In this heartfelt episode of "You Can Mentor," we welcome Dr. Zac Bauermaster, a dynamic principal, author, and former college basketball player known for his viral social media content (21 million views) that spreads positivity and encouragement. Dr. Bauermaster shares his philosophy on building a school culture rooted in high fives, fist bumps, and genuine connections, emphasizing the transformative power of relationships in education. We explore his personal journey, from his early days as a teacher to his current role in school leadership, and discuss the mentors who shaped his path. Dive into stories of resilience, faith, and the profound impact of simply showing up for others. Whether you're a mentor, educator, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader who truly embodies the spirit of mentorship.

For more info about Zac, go to https://linktr.ee/zbauermaster

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Dr. Zac Bauermaster
   0:00 - 2:00
   Meet Dr. Zac Bauermaster, a principal, author, and former college basketball player known for his viral social media presence.

2. Creating a Culture of Encouragement
   2:01 - 8:00
   Discover how Zac fosters a school environment filled with high fives, fist bumps, and genuine connections.

3. The Power of Presence
   8:01 - 15:00
   Explore the importance of showing up and being present in the lives of students and mentees.

4. Personal Journey and Mentorship
   15:01 - 25:00
   Zac shares his personal journey, the mentors who shaped him, and the impact of relationships.

5. Balancing Roles and Responsibilities
   25:01 - 32:00
   Insights into how Zac balances his roles as a principal, speaker, and family man.

6. Final Thoughts and Advice
   32:01 - 37:23
   Zac's advice for mentors and how to keep showing up for those you mentor.

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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

274. 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 minds or leading in the corporate world, Mitch's insights on being present and authentic will equip you to mentor with purpose. Don't miss this opportunity to discover how you can make a lasting difference by simply showing up as yourself.

https://mitchmatthews.com/ & @mitch.matthews - Check out Mitch's "Dream. Think. Do" podcast wherever you get your pods!

#Mentorship #Encouragement #Authenticity #Leadership

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1. Introduction and Welcome (00:01)
   Zach Garza introduces Mitch Matthews and sets the stage for the conversation.

2. Mitch's Journey to Coaching (01:19)
   Mitch shares his background, from a small-town bike shop to discovering his passion for coaching.

3. The Ministry of Seeing People (06:35)
   Mitch discusses the importance of truly seeing and engaging with others in mentorship.

4. Encouragement in Mentorship (10:54)
   The conversation shifts to how encouragement plays a vital role in mentoring.

5. Authenticity and Dropping the Persona (23:39)
   Mitch talks about the power of being yourself and the challenges of maintaining a persona.

6. Practical Mentoring Tools (34:03)
   Simple yet effective tools for mentoring are discussed, emphasizing curiosity and presence.

7. Conclusion and Resources (44:05)
   Mitch shares resources and ways to connect, wrapping up the episode.

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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

Making Faith Matter More: A Conversation with Shane Sanchez

What does it take to truly impact the next generation? In this episode, Zachary Garza sits down with Shane Sanchez—pastor, author, and strategic leader with Tenx10—to talk about the power of mentorship and discipleship in shaping young lives. From his early days playing baseball to his current work helping faith matter more to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, Shane shares his journey and what he's learned along the way.

You’ll hear about the mission behind 10x10, why authenticity and humility are key in mentorship, and how intentional relationships can change lives.

https://www.tenx10.org/

Key Topics:

• Why mentorship matters more than ever
• Shane’s definition of mentorship: intentional relationships that develop others
• Unique challenges and opportunities when mentoring Gen Z and Gen Alpha
• The heart and mission of Tenx10
• Leading with authenticity, humility, and curiosity

Quotes:
"Mentorship is intentional relationship aimed at development by someone who sets an aspirational example." — Shane Sanchez

"The next generation is seeking guidance and support as to how to navigate life as a whole." — Shane Sanchez

#Mentorship #Discipleship #NextGeneration #Faith #Tenx10

In 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 experienced hard things, how to mentor without fixing, and why community and consistency are essential in a child’s healing journey.

You’ll hear practical insights about the five components of holistic care, the difference between mentors and coaches, the power of presence over performance, and how Jesus modeled a trauma-informed ministry before the term even existed.

If you work with kids from hard places, or want to, this conversation will inspire, equip, and remind you that showing up consistently does make a difference.

Check out backtoback.org, traumafreeworld.org, and learn more about Chris’s work at https://back2backcincy.org/

Rate, review, and share the show, and don’t forget... You Can Mentor.

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Chapter 1: Introduction and Welcome (00:00)
Meet your hosts, Zach Garza and Chris Cox
Overview of the episode's focus on mentoring and community

Chapter 2: Chris Cox's Journey (01:23)
Chris shares his background and work with Back to Back Ministries The global impact of Back to Back's mission

Chapter 3: The Power of Youth Ministry (04:24)
Insights into the role of youth ministry in mentoring Personal experiences and lessons learned

Chapter 4: Trauma-Informed Holistic Care (08:00)
Understanding trauma and its impact on youth The importance of a holistic approach in mentoring

Chapter 5: Building a Community of Belonging (12:00)
Creating a sense of belonging and trust Strategies for mentors to foster inclusive communities

Chapter 6: Faith and Mentoring (16:00)
The role of faith in mentoring relationships Choosing faith over fear in challenging situations

Chapter 7: Self-Care for Mentors (20:00)
The importance of self-care in effective mentoring Tips for maintaining personal well-being

Chapter 8: Conclusion and Call to Action (24:00)
Recap of key insights and takeaways Encouragement to get involved in mentoring

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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 and Chad Higgins of Lifeway Christian Resources explore the essential role parents play in mentoring and discipling their children. Chad shares his background in parent ministry and emphasizes the need to empower parents as the primary spiritual leaders in their homes. They discuss how mentors can build trust with parents, engage those who may be distant from faith, and remain faithful in their mentoring journey. The episode offers practical ways mentors can support families and create meaningful, transformative relationships for both parents and kids.

Check out Chad's book, Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together, here. To learn more about Lifeway Christian Resources, visit https://www.lifeway.com/.

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Takeaways:

• Parents are crucial in the discipleship of their children.
• Building trust with parents starts with knowing their names.
• Mentorship extends beyond the child to the family.
• Faithfulness in mentorship is essential for long-term impact.
• Engaging parents can lead to exponential growth in mentorship.
• The gospel is best communicated through relationships.
• Understanding parents' needs is key to effective ministry.
• Every interaction with a family can plant seeds for faith.
• Transformation in a child's life can influence their parents.
• Mentors should model healthy adult interactions for kids.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mentorship and Family Dynamics
02:42 The Journey into Parent Ministry
14:40 Understanding Parental Roles in Discipleship
20:24 Building Trust with Parents
28:01 Engaging Parents Who Are Uninterested in Faith
36:24 The Importance of Faithfulness in Mentorship

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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 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