| Mark Edward |
We see them.
Floundering. Confused.
Lonely.
The hurting young men.
(📷 guycounseling.com – Young Man Alone)
One in 5 men say they have no close friends.
Thirty-two percent say they have no best friend.
We crave to connect.
We want to Mentor.
But the Fears.
The Fears are not from him.
Or his hang ups.
Or his awkwardness.
The Fears we face are the Fears we hear.
When we look in the mirror.
Do I have the confidence to Mentor?
I’m only 30.
What could I possibly offer?
My life is crazy.
I don’t have time to Mentor.
What if he rejects me in his pain?
Who can I collaborate with when I’m at an impasse trying to help?
Even worse.
At times, I have my own struggles with self doubt & self loathing.
The urge to isolate.
Some days, I’m so introspective my own head space becomes a deep freeze.
Hell, I looked at porn 9 days ago. How can I help him manage it?
I. Can’t. Do. This. Alone.
You are Right.
You can not mentor alone.
You should not mentor alone.
Now.
You don’t have to.
(📷 My Nashville Circle – 2019)
I have invested 40 years in the Craft of Mentoring.
I’ve learned so much, but one of the most important things I’ve learned is the power of Mentoring Together.
Having a team who has your back is the difference between Mentoring longevity and burnout.
A Team of Mentors.
Fellow Mentors.
Welcome Gentlemen.
“What – are you doing?”
If you are reading this post, you have been granted access as a potential Candidate to details about I’d Rather Talk’s 2025 Fellow Mentors Summit™.
I encourage you to take several minutes to discover what The Fellow Mentors Summit (FMS) on Davis Islands is all about.
Learn how this week-end can transform your Mentoring and Leadership skills.
Find yourself in an environment where you Leader / Mentor soul is nurtured and capacity is expanded.
Dedicate a weekend to elevate to the next level.
Scroll 🖱 Through to Learn More
Later, you can utilize the Quick Index to revisit the topic of your choice if desired.
Quick Index for Later
(Red = Important links)
What is the Fellow Mentors Summit?
Flight Times – Arrivals and Departures
Optional Free 4th Night – Time at the Ocean (Sunday)
What is The Fellow Mentors Summit?
Limited exclusively to 4 carefully selected and seasoned young men from my Mentoring Circles, The Fellow Mentors Summit is a 4 day, 4 night Intensive Training Event, hosted by me and my Co-host on beautiful Davis Islands, on Tampa Bay.
During this amazing weekend, we offer Five Interactive Forums focused on saturating you with wisdom and practical ways to hone and expand your Mentor / Leader skills, enhanced by outings, and downtime for reflection and rest.
(📷 Mirazul sharing his life journey and
his own Mentor / Leader story during “The River” Forum – 2020)
What are Forums?
Forum: “A place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged.”
Exchanging wisdom has always been the core of my Mentoring style.
I don’t have all the answers.
(📷 Isaac Posing a Question During the “Season’s of Mentoring” Forum, 2023)
At the Summit, I am merely a Facilitator; a conduit for knowledge and wisdom to flow around the table – both to and from each Candidate.
While I do share from my 42 years of Mentor / Leader experience, our forums are not lectures.
Instead, they feature Round Table segments where candidates openly exchange insights with one another from their own Leader / Mentor experiences.
Interactive.
Conversational.
Round Table interaction with other young men of like mind. Except the table isn’t round 🤔.
(📷 Steak, Salmon and Shrimp Night, 2020.
FMS 2025 is an alcohol free event.)
Summit Forums utilize audio/visual, coaching, and hands-on personalized notebooks – yet they are chill and casual.
A Mentoring 2.0
At your core, If you crave to elevate your mentoring and leadership skills to the next level; if you deeply desire to expand your capacity as a young Leader / Mentor; The Fellow Mentors Summit is for you.
My Co-Facilitator
👉🏻 Returning again this year as Co-Facilitator, Christopher Michael Rudolph attended the first Summit in 2019 as a Candidate.
Chris has been in my Circle for nearly 18 years, since he was 19. This is his 3rd Summit.
Married to Lauren since 2013, he is the Founder and President of Rudolph Video, and leads his own Mentoring Circle.
