Real Life Mentoring: Recent Episodes
Chris & Christina Elledge
Chris and Christina Elledge have mentored people from various countries for many years and have seen firsthand how it deeply impacts lives. They are excited to talk about the things they have learned by sharing their own stories. The Real Life Mentoring podcast is about giving people practical tools and sharing stories.
In this powerful conversation, a business leader shares his journey from outward success to inward collapse—and the hard road back through recovery, humility, and faith. What looked like achievement was actually addiction to performance, control, and self-focus. Through loss and rebuilding, he discovered a different way to live and lead—one grounded in surrender, honesty, and caring more about people than perception.
This episode explores hidden addiction, imposter syndrome, leadership under pressure, and the freedom found in shifting from self-centered living to a life rooted in purpose, accountability, and faith.
This episode is sponsored by The Aaron Ruiz Agency, offering auto, home, life, and business insurance. They strive to build real-life relationships with their clients — and as clients ourselves, we are happy to recommend them!
Contact them at (405) 773-5500
We train and equip adults to become holistic, effective mentors in the church and in the marketplace—impacting individuals, families, and communities into the next generations.
In this episode of our series on The Six Areas, we explore the emotional and the hidden consequences of emotional neglect. While we often emphasize physical or spiritual health, unprocessed emotions quietly shape how we think, relate, make decisions, and endure hardship.
Emotional neglect can look like avoiding feelings, lacking emotional vocabulary, suppressing tears or anger, not repairing conflict, or having no safe outlet for what’s happening inside. Over time, that creates anxiety from unprocessed fear, depression from unprocessed grief, and relational disconnection from a lack of empathy or repair.
We talk about how this often shows up in mentoring conversations through statements like:
“I blow up over small things.” “Nothing motivates me anymore.” “I feel disconnected from myself and others.”
Without emotional awareness, thriving becomes accidental rather than intentional.
We also discuss why emotional health matters for discipleship. Scripture gives us permission—and language—to feel and express emotion, from the Psalms to the life of Jesus. Emotional honesty becomes a doorway into deeper relationship with God and with others.
Finally, we share a simple mentoring framework for helping people engage the emotional domain through naming, reflecting, seeking support, and regulating rather than suppressing.
Action Step: Name what you're feeling today and take it to God.
Support the mission: fahrenheitmentoring.com (Podcast tab)
This episode is sponsored by The Aaron Ruiz Agency, offering auto, home, life, and business insurance. They strive to build real-life relationships with their clients — and as clients ourselves, we are happy to recommend them!
Contact them at (405) 773-5500
We’re launching a new series on The Six Areas: spiritual, mental, emotional, relational, physical, and professional/educational. Instead of talking about growth, we’re asking: what are the consequences of neglect?
This episode explores the physical area — what happens when we ignore rest, nutrition, movement, and medical care. Common outcomes include fatigue, preventable health issues, chronic stress symptoms, irritability, and reduced capacity to focus, work, or serve. The physical area often becomes the bottleneck for growth in every other domain.
We share a simple mentoring tool to assess neglect and take one small action to move toward health.
Sponsor: The Aaron Ruiz Agency — auto, home, life & business insurance. Contact: (405) 773-5500.
Support the mission: fahrenheitmentoring.com
We train and equip adults to become holistic, effective mentors in churches and businesses—impacting individuals, families, and communities into the next generations.
In this episode, we continue our series on The Six Areas (spiritual, mental, emotional, relational, physical, professional/educational) by exploring the spiritual —and what happens when it’s ignored or neglected.
Spiritual neglect can look like a lack of purpose, calling, moral framework, forgiveness, or meaningful practices. The consequences often show up as identity confusion, a meaning vacuum, cynicism, guilt without resolution, or “survival mode” living. In mentoring, this often sounds like: “What’s the point?” or “Nothing matters.”
We offer a simple mentoring framework (prayer, Scripture, worship, community, service) and invite listeners to take one small step toward spiritual renewal.
Action Step: Spend 10 minutes in prayer or Scripture today.
Support the mission: fahrenheitmentoring.com (Podcast tab)
Today's guest is Dr. Brent DeLong with DeLong Family Chiropractic Care in Norman, Oklahoma. Since we take a holistic approach: spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, relational, professional or educational, Dr. DeLong was a natural guest due to his holistic approach to health.
In today's conversation, Chris and Christina tackle the questions:
- Why chiropractic care?
- What it does for overall health?
- What you may not be aware of concerning the benefits of chiropractic care.
Reach out to DeLong Family Chiropractic Care today!
2214 Tecumseh Dr, Norman, OK 73069
PHONE
(405) 701-5345
delongfamilychiro.ml@gmail.com
Today’s episode is brought to you by DeLong Family Chiropractic Care.
Discover a life where health issues no longer hold you back and where your body’s needs are the top priority. As founder of DeLong Family Chiropractic, Dr. Brent has been leading thousands of patients to not only feel healthy, but to achieve true health, through the MaxLiving 5 Essentials™.
Today is the continuing conversation with Katie Kain.
Katie has been singing her whole life. She has a passion for teaching kids the joy of music. Katie grew up taking voice lessons, doing musical theatre, and dance. She has been teaching for 12 years and has a gift for bringing out the best in her students. Katie graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master’s Degree in Human Relations. Katie is wife to Nathan, and mom to Jazmine, Alonso, and Andres. She loves coffee, fall, and quiet mornings before her kids wake up.
Her children's theatre company is called Center Stage. At Center Stage, their primary goal is to build confidence in our students! They accomplish this goal through several avenues including music, drama, and performance. Their vision is that each student will leave their class more confident, more proud of who they are, and having had an amazing experience. Their mission is to give every student the chance to shine, be in the spotlight, and get out of their comfort zone!
Katie's story is not only compelling, but a primary example of what it means to have another person give of themselves in a mentoring relationship. In today's episode, Katie openly discusses her struggles with OCD and Tourette's and how the arts helped her discover freedom and helped her pursue her life's calling.
Contact Katie:
https://www.shineatcenterstage.com/
Find out more about her foundation:
https://www.centerstagefoundation.org/
In today's episode, Chris and Christina interview Katie Kain.
Katie has been singing her whole life. She has a passion for teaching kids the joy of music. Katie grew up taking voice lessons, doing musical theatre, and dance. She has been teaching for 12 years and has a gift for bringing out the best in her students. Katie graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master’s Degree in Human Relations. Katie is wife to Nathan, and mom to Jazmine, Alonso, and Andres. She loves coffee, fall, and quiet mornings before her kids wake up.
Her children's theatre company is called Center Stage. At Center Stage, their primary goal is to build confidence in our students! They accomplish this goal through several avenues including music, drama, and performance. Their vision is that each student will leave their class more confident, more proud of who they are, and having had an amazing experience. Their mission is to give every student the chance to shine, be in the spotlight, and get out of their comfort zone!
Katie's story is not only compelling, but a primary example of what it means to have another person give of themselves in a mentoring relationship. This is part one of two you won't want to miss!!
Contact Katie:
https://www.shineatcenterstage.com/
Find out more about her foundation:
https://www.centerstagefoundation.org/
Todd Vinson is no stranger to the Real Life Mentoring podcast. He and his wife Jeannie shared their story with us and Todd comes back from time to time to share his thoughts on effective leadership. Today, he joins Chris as they tackle the book, 5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There Is Never Enough Time by Jeremy Kubicek
The 5 Gears principle is a tool Todd teaches, helping you to shift into the right gear at the right time so that you can grow in your relational intelligence. Using these gears consistently allows you to bring a new level of relational intelligence to your life that offers a competitive advantage in our task-driven world.
You won't want to miss today's discussion and hear from Todd.
Todd Vinson is the founder of Overlander Consulting.
Overlander's Goal is to be:
Rooted in insight.
Driven by purpose.
Focused on people, over performance.
To find out more about Overlander Consulting, schedule a 30 minute session or subscribe to Todd's blog click on: https://www.overlanderconsulting.com/contact
Aaron Ruiz Sponsor
We live in a world that idolizes hustle. But what if rest was actually the secret weapon?
Todd Vinson with Overlander Consulting, is back talking about rest. Not just taking a nap or getting into some good sleep habits. The kind of rest he talks about with Chris is much more.
Physical Rest restores the body. When we sleep, we heal. Muscles rebuild. Hormones balance. Clarity returns.
Emotional Rest allows us to breathe. It gives space to name what we’re feeling instead of stuffing it down or numbing it out.
Mental Rest silences the noise. It's the margin we create when we step away from screens, plans, and the need to solve every problem.
Todd Vinson is the founder of Overlander Consulting.
Overlander's Goal is to be:
Rooted in insight.
Driven by purpose.
Focused on people, over performance.
To find out more about Overlander Consulting, schedule a 30 minute session or subscribe to Todd's blog click on: https://www.overlanderconsulting.com/contact
Aaron Ruiz Agency
Have you ever sat across from a mentee who’s carrying the weight of worry—and you wish you had the right words or tools to help them find peace?
That’s what today’s episode is all about. At Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring, we love sharing practical tools that help bring real transformation. You’ve probably heard us talk about The Six Areas or My Life/My Story—and today, we’re adding another favorite to that list.
