

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 3, 2023 • 54min
The Bible Project, teaching the skill of discernment and chasing desires (Interview with Tim Mackie)
We are thrilled to have the co-founder and creative director of The Bible Project, Tim Mackie, on the show today. Brook and Tim dive into some big questions like what it looks like to be faithful to Jesus in our time, where we need to put our attention, and how some desires will lead us to life and others will not. We get to listen in as Tim shares some fun inside stories of finding Jesus through skateboarding and what life in the Mackie house looks like now. He shares how he looks for opportunities in his parenting to teach big concepts to his children, even while building with Legos. Brook and Tim also unpack the creative and in-depth process behind making each Bible Project video. Tim imparts some practical wisdom about teaching our children the ability to discern that there is a story behind every voice that’s trying to grab our attention. And finally, Brook and Tim discuss chasing desires and how sometimes denying what we really want is the way to get what we really need.We hope you enjoy this show today filled with fun conversation and wisdom. Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat The Intentional Motherhood Retreathttps://www.intentionalparents.org/motherhood-retreat The Bible Project Links:Website: https://bibleproject.com/App: https://bibleproject.com/app/

Apr 26, 2023 • 1h 11min
Suffering, Prayer, and How to teach your kids to Talk to God (Interview with Strahan Coleman)
Today we have Strahan Coleman on the show. Strahan is a writer, spiritual director, and award-winning musician from New Zealand. In this rich conversation, Brook and Strahan discuss chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and how to find a vibrant faith amidst these challenges. They talk about the importance of shifting our prayer lives from following a prayer formula and seeking to perform for God to prayers that are intimate and purely about beholding the presence of God. In Strahan’s words, “Prayer equals nakedness with God.” They also discuss the constant noise in our culture and why bringing the volume down in our homes is essential. Strahan shares with Brook some practical ways he teaches his kids to hear from God. He gives us an inside view of his intentionality in teaching his kids to bring their heart posture to a constant awareness and integration of God in their everyday lives. We hope you enjoy this interview. Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat The Intentional Motherhood Retreathttps://www.intentionalparents.org/motherhood-retreat Strahan’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Beholding-Deepening-Our-Experience-God/dp/0830785183Strahan’s website: https://www.commonerscommunion.com/Strahan’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beholding-prayer/id1669562572

Apr 19, 2023 • 1h 7min
Being oblivious, closed family culture, idols, absorbing without resentment, and why extended family is often the hardest
Why is it that sometimes close personal family and extended family are the hardest? Occasionally well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies, but why? What does the Bible say about this paradigm, and how can we live at peace even in tension? We discuss our responsibility in the relationship and the part we can play. What does Matthew 10v34-37 mean when Jesus talks about not bringing peace, but a sword and "turning man against father, a daughter against a mother"? We break down the context of this scripture and define what an idol is, the purpose of not having idols, and how idols can be good things, just in the wrong order. We also discuss nine ways to honor your convictions and your family. Enjoy! Nine ways to move towards health. 1. Pray 2. Have a conversation 3. Treat them with honor 4. Let your words be full of grace 5. Is this a hill you want to die on? 6. Share the truth in Love 7. Keep short accounts 8. Seek counsel 9. Recognize it is up to them Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat

Apr 12, 2023 • 1h 27min
Why we over-respond, self-regulation, neuroception, and good enough parenting (Interview with Sally Lemos MS, LPC)
Today is a fantastic meaningful conversation. We have Sally Lemos on the show. We cover attachment, attunement, how to NOT parent from our woundedness, connection before correction, how to noitice when your flooded and so much more! Enjoy! A little about Sally...Sally Lemos, MS, LPC, is a mental health therapist providing services to adults, adolescents, and children experiencing various mental health challenges. She is certified in EMDR with advanced training in treating complex developmental trauma and dissociation with adults, adolescents, and children, attachment-informed EMDR treatment working with parents and children to heal intergenerational trauma, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). She has extensive experience and training working with children and families involved in the foster care system and with children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat Episodes Mentioned (Interview with Aundi Kolber)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-intentional-parents-podcast/id1462206659?i=1000537701695 Sally Lemoshttps://www.newbloomtherapy.com/about

