Open Spaces with Jeff & Jourdan Johnson

Parenting: A Lifetime of Learning (A Conversation with Buddy Burks)

In this episode, Jeff and Jourdan sit down with someone very special — Jourdan's dad, Buddy Burks. At 70 years old, Buddy is living proof that it's never too late to keep growing, keep learning, and keep showing up for the people you love.   Buddy grew up in Pensacola, Florida, shaped by a Southern Baptist upbringing and a world where certain conversations simply didn't happen. But somewhere along the way, he decided that wasn't good enough. He started asking hard questions, examining what he'd been taught, and choosing people over positions.   In this honest and moving conversation, Buddy shares what it was like to learn about Jeff's story, how he chose grace over judgment, why he kept their secret in confidence for years, and what he would say to any father navigating something hard in their family right now.   In this episode:     •    How Buddy's upbringing shaped his worldview — and how he began to challenge it     •    The moment he found out about Jeff and what he did with it     •    What it looks like to take yourself out of it and make it about them     •    Why he still sends emails to his kids asking how he can be better     •    What he would say to someone who is struggling and doesn't know where to turn   "It has to be about them. Not about you. As soon as you can take yourself out of it — that's when you can actually help." — Buddy Burks

Parenting: Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World

In this episode of Open Spaces, we continue our parenting series with author, speaker, and ministry leader Laurie Krieg.   Laurie shares her powerful story of finding her identity in Christ after years of wrestling with same-sex attraction, and explains how that journey has shaped her passion for helping parents navigate conversations about sexuality, gender, and faith.   Together, we discuss how parents can move from fear to confidence, create a culture of honest conversation, and help their children understand God’s design for sexuality through the lens of the gospel.   We also tackle some of the most common questions parents ask:   When should I start talking to my kids about sexuality? How do I respond when my child notices a same-sex couple? What if my child is questioning their gender? How can I teach God’s design without creating shame? What do I do if my adult child identifies as LGBTQ?   Throughout the conversation, Laurie reminds us that our ultimate goal is not behavior management, but discipleship. As parents, we have the opportunity to become the trusted voices who help our children interpret the world around them with truth, grace, and confidence in Jesus.   In This Episode   Laurie’s personal story of faith, same-sex attraction, and redemption Why fear often keeps parents from talking about sexuality The importance of creating a home where questions are welcomed How to introduce conversations about LGBTQ topics in age-appropriate ways The “What, Why, How” framework for discussing difficult topics with kids Why parents should be the first voice speaking into issues of sexuality and identity Understanding the difference between same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria Helping children understand God’s design for marriage and sexuality Why many parents unintentionally idolize marriage Teaching kids that their purpose is bigger than marriage and family Raising children to “push back the darkness and usher in the light” Navigating relationships with adult children who identify as LGBTQ   Resources Mentioned:   Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World (https://amzn.to/4unXGEk) Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender⁠ (https://centerforfaith.com) Christian Sexuality Series⁠ (https://centerforfaith.com/christian-sexuality-raising-kids/)   If this episode encouraged you, share it with another parent, subscribe to Open Spaces, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue creating conversations that bring hope, healing, and the gospel into life’s hardest spaces.

Parenting: Sharing a Broken Past

In this episode, Jeff and Jourdan open up about the challenges and blessings of sharing their personal story of struggle and faith with their children. Their honest journey offers practical insights for parents seeking to foster transparency, trust, and spiritual growth within their families.   Key Topics:     •    The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in family communication     •    Timing and emotional readiness for discussing a sensitive past     •    Creating a family culture of openness and continuous conversation     •    The role of prayer and spiritual discernment in sharing personal stories     •    Navigating children’s questions with age-appropriate honesty     •    The significance of community and prayer support during difficult conversations     •    Normalizing struggles to help children trust and relate to parents     •    The long-term impact of honesty on family trust and legacy     •    Practical steps for walking through this process (prayer, awareness, normalization)     •    How sharing personal stories aligns with God's mission for the family   Connect with Jeff and Jourdan:     •    Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/open.spaces.podcast)     •    Website (https://theopenspacescollective.com)

