Rearview Mirror Podcast

In this episode of the RearViewMirror Podcast, Jeff and Steve look ahead to the holiday season—from how they cook their turkeys to navigating Christmas shopping for grown kids. They reflect on how gift-giving shifts as kids grow up, and how the pressure of the season can land differently on young adults and young families. Jeff and Steve encourage parents to give their adult children space, remembering that “quality time” is rarely possible without a quantity of time together. And that time together often needs to be more on the kids' timetable than the parents. They talk honestly about changing expectations, traditions that fade, new ones that emerge, and the simple beauty of being present. Because making memories doesn’t happen in orchestrated “special moments”—it happens through consistent, ordinary moments with our eyes wide open. This episode is an invitation to right-size expectations, release pressure, and receive the holidays as they come.

In this episode, Jeff and Steve look back at the small groups and mentors who have shaped their lives in profound ways. They talk candidly about why every man needs a circle where he can be known, encouraged, challenged, and given space to process life in real time. Near the end, they float a new idea: Rearview Mirror Roundtables—in-person, small-group gatherings designed to help men do exactly what the podcast invites them into. It’s a soft ask, but an important one: if you’d like to be part of a focus or beta group as we explore this concept, let us know. Your voice could help shape what comes next.Email at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror Podcast, Jeff and Steve begin by wrapping up their recent conversation on leadership, tying together key insights about influence, growth, and self-awareness. From there, they shift gears to explore LifeMapping, a two-day intensive Jeff offers that helps people reflect on where they’ve been, where they are, and where they want to go in their careers, relationships, and lives.The conversation centers on the midlife season—not as a specific age, but as a pivotal stage of transformation. Drawing on Richard Rohr’s Journey of Transformation, Jeff and Steve discuss the three possible paths we can take during this time: doubling down and doing more the same thing, giving up and living an Eeyore life of resignation and self-pity, or embracing the deeper work of spiritual and personal growth and renewal. The episode offers practical wisdom and honest reflection for anyone navigating life’s “middle chapters” and wondering what’s next.

On this episode of The Rear View Mirror Podcast, Jeff and Steve kick things off swapping stories about Steve’s basketball days and the upcoming Tennessee (Jeff’s team) vs. Arkansas (Steve’s team) showdown. From there, they look back at the 50th anniversaries of Saturday Night Live and Willow Creek Community Church, with a fun detour into 1970s disco and Jeff’s homecoming dance memories.But the heart of the episode is a deep and honest conversation about leadership. They ask some big questions — does everything really rise and fall on leadership? Is it about power and authority, or character and service? Can the two actually come together? Jeff and Steve explore the differences and similarities between corporate and church leadership, and even talk about the dangers of making leadership an idol.It’s a mix of nostalgia, laughter, and thoughtful insight — the kind of conversation that makes you think long after the episode ends.

In this conversation, Jeff and Steve reflect on the shifting cultural climate in America—especially the growing polarization and the ways politics and faith are often intertwined. They begin by acknowledging their own limitations in fully grasping all that’s happening, yet they share observations from their lifetimes: the loss of decorum in dialogue, the struggle to hold paradox, and the troubling trend of “Christian” becoming more of an adjective than a noun. While they affirm their love for America and honor those who serve in politics, they also express concern about the dangers of conflating politics with Christianity. Ultimately, they point to the Gospel as the true priority and remind us of the call in Hebrews 13:16: “Do good and share”—perhaps the greatest impact we can have in such divided times.

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror Podcast, Jeff and Steve continue their unofficial series on core emotions by unpacking the often-misunderstood emotion of anger. Rather than seeing anger as only destructive, they explore how it can actually point to what we value most—our passions and desires. Together they discuss practical ways to recognize anger when it rises, understand what it’s trying to tell us, and channel it in healthy, life-giving directions instead of harmful ones. When anger is acknowledged and used wisely, it becomes a force that fuels change, protects what matters, and deepens relationships.

In this episode, Jeff and Steve dive into the question, “How do you process sadness? Or even more foundational, are you aware of your sadness?” They explore the steps of healthy grieving, which ultimately lead to acceptance. Along the way, they highlight how sadness is always connected to loss—whether it’s something small, like misplacing an iPad stylus, or something life-altering, like the death of a loved one. The need remains the same: to learn how to sit with our sadness rather than rush past it, so that we can eventually move toward hope and joy.

