Shows
Staircase to NowhereNavigating the Anxious GenerationIn this episode of 'Staircase to Nowhere,' hosts Noah, Sam, and Daved explore the themes presented in Jonathan Haidt's book 'The Anxious Generation,' discussing the impact of social media on Gen Z's mental health and the importance of unsupervised play in childhood development. They engage with listener emails, addressing the role of Christians in culture and the need for community support in implementing reforms for healthier childhood experiences. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of managing personal technology use as parents and encourages real-life engagement over online presence.Contact: staircasepod@gmail.com2025-06-0849 minStaircase to NowhereTaylor Tour [BONUS]On this bonus episode, Noah and David banter their way around Taylor University. There is little (arguably zero) substance in this episode, but we hope it entertains some of you. staircasepod@gmail.com2025-05-2827 minStaircase to NowhereDavid Neel: Hall DirectorThis week on Staircase to Nowhere, we shine the spotlight on our guy David—hall director, mentor, and all-around residential life legend. Recorded in-person from Upland, Indiana (yes, real eye contact was made), we dive into the highs and holy tensions of life in campus ministry.Daved shares what it’s like walking with college guys through late-night questions, crowded dorm life, and the sacred chaos of discipleship in close quarters. We talk housing crises, spiritual formation, and the art of making a residence hall feel like home. If you’ve ever wondered what ministry looks like when i...2025-05-2546 minStaircase to NowhereWork and Calling (w/ Kaitlin Neel)On this episode of Staircase to Nowhere, we dive into the big questions about work, career, and calling. What does it really mean to find your "calling," and how does faith shape our search for meaningful work? Join David, Sam, Noah, and special guest Kaitlin Neel—who works in calling and career services at Taylor University—as they unpack the tension between employment and spiritual purpose. Whether you're navigating a job transition, exploring your passions, or just wondering how your work fits into God's bigger story, this episode is for you. Connect with us: staircasepod@gmail...2025-04-271h 01Staircase to NowhereShould Churches Sing Katy Perry?It’s a full mailbag episode this week on Staircase to Nowhere! The guys answer listener questions about everything from secular music in church to the growing wave of biblical streaming shows.They reflect on how churches communicate their values, how Christian media fits into discipleship, and why Sunday mornings should stay rooted in worship. Along the way, there’s storytelling, some honest opinions, and of course — a little banter.Email us! staircasepod@gmail.comNo Small Endeavor (Pod Sam Mentioned)2025-04-2045 minStaircase to NowhereAI David Has Entered the Chat <3Would you date a chatbot? In this episode, we talk AI girlfriends, boyfriends, and the weird world of digital companionship. What does it mean to love—or be loved by—something not real? And how should Christians think about connection in a world that’s increasingly artificial?We would love to hear from you! staircasepod@gmail.comShe is in Love with ChatGPT2025-04-1346 minStaircase to NowhereThe Authority of ConversationIn this episode of Staircase to Nowhere, the crew dives into how conversations have become the new currency of credibility in today’s culture. From podcasts to Twitch streams, we explore why people are increasingly turning to casual dialogue instead of traditional news or institutions to shape their beliefs. What does that mean for ministry, discipleship, and the way we engage a digital-first world? Also—yes, we talk over each other a lot. That’s kind of the point.Send us your thoughts and questions! staircasepod@gmail.comConversations are the new unit of culture De...2025-03-3144 minStaircase to NowhereSacred Creativity: Unpacking Christian ArtThis week on Staircase to Nowhere, we're diving into the world of Christian art and exploring how creativity and faith intersect. What makes art "Christian"? How can creative expression serve as a form of worship or ministry?.. Whether you're an artist, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about how faith influences creativity, God is calling you to put beautiful things into the world for His