Advertise on podcast: You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast

The Mentor Is the Program: Why Who You Are Matters More Than What You Teach What if the most important part of mentoring isn't the curriculum, the activities, or even the words you say, but who you are? In this episode of the You Can Mentor Podcast, Zach Garza and Derrick Sier unpack five reasons why the mentor matters more than the program. From showing up consistently and building trust to modeling Christlike character and creating a safe environment, we explore why kids need more than great content. They need caring adults who are willing to invest in their lives. Whether you're a mentor or leading a mentoring organization, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to be perfect or have all the answers. You just have to be present, faithful, and willing to show up. Learn more and find resources at youcanmentor.com. -- If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.-- Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

What do kids really need from a mentor? In this episode, Zach sits down with Dr. Anthony Bradley to talk about fatherlessness, mentoring, and the kind of relationships that help kids grow into healthy adults. Dr. Anthony Bradley has spent nearly three decades studying boys, fathers, families, and human flourishing. He’s written more than a dozen books, taught at the university level for decades, holds a PhD from Westminster Theological Seminary, and has been featured on CNN, Fox News, NPR, and C-SPAN. He is one of the leading Christian voices helping us understand what boys need from fathers, mentors, churches, and communities. Dr. Bradley challenges the idea that mentoring is primarily about giving advice, teaching lessons, or correcting behavior. Kids need adults who show up, spend time with them, listen, and genuinely enjoy being around them. Great mentors become the people kids know they can turn to when life gets hard. In this conversation: What fatherlessness can do to a childWhy boys need healthy men in their livesWhy presence often matters more than another lessonWhat it means to be a “warm” mentorWhy kids need to know that you actually like themHow listening builds trustWhy mentors should resist becoming drill sergeantsHow everyday experiences teach perseverance, failure, character, and lifeWhy the best mentors become trusted people kids can turn toHow healthy adults can help surround kids with the relationships they need to thrive Dr. Anthony Bradley also unpacks the devastating data on father absence—suicide, homelessness, dropout rates, violence—and why ordinary men showing up with presence can rewrite a child’s future. Through Bradley’s own story of mentoring a drug-selling teen named JJ over two decades (from Denny’s dinners to a transformed life as a husband, father, and leader), they reveal that mentoring isn’t about being Superman; it’s about consistent relationship, unconditional acceptance, and surrounding kids with a tribe of caring adults in the name of Jesus – Dr. Anthony Bradley has a brand-new book coming out called The Fatherhood Effect. It takes a hard look at what happens to kids, families, churches, and communities when fathers are absent, disengaged, or disconnected from their children, and what we can actually do about it. Anthony brings together research on fatherlessness, attachment, warmth, and the incredible influence fathers have on their kids, along with practical ways we can help fathers become more present and connected. If you care about mentoring, fatherhood, or helping the next generation thrive, I think you’re going to want this one. The Fatherhood Effect releases November 17 and is available for preorder now on Amazon. You can learn more about him below: https://anthonybbradley.substack.com/ -- If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.-- Want to go deeper? • Join our National Christian Mentoring Network • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Check out our annual Mentoring Leadership Summit + other mentoring events You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor -- If you want to become a better mentor or build a stronger mentoring organization, check out the You Can Mentor book library. We’ve written resources on building trust, showing up consistently, understanding kids from hard places, partnering with families, sharing your faith, handling difficult situations, and leading with humility.  Books like: You Can MentorThe Youth Mentoring Playbook Volumes 1,2,and 3Tell Me About Your FatherThese books were written to give mentors and mentoring leaders practical tools they can actually use. You can find all of our books and resources at You Can Mentor or find them on Amazon.

What if the hardest conversations you have with your mentee could actually become some of the most important moments in your relationship? In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach and Derrick unpack the power of building trust, creating a safe environment, and earning the right to speak truth—even when that truth is difficult to hear. Discover how to have hard conversations with love, wisdom, courage, and the fruit of the Spirit while calling the people you mentor toward the person God created them to be.  If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

Meredith Murray is a Christian nonprofit leader and host of the Empowered Life Podcast with Allies in Youth Development, an organization serving vulnerable children through mentoring around the world. With a background in education, ministry, community engagement, and supporting survivors of human trafficking, Meredith has spent her career walking alongside people and helping them recognize their God-given value and purpose. Allies in Youth Development is a Christian nonprofit that equips local mentors around the world to provide vulnerable and orphaned children with consistent relationships, life skills, education, and spiritual support. This episode centers on the idea that you don’t need the perfect story, experience, or answers to make a difference—you simply need to show up and be present. Zach and Meredith explore how God uses mentors to bring hope, healing, and transformation not only to vulnerable kids, but to mentors, families, and entire communities around the world. Plus, they go into great detail of the power of prayer in your mentoring org and mentoring relationship. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re qualified to mentor, this conversation will remind you that what God has placed in you may be exactly what someone else needs.  If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.-- Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

