Elevation Nation

United States gymnast Simone Biles is the face of this year’s Olympics. However, while competing for gold alongside her team, she decided to take herself out of competition…Not for a physical injury, but a mental one.We talk through Simone’s decision and how she is the perfect example of someone displaying mental fortitude.

Brenner London is now an expat (someone who lives outside of their native country). Not too long ago, Brenner took advantage of an opportunity that was presented to him at work and moved from the United States to Amsterdam, Netherlands. As a young adult, Brenner is navigating new cultures in Europe. He is making the most of his experience by doubling down on his self-awareness and vision. This week, we talk with Brenner about his decision to move abroad, some of the crazy experiences he has had and the challenges he faces while immersing himself in a new culture.Brenner is also a podcast host himself! Check out the Expat Podcast on Spotify to hear more about life as an expat.Expat PodcastLinkedIn

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks just captured their first NBA title in 50 years this week. Elevation Nation might recall after Game 4, Giannis said something remarkable about his mindset to the media. We break down what Giannis had to say and how much his mindset relates to the concept of mental fortitude.

Professor, recruiter, and business guru Mike Poerksen has spent his career in the corporate world. As a director of recruiting for many organizations, Mike knows exactly what companies are looking for when hiring for internships and full-time jobs. The guys talk to Mike about what skills students need to land their dream job, as well as how to stand out to get hired in this "post" COVID world. LinkedIn

We will be honest. Last week, we hit a wall. But then we had a conversation with our mentor Rich Keller. Two hours later, we were back on track and more inspired than we have been in months. Mentors give us advice and hold us accountable, but more importantly provide us with reminders of the important things in life that we may have forgotten about. This week, we talk about the power of mentors and how to go about making a mentor/mentee relationship more impactful.

After his collegiate basketball career came to an end, Eric Porter was looking for a way to stay close to the game he loved. Upon the end of his playing career, a joke conversation about making a shoe turned into a Chicago footwear brand taking the country by storm. The guys talk to Eric about how he utilized his ability to learn on the fly and his Mental Fortitude to help create the apparel movement, Stria Sport. Stria SportStria InstagramEric InstagramLinkedIn

After their conversation with Hayden Humphrey on taking time to slow down, the guys talk about their week off of work for the 4th of July holiday and how they are taking time to slow down and get introspective.

Self-awareness is a skill that isn't taught in school. Yet, it is crucial to developing Mental Fortitude and finding fulfillment in the real world. For coach and entrepreneur Hayden Humphrey, he needed to slow down and learn who he was in order to find his path. And now, he's helping others do the same, exact thing. Hayden Humphrey CoachingLift ApparelLinkedInInstagram

After talking with Alex Sheinman this week, the guys were inspired by his "just do it attitude". Sam and Parker discuss ways you can take the first step towards your goals and hold yourself accountable to keep the momentum going.

You can either wait for opportunities to come to you, or you can go out there and create them yourself. Alex Sheinman (@alexsheinman) chooses to make his own fate. From creating one of the most successful events at Penn State to raising more than $125k for COVID-19 relief, Alex has learned to not wait for things to happen, and to just do it yourself.InstagramLinkedInBoardroom University

This week, Professor Jennifer Gershberg shared her thoughts on where Gen Z and Millenial students excelled and where they needed to improve. Funny enough, Parker and Sam came across a music video by Kenny Chesney called "Rich and Miserable". In it, the professor asks the students to write one word to replace “miserable” with what they want to give to the world. It was the perfect conversation starter for this week. The guys discuss try to figure out why more young adults don't ask themselves this meaningful question.

As a professor at the University of Maryland, Jennifer has a major impact on the lives of young people each year. In this week's episode, she provides an honest perspective of where Millenial and Gen Z students excel... and where they might need some work! LinkedInMaryland Profile

People don't realize, being young has huge advantages. People WANT to help you. The guys talk about how they utilized this hidden secret to help them excel in the real world.

Questions can be extremely powerful. Especially if they come from a genuine place. The guys talk to Zach Garelik about how he used a simple question to kickstart his career and get his dream job, a place to live, and more.LinkedInInstagram

After talking with Jesse Cohen, Sam and Parker share ways they push themselves and each other to push outside their comfort zones and grow.

Jesse Cohen has followed an eerily familiar path to Parker and Sam. They all grew up in similar towns, went to Big 10 schools, and got the normal, corporate job. But Jesse soon realized this was not the life he wanted, so he did something about it and starting living by his own rules, helping himself and other people create their ideal lives. The guys talk to Jesse about introspection, living true to yourself, and how to break out of societal expectations.InstagramJesse Cohen CoachingFree Call with Jesse!

