In this powerful episode of We Take the Stairs, the hosts explore why so many men, especially young men, are returning to the church in record numbers. The conversation begins with a personal question. What has church meant to each of you? From peace and grounding to structure and community, everyone shares a story that sets the tone for the rest of the episode.

The group talks about the impact of the pandemic, the rise of isolation, the flood of confusing messages in media, and how many men are craving clear moral direction and a place where they can breathe and be honest. They reflect on past church hurt, shifting gender roles, cultural changes, and how accountability has made modern church spaces more open, humble, and focused on Christ rather than personality or performance.

The episode highlights structure, leadership, fellowship, fatherhood, mentorship, emotional honesty, and the hunger men have for real truth in a world full of noise.
 There are personal testimonies about depression, addiction, surrender, and how finding faith brought healing.
 There are reflections on Gen Z men searching for identity and meaning.
 And there is a shared understanding that church is not a building. Church is wherever two or three gather with the living Word at the center.

Scripture references
 Hebrews 1024 to 25
 One Thessalonians 511

Hosts
 Rachael, Liz, Junior, Z

Website
 wetakethestairs.com

In this episode of We Take the Stairs, the hosts dig into one of the most requested topics from young men and older men alike. Why is a man’s protective instinct so often labeled as controlling? And where is the line between genuine care and unhealthy control?

Rachael, Liz, Junior, and guest Meg start with the real question that sparked this discussion. When a woman dresses in a certain way and her boyfriend asks her not to, is he trying to protect her or trying to control her? The group explores intention, perception, insecurity, image, and how past experiences shape the way both men and women respond to these conversations.

The discussion goes deeper into identity, ego, cultural expectations, and biblical context. The hosts talk about modesty, accountability, communication, and how both men and women contribute to misunderstandings around lust, protection, and autonomy. They highlight why tone matters, why delivery matters, and why relationships fall apart when people cannot communicate without feeling attacked.

With honesty and transparency, the group unpacks how to have these conversations in a healthy way. Ask questions. Understand your own bias. Lead with grace instead of pride. Take responsibility for your own heart before trying to correct someone else. And be willing to accept when someone is not aligned with you rather than trying to control them.

This is a challenging but important conversation, reminding listeners that real leadership, real love, and real protection come from humility and communication, not control.

Hosts Rachael, Liz, Junior, Z
Guest Meg Worth
Website wetakethestairs.com

In this powerful episode of We Take the Stairs, the hosts open an honest and deeply personal conversation about body dysmorphia, beauty, and how society’s standards affect both men and women. Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z talk about the rise of body image struggles among young men and boys, exploring how social media, culture, and expectations distort our view of ourselves.

They share personal stories of comparison, insecurity, and healing, reflecting on how faith and authenticity play a role in reclaiming self-worth. The group discusses the difference between healthy discipline and obsession, the impact of social media filters, and how unrealistic ideals can shape mental health.

This episode is a reminder that true beauty comes from authenticity and spiritual strength, not perfection. Through honest discussion and biblical reflection, the hosts challenge listeners to love themselves as God created them, to seek balance, and to choose vulnerability over vanity.

Scripture reference
 Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Hosts
 Rachael, Liz, Junior, Z

Website
 wetakethestairs.com

In this powerful episode of We Take the Stairs, the hosts open up about men’s health, vulnerability, and the importance of breaking stereotypes that keep men silent. Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z are joined by special guests Ryan Mackenzie Raymond from Scotland and John for an honest, hopeful, and often humorous conversation about what it means to take care of your body and mind as a man.

Ryan shares his journey of being diagnosed with prostate cancer just eight weeks before recording this episode and how humor, faith, and honesty have helped him stay strong through the process. The group discusses how pride, fear, and cultural expectations often stop men from seeking help, and how vulnerability is actually a form of strength.

They reflect on how society and media shape our ideas of masculinity, the impact of silence on mental health, and how faith can bring peace in the middle of fear. Together, they remind listeners that real courage starts with communication and that healing begins when we stop walking alone.

Scripture reference
 1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”
 Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Hosts
 Rachael, Liz, Junior, Z

Guests
 Ryan Mackenzie Raymond and John

Website
 wetakethestairs.com

In this moving episode of We Take the Stairs, the hosts open a raw and heartfelt discussion about incarceration, forgiveness, and humanity. Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z begin by reflecting on their own connections to people who are incarcerated and the impact that absence has on families and communities.