Chris and Christina are diving into A Tool for Peace, inspired by Philippians 4:6–7. It’s a simple but powerful way to help mentees recognize what’s causing anxiety in their lives—and then learn how to replace that worry with specific, peace-bringing prayer.
And if you’d like to follow along with the worksheet Christina mentions, she’d love to send you a copy! Just reach out to christina@fahrenheitmentoring.org
Jonathan Williams, founder of Be Transformed Fitness, joins Chris and Christina today as they dive into the topic of physical health.
Since Chris and Christina take a holistic approach to mentoring, Jonathan's holistic approach to physical health is a great fit and topic for discussion.
Jonathan has a vision for those he works with to feel comfortable with exercise by educating them and providing them with tools that will allow them to make exercise an active part of their lifestyle. He wants people to know that sustainable transformation takes place when the formation of your mind, body and soul is intertwined.
Be Transformed Fitness has a goal to help people walk through simple ways of exercising and learning how their body can move and in return they feel and look good and even get stronger moving towards living a healthier and better quality of life.
To find our more about how you can partner with Jonathan to help meet your physical health goals:
Be Transformed Fitness
I met Hans Georg over 19 years ago. He was an international exchange student from Austria, and our family had the privilege of hosting him while he attended university for a semester. What started as a simple hosting relationship grew into something far deeper—a bond so strong that I came to call him my son. This is the power of mentoring.
In this episode, Chris and Christina share personal stories—and the stories of others—that will inspire, encourage, and hopefully spark your imagination. What would it look like for you to intentionally invest in a mentee’s life?
Listen as Chris and Christina unfold these powerful experiences. And if you’re curious about how you can be trained to mentor and make a lasting impact, visit fahrenheitmentoring.org.
Rob Schrader joins Chris and Christina talking about the Kingdom of God. Sound like loads of fun? It is!
Rob describes from a theological stand point what the Kingdom of God is and how it fits into mentoring. Rob takes what can be a difficult and lofty topic and presents it in simple and practical ways.
Knowing the Kingdom of God
- helps you see the bigger picture for mentoring.
- help you see your role in a better way as a mentor.
Sponsor: Commercial Brick @ commercialbrick.com
Once again, Rob Schrader joins Chris and Christina with his insights on prayer.
As a pastor, Rob has many people asking him many questions about prayer:
- what is it?
- how can it develop?
- how should you pray?
In today's discussion, Rob actually leads our hosts into a careful conversation about prayer touching on topics like how has prayer impacted your mentoring and what role does prayer play in mentoring.
Show sponsor: Commercial Brick @ commercialbrick.com
- It’s the core of who we are.
- It connects us with other people.
- Switch on Your Brain p. 94, It is very interesting that every cell in the body is connected to the heart and the brain controls the heart and the mind controls the brain. So, whatever we are thinking about affects every cell in our body.
- Our minds, wills, and emotions (hearts) are meant to support one another. Inner conflict is evidence something is not right.
- Madeline Movie example
- We speak to one another through our souls. Relationships are developed here.
- Our souls have to be restored at times.
- Psalm 19:7 "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."
- Psalm 23:2-3 "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
- Our personalities are experienced here.
- The enemy throws a thought my way to impact my mind. If I allow it to settle on my mind, that thought impacts my emotions. If I allow it to settle on my emotions, it impacts my will/desire. When my will/desire is impacted, it becomes an action.
- If we are not able to express what is inside of our souls we will not be able to be understood and known as we desire.
How Do We Take Care of the Soul
When the soul is given attention and cared for, we discover the things which are in our hearts. A mentor can help another person discover the things in his or her heart. `
Simple Comfort is a wonderful thing to receive, experience, and to enjoy.
Soul and Mentoring:
Mentoring: Strengthening the Soul of another person.
What are simple comforts?
Don’t make this complicated. What makes you tick, brings you joy, fills your cup? The things that will be simple comforts are unique to who you are.
Caring for Chris’ soul examples:
- A genuine conversation
- A good meal prepared and shared with the desires to bless others
- Sitting next to a fireplace being warmed or outside by a campfire
- A good slow rain while taking a nap or watching a good movie
- Sharing memories with loved ones around a kitchen table
- Sitting by a lake or ocean and enjoying nature
- Music
Caring for my soul examples (Christina):
- Sitting in the backyard
- Drinking Coffee and reading
- Sitting in a coffee shop
- Thinking about the future with Zion
- Imagining what I want to do to improve the backyard
- Being quiet
- Having a day to myself
- Writing
Caring for our souls is not a one time thing.
Challenge:
Take a self assessment of the condition of your soul.
What’s one thing you can do to care for your soul this week?
Caring for your soul builds resilience.
Caring for your soul is not dependent on someone else.
We believe people are comprised of The Six Areas: physical, mental, emotional, relational, professional and/or educational and spiritual. Today, we will focus on the spiritual component talking about the soul.
Our souls are meant to be cared for but get overlooked many times. Some people are never taught about their souls and what you don’t know or understand, cannot be cared for.
Direction of the Podcast:
- What is the Soul?
- Why is the Soul important?
- How do we take care of it?
You'll want to continue listening and watch for part two as they continue their discussion of how to care for the soul!
John, a senator in the Indiana state legislature for two full terms, chose to end his career in politics. John takes a thoughtful and insightful look into the reasons why he chose to step out of politics and redirect his career.
Out of his passion for leadership development, John began pursuing places of influence that would make a positive impact on society by seeking “upstream” change. One question he began to ask himself was what was the best use of his giftedness to affect real change.
Transitioning with the loss of his father and his turning 50, he began to realize most of his life was now in the rearview mirror. Legacy leadership became his focus. He began asking leaders if they could attend their own funeral, what would they want others to say? The point he was and still seeks to make in developing engaging leaders is that what are you doing today matters. You are building a brand that will affect others around you.
To find out more about his insightful look at effective leadership, listen to the entire podcast. And to find out how you can connect with John, you can find him at craneleadership.org. Hit the contact tab and let him know you heard him on the Real Life Mentoring podcast.
Shelter Insurance, the Aaron Ruiz Agency is today’s sponsor. His agency offers auto, home, life and business insurance and they strive to build real life relationships with all of their customers. Aruiz@shelterinsurance.com
You've heard Chris and Christina speak about The Six Areas that comprise a person:
- Physical
- Relational
- Emotional
- Mental
- Spiritual
- Professional/Educational
Today they jump into the topic of what it looks like to talk to a mentee about their spiritual life. Using a tool they have developed called My Life/My Story, they use the same principles of this tool to begin authentic conversations about a persons spiritual life.
What sort of memory, experience or encounter have you had in the past with God. Allow time for a mentee to sit and reflect with that question.
Then, move onto the present and ask what is their spiritual life like right now. Help, if needed, the mentee discuss what they are currently experiencing in their spiritual life.
Finally, move on towards questions that inquire about hopes and dreams a mentee may have for their future in regards to their spiritual life.
As always, great conversations take intentionality. A good question about your mentee's spiritual life may open up deeper wells than you expected - and that's a good thing!
Real Life Mentoring podcast is brought to you by Shelter Insurance - The Aaron Ruiz Agency. His agency offers auto, home, life and business insurance and they strive to build real life relationships with all of their customers!
ARuiz@shelterinsurance.com
Your name denotes who you are. Certain names, when said out loud, elicit a certain reaction: Elvis, Queen Elizabeth, Mother Teresa. A name identifies a person.
Knowing God's character helps us to know our identity. Why is it important we know God's character and our identity? Simply put, it impacts how we see ourselves, others and the world. It also impacts our thoughts, words and actions. Finally, it impacts our relationships!
Chris and Christina go into deep discussions about the importance of knowing God's character, trusting His character and how that helps us know our true identity.
Real Life Mentoring podcast is brought to you by Shelter Insurance - The Aaron Ruiz Agency. His agency offers auto, home, life and business insurance and they strive to build real life relationships with all of their customers.
ARuiz@shelterinsurance.com
Recently, Chris and Christina experienced the loss of a man they did not know well however, their daughter was especially close to. As they watched their daughter and her friends navigate grief, they share some practical ways in which you can support others as they go through grief.
There are all kinds of grief, but today Chris and Christina will focus on the grief of losing a loved one to death.
The Real Life Mentoring podcast is brought to you by Shelter Insurance - The Aaron Ruiz Agency! His agency offers auto, home, life and business insurance and they strive to build real life relationships with all of their customers!
ARuiz@shelterinsurance.com
Why is mentoring so important? Chris goes solo today as he talks about why it's so important for a trusted mentor to open up conversations to discover what people are really dealing with!
So the question begs to be asked, what are people really dealing with:
- depression, sexual identity, anxiety, insecurity, fear of the future, shame from the past, stress in the present
- unhealthy expectations in work, church, education or family can play a part as well.
Most of us deal with things in our own way. However, many of us don't have a trusted mentor to discuss those things that we are dealing with that we may never open up about.
Chris gives some practical tips and suggestions on how to approach people to get them to open up about what they are really dealing with.
Today's sponsor of the Real Life Mentoring podcast is brought to you by Shelter Insurance - The Aaron Ruiz Agency. His agency offers auto,, home, life and business insurance and they strive to build real life relationships with all of their customers!