glory! Got a topic you'd like us to explore? Send your questions and ideas to:staircasepod@gmail.comGaither's Pond FishtalesCulture Making by Andy C...2025-03-1454 minStaircase to NowhereIs Social Media a Dark Alley? Rethinking Online EngagementWelcome to season 3! This week, Staircase to Nowhere crew—Noah, David, and Sam—take a deep dive into social media's evolving role in our lives and ministries. Is it a tool for connection and outreach, or is it a digital dark alley filled with distractions, temptations, and anxiety? The team shares personal stories, research on social media’s impact, and whether we should rethink their online presence altogether.staircasepod@gmail.comConnect with usThe Anxious Generation 2025-03-0254 min
Staircase to NowhereSEASON 2 FINALE: couples of the podThe whole Staircase Fam is together in Louisville for our STN Retreat! David, Kaitlin, Sam, Erika, Noah, and Rebekah all look back over the major themes of season 2 and look ahead to a new year of Staircase to Nowhere ministry and culture fun!staircasepod@gmail.com2024-11-241h 12
Staircase to NowhereJusta Bit a’ Banter and BooksIn a special in-person episode, Noah gives David and Sam some books and shares why they would be interested in them. Read along with us:Heroic Fraternities by Anthony BradleyCentered Set Church by Mark D. BakerThe Coming Revolution in Church Economics by Mark DeYmaz(please excuse our sketchy audio)staircasepod@gmail.com2024-11-1744 min
Staircase to NowhereTexting: Hard Texts- Did God command genocide?The Staircase boys put into practice their conversations on interpretation and context in an attempt to answer a hard text of the Bible, when God calls Israel to “completely destroy” and “devote to destruction” the people in the promised land. Is this genocide? How should Christians understand this text? What does it tell us about God?(please excuse our sketchy audio)Email us at staircasepod@gmail.com2024-11-1042 min
Staircase to NowhereTexting: Context is KingIn this episode of Staircase to Nowhere, we continue our Texting Series with a focus on the importance of context in biblical interpretation. We discuss how understanding the background and surrounding information of Scripture can prevent misinterpretations and lead to a more accurate reading. Our conversation includes real-life stories that emphasize how context shapes meaning, both in everyday situations and in engaging with the Bible.If you’ve ever been confused by a passage or wondered what you might be missing, this episode unpacks why context truly matters.staircasepod@gmail.comTopics Discussed:...2024-11-041h 04
Staircase to NowhereTexting: How Should We Interpret the Bible? Tools for Understanding ScriptureIn this lively conversation, the hosts dive into biblical interpretation, exploring whether the Bible should be read literally, figuratively, or somewhere in between. From dissecting Old Testament narratives to decoding Jesus’ parables, this episode tackles the complexity of engaging with scripture thoughtfully. The trio explores questions like:Are some Bible verses metaphors?How should we interpret the flood in Noah’s story?Does every miracle need to be taken as historical fact?The hosts also break down different interpretive frameworks—such as historical-grammatical vs. allegorical interpretations—to help listeners better understand how to r...2024-10-2752 min
Staircase to NowhereMailbag: homelessness & spiritual warfare, what makes a mega church, media consumptionOn today’s show, we respond to some pressing listener questions!.. If you have any thoughts our question we would love to hear them. Send us an email or enroll in one of Taylor’s undergrad programs and ask David directly.staircasepod@gmail.com2024-10-1658 min
Staircase to NowhereTexting: IntroWelcome to Texting!.. Join us for a new series dedicated to how do we approach reading the Bible! What do we do with the tough passages, and how do we know what to believe? Join Noah, David, and Sam as they discuss their earliest Bible memories, the challenges of understanding ancient texts, and the tools we use to interpret Scripture. We dive into some big questions about the Bible’s purpose and provide insight on how to engage with it today. If you've ever wondered about the stories, commands, and cultural contexts of the Bible, this series is for yo...2024-10-0616 min
