Shows
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast286. The Importance of Investment with Aaron Parrott from MentorKids USAOn this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach Garza sits down with Aaron Parrott of Mentor Kids USA to explore how relationships rooted in faith can transform kids and communities. Aaron shares how his experiences growing up as a missionary kid shaped his leadership and mentoring philosophy, along with lessons learned from building sustainable, Christ-centered mentoring programs. Together, they discuss leadership development, measuring impact, and staying humble and faithful while serving kids from hard places in the name of Jesus. If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star r...
2026-01-2247 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast280. Building a Mentor Circle Around the Next Generation with Ben Bevis of EncircledWhat if mentoring wasn’t just one person investing in a kid—but an entire circle of caring adults surrounding them with encouragement, accountability, and faith? That’s exactly what Ben Bevis, Executive Director of Encircled, is doing. In this episode, host Zach Garza talks with Ben about how “mentor circles” are transforming the way we support young people from hard places.On this episode, we will chat about:The Vision Behind Encircled: Ben shares how thirty years of youth ministry, therapy, and family coaching led him to launch Encircled—a nonprofit helping parents, mentors, and communit...
2025-10-3030 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast276. The Science Behind Mentoring: Fostering Growth, Balancing Support with High Standards, and Building Resilience with Dr. David Yeager, Author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People"In this episode of "You Can Mentor," host Zach Garza engages with Dr. David Yeager, a leading expert in psychology and education and the author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, to uncover the profound impact of mentorship.They explore the mentor mindset, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining high standards and providing unwavering support. Dr. Yeager shares his expertise on cultivating a growth mindset, emphasizing how mentors can encourage resilience and adaptability in their mentees. The conversation delves into the art of delivering wise feedback, offering practical tips on how to communicate effectively to i...
2025-09-0441 min
Raising Up Ten Thousand Fathers12. Harvest, Seasonality, and Soil with Sam DeFordJoin Zach Garza and Sam DeFord on the "Raising Up Fathers" podcast as they explore the profound themes of seasonality, soil, and spiritual growth. Discover how the concept of the Holy Gardener can transform your understanding of life's seasons and the importance of vulnerability and community in personal development. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that delves into the heart of what it means to live an integrated life, balancing faith, family, and personal growth.--https://www.iamresolute.org/https://kinsmen.org/--Sam DeFord is a pastor, biblical counselor...
2025-08-2248 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast274. The Ministry of Seeing People: Knowing and Authentically Encouraging Your Mentee with Author and Coach Mitch Matthews of mitchmatthews.com274. The Ministry of Seeing People: Knowing and Authentically Encouraging Your Mentee with Author and Coach Mitch Matthews of mitchmatthews.com In this inspiring episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach Garza sits down with Author and Coach Mitch Matthews to explore the profound impact of mentorship. Mitch shares his personal journey from a small-town bike shop enthusiast to a successful coach and mentor, revealing how authentic encouragement and the "ministry of seeing people" can transform lives. Learn how to harness the power of curiosity, ask the right questions, and create meaningful connections. Whether you're guiding young...
2025-08-0747 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast272. Creating a Place to Belong for Kids from Hard Places with Chris Cox of Back2Back MinistriesIn this powerful episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach Garza sits down with Chris Cox from Back2Back Ministries. With over two decades of experience in youth work and 13+ years at Back2Back, Chris brings a wealth of wisdom around trauma-informed holistic care and mentoring vulnerable youth.Chris shares his journey from youth pastor to launching Back2Back’s first U.S.-based site in Cincinnati, where he now leads a team serving children and families with trauma-informed, gospel-centered care. Together, Zach and Chris unpack what it means to create safe spaces for kids who’ve e...
2025-07-1047 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast269. Compassion Before Comprehension: Laying the Foundation for Mentoring Success with Susie Gallo of Sonoma Valley Mentoring AllianceIn 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/--Takeaways:Mentoring is about building authentic relationships.Compassion should...