ARuiz@shelterinsurance.com
Most people work or volunteer on some sort of team and as a team, we want to work well together and have success. In today's episode, Chris talks with Nate Brewer. He helps TEAMS in Businesses that are unproductive and feeling drained find out what kind of work brings them the most joy and energy so they can work better together.
In this episode Nate will talk about the importance of understanding tensions in teams and how to discover balance and unity so teams are healthy and strong.
He will discuss what is called the Five Fold Training and how each role is necessary and significant: Teacher, Shepherd, Evangelist, Prophet, Apostle.
Today's Sponsor: Shelter Insurance - The Aaron Ruiz Agency, https://www.shelterinsurance.com/CA/agent/ARUIZ
Nate's Contact Info:
Nate helps TEAMS in Businesses and churches that are unproductive and feeling drained find out what kind of work brings them the most joy and energy so they can work better together.
If you are in ministry or in the church world --> Subscribe to the Fivefold Training Newsletter: discover your gifts, Collaborate Healthier as a Team, Flourish as a Church when you're Equipped
If you are in business or non-profit sector --> Subscribe to the Working Genius Newsletter - The simplest way to maximize your team’s productivity and joy at work.
Chris and Christina originally aired a podcast called The Three Levels of Motivation (Season 3 Episode 25 on Feb. 7 airdate). While it was helpful we did receive some feedback that made us think there may be more to the story. That’s the reason for today’s podcast with Rob Schrader.
Here's a review of The Three Levels of Motivation:
- Reference: Beyond Weight Loss Documentary by Keith Klein, Certified Clinical Nutritionist
- Motivation Types
- Level One: Fear Based Motivation. It gets your attention but it’s not lasting. Example: Spouse says you have to stop drinking or they will leave.
- Level Two: Feedback Based Motivation. Example: Someone compliments you on weight loss
- Level Three: Intrinsic Based Motivation
- Definition of intrinsic: innate, inborn, comes from within
- Change from having to do something to wanting to do it.
- Example: Want to get healthy to be around for future grandchildren.
While all these are good this is where Rob steps in with The Fourth Motivation: Love-based motivation. Every other type previously mentioned is inherently selfish and self-serving. Biblically, the highest form of motivation is other-serving, it's motivated by love for another. Our sin nature is self-serving and our culture is centered around the individual and the self.
Today's Sponsor: Shelter Insurance - The Aaron Ruiz Agency, https://www.shelterinsurance.com/CA/agent/ARUIZ
Today Chris and Christina tackle the complex topic of compassion fatigue.
What is it?
What are the signs you have it?
Who gets it?
What leads to it?
How do you cope with it?
How can you keep from falling into it?
This two part series will answer all those questions and more!
References from today's episode:
Canadian Medical Association Article
Boys and Girls Clubs of America Article
Today's sponsor: Lori E Kenney, CPA
Professional CPA advice for individuals or small businesses. If you're looking for a blend of personalized attention and professional experience, you've come to the right place. Working with them is the best thing you can do for your small business!
Loriekenneycpa.com
Today Chris and Christina tackle the complex topic of compassion fatigue.
What is it?
What are the signs you have it?
Who gets it?
What leads to it?
How do you cope with it?
How can you keep from falling into it?
This two part series will answer all those questions and more!
References from today's episode:
Canadian Medical Association Article
Boys and Girls Clubs of America Article
Today's sponsor: Lori E Kenney, CPA
Professional CPA advice for individuals or small businesses. If you're looking for a blend of personalized attention and professional experience, you've come to the right place. Working with them is the best thing you can do for your small business!
Loriekenneycpa.com
We've all got needs. We should first handle our needs by recognizing we have them! There's no shame in knowing what your needs are - especially when it relates to being in healthy relationships with others.
Today's podcast is inspired by the organization Relational Values relationalvalues.com. They empower people to experience and reproduce great relationships!
Knowing your relational needs helps you:
- Communicate your needs.
- Know how to communicate with others.
- Know how to set healthy boundaries.
- Know where you are "missing" someone in the area of needs.
According to Relational Values, there are ten relational needs:
Acceptance, Affection, Appreciation, Approval, Attention, Comfort, Encouragement, Respect, Security, Support.
To take the relational needs assessment that Chris and Christina talked about today, go to The Relational Values website.
You will then be prompted to an appropriate assessment tool. Once you've completed the assessment, you may want to do further digging into your top needs by yet another assessment that you will be prompted to take following the instructions provided.
Today's Sponsor: https://commercialbrick.com/
Today concludes part three of the series: Image of a Mentor. Today's image: soldier.
In the Bible, soldiers are often seen as symbols of authority, discipline and power They are also associated with faith, obedience and spiritual warfare.
As a soldier, a mentor helps a mentee identify their enemies such as an unhealthy mindset about themselves or others. Giving them tools to fight the enemy such as addictions, insecurity and/or troubled relationships.
As Chris and Christina wrap up this series, let's take a look at 2 Timothy 2:3-7 has to say about our images of mentors:
"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things."
Today continues the images of a mentor as Chris and Christina discuss the traits of an athlete and compare them to a mentor.
An athlete, according to Google, is most commonly a person who competes in one or more sports involving physical strength, speed, power or endurance.
Some characteristics of an athlete that can be compared to that of a mentor include:
Being intrinsically motivated
Endurance and perseverance
Special training
Knowing when to recover
The importance of exhibiting character traits of an athlete as a mentor helps mentees determine goals and helps them with a plan to reach those goals.
If you like today's content, consider becoming a financial donor. Go to our website: fahrenheitmentoring.org, click on the podcast tab and select donate.
Sponsor for today's show: Commercial Brick . For more information, please click here
Often visual images help us picture concepts in more concrete forms. Today, Chris and Christina will introduce a three part series of images to help form a picture of a mentor: farmer, athlete, soldier.
According to google, a farmer's responsibilities can vary depending on their specialty. The same is definitely true of a mentor.
Some characteristics of a farmer:
Hard physical work
patience
consistent
focus
Chris and Christina also discuss the life cycle of a farmer and how these same concepts apply to mentors.
If you like today's content, consider becoming a financial donor. Go to our website: fahrenheitmentoring.org, click on the podcast tab and select donate.
Sponsor for today's show: Commercial Brick . For more information, please click here
Mentoring should be personal, practical, meaningful and effective. That's the lens in which Chris and Christina look through one-on-one mentoring.
Today, guest Davey Blackburn shares his story through pain and suffering and how it led to a beautiful, healing and redeeming story of God's faithfulness.
In 2015, Davey lost his wife, Amanda of 7 years and his unborn baby in a random shooting spree in his neighborhood. Serving God through being church planters and ticking off all the boxes of doing the "right" things, Davey never suspected his life would unravel into such a heap of pain.
And that's where God began to write a new story. In the middle of his world being turned upside down, Davey found himself a single father trying to be a ministry leader while in the middle of grief and shock.
Fast forward to today. Davey now leads a ministry called, Nothing is Wasted.
The mission of Nothing is Wasted is to meet people in their pain and providing a pathway through.
Chris, Christina and Davey will talk about the mystery of suffering and why it's important God's people talk about suffering, its role and how it can shape us to be more like Christ.
Davey and his wife, Kristi live in Indiana with their children and lead Nothing is Wasted. To find out more about the ministry, book, podcast and other invaluable resources, check out the website: nothingiswated.com
Sponsor for today's show: Commercial Brick . For more information, please click here
The fuel for today's podcast is based on the initial viewing of Beyond Weightloss, a documentary hosted by Keith Kline.
Are you like most of us who find it difficult to get and stay motivated? In today's episode, Chris and Christina discuss the topic of motivation.
Did you know there are three levels of motivation:
- Level One: Fear based motivation. This gets your attention, may elicit immediate change but will not be long lasting
- Level Two: Feedback based motivation. Progress is dependent on the positive feedback from others and spurs future growth.
- Level Three: Intrinsic based motivation. Innate, inborn, comes from within that results in long lasting change.
When looking at what Chris and Christina call The Six Areas (physical, mental, emotional, relational, spiritual, professional or educational) it is a beneficial mentoring tool to ask a mentee to evaluate their motivation level for each of the Six. Addressing your current motivational level helps you to truthfully assess where you are and how to move forward.
Today’s episode has been brought to you by Commercial Brick. A family owned business since 1975, Commercial Brick offers quality products and are passionate about what they do and are dedicated to manufacturing quality brick. For more information, please click here
As Chris and Christina jump into a new year, they suggest taking some time to look back. In looking back, what are some things you need to grieve? In looking back, what are some things you need to celebrate?
In every transition, this is a great exercise to engage not just yourself but a mentee. Taking time to grieve loss while at the same time to celebrate success is a worthwhile task.
Chris and Christina are quick to acknowledge this concept of grieving and celebrating have been taken from Jennie Allen.
Jennie Allen is a best-selling Christian author, podcaster and Bible study teacher. Each year, she provides a free Dream Guide that helps you wrap up the following year. To learn more about the Dream Guide, click the link above.
The challenge for this episode is to take the time to look back, grieve and celebrate!
Over the years, Christina has found that there seems to be reoccurring themes that come up when mentoring. Often, mentors give advice, ask questions, make observations and generalize to help a mentee see more clearly.
