Open Spaces with Jeff & Jourdan Johnson

Summer has been full—in the best way. In this special update episode, we’re catching you up on what’s been happening behind the scenes at Open Spaces and giving you a glimpse of what’s ahead this fall.

 

From Jeff’s unexpectedly viral “dad hacks” Chick-fil-A video (yes…a couple million views!) to his first opportunity to preach at Harvest Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, we’re reflecting on the surprising ways God has been opening doors and connecting us with people who need hope.

 

We also share a few personal summer highlights, stories from recent travels, and an exciting look at what’s coming next for Open Spaces after our summer break.

 

In this episode:

 

How Jeff’s viral Chick-fil-A “dad hacks” video unexpectedly introduced thousands of new people to Open Spaces.

What it was like for Jeff to preach for the first time at Harvest Church in Chesapeake, Virginia.

The powerful conversations we had with parents and families navigating questions around sexuality and gender.

A few fun summer updates from our family.

A preview of what’s launching this fall, including new curriculum, Zoom groups, and updates to the Open Spaces website.

How you’ll soon be able to safely share your own story—anonymously or by name—to encourage others on similar journeys.

 

Thank you for spending another season with us. We hope this conversation feels like catching up with friends, and we’re excited for all that’s ahead. We’ll see you this fall!

This week on Open Spaces, we’re joined by our dear friends Brooke and Elizabeth Mosser, founders of Intentional. If you heard Brooke’s previous episode, you already know why we love them. But in this conversation, we get to hear from both Brooke and Elizabeth as they share honestly about parenting, marriage, suffering, healing, and what it looks like to follow Jesus when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Together we talk about raising kids while still doing our own healing, the pressure so many parents feel to “get it right,” and why vulnerability—not perfection—is what creates safe spaces for our families to grow.

This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, encouragement, and so much hope for parents who feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or like they’re falling short.

In this episode:

Why your kids don’t need a perfect parent—they need an honest one.

How to begin breaking generational patterns while you’re still raising children.

The importance of naming your own story so it no longer controls your reactions.

Why repairing after you’ve failed as a parent may be more powerful than never failing.

What “good enough parenting” really means—and why it’s freeing.

Helping children understand anxiety, ADHD, autism, and other challenges without shame.

Why giving kids language for their experiences helps prevent harmful narratives from taking root.

Teaching a biblical theology of suffering instead of promising an easy life.

How to model dependence on Jesus when life is painful and uncertain.

Finding hope, healing, and deeper intimacy with God in the middle of real life.

Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teenagers, or simply trying to heal from your own story, we pray this conversation reminds you that God’s grace is enough—and that you’re not walking this road alone.

 

Resources mentioned:

Intentional Parents: https://www.intentionalparents.org/, https://www.intentionalparents.org/podcast

Intentional Fatherhood Podcast https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzlLfu_s5Lt_WOIGwTWht31djJe6pzTdP&si=s_wft8swsAzndYXj

Intentional Motherhood & Fatherhood Retreats https://www.intentionalparents.org/events

 

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who could use a little hope today? Your support helps us continue creating conversations that make room for honesty, healing, and the presence of Jesus.

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

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.

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)