After talking with Alex Myers this week about his difficult transition from college to the real world, the guys decide to reflect on their first year out of school and compare it to now. Sam and Parker talk about the struggles they had in year one, what they know now in year three, and the issues they are still facing as young adults.

You prepare your whole life for it. You think you know what to expect. But the "real world" can hit you, hard. On the show this week, the guys talk with one of the first members of Elevation Nation, their mentee, Alex Myers. Sam and Parker have been working with Alex, helping him with his transition to the real world. They talk with Alex about his struggles, his future plans, and how Elevation Nation helped him conquer the real world. Time Out with Alex MyersInstagram

Parker and Sam talk about a big change in Parker’s life; his move from DC to NYC! With both Parker’s move and recent college grads joining the real world, the guys discuss how new chapters are perfect times to get introspective, reset and assess goals.

Our generation has the ability to share their opinions easier than ever before thanks to social media. But typically, our voices end up in an "echo chamber" only hearing similar thoughts to our own. Sophie Beren is on a mission through her organization "The Conversationalist" to amplify and unify the voices of Gen Z to help people have conversations from all points of view. The guys talk to Sophie about her mission and why self-awareness is so important for young people in the real world.The ConversationalistInstagramSophie's Instagram

For the 50th episode of the Elevation Nation Podcast, Sam and Parker reflect on the highlights of their many incredible conversations. If you want a quick summary to figure out which episode to listen to next, listen up! The guys also give a sneak peek at some of the exciting developments in store for Elevation Nation. Here's to another 50 episodes!

Professional golfers have very little margin of error. Bennett Wisner is at the top of his game, but it is his mental mindset that truly allows him to dominate on and off the golf course. The guys talk to Bennett to learn about life on tour and how he approaches mastering his mindset before rounds, in between holes, after the tournament, and most importantly the real world. InstagramPGA Tour Profile

After their discussion with the Beneficial Pain guys this week, Parker and Sam reflect on what they can do to make the world a better place. If young adults have a hard time figuring out the value they add to the world, giving back can be a great place to start.

Beneficial Pain is a non-profit focused on redirecting the mindset around pain and making a positive impact on their communities. After going through painful events in their lives, Billy, Devin and their team set out to turn their struggles into strengths for themselves and others. Sam and Parker talk to the guys about their own painful pasts, including the timely events surrounding social injustices.Beneficial PainInstagramBilly WingoDevin HarvinChange the Pain Day Video

The guys continue the conversation they had with Rich Keller this week on defining your personal brand. Sam and Parker talk about an issue plaguing young adults in today's world as more and more people let careers define who they are. Learn how Parker and Sam struggled with this reality, and what they did to define themselves on their own terms.

Rich Keller is a speaker, podcast host, influencer, father, cancer survivor, and "The Catalyst". Rich has been an indispensable coach and mentor for Parker and Sam on their entrepreneurial journey the past two years. The guys talk to Rich about his inspiring story, how he became "The Catalyst" and how he is on a mission to help one million people craft their personal brand with “One Word”Learn More About RichRich's Podcast "The Catalyst Effect"

This week, in honor of Parker's episode launching, the guys are talking all about what it is like to work together as co-founders and friends. They spill the tea on all the ups and downs they've had throughout their Elevation Nation journey.

This week the guys take an opportunity to show the genius behind Elevation Nation, co-founder Parker Yablon. Sam interviews Parker about some of the challenges that he went through before college and the life lessons he always reverts to as he tries to elevate himself in the real world. As you can imagine, things get introspective! LinkedInInstagramTwitter

After our conversation with Dan Alpert this week, Parker and Sam throw it back to their final days in College Park and reflect on the things they wish they knew as Seniors about to enter the real world.

For University of Maryland student body President and college senior Dan Alpert, the real world is almost here. We talk to Dan about leadership and reflect with him on his past four years while helping to get him ready for the real world that lies ahead!LinkedIn

After their discussion this week with Corey Friedman on taking a year to just live life, Sam and Parker talk about how they have taken time to focus on living life themselves. The guys also drop a sneak peek at what is coming for Elevation Nation to help them learn how to "just live" and activate Mental Fortitude.

Society is constantly pressuring us to reveal "what's next". As soon as we finish one accomplishment, we are quickly reminded that success is short-lived. Our guest this week pushed societal expectations out the window when he decided to take a year for himself and simply experience life. No promotions, no expectations, just pure living. InstagramThe Art of CoreyThe Art of Corey Store

There's no better time to take a step back and re-explain our story. For those new to Elevation Nation, listen to our story and how we came to be. Elevation Nation was born out of necessity, to help us turn our lives around and help others know they are not alone as they enter the real world. Plus get a sneak peek of what is coming up next for EN!