Staircase to NowhereGuest Interview: Tre CalvinIn this episode, Noah, Sam, and David are joined by longtime listener, Tre, to discuss his diverse faith journey that ultimately led him to non denominational church leadership today. The group discusses working across denominations, the pressure of ministry hustle culture, and how to pursue unity despite theological differences.If you have questions or want to get ahold of us, you can reach us at staircasepod@gmail.comIG @trecal2024-09-3053 min
Staircase to NowhereGuest Interview: Elyse RegierElyse Regier is an Enneagram coach from Northwest Indiana. She loves helping people find their type & discovering all the ways they can grow with the Enneagram tool. Listen to her podcast to learn more about the Enneagram.Towards Eden, an Enneagram PodcastElyse@towardsedenenneagram.comIG @towardsedenenneagramwww.towardsedenenneagram.comResources mentioned:Enneagram + Marriage Glow GuidesThe Real History of the Enneagram Course - from Tyler Zach (Gospel for Enneagram)Is the Enneagram Demonic? IG post2024-09-2257 min
Staircase to NowhereGuest Interview: Elyse RegierElyse Regier is an Enneagram coach from Northwest Indiana. She loves helping people find their type & discovering all the ways they can grow with the Enneagram tool. Listen to her podcast to learn more about the Enneagram.Towards Eden, an Enneagram PodcastElyse@towardsedenenneagram.comIG @towardsedenenneagramwww.towardsedenenneagram.comResources mentioned:Enneagram + Marriage Glow GuidesThe Real History of the Enneagram Course - from Tyler Zach (Gospel for Enneagram)Is the Enneagram Demonic? IG post2024-09-2257 min
Staircase to NowhereSam Carroll: Street and Community OutreachOn today’s episode, we hear from one of STN’s very own hosts! Sam shares about his role as Director of Street and Community outreach and how his faith impacts the work he does with youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in his city.staircasepod@gmail.com2024-08-2545 min
Staircase to NowhereMailbag: Aliens???On today's mailbag episode we address some pressing listener questions, namely, aliens???staircasepod@gmail.com2024-08-1835 min
Staircase to NowhereSpiritual Disciplines: CapstoneWe wrap up with some final reflections on our series covering the spiritual disciplines. We share some big picture thoughts, resources that have been helpful for us, and perform a spoken word Noah and Sam wrote in high school (yes you read that right).staircasaepod@gmail.comSacred PathwaysPraying like Monks, Living like FoolsMoving from Solitude to Community to Ministry 2024-08-1132 min
Staircase to NowhereMailbag: Confessing Sin + Tre’s PitchWant to get ahold of us? Send us an email at staircasepod@gmail.com Tre’s podcasts mentioned in the episode:Thrive Brew Kombucha PodcastThe Socialish Barista Podcast2024-08-0841 min
Staircase to NowhereThe Corporate Disciplines: confession, worship, guidance, celebrationOften times when we think of spiritual disciplines we think of a private practice that takes place alone, but Jesus also commands his followers to participate in formative practices as communities. On this week’s episode we discuss some of those corporate disciplines and how they shape us into communites that reflect God to the world. staircasepod@gmail.comSTN2024-08-0439 min
Staircase to NowhereOutward Disciplines: simplicity, solitude, serviceOn this week’s episode we discuss some of the outward disciplines. These practices not only shape our inner life, they are invitation to watching world to consider what a life changed by Jesus looks like. staircasepod@gmail.com Instagram2024-07-2141 min
Staircase to NowhereInward Disciplines: prayer, fasting, scriptureThis week we consider spiritual disciplines that are intended to shape our inward lives with God. The disciplines that Jesus encourages his followers to practice behind closed doors — not out of shame but for our own formation.Connect with us!staircasepod@gmail.comInstagramDelighting in the Trinity2024-07-1449 min
Staircase to NowhereSpiritual Disciplines are Punk RockIn a world out to form us every day, it takes discipline to be formed into the image of Christ. We draw on the rich tradition of the church (and David’s course he taught this semester) in this first episode in a new series offering practical tips to practice spiritual disciplines as counterformation to the world around us. 🤘What’s your current practice of spiritual disciplines? Which are more important to you in this season? Which feel the hardest? staircasepod@gmail.comInstagram2024-07-0736 min
