We Take the Stairs Podcast

Shot and Paralyzed at 22 — Then He Found God | Pablo's Story | Season 3

Episode Description What do you feel in the moment someone shoots you? For Pablo, it wasn't fear or rage — it was love and understanding. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Let's Break Bread, Rachel and Jackson sit down with Pablo, a young man whose life was shattered — and rebuilt — in ways he never could have planned. Paralyzed from the chest down at 22 after being shot by someone he was trying to help, Pablo shares a journey that spans rebellion, estrangement, the cannabis industry, Colombia, psychosis, and an unexpected encounter with the Holy Spirit that changed everything. Told through the lens of the Prodigal Son, this is a story about identity, purpose, forgiveness, grace — and why God sometimes doesn't meet you halfway. He comes all the way to you. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & the Prodigal Son framework 02:04 — Pablo's story: Colombia, rebellion, and coming home 03:48 — Meeting a friend in need and the cannabis industry 05:30 — When helping someone becomes dangerous 07:00 — Shot nine times. Paralyzed from the chest down. 07:55 — What Pablo felt in that moment (you won't expect this) 09:46 — The phone call to his mom and what it meant 12:16 — Sleep deprivation, psychosis, and understanding the shooter 13:27 — Pablo's spiritual awakening four months ago 15:30 — Grace: from Windows 98 to AI 17:07 — Tony Robbins, a hospital bed, and the word "grace" 18:48 — Jackson explains the Baptism of the Holy Spirit 20:51 — The hospital, the fire department, and "Mom, this is big" 23:02 — Ephesians 3:16–19: the scripture that came at 3:30am 24:13 — Your gift of discernment: how to steward it 26:20 — Advice for mothers of prodigal sons 29:30 — What Pablo would say to young men today 31:42 — Fear vs. love: which is the better motivator for obedience? 34:11 — The small pebbles are harder than the boulders 37:09 — Identities Pablo had to release: money, status, body 41:21 — Jim Carrey, Solomon, and the void only God can fill 50:34 — What would you tell someone heading away from God? 51:42 — What's next for Pablo? 56:10 — Jeremiah 1 & a prophetic declaration over Pablo's life 59:05 — The Chosen, Little James, and Pablo's wheelchair as a superpower 01:03:30 — Mat carriers: who's lowering you through the roof? 01:05:09 — We Takes & closing words Key Quotes "The only thing I felt when he shot me was love and understanding. I knew it wasn't him." — Pablo "Fear of God is not hell-avoidance. It's understanding that the worst possible thing is to be separated from Him." — Jackson "Most of the prisons we live in exist in our own minds." — Rachel "Fear nothing else but God. As long as that's at the center, you'll be okay." — Pablo "Your hands, your work, your voice, your story — that is your worship." — Jackson "Through suffering, we come to terms with the truth of who we truly are." — Rachel SEO Tags faith testimony, prodigal son story, paralyzed man finds God, Christian podcast, spinal cord injury faith, Holy Spirit baptism, grace meaning Christianity, forgiveness after trauma, young men and God, spiritual awakening story, let's break bread podcast, real talk faith, men's Christian podcast, finding purpose after tragedy, Pablo testimony, Jackson and Rachel podcast, mat carriers Bible, Jeremiah 1:5, Ephesians 3 16, fear of God vs love of God, The Chosen paraplegic scene, identity in Christ, sleep deprivation psychosis, prodigal son modern story Connect & Share If this episode moved you, share it with someone who's walking away from God, someone rebuilding their identity, or a mom who hasn't stopped praying for her son.