Jeff and Steve kick things off with some lighthearted banter—Steve confessing he’s a curmudgeon when it comes to fireworks, and Jeff sharing his very first cup of coffee with Steve. From there, the conversation shifts to a deeper theme: What’s the difference between worry and anxiety? That question opens the door to exploring fear—how it can leave us stuck when we don’t know how to process it, or how, when acknowledged and worked through, it can actually guide us toward wisdom and forward movement.

Is it Season 3? In Episode 22 of the Rearview Mirror Podcast, Jeff and Steve reconnect after taking two months off for summer. The conversation flows easily as they swap stories about summer travels, camping, reflect on the quirks of living in the South, and dive into timely topics like the impact of NIL in college sports. Along the way, they touch on a variety of other everyday experiences, making this episode a laid-back catch-up between friends that listeners can relate to and enjoy.

In this episode, Jeff and Steve unpack key takeaways from a recent talk they heard by Dr. John Delony, focused on the pressures, struggles, and internal battles men—and particularly fathers—commonly face. They appreciated Delony's honest, vulnerable approach, noting how he shared personal stories that resonated deeply without shifting into a rigid list of "shoulds" or prescriptions.Instead, Delony invited men to sit with their experiences, to acknowledge the weight they carry, and to reflect on the complexity of their reality without rushing to fix or dismiss it. Jeff and Steve reflect on how refreshing that posture is—creating space for men to name their struggles, pressures, and insecurities in a culture that often discourages such vulnerability.Listeners will hear insights about fatherhood, masculinity, and the silent burdens many men carry, along with encouragement to engage those realities with grace rather than guilt.contact; [email protected]. John Delony Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3q3Uzj7jdndNfvKlMXuN9J?si=de569e671261401aDelony's talk at Church of the City: https://www.youtube.com/live/5aTBvEjVE24?si=3iWqmOouHYM2OBr- (starts at 42:11)

In this episode, Jeff and Steve respond to a listener’s question about how to support a family member who frequently finds themselves caught in the middle of two others in conflict. They explore the concept of triangulation—the unhealthy dynamic where a third party becomes the go-between—and offer practical guidance on boundary setting to avoid being pulled into drama that’s not theirs to resolve. Jeff and Steve also discuss the value of understanding our conflict styles, and how recognizing whether we tend to avoid, accommodate, compete, or collaborate can shape the way we engage (or disengage) from relational tension. It’s a helpful conversation for anyone navigating family conflict with empathy and wisdom.

In Episode 19 of The Rearview Mirror podcast, Jeff and Steve dive into the topic of work—how it shapes us, stretches us, and sometimes stirs up deeper questions of calling and identity. They respond to honest listener questions about generational shifts in how we approach careers, how ambition fits with faith, and how to discern when it's time to move on from a role. One listener wonders if the guilt of taking personal time as a working parent ever fades, and Jeff and Steve reflect with empathy and experience, acknowledging the tension many feel between responsibility and renewal. Throughout the episode, they offer encouragement and grounded wisdom, especially on how God's design for work is not just about production but also about purpose, stewardship, and peace—reminding us that our identity is not in what we do, but in who we are becoming.

In episode 18 (or season 2, episode 2!) of The Rearview Mirror Podcast, Jeff and Steve dive into the fine line between contentment and complacency—a conversation sparked by a probing question from one of Jeff’s sons. With honesty and humor, they unpack what it means to live with peace and gratitude without losing drive or purpose. Are you truly content—or just stuck? Tune in for a grounded and relatable take on ambition, aging, and learning to rest without giving up.

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror, Jeff and Steve take on the topic of blind spots—the unseen patterns and behaviors that quietly shape our lives. They discuss how these blind spots often come to light not through introspection, but through relationships. It’s the people closest to us—a spouse, a close friend, a mentor—who often see what we can’t and have the clarity to call it out.This conversation is both a mirror and a challenge—encouraging listeners to identify who in their life has permission to speak truth and urging them to listen when they do. With their usual honesty and humor, Jeff and Steve offer a practical, grace-filled conversation about self-awareness, accountability, and the freedom that comes from facing what we’d rather avoid. Connect: [email protected]

In this episode of the Rearview Mirror podcast, Jeff and Steve respond to a listener’s question about the difference between loneliness and being alone and how easy it is to use those words interchangably. They reflect on how loneliness can be an emotional signal—often tied to deeper feelings like sadness or fear—while being alone can be a conscious, healthy choice that leads to self-awareness and clarity. Understanding the difference is important. The discussion encourages listeners to sit with their loneliness, explore what’s underneath it, and recognize it as a call for connection, not just company. At its core, the episode is about understanding our emotional lives and learning how to build deeper, more intentional relationships—with others and with ourselves.Connect: [email protected]