How do you share Jesus with a child you're mentoring without forcing the conversation—or avoiding it altogether? In this honest and thought-provoking episode of You Can Mentor, Zach and Derrick explore the tension between building authentic relationships and boldly living out the Gospel, revealing why trust, consistency, and Christlike love often open doors that words alone never could. If you've ever wondered when faith should enter a mentoring relationship, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and equip you to mentor with wisdom and confidence. If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

What happens when a mentor says, “I was wrong”? In this honest and faith-filled conversation, Zach and Derrick unpack how humility, repentance, and authentic apologies can transform mentoring relationships, rebuild trust, and model the heart of Jesus to kids from hard places. If you’ve ever wondered whether admitting mistakes makes you weaker as a mentor, this episode will challenge you to see vulnerability as one of your greatest strengths. Make sure to follow Derrick @derrick.sier! If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach sits down with Derrick Sier to unpack how every moment with a mentee—big or small—can become a powerful teaching opportunity. Together, they explore how mentors can respond with humility, curiosity, and self-awareness when kids seem dismissive, helping them uncover meaning, growth, and even glimpses of Jesus in everyday situations. Through personal stories, practical wisdom, and honest conversation, this episode will challenge mentors to slow down, stay Spirit-led, and recognize that the moments that seem ordinary may shape a young person’s life forever. Make sure to check @derrick.sier out on all social media platforms! If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

In todays conversation with Derrick Sire is a powerful reminder that mentoring doesn’t just transform the mentee—it transforms the mentor. Through humor, honesty, and biblical wisdom, this episode unpacks how mentoring in the name of Jesus reveals our weaknesses, deepens our faith, strengthens community, and shapes us to look more like Christ. From learning humility to staying youthful through relationships with the next generation, this episode is packed with practical encouragement and heartfelt truth for anyone investing in kids from hard places.  If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

On this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach and Stephen Murray unpack three powerful truths every mentor needs to hear when the journey gets hard: growth is slow, relationships are often uncomfortable, and opposition is inevitable. Through humor, honesty, and biblical wisdom, they challenge mentors to stay faithful when results aren’t immediate and remind them that consistency can change a life over time. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode will renew your perspective and strengthen your resolve to keep showing up. Special Thanks to Stephen Murray for being todays guest on our podcast! Be sure to check out forerunnermentoring.com If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.-- Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

This episode of You Can Mentor tackles the real reasons people hesitate to step into mentoring—and boldly dismantles every excuse holding them back. Through honest conversation and practical wisdom, Zach and Derrick reveal that mentoring isn’t about being perfect, relatable, or “qualified,” but about showing up with consistency, love, and a willingness to grow. If you’ve ever felt unsure or unprepared, this episode will challenge you to see that God can use you right where you are—and that you truly can mentor.  If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

On this episode of the You Can Mentor Podcast, host Zach Garza is joined by Steven Murray from Forerunner Mentoring to discuss the power of outdoor adventures in mentoring. They explore how experiences like camping, hiking, and fishing create powerful opportunities for mentees to safely fail, process big emotions, and learn what it means to bear one another’s burdens. Through stories from real mentoring trips, they highlight how stepping outside normal routines helps build resilience, deepen relationships, and create lasting memories.  If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

In this episode of You Can Mentor The conversation explores the importance of “pace” in mentoring, emphasizing that strong relationships are built slowly through consistency, patience, and creating safe, trust-filled environments. Ultimately, mentors are reminded to let go of outcomes, model their approach after Jesus, and faithfully show up with love—trusting God to bring the growth in each child’s life.  If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

On this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach Garza and Stephen Murray dive into the power of “blessing” your mentee, which means speaking life, identity, and encouragement over kids from hard places in the name of Jesus. Through personal stories and biblical truth, they explain how intentional words can break insecurity, build generational faith, and remind young people who God created them to be. This episode challenges mentors to consistently use their voices to call out the gold and become a steady source of hope and belonging.  Don't forget about the Mentoring Leadership Summit, April 21-24th in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We'd love to see you there! Find out more at www.youcanmentor.com/summit --www.forerunnermentoring.com --If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you. --- Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach welcomes Dina Petty, founder and executive director of Mentors Care, a school-based mentoring program serving at-risk high school students across North Texas. Dina shares her powerful story of growing up in dysfunction and isolation, and how her pain ultimately became the foundation for launching a ministry that connects students with consistent, caring adult mentors on public school campuses. Together, they discuss the importance of leading with love over agenda, equipping mentors for the long haul, and partnering with schools to bring hope to students facing trauma, confusion, and hardship. If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

In this episode, Zach sits down with Jerrod Gunter, founder of Riot Starter, to discuss mobilizing students to respond to cultural tension with prayer, purpose, and the gospel. Together, they challenge mentors to move beyond ministry programs and help young people live on mission with bold, active faith. If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper? • Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community • Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop • Come to our annual You Can Mentor Gathering You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor