The Intentional Parents Podcast

Intentional
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The Intentional Parents Podcast

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. 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)

    JUL 9

    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 response void of care or a purely pastoral response void of biblical truths. What he wanted — and what he needed — was both. In My Heart Hurts, Andrew brings together sound theology and sincere pastoral care — offering not quick fixes, but a framework for walking through pain with both hope and honesty. Still in the midst of grief after the loss of his father and while walking with a close friend through their own suffering, Andrew speaks not from theory, but from lived experience. In our conversation, Andrew shares his story of growing up as a third-generation pastor’s kid, coming to faith in adolescence, and eventually stepping into ministry. We talk about the difference between suffering in circumstance and suffering in perspective, the way ancient Christians expected suffering while modern believers often try to avoid it, and how we’re prone to unintentionally strip the humanity from Jesus in our search for tidy answers. This is not a conversation that ties everything up neatly. Instead, it's an invitation to sit in the tension — to look honestly at pain, and to find Christ in the middle of it. Whether you're in a season of sorrow or simply preparing for the reality of life in a broken world, this episode offers wisdom, comfort, and the kind of truth that holds up under pressure. Andrew Damazio: Rose Church, Rose Church Podcast, Instagram Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:44, John 21:1-14, 1 Kings 17:1-6, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, 1 Peter 1:5, James 5:16 + 1 John 1:9 Book Mentioned: My Heart Hurts: A Guide to the Theology of Pain and Suffering by Andrew Damazio Intentional Fatherhood: Website, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts + YouTube Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brook_mosser  @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  Merch Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Blog The Intentional Film Series

    47 min
  2. Facing Mortality, Choosing Margin, Showing Weakness + Modeling Prayer (Interveiw w/ Tyler Staton)

    JUL 2

    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 limitations and mortality. As he puts it, “You don’t know the prayers you’ll pray until someone says, ‘We don’t know whether you will live or die.’” Through that crucible, Tyler discovered that suffering can be an invitation — a call to live fully present, to reorder your life around what matters most, and to let go of the pressure to make everyone happy. He shares the practical steps he took to prioritize his family, build in margin, and live more intentionally on the other side of crisis. We also explore how his wife walked through the experience in her own way, and how childhood narratives around strength and weakness shaped his ability to be vulnerable. Tyler reflects on the beauty of being met in weakness — how vulnerability creates space for others to come close in love. Finally, we close with a rich conversation around prayer — specifically, how we can guide our children into a vibrant, Spirit-filled prayer life. Tyler offers a simple and powerful framework for praying with and for our kids, reminding us that they may be far more spiritually attuned than we often realize — and how we might inspire them to “carry the fire.” Books Mentioned: Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools + The Familiar Stranger Tyler Staton: Website, Instagram, 24-7 Prayer + Bridgetown Church Intentional Fatherhood: Website, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts + YouTube Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brook_mosser  @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  Merch Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Blog The Intentional Film Series

    49 min

  3. JUN 25

    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 practical ways to re-prioritize your marriage in the midst of busy seasons, especially when kids, work, and other relationships start to crowd out your connection. We also tackle the challenge of navigating disagreements about your children’s commitments — from extracurriculars to therapies — and how to unify around your family’s core values. Finally, we close with a tender conversation about how to bring your children into the broken parts of your own family story — honoring the truth while walking in wisdom toward those still living and involved. Whether you're in a season of clarity or conflict within your marriage, we hope this episode gives you language, encouragement, and direction for the road ahead. Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 5:23-24, Ecclesiastes 1:9 + Proverbs 25:11 Previous Episode Mentioned: Hopelessness, Bitterness, Simmering Resentment, Passive-Aggressiveness, and Everyday Forgiveness in Close Relationships (Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube) Submit Questions: hello@intentionalparents.org Intentional Fatherhood: Website, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts + YouTube Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brook_mosser  @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  Merch Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Blog The Intentional Film Series

    34 min
  4. Spiritual Intimacy, Spiritual Leadership + Highlighting Negative Patterns in Your Spouse (Marriage Q+R)

    JUN 18

    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 conversations about your faith. We also tackle some of the more challenging dynamics: how to lovingly invite your spouse to reflect on unhealthy patterns even if there is resistance, how to encourage a reluctant husband to step into spiritual leadership, and how to navigate past wounds together with grace. This episode offers practical tools and biblical perspective for deepening spiritual connection, healing past pain, and becoming more of who God created you to be — together. Whether your marriage feels strong or strained, there’s wisdom here for every couple walking the journey of faith together. Scripture Mentioned: Proverbs 16:20-21, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Ephesians 4:29, Psalm 139:23, Proverbs 16:24, 1 Peter 3:1-4 + Ephesians 5:33 Intentional Fatherhood: Website, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts + YouTube Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brook_mosser  @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  Merch Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Blog The Intentional Film Series

    44 min
  5. You’re Not Broken, You’re Patterned: Why We Do Things We Don’t Want to Do in Parenting

