Answers from the Stairs

What happens when you intentionally put yourself in a situation where quitting would be completely understandable?

In this special family episode of Answers from the Stairs, Chris Vester is joined by Suzanne Vester, their daughter Avery Garrett, and Avery’s husband, Thomas Garrett, to unpack their experience at 29029, an endurance challenge that asks participants to repeatedly climb a mountain until they have accumulated the vertical equivalent of Mount Everest.

But this conversation isn't really about climbing a mountain. It's about what the mountain reveals.

Chris, Suzanne, and Avery began the challenge together, while Thomas stepped into the critical role of supporting them throughout the event. By the end, Avery was the only member of the family to complete the full challenge. Yet one of the greatest lessons of the weekend was that finishing isn't the only measurement of success.

They talk openly about physical limitations, mental battles, knowing when to keep going, knowing when to step back, and the humility required to allow someone else to continue when your own journey looks different than you hoped.

Avery shares what it took to continue climbing after already earning a red hat at a previous 29029. Without needing to prove she could do it, she faced an entirely different battle: choosing, ascent after ascent, to simply keep going until there were no more climbs left.

Suzanne reflects on the privilege of choosing difficult things while you still have the ability to do them and how intentionally experiencing hardship can prepare us to better handle the hardships life chooses for us.

Chris shares one of his biggest lessons from the mountain: sometimes going backward is actually what allows you to move farther forward. Turning around, resting, changing the plan, or choosing to support someone else's finish doesn't necessarily mean you've failed. Sometimes wisdom looks like recognizing that the original goal is no longer the most important one.

And from outside the challenge itself, Thomas offers a powerful perspective on support, community, and learning what different people need when they're struggling. His role became a reminder that the person carrying the supplies, offering encouragement, paying attention, and simply being present can have an enormous impact on how far someone else is able to go.

The family also reflects on the extraordinary community surrounding 29029, where everyone is racing the same clock, yet people are still willing to stop their own climb to help a stranger. It becomes a lesson that extends far beyond endurance sports: your village matters, and sometimes resilience means knowing when to lean on it.

Perhaps the greatest takeaway is also the simplest: choose your hard.

There will be difficult seasons in life that none of us get to choose. But when we voluntarily step into discomfort, challenge ourselves, risk failing publicly, and discover what we're capable of enduring, we build resilience for the moments when life doesn't give us a choice.

You don't have to climb the vertical equivalent of Everest to do something hard on purpose. You simply have to be willing to find the thing that challenges you, step toward it, and when you think you're finished, ask yourself if you have one more in you.

Because as they learned on the mountain, nobody regrets doing one more.

In This Episode

Chris, Suzanne, Avery, and Thomas discuss:

• Why intentionally choosing hard things can build resilience for life's unexpected challenges
• The privilege of doing difficult things while you're physically able
• Avery's mental battle as the only family member to complete this year's 29029
• Why everyone has to climb at their own pace, both on the mountain and in life
• Separating accomplishment from the trophy at the finish line
• Learning when perseverance means continuing and when wisdom means stepping back
• The importance of family and community during difficult seasons
• Why support doesn't have to look the same for every person
• What failing publicly teaches you about yourself
• How difficult experiences expose strengths, limitations, and character
• Why sometimes taking one step backward allows you to take four steps forward
• The power of doing hard things together as a family
• Why your village matters
• The difference between pain you choose and hardship you don't
• The lesson behind 29029's simple encouragement: just do one more

This episode isn't about convincing you to climb a mountain. It's about asking a bigger question:

What hard thing are you willing to choose today that might prepare you for the hard things you don't get to choose tomorrow?

In Episode 69 of Answers from the Stairs, we’re joined by Maria Quattrone, a respected leader and entrepreneur known for her impact in real estate and team development. Together, we unpack what it really takes to step into leadership—and sustain it. Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a responsibility. It’s earned in moments of opportunity, refined through alignment, and proven through both results and impact.

This conversation breaks down the layers of leadership, from stepping up when the moment calls to understanding the balance between numbers and people.

