Rearview Mirror Podcast

In this episode of the RearViewMirror Podcast , Jeff and Steve look ahead to the holiday season—from how they cook their turkeys to navigating Christmas shopping for grown kids. They reflect on how gift-giving shifts as kids grow up, and how the pressure of the season can land differently on young adults and young families. Jeff and Steve encourage parents to give their adult children space, remem...

In this episode, Jeff and Steve look back at the small groups and mentors who have shaped their lives in profound ways. They talk candidly about why every man needs a circle where he can be known, encouraged, challenged, and given space to process life in real time. Near the end, they float a new idea: Rearview Mirror Roundtables —in-person, small-group gatherings designed to help men do exactly w...

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror Podcast , Jeff and Steve begin by wrapping up their recent conversation on leadership, tying together key insights about influence, growth, and self-awareness. From there, they shift gears to explore LifeMapping , a two-day intensive Jeff offers that helps people reflect on where they’ve been, where they are, and where they want to go in their careers, relati...

On this episode of The Rear View Mirror Podcast , Jeff and Steve kick things off swapping stories about Steve’s basketball days and the upcoming Tennessee (Jeff’s team) vs. Arkansas (Steve’s team) showdown. From there, they look back at the 50th anniversaries of Saturday Night Live and Willow Creek Community Church, with a fun detour into 1970s disco and Jeff’s homecoming dance memories. But the h...

In this conversation, Jeff and Steve reflect on the shifting cultural climate in America—especially the growing polarization and the ways politics and faith are often intertwined. They begin by acknowledging their own limitations in fully grasping all that’s happening, yet they share observations from their lifetimes: the loss of decorum in dialogue, the struggle to hold paradox, and the troubling...

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror Podcast , Jeff and Steve continue their unofficial series on core emotions by unpacking the often-misunderstood emotion of anger. Rather than seeing anger as only destructive, they explore how it can actually point to what we value most—our passions and desires. Together they discuss practical ways to recognize anger when it rises, understand what it’s trying...

In this episode, Jeff and Steve dive into the question, “How do you process sadness? Or even more foundational, are you aware of your sadness?” They explore the steps of healthy grieving, which ultimately lead to acceptance. Along the way, they highlight how sadness is always connected to loss—whether it’s something small, like misplacing an iPad stylus, or something life-altering, like the death...

Jeff and Steve kick things off with some lighthearted banter—Steve confessing he’s a curmudgeon when it comes to fireworks, and Jeff sharing his very first cup of coffee with Steve. From there, the conversation shifts to a deeper theme: What’s the difference between worry and anxiety? That question opens the door to exploring fear—how it can leave us stuck when we don’t know how to process it, or...

Is it Season 3? In Episode 22 of the Rearview Mirror Podcast , Jeff and Steve reconnect after taking two months off for summer. The conversation flows easily as they swap stories about summer travels, camping, reflect on the quirks of living in the South, and dive into timely topics like the impact of NIL in college sports. Along the way, they touch on a variety of other everyday experiences, maki...

In this episode, Jeff and Steve unpack key takeaways from a recent talk they heard by Dr. John Delony, focused on the pressures, struggles, and internal battles men—and particularly fathers—commonly face. They appreciated Delony's honest, vulnerable approach, noting how he shared personal stories that resonated deeply without shifting into a rigid list of "shoulds" or prescriptions. Instead, Delon...

In this episode, Jeff and Steve respond to a listener’s question about how to support a family member who frequently finds themselves caught in the middle of two others in conflict. They explore the concept of triangulation —the unhealthy dynamic where a third party becomes the go-between—and offer practical guidance on boundary setting to avoid being pulled into drama that’s not theirs to resolve...

In Episode 19 of The Rearview Mirror podcast, Jeff and Steve dive into the topic of work—how it shapes us, stretches us, and sometimes stirs up deeper questions of calling and identity. They respond to honest listener questions about generational shifts in how we approach careers, how ambition fits with faith, and how to discern when it's time to move on from a role. One listener wonders if the gu...

