You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast

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...

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 vul...

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,...

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 rel...

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...

 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 unpre...

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 me...

 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 chil...

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. Thi...

 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 ad...

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 ra...

On 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, t...

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zach sits down with Matt McGill —a veteran ministry leader with 30+ years of experience serving in roles like youth pastor, teaching pastor, and executive pastor. Matt is also a husband, a dad to five boys , and a volunteer youth football coach , and he brings a ton of real-life perspective on what it looks like to build trust with kids and help them...

On today’s episode of You Can Mentor , we’re joined by special guest Bobby Lopez from Passion SoCal, who shares his heart for mentoring youth in Los Angeles communities impacted by drugs, gangs, and homelessness. Bobby reflects on moments from his own life and how God used mentors to shape his journey. This encouraging conversation reminds mentors that even small acts of presence and love can spar...

In this powerful conversation, Zach sits down with his friend Derek Sire from Restore OKC to talk honestly about race, culture, and mentoring across differences . They unpack how easy it is for mentors (especially white mentors) to step into a kid’s world with good intentions but harmful assumptions—about their neighborhood, their family, their faith, or their “potential.” Derek explains what it m...

Jose Rodriguez went from gang life in North Tulsa to helping transform cities through Jesus, coaching, and the power of presence. In this episode, Zach sits down with Jose, founder and CEO of Rescue a Generation, to talk about what it actually looks like to love and disciple kids from hard places for the long haul. You will hear Jose’s wild story of growing up around drugs, gangs, and chaos, findi...

In this episode, guest host Derrick Sier from Reverb Mentoring joins us for an honest conversation about the challenges and growth that can come from interracial mentoring . Together, we explore how differences in upbringing, culture, and lived experience can shape relationships, and how humility and listening open doors for deeper understanding. Through a Christ-centered lens, we discuss how ment...

What 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...

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza reunites with Stephen Murray to discuss their journey in mentorship, the importance of balancing work and family, and the impact of building relationships with mentees. Stephen shares personal insights on fatherhood, the challenges of fundraising for their organization, and the significance of being present in both family and mentoring r...

In today's episode, we explore the power of Christ-centered mentoring and the impact of walking alongside others in faith. In this episode, Ron shares wisdom, stories, and practical insights that equip mentors and mentees alike to grow spiritually, build stronger relationships, and live out their God-given purpose. Whether you’re new to mentoring or a seasoned guide, you’ll be encouraged and inspi...

277. Simple Mentoring with Ray Chang of simplementoring.org & Tenx10 Join Zachary Garza and Ray Chang as they delve into the transformative power of mentorship. Discover how the TenX10 initiative is mobilizing faith communities to engage with young people, addressing the rapid disaffiliation from Christianity. Ray shares insights on relational discipleship, the importance of authenticity, and...

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 h...

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 transforma...

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...

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 G...