Minute Markers:

• 00:00 Intro: Introducing Maria Quattrone and setting the tone for a conversation on real leadership.
• 10:34 Opportunity to Lead: Recognizing that leadership shows up in moments—before it’s ever given as a title.
• 20:38 Cultural Alignment: Why alignment in values and vision is the foundation of strong teams.
• 30:40 Numbers Game: Understanding the role of performance, metrics, and accountability in leadership.
• 40:38 Human Impact: At the end of the day, leadership is about people—and the lives you influence along the way.

This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about climbing—it’s about carrying others with you as you rise.

In Episode 68 of Answers from the Stairs, we sit down with Glenn Campbell, the visionary entrepreneur who founded Lids, the iconic headwear and sports apparel company that grew into a global brand recognized in malls and stadiums everywhere. With decades of experience in building businesses, relationships, and teams, Glenn shares the powerful lessons he's learned about faith, resilience, and the impact of meaningful connections.

Minute Markers:

• 10:05 Built Different: Glenn reflects on how a unique mindset, unshakable work ethic, and an eye for opportunity helped him build something that stood out in a crowded market.
• 21:09 The Hope in Faith: A vulnerable conversation about the role faith has played in both his personal life and professional journey—and how hope is often born in the struggle.
• 31:40 Contact Wins: Why who you know—and how you treat people—matters more than ever in business and in life. Glenn unpacks the value of intentional connection and integrity in every interaction.

This episode is packed with real-world wisdom from a man who's walked the walk, built from the ground up, and continues to lead with purpose and faith.

In Episode 67 of Answers from the Stairs, Michael Cirillo brings depth, humor, and vulnerability to a conversation that hits on what many don’t talk about enough—the messy middle between success and struggle. From breaking out of the “cookie-cutter” mold to navigating fatherhood, business, and personal growth, Michael shares the real stories behind the highlight reel.

Minute Markers:

• 00:00 Intro: Welcoming Michael Cirillo and setting the tone for a raw and honest dialogue.
• 10:10 Breaking the Cookie Cutter Mold: Why authenticity matters more than fitting in—and how to lead without pretending.
• 20:32 The Birth: A powerful story about transition, new life, and what it teaches us about ourselves.
• 30:15 Business vs. Pleasure: Finding balance between purpose, profit, and personal identity.
• 40:30 Imperfectly Perfect: Embracing the flaws and failures that shape our most meaningful growth.
• 50:20 Tangible Takeaways: Actionable insights that translate into everyday life and leadership.
• 01:01:19 Human Needs: Understanding what truly drives us—and how to align success with significance.

This episode is a reminder that real impact doesn’t come from pretending to have it all together—it comes from walking through the hard stuff and choosing growth anyway. Don't miss it.

In Episode 66 of Answers from the Stairs, entrepreneur and thought leader Luke Williford shares the real story behind success—the cycles of failure, growth, relationship-building, and relentless faith it takes to get there. From starting small to thinking big, Luke’s journey is a masterclass in how to embrace the process and trust the path.

Minute Markers:

• 00:00 Intro: Meet Luke Williford and the story behind his success in business and life.
• 10:54 Wisdom from Mistakes: Why failure isn’t final—and how the best lessons are often learned the hard way.
• 20:14 Building Relationships: The value of trust, connection, and who you surround yourself with.
• 30:02 The Law of Attraction: How mindset and intentionality can change everything.
• 40:07 Setback Growth: Turning obstacles into opportunities for refinement and growth.
• 50:50 Underpaid to Overperform: Why showing up with excellence—even when it’s not required—is a game changer.

This episode is a blueprint for anyone looking to rise through the cycles, own their journey, and create a life of impact and purpose. Don’t miss it.

In this empowering episode of Answers from the Stairs, Patty Tremonti shares her journey of leadership, service, and personal transformation. From building bridges through collaboration to leading with compassion and conviction, Patty offers insight into what it means to truly drive success—not just in business, but in life.