Staircase to NowhereMeet Nàvíd, our Staircase GPTAI listened to all our episodes and they—he—it had feedback for us! Send us yours, do you agree with the computer? staircasepod@gmail.comInstagram2024-06-2329 min
Staircase to NowhereMailbag: Relativism + Street PreachersWant to submit a question of your own? Shoot us an email or find us on Instagram!staircasepod@gmail.comstnpod2024-06-1643 min
Staircase to NowhereSTN NEWS: The Methodist SplitBREAKING NEWS: The United Methodist Church has been splitting. David shares some of his experience as a Methodist minster and offers some insight to the 5 year long slow motion split. staircasepod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram2024-06-0242 min
Staircase to NowhereChurch & Mission: CapstoneJoin us as we wrap up or series on Church and Mission! We give a brief overview of some of the ground we have covered the last few weeks.Rescuing Jesus from the Cowboysstaircasepod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram2024-05-2629 min
Staircase to NowhereBONUS EPISODE (JBAB): our aesthetic wrinklesListen to us banter about our aesthetic wrinkles.staircasepod@gmail.comInstagram2024-05-2223 min
Staircase to NowhereWhat is Global Theology?God wants to be worshiped by every culture on this planet. This is the impetus for global theology, how people live out the Scriptures with the Spirit in their context. If every nation is a pilgrim in the story of the people of God, no culture’s expression of church is “normal Christianity.” Dialoguing with our brothers and sisters around the world shows us what’s core to the church’s mission and what’s an expression of our culture. Whose Religion is Christianity?TGC: AfricaTGC: India2024-05-1953 min
Staircase to NowhereWhat Barber School Taught us About DiscipleshipJesus commands us to make disciples, teaching them to obey everything he commanded. This means discipleship is experiential, lived out in real life—more like trade school than a classroom. In today’s show, we talk about ways we have experienced this in the church and discuss a helpful way to think of discipleship from John Mark Comer’s new book Practicing the Way.staircasepod@gmail.comSTNPracticing the WayCelebration of DisciplineRediscovering Discipleship2024-05-1257 min
Staircase to NowhereBONUS EPISODE (JBAB): Mailbag + Mark Driscoll swallows a sword (or something like that idk)Strictly banter.staircasepod@gmail.com2024-05-0533 min
Staircase to NowhereWho is our culture?The gospel is for every culture in every time and place, so who is our culture? We discuss one of the leading ideologies of American middle-class mass-culture, expressive individualism. In today’s episode, we talk about what is it and how we share the good news of Jesus with our neighbors who hold it. staircasepod@gmail.comThe Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self2024-04-281h 06
Staircase to NowhereWhat’s Church and What’s Just Us?What pops into your head when you think of church? Pews and preaching, songs and coffee? Is that thing essential to church as commanded by Jesus and described in the New Testament or is it just an artifact of our cultural setting? We talk contextualization, the basics of church, and how it gets played out in different settingsstaircasepod@gmail.comInstagramChurch CircleNo Place Left tools2024-04-2156 min
Staircase to NowhereChurch & Mission: How do we know when we’re doing a good job?In American culture, we often measure the success of a church through the 3 B’s: buildings, budgets, and butts in seats—even though we know that’s not the best indicator of spiritual growth and health. So what is?stnpod@gmail.comstnpod2024-04-1452 min
Staircase to NowhereDeconstruction Capstone: Q&R + ReflectionsToday on the show, we are sharing some final thoughts and reflections on our deconstruction conversation. We talk a little bit about how to engage lovingly with our friends who have deconstructed, we respond to some listener mail, and we share a few final thoughts before landing the plane on the series.staircasepod@gmail.comstnpod2024-04-0745 min
Staircase to NowhereBONUS EPISODE: Wives of the PodBonus episode! Join the wives of the pod as they discuss ministry, work, marriage, and more! Have thoughts or feedback? Let us know!staircasepod@gmal.comInstagram: stnpod2024-03-3140 min