2025-05-2947 minRaising Up Ten Thousand Fathers2. Summit 2025: Zach Garza // The Importance of BrothersZach is introduced by Ben DuBose, one of Zach's closest friends and brothers. Our hope is this gives you a vision for our Summit, and gives you a little taste of what to expect from Raising Up Ten Thousand Fathers. To learn more, or to facilitate a gathering like this in your community, please contact us. www.raisingupfathers.com
2025-02-1453 minRaising Up Ten Thousand Fathers1. Summit 2025: Welcome // Ben DuBose, Zach Garza, Michael Allen, & Erik PresleyThis is the "Welcome" from The Ten Thousand Fathers 2025 Summit. Our hope is this gives you a vision for our Summit, and gives you a little taste of what to expect from Raising Up Ten Thousand Fathers. To learn more, or to facilitate a gathering like this in your community, please contact us. www.raisingupfathers.com
2025-02-1426 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast258. Discussing God in Your Mentoring RelationshipIn this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach Garza interviews Mike McGarry, a seasoned youth pastor and theologian, about the critical role of mentoring in youth ministry. They delve into the importance of presence in mentoring relationships, discipleship, and how to assess a mentee’s spiritual relationship with God. Mike highlights the significance of identity in Christ, emphasizing the need for youth to understand their role as image bearers of God. The conversation also explores the challenges and strategies of mentoring youth in a spiritual context, touching on the awkwardness often felt in initiating conversations about faith, se...
2025-02-0654 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast254. Motorcycle Mentoring with John B and Zach GarzaIn this podcast, John and Zach discuss the "motorcycle metaphor" to highlight important lessons about mentorship through John's experience riding motorcycles with his 18-year-old son. Here are the key takeaways:Communication is Key: Effective communication is vital for mentoring, especially when introducing new experiences to a mentee. This includes preparing them beforehand, offering guidance during the experience, and debriefing afterward. It's crucial to anticipate challenges and communicate clearly about what to expect.Superpower Observation: Mentors should be observant, noticing both verbal and nonverbal cues from their mentees. Just as John had to be extra aware of his son's...
2024-12-1927 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast253. Mentoring in Your Community with Christ Club Las VegasIn this episode of You Can Mentor, host Zach sits down with Annie and Dennis from Club Christ Ministries in Las Vegas, an organization dedicated to mentoring kids and transforming communities. Annie, the Program Director, and Dennis, the Henderson Center Director, share powerful stories of how their work provides hope and support to kids facing challenges like violence and poverty.Through tutoring, leadership development, and spiritual guidance, Club Christ Ministries is creating a safe space for kids to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. You’ll hear inspiring accounts of kids discovering their potential, breaking cycles of hardship, an...
2024-12-1243 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast247. Tell Me About Your Father // New Book From Zach GarzaIf you or someone you know grew up without a father, I’d like for you to check out my new book, Tell Me About Your Father. It is an auto-biographical journey that describes how I dealt with my fatherlessness. I pray it is a tool for mentors who have fatherless mentees, for mentors who may have grown up without a positive relationship with their father, or for anyone who has a loved one who has a fatherless past.-- What goes through your mind when I ask you about your father? Perhaps a smile pop...
2024-10-3135 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast243. Building Trust by Creating a Safe Environment // Mentoring MinuteCreating a Foundation of Trust by Building a Safe EnvironmentTrust is the foundation of your mentoring relationship. Above all else, your mentee has to believe that you are good and that you want them to succeed. The author Stephen Covey says “Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”But what if your mentee has experienced hard times? What if there is trauma in their past or they have been...
2024-07-1805 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast237. Am I Qualified? // Mentoring MinuteAm I Qualified?When people consider starting a mentoring relationship with a child, one question that seems to always pop up is “Am I qualified?” After all, investing into the life of a child is a big deal.But I think we are asking the wrong question. Instead of asking Am I qualified?”, start asking “Am I a couple steps ahead of my mentee?”If you are, then you have something to offer. Mentoring is not about...
2024-06-0605 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast235: IPC: Community // Mentoring Minute-IPC is a tool to help us understand our mentee (and ourselves)Identity is WHO WE AREPurpose is WHAT WE DO Community is HOW WE BLESS AND ARE BLESSED BY OTHERSI want to paint a mental picture for you on the canvas of your mind: Imagine our IDENTITY in Christ being a firm foundation. The bedrock that Jesus talks about when he mentions the wise builder who built their house on rock instead of sand. We should always co...
2024-05-2307 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast234: IPC: Purpose // Mentoring Minute-IPC is a tool to help us understand our mentee (and ourselves)Identity is WHO WE AREPurpose is WHAT WE DO Community is HOW WE BLESS AND ARE BLESSED BY OTHERSKing David had a high sense and value for HIS OWN identity, purpose, and community, therefore he was FREE to speak into and bless Mephibosheth’s IPC as well! -Identity: David sits comfortably on his throne and yells Mephibosheth! -Purpose: David gives Mephib’s rule over Saul’...