In Episode 15, Steve and Jeff settle into a relaxed, free-flowing conversation that meanders through a variety of topics without a set agenda—true to the spirit of looking back in the rearview mirror. They reflect on the journey of the podcast itself, wondering aloud whether they've covered all the ground they can, and whether it's time for a break or just a shift in pace. The upcoming Mother’s Day gets a mention, prompting some appreciation and reflection.The conversation drifts to the joy—and occasional disbelief—of watching their adult children find success and independence. They also explore the hypothetical of relocating: would they move? To a new house or even a new town? The idea of decluttering weaves into that, both literally and metaphorically.It’s a loose, meandering episode, full of casual check-ins, open questions, and the kind of wandering talk that feels like a Sunday afternoon drive—nowhere in particular to be, just enjoying the ride.connect: [email protected]

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror, Jeff and Steve reflect on pivotal, “game changing” moments that have shaped their lives. Through honest and engaging conversation, they explore how certain events, comments, and decisions—both big and small—have had lasting impact across different seasons of life.Whether it’s a mentor’s encouragement, a moment of crisis, or a personal realization, Jeff and Steve show how looking back reveals the ways these moments were more than chance—they were turning points that continue to echo forward. The conversation is rich with personal stories, spiritual reflection, and an invitation for listeners to consider the game changing moments in their own lives.connect: [email protected]

Episode 13 of the Rearview Mirror Podcast features a thoughtful conversation between Jeff and Steve as they explore the evolving dynamics of relating to adult children, rather than continuing to "parent" them in the traditional sense. They reflect on their own relationships with their grown kids, recognizing that the parenting role has shifted into something more consultant-like—offering wisdom when invited, but primarily being a source of trust, encouragement, and support. This episode offers a heartfelt and relatable take on what it means to parent with open hands and a full heart as roles evolve over time. Connect: rearviewmirror25 ⁨@gmail.com⁩ Books mentioned on this podcast episode: Life with Your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out by Jim Burns How Children Raise Parents by Dan Allender

In this deeply personal Good Friday episode, Jeff and Steve reflect on the reality of change and the importance of healthy transition--especially in light of the recent miscarriage of one of Jeff's grandchildren. Drawing on William Bridges' wisdom that "change is external, transition is internal," they explore the three stage of transition: an ending, the messy middle and a new beginning.They discuss how we navigate that difficult middle space, where grief, uncertainty and growth often collide. From the changing of seasons to the story of Easter, and from personal loss to life's many shifts--aging, sports, job changes and even death--this episode is filled with raw emotion, hope and practical insight for anyone walking through a season of transition.

In this episode, Jeff and Steve dive into the power of reframing—shifting our perspective to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. From mishits on the golf course to missteps in relationships, they explore how setbacks don’t have to define us. Instead of getting stuck in the moment, they encourage listeners to see failure as part of a bigger story—one that’s still being written.The episode emphasizes that failures aren’t final and that we always have the chance to ask, “Maybe?” or “And…?” to discover new possibilities. By choosing to “just do the next right thing,” we move forward. Life is a video, not a snapshot, and our worst moments never have to be the last word.Connect: [email protected]

In this episode, Jeff and Steve explore why community and connection are essential for a healthy life. From church groups to dinner parties, they discuss what makes a group thrive—trust, vulnerability, and shared purpose. They highlight the value of going deeper with others and why some groups succeed while others don’t.The conversation covers different types of groups, including organic friend circles, study groups, and accountability groups rooted in recovery principles. They clarify that true accountability isn’t about control, but about supporting each other with honesty and grace. Building real community takes risk—but it’s worth it.

Following the social media trend of "I had a cup of coffee with my younger self this morning", Jeff wrote his own story called "I had a beer with my younger self last night." This exercise of self-compassion provides a chance to look in the rearview mirror at what a 20 year olds world view looked like and what advice and wisdom an older version wants to offer. After reading this to Steve they discussed key topics such as viewing authority with a better perspective, financial management, how to leave wounds in the past and move forward with healed scars. Connect: [email protected]

In this episode, Jeff and Steve dive into the world of health, wellness, exercise, and nutrition—not as experts, but as two guys figuring it out along the way. Steve shares some of his best workout practices, while Jeff opens up about his struggles with discipline and makes a commitment to a new approach. It’s an honest, lighthearted conversation about the challenges and small victories of staying healthy. Tune in for relatable insights, a few laughs, and maybe even some motivation to get moving!