Why Men Go Quiet and Women Get Louder | Season 2

In this episode of We Take the Stairs, the conversation gets real about something almost everyone has experienced — but few know how to fix: The breakdown of communication between men and women. Why is it that when things get hard… men tend to go quiet — and women feel like they have to get louder just to be heard? This episode unpacks the emotional and psychological patterns behind that disconnect, revealing how both men and women are often reacting to the same core need: to feel understood, respected, and safe. Together, the group explores: Why men shut down instead of opening up Why women escalate when they don’t feel heard The difference between feeling respected vs feeling loved How small communication habits create major relationship gaps Why men often try to “fix” problems instead of listening How women can feel unseen even when men are trying The role of tone, timing, and emotional awareness in conversations Through real stories and honest reflection, this episode highlights a powerful truth: Most relationship conflict isn’t about the issue — it’s about how we communicate through it. And if we don’t learn to understand each other’s language… we slowly start to lose each other. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup 02:00 – The Core Problem: Communication Breakdown 05:00 – Why Men Go Quiet 09:00 – Why Women Get Louder 13:00 – Feeling Heard vs Feeling Respected 17:00 – The “Fix It” vs “Feel It” Dynamic 22:00 – How Miscommunication Builds Resentment 27:00 – Emotional Triggers in Relationships 32:00 – Real-Life Examples of Communication Fails 38:00 – Tone, Timing & Delivery Matter 43:00 – Learning Each Other’s Communication Style 49:00 – Creating Emotional Safety 54:00 – Final We Takes: How to Do It Better Key Takeaways Men often shut down when they feel disrespected or overwhelmed Women often escalate when they feel unheard or unsupported Most arguments aren’t about the topic — they’re about delivery and emotion Understanding your partner’s communication style is essential Healthy communication requires intentional effort from both sides SEO Keywords relationship communication problems, why men shut down, why women get emotional, communication in relationships, men vs women communication styles, emotional safety in relationships, relationship advice podcast, We Take the Stairs

Men Feel Used. Women Feel Exhausted. No One’s Talking About It | Season 2

In this episode of We Take the Stairs, Rachel, Dusty, and Jackson dive into a challenging and often avoided conversation: Why are more men returning to the church — while many women are stepping away? Starting with a controversial passage from 1 Timothy 2:11–15, the conversation explores how scripture is often misunderstood, taken out of context, and used in ways that push people — especially women — away from faith. But this episode goes deeper than theology. It unpacks the real tension between modern culture and biblical design, including: The struggle modern women feel with words like submission Why men feel valued primarily for money and success How society has reshaped masculinity — and often labeled it “toxic” The difference between leadership and provision Why communication between men and women is breaking down How respect, listening, and emotional safety shape relationships Jackson shares powerful insight into how men think and communicate — including why men often shut down instead of speaking up, and how something as simple as feeling heard changes everything. The episode ultimately reframes leadership: It’s not about control. It’s about service. And asks a deeper question: What if the solution isn’t choosing sides — but learning how to understand each other again? Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup 02:00 – The Scripture That Sparks the Conversation 05:00 – Why “Submission” Feels Difficult Today 08:00 – Feminism, Culture & Too Many Choices 11:00 – Context Matters: Understanding the Bible Correctly 15:00 – Identity in Christ vs Cultural Identity 19:00 – Women Carrying Multiple Roles Today 23:00 – Why Men Feel Valued Only for Money 27:00 – Communication Breakdown Between Men & Women 31:00 – Why Men Shut Down Emotionally 35:00 – Respect vs Love: What Men Actually Need 40:00 – Real-Life Example: Men Want to Solve Problems 45:00 – When Communication Goes Wrong (Relatable Story) 49:00 – Leadership vs Provision Explained 53:00 – Servant Leadership in Marriage 57:00 – Final We Takes: Respect, Grace & Growth Key Takeaways Men and women are not competing — they’re designed to complement Leadership is service, not control Men often shut down because they don’t feel heard or respected Women often feel overwhelmed because they’re carrying too much Communication — not assumption — is the bridge SEO Keywords men returning to church, women leaving church, Christian relationships, biblical gender roles, submission and leadership, masculinity in modern culture, relationship communication, respect in relationships, We Take the Stairs podcast

