The Mentor Sessions

BigMike Coyle

The Mentor Sessions is a podcast about the people who shape us—and the responsibility we carry to do the same for others. None of us become who we are on our own. Behind every leader, every parent, every builder, every person striving for something more… there was someone who took the time to guide them. In each episode, BigMike sits down with people from all walks of life—leaders, veterans, coaches, entrepreneurs, and everyday individuals with extraordinary stories—to uncover the mentors who changed their lives, the lessons they carry forward, and the wisdom they’re passing on. These aren’t surface-level conversations. These are real discussions about: Connection and belongingLeadership and responsibilityResilience, failure, and growthPurpose, identity, and legacyThe moments—and people—that define us If you’ve ever had a mentor… needed one… or felt the pull to become one—this is your place. Because none of us walk the path alone.

  1. 15h ago

    The Mentor Sessions : This One Shift Will Change How You View Your Career

    Are you climbing the right ladder of success? This one shift will change how you view your career. On this episode of The Mentor Sessions, BigMike sits down with Coach David for a deep, honest conversation about core values, critical thinking, and what it really takes to align your career with your passion. David shares how his upbringing, love of reading, and lifelong learning shaped his ability to see different perspectives, navigate family dynamics, and blend faith with logic in work and life. If you feel stuck, burned out, or are questioning your next move, this conversation will challenge you to reflect, re-center on what matters, and take the leap of faith toward the right path for you. In this episode: Why core values are the foundation for every career decisionHow reading and critical thinking fuel personal growthHow to align your career with passion instead of just a paycheckThe balance of uniqueness, adaptation, and humility in mentorshipLet me leave you with this — what is the one shift you need to make in your career right now? Drop it in the comments below. I read every one. And if this conversation helped you, subscribe to The Mentor Sessions with BigMike for real conversations on mentorship, personal growth, and life lessons every week. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Foundations of Core Values 2:59 The Influence of Reading 9:05 Critical Thinking and Personal Growth 16:07 Understanding Different Perspectives 25:45 Applying Lessons in Mentorship 32:11 Navigating Family Dynamics and Attention 34:49 The Balance of Uniqueness and Adaptation 35:55 Choosing the Right Path in Life 39:16 Climbing the Right Ladder of Success 43:02 The Importance of Self-Reflection 45:47 Blending Faith with Logic 52:24 The Lifelong Journey of Learning 54:32 The Interplay of Knowledge and Humility 56:20 Taking the Leap of Faith https://adeoyeabodunrin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/adeoyeabodunrin/ https://www.facebook.com/CoachDeoking/ #MentorSessions #CareerGrowth #PersonalDevelopment Want me to build you the tags for this one next to help it rank for career change and personal development search?

  2. Oct 22

    The Mentor Sessions | Collaboration vs. Competition: A Michelin Chef’s View

    Here's a copy-paste ready description for this episode: From watching the Food Network as a kid to cooking in Michelin-star kitchens with Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay — Chef Dewey's journey is about passion, resilience, and reinvention. In this Mentor Session, Chef Dewey shares how a childhood fascination with shows like Barefoot Contessa — so different from the Liberian dishes at home — led his mother to enroll him in culinary school. He opens up about mastering pastry and culinary arts, what high-pressure kitchens taught him about consistency and preparation, and the cutthroat moments that tested him, including having his knife stolen. And here's what I've learned: After stepping away, it was teaching his nephew to cook that reignited his fire and led him to build The Kobe Experience — his private chef business crafting personalized, allergy-conscious menus around each client. If you've ever had to start over to find your purpose again, this conversation is for you. Let me leave you with this — resilience isn't about never breaking. It's about finding your way back to what you love. In this episode: Early inspiration and falling in love with food Training and cooking with legends Lessons from high-pressure kitchens Rediscovering purpose through mentorship Building The Kobe Experience as a private chef Be sure to subscribe to The Mentor Sessions for more real conversations on mentorship, growth, and life lessons. Drop a comment — what moment reignited YOUR passion? #Mentorship #ChefStory #PersonalGrowth

  3. Oct 1

    The Mentor Sessions: How to Build a Life of Purpose (Even When You Are Stuck)

    Here's a copy-paste ready description for this episode: Feeling stuck? In this episode of The Mentor Sessions, David Kincaid shares how he went from a federal government career to becoming a world-traveling coach — and how you can build a life of purpose too. This isn't surface-level advice. This is a real conversation about mentorship, identity, resilience, love, vulnerability, and trauma — and the universal longing we all share for purpose and human connection. If you're navigating a transition, wrestling with who you are, or searching for what's next, this one is for you. In this episode: ✅ Embrace struggles for growth ✅ How mentorship fosters resilience ✅ Why love requires vulnerability ✅ How purpose drives human connection CHAPTERS: 00:00 David's Journey from Government to Coaching 03:06 The Role of Education in Identity Formation 05:54 The Importance of Mentorship and Human Connection 10:09 Struggles as a Path to Growth 14:01 The Collective Nature of Humanity 17:01 The Role of Mentors in Navigating Life's Challenges 21:08 Empathy and Support in Mentorship 24:54 Overcoming Trauma and Building Resilience 30:18 Embracing Love and Vulnerability 33:53 The Power of Reflection and Growth 39:32 Understanding Trauma and Healing 42:51 Finding Joy and Purpose in Life 50:18 The Universal Longing for Purpose Let me leave you with this — you don't have to figure this out alone. What was the moment that hit you most? Drop it in the comments — I read every one. Subscribe to The Mentor Sessions with BigMike for real conversations on mentorship, personal growth, fatherhood, and becoming the man you were made to be. New episodes weekly.

About

The Mentor Sessions is a podcast about the people who shape us—and the responsibility we carry to do the same for others. None of us become who we are on our own. Behind every leader, every parent, every builder, every person striving for something more… there was someone who took the time to guide them. In each episode, BigMike sits down with people from all walks of life—leaders, veterans, coaches, entrepreneurs, and everyday individuals with extraordinary stories—to uncover the mentors who changed their lives, the lessons they carry forward, and the wisdom they’re passing on. These aren’t surface-level conversations. These are real discussions about: Connection and belongingLeadership and responsibilityResilience, failure, and growthPurpose, identity, and legacyThe moments—and people—that define us If you’ve ever had a mentor… needed one… or felt the pull to become one—this is your place. Because none of us walk the path alone.