We all long for the "Swiss Army knife" mentor, a perfect, all-knowing sage like Gandalf, Dumbledore, or Obi-Wan Kenobi. But Episode 12 of the New Adam podcast, featuring Ryan Reeves and Brett Clemmer (celebrating his 25th anniversary at Man in the Mirror), argues that this pursuit leads to disappointment. Instead of looking for a single, flawless figure with "secret knowledge" to guide every aspect of your life, the key is to adopt a "tool-for-the-job" approach to mentorship. After assessing specific deficiencies in areas like career, marriage, and finances, men should seek out multiple, imperfect mentors-the hands, ears, and feet of the body of Christ-each gifted in a particular area to offer targeted wisdom, even if that means consulting a book or simply avoiding the mistakes of a counter-example.

Midlife hits every man differently, sometimes suddenly, sometimes slowly, and often in ways we don’t expect. In this episode, Ryan and Brett have an honest conversation about what it actually feels like to realize you’re not a kid anymore. From the moment your body stops keeping up, to the shifting expectations of work, marriage, identity, and spiritual growth, they unpack the subtle transitions, the disappointments, the dangers, and the surprising gifts of this stage of life. Together they explore how midlife reveals cracks we’ve ignored, exposes where we’ve placed our identity, and invites us into deeper humility, wisdom, and dependence on God. If you’ve ever felt the strange, surreal tension of getting older, physically, vocationally, or spiritually, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Continuing their deep dive into the world of non-traditional education, Ryan and Brett explore the fundamental "benefits and challenges" of homeschooling. Building on Ryan's family's experience, the hosts offer a balanced look at the core advantages, such as providing a truly personalized education, fostering deeper family bonds, and navigating the increasingly complex social issues of modern schooling. They also tackle the common obstacles, including managing the significant time commitment, the potential for parental burnout, and addressing the persistent myth of "socialization." Ryan details how his family overcame these hurdles by utilizing co-ops and support networks, providing actionable insight for parents considering or currently engaged in the journey of raising and teaching their children outside of a traditional classroom.

In this episode of the New Adam podcast, Ryan and Brett dive into Ryan's personal story and rationale behind his decision to homeschool his children. Prompted by early negative experiences in public kindergarten, including a lack of parental involvement and exposure to inappropriate language, Ryan and his wife made the pivot to a flexible, hybrid homeschooling approach. They discuss the advantages of having a customized schedule, the challenges faced by the primary caregiver, the critical role of the father as a disciplinary figure and subject-matter resource, and the vital support gained from a strong homeschool community. Ultimately, they reflect on how homeschooling provided a more holistic, personalized, and engaged educational environment that prepared their kids for life and fostered stronger family relationships, offering a compelling alternative to increasingly difficult public school systems.

In this episode of "The New Adam Podcast with Man in the Mirror", Brett and Ryan discuss Brett's recent whirlwind trip visiting Man in the Mirror Asia. Brett shares stories and observations from five countries, highlighting the growth and impact of the ministry in diverse cultural and religious settings. In Malaysia, the ministry is thriving with over 50 groups using the "My Journey" curriculum. Indonesia showcases a powerful multi-generational partnership to disciple Christian men, where local translation of materials is key. The trip to China reveals the great cost and quiet joy of Christianity in a restrictive environment, contrasting the faith's deeply personal value there with its ease in the West. Finally, the visit to Nepal underscores the vast needs and impactful, cost-effective nature of ministry, where local Christians, including the head of Evangelism Explosion Nepal, are joyfully strengthening men's faith despite economic hardship and social pressure. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that men's core issues and desire for authentic Christian community are universal, regardless of culture or country.

On this New Adam Podcast episode, host Ryan Reeves sits down with Kent Evans (Manhood Journey) and Scott Mawdesley (Man in the Mirror’s Spiritual Fathers and Dads on Tap) to talk about raising kids and what shaped their vision of manhood. From high school days in ’88, ’91, and ’96 to parenting teens and twenty-somethings today, they reflect on mentors, church life, and the shift from occasional news to always-on social feeds. They ask what young men really need now, why many crave straight talk and wise counsel, and how fathers and mentors can step in with presence, clarity, and faith-anchored guidance. It is a candid, practical conversation for dads and leaders who want to invest in the next generation.

In the episode "Same Calling, New Chaos: Fathering in a Changing World," hosts Ryan and Brett are joined by guest Jeremy to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of fatherhood. They share personal stories and concerns about raising children in a world dominated by technology, social media, and constant exposure to new information. The conversation covers the challenges of protecting and providing for children when external influences can infiltrate the home, from the dangers of online games like Roblox to the impact of modern media on a child's psyche. They also explore the changing nature of cultural conversations, touching on topics like gender identity and the lack of strong male role models in media. Ultimately, they conclude that while a father's core instincts to protect and provide remain the same, the strategies for doing so must evolve to meet the unique challenges of the modern world.

In the episode "Being a Humble Father," hosts Ryan and Brett have a candid and vulnerable discussion about the struggles of fatherhood. They share personal stories, including Ryan's experience with feeling overwhelmed and Brett's account of accidentally hurting his daughter. They explore the societal pressure on men to project an image of perfect competence, and how this can lead to shame and emotional disengagement. The guys emphasize that true strength lies in humility and the willingness to admit mistakes, highlighting the importance of apologizing to children and seeking a supportive community. They conclude that a father's integrity is a critical lesson he can teach his kids, as it models accountability and healthy emotional expression.

In this insightful episode of "The Man in the Mirror," we tackle the unique challenges and rewarding journey of parenting in a blended family. Host and special guest, Rob, share his personal experiences, providing honest advice on navigating the delicate balance of a stepparent, addressing discipline, and handling co-parenting with a former spouse. We explore the emotional landscape of stepping into a parental role for non-biological children and the importance of grace and patience. Tune in for an honest conversation about effective communication, creating a "parallel parenting" model, and the key to choosing your battles to build a strong, cohesive family. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance and encouragement on their blended family journey.