What does it really mean to be a man of God? Why do good people suffer? And how do you keep trusting Jesus when life doesn't make sense?

This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor sits down with Pastor Joby Martin, founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida, and author of Stand Firm & Act Like Men, for a bold, honest, and thought-provoking conversation about faith, marriage, biblical manhood, and some of Christianity's toughest questions.

Pastor Joby opens up about the inspiration behind his book, Stand Firm & Act Like Men, and why he believes our culture has lost sight of what it truly means to be a man. In a world where masculinity is often defined by money, power, status, or dominance, Joby challenges men to look to Jesus instead.

His message is simple: When men lead and love well, everybody flourishes.

Brooke shares how Joby's book has personally impacted her marriage, explaining how her husband became more intentional about leading, loving, and serving their family after reading it. Together, they unpack what biblical leadership actually looks like, why marriage should be a partnership rather than a competition, and how putting Christ at the center can transform a home.

Joby also shares a deeply personal realization he had while writing the book. After studying what the Bible says about love in 1 Corinthians 13, he recognized that although he loved his wife of more than 26 years, he wasn't always loving her the way Scripture called him to. What followed was an honest conversation with his wife, Gretchen, that challenged him to rethink what true strength and leadership look like.

Because real biblical manhood isn't about demanding respect. It's about having the strength to serve, sacrifice, and love others well.

The conversation then turns to some of the biggest questions people wrestle with in their faith:


Church hurt: What do you say to someone who loves Jesus but has been wounded by the church? 


Suffering and loss: If God is good, why does He allow terrible things to happen? 


Miscarriage and infertility: Joby shares why this is one of the hardest questions he faces as a pastor and offers encouragement for those navigating unanswered prayers.


Faith and politics: How do Christians remain faithful to Scripture without turning Jesus into a political tool?
Breaking generational cycles: Brooke and Joby discuss how childhood experiences, family patterns, and past pain can shape our lives without having to determine our future.


Social media and loneliness: Why are we more connected than ever but often feel more isolated? 

In one of the episode's most moving moments, Joby shares the story of praying for his father's salvation for nearly 30 years. Despite countless conversations about Jesus, his dad never seemed ready to surrender his life to Christ. Then, one day, Joby felt prompted to send a simple text message.

His father's response was just two words: "I'm ready."

Joby reflects on that unforgettable moment and what it taught him about God's timing, persistent prayer, and never giving up on the people we love.

As the conversation comes to a close, Joby shares how he continues to wrestle with suffering, loss, and unanswered questions even after decades in ministry. Through it all, he returns to one unshakable truth: God's goodness isn't determined by our circumstances, but by what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

🎧 Whether you're a husband learning to lead, a wife praying for her marriage, someone healing from church hurt, or a believer struggling to understand why God allows suffering, this episode is a powerful reminder that real strength begins with surrender, love requires sacrifice, and God is still faithful even when we don't understand His plan.

Learn more:

Stand Firm & Act Like Men: https://jobymartin.com/books

The Church of Eleven22: https://coe22.com/

Follow The Upload:
📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast
🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast
🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload

What does it really mean to be a man of God? Why do good people suffer? And how do you keep trusting Jesus when life doesn't make sense?
This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor sits down with Pastor Joby Martin, founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida, and author of Stand Firm &amp; Act Like Men, for a bold, honest, and thought-provoking conversation about faith, marriage, biblical manhood, and some of Christianity's toughest questions.
Pastor Joby opens up about the inspiration behind his book, Stand Firm &amp; Act Like Men, and why he believes our culture has lost sight of what it truly means to be a man. In a world where masculinity is often defined by money, power, status, or dominance, Joby challenges men to look to Jesus instead.
His message is simple: When men lead and love well, everybody flourishes.
Brooke shares how Joby's book has personally impacted her marriage, explaining how her husband became more intentional about leading, loving, and serving their family after reading it. Together, they unpack what biblical leadership actually looks like, why marriage should be a partnership rather than a competition, and how putting Christ at the center can transform a home.
Joby also shares a deeply personal realization he had while writing the book. After studying what the Bible says about love in 1 Corinthians 13, he recognized that although he loved his wife of more than 26 years, he wasn't always loving her the way Scripture called him to. What followed was an honest conversation with his wife, Gretchen, that challenged him to rethink what true strength and leadership look like.
Because real biblical manhood isn't about demanding respect. It's about having the strength to serve, sacrifice, and love others well.
The conversation then turns to some of the biggest questions people wrestle with in their faith:
<ul>
<li>
Church hurt:&nbsp;What do you say to someone who loves Jesus but has been wounded by the church?&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Suffering and loss:&nbsp;If God is good, why does He allow terrible things to happen?&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Miscarriage and infertility:&nbsp;Joby shares why this is one of the hardest questions he faces as a pastor and offers encouragement for those navigating unanswered prayers.
</li>
<li>
Faith and politics:&nbsp;How do Christians remain faithful to Scripture without turning Jesus into a political tool?
</li>
<li>Breaking generational cycles:&nbsp;Brooke and Joby discuss how childhood experiences, family patterns, and past pain can shape our lives without having to determine our future.</li>
<li>
Social media and loneliness:&nbsp;Why are we more connected than ever but often feel more isolated?&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
In one of the episode's most moving moments, Joby shares the story of praying for his father's salvation for nearly 30 years. Despite countless conversations about Jesus, his dad never seemed ready to surrender his life to Christ. Then, one day, Joby felt prompted to send a simple text message.
His father's response was just two words: "I'm ready."
Joby reflects on that unforgettable moment and what it taught him about God's timing, persistent prayer, and never giving up on the people we love.
As the conversation comes to a close, Joby shares how he continues to wrestle with suffering, loss, and unanswered questions even after decades in ministry. Through it all, he returns to one unshakable truth: God's goodness isn't determined by our circumstances, but by what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
🎧 Whether you're a husband learning to lead, a wife praying for her marriage, someone healing from church hurt, or a believer struggling to understand why God allows suffering, this episode is a powerful reminder that real strength begins with surrender, love requires sacrifice, and God is still faithful even when we don't understand His plan.
Learn more:
Stand Firm &amp; Act Like Men: <a href="https://jobymartin.com/books" data-outlook-id="97e8ab65-804b-446d-b657-ccd392d0d91a">https://jobymartin.com/books</a>
The Church of Eleven22: <a href="https://coe22.com/" data-outlook-id="56fa8d4c-5100-4fd4-b813-945a07b5727b">https://coe22.com/</a>
Follow The Upload: 📸 Instagram &mdash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theuploadpodcast/" data-outlook-id="7a42cb7b-b2d8-4eb7-91b8-b0a099c78146">@theuploadpodcast</a> 🎥 TikTok &mdash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theuploadpodcast" data-outlook-id="086adaa3-b5c5-45a2-ac17-af4f344fe3d0">@theuploadpodcast</a> 🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio &mdash; <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-upload-304486499/?cmp=ios_share&amp;sc=ios_social_share&amp;pr=false&amp;autoplay=true" data-outlook-id="b47e8844-1eca-46de-a76f-0187f61f2539">The Upload</a>