Men Feel Valued for Money. Women Feel Exhausted. Now What? | Season 2

In this episode of We Take the Stairs, Rachael, Dusty, and Jackson explore a topic that’s becoming increasingly visible in modern faith communities: men returning to church in large numbers while many women are stepping away. The conversation begins with a challenging scripture from 1 Timothy 2:11–15, which instructs women to learn quietly and not assume authority over men. For many modern women, this verse can feel difficult or even offensive — but when understood in historical and biblical context, it opens a deeper discussion about leadership, submission, and the roles of men and women in faith and family. Together, the group explores: * Why traditional biblical roles feel difficult in modern culture * The difference between leadership and financial provision * How media and society often frame masculinity as toxic * Why many men feel valued only for money or success * How communication breakdowns damage relationships * Why respect and listening are essential for both men and women * The importance of context when interpreting scripture Jackson shares insights about leadership through service and humility, while Rachael reflects on how society’s messaging toward men may be contributing to the breakdown of relationships and family structures. The conversation ultimately asks a powerful question: What happens when men and women stop competing and start understanding each other again? Through faith, honest dialogue, and humility, the group reflects on how both men and women can step more fully into their roles while honoring one another. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Today’s Topic: Men Returning to Church  02:00 – The Controversial Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:11–15  05:00 – Why “Submission” Is Difficult for Modern Women  07:30 – Feminism, Choice & Cultural Messaging  10:00 – Context Matters: Understanding Paul’s Letter to Timothy  13:00 – Biblical Modesty and Respect  16:00 – Identity in Christ vs Cultural Identity  20:00 – Women Leading by Necessity in Modern Homes  23:00 – Society’s Expectations for Men and Money  27:00 – Communication Breakdowns Between Men and Women  31:00 – Why Men Shut Down Emotionally  35:00 – Respect, Listening & Emotional Safety  40:00 – A Real Story About Men Wanting to Solve Problems  45:00 – How Men Show Love Through Fixing Problems  48:00 – Leadership vs Financial Provision  52:00 – Dave Ramsey Example: Servant Leadership in Marriage  55:00 – The Importance of Conversations in Relationships  58:00 – Final We Takes: Leadership, Respect & Faith Key Topics Discussed * Men returning to church * Women leaving church and modern faith struggles * Biblical roles of men and women * Submission and leadership in relationships * Masculinity and societal expectations * Communication between men and women * Leadership through service * Christian marriage and partnership * Identity in Christ SEO Keywords men returning to church, women leaving church, biblical gender roles, Christian leadership in marriage, submission and respect in relationships, masculinity in faith, Christian relationship dynamics, church and modern culture, We Take the Stairs podcast

Body Count, Control & Christ | Modern Dating Through the Jesus Lens | We Take The Stairs

What happens when trauma meets love? In this episode of We Take the Stairs, we unpack one of the most controversial relationship topics of this generation: body count, modesty, shame, and double standards — and how Jesus reframes all of it. Special guest Jackson shares his powerful transformation story — from sleeping around and cultural normalization to repentance, purity, and preparing for covenant marriage. This episode dives into: * Body count and the shame conversation * Double standards between men and women * Modesty, control, and self-respect * Trauma from father wounds * Identity and heart posture * Saving sex for marriage vs cultural normalization * What makes someone feel safe in a relationship * How to respond instead of react when triggered * Choosing your partner daily * Submission to Christ over ego Jackson shares his transformation story — from promiscuity and manipulation to repentance, heart change, and preparing for covenant marriage. Rachel opens up about father wounds and disillusionment from broken relationships. Brianna and Dusty offer raw perspective on safety, control, independence, and generational patterns. The question at the center of this episode: How do we love one another the way Jesus loved us — especially when our trauma is triggered? This is not a conversation about perfection. It’s a conversation about heart posture. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Season 2 & Special Guest Jackson  03:00 – Why Relationships Are Subjective but Love Is Not  06:00 – A 14-Year-Old’s Perspective on Dating  10:00 – Modesty, Boundaries & Deal Breakers  14:00 – The “Talking Phase” & Modern Dating Confusion  18:00 – Men, Self-Respect & Cultural Messaging  23:00 – Jackson’s Story: Promiscuity, Shame & Transformation  30:00 – Body Count, Double Standards & Judgment  36:00 – Saving Sex for Marriage: Rule or Heart Posture?  42:00 – From Shame to Freedom Through Christ  49:00 – Control vs Protection in Relationships  55:00 – Emotional Safety & Masculinity  01:01:00 – What Women Actually Need in Relationships  01:10:00 – Submission to Jesus & Daily Commitment  01:16:00 – Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak (James 1:19)  01:20:00 – Preview: Women, Church & Traditional Roles Key Topics Discussed * Christian dating and purity * Body count double standards * Trauma responses in relationships * Father wounds and identity * Emotional safety and vulnerability * Masculinity and emotional leadership * Control vs protection * Submission to Christ in marriage * Choosing your partner daily * Healing shame through Jesus SEO Keywords Christian dating podcast, body count conversation, modesty and relationships, trauma in relationships, father wounds healing, purity before marriage, masculinity and vulnerability, emotional safety in relationships, Christian marriage preparation, identity in Christ, We Take the Stairs podcast