will transmit what we don’t transform,” encouraging parents to address their own stories and wounds so they can parent from a place of health rather than fear. This conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical examples for parents seeking to lead their families with both truth and grace. Laurie Krieg: Website, Podcast, Instagram + Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 5:32 + Matthew 12:34 Books Mentioned: Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World by Laurie Krieg, An Impossible Marriage by Laurie Krieg + You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan Intentional Motherhood Retreat: October 15-17, 2026 in Portland, OR Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: November 12-14, 2026 in Austin, TX Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalparents.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from. Sowing a Hidden Seed Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brookmosser @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional Raising Passionate Jesus Followers The Intentional Film Series

    Raising Kids in a Sexually Broken World, Answering Difficult Questions + Not Parenting Out of Fear (w/ Laurie Krieg)
  8. Jun 24

    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. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, memory, and executive functioning. It’s not a character flaw or intelligence issue, but a different way the brain processes information and experiences the world. We explore how ADHD can look beyond hyperactivity, including forgetfulness, disorganization, emotional overwhelm, rejection sensitivity, and difficulty following through on tasks. We also discuss how ADHD often presents differently in girls, showing up as anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and daydreaming. Drawing from Colossians 3:21, we talk about the importance of understanding our children rather than simply correcting behaviors, helping them feel supported instead of discouraged. We also address the hidden cost of missing ADHD. While many parents worry about labeling their child, failing to recognize what’s really going on can leave children believing they are lazy, behind, not smart enough, or simply “not good enough.” When we understand and name their struggles, we can help replace shame with understanding and equip them with the support they need to thrive. Five Tools for Parents: Educate: Learn about ADHD yourself, help your child understand how their brain works, and educate the important people in their life.Advocate: Speak up for the support and accommodations your child needs, especially in environments where they may be vulnerable.Build: Create scaffolding and systems that help your child succeed, giving them a foundation on which they can learn and grow.Coach: Move beyond correction by teaching practical strategies and guiding your child toward what works, saying, “Not this way, but this way.”Celebrate: Intentionally identify and affirm your child’s strengths, gifts, and progress so they learn to see themselves through a lens of capability rather than deficiency. Instagram Reel Clip Mentioned Definition of ADHD: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention regulation, impulse control, emotional regulation, motivation, memory, and executive functioning. It’s not an intelligence issue or a character flaw — it’s a brain-based difference in how someone processes and manages information, tasks, emotions, and stimulation. Many kids and adults with ADHD are highly creative, intuitive, energetic, and capable, but they often struggle in systems that weren’t built for how their brain works. Scripture Mentioned: Colossians 3:21 Intentional Motherhood Retreat: October 15-17, 2026 in Portland, OR Intentional Fatherhood Retreat: November 12-14, 2026 in Austin, TX Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to hello@intentionalparents.org, mentioning your name and where you’re from. Sowing a Hidden Seed Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brookmosser @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional Raising Passionate Jesus Followers The Intentional Film Series

    ADHD in Kids: What It Looks Like, How to Provide Support + the Hidden Costs of Missing It
4.9
out of 5
1,566 Ratings

About

In a world where distractions are endless and culture constantly pulls us in different directions, it’s more important than ever to remain intentional in your marriage and parenting. Brook and Elizabeth Mosser, alongside Phil and Diane Comer, invite you into a conversation about biblical formation — offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools for raising passionate Jesus followers. As an intergenerational team that is also family, we bridge the perspectives of different life stages, drawing from both decades-long experience and fresh insight on the topics of parenting and marriage. From vulnerable Q+R sessions to insightful guest interviews, we explore real-life stories of both steady formation and radical transformation — unpacking how God is shaping our lives and the lives of those around us. Join us each week as we pursue God’s design for life, marriage, and parenting — with intention.

You Might Also Like