This is exactly what today's episode reveals. Christina walks us through the "top 10" pieces of advice, questions, observations and generalizations that she has given to women or received from women.
Today's insights include ...
.. recover well after giving to others.
... set healthy boundaries.
... ask the Holy Spirit what He thinks about your situation.
Despite these being insights for women from women, many of these are universally applicable for anyone!
We'd like to thank today's sponsor, Commercial Brick. A family owned business since 1975, they are passionate about what they do and are dedicated to manufacturing quality brick. For more information, please click here
Knowing our self-worth begins from feeling cared for and nurtured by our parents. Knowing our self-worth and being genuinely confident does not just happen it must be shown, talk about and lived out. That's where a good mentor comes in!
Today, Chris and Christina jump into the topic of self-worth. Where does it come from? How does it get distorted? What role does social media and advertising play? Do our childhood's play a part?
A good mentor can help boost low self-worth. Using God's Word and encouraging mentees to apply the truth of scripture is an invaluable service to helping self-worth!
Today's podcast is brought to you by Commercial Brick. A family owned business since 1975, Commercial Brick is passionate about what they do and are dedicated to manufacturing quality brick. For more information, please click here
You can grow up in the same household and yet have differing perspectives. How does that happen? Today we will find out how that happened in the Elledge household.
Kim Cary joins Chris and Christina as they discuss the stories that siblings share. Kim is the youngest sister of the Elledge family in which Chris is the oldest brother. Growing up in poverty, dysfunction and never really communicating, Chris and Kim share stories about growing up.
What was it like growing up as the youngest?
How did it feel to not have "guard rails" to know how to navigate life?
Did you feel supported by your siblings?
What did it feel like when all the older siblings left for college?
Kim and Chris will jump into these conversations and reveal their unique experience as they share their sibling story.
Today's episode is brought to you by Commercial Brick. Commercial Brick is a family owned company, passionate about what they do and are dedicated to manufacturing quality brick. For more information, please click here
Kim Cary returns to talk about how God gave her the most incredible "R" words during one of the most difficult seasons she's experienced. In today's interview, Chris and Christina dive into how Kim received these powerful words.
Release was the first word, given during her difficult journey of caring for her aging mother. Rest followed a year later as she knew rest was exactly what she needed as she faced a taxing job and was dealing with the effects of high stress. Renew came a year later after sitting in a workshop as a reminder that until she fully released things into God's hands, rested her body and mind, He could not renew her. And finally, after making a decision to retire from her career in higher education after 30 years, reveal was the final "r" word that made it's way into her life.
Kim shares her journey not just with the four "r" words that have impacted her life in the last few years but also the journey those words has taken her on with her relationship with God.
Today's episode is brought to you by Commercial Brick. Commercial Brick is a family owned company who is passionate about what they do and are dedicated to manufacturing quality brick.
For more information, please click here
When most men come to church, they are searching for more than a worship service. They are hoping for a genuine connection with other men where they can be vulnerable and transparent. When men connect at a heart level, they will most likely want to be a part of the church and will, as a result, lead their family in that involvement.
This is the basic idea that Chris leads with in today's episode. Men, within the walls of the church, are struggling. The challenge is not to condemn the church but to challenge men within it to reach out and become a safe person for another man.
Common struggles men are facing:
misunderstanding manhood, social anxiety, depression, lust, alcoholism, drug use, sexual identity, fear, work stress, no practical application for the Bible, misunderstanding God.
If you would are a man who can relate, reach out to a safe person. If you are man who can be that safe person, do it! There is power in men connecting.
Today's sponsor: Lorie E Kenney, CPA firm. loriekenneycpa.com
Today, Chris and Christina continue to discuss "The Big Six", a podcast episode of Adam Young's The Place We Find Ourselves.
In his episode, The Big Six, Adam talks about the way children's brains development based upon the level of care and kindness in the family environment. The "Big Six" are the six things you needed from your parents:
- Attunement
- Responsiveness
- Engagement
- Ability to Regulate Your Affect
- Ability to Handle Your Big Emotions
- Willingness to Repair Harm
Show sponsor: Lori E Kenney CPA Firm. https://www.loriekenneycpa.com
Podcast: The Place We Find Ourselves by Adam Young; The Big Six, Episode 159, airdate July 15, 2024.
Adam Young (licensed clinical social worker with a master degree in social work (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Divinity (Emory University), host of podcast The Place We Find Ourselves and Fellow with The Allender Center).
Today, Chris and Christina discuss a recent podcast hosted by Adam Young (licensed clinical social worker with a master degree in social work (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Divinity (Emory University), host of podcast The Place We Find Ourselves and Fellow with The Allender Center).
In his episode, The Big Six, Adam talks about the way children's brains development based upon the level of care and kindness in the family environment. The "Big Six" are the six things you needed from your parents:
- Attunement
- Responsiveness
- Engagement
- Ability to Regulate Your Affect
- Ability to Handle Your Big Emotions
- Willingness to Repair Harm
Part one will focus on the first three of the "Big Six". Chris and Christina will define and give examples of each one.
Show sponsor: Lori E Kenney CPA Firm. https://www.loriekenneycpa.com
Podcast: The Place We Find Ourselves by Adam Young; The Big Six, Episode 159, airdate July 15, 2024.
Integrity builds trust. Trust is essential for good relationships. At the end of the day, this podcast is all about relationships.
Today, Chris and Christina talk about the disease of partial integrity.
Disease: illness, sickness, infection, ailments, disorder, affliction
We don't allow a disease to stay in our bodies. If you have an illness, the doctor asks for your symptoms. Just like a doctor may ask for symptoms, what are the "symptoms", your proof, that you are a person of integrity?
In today's discussion, you will be able to assess your level of integrity, discover some consequences of not being a person of integrity as well as hear some practical ways you can practice integrity.
Proverbs 10:9 "He walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his way will be found out."
Sponsor for today's show: Commercial Brick . For more information, please click here
No script! Today, Chris and Christina recount their spontaneous thoughts about the power of connection.
Why do we connect?
How do we connect?
Where do we connect?
If you have a best friend, co-worker, spouse or children it is important to connect. The concept of connecting well with others get explored today in depth!
Sponsor for today's show: Commercial Brick . For more information, please click here
Today, Chris and Micheal pick back up with their talk about the loss and grief they have experienced through death of a loved one as well as the benefits of talking about death, the reason why we don't talk about death, and why as a trusted Mentor, you could have the privilege of initiating one the most important conversations with others.
At Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring, we care about and engage the whole person. We are spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, relational, and professional/educational.
Jesus talked about his own death repeatedly. He didn’t run from the fact that his life would be cut short or try to hide that from his followers. He talked openly about it and I believe it helped him stay focused on what He was here to do and not get distracted by the crowds or temporary celebrations.
If Jesus talked about death, we think we should, too! Today Chris talks with Micheal Gerecke on the topic of death, perspective and real life. They mention the book by author Micheal Hebb, Let's Talk About Death Over Dinner which spurred part one of this two part discussion.
Resources:
Let's Talk About Death Over Dinner, Micheal Hebb, Hachette Go; Reprint edition (February 9, 2021).
At Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring, we care about and engage the whole person. We are spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, relational, and professional/educational.
Jesus talked about his own death repeatedly. He didn’t run from the fact that his life would be cut short or try to hide that from his followers. He talked openly about it and I believe it helped him stay focused on what He was here to do and not get distracted by the crowds or temporary celebrations.
If Jesus talked about death, we think we should, too! Today Chris talks with Micheal Gerecke on the topic of death, perspective and real life. They mention the book by author Micheal Hebb, Let's Talk About Death Over Dinner which spurred part one of this two part discussion.
Today, Chris and Micheal will talk about the loss and grief they have experienced through death of a loved one as well as the benefits of talking about death, the reason why we don't talk about death, and why as a trusted Mentor, you could have the privilege of initiating one the most important conversations with others.
Resources:
Let's Talk About Death Over Dinner, Micheal Hebb, Hachette Go; Reprint edition (February 9, 2021).
Today, Nathan Brewer joins Chris and Christina once again to discuss The Working Genius. The Working Genius Model is the fastest way to find out what kind of work brings you joy and energy and the simplest way to maximize your team's productivity.
In today's podcast, Nathan will give a short review based on the past two episodes. Then he will go into the dynamics of using The Working Genius in marriage, other relationships and teams.
If you want to learn more, reach out to Nathan.
Contact Nathan: Nathan@workinggenius.eu
Website: https://workinggenius.eu
And, as an added bonus, the first 3 listeners that share this episode on their social media platforms will receive a 33% discount on an online workshop for their team!
Today, Chris and Christina continue the conversation with Nathan Brewer on The Working Genius. The Working Genius Model is the fastest way to find out what kind of work brings you joy and energy and the simplest way to maximize your team's productivity.
The Working Genius can bring clarity to you in the workplace as you discover how you best operate in and how your "genius" brings you joy in your work.
In part two, Nathan will provide you with a short review of The Working Genius and then take a deep dive into each of the six areas:
• Wonder
• Invention
• Discernment
• Galvanizing
• Enablement
• Tenacity
After listening, if you find this intriguing and want to know how you can get started then
Check out https://workinggenius.eu
Contact Nathan: Nathan@workinggenius.eu
Bonus: The first 2 listeners: 20% off 2-hour online Workshop for your team
Today, Nathan Brewer joins Chris and Christina once again to discuss The Working Genius. The Working Genius Model is the fastest way to find out what kind of work brings you joy and energy and the simplest way to maximize your team's productivity.