Staircase to NowhereFundamentalism: God said it, I believe it, that settles itThis week, we are having a conversation about fundamentalism and we are joined by a very special guest, Sam’s mom. We try to answer some big picture questions regarding christian fundamentalism and try to navigate why people are drawn to a fundamentalist worldview. We also try to offer some ways forward to those who feel like they have been hurt by fundamentalist communities. Shiny Happy PeopleDavid French Articlestaircasepod@gmail.comInstagram: stnpod2024-03-2459 min
Staircase to NowhereThe Church and Toxic LeadersThe cat is out of the bag, the church is full of toxic leaders. At least it feels that way sometimes. Lots of people are raising alarms and pointing out how messed up some of our pastors are and it’s causing a lot of people to ask hard questions. Why do communities dedicated to following Jesus produce leaders that turn out to be narcissistic and abusive? What’s wrong, and what needs to change? Join us as we share our experiences, thoughts on church architecture, and reflect on the hope we still hold even in the midst of so m...2024-03-1749 min
Staircase to NowhereThe Great DeChurching: where's all the people?This week we are discussing The Great DeChurching, a book highlighting trends in what the authors suggest is “the biggest religious shift in American history”. In this book, authors Jim Davis and Michael Graham ask and answer questions like, who is walking away from the church, and what’s causing them to leave? Their study finds that while millions of Americans have left the church, many of them are still open to spiritual things. We discuss their findings and try to consider a way forward. How can we encourage people to consider Jesus in an age that is increasingly anti-r...2024-03-1053 min
Staircase to NowhereBONUS EPISODE (JBAB): Apple Vision Pro UnboxingDon’t mind us, it’s justa bit a banta’. We discuss our reactions to Apple’s release of the Apple Vision Pro.2024-03-0616 min
Staircase to NowhereIntroduction to Deconstruction: What is faith?Deconstruction. If you are anything like us, you are probably tired of hearing this word. Nonetheless, the dust seems to have settled on the conversation so we have officially entered the chat. What are people talking about when they say deconstruction? What do we actually mean when we talk about faith in Jesus? Is there a way forward when doubts and questions feel more real than the faith that’s been presented to us? Join us over the next few weeks as we try to make sense of some of some of these questions. Email: ...2024-03-0349 min
Staircase to NowhereEmbodied Community: season 1 finaleSomehow every topic–no matter how different they seemed on the surface–all came back round to the same solution: we need other people, physically, in real relationships. Maybe it’s a result of the season of lockdowns we weathered alone together. We’re hungry for real embodied community–even as the three of us recorded a season of podcasts over the internet hundreds of miles apart. We look back over season one to celebrate what God has done in us, and pull the through-line theme of embodied community. Join us in 2024 for a new season of Staircas...2023-10-2944 min
Staircase to NowhereDo I need to go to church? Just me and JesusEver wondered what do I need church for? This one's for you! Many Christians today say they are still good with Jesus, just not the church. We attempt to give a Biblical theological answer, richer than one verse in Hebrews (“don’t forsake the gathering”) to present why we need the church and why the church needs you.Email us your questions or comments and get a full response from ChatGPT: staircasepod@gmail.com2023-10-011h 04
Staircase to NowhereAre boundaries Biblical? Sacrificial service and sustainable ministryBoundaries are a difficult question for anyone in ministry: how do I serve sacrificially like Jesus without neglecting my family or my health? Where do we draw the line when ministry isn’t a 9-to-5? We share our experiences in residential ministry, church planting, and solo pastoring, attempting to offer some practical thoughts on how to serve others without hurting yourself.BoundariesEmotionally Healthy LeaderDeeply Formed Life Managing Leadership AnxietyWork Play LoveEmail us your questions or comments and get a full response from Ch...2023-09-171h 03