In episode 18 (or season 2, episode 2!) of The Rearview Mirror Podcast , Jeff and Steve dive into the fine line between contentment and complacency—a conversation sparked by a probing question from one of Jeff’s sons. With honesty and humor, they unpack what it means to live with peace and gratitude without losing drive or purpose. Are you truly content—or just stuck? Tune in for a grounded and re...

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror , Jeff and Steve take on the topic of blind spots—the unseen patterns and behaviors that quietly shape our lives. They discuss how these blind spots often come to light not through introspection, but through relationships. It’s the people closest to us—a spouse, a close friend, a mentor—who often see what we can’t and have the clarity to call it out. This con...

In this episode of the Rearview Mirror podcast, Jeff and Steve respond to a listener’s question about the difference between loneliness and being alone and how easy it is to use those words interchangably. They reflect on how loneliness can be an emotional signal—often tied to deeper feelings like sadness or fear—while being alone can be a conscious, healthy choice that leads to self-awareness and...

In Episode 15, Steve and Jeff settle into a relaxed, free-flowing conversation that meanders through a variety of topics without a set agenda—true to the spirit of looking back in the rearview mirror. They reflect on the journey of the podcast itself, wondering aloud whether they've covered all the ground they can, and whether it's time for a break or just a shift in pace. The upcoming Mother’s Da...

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror , Jeff and Steve reflect on pivotal, “game changing” moments that have shaped their lives. Through honest and engaging conversation, they explore how certain events, comments, and decisions—both big and small—have had lasting impact across different seasons of life. Whether it’s a mentor’s encouragement, a moment of crisis, or a personal realization, Jeff and...

Episode 13 of the Rearview Mirror Podcast features a thoughtful conversation between Jeff and Steve as they explore the evolving dynamics of relating to adult children, rather than continuing to "parent" them in the traditional sense. They reflect on their own relationships with their grown kids, recognizing that the parenting role has shifted into something more consultant-like—offering wisdom wh...

In this deeply personal Good Friday episode, Jeff and Steve reflect on the reality of change and the importance of healthy transition--especially in light of the recent miscarriage of one of Jeff's grandchildren. Drawing on William Bridges' wisdom that "change is external, transition is internal, " they explore the three stage of transition: an ending, the messy middle and a new beginning. They di...

In this episode, Jeff and Steve dive into the power of reframing—shifting our perspective to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. From mishits on the golf course to missteps in relationships, they explore how setbacks don’t have to define us. Instead of getting stuck in the moment, they encourage listeners to see failure as part of a bigger story—one that’s still being written. The episode...

In this episode, Jeff and Steve explore why community and connection are essential for a healthy life. From church groups to dinner parties, they discuss what makes a group thrive—trust, vulnerability, and shared purpose. They highlight the value of going deeper with others and why some groups succeed while others don’t. The conversation covers different types of groups, including organic friend c...

Following the social media trend of "I had a cup of coffee with my younger self this morning", Jeff wrote his own story called "I had a beer with my younger self last night." This exercise of self-compassion provides a chance to look in the rearview mirror at what a 20 year olds world view looked like and what advice and wisdom an older version wants to offer. After reading this to Steve they disc...

In this episode, Jeff and Steve dive into the world of health, wellness, exercise, and nutrition—not as experts, but as two guys figuring it out along the way. Steve shares some of his best workout practices, while Jeff opens up about his struggles with discipline and makes a commitment to a new approach. It’s an honest, lighthearted conversation about the challenges and small victories of staying...

In episode 7 of the Rearview Mirror Podcast , Jeff and Steve continue their discussion on the Enneagram, focusing on the concept of triads. This is Part 2 of their exploration of the Enneagram, where they break down how the nine personality types are grouped into three triads , each defined by a core emotional response to the world. The triads include: The Gut (Instinct) Triad (Types 8, 9, and 1)...

In Episode 6 of The Rearview Mirror Podcast , Jeff Helton and Steve Pierce give a high-level overview to the Enneagram, a personality framework that explores nine distinct types. They discuss how each type expresses itself in a healthy, resourceful way and contrast that with the shadow side—unhealthy patterns that can emerge under stress or insecurity. Using real-life examples, Jeff and Steve illu...