You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza talks with Brittany Sawrey-Coulson and Benjamin Crawshaw from True Face about the power of authenticity in mentorship and discipleship. They challenge performance-based models of discipleship, emphasizing identity in Christ and the value of genuine, trust-filled relationships. The conversation covers how mentors can create safe spaces for youth through authentic connection, meaningful dialogue, and shared experiences. They also discuss the role of food, curiosity, and presence in building trust, as well as the impact of social media and technology on mentorship. The episode wraps up with practical resources to help mentors guide deeper, more impactful conversations with their mentees.

Check out Brittany and Benjamin's book, The Path: What if the Way of Jesus is Different Than You Thought? on Amazon here. You can also download a sneak peek of the book or learn more at https://www.trueface.org/thepath. 

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Takeaways: 

• TrueFace helps Christians find peace through identity-based discipleship.
• Authenticity and humility are key to connecting with today’s youth.
• Mentoring starts with trust, not performance.
• The next generation craves real relationships and self-understanding.
• Safe, grace-filled environments foster growth and transformation.
• Shared meals and genuine curiosity deepen connection.
• Face-to-face, experiential learning is powerful in a digital age.
• Mentors must be secure in their identity to lead well.
• The Path Experience Guide provides practical tools for mentors.
• Social media brings both challenges and chances for deeper engagement.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mentorship and True Face
01:53 The Journey of True Face and Its Impact
06:12 Authenticity in Mentorship and Discipleship
08:55 Shifting from Performance to Identity
15:07 Building Relationships in Mentorship
21:07 The Role of Humility in Mentorship
23:01 Creating Safe Environments for Change
36:00 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Mentoring
44:03 Resources for Effective Mentoring Conversations

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review." On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show." Thank you!

Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach Garza talks with Susie Gallo of Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance about the life-changing impact of mentorship. They explore the value of compassion, curiosity, and authentic connections with mentees. Susie offers practical advice on supporting mentors, creative approaches to recruitment, and the importance of patience in building meaningful relationships. The episode emphasizes how small, everyday experiences can shape young lives and calls for greater community involvement in mentoring efforts.

https://sonomamentoring.org/

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Takeaways:

• Mentoring is about building authentic relationships.
• Compassion should come before comprehension in mentoring.
• Curiosity helps mentors understand their mentees better.
• Simple experiences can create lasting memories for kids.
• Setting mentors up for success is crucial for effective mentoring.
• Community engagement is essential for recruiting mentors.
• Patience is key in the mentoring journey.
• Kids often face challenges that mentors may not see.
• Mentors should be aware of their mentee's family dynamics.
• Creating a supportive environment is vital for mentoring success.

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Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Mentoring and Connection
07:12 The Importance of Compassion in Mentoring
15:42 Building Authentic Relationships in Mentoring
23:40 Setting Up Mentors for Success
30:11 Innovative Approaches to Mentor Recruitment
37:33 The Journey of Mentoring: Patience and Growth

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review." On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show." Thank you!

Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza interviews Randy Odom, President of Kids Across America (KAA), to explore the powerful impact of mentorship and the unique opportunities KAA provides for youth. Randy reflects on his own mentorship journey and discusses how camp experiences play a vital role in shaping young lives. The conversation highlights the Kaleo program, which develops young leaders, and offers insight into daily life at KAA—where the focus is on building strong relationships in a safe and supportive environment. The episode wraps up with a call for listeners to get involved and support KAA’s mission.

https://kaakamps.org/

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Takeaways:

• KAA provides a safe and nurturing environment for kids.
• Mentorship is crucial for youth development and overcoming challenges.
• The camp experience can lead to significant personal transformation.
• Building trust is essential in mentorship relationships.
• The Kaleo program empowers youth leaders to support their communities.
• Effective training for counselors is vital for impactful mentorship.
• Real-life stories illustrate the power of mentorship.
• Daily activities at KAA are designed to foster relationships and personal growth.
• The camp emphasizes Christian values and community support.
• Investing in youth workers is key to sustaining mentorship efforts.

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Chapters: 

00:00  Introduction to Kids Across America

02:11  Randy Odom's Journey and Mentorship

05:04  The Impact of Camp Experiences

08:31  The Need for Mentorship in Today's Youth

11:06  The Role of Mentorship in Overcoming Challenges

13:31  Training Counselors for Effective Mentorship

19:05  Real-Life Stories of Transformation

20:19  The Kaleo Program and Its Importance

25:47  The Camp Experience: Daily Life at KAA

35:38  Conclusion and Call to Action

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!

Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza speaks with Reverend Clarence Ford III, Program Director of the Crossroads Mentoring Program in Houston, Texas. They explore how mentoring serves as a form of discipleship and plays a critical role in youth development. Clarence highlights the power of building relationships within schools to bring hope to young people, and he emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and proper mentor training. Framing mentoring as a meaningful ministry, the conversation calls on listeners to take part in the collective effort to support youth and families through mentorship and service.

https://crossroadsmentoring.org/

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Takeaways:

• Mentoring is a form of discipleship.
• Building relationships is key to instilling hope.
• Hope can be restored by helping kids dream again.
• Partnerships enhance the effectiveness of mentoring programs.
• Meeting basic needs is crucial before mentoring can take place.
• Training is essential for mentors to be effective.
• Unity in diversity is important in community work.
• Mentoring can change the trajectory of a young person's life.
• Everyone has a role to play in mentoring and community service.
• Use your gifts to serve and build the kingdom.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mentoring and Discipleship
03:00 The Role of Mentoring in Youth Development
05:58 Building Relationships in Schools
08:56 Instilling Hope in Youth
12:01 The Importance of Partnerships
14:58 Training Mentors for Impact
18:07 The Call to Mentoring
20:59 Conclusion and Encouragement

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!

Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza interviews Michael Morgan, founder of A Few Good Mentors, Inc. Michael shares his journey from being an FBI surveillance expert to becoming a dedicated youth mentor. The conversation explores the importance of mentoring, the challenges of recruiting male mentors, and the core values that guide their organization. Michael emphasizes the need for male role models in the community, the impact of mentoring on young lives, and the significance of faith in overcoming challenges. The episode concludes with insights on how to engage and retain mentors while addressing the evolving needs of today's youth.

https://afgmentoring.net/

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Takeaways:

• Mentoring is about caring for the next generation.
• There is a significant need for male mentors in communities.
• Succession planning is a crucial aspect of mentoring.
• Recruiting male mentors is a challenging but necessary task.
• Core values like SHIELDS guide mentoring efforts.
• Engaging mentors requires personal connection and support.
• Today's youth face unique challenges, including mental health issues.
• Education needs to be made fun to engage students.
• The impact of mentoring can be seen years later.
• Faith plays a vital role in the mentoring journey.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mentoring and Michael's Background
02:52 Transition from FBI to Mentoring Youth
06:07 The Importance of Mentoring and Succession Planning
09:00 Challenges in Recruiting Male Mentors
12:01 Core Values: SHIELDS and Their Significance
15:01 Engaging and Retaining Mentors
18:08 Addressing the Needs of Today's Youth
20:48 The Impact of Mentoring on Young Lives
24:01 Overcoming Discouragement in Mentoring
27:06 Final Thoughts and Resources for Mentors

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!

Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode, Zach shares an exciting update for the You Can Mentor podcast! The show, which started four years ago with co-founder Stephen Murray, has been dedicated to helping faith-based mentoring organizations collaborate, grow, and equip themselves with best practices. Over time, they’ve created 264 podcast episodes, a series of books, and hosted the National Christian Mentoring Gathering.

Looking ahead, the podcast is shifting gears with a new focus on quality over quantity. Zach explains that, while the podcast will still feature some familiar voices, the goal is to bring in the most valuable guests—experts in the mentoring field—who can provide listeners with practical tools and insights.

This season will also see a new episode schedule: bi-weekly episodes focusing on expert guests who can share mentoring tools to help organizations thrive. Zach also acknowledges that they’ve interviewed many of their contacts over the past few years, so re-interviews might be coming soon to catch up on what’s new with past guests.

The podcast will continue to provide resources like consulting, coaching, and downloads to support faith-based mentoring ministries. Zach encourages listeners to reach out with any questions, guest suggestions, or ideas for future episodes.

As always, the You Can Mentor team is committed to equipping and encouraging listeners to serve kids from hard places and their families. Zach wraps up by expressing love and support for all the listeners in their mentoring journey.

www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza interviews AD, the Men's Mentorship Manager at GRIP Outreach for Youth in Chicago. AD discusses his faith journey, his background in mentorship, and the mission of GRIP, which focuses on building meaningful, life-on-life relationships with youth. The conversation highlights GRIP's programs, such as SLAM, a sports-based mentorship initiative, and the Future Steps program, which helps prepare students for life after high school. AD underscores the importance of equipping mentors, connecting them with students, and fostering growth in both groups, concluding with inspiring stories of transformation and the role of prayer in mentorship.