(📷 Christopher Michael Rudolph
My Co-Facilitator
and Lauren Rudolph)
(📷 A Rudolph Video Shoot)
Adding on to what I may offer, I am more excited for you to also gain wisdom from a peer – someone in your age group.
In addition, Chris is on board as Co-Host to assist me with the many logistics and details of hosting you.
Examples of Forums
LINK: Examples of Forums from Previous Years HERE.
Mark, Why All The Effort?
The concept of raising up other mentors has been on my man soul bucket list since 2012.
I am overjoyed to see my dream of multigenerational coaching come to fruition.
The children of today’s Young Mentors will see the light of the year 2100.
So will the children of those you Mentor.
(📷 FMS 2020)
We must pass forward our wisdom, love, and encouragement to future generations.
2025 introduces our 4th Summit.
I hope to host them bi-annually.
Until you are old.
And I am really old.
(📷 The Jetty on Davis Islands)
Is the FMS Fun?
If I am involved, it’s going to be fun.
There’s going to be laughter.
Something inappropriate for your typical public setting will probably be said. 🤣
And while the 5 forums are paramount, I tailor the weekend to include group outings, and downtime for R&R along Tampa Bay.
There will be time to enjoy:
- Swimming in our private pool
- Biking around the Islands
- Taking the Pirate Water Taxi up the Seddon Channel to Armature Works and Sweet Green
- Plenty of Amazing Food and Snacks 24/7, like Fresh Kitchen and Marguerita’s Mexican here on the Islands
- Hanging at Davis Islands Coffee Bar – the best coffee shop in Tampa
- Personal Reflection
- Downtime and Rest
(📷 If you pay your deposits on time, you can borrow my TREK)
(📷 Micah Lee at Armature Works, 2020)
(📷 Fresh Kitchen – Tasty and Healthy)
Local Hang Outs
LINK: Fresh Kitchen Menu – The Best Local Fresh Food
LINK: DI Coffee Bar on Davis Islands
LINK: Pirate Water Taxi on the Seddon Channel
LINK: Sweet Green Bowls (Near Armature Works)
(📷 Danny and Micah at the Venue – 2020)
Nourishing Relationships
Successful mentoring is based on successful friendships.
We welcome forming relationships with other candidates over week-end.
Some married.
Some single.
(📷 Steak, Shrimp and Salmon Night, 2023)
From various backgrounds and walks of life around the U.S.
* For 2025, every candidate is married 💑 *
(📷 The Pirate Water Taxi. A FMS Tradition)
In addition, I offer One on One time for each Candidate with myself daily; prior to breakfast, after Forums, in the evenings, and all day Sunday.
Your Insights and Experiences Matter
Bring your toughest Mentoring questions or personal challenges.
We will work those out.
Together.
(📷 My Favorite Sunrise View at The Jetty)
Qualifications
By invitation only, The Fellow Mentors Summit is designed for young men who:
- are actively Mentoring, have Mentored, or are poised to begin their Mentoring Journey.
- have proven they possess the Heart of a Mentor
- exhibit the Behaviors of a Mentor
- engage in the Actions of a Mentor
- are looking to elevate their Mentoring skills to the next level.
With intention, I thoughtfully hand select from my Circle – young men who meet the criteria, who have journeyed closely with me (typically a minimum of 3 years), and have experienced a glimpse of how mentoring works.
Event Dates
The 2025 Summit Dates are:
- Thursday, October 9 (1:30 pm) through
- Monday, October 13 (Depart anytime Monday AM)
Yes. That’s 3 days away from work.
No. You won’t not regret it.
(📷 Chris and Mark getting tanned in the fog at Anna Maria Island Beach – 2019)
Anna Maria Beach Trip
Following Forum 5 on Sunday, we will enjoy relaxation and downtime on the white sands of Anna Maria Island Beach.
Weather permitting, this beautiful drive across the 3 mile Gandy Bridge and the captivating 4.4 mile Sunshine Skyway Bridge is included at no cost, all meals provided.
Anna Maria is the culmination of our weekend together, cementing friendships and sealing the wisdom we have exchanged.