Parenting: Divorce, Grief & Single-Parenting with Toni Collier

What happens when the life you imagined for your family changes completely? How do you help your kids process grief when you’re grieving too? And where does faith fit into the middle of heartbreak, healing, and rebuilding? In this honest and hope-filled episode, we sit down with Toni Collier for a vulnerable conversation about divorce, single parenting, recovery, and finding your footing in the church after everything falls apart. As part of our Parenting Series, this episode explores what it looks like to shepherd kids through loss and transition — from toddlers to preteens — while navigating your own healing journey. Toni shares pieces of her story with remarkable honesty, wisdom, humor, and compassion, reminding listeners that even broken stories can still become beautiful ones. Together, we talk about: Helping children process divorce and grief at different developmental stages How to create emotional safety and stability for your kids during family transition The realities of single parenting and carrying emotional weight alone What recovery and rebuilding can actually look like after heartbreak The complicated experience of returning to church after divorce Shame, healing, identity, and learning to trust God again How honesty and vulnerability can become pathways to freedom Finding hope in the middle of disappointment and unanswered questions The beauty of letting your kids see healthy healing in real time This conversation is both tender and practical — full of laughter, tears, hard truths, and encouragement for anyone navigating fractured family dynamics or walking alongside someone who is. Whether you’re in the middle of divorce, years removed from it, parenting through grief, or simply trying to love your kids well in hard seasons, this episode is a reminder that healing is possible and you are not alone. About Toni Collier Toni is a speaker, author, podcast host, and founder of the ministry  Broken Crayons Still Color — a movement helping people process brokenness and find hope again. She is also the host of the  Still Coloring Podcast, where she shares stories of healing, resilience, and redemption.   She is the co-author of the children’s book Broken Crayons Still Color, which helps kids navigate big emotions and discover beauty and hope even in difficult seasons.   Connect with Toni Collier Toni Collier Official Website: https://www.tonijcollier.com/ [https://www.tonijcollier.com/]   Broken Crayons Still Color Ministry   Still Coloring Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/still-coloring-with-toni-collier/id1627335605?ls=1 Instagram – Toni Collier: https://www.instagram.com/tonijcollier/ Book: Broken Crayons Still Color: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400242908/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XTY1F2Q3E88FKQVBCVDV?linkCode=ml1&tag=tonijcollier-20

Parenting: Talking to Kids About Porn

Discover the vital importance of open conversations about pornography, healing from betrayal, and how to guide your children through a world saturated with explicit content. Greta Eskridge shares her personal journey of redemption, practical advice for parents, and the power of honesty and compassion. Main Topics Covered:     •    Greta Eskridge's story of God's redemption after her husband's confession of an affair and pornography addiction     •    The importance of talking to children about pornography proactively, starting as early as age 8     •    Practical strategies for initiating age-appropriate conversations about private parts and pornography     •    How to identify signs of early exposure and the importance of having ongoing, gentle check-ins     •    The science behind pornography's impact on brain development and long-term addiction risks     •    Tools and resources for parents, including delaying smartphone use and monitoring apps like Canopy     •    Responding compassionately when discovering a child has viewed pornography and fostering trust     •    Educating children about the dangers, the harm it causes to relationships, and God's design for sexuality     •    How to talk to teenagers about addiction, long-term consequences, and maintaining transparency     •    The significance of sharing personal stories to teach resilience and hope     •    Resources and ways to connect with Greta Eskridge for support and further information Timestamps:     •    (00:00) Introducing Greta Eskridge and the focus on parental conversations about pornography     •    (02:54) Greta shares her story of God's redemption spanning 16 years     •    (04:23) Why early conversations equip children better than waiting until exposure     •    (13:24) How to start age-appropriate discussions with young children     •    (16:23) Explaining pornography simply and constructively to an 8-year-old     •    (20:37) How often to revisit conversations about pornography with children     •    (23:12) Embracing curiosity and creating safe spaces for questions     •    (31:00) Scientific insights into pornography addiction and brain impact     •    (34:17) Hidden avenues of exposure: social media, gaming, and books     •    (37:10) Essential tools for prevention: parental controls and delaying device access     •    (42:54) Success stories of children recognizing and reporting their own exposures     •    (44:25) Talking to kids about their own struggles and healing from shame     •    (49:16) Greta shares her resources and how to connect with her Resources & Links:     •    Greta Eskridge's Website (https://gretaeskridge.com/)     •    Book: It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn (https://amzn.to/4djuE1Y )     •    Instagram: Greta Eskridge(https://instagram.com/GretaEskridge)   Connect with Greta Eskridge:     •    Instagram (https://instagram.com/GretaEskridge)     •    Website (https://gretaeskridge.com/)