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Takeaways: 

• AD's journey from San Antonio to Chicago highlights the unexpected paths God can take us on.
• Mentorship is about building relationships and being present in students' lives.
• SLAM combines sports and mentorship to create a fun and engaging environment for youth.
• The Future Steps program helps students prepare for life after high school through practical skills and career guidance.
• Equipping mentors is essential for effective mentorship and building trust with students.
• Understanding the gap between expectations and reality can help mentors avoid discouragement.
• Prayer is a vital component in seeking mentors and guidance in mentorship programs.
• Growth in mentorship is a two-way street; both mentors and mentees learn from each other.
• Community partnerships enhance the effectiveness of mentorship programs.
• Stories of transformation remind us of the impact mentorship can have on young lives.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AD and GRIP Outreach
06:45 AD's Journey and Background
13:23 Understanding GRIP's Mission and Programs
19:30 SLAM: Sports and Mentorship
22:05 Future Steps Program: Preparing for Life After High School
25:35 Equipping Mentors for Success
31:18 Connecting Students and Mentors
35:31 Growing and Developing Relationships
36:18 Stories of Transformation and Encouragement

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza sits down with John Barnard to dive into their new book, The Youth Mentoring Playbook, a must-read for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of young people. They share key insights, practical strategies, and real-life experiences that help mentors build strong, meaningful relationships. Whether you're a coach, teacher, or community leader, this book will give you the tools to guide and inspire the next generation. Tune in for valuable takeaways and a behind-the-scenes look at their journey in writing the book!

Purchase your copy of The Youth Mentoring Playbook here! 

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza and Grant Skeldon dive into the significance of mentorship and discipleship, especially for young people who have faced tough challenges. They share personal stories, insights on starting a new church in Nashville, and the essential role of community in building meaningful connections. The conversation highlights the importance of creating lasting memories in mentorship and overcoming common obstacles that hinder individuals from engaging in these relationships. Zachary and Grant discuss the challenges and rewards of discipleship, touching on barriers like time constraints and feelings of inadequacy. They stress the power of sharing personal testimonies and stories as key mentoring tools. The conversation also explores the stages of discipleship, from being a learner to becoming a multiplier, while underscoring the value of hospitality and warmth in relationship-building. Ultimately, they reflect on the hard work of discipleship and its rewarding potential to make a lasting impact.

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Takeaways: 

• Mentorship can significantly impact young people's lives.
• Creating a safe environment is crucial for trust in mentorship.
• Community is essential for effective discipleship.
• People are more open to the gospel during transitions.
• Connection is more important than content for the next generation.
• Core memories enhance the mentoring experience.
• It's important to connect mentees with caring adults.
• Showing up consistently builds strong relationships.
• Overcoming feelings of inadequacy is key to mentoring.
• Discipleship should focus on building relationships, not just teaching. Many people feel they don't have time for discipleship.
• Feeling unqualified is a common barrier to mentoring.
• Discipleship can happen in everyday life, not just formal settings.
• Your testimony can be a powerful tool for discipleship.
• Sharing failures can create deeper connections than sharing successes.
• Hospitality is key in building relationships with the next generation.
• Discipleship involves multiple stages: learner, leader, disciple maker, multiplier.
• It's important to invest in others, not just for their sake but for the sake of future generations.
• Discipleship is hard work, but it is worth the effort.
• Building relationships at the table can lead to transformative experiences.

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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:00 The Impact of Mentorship and Discipleship

04:33 Mentoring Kids from Difficult Backgrounds

07:01 Starting a New Church: Way Church in Nashville

11:53 The Importance of Community in Discipleship

17:14 Creating Core Memories in Mentorship

23:00 Overcoming Roadblocks in Mentorship

24:20 Overcoming Barriers to Discipleship

41:09 The Stages of Discipleship

46:37 The Hard Work of Discipleship

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza and Brad Griffin of Fuller Youth Institute explore the impact of mentoring teenagers, with a focus on identity, belonging, and purpose. Brad, drawing from his research at the Fuller Youth Institute, stresses the importance of genuine connections with young people and fostering safe environments where they can express their thoughts and emotions. The discussion underscores the value of trust, active listening, and guiding teens toward purpose through meaningful service and community engagement.

You can checkout Brad's book, Three Big Questions here. To get free resources or find out more information about Fuller Youth Institute, visit https://fulleryouthinstitute.com/.
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Takeaways:

• Mentoring is about listening to teenagers' questions.
• Identity, belonging, and purpose are crucial for youth.
• Building trust is essential in mentoring relationships.
• Creating a safe space allows teens to be authentic.
• Helping others gives teenagers a sense of purpose.
• Mentors should not have an agenda when engaging with youth.
• Follow-up conversations show care and build trust.
• Teens often feel pressure from expectations around them.
• Community and church can provide a sense of belonging.
• God's will for our lives is broad and forgiving.

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Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction to Mentoring and Identity

07:32 Exploring Identity, Belonging, and Purpose

15:32 Building Trust and Authentic Relationships

23:20 Creating Safe Spaces for Teens

33:20 Understanding Purpose and Community

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It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review". On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show". Thank you!
Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com