In the real world, there are some people who just seem to be comfortable with who they are, where they are going, and how to get there. To our next guest, Jarred Raissen, that all boils down to one trait. Confidence. Jarred lives and breathes confidence so much, that he started a company about it. Jarred, however, was not always the confident connoisseur he is today. We talk with Jarred intimately about his past struggles and how he changed who he was to become the King of Confidence in the real world. Use Promo Code "EN15" for 15% off goods at Zelmins Minty Mouth! InstagramLinkedInZelmin's Minty Mouth

Working from home and an increased "digital" work-life has challenged us to figure out how to relax and recharge without feeling guilty. The guys talk about how they struggle with work/life balance and the things they do to keep their sanity in an ever-evolving working environment.

You know him as one of the voices behind Elevation Nation, but believe it or not, he is so much more than just that! Parker does some of his best journalism as he interviews Sam in-depth about his past, present, and plans for the future. Sam opens up to discuss the struggles he had right after college and how he found inspiration through entrepreneurship. InstagramLinkedIn

We preach habits, conquering the real world, and Mental Fortitude. But let's face it, not every day is full of success. In this week's episode of Fortitude in 15, Sam and Parker discuss what happened when they both had "bad days" and how they attempted to turn it around.

Adulthood can be hectic. Careers, finances, relationships...the list goes on. Figuring out the real world is not easy. Sirena Abalian (@sirenaabalian ) believes in a society where we navigate life listening to the only unbiased voice we have... our inner child. The guys talk with Sirena about how she uses her inner child to tackle the challenges life throws at her! They also discuss how shifting your mindset is more important than any other workout you can do! InstagramLearn More

On this week’s Fortitude in 15, the guys hit the "life list" to talk about their new love of reading, how to stand up to bullies and why it is important to take pictures. Also, as an added bonus, Parker and Sam share their hilarious story of how students tend to act like "robots" at career fairs!

John "Cuba" Camardella looks at life differently than most. As a world-renowned thought leader on religious literacy, John has made it his mission to expose young adults to a more diverse world outside of their "bubble". His efforts to magnify our global similarities and highlight our differences help empower others with a more diverse mindset. John talks with us about the importance of internal conversations to enhance one's Mental Fortitude. InstagramLinkedIn

This week, the guys get into a heated debate on more rules to live by as Sam and Parker butt heads over the need to always carry cash. Hear about why Sam prefers bars over clubs, and Parker's technique for spraying cologne the "right" way. These silly rules to live by all contribute to a greater sense of self-awareness helping YOU enhance your Mental Fortitude!

Sammy Handler wasn't exactly sure what she wanted to do upon graduation. She was facing a dilemma that is far too familiar with college kids... "What comes next"? The guys talk to Sammy about how she used Mental Fortitude to adapt her mindset as an entrepreneur. Sammy discusses how she built her business from the ground up and conquered the real world her way... in style! InstagramKicksBySammy

On this week’s Fortitude in 15, the guys put a pause on going through the “Rules to Live By” list and focus more on something that is quickly becoming more important and confusing: taxes. Additionally, they dove into a much needed pulse check on 2021. But one thing is certain, things are looking bright in the near future.

Something Simple performs an exclusive behind-the-scenes concert for Elevation Nation. Transport yourself to a pre-covid life of live shows and learn about how they guys hone their creative process when making new music! Instagram New EP!

Something Simple started as literally that... something very simple. Two friends, enjoying music, making covers, and being creative. Over time, this duo evolved from college buddies to music revolutionaries. Sam Feldman and Max Berger share the excitement and anxiety they felt as they first went public with their creative work. The guys discuss the need for a creative outlet in the real world, and how living and working together requires a beautiful balance. InstagramSpotifyNew EP!

This week, we're rolling through more life lessons! We talk about drinking at lunch, forgiveness, and how one of Parker's best investments was is his tuxedo.

Brandon Kraut always loved getting lost in his favorite artist's albums, but he thought it was just a passion. We talk with Brandon about his triumphant story going from "fired intern" to working at one of the most innovative record labels of our generation... within just a few years; all thanks to his ability to build genuine relationships with others. Instagram

The guys are back at it again this week to discuss their take on the "rules to live by”. They chat about secrets, suntans, and why you should never fill up on bread. Check out these life tips and many more guidelines they don't teach you in school on this week's episode of F15.

Some people are just born with a burning desire to make the world a better place. Samantha Soloway is one of those people. Her philanthropic mindset propelled her to make an impact on her community. The guys talk to Samantha about inequality and the need for everyone to help make the world a better place, even if just by a little bit.Instagram

The guys uncover a list of 100 rules to live by and debate which are truly "words to live by". This week, they discuss #1-3 which includes date etiquette, blocking out the haters, and how to measure yourself.