Apr 6, 2023 • 3min
The Intentional Motherhood Retreat
How long has it been since someone- anyone- poured into you? How long has it been since your soul brimmed so full of beauty, hope, healing, and joy that every jolt of real-life motherhood spilled overflowing abundance onto those you love? We know the answer: too long, if ever. As a mom, you give and give and give, until there’s nothing left. We want to invite you to join us for a three-day retreat of being given to. We know (and live) the beautiful challenge of motherhood. We know the feelings of aloneness, of inadequacy, of fear— of weariness— that so often weigh us down in the midst of all it means to be a mother. We’ve designed this retreat with your needs in mind. Your need for connection with like-minded women, your need for the gentleness of spiritual formation, and ultimately, your need to be strengthened for the task of motherhood. Come to where we live, in Bend, Oregon— surrounded by snowcapped mountains, with rivers and trails and alpine lakes— a place of startling beauty. A place to come away from it all. Come with your best friend, your sister, your mom— come together or come alone. It was Dallas Willard who said, “If you don’t come apart for a while, you’ll come apart after a while.” So come! Come apart for a while with us. Come, planning to be surprised by God, to find in Him the delight your soul craves. Join us October 5th-7th 2023 in Bend OR Motherhood Retreat Sign Up

Apr 5, 2023 • 25min
Essentials: Bottom-up vs. Top-down
Today in this Intentional essential, we discuss the bottom-up vs. top-down parenting method. We talk about getting to the heart of your child's behavior and getting curious instead of angry. We also cover three ways to do this with the spirit's help. Enjoy! Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat

Mar 29, 2023 • 53min
Non-anxious curiosity, and the three words that change everything (Interview with Mark Batterson)
Today we have the excellent Mark Batterson on the show. We talk about having a non-anxious curiosity, the importance of kindness, and the three words that change everything. Enjoy! Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat Marks Books The Best Worst Day Everhttps://amzn.to/3TTMIFG Please, Sorry, Thanks.https://amzn.to/3JMWtRA

Mar 22, 2023 • 1h 12min
Wounding, Suffering, Trauma and how God Heals (Interview with Matthias J. Barker)
Today we have Matthias J. Barker on the show. Matthias is a psychotherapist based in Nashville, TN, and is all about moving towards what's meaningful amid hardship. You may know him from the various social media platforms that he creates content for, but whatever the case, you are in for a treat. We define words like wounds, trauma, and triggering and how God heals these parts of our lives. We also talk about self-criticism in parenting and the importance of going on the inner journey with Jesus. Trauma = An overwhelming experience that inspires a manner of engaging in the world around or with yourself that creates dysfunctional self-reinforcing cycles. Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat Matthias J. Barkerhttps://linktr.ee/matthiasjbarker Tik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@matthiasjbarker?lang=en

Mar 15, 2023 • 43min
Optimal Deprivation
Today we discuss the idea of optimal deprivation. What is it, why does it matter, and how can we develop from it? How do we build optimal deprivation for kids with more than they need, and what does it look like to invite suffering and life's challenges as a way of formation to Jesus? We cover these topics and touch on many scriptures to help us. Enjoy! Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat

Mar 8, 2023 • 20min
Essentials: Kindness and Firmness
Today we are just giving one thought essential in your parenting journey to raise passionate Jesus followers. We cover the importance of speaking the truth in love, how kindness rewards you, how mercy is not giving somebody something they deserve, and a few more fun nuggets! Enjoy! Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents@brook_mosser@Emosser@philmcomer@dianewcomer Grab a copy of our book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)https://amzn.to/3ReOgc4 Website: intentionalparents.org Join our Legacy Builders: https://www.intentionalparents.org/donate-index-impact Blog: https://www.intentionalparents./blog GET: The Intentional Film Serieshttps://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series The Intentional Leadership Retreat:https://www.intentionalparents.org/leadership-retreat