With Forums concluded, this casual afternoon on the fine white sandy beaches of Anna Maria is followed by Mark’s not so famous “White Boy Taco Night” back at the Venue, Rest, Personal Reflection, and time with Mark and Chris.
You will depart Monday unrushed and fully rested.
What to Bring
- Casual shorts / shirts
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Your favorite pen
- Light jacket for the Water Taxi
- You won’t need $$ unless you want buy your Aunt Mildred a souvenir – or tip the airport luggage dude.
Daytime Temps in the 80’s;
Evening Temps in the middle 60’s.
Cost
The Gross Event Cost for Mark and I’d Rather Talk to host the FMS is over $5,000.
However, through the generous support of our sponsors, the bulk of the budget has been met.
The cost for you to participate is minimal:
- A $150 Non-Refundable Deposit – payable in 3 payments of $50.
– $50 by June 1, 2025
– $50 by July 1, 2025
– $50 by August 1, 2025 - The cost of your flights or road trip.
That’s it!
I’d Rather Talk covers everything else.
(Deposits can be paid in one lump or at the target dates shown above.)
(📷 Fresh Atlantic Salmon Night – 2020.
FMS 2025 is an Alcohol Free Event)
Quality meals like Steak, Shrimp & Atlantic Salmon in the Venue, dining out at local Island restaurants, snacks (some healthy, some not LOL), comfortable sleeping accommodations at a midcentury cottage Air Bnb, and outings are all included.
Once you arrive, you can focus on learning and training.
You won’t need to incur additional expenses.
My heart and the heart of our sponsors is for you to expand your mentoring and leadership capacities – without thinking about money.
Accommodations
In 2019, The first Summit was held in our nice but very small apartment on Davis Islands.
We made it work and it was a good launch.
Those guys are still with me, still mentoring, and we still laugh, joke, and offer support in a group thread that is now nearly 6 years running!
In 2020 and 2023, with the help of my college room mate, Life Long Inner Circle friend and his wife, we took it up several notches by renting an Airbnb as our Venue here on the Islands.
For 2025, you will enjoy 4 nights in a colorful, Florida-style bungalow Airbnb.
Reserved exclusively for the us, this mid century cottage offers 2 cheerful gathering areas, updated kitchen, and comfortable sleeping quarters.
You can utilize the laundry facilities, golf cart, and bicycles – near Tampa Bay, 3 blocks from the Seddon Channel.
LINK: See more photos of the Bungalow Airbnb Venue HERE.
(📷 Steak and Loaded Baked Potato Night 2020
– Mirazul Could Put it Away!)
(📷 Coffee Bar in the Venue)
(📷 Tea Bar)
Meals
Prior to the Summit, I send out a questionnaire about your food preferences.
We do our best to accommodate your needs, such as avoiding foods your mom forced you to eat, allergies, or vegan needs.
We offer 11 high quality meals from Thursday evening to Monday morning – both in the Venue and eating out on the Island, with a variety of snacks and drinks available 24/7.
Covered by the FMS at no cost to you.
(📷 A Fully Stocked Fridge – 24/7)
(📷 FMS 2020. My face.)
Potential Candidate BIOS
Four days and 4 nights.
Hmmm. Who will I be hanging with?
I’m glad you asked.
I have been honored to walk with many extraordinary young men over the last 42 years.
(📷 James Owen Bristow – 1988
My 5th year of Mentoring)
This year, 5 young men from Southern California, Kansas, Alabama, Tennessee, and Maine, are initially invited – in a pre-approved status.
Event Space is Limited to 4 Confirmed Candidates.
How do I Secure my Spot?
Space is LIMITED to the First 4 Officially Confirmed Candidates.
Candidates are considered “Officially Confirmed” to the Summit when:
- I have received acknowledgement by text of your initial commitment to participate (not verbal).
- I’d Rather Talk receives your First $50 Deposit Payment – anytime between now and June 1, 2025.
As a reminder, Second and Third Deposit payments of $50 each are due July 1 and Aug 1.
Deposits can be paid after these target dates as well based on availability / openings
💥 If you want to attend, act today.
Text me at 417-763-7445.
LINK: Submit your Deposit Payments HERE
Cancellations
I have it in my heart for you specifically to participate in this life altering week-end.
This year. You are on my mind.