    JUN 11

    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 shaped by behavioral patterns, where they come from, and how they show up in our parenting and marriage. We explore the early steps toward recognizing and healing these patterns, and how God’s redemptive work can bring real change. Through scripture, personal stories, and practical steps, we guide you toward deeper awareness — and point you to the healing that leads to freedom and greater connection in your home. We also make an exciting announcement on the podcast today: Intentional Fatherhood is officially launching on Friday, June 13! In the meantime, visit the website, follow @intentionalfatherhood_ on Instagram, and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Steps for Experiencing Healing From Patterns: 1. Name the story 2. Grieve the loss of what should have been but wasn’t 3. Invite Jesus into that wound 4. Practice new patterns Reflection: Reflect on one pattern that shows up often in your marriage, parenting or friendship Question: What is that pattern protecting you from and what is it trying to say? Prayer: Ask Jesus to help you be curious and kind about your story. Scripture Mentioned: Romans 7:15, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Romans 7:14-18, Romans 7:22-25, James 1:19-20 + Isaiah 53:3 Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brook_mosser  @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  Merch Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Blog The Intentional Film Series

    50 min
  6. The Broken Parts of Ourselves, How Weakness is Forming Something Deeper and The Fellowship of the Withered Hand

    JUN 4

    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 — and found strength in surrender? Rooted in the story from Mark 3 where Jesus heals a man’s withered hand, we talk about the courage it takes to stretch out the broken parts of ourselves. As parents, that might mean owning our impatience, our fears, or the lies we tell ourselves about needing to have it all together. Because the truth is, we all have withered hands. The question isn’t if we’re broken — it’s whether we’re willing to hold out our hands for healing. Steps to Addressing Our Inadequacies: Admit: Acknowledge that you have “withered hands” and name what they are.Invite: Ask God for help in your weaknesses.Release: Let go of control over your shortcomings and the outcomes of them.Remember: You are not alone in this journey! Questions to Ask Yourself: Where in my parenting do I say, “God, I can’t?”What would it look like to make prayer my first parenting move — not my last? Prayers to Pray: God, what keeps me from admitting my weaknesses? What shame is hurting me and keeping me from admitting?God, point me to the books, podcasts, teachings and people you want to use to speak into my life. Books Mentioned: Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough by John Ortberg + Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg Scripture Mentioned: Mark 3:1-6, Matthew 5:3, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Isaiah 66:1-2, Psalm 8:4, Mark 5:25-34, Matthew 8:23-27, Hebrews 4:14-16, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Matthew 7:7, 2 Corinthians 12:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9 + James 5:16 Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brook_mosser  @emosser FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  Merch Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Blog The Intentional Film Series

    54 min
  7. Hopelessness, Bitterness, Simmering Resentment, Passive-Aggressiveness, and Everyday Forgiveness in Close Relationships

    MAY 28

    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. Diane shares a personal story of a generational pattern of unforgiveness in her family of origin and how it shapes the way she responds to hurt. We each reflect on how unforgiveness can quietly manifest in our lives — as self-pity, hopelessness, bitterness, simmering resentment, passive-aggressiveness, or even “scanning for rejection.” Turning to Scripture, we explore powerful examples of radical forgiveness — including some of Jesus’ final words on the cross — and what it means to forgive not just once, but “seventy times seven.” Drawing from our own relationships, we talk about why forgiveness becomes easier when we understand a loved one’s story and emotional triggers. We also offer three practical ways to express everyday forgiveness and return to a truth we’ve seen time and again: rupture and repair build resilience. Forgiveness isn’t a one-time act — it’s ongoing, relational, and essential. Tune in to discover how you can begin practicing this spiritual rhythm in your daily life. Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 4:32, Psalm 23, Matthew 6:9-13, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 119:11, Hebrews 12:15, Matthew 18:21-22, Luke 23:34, Acts 7:54-60, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Romans 12:18 Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brook_mosser  @emosser FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  Merch Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Blog The Intentional Film Series

    56 min
  8. Parenting with Scars + Becoming the Parent We Needed (A Conversation w/ A.J. Swoboda)

    MAY 21

    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 — emotional health, spiritual guidance, or intentional presence. While that’s a beautiful gift, it can also bring up unexpected feelings of shame or even jealousy as we confront the gaps in our own stories. We discuss some practical tools for parenting with scars, including Jon Tyson’s Primal Path, a discipleship program for fathers and sons. We also reflect on how our children often become the ones who draw our scars into the light, asking questions that push us to face painful parts of our past. Ultimately, we highlight the fact that healing is a slow, intentional process — and how parenting through our scars invites both challenge and redemption. We found our conversation with A.J. to be rich, emotional, and full of hope — and we think you will too. Book Mentioned: His Face like Mine: Finding God's Love in Our Wounds by Russell W. Joyce Previous Episode Mentioned: Procedural Memory: How God Redeems Reflexes, Rewrites Patterns and Renews the Mind (Spotify + Apple Podcasts) Scripture Mentioned: Genesis 2:24 A.J. Swoboda: A Teachable Spirit Subversive Sabbath Other Books Website Slow Theology Podcast Newsletter Instagram Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets Join Our Legacy Builders Watch on YouTube Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents  @brook_mosser  @emosser FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  Merch Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Blog The Intentional Film Series

    43 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Intentional
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019 Intentional Parents International LLC.
  • Show Website
    The Intentional Parents Podcast

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