2024-05-1607 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast233: IPC: Identity //Mentoring Minute-IPC is a tool to help us understand our mentee (and ourselves)Identity is WHO WE AREPurpose is WHAT WE DO Community is HOW WE BLESS AND ARE BLESSED BY OTHERSKing David had a high sense and value for HIS OWN identity, purpose, and community, therefore he was FREE to speak into and bless Mephibosheth’s IPC as well! -Identity: David sits comfortably on his throne and yells Mephibosheth! -Purpose: David gives Mephib’s rule over Saul’...
2024-05-0907 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast232: IPC: Introduction // Mentoring Minute“IPC”-IPC is a tool to help us understand our mentee (and ourselves)-Identity, Purpose, and Community are three things we are presented with about King David in 2 Samuel 8. -Identity: 2 Samuel tells us David was a mighty warrior and a shrewd leader.-Purpose: Based on his being a warrior and leader, he was successful in battle and made smart leadership choices while subduing his enemy and growing his empire! -Community: This chapter ends with a list of men David trusted to rule over aspec...
2024-05-0904 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast231. What Does a Christian Look Like? // Mentoring MinuteThis Mentoring Minute deals with a really good question you can ask your mentee to start some high-quality conversation. Back in youth group, we would trace out somebody’s silhouette on a piece of butcher paper and have students fill in the space with what a Christian looks like. It was hilarious to watch the paper person come alive with a Christian bookstore t-shirt, a WWJD bracelet, multiple bibles and concordances in hand, other modest clothing and a John 3:16 sign with clown wig for the football games.So we know by now that Christ-followers co...
2024-05-0208 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast230. What is Mentoring? What is a Mentor? // Mentoring MinuteAll of us are here today because of our relationship with “that person”. You know, the one who made a profound impact on your life. For me, a few men made me who I am today. It was a man named Bob who invested into me when I was in college and helped me see my need for Jesus. It was a man named John who discipled me and taught me how to read the scriptures. It was a man named Steve who showed me the father heart of God and helped me overcome my fa...
2024-04-2508 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast228. The Rule of Three // Mentoring MinuteSafety is the name of the game when it comes to mentoring. You always want to have safety on the mind when you are hanging out with your mentee. First priority is always to keep the child safe, but another aspect of safety is following rules and procedures so you stay above reproach and free of any possible accusation. One of the best ways to keep everyone safe in the mentoring journey is called the rule of three. The rule of three means that there are always three parties involved when you are hanging o...
2024-04-1104 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast225. Find Your Tribe // Mentoring MinuteIf you’ve ever hiked up a mountain, it is no easy endeavor. There are easy parts and there are hard parts. Storms can pop up from time to time. Times of fun and times where you are challenged. But if you stick it out, the view is almost worth the struggle it took to get there. One thing I know to be true about climbing a mountain is it is always easier when you do it with other people. People can pick you up when you fall down. Can...
2024-03-2106 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast224. Giving Gifts // Mentoring MinuteGiving GiftsGiving gifts or purchasing things for your mentee is one of the more complicated topics you will face as a mentor. You want to be able to show your care and affection for your mentee through giving gifts, but so often they can become distractions in your mentoring relationship. Let me be the first to say that this is a gray topic. It is not black and white. We are just giving you our perspective that we gained through years of mentoring. We...
2024-03-1406 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast223. Mentoring is Baseball // Mentoring MinuteMentoring is BaseballDid you know that the average of every baseball player in the hall of fame is a combined .303. That means if you hit the ball 303 out of 1,000 times, you are considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. That’s 697 misses!3 out of every 10 makes a great baseball player. And I could say the same is true for mentoring. When I first became a mentor, I wanted a home run every time. I thought my mentee would love me and...
2024-03-0804 min
You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast221. Identity Based vs. Skill Based Mentoring // Mentoring MinuteIdentity-Based vs. Skill-Based Mentoring“Just like a good tool doesn’t make you a handy man. Knowing skills alone doesn’t fulfill your mentee’s potential” Skill-based mentoring usually goes like this: Think of things you think your mentee should knowShake a hand, tie a tie, resume, etc…Teach them these thingsHope they use them to reach their full-potential--Skill-based mentoring is good, but I believe it is secondary to Identity-based mentoringSkills are no good if you’re mentee believes...
2024-02-2208 min