The Mentor Sessions

The conversation features Kurtis Gabriel, a former professional hockey player, discussing his journey from childhood to the NHL, the impact of his father's suicide on his life, and his struggles with identity and mental health after retiring from hockey. He shares insights on the importance of mentorship, the role of male figures in his life, and the journey towards self-discovery and healing. The conversation explores Kurtis Gabriel's transformative journey from a professional hockey player to a seeker of deeper meaning in life, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-discovery, and the integration of spiritual teachings into everyday life.

Takeaways

• Importance of mentorship
• Impact of parental loss Transformation through self-discovery
• The role of mentorship in healing

Chapters

• 00:00 Kurtis Gabriel's Hockey Journey
• 04:07 The Impact of Loss
• 07:57 Finding Identity in Hockey
• 12:14 The Role of Mentorship
• 21:59 Struggles with Mental Health
• 29:54 The Path to Healing
• 37:33 The Awakening Journey
• 38:30 Integration of Spiritual Teachings
• 39:24 Facing Suffering and Ego
• 42:08 Finding a Mentor
• 56:06 The Power of Community
• 01:01:14 Living from the Zone
• 01:03:17 The Importance of Presence
• 01:12:22 Finding Your People

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From watching the Food Network as a kid to cooking in Michelin-star kitchens with Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay — Chef Dewey's journey is about passion, resilience, and reinvention.

In this Mentor Session, Chef Dewey shares how a childhood fascination with shows like Barefoot Contessa — so different from the Liberian dishes at home — led his mother to enroll him in culinary school. He opens up about mastering pastry and culinary arts, what high-pressure kitchens taught him about consistency and preparation, and the cutthroat moments that tested him, including having his knife stolen.

And here's what I've learned: After stepping away, it was teaching his nephew to cook that reignited his fire and led him to build The Kobe Experience — his private chef business crafting personalized, allergy-conscious menus around each client.

If you've ever had to start over to find your purpose again, this conversation is for you.

Let me leave you with this — resilience isn't about never breaking. It's about finding your way back to what you love.

In this episode: Early inspiration and falling in love with food Training and cooking with legends Lessons from high-pressure kitchens Rediscovering purpose through mentorship Building The Kobe Experience as a private chef

Be sure to subscribe to The Mentor Sessions for more real conversations on mentorship, growth, and life lessons. Drop a comment — what moment reignited YOUR passion?

#Mentorship #ChefStory #PersonalGrowth

Dave Moggio built one of the fastest-growing watch microbrands from his dining table. Learn how he escaped corporate life.

Dave Moggio shares his founder story, detailing the transition from managing global teams at Mac Trucks to launching La Terrain. This conversation is for anyone feeling stuck in a career they have outgrown and wondering how to bet on themselves. We explore how he moved from $300 of inventory to a full-time business.

Beyond the business metrics, we discuss his specific product design philosophy, applying lessons from automotive and tech to create watches that punch above their weight. We also tackle the reality of corporate burnout, discussing the importance of family, fatherhood, and leaving a legacy that matters more than a job title.

Subscribe to The Mentor Sessions for more conversations on building a meaningful life. What legacy are you building right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

0:00 The Art of Timekeeping
0:59 Defining Personal Core Values
3:15 From Allentown to Automotive
7:05 The Transition Into Leadership
10:02 The Breaking Point of Burnout
11:50 Turning a Passion Into a Career
34:19 The Gamble That Saved the Brand
53:34 Giving Back Through Timepieces

We examine the Lex Street Massacre to understand how one conversation can change a life. Discover the truth behind the case.

In this episode, BigMike sits down with Antonne Jones to discuss the tragic events of December 2000 in West Philadelphia. We look past the headlines to analyze the flaws in the criminal justice system, including coerced confessions and institutional failure that defined the investigation. Antonne shares his personal journey from early mistakes to finding purpose, highlighting how his own path toward accountability was shaped by the guidance of others.

This conversation is for anyone looking to understand the real impact of mentorship in our communities. We discuss why young men need consistent, present role models to steer them away from the streets and toward a new future. It is a raw look at how we can support the next generation by being the voice they need to hear.

Subscribe to The Mentor Sessions for weekly conversations on becoming the man your family and community need. Who was the one person who saw your potential, and who are you mentoring right now? Let us know in the comments.

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Feeling stuck? In this episode of The Mentor Sessions, David Kincaid shares how he went from a federal government career to becoming a world-traveling coach — and how you can build a life of purpose too.

This isn't surface-level advice. This is a real conversation about mentorship, identity, resilience, love, vulnerability, and trauma — and the universal longing we all share for purpose and human connection. If you're navigating a transition, wrestling with who you are, or searching for what's next, this one is for you.

In this episode: ✅ Embrace struggles for growth ✅ How mentorship fosters resilience ✅ Why love requires vulnerability ✅ How purpose drives human connection

CHAPTERS: 00:00 David's Journey from Government to Coaching 03:06 The Role of Education in Identity Formation 05:54 The Importance of Mentorship and Human Connection 10:09 Struggles as a Path to Growth 14:01 The Collective Nature of Humanity 17:01 The Role of Mentors in Navigating Life's Challenges 21:08 Empathy and Support in Mentorship 24:54 Overcoming Trauma and Building Resilience 30:18 Embracing Love and Vulnerability 33:53 The Power of Reflection and Growth 39:32 Understanding Trauma and Healing 42:51 Finding Joy and Purpose in Life 50:18 The Universal Longing for Purpose

Let me leave you with this — you don't have to figure this out alone.

What was the moment that hit you most? Drop it in the comments — I read every one.

Subscribe to The Mentor Sessions with BigMike for real conversations on mentorship, personal growth, fatherhood, and becoming the man you were made to be. New episodes weekly.

What is the real difference between mentorship vs management? Learn how to better develop your people and lead with impact.

Big Mike and Ken Elliott break down the essential distinction between managing tasks and truly guiding individuals. If you are looking to refine your approach to leadership guidance, this conversation highlights why tailoring your support to the unique needs of each person is non-negotiable for long-term success.

We discuss how to move beyond basic oversight to foster genuine professional development. Whether you are navigating your own growth or helping someone else realize their potential, you will hear practical insights on overcoming adversity and the obligation to pay forward the support you have received.

Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and comment below on a mentor who changed your career path.

0:00 The Subtle Art of Believing in Others
1:13 From Law to the Sidelines
4:08 Lessons Learned on the Football Field
7:26 Bonding Through the Game
10:48 The Art of the Debrief
16:20 Mentoring from the Defense Table
26:46 The Mentor Who Saw Potential First
35:21 When the Student Becomes the Mentor

The conversation covers topics such as personal development, military experience, gratitude, and the power of living in the moment. It also delves into the importance of handwritten communication and the impact of being present in significant moments. Atlas Aultman shares his experiences working in the military, including his role in Iraq and his transition to the White House. He discusses the challenges he faced, the leadership he encountered, and the growth moments that shaped his career.

Takeaways

• Gratitude
• Living in the moment
• The power of handwritten communication Leadership in the military requires trust, delegation, and the ability to lead by example.
• Imposter syndrome can affect even the most experienced individuals, and it's important to seek guidance and support during challenging moments.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Significance of Being Present in the Moment
• 01:02:09 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Learn how Christ-centered leadership shapes your professional life and why suffering is not always sin. Discover how to grow through faith.

Elias Curtis discusses the vital role of mentorship and how receiving guidance can accelerate your personal growth. This conversation explores the intersection of ministry and business, offering perspective on how to integrate your faith into your daily work. Whether you are seeking to improve your integrity as a leader or looking to better understand the impact of suffering on your spiritual walk, this discussion provides practical wisdom for your journey.

We also look at the importance of being a teachable student, the weight of scripture, and the necessity of humility in leadership. By examining the connection between discipleship and business, you will gain insights into how sanctification and hope in Christ guide us through difficult seasons. This session is designed for anyone wanting to align their career with their convictions while navigating the complexities of professional relationships.

Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and let us know in the comments how you balance your faith in the workplace.

0:00 The Power of Shared Stories
1:08 From Design to Discipleship
2:31 The Joy of Being Pop-Pop
3:41 Finding Purpose in Dark Times
9:06 The Mentor Who Changed Everything
29:45 Navigating Values in Business
42:02 The Virtue of Teachability

Join us for a profound conversation with Bill Simpson as we delve into the concept of unlearning conditioning and its impact on men's growth. In this video, we explore the societal expectations and norms that shape masculine identity and how they can limit personal growth and development. Bill shares his insights and expertise on how to break free from these conditioning patterns, embracing a more authentic and whole version of oneself. Through this deep dive, we aim to inspire and empower men to re-examine their values, beliefs, and behaviors, and to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Whether you're looking to challenge traditional notions of masculinity or simply seeking a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be a man, this video is for you. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will leave you questioning, reflecting, and ultimately, growing.

0:00 A Journey Through Childhood Trauma

2:58 The Pattern of Overlapping Relationships

5:23 The Defining Moment of Clarity

7:14 Reflecting on Unstable Beginnings

10:04 The Power of Emotional Connection

14:06 The Mask of the Radio Personality

17:30 Acting Before You Feel Ready

22:04 Supporting Each Other Through Hardship

31:26 Guiding Men Toward Healing

Building a strong organizational culture is essential for long-term success. Learn how to improve your team dynamic and support systems.

In this episode of The Mentor Sessions, host Big Mike breaks down why a healthy work environment matters for employees, customers, and vendors. We examine how the right support systems directly influence productivity and retention, providing a clear roadmap for leaders who want to foster better workplace relationships. Whether you are managing a small department or a large organization, understanding the nuances of your team dynamic is the first step toward meaningful improvement.

Personal growth does not happen in a vacuum. This discussion highlights how effective leadership mentoring and collaborative processes can accelerate professional development. You will walk away with a better understanding of how to structure your environment to prioritize growth, ensuring that both your staff and your business partners feel valued and supported.

Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and comment below on which aspect of company culture you find most challenging to navigate.

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