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, finding unexpected family through a bus ministry, and how a youth worker named Nancy refused to give up on him. Together, Zach and Jose unpack:

• How to have thick skin and a soft heart with students
• Why “giving up on giving up” matters in mentoring
• How gangs often disciple better than churches and what we can learn from that
• The ministry of presence and earning the right to be heard
• Why changing a young person’s mind can change their entire life
• The power of calling out identity and potential, even in the “worst” kid

If you mentor or work with urban or at risk youth, this conversation will fill your tank and sharpen your approach. Learn more about Jose and Rescue a Generation, and walk away reminded that love is a universal language, relationships change lives, and yes… you can mentor.

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To find out more about Rescue A Generation, check out their website - https://www.rescueageneration.com or @rescueagen
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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

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 mentors can create safe, compassionate spaces where every young person feels seen, valued, and supported.

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https://www.reverbmentoring.com/
https://www.restoreokc.org/
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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.

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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

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You can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on Instagram @youcanmentor

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 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 communities form intentional “circles” around youth.
• The Power of Many Mentors: Research shows that youth with multiple trusted adults are more resilient, more likely to thrive, and less likely to fall through the cracks. Ben explains why one mentor is good—but five can be life-changing.
• How the Encircled App Works: Using free resources and a simple app, mentors (or “guides”) help kids discover their God-given identity, gifts, and vision, then invite key people into a mentoring circle that walks with them for the long haul.
• Stories that Inspire: From the heartbreaking loss of a former mentee to the redemption story of “Bill,” whose circle helped him rediscover his love for music and faith, Ben illustrates the beauty and impact of shared mentorship.

“This next generation wasn’t meant to do life on their own, but in community.” — Ben Bevis

Mentors don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself—and your mentee—with others who will show up, pray, encourage, and share the load.

Learn more about Ben Bevis and Encircled at encircled.org.

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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

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 roles. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship and the need to impart values to the next generation.

Give it a listen and share it with your mentoring friends!

Connect with Stephen @forerunnerementoring.

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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

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 inspired to invest in the next generation through the love of Jesus.

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

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 the impact of small acts in mentoring.

Key Points:

Introduction to TenX10: A collaborative effort to make faith matter for 10 million young people over 10 years.
Challenges in Mentorship: Addressing stereotypes and the need for authentic connections.
3 Keys to Effective Mentoring: Small Acts > Big Gestures. Authenticity > Pretending. Questions > Answers

simplementoring.org offers free tools and resources for mentors. Upcoming Event: Join the TenX10 summit this October in Atlanta for collaboration and worship. https://www.tenx10.org/

Quotes:

"A future that looks very ancient."
"Mentorship is about being present and meeting people where they are."

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 inspire and empower young individuals.

Through compelling stories and research-backed insights, this episode provides valuable strategies for mentors seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they guide. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost voices in mentorship and education.
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You can find the book "10 to 25" here.
Learn more about You Can Mentor here.

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[00:00] Introduction to Mentorship

[02:00] David Yeager's Journey

[08:00] The Mentor Mindset

[15:00] Balancing High Standards and Support

[22:00] Insights on Growth Mindset

[28:00] The Role of Feedback in Mentorship

[34:00] Stories of Impactful Mentorship

[39:00] Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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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

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