Advertise on podcast: 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)

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/   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

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/)

We begin our Parenting series with a tribute to Jeff and Jourdan’s mothers. They take the opportunity with Mother’s Day approaching, to honor the women who instilled love and belief into them. They talk about what each meant to themselves and to each other.  Both women held a quiet but confident faith and generously poured love into their children and so many others. This episode is not only a tribute but a call to love simply and fully. Be sure to reach out to the moms and women who have shaped you this Mother’s Day!

Content Warning: This episode includes sensitive discussion around childhood abuse and suicide. Please listen with care and discretion. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Jason Mellard, founder of Own Your Identity — a ministry helping men around the world navigate same-sex attraction without allowing attractions to define who they are. Jason’s message is clear: attractions are experiences, not declarations. Identity is not found in feelings, but in Christ and the purpose God has called us to walk in. Jason opens up about his own story, including growing up in a home marked by abuse, the deep internal struggles that followed, and the pain of watching his father wrestle with similar struggles while making drastically different life choices. Through it all, Jason shares how God met him, healed him, and gave him a new vision for life rooted in truth, courage, and purpose. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt trapped by labels, shame, secrecy, confusion, or unwanted desires—and for those who want hope that transformation is possible. In This Episode: Why attractions don’t have to define identity How trauma can shape desire, fear, and confusion Breaking generational cycles and choosing a different path Finding healing from shame and secrecy Living with purpose instead of self-condemnation Helping men walk in truth, clarity, and courage About Jason Mellard Jason is a certified coach and founder of Own Your Identity, where he helps men experiencing same-sex attraction move toward healing, clarity, brotherhood, and identity in Christ. His mission is to empower men to live lives of purpose and possibility.   Connect with Jason Website: Own Your Identity SSAquiz.com Coaching inquiries: [email protected]   Podcast + Resources available through his website Stay Connected with Open Spaces If this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you feel less alone, would you subscribe and stay connected with us? Visit Open Spaces Podcast at openspacespodcast.com for episodes, updates, and ways to support the mission.

In this powerful conversation, Jeff and Jourdan sit down with Rita Springer for an honest and deeply moving discussion about identity, intimacy with God, disappointment, dependency, fear, singleness, and learning how to keep trusting the Lord when life does not turn out the way you thought it would. Rita shares from her own story with remarkable vulnerability, opening up about unanswered prayers, seasons of pain, the wrestle of carrying promises, and the way God continues to meet her in both heartbreak and hope. Together, they talk about what it means to lean on God instead of becoming dependent on other people or things, how identity is constantly under attack, and why peace in God can matter even more than getting the answer you were hoping for. This episode is for anyone walking through confusion, disappointment, grief, same-sex attraction, unanswered prayers, or the tension of trying to stay faithful when the road feels long. Rita’s wisdom, honesty, and love for Jesus make this conversation one that will strengthen your faith and remind you that you are deeply loved by God. In this episode, we talk about: Identity and the battle for freedom Dependency on God vs. codependency Singleness, longing, and carrying promises Disappointment, fear, and trusting God’s timing Intimacy with the Lord in seasons of pain Why peace can matter more than immediate answers The love of God that meets us in the wilderness   Follow along with Rita on Instagram and the Worship is My Weapon podcast!

Jeff and Jourdan reunite after Jourdan’s hiatus to recap their "Community Series." They share personal stories about vulnerability, discuss the nuances of terminology within the LGBTQ+ Christian space, and offer encouragement to those seeking deeper, more authentic friendships.   Key Discussion Points •    Opening & Catching Up: ◦    Jourdan returns to the podcast after a break following the passing of her mother.   ◦    Jeff shares a lighthearted story about his "spring" orange Zara shirt and a hard-to-find hat from the brand Envy La Vie.   •    The Power of Vulnerability: ◦    The couple reflects on how their deepest friendships were born from being vulnerable about Jeff's struggle with same-sex attraction (SSA).   ◦    Vulnerability is described as the "key that unlocks" deep relationships and removes the power that isolation and shame hold over individuals.   •    Navigating Terminology: ◦    Jeff and Jourdan discuss their ongoing learning regarding terms like "gay" versus "same-sex attraction".   ◦    They recount conversations with other believers who use "gay" as an adjective rather than an identity, emphasizing that "heart posture" is more important than semantics.   •    The "Community Series" Recap: ◦    A look back at earlier guests, including Wes Martin (the first person Jeff ever told about his SSA) and friends like the Vogeltanz and Stanfills.   ◦    They address feedback that their community can seem "intimidating" and clarify that these deep bonds were built over decades of "growing therapy" and intentional effort.   •    Encouragement for Marriage & Disclosure: ◦    Jeff and Jourdan advocate for honesty within marriage, particularly regarding SSA.   ◦    They believe true intimacy and freedom are found through being fully known by a spouse, though they advise using "wisdom" in how and when to share.   •    Personal Growth & Fears: ◦    Jourdan shares her own experience with vulnerability during a 10-day counseling intensive, where she feared that uncovering "deep places" might change her husband's view of her.   Mentioned in This Episode •    Guests from the Series: Wes Martin, the Vogeltanz, the Stanfills, and Brook Mosser.     •    Brands: Zara, Envy La Vie.   •    Conferences/Media: The ECO Conference in Atlanta, The Becket Cook Podcast, and Rita Springer’s Worship Is My Weapon podcast.   How to Connect •    Website: Visit openspacespodcast.com to sign up for the newsletter or submit an "Open Story" anonymously.     •    Social Media: Follow @openspacespodcast on Instagram for "Open Stories Fridays".