The Honor of Hosting the Summit is a culmination of 42 years of Mentoring experience, and countless hours of preparation specifically for 2025.
Once you commit, arrange your travel plans now.
To free yourself up to attend, consider moving other plans to alternates dates. You are investing in your future as a Leader / Mentor.
Things do happen. COVID happened in 2020 and 2 guys opted out.
If, after Confirmation, you are unable to keep the commitment, please call me.
I will still be proud of the man you are. I just need to fill your spot.
Your deposit is non-refundable. However, we can retain you as a future potential Candidate for 2027 or 2029.
Should the Candidate withdraw from Summit attendance, all deposits paid up to the time of withdrawal shall be retained by I’d Rather Talk™ for the benefit of the Summit Candidate Group as a whole.
Deposits are non-refundable.
Deposits are non-transferrable to future Summits.
Air Travel
If you choose to travel by air, book your flights for:
- TPA Tampa International Airport – or
- PIE Clearwater Saint Petersburg Airport.
I recommend securing your flights now.
You don’t need to rent a car. All Ground Transportation is provided.
- We will pick you up on Thursday, October 9, NO LATER than 1:00pm Eastern.
- We will return you to the airport Monday, October 13, anytime.
You can also drive to Tampa for the Summit if desired.
Flight Times
Arrivals
The Event begins promptly at 2:30pm Thursday, October 9, 2025.
– This means your flight should ARRIVE NO LATER than 1:00pm Thursday, October 9.
You may arrive earlier Thursday morning – but – no later than 1:00pm, so that we can commence on time.
We can host you on Wednesday night if needed as well.
Departures
The Event ends Monday Morning, October 13.
– This means you can depart anytime Monday, October 13, but not before.
House Rules
Candidates are expected to abide by simple guidelines during The Summit.
- Clean Up After Yourself.
- Avoid Technology. (Social Media, News, Phone APPS, Phone Games, Email, IG, TikTok…etc)
Other than your spouse or children, advise non-family you won’t be available until Monday. - Be Vulnerable. Be Real. Be Present.
- Have Fun. Welcome Change.
FMS 2025 is an Alcohol Free Event.
What the FMS is Not
- A Church Conference.
- A Prayer Vigil – although we may pray when appropriate.
- A Men’s Recovery Group.
- A Theology or Debate Group.
- A Political forum.
- An opportunity to make Amway, Herbalife, or Genesis Pure connections.
- A weekend of fasting and intercession.
- A time to catch up on emails for work.
- A time to surf IG, TikTok, YouTube, or post to your Only Fans.
What You Will Take Home
When you leave the Summit, I hope you take 3 things with you:
👉🏻 Insight – gained from Fellow Mentors, taking your mentoring skills and capacities to the Next Level
👉🏾 Confidence – instilled from Fellow Mentors sharing their struggles and the wisdom they’ve gained in their journey.
👉🏽 Camaraderie – birthed from the strength of locking arms with Fellow Mentors as you navigate the unexpected twists of Mentoring. Life. Husbanding.
Ask Yourself
– What would it feel like to have people you can call when you a stuck?
– What if you could learn from another’s Mentoring Journey?
– How would having Fellow Mentors in your life transform the way you Mentor?
Transform the lives of your mentees?
We can not Mentor alone.
We must forge and nourish a team of Mentors.
Fellow Mentors.
Got Questions?
Call me today! 417-763-7445.
Space is limited to 4 wise handsome young men.
I Hope You’ll Join me This October.
Feel free to reply below or email us privately if you don’t want your mother stalking your personal business.
We never share email addresses.
We won’t blow up your IN box. We don’t air your dirty laundry. Ever.
Copyright © 2019 – 2025 by Mark Edward – All Rights Reserved
Special thanks to Christopher Michael Rudolph for his gift in helping me edit and fine tune the FMS Page. #SPOC #peers #fellowmentors #LLIC
This is a password protected post, published on the site, I’d Rather Talk ™
What? Not following us on Social Media?
We don’t clog up your feed. We don’t tweet hourly. We don’t care about Likes. We don’t need more Followers for our ego. We don’t post closeups of Shrimp Cocktail.
Insights tastefully cybered to men. Once in a while.