Faith-Fueled Conversations for Life. Hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor alongside her co-host, Pastor Mark Evans, The Upload dives into real and honest conversations about faith, purpose, and life. Each week, Brooke and Mark sit down with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers to explore what faith means to them... and how it shapes the way they navigate their unique callings, careers, and family lives. Rooted in authenticity, The Upload goes deeper than surface-level chats. Guests share personal stories, defining moments, and the spiritual lessons that sustain them through both triumphs and challenges. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, inspiration, or just a meaningful conversation to lift your week, this podcast is designed to uplift your soul and strengthen your walk.

Follow The Upload:
📸 Instagram — @theuploadpodcast
🎥 TikTok — @theuploadpodcast
🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio — The Upload

Faith-Fueled Conversations for Life. Hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor alongside her co-host, Pastor Mark Evans, The Upload dives into real and honest conversations about faith, purpose, and life. Each week, Brooke and Mark sit down with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers to explore what faith means to them... and how it shapes the way they navigate their unique callings, careers, and family lives. Rooted in authenticity, The Upload goes deeper than surface-level chats. Guests share personal stories, defining moments, and the spiritual lessons that sustain them through both triumphs and challenges. Whether you&rsquo;re looking for encouragement, inspiration, or just a meaningful conversation to lift your week, this podcast is designed to uplift your soul and strengthen your walk.
Follow The Upload: 📸 Instagram &mdash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/theuploadpodcast/">@theuploadpodcast</a> 🎥 TikTok &mdash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theuploadpodcast">@theuploadpodcast</a> 🔗 Listen on iHeartRadio &mdash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-upload-304486499/?cmp=ios_share&amp;sc=ios_social_share&amp;pr=false&amp;autoplay=true">The Upload</a>

The Upload with Brooke Taylor

Hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor alongside her co-host, Pastor Mark Evans, The Upload dives into real and honest conversations about faith, purpose, and life. Each week, Brooke and Mark sit down with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers to explore what faith means to them, and how it shapes the way they navigate their unique callings, careers, and family lives.

Rooted in authenticity, The Upload goes deeper than surface-level chats. Guests share personal stories, defining moments, and the spiritual lessons that sustain them through both triumphs and challenges. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, inspiration, or just a meaningful conversation to lift your week, this podcast is designed to uplift your soul and strengthen your walk.

Hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor alongside her co-host, Pastor Mark Evans, The Upload dives into real and honest conversations about faith, purpose, and life. Each week, Brooke and Mark sit down with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers to explore what faith means to them, and how it shapes the way they navigate their unique callings, careers, and family lives.
Rooted in authenticity, The Upload goes deeper than surface-level chats. Guests share personal stories, defining moments, and the spiritual lessons that sustain them through both triumphs and challenges. Whether you&rsquo;re looking for encouragement, inspiration, or just a meaningful conversation to lift your week, this podcast is designed to uplift your soul and strengthen your walk.

The Upload

Joby Martin: What Makes a Real Man? Biblical Manhood, Marriage & Trusting God Through Suffering

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3686dbfb-5ffa-48bc-b76a-b4e90161c204/transcript