Today kicks off a three-part series in which Nathan will help you, the listener, understand how The Working Genius can bring clarity to you in the workplace as you discover how you best operate in and how your "genius" brings you joy in your work.
The 6 types of working geniuses have significant implications for not only teams but also families and other relationships.
In today's podcast, Nathan will give an overview of the types and provide you with information on how you can learn more.
Contact Nathan: Nathan@workinggenius.eu
Website: https://workinggenius.eu
Bonus for Real Life Mentoring listeners: $10 off Working Genius Assessment + Online Coaching Session (50 minutes)
Words are powerful. We've all been on the receiving end of words that built us up or unfortunately tore us down. But how many times has a conversation changed your life?
Today Chris and Christina take a look at how a conversation has the power to potentially change your life. They give some examples from their own lives of conversations that were used to impact the trajectory of their lives as well as take a look at a recent article in Psychology Today.
Link:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shift-mind/201803/do-you-have-real-conversations
The foundation of family is important. Building tools that keep these relationships healthy takes intentional effort over time.
By way of what NOT to do, today Chris and Christina talk about the top 12 ways that choosing these repeated behaviors could potentially damage the relationships within your family.
If you enjoy the content that Real Life Mentoring puts out each week, consider becoming a donor. By donating to the podcast, you are insuring the continued real life tools for real life mentors!
https://www.fahrenheitmentoring.org/podcasts
Today Chris and Christina continue their conversation with Shannon Irwin. Picking up from the last weeks episode in which Shannon talks about her own journey with mentoring, today she talks about her role in the public school system. In her role as New Teacher Liaison, Shannon has the opportunity to mentor Mentor Teachers. She talks about how mentoring looks like on the job, what benefits are provided when you mentor on the job and some practical steps you can take if you want to be a mentor in the workplace.
If today's episode is helpful, like, subscribe and share!
If you would like to contribute to this kind of content, please visit our website: fahrenheitmentoring.org and click on the "podcast" tab!
In today's episode, Chris and Christina interview Shannon Irwin. Shannon is a wife, mother, soon to be mother-in-law, school teacher and mentor. She candidly shares how not having a mentor in her early years affected her. She also talks about the role mentors played in her life to give her tools that have benefited her today. You won't want to miss today's interview on Shannon's journey with mentoring!
Amy Whitson joins Chris and Christina today for part two of talking about learning styles. Why talk about learning styles on a mentoring podcast? Knowing more about another person - including their learning style - is an invaluable deposit into healthy relationships.
Amy Whitson is an educator with over 20 years experience. Amy currently serves as the Culture and Communication Coordinator at Jasco Products linkedin.com/in/amy-whitson-9a2466268.
In part one, Chris and Christina explore the learning styles:
https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/
If you'd like to know more about The Five Love Languages referred to in today's episode:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dr+gary+chapman+5+love+languages&hvadid=174238047079&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1024290&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14736960190825395674&hvtargid=kwd-44793353963&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_2caygymrfz_e
If you liked today's podcast, like and subscribe!
Amy Whitson joins Chris and Christina today in this two-part series about learning styles. Why talk about learning styles on a mentoring podcast? Knowing more about another person - including their learning style - is an invaluable deposit into healthy relationships.
Amy Whitson is an educator with over 20 years experience. Amy currently serves as the Culture and Communication Coordinator at Jasco Products linkedin.com/in/amy-whitson-9a2466268.
In part one, Chris and Christina explore the learning styles:
https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/
If you'd like to know more about The Five Love Languages referred to in today's episode:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dr+gary+chapman+5+love+languages&hvadid=174238047079&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1024290&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14736960190825395674&hvtargid=kwd-44793353963&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_2caygymrfz_e
If you liked today's podcast, like and subscribe!
Personalities, past experiences and body language ... all of these topics are things to consider in better understanding others. Understanding others help mentors and mentees take their relationships deeper. Today Chris and Christina discuss part two of the complexities of how to better understand others. Taking the time to understand those in your life is a worthwhile undertaking that can deeply affect the relationship for the better.
Topics Chris and Christina will unpack today are understanding that ...
- ... body language helps you understand people.
- ... social skills and social anxiety need to be discussed.
- ... talking about the uncomfortable.
This conversation is part of the mentor workshop content that YOU can host! Contact Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring to find out how.
Like and subscribe, share the podcast and reach out for more information!
Personalities, past experiences and body language ... all of these topics are things to consider in better understanding others. Understanding others help mentors and mentees take their relationships deeper. Today Chris and Christina discuss the complexities of how to better understand others. Taking the time to understand those in your life is a worthwhile undertaking that can deeply affect the relationship for the better.
Topics Chris and Christina will unpack today are understanding that ...
- ... words and actions don't always tell the same story.
- ... personalities matter.
- ... pain from the past makes an impact.
- ... cultural differences need to be considered.
- ... generational differences are real.
- ... open-ended questions are a great way to find out more information!
This conversation is part of the mentor workshop content that YOU can host! Contact Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring to find out how.
Like and subscribe, share the podcast and reach out for more information!
What would you like to talk about if you had a trusted mentor? How long do you meet with a mentee? What tools do you use with a mentee? These are common questions when talking about a mentor/mentee relationship.
In part two of How Do You Mentor, Chris and Christina answer these and other frequently asked questions when it comes to the mentor/mentee relationship.
If you are interested in how to host a mentoring workshop in your area, reach out to them!
chris@fahrenheitmentoring.org
christina@fahrenheitmentoring.org
Please like and subscribe! If you want more information, would like to donate to the podcast or have any other questions, reach out! Fahrenheitmentoring.org
What does it take to be a mentor? It might be easier to talk about what it doesn't take to be a mentor. It doesn't take a lot of time, professional experience or training. What it does take is a desire to invest in another person.
Today's discussion is additional content that can be found in the Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring Workshop, Session Four. In today's subject about how to mentor, Chris and Christina talk about what it takes to begin the mentoring adventure with another person.
Again, this is great supplemental content to the mentoring workshop offered by Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring. If you would like to attend or host your own workshop for your organization, contact Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring (fahrenheitmentoring.org).
What is a mentor? What does it take to be a mentor?
Today Chris and Christina will take an in-depth look into what it really takes to be a good mentor. It doesn't take professional training. It doesn't take a special skill set. It does take intentionality and a desire to see authentic connection with another person. YOU can be a mentor if you have your own challenges. YOU can be a mentor if you have experienced hard things. YOU can be a mentor. It just takes real people getting involved in the lives of other real people. We promise, you can be effective with just a few tools and the goal of making an impact.
If you would like to donate toward ongoing mentoring content, check out our website!
This content is part of a workshop training: A Guide to Mentoring (Session Three ). To find out how you can join an upcoming workshop or help launch one for your organization or group, contact Chris or Christina via email.
chris@fahrenheitmentoring.org
christina@farenheitmentoring.org
Why mentoring? Chris and Christina continue the ongoing conversation centered around the reasons mentoring is a good idea!
If this podcast is helpful to you, would you "like" and "subscribe"? This way, you get up-to-date alerts on when a podcast with an awesome mentoring topic is released! And, share this with someone who is mentoring! We love developing tools for others to help impact lives through the power of mentoring!
If you would like to donate toward ongoing mentoring content, check out our website!
This content is part of a workshop training: A Guide to Mentoring (Session Two). To find out how you can join an upcoming workshop or help launch one for your organization or group, contact Chris or Christina via email.
chris@fahrenheitmentoring.org
christina@farenheitmentoring.org
Why mentoring? What is the motivation for jumping into a mentoring relationship? Chris and Christina examine this question in this two part series.
Fact: relationships can be exciting, enjoyable and bring fulfillment.
Also a fact: relationships can bring sadness, frustration and hurt.
This is how relationships work. But, investing in a mentoring relationship is worth it!
After over 30 years of working with people, Chris and Christina find that most people want to connect. They want to have an authentic relationship where they feel seen and heard. That is possible in a healthy mentoring relationship and certainly worth any time investment.
What is mentoring?
Chris and Christina get back to the basics today by talking about some of the most fundamental elements of mentoring. They explore a few concepts and give practical illustrations to help you get a visual of what mentoring is all about.
As they teach mentoring workshops, most of the content is addressed but not to the depth that they will talk about each component of mentoring in today's episode. You get the benefit of a up close and personal "workshop" that takes you deeper into the wonderful world of mentoring.
Specifically:
- Your life has the potential to impact others.
- Mentoring can lead to life-changing relationships.
- Tools and techniques can build effective mentors.
- Mentoring has the potential to lead to relationship based discipleship that is practical, personal, meaningful and effective.
You'll want to listen as they dive into the topic of mentoring.
In today’s episode, Chris and Christina take an in depth and personal look into the life of Carl Gulley. Carl is a husband, father, pastor and speaker who is learning to embrace living with a non anxious presence. Alongside you, the listener, find out how Carl emerged from his family of origin with an alcoholic father and a saint of a mother into what he currently calls a season of restoration.