Minute Markers:

• 00:00 Intro: Welcoming Patty Tremonti and setting the stage for a conversation on leadership with heart.
• 10:20 Growth Within Leadership: Embracing change and development as a constant part of leading others well.
• 20:21 Meeting in the Middle: The power of humility, empathy, and compromise in building lasting relationships.
• 30:45 Leading with Love: Why compassion and intentionality are essential tools in a leader’s toolbox.
• 40:45 Valuable Foundation: The core principles that ground Patty’s leadership and life.
• 49:17 Servant’s Heart: Living and leading with a mindset of service, impact, and lasting legacy.

This episode is a reminder that real success isn’t just measured by results—it’s defined by how you love, serve, and lead others along the way.

In this powerful episode of Answers from the Stairs, world-renowned coach and fitness expert Hany Rambod joins the conversation to talk about what it really takes to grow—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Known for training champions, Hany opens up about the science behind performance, the complexity of relationships, and the crossroads we all face in pursuit of purpose.

Minute Markers:

• 00:00 Intro: Introducing Hany Rambod and the story behind his passion and discipline.
• 10:19 Intercellular Studies: How science, data, and precision fuel transformation on a cellular level—and beyond.
• 20:34 Relationship Transactions: Navigating the tension between giving, receiving, and maintaining authentic connection.
• 30:30 Coming to a Crossroad: The moments that force us to choose between comfort and calling.
• 40:30 The Cobbler’s Kids Are the Last to Get Shoes: The cost of leadership and the balance between serving others and caring for yourself.

This episode is a raw and honest look at what’s behind the muscle—the mindset, heart, and soul of a man committed to excellence. Don’t miss it.

In this powerful episode of Answers from the Stairs, Ryan Michler—founder of Order of Man—joins the conversation to explore what it truly means to lead yourself, your family, and your mission with clarity and conviction. From personal lessons to practical solutions, Ryan shares how embracing sovereignty and responsibility can transform the way men show up in every area of life.

• 00:00 Intro: Introducing Ryan Michler and the mission behind Order of Man.
• 10:28 Life Lessons: The defining moments that shaped Ryan’s path and perspective.
• 20:10 Sovereignty: Why taking ownership is the foundation of personal and spiritual freedom.
• 30:10 The Solution: A call to action for men to lead with strength, purpose, and service.

Tune in for a raw and inspiring conversation about manhood, leadership, and reclaiming the roles we were created to fulfill.

In this energizing episode of Answers from the Stairs, Mike Taylor joins the conversation to talk transformation—of mindset, habits, and impact. From breaking old patterns to embracing new disciplines, Mike shares how adopting a fresh perspective can unlock purpose, prosperity, and powerful community change.

Minute Markers:

• 00:00 Intro: Opening up a conversation about growth, grit, and reinvention.
• 10:13 Mind Over Matter: How mental resilience shapes your ability to adapt and thrive.
• 20:34 Wealthy Mindset: Shifting your thinking around success, abundance, and personal responsibility.
• 30:02 Community Involvement: Why giving back and staying connected is key to a fulfilling life.

Tune in as Mike Taylor reminds us that it’s never too late to learn new tricks—and sometimes, the best version of yourself is still ahead.

In this powerhouse episode of Answers from the Stairs, Mike Calhoun shares his journey of leadership, discipline, and legacy-building across high-performance environments. From breaking patterns to branding excellence, Mike dives into what it takes to truly pave the way—for yourself, your team, and the next generation.

• 00:00 Intro: Kicking off a conversation rooted in growth, leadership, and high standards.
• 10:11 Breaking Bad Behavior: How discipline and accountability shape long-term success.
• 20:10 Contraband: Confronting hidden habits and distractions that derail potential.
• 30:15 Representing Excellence: Living as an example of what’s possible—on and off the field.
• 41:00 The Professional Line: Knowing when and how to draw boundaries while staying mission-focused.
• 50:30 Teaching the Talent: Mentorship, development, and the responsibility of passing the baton.
• 01:00:48 Crystallizing the Brand: Building an identity rooted in integrity, not image.
• 01:10:12 Challenging Environments: Thriving under pressure and leading when it’s hardest.
• 01:19:53 Move Out of Your Own Way: Letting go of self-imposed limits to fully embrace your calling.

Tune in for a raw and empowering conversation with Mike Calhoun that challenges you to lead boldly, serve others, and become the standard—not just follow it.