The conversation looks at how incarceration disproportionately affects men, especially Black and Latino men, and the ripple effects across generations. From the broken prison system to the power of simple communication, the group explores how faith, love, and empathy can start to heal what systems have damaged.

Liz shares her experience performing poetry inside prisons and how small moments of human connection bring hope to people who feel forgotten. Junior opens up about his father’s incarceration and the peace that comes from brief check ins and answered calls. Together, the hosts remind listeners that grace and mercy are not earned. They are freely given.

Scripture reference
 Hebrews 13:3. “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

Hosts
 Rachael, Liz, Junior, Z

Website
 wetakethestairs.com

In this episode of We Take the Stairs, the hosts explore how men have been portrayed across television, movies, and media, and how those depictions have shaped culture, relationships, and identity over time.

The conversation begins lightheartedly as Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z reflect on their favorite childhood shows like The Cosby Show, Family Matters, and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. What starts as nostalgia quickly turns into a deeper discussion about fatherhood, masculinity, and how media has shifted from celebrating strong family figures to often portraying men as disconnected or foolish.

The group examines what these portrayals mean for young men today, how they affect self image and family dynamics, and what balance might look like between strength and vulnerability. They discuss the importance of healthy communication, accountability, and faith, reminding listeners that while culture may change, God's word remains steady.

Each host closes with a heartfelt We Take reflection on fatherhood, faith, and the power of conversation.

Scripture 1 Corinthians 1613 Be on alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Hosts Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z
 Website wetakethestairs.com

In this episode of We Take the Stairs, the hosts dive deep into the topic of men and communication. Joined by special guest Cole Spicer from Echo Studios, they explore how men express themselves, the role of silence, and how faith shapes the way we connect with one another.

The conversation uncovers why communication between men and women can feel so different and how societal expectations often discourage men from speaking openly. The group discusses biblical truth, the power of listening, and how silence can both protect and isolate. From fatherhood to friendship, the episode highlights the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and learning to speak with love and purpose.

They remind listeners that growth starts at home and that healing begins when we put down our defenses and learn to listen with grace.

Scripture: James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

Hosts Rachael, Junior, and Z
 Special Guest: Cole Spicer of Echo Studios
 Website wetakethestairs.com

In this powerful episode, the hosts take a deep dive into how today’s education system often fails young boys. They open with personal reflections on why they “take the stairs,” then move into a raw conversation about how schools are not designed to help boys thrive.

From outdated expectations of masculinity to the lack of male role models in classrooms, they explore how boys are taught to do rather than be, and how this conditioning shapes their confidence, emotions, and sense of worth. The group discusses everything from early childhood education to cultural stereotypes, pay gaps, and the need for more male presence and mentorship in schools.

It’s a deep, honest conversation about how we can better support our sons, students, and young men — not by lowering expectations, but by understanding how they learn best and creating environments where they can grow into strong, compassionate leaders.

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Hosts Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z
 Website wetakethestairs.com

Welcome to the intro episode of We Take the Stairs. Meet your hosts Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z as they share how the podcast began and what it truly means to take the stairs.

In this conversation they open up about their different journeys, faith backgrounds, and the shared mission that brought them together, choosing connection over division one step at a time. The group talks about why honest dialogue matters, how vulnerability builds strength, and what listeners can expect in the season ahead.

This episode sets the foundation for what We Take the Stairs is all about, real conversations rooted in faith, empathy, and growth.

Hosts Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z
 Website wetakethestairs.com

In this episode, Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z dive into how social media shapes the way we see ourselves, our relationships, and especially masculinity. The hosts open up about their personal experiences online and how the constant noise of comparison, trends, and opinions affects mental health and identity.

They talk about the pressure men face to perform strength instead of expressing emotion, the labels that get attached too easily, and the deeper need for empathy and understanding in a world built on quick reactions. From fasting from social media to reflecting on how algorithms influence our thoughts, this conversation challenges all of us to slow down and listen.

The group reminds us that faith, accountability, and connection still matter in a digital age — and that taking the stairs means choosing growth over comfort, one step at a time.

Hosts: Rachael, Liz, Junior, and Z
 Website: wetakethestairs.com