You will see the powerful impact of mentoring in his life and how one mentor changed the trajectory of his family by choosing to pour her life into the life of his Mom. Her influence laid the foundation for not only Carl to seek out mentors throughout his own life but also ensure his children were supported by mentors.
Carl discusses the last few years of his life referring to them as the dark knight of the soul. Walking with him were ministry mentors who knocked the question marks off from over his head. These mentors weren't just impressed with his accomplishments. They knew him and called out his identity.
Carol’s authentic interview is a beautiful story of restoration and reconciliation.
Resources:
Rhythms of a Disciple: A non anxious presence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tplz7H0iIXw&t=1835s
The Cure: What if God isn’t who you think He is and neither are you?; Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, John S. Lynch, Navpress, 2011.
Contact Carl:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-gulley-930497249/
Just why is mentoring important? How does a mentor help a mentee? Today Chris and Christina will explore the answers to those questions. They will take a deep dive into the numerous benefits of mentoring. They will share from their own experiences how mentoring has helped shape them.
Find out how you can gain some tools for mentoring through a Fahrenheit: Real Life Mentoring workshop! Chris and Christina give an overview of what a mentoring workshop looks like and how you can get involved. Don't live in the Oklahoma City, Ok area? Not a problem. You can host an online workshop for your organization. Find out more by contacting Chris (chris@fahrenheitmentoring.org) or Christina (christina@fahrenheitmentoring.org), register for an upcoming workshop at cbmcok.com/events.
When you ask real questions, the answers can change your life. Let's normalize questions! Questions need to become part of our "normal". In today's episode, Chris and Christina discuss how questions can be used to help strengthen a mentor/mentee relationship. Why don't we ask them, how do we ask them and why should we ask them? Find out today!
Today, Chris and Christina finish The Six Areas. Part two of the emotional component of a person wraps up with today's discussion.
Chris and Christina will continue the six areas discussion, focussing on emotions. Today's discussion will shed some light into the very complicated world of emotions. Emotions include feelings and mood and are a vital part of a persons life. How do they affect us for the positive or negative? What happens when they are not in balance?
Resources:
Dr. Caroline Leaf https://drleaf.com/
Here's a great discussion starter:
- How do you rate yourself emotionally on a scale of 1 to 10?
- Why did you give yourself that rating?
- What is your vision for your future with you emotional life? What would it take to move that number forward?
- What is a natural next step you can take?
"The Six Areas" discussion continues as Chris and Christina dive into the topic of the professional/educational area. Real life mentoring looks at real life. Having a mentor discuss the areas of education is needed and necessary. Having a mentor discuss the issues, both good and bad, one the job helps a mentee process their profession. Each of the six areas affect the others. Start talking with your mentor about real life ... all of it!
Picking back up with the six areas, Chris and Christina jump back in with their discussion on relationships. Today, they will explore the effects of social media on relationships. The pitfalls, the advantages, it's all game for today's podcast. There is a generational gap that mentors need to be informed about in the area of social media. This episode will give you some tools to know what they are and how to build healthy relationships around them.
Chris and Christina jump back into "The Six Areas". Today they explore the area of relationships. How do relationships affect us positively and negatively? How do you grow in the areas of relationships? In this two part series, you will find what balance looks like in relationships and how to develop them when they are not.
In today's episode, Chris and Christina continue the discussion about "the six areas", focusing on the mental. How do we stay mentally healthy? How do we stay engaged mentally? What does it mean to renew your mind? These are the topics they tackle today. You'll gain some new perspective as you examine your own mental aspect.
Here's a practical tool to use when talking about the mental with a mentee:
- How do you rate your mental status on a scale from 1 to 10?
- Why did you give yourself that rating?
- What is your vision for your future with your mental? What would it take to move that number forward?
- What is a natural next step you can take?
Resources:
- National Alliance for Mental Health, 1-800-950-6264
- Text "helpline" to 62640
- Podcast, The Place We Find Ourselves with Adam Young Counseling
- Podcast, Being Known with Curt Thompson, MD
Today's episode is a two part series on the mental health component that makes up a person. In today's episode, Chris and Christina begin their discussion about "the six areas", focusing on the mental. How do we stay mentally healthy? How do we stay engaged mentally? What does it mean to renew your mind? These are the topics they tackle today. You'll gain some new perspective as you examine your own mental aspect.
Here's a practical tool to use when talking about the mental with a mentee:
- How do you rate your mental status on a scale from 1 to 10?
- Why did you give yourself that rating?
- What is your vision for your future with your mental? What would it take to move that number forward?
- What is a natural next step you can take?
Resources:
- National Alliance for Mental Health, 1-800-950-6264
- Text "helpline" to 62640
- Podcast, The Place We Find Ourselves with Adam Young Counseling
- Podcast, Being Known with Curt Thompson, MD
Because Christmas only comes once a year, Chris and Christina give you some practical tips to help you engage your heart in this season. There are plenty of things to distract you from the central theme of Christmas. However, God is always with us, Acknowledging His presence during this season really takes some intentionality. They will help you take some time to really explore how this Christmas could be a time you experience the presence of God in a new way.
To receive the Advent book Christina has written, contact us via email:
christina@fahrenheitmentoring.org
Today's guest, Todd Vinson, unpacks a tool called "The Communication Code". You will discover the importance of clear communication. That sounds easy but how often do we find ourselves being misunderstood? Through the five areas of "The Communication Code" you will begin to better navigate not only how to communicate more effectively but also how to adjust when you aren't!
For more information and to connect with Todd:
Todd Vinson, linkedin.com/in/j-todd-vinson-81246b32
Chris and Christina begin a new series on "The Six Areas". The Six Areas are the six components that comprise a person: physical, mental, relational, emotion, spiritual, professional/education. Why talk about them? Because in mentoring, the goal is to talk about all aspects of a person. When one of those six areas need more attention than others, imbalance occurs. When imbalance occurs, we have the potential to have difficulty in life. Understanding each component and how to talk about them lead to good mentoring! Enjoy today’s kick off to the new series: The Six Areas.
Practical tool to use when talking about the mental:
- How do you rate your mental status on a scale from 1 to 10?
- Why did you give yourself that rating?
- What would it take to move that number forward?
- What is a logical next step you can take?
Today you have an up close and personal look into a mentor/mentee relationship. Chris and Christina introduce you to David and Blaine. Through their conversation, you'll get a chance to examine an authentic picture of how mentoring can not only impact the mentee but also the mentor. You'll appreciate the ease in which both men share earnest stories about one another, honor the value of being truly known by another person and share some "inside" jokes about shopping the produce aisle! As David and Blaine share their story, you'll come away wanting to hear more from both of them - and you can by checking out their bio's below:
David Achata is an author and leadership development consultant with over twenty years experience in the non-profit and corporate world. His newest book, Executive Retreats for Busy Business Leaders just released. He lives in east Tennessee with his wife and two children.
Blaine Eldredge is a writer and homesteader based in Peyton, CO. His book The Paradise King: The Tragic History and Spectacular Future of Everything According to Jesus of Nazareth released November 1st, 2023.
Chris and Christina talk about how to better understand people. As a mentor, as a mentee - in any relationship - tools will benefit your relationships. The better you understand someone, the more they feel known. Gaining understanding of those around you keep relationships growing toward health. Are there walls of protection surrounding some? What's the difference between reacting vs responding. In today's episode you will discover the answer to these questions as well as explore some tools to help benefit your relationships.
Healthy mentoring relationships call for giving authentic feedback. We’ve seen plenty of examples when we’ve personally received feedback that was critical or hurtful. Today Chris and Christina offer three helpful questions to ask yourself before offering healthy feedback to a mentee. As a mentor, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my motive pure?
- What is my motive?
- Am I being honest in what I’m about to say?
The goal in providing loving, honest feedback is to desire the best for your mentee. Asking yourself these three questions will help you deliver feedback that will be authentic, loving and spur your relationship to a deeper level.
https://www.fahrenheitmentoring.org
Once again, the best way to learn how TO do something is by NOT doing it! Chris and Christina open up today's discussion about going beyond surface relationships and moving into deeper, more authentic ones. Find out some helpful tips that will take you into deeper places with your current relationships.
Really? We often learn what TO do by learning what NOT to do. Today Chris and Christina discuss some ways that relationships might be damaged. Find out what you can avoid to have healthy relationships.
Yes, you heard right. Today Chris and Christina will discuss the most common reasons people give for not mentoring. While they don't advocate the reasons, they are what they hear most. Find out what they are and how to overcome the objections to mentoring.
In today's episode, Chris and Christina take a look back - way back! When they were young adults, what did they need in a mentor? What could a mentor have done for them? How could a mentor given authentic value to them when they needed it most. They look back in order to help you look forward!
Today looks a little different as Christina leads you through a tool. Jesus on the Beach will help you engage your imagination with the word of God. In doing so, you will be given an invaluable tool not only for yourself but also for your mentee. You will walk away with a tool that uses God's word in a unique way.
As previously stated, there is an on-going list of characteristics that comprise a mentor. If you are currently mentoring, this podcast will give you more tools for your tool belt. If you are looking for a mentor, these characteristics will give you a guide as you seek out one.
