The Intentional Parents Podcast

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 [https://www.amazon.com/My-Heart-Hurts-theology-suffering/dp/B0F4DJ1KHD]. 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 [https://rosechurch.org/], Rose Church Podcast [https://rosechurch.org/media/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andrewdamazio/?hl=en] 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 [https://www.amazon.com/My-Heart-Hurts-theology-suffering/dp/B0F4DJ1KHD] by Andrew Damazio Intentional Fatherhood: Website [https://www.intentionalfatherhood.org/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/intentionalfatherhood_], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5quXD1RrKwPNVQnyIpVR0c?si=fe9294413de547f7], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-fatherhood/id1818945136] + YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets [https://www.intentionalparents.org/motherhood-retreat] Join Our Legacy Builders [https://www.intentionalparents.org/legacy-builders] Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents [https://www.instagram.com/intentional_parents/]  @brook_mosser  [https://www.instagram.com/brook_mosser/] @emosser [https://www.instagram.com/emosser/] FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF [https://www.intentionalparents.org/bottom-up-vs-top-down] FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  [https://intentional.flocknote.com/] Merch [https://www.intentionalparents.org/store] Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers [https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Passionate-Jesus-Followers-Intentional/dp/0310347777] (Now available in audiobook!) Blog [https://www.intentionalparents.org/blog] The Intentional Film Series [https://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series]

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 [https://www.tylerstaton.com/praying-like-monks-living-like-fools] + The Familiar Stranger [https://www.tylerstaton.com/the-familiar-stranger] Tyler Staton: Website [https://www.tylerstaton.com/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tylercstaton], 24-7 Prayer [https://www.24-7prayer.com/] + Bridgetown Church [https://bridgetown.church/] Intentional Fatherhood: Website [https://www.intentionalfatherhood.org/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/intentionalfatherhood_], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5quXD1RrKwPNVQnyIpVR0c?si=fe9294413de547f7], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-fatherhood/id1818945136] + YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets [https://www.intentionalparents.org/motherhood-retreat] Join Our Legacy Builders [https://www.intentionalparents.org/legacy-builders] Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents [https://www.instagram.com/intentional_parents/]  @brook_mosser  [https://www.instagram.com/brook_mosser/] @emosser [https://www.instagram.com/emosser/] FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF [https://www.intentionalparents.org/bottom-up-vs-top-down] FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  [https://intentional.flocknote.com/] Merch [https://www.intentionalparents.org/store] Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers [https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Passionate-Jesus-Followers-Intentional/dp/0310347777] (Now available in audiobook!) Blog [https://www.intentionalparents.org/blog] The Intentional Film Series [https://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series]

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 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jvQB8krUf8rHTW3PG76fb?si=371eec7439974f11] | Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hopelessness-bitterness-simmering-resentment-passive/id1462206659?i=1000710239030] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m59jpAuA9bo]) Submit Questions: hello@intentionalparents.org [hello@intentionalparents.org] Intentional Fatherhood: Website [https://www.intentionalfatherhood.org/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/intentionalfatherhood_], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5quXD1RrKwPNVQnyIpVR0c?si=fe9294413de547f7], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-fatherhood/id1818945136] + YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets [https://www.intentionalparents.org/motherhood-retreat] Join Our Legacy Builders [https://www.intentionalparents.org/legacy-builders] Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents [https://www.instagram.com/intentional_parents/]  @brook_mosser  [https://www.instagram.com/brook_mosser/] @emosser [https://www.instagram.com/emosser/] FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF [https://www.intentionalparents.org/bottom-up-vs-top-down] FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  [https://intentional.flocknote.com/] Merch [https://www.intentionalparents.org/store] Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers [https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Passionate-Jesus-Followers-Intentional/dp/0310347777] (Now available in audiobook!) Blog [https://www.intentionalparents.org/blog] The Intentional Film Series [https://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series]

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 [https://www.intentionalfatherhood.org/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/intentionalfatherhood_], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5quXD1RrKwPNVQnyIpVR0c?si=fe9294413de547f7], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-fatherhood/id1818945136] + YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase Tickets [https://www.intentionalparents.org/motherhood-retreat] Join Our Legacy Builders [https://www.intentionalparents.org/legacy-builders] Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents [https://www.instagram.com/intentional_parents/]  @brook_mosser  [https://www.instagram.com/brook_mosser/] @emosser [https://www.instagram.com/emosser/] FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF [https://www.intentionalparents.org/bottom-up-vs-top-down] FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  [https://intentional.flocknote.com/] Merch [https://www.intentionalparents.org/store] Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers [https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Passionate-Jesus-Followers-Intentional/dp/0310347777] (Now available in audiobook!) Blog [https://www.intentionalparents.org/blog] The Intentional Film Series [https://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series]

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 [http://www.intentionalfatherhood.org], follow @intentionalfatherhood_ [https://www.instagram.com/intentionalfatherhood_/] on Instagram, and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5quXD1RrKwPNVQnyIpVR0c?si=fe9294413de547f7] and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-fatherhood/id1818945136]. 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 [https://www.intentionalparents.org/motherhood-retreat] Join Our Legacy Builders [https://www.intentionalparents.org/legacy-builders] Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@intentional_parents] Follow Us on Instagram:  @intentional_parents [https://www.instagram.com/intentional_parents/]  @brook_mosser  [https://www.instagram.com/brook_mosser/] @emosser [https://www.instagram.com/emosser/] FREE Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting PDF [https://www.intentionalparents.org/bottom-up-vs-top-down] FREE Text Message Daily Devotional  [https://intentional.flocknote.com/] Merch [https://www.intentionalparents.org/store] Grab a Copy of Our Book: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers [https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Passionate-Jesus-Followers-Intentional/dp/0310347777] (Now available in audiobook!) Blog [https://www.intentionalparents.org/blog] The Intentional Film Series [https://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series]