The Intentional Parents Podcast Parenting with Scars + Becoming the Parent We Needed (A Conversation w/ A.J. Swoboda)
May 21, 2025
A.J. Swoboda, an author and theologian, shares his profound experiences on parenting with emotional scars. He delves into the complexity of giving children what we never received, revealing feelings of shame and jealousy. The conversation highlights practical tools for healing, including mentorship programs for boys, and the impact of community support. A.J. reflects on transformative rituals for young men and emphasizes that confronting our past can foster healthier relationships. Their rich discussion is both heartfelt and hopeful, inviting listeners to embrace their own journeys.
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A.J.'s Childhood Scars
- A.J. Swoboda shares physical scars including a wire fence cut and a self-inflicted cheese knife injury.
- These marks humorously reflect unexpected childhood and early adult accidents rather than violence.
Brook's Childhood Injuries
- Brook Mosser recounts falling from a 12-foot roof as a child, resulting in 43 stitches on his face.
- He also shares a high school wrestling injury that added 7 more stitches, leaving him with 50 facial stitches.
Scars as Healing Markers
- Scars symbolize both past pain and places of healing, serving as markers of endurance.
- Russell W. Joyce's book relates scars theologically linking physical wounds to spiritual restoration.