In today's episode, Becki Sigmon returns for part two of her discussion with Chris and Christina. After walking through a breast cancer diagnosis, receiving treatment and struggling to find support, Becki talks about the nonprofit that helped her navigate the every changing reality of cancer. Project 31, a community by and for breast cancer survivors, was unspeakable support to her and so many other just like her. Find out more about Project 31 on their website: project31.com
In part three with Nate Brewer on the five fold ministry of the (C)hurch, today you will hear how all the gifts synergize into a beautiful expression of unity. What does it look like for a healthy balance of the gifts in a church body? What does it look like if the gifts are not fully utilized? Because Jesus perfectly modeled how the gifts should function in unison, today will inspire you to take a deeper look into the principle of creating a Jesus centered, wholistric framework for how the (C)hurch was created to function and therefore thrive!
We strongly encourage you to find out more about Nate, his book (The Pulse of Christ: A Fivefold Training Manual) and Kyrios:
Nathan@fivefoldtraining.com
www.fivefoldtraining.com/eng/
https://kyriosministries.org/
Nate Brewer joins Chris and Christina today, continuing their conversation about the fivefold ministry of the church. They unpack Nate's book, The Pulse of Christ: A Fivefold Training Manual , by explaining each of the five spiritual gifts and the role they place in the church. The beauty of the gifts, these are transferable in all areas of your life to be used for God's kingdom. Nate leaves you with some practical steps you can apply today! By understanding the five gifts, you are better able to understand people. And when you better understand people you become a better mentor.
We strongly encourage you to find out more about Nate, his book (The Pulse of Christ: A Fivefold Training Manual) and Kyrios:
Nathan@fivefoldtraining.com
www.fivefoldtraining.com/eng/
https://kyriosministries.org/
Micheal Gerecke returns today to discuss with Chris and Christina about ... P. B. and J. Not to be confused with peanut butter and jelly, P. B. and J. is a catch phrase that helps us to know how to shut tabs in our brain. This is so important to be aware of because our brains take in so much information it gets overwhelmed. Then what? P. B. and J. is a good place to start!
What do you do when normal life is threatened with crisis? Chris and Christina have a compelling story to tell through the interview with long-time friend, Becki Sigmon. Becki answers that question beautifully. You have to hold on to something. Find out what she held on to when a life-threatening illness, premature birth and breast cancer shook her foundation.
After reading an authentic memoir, both Chris and Christina discuss the importance of sharing your story. Let's ask this question first: what is your story? Christina says its your unique experience on the planet. So why share it? When we share our stories to those we mentor, we can relate on a level that deepens authenticity. Sharing our story helps us know others but also helps us be known by others!
Chris and Christina continue their ongoing discussion exposing the healthy characteristics of good mentors. They will give great insight to three characteristics:
- A mentor sees potential in their mentee.
- A mentor uses their emotions wisely.
- A mentor follows through on what they say.
Chris and Christina have another meaningful conversation with Michael Gerecke about spiritual fitness. What is it? Why should we think about it? Micheal speaks to the wholistic approach to our spiritual health by developing an awareness to be intentional about building our ability to pursue God with good spiritual health.To find out more about the tool Michael mentioned, email him at: michaelg@fahrenheitmentoring.orgTo find our more information about The Living Room, check them out on Instagram: thelivingroomcoimbraTo find out more about Fahrenheit and the work done in Portugal: https://www.fahrenheitmentoring.org/team
Spiritual entrepreneur, mexican food loving and Kyrios founder Nate Brewer joins Chris and Christina today. What is Holy Discontent? Why doesn't the body of Christ look like the Head? How do we activate the whole church? Nate's passion for teaching about the five-fold ministry is a must for anyone desiring to pursue what it truly means to follow Christ. Based on Ephesians 4, Nates' no nonsense approach to finding answers to these questions is refreshing. Today is Part One of a two part series.
To find out more about Nate, his book and Kyrios:www.fivefoldtraining.comNathan@fivefoldtraining.comhttps://kyriosministries.org
Chris and Christina pick up where they left off with Kimberley Lee. They start off by talking about the death of her dear husband and the events that followed. One thing we know you are going to pick up on is the rock solid belief that Kimberley has in a rock solid God. You will walk away from this podcast with a deeper sense of how a loving God uses tragedy for His good ... and for ours.
Chris and Christina kick off season two of the Real Life Mentoring podcast by interviewing their long time friend Kimberley Lee. Long time friends who are now family of the heart is how Kimberley describes how God has knit the Elledge and Lee families together. Kimberley's story is the love story about a remarkable God in the midst of profound pain and profound blessing.
Today, Real Life Mentoring Podcast friend, Todd Vinson, interviews Chris in an indepth look at his story. As you hear Chris and Christina say often, there is power in your story. As Chris shares his story, some of the details are not enjoyable, they are painful, but they are powerful. You will gain some great insight into Chris’ past, hear how God has redeemed his story and understand why he does what he does!
In a previous podcast, Chris and Christina introduced the topic of emotional intelligence by interviewing Phil Reynolds. Phil leads a consulting agency coaching executives, individuals, and teams to communicate better, work collaboratively, and deliver exceptional results. Today, they further develop the conversation giving plenty of examples of how to use healthy emotional intelligence for better relationships especially in a mentoring relationship.
Think you know Psalm 23? Is it a poem? Is it a funeral dirge? What is it all about? Chris and Christina share some new insight about an old passage.
Do you really want to change? Life is made of change that is either forced upon us or change that has been chosen. Change that is lasting requires a mindset shift and a mentor can be a positive support system when making a change. Some examples of change can be found in the six areas: mental, emotional, relational, professional/educational, spiritual, physical. Finally, they take a look at a significant physical change that Christina has recently undergone and unpack some of those principles and practical tools that you can apply in your own life.
Today Chris interviews Micheal Gerecke. Micheal lives in Coimbra, Portugal with his wife, Cristi, and their 3 kids. Believing that God wires people for community, Micheal and Cristi opened a cafe and community space called The Living Room (livingroomcoimbra@gmail.com, Instagram: The Living Room).Not only does Micheal have a passion for seeing healthy communities being built, he also desires to see people become healthy physically. Micheal defines some basic health principles: what does it mean and what are the roadblocks? He also draws the connection to how our physical health actually applies to similar principles to spiritual health.
After over 30 years experience with investing in the lives of other people through mentoring, Chris and Christina have seen reoccurring themes. One of those themes is the idea of suffering in silence. Today they will unpack what things people suffer with and offer some reasons as to why they suffer. Finally, Christina will walk you through a process of finding help in the middle of your suffering. You will be able to take this simple process and apply it immediately!
Round two with Todd and Jeannie Vinson starts with them unpacking what surrender looked like in the middle of their story. How does approaching life with wrong mindsets and false identity lead to places of exhaustion? How does walking through periods of stillness affect future success? What does surrender look like in real life? What were the steps that led to living life in better spaces? Today, Todd and Jeannie boldly talk about their road toward health. You will appreciate their practical tips, authentic struggle and consistent pursuit of seeking God in the middle of difficulty.
Friends Todd and Jeannie Vinson share part one of their two part story. Married for 30 years, parents of four, they don't hold back from the struggles they've faced as Todd has come to grips with the trauma from his childhood. It hasn't been easy. It hasn't been a tidy package wrapped up with a bow. It's been hard. But the hard work has been worth it. They will take you to the places they have hurt the most and share how the hurting places have actually been the places they've met God.
Chris and Christina talk about emotional intelligence with Phil Reynolds. Leadership consultant and coach, Phil jumps into the conversation today by looking back 6 years ago. As a brain injury survivor, Phil became fascinated with how the brain and the emotions work together. Emotions have a strong impact on our behavior and results. Today's discussion will answer just how the two go together, how you know if you have emotional intelligence and why knowing about your emotions can help you become more self and other aware.To learn more about Phil Reynolds, check out his website: https://www.reynoldsconsulting.org/
Today's podcast takes an in depth look into the real life world of mentoring. Christina puts Leah, a mentee of hers, on the spot by digging into the wonderful world of mentoring. Together, Chris and Christina interview Leah about mentoring from a mentee's perspective. What did the first meeting look like? What did Leah gain from the relationship? What were the things she walked through? Leah's candid conversation beautifully describes the power mentoring has to influence and change lives.
Special guest, Parker Elledge, shares her insights about her generation's worldview. Besides being the middle daughter of Chris and Christina, she has a powerful story about why she chose to find community. Parker will help define what community is and is not. She will take us into a journey of what Acts 2:42-27 looks like for her and how it layed a foundation for community in her life.
Today, Chris and Christina talk about more characteristics of a good Mentor. Willingness to get involved in another persons life is key. Chris leads this discussion about what involvement looks like and how involvement has the power to transform relationships. Christina highlights the importance of praying for a Mentee and passing along spiritual insights. Both of these characteristics when possessed by a Mentor has the power to change people's lives.
Today, special guest Dr. Leah Gatlin, shares the importance of boundaries. Chris and Christina will explore with Leah what boundaries are, why they are needed and why they are necessary for healthy relationships. One of the most helpful talking points in today's podcast about the need for boundaries are:
- Where is the pain?
- Where do I want to go?
- How do I get there?
An additional resource that's mentioned today is the book: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. Jim Townsend.
