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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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