Every family has secrets. Some are small, tucked away in quiet corners. But others—the ones that shape us, break us, and ultimately define us—demand to be told.   In this episode, Jeff sits down with Brook Mosser from Intentional Parents to discuss a chapter of his life he's never publicly shared before. We explore complex family dynamics, the silent struggle of hidden same-sex attraction, and how God's work of forgiveness transformed his family from the inside out.   This conversation is intense and deeply honest. Please note: this episode includes discussions around various forms of abuse, including child abuse.   Be sure to check out all things Intentional! Intentionalparents.org Instagram: intentional_parents   Also keep in touch with us at openspacespodcast.com

In this deeply personal episode of Open Spaces, Jeff sits down with his longtime friend Wes Martin — the first friend Jeff ever shared his struggle with.   Wes had a front row seat to the earliest and most fragile days of Jeff learning how to bring his story into the light. What started as an awkward and uncertain conversation between two friends eventually grew into something much deeper. During some of Jeff’s darkest moments, when the weight of shame and confusion left him feeling hopeless and even questioning if life was worth living, Wes and his wife Amanda stepped in with extraordinary care.   They didn’t have all the answers. But they offered what mattered most: presence, love, and a safe place to land. At one point they even opened their home to Jeff, making sure he wasn’t alone as he wrestled through those difficult days.   Together they reflect on the messy beginnings of vulnerability — what it’s like to tell someone your struggle for the first time, how imperfect those early conversations can be, and how real friendship often means figuring it out as you go.   This episode is a reminder that when honesty is met with deep relationship and love, even the most complicated and painful moments can become the starting point for something beautiful.   If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to take that first step of letting someone into your struggle, this conversation is for you.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Open Spaces, Jeff and Jourdan sit down with one of their closest friends of over 23 years, Drew Worsham — illusionist, author of The Magic of Curiosity, pastor, and trusted confidant.   This conversation is far more than a reunion. Drew has walked with Jeff and Jourdan since the very beginning of their story — through dating, breakups, Jeff’s early confession of struggling with same-sex attraction, their engagement, and now decades of marriage and ministry. Few people have had such a front-row seat to their journey.   Together, they unpack: • What it looked like for Jeff to first share his struggle with Drew • How a friendship can remain steady, safe, and non-transactional in the face of vulnerability • Why curiosity — not condemnation — creates space for transformation • How the Church can better engage conversations around same-sex attraction • What to say to someone who hates themselves for their struggle • The difference between leading with conviction and leading with love • Why obedience is a response to love — not a prerequisite for it   Drew shares how curiosity became a guiding compass in his life — from studying psychology, to performing as a magician, to planting a church, to rediscovering humility after becoming the “expert.” He explains how losing curiosity nearly cost him relational depth — and how reclaiming it reshaped his marriage, ministry, and friendships.   One of the most moving moments comes as Drew reflects on Jesus and the woman caught in adultery — reminding listeners that God is not thrown off by our brokenness. He does not lead with condemnation. He leads with love, and invites us into transformation from there.   For parents navigating a child’s confession. For those wrestling with shame. For pastors unsure how to step into this conversation. For anyone who feels like their struggle defines them.   This episode is an invitation into the “messy middle” — where truth and grace are not enemies, where curiosity builds bridges, and where the love of Jesus becomes the starting place for real change.   It’s about friendship. It’s about freedom. It’s about learning that none of us are as alone — or as different — as we think.   And above all, it’s about the kind of love that stays. For more information on Drew’s ministry or to order his book, visit www.drewworsham.com

This week on Open Spaces, Jeff sits down with the two guys he walks with most closely in Atlanta, Bryson and Kristian, for a “guys-only” conversation (ladies, you’re absolutely invited to listen too). After last week’s episode with both couples, the three of them go deeper into the real question so many people ask: What do your weekly accountability time(s) actually look like?   They unpack their 10-year friendship journey, how it started, how trust was built over time, and why you can’t manufacture deep community overnight. You’ll hear the practical rhythms that keep them anchored: putting it on the calendar, moving from casual catch-up into honest heart-level sharing, asking specific questions, naming blind spots, and learning how to confess quickly without spiraling into shame.   They also talk about what happens when life gets busy and they can’t meet, how voice texts become a lifeline, and why this kind of friendship isn’t just about “trying harder,” but about living in the light, pursuing sanctification, and becoming better husbands, dads, and men who are ready to participate in what God is doing.   The episode closes with a prayer for anyone who feels alone, stuck, or unsure how to find community like this, asking God to break shame, provide friendships, and teach us how to walk with others well.