In this episode of The Mentorship Blueprint, we dive into the unique challenges and rewards of short-term mentoring. Mark is joined by Angel, a mentor who supported youth through Level Up Academy—a 10-week program with brief, twice-weekly sessions.

Together, they explore how to quickly build trust, keep mentees engaged, and support meaningful reflection and growth, even when time is limited. Angel shares honest insights on overcoming early obstacles, staying patient when breakthroughs don’t come right away, and finding small moments that prove just how powerful mentoring can be.

If you’re involved in a short-term mentoring program or ever wonder how to make a difference in a short amount of time, this episode is full of practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement.

What does it mean to keep showing up for someone else when you’re barely holding it together yourself?

In this powerful episode of The Mentorship Blueprint, Mark sits down with Candy, a mentor who continued to walk alongside her mentee while fighting a personal battle with cancer. Together, they explore what it looks like to stay committed, vulnerable, and real during one of life’s most challenging seasons.

Candy opens up about how she chose to share her diagnosis, how her mentoring relationship evolved during treatment, and the moments that reminded her why showing up still mattered. This conversation is a moving reminder that mentors don’t have to be perfect—they just have to be present.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can still be a source of strength for someone else while navigating your own struggles, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Mentorship Blueprint, we explore what it means to keep showing up, especially when progress is unclear and the path forward feels uncertain. Mark is joined by Theo, a mentor who has walked alongside a young person navigating multiple periods of involvement in the juvenile justice system.

This honest and vulnerable conversation highlights the emotional weight of mentoring a youth impacted by detention. Theo shares how he has stayed present through court hearings, confinement, and moments of deep doubt, even when he wasn’t sure if he was making a difference.

Together, they reflect on what it means to be a steady presence, why the long game of mentorship matters, and how to stay connected even when outcomes are slow or hard to see. This episode is a powerful reminder that showing up again and again might be the most impactful thing a mentor can do.

In this episode of The Mentorship Blueprint, host Mark is joined by longtime mentor Cherry to explore a topic that’s vital—but often overlooked—in mentoring: setting boundaries. Cherry has mentored three youth through New Pathways and brings honest, powerful reflections on what it takes to hold boundaries with mentees, families, and even with herself.

Through real stories and hard-earned wisdom, Cherry shares how boundaries can be uncomfortable, but ultimately essential for trust, growth, and sustainability in mentoring relationships. From navigating family expectations to helping mentees set limits of their own, this conversation offers practical insights for any mentor who's ever wondered where the line is—and how to hold it with care.

Whether you're new to mentoring or have years of experience, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and more equipped to model self-respect through boundary-setting.

In this episode, Mark sits down with mentor Savannah to explore what it’s like to support a mentee through an unexpected pregnancy. From the moment she found out to navigating tough conversations about the future, Savannah shares how she balanced guidance with empowerment, adapted to changing plans, and maintained a strong mentor-mentee relationship. She reflects on what she’s learned, offers advice for other mentors in similar situations, and highlights the importance of supporting a mentee’s identity beyond parenthood. Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation about mentorship, resilience, and showing up when it matters most.

In this episode, host Mark and guest Felicia discuss cultural humility in mentoring. Practicing cultural humility requires a lifelong commitment to self-reflection and learning about diverse social identities. The conversation includes recognizing and addressing power imbalances in mentoring relationships and providing methods to instill confidence in mentees. Tune in to acquire strategies for engaging in self-reflection and learning more about practicing cultural humility.

What happens to the mentor-mentee relationship after high school graduation? In this episode, guest Briana shares her experience navigating this transition, from adapting to shifting dynamics to supporting her mentee's new goals and independence. Tune in for practical tips on maintaining connection, fostering autonomy, and embracing the evolving role of a mentor in the young adult phase.

In this episode, Mark welcomes Ellie, a dedicated mentor at New Pathways for Youth, to discuss the important topic of supporting non-binary mentees. They explore what it means to understand and embrace non-binary identities, the challenges these youth often face, and practical strategies mentors can use to offer meaningful support. Tune in to discover how you can empower non-binary youth to thrive and feel truly seen in your mentoring relationships.