In episode 7 of the Rearview Mirror Podcast, Jeff and Steve continue their discussion on the Enneagram, focusing on the concept of triads. This is Part 2 of their exploration of the Enneagram, where they break down how the nine personality types are grouped into three triads, each defined by a core emotional response to the world.The triads include:The Gut (Instinct) Triad (Types 8, 9, and 1) – Driven by anger, these types react to life based on instinct and a desire for autonomy or control.The Heart (Feeling) Triad (Types 2, 3, and 4) – Motivated by shame, individuals in this group seek affirmation and identity through relationships and image.The Head (Thinking) Triad (Types 5, 6, and 7) – Rooted in fear, these types navigate the world through analysis, planning, and seeking security.Jeff and Steve dive into how these core emotions shape behavior, decision-making, and personal growth. They offer insights into recognizing these patterns in daily life and provide practical takeaways for self-awareness and interpersonal relationships.

In Episode 6 of The Rearview Mirror Podcast, Jeff Helton and Steve Pierce give a high-level overview to the Enneagram, a personality framework that explores nine distinct types. They discuss how each type expresses itself in a healthy, resourceful way and contrast that with the shadow side—unhealthy patterns that can emerge under stress or insecurity.Using real-life examples, Jeff and Steve illustrate the strengths of each number, such as the natural leadership of Type 8 (The Challenger) or the compassionate care of Type 2 (The Helper), while also highlighting potential pitfalls, like control issues or people-pleasing tendencies. Their conversation provides an engaging and reflective look at self-awareness and personal growth through the lens of the Enneagram.Connect: [email protected] from today's podcast:The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile

In this episode of Rearview Mirror, the conversation heats up—literally—with fire stories, cooking successes and failures, and the glory of Texas BBQ. But just like life, the discussion takes an unexpected turn, shifting from sizzling grills to the arrival of a new grandbaby. With this milestone, the conversation deepens into reflections on aging, the second half of life, and learning to embrace change. Instead of dwelling on regrets, Steve and Jeff explore how mistakes can shape growth, the importance of moving forward, and how to navigate the inevitable transitions of life with grace and humor.A mix of smoky flavors and life wisdom, this episode is all about savoring the journey—both in the kitchen and beyond.

In this post-Valentine’s Day episode, Jeff and Steve look back on their combined 65-plus years of marriage, reflecting on the lessons learned along the way. They discuss their "marriage faux pas" with their wives, share personal stories, wisdom and things they wish they had known in the early days.A major topic was conflict in marriage, including emotional flooding and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse of relational conflict, as described by Dr. John Gottman (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling). They talked about how the horsemen can erode intimacy if left unchecked. At the same time, when healthy conflict resolution skills are practiced love, intimacy and connection can grow.Through humor, wisdom, and real-life experiences, this episode provides insight, encouragement, and practical advice for couples navigating the ups and downs of marriage and offers hope for a better way forward in any relationship.

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror Podcast, Steve and Jeff explore how the next generation is navigating and embracing their faith in an ever-changing world. They discuss themes like relativism, deconstruction, and the remarkable openness this generation brings to their spiritual journeys. Honoring their compassion, grace, and tolerance, Steve and Jeff reflect on how younger believers walk in others’ shoes with a deep awareness of their own limitations. It’s an inspiring conversation about the evolving nature of faith and the lessons older generations can learn from the next.

In this episode of The Rearview Mirror Podcast, Jeff and Steve dive into their journeys from rigid, legalistic faith backgrounds to a more open and authentic spirituality. Reflecting on how life has shaped their perspectives, they explore how faith, while still rooted in foundational truths, has become more nuanced and less black-and-white than what they were taught growing up. It’s an honest and thoughtful conversation about the beauty of growth, doubt, and embracing the messiness of faith.

In the debut episode of The Rearview Mirror Podcast, Steve and Jeff reflect on their 20-year friendship, countles coffee chats at Panera, and the journey that led them to launch a podcast. With no rigid agenda, they dive into the heart of their goal: creating a space for honest conversations about life’s wins, losses, and everything in between. Two imperfect guys, sharing lessons and laughter, and inviting you to join the ride.Connect with us: [email protected]

Rearview Mirror Podcast with Jeff Helton and Steve Pierce is a heartfelt and reflective journey through life’s twists and turns. In each episode, the duo looks back on where they’ve been, candidly sharing lessons learned along the way. With honesty and humor, they explore their successes, missteps, and the in-between moments in areas like relationships, faith, family, and personal growth. Steve and Jeff’s relatable storytelling and thoughtful insights invite listeners to reflect on their own paths, reminding us all that life is a mix of mistakes made, wisdom gained, and moments worth cherishing.