What happens when those random thoughts are left unchecked, allowed to preoccupy your thoughts? Do you engage them? Do you leave them alone? Why are they there in the first place? Today Chris and Christina explore the answers to these questions and give some insight into what is really going on when we get stuck inside your own thoughts.
How do you offer hope, be a person of hope and engage with others who are in hopeless situations? What happens when you find yourself in spaces where someone you know is experiencing real hurt? Chris and Christina will discuss some practical ways to offer hope when you are interacting with people who are experiencing stressful situations.
Today Chris goes solo as he talks about the importance of what to look for in a Mentor. Make a list. Think about the characteristics that would be helpful for you to have in a Mentor. You'll begin to think of what you need as he shares the qualities he looks for and how making a list of those qualities helped him target the kind of Mentor that was right for him.
Today Chris interviews Dr. Micheal Turner. Dr. Turner specializes in developing personalized, integrated approaches to health including hormones, sleep recovery, nutrition, supplements and exercise to help people perform at their highest level. Dr. Turner will discuss holistic health, Covid, telemedicine, mentoring and how his faith impacts everything he does. You won't want to pass on this dynamic conversation.
Steve Trice is a successful C.E.O. of Jasco Products based in Oklahoma City, Ok yet has a global impact. Jasco proudly supports communities all around the world by donating 50% of net profits to causes that matter. Today, Chris and Christina interview Steve and discover his passions lay far beyond his role as a businessman. You will be inspired to give your life away as you listen to the testimony of Steve. Enjoy!
New years resolutions vs what does God want for me? Resolutions are good for 9% of the population. What if we reframe how we enter into the new year by asking what God may be inviting you to do in 2023? Chris and Christina will dive into the topic as you prepare for the new year.
Body language, social skills, social anxiety and fear are the final topics Chris and Christina will discuss today as they round out the series on how to better understand others. Life is about relationships. By understanding people better, it helps build healthy relationships that go beyond surface conversations and connect us at a heart level. In summary, God knows us. Many people don’t feel known by God. As you choose to get to know people better, you may have the privilege of getting to show them how much God knows and loves them.
In part two of How to Better Understand People, Chris and Christina will dive into the six areas: emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, relationships, professional/educational. Understanding people better involves asking purposeful questions to take the relationship to a deeper level. In today’s podcast, you’ll gain some insight into how to ask good questions that help those relationships in your life go to a new level.
It is easy to look at someone and to quickly make certain assumptions. However, our assumptions may not be fair. Until we learn someone’s story we cannot truly know them. The intent of today’s podcast is to help you better understand people. The four concepts Chris and Christina will discuss today: words and actions don’t always tell the whole story, discovering the importance of personalities, the importance of understanding another's person’s pain, understanding cultural differences.
As promised, here are the links to the personality tests to check out:
- The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (myersbriggs.org)
- The Grip-Birkman Method (advancingchurches.org/grip-birkman.html
- The Enneagram (enneagraminstitue.com)
- The Disc Assessment (discprofile.com/what-is-disc)
- Smalley Personality Test (mint-hr.com/smalley-trent)
- Tim LaHaye Personality Assessment: Why You Act The Way You Do
We don't often hear about how to deal with suffering: our personal suffering or others. Today, Chris and Christina will talk about how to deal with suffering. It's important to not only share our own stories of how we are suffering but they will discuss how to sit with others as they share their suffering. How do you react? How do you give permission for others to share their stories of pain? Today’s discussion will open up some great discussion on how to approach the topic of suffering.
No matter what your age, there are people around you who could use a little mothering and/or fathering. God desires to ultimately be our parent. When we don't receive parenting, God can use others in our life to bring the nurturing we've missed out on. What does the world need? Father and Mother figures!
Branson, MO. Today, Chris and Christina pick up with the series of how to experience God in the middle of hard things. Christina experienced a major health crisis that brought them both to believe she could die. You'll hear, once again, how they learned to trust God in the middle of difficulty.
What does health have to do with experiencing God? Good question! Today you'll hear Chris' story about being injured during a Tsunami warning while in Thailand. Chris and Christina will talk about principles they've learned during the health crisis. In a nutshell: You are not alone. God knows your situation.
Grief has to be processed. Today, Chris leads Christina to talk about the recent death of her dear friend, Marti. As she does, you'll hear the emotion in her voice as she recalls the impact her friend made on her life. In Christina's words, "The most valuable thing I could give her was my heart." Disclaimer: King Saul was Jonathan's father!
Where do you find God in circumstances that are difficult? Good question! Today Chris and Christina will start a series of discussions of how they have seen and experienced God in the middle of less than ideal circumstances. Part one will highlight how they experienced God in the middle of financial matters.
In today’s "Living Room Conversations", Chris and Christina introduce their youngest daughter, Libby. In her interview, Libby shares a childhood trauma that had a profound impact on her. She shares the lessons learned from pain and how she has been able to thrive despite setbacks. You’ll be inspired by Libby’s wisdom at such a young age!
Continuing in a series called "Living Room Conversations", Chris and Christina share about their early marriage years. Find out how they have navigated learning the art of confrontation, basic communication and lessons learned along the way.
Today marks the first in a series called "Living Room Conversations". Chris and Christina share how their living room is where the best conversations happen. This is the place where the sharing and processing of the real heart stuff gets discussed. Today, Chris and Christina talk about their early dating years.
Today Chris and Christina share their own stories about how they began their personal relationship with Jesus. As the foundation for their mentoring work, their spiritual health is primary to living a balanced life. Listen today as they share their personal journeys toward finding God and developing their current relationship with Him.
Chris and Christina will discuss the differences between each type of relationship. Transactional is a transfer of information while relational is about building emotional equity between two people. Find out the marked differences between the two and the issues that may arise when one person desires relational interaction while another person is content to keep things transactional.
Just like Superman had his kryptonite that took his strength, what is it that men today say is their "kryptonite"? Chris takes a look at a long list of subjects that he has seen first-hand serve as "kryptonite" for men. Explore the effects of these on men and some practical ways to overcome them!
In today's episode, Christina goes solo, leading you through a spiritual tool that will help you engage God's Word through prayer. In this 4th century practice, she will walk you through this simple yet powerful process that allows you the room to read God's Word and hear the Holy Spirit's voice perhaps in a new way.
Join Chris and Christina as they walk through the differences between when it’s time to seek a professional counselor and when it’s time to seek a mentor. They will present you with three simple principles to help you determine for yourself what you need in your life. Both are needed. Which one is right for you? Find out in today’s episode.
In today's episode, Chris and Christina will talk about the movie, The Imitation Game. Are you supposed to decipher codes in relationships? Can you just say what you need to say? Listen as they discuss a few quotes that they picked up on and how it relates to relationships.
Today you will get to hear the final episode of how you may be able to relate to hosts Chris and Christina. As they share openly about things of their past, you will definitely get to know them better. You might relate to them if ... you listen!
Join the conversation with Chris and Christina as they share more about who they are in today's episode. As you find out more about their stories, we think you'll be able to relate to them on a deeper and more authentic level. You might relate to them if ... you listen!
How well do you really know your hosts, Chris and Christina? Today you can find out more about them as they each share one way you can relate to them. Today will kick off a three part series you won't want to miss.
Today Chris and Christina unpack more characteristics of an authentic mentor. Listen as they discuss THE SIX AREAS. They will help you understand the importance of seeing not only yourself but others in a more holistic approach for deeper relationships.
Are you covered up by things that don't reveal your true self? Learn how to recognize what keeps you from embracing the real you. In today's episode, Chris and Christina wrestle with this idea of developing the real you. It starts with understanding what God says about you and ends with embracing what He says as true with the help of a Mentor.
There is no way we can compile a comprehensive list of the characteristics of good mentors. However, today we are going to talk about some of the ones that made our "list": interpersonal vs intrapersonal, the importance of being human, what it means to be a catalyst. We will discuss more but for now, trust me, this is a lot of information to digest! Enjoy!
We all have problems. Knowing how you deal with them is key. Join Chris and Christina as they discuss how to plan for problems, respond instead of react to them and what the Bible says about problems.
Why is it important to be an active listener? Find out today the importance of really listening well. When we don't listen deliberately to other people, we aren't honoring the person with whom we are engaged in conversation! Listen! It's the key to good conversations.
Today Chris and Christina will talk about the importance of knowing God's character. Why? Knowing the characteristics of God is important because how we see God shapes our view not only of Him but also ourselves! Chris will explore his own challenge of seeing God as Provider while Christina opens up about her ability to see God as good.
In our final episode about the tool My Life/My Story we will take a look at how your present is affected by your past, how you make plans for the future and how to live a life of balance with all of it!
Today we dig deeper into the My Life/My Story tool as we take a look at your past. You have a past and it matters. It also affects who you are today and what you can become in the future.
Your life is a story. And your story matters. Today we will introduce a tool that you can use for yourself or with someone else to examine your life. We'll take our time with the introduction so you can get a good feel for how important it is to take a look at your past, examine your present and assess the direction of your future.
We want to begin this journey with you, the listeners, as we introduce the idea of Real LIfe Mentoring and how it deeply impacts people. We will focus on numerous topics that will encompass the whole person: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, educationally, and professionally. Some episodes will give us all the opportunity to hear people's stories and how mentoring has impacted their lives. We are excited to begin this journey with all of you!