Real Life Mentoring

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...

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 mov...

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 p...

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:

Reach out to DeLong Family Chiropractic Care today!

2214 Tecumseh Dr, Norman, OK 73069

PHONE

(405) 701-5345

EMAIL<...

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.

...

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.

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...

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.

Me...

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 powerfu...

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...

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?<...

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

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:

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 exampleWe speak to one another through our souls. Relationships are developed here.Our souls have to be restored at times. Ps...

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:

You'll want to continue listening and watch for part tw...

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 turn...

You've heard Chris and Christina speak about The Six Areas that comprise a person:

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.

...

In this episode, we dive into spiritual mentoring and why understanding God’s character is foundational to personal growth. Chris shares stories from his youth and a silent retreat that illustrate how our perception of God shapes how we see ourselves, relate to others, and navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re mentoring or being mentored, this episode gives practical tips for exploring God’s Word and anchoring your identity in His truth.

Real Life Mentoring podcast is brought to you by Shelter Insurance - The Aaron Ruiz Agency. His agency offers auto, home, life and business insuranc...

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...

Many of us hide our struggles — from depression to fear, insecurity, and stress. In this episode of the Real Life Mentoring Podcast, Chris shares why mentoring and meaningful relationships are crucial.

Learn how a simple question — “How are you doing, really?” — can open doors to honest conversation, support, and growth. Hear Chris’ personal story of career challenges, financial stress, and finding strength through faith and mentorship.

You’ll discover:

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...

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:

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...

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...

Have you ever tried hard in a relationship — showed up, helped, talked, served — and the other person still felt distant?

It’s frustrating and confusing. And often it leads people to one conclusion: “Maybe we just aren’t compatible.”

But many struggling relationships don’t have a love problem. They have an understanding problem.

Every person has relational needs — specific ways they experience care, connection, and security. As we grow older, those needs don’t disappear; they just become invisible. When they aren’t recognized, people feel alone even when they’re not.

In this episode...

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...

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...

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.

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.<...

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:

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...

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.

...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:

Show sponsor: Lori E Kenney CPA Firm. https://www.loriekenneycpa.com

Podcast: The Place We Find Ourselves by Adam...

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:

<...

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...

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