Elevation Nation

Elevator 233: Morgan Rich is a men’s coach, author of The Invitation Beyond, and the creator of Training for the unkNOWn. He specializes in helping high-achieving men move beyond conventional success to build lives rooted in integrity, emotional presence, and real aliveness.In this podcast: Morgan shares his journey through loss and the critical role mentorship plays in navigating the unique struggles young men face today. We dive into the power of men's groups, why we must learn to "hang in the darkness," and how to use grounding practices to stay present when training for the unknown.

Sam and Parker play a game to talk through their mindset on how they approach the different buckets of their life.

Elevator no. 232: Ben Sampson is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has successfully exited companies like WeHero and The Impact Job to focus on his latest venture, Luna, an Ai-powered pet health platform. Based in Bend, Oregon, he specialized in scaling modern businesses at the intersection of technology. marketing, and growth while balancing family life and the outdoors.In this podcast: Ben shares his curiosity-driven approach to business and the often-unspoken struggle of finding your identity after selling a company. We dive into why you should design your life for good stories, the importance of acting on inspiration immediately, and how to maintain resilience when entrepreneurship leads to self-doubt.

We are three weeks into 2026 and many are already forgetting about their New Years Resolutions.

Elevator 231: Jesse Johnson is the founder of Supergivers and an equine-partnered coach who uses horses to teach socially intelligent leadership. He moves beyond conventional conditioning to help leaders, families, and individuals build compassion through experiential learning with nature.In this podcast: Jesse reveals why horses are the ultimate lie detectors for our own authenticity and what they teach us about leading without ego. We dive into the mental health challenges young men face in a digital world and how reconnecting with nature helps us find true purpose and empathy.

Parker and Sam discuss the importance of intergenerational wisdom and mentorship, particularly among men. They explore the loneliness epidemic affecting young men today, the role of older male figures as mentors, and the need for deeper connections across generations.

Elevator 230: Scott Hickle is the co-founder and CEO of Throne, the innovative "wearable for your toilet" that uses AI to turn poop into critical health insights. A serial entrepreneur and mechanical engineer based in Austin, he is on a mission to save one million lives from colorectal cancer through early detection and gut health monitoring.In this podcast: Scott breaks down why the most vital health data is the kind we usually flush away and the "unsexy" challenges of building a hardware startup in a taboo space. We talk about the mindset needed to pioneer a new category, the future of waste-based tracking, and how taking ownership of your health data can literally save your life.

Parker and Sam celebrate having Elevation Nation in seven different years while reflecting on their personal growth and goals for 2026. The conversation emphasizes the value of introspection, goal setting, and the creative process as they look forward to a year of growth and connection.

Elevator 229: Ashleigh Di Lello is a Brain Coach, keynote speaker, and the creator of Bio Emotional Healing®, a revolutionary process based in neuroscience. After overcoming a life-threatening illness and years of chronic pain starting at age thirteen, she transformed her trauma into a career as an elite athlete, Broadway star, and expert in brain-body freedom.In this podcast: Ashleigh breaks down how our nervous system shapes our identity and why your brain is an "evidence-seeking machine" that reinforces your current beliefs. We dive into the science of emotional resilience, how to view failure as a verb rather than an identity, and the micro-actions you can take today to harness your brain's power and become the person you want to be.

What a year of elevating it has been. In the last episode of Elevation Nation, we recap some of our highs from the year. See you in 2026, Elevation Nation!

Elevator 228: Louisa Li is the Founder of Shanti House, a conscious-living and wellness community in NYC for innovators, and Urban Iron, a hybrid running and functional fitness race. She spent a decade as a management consultant for Fortune 500 companies before leaving corporate life to consult in wellness tech and focus on mission-driven ventures.In this podcast, Louisa discusses the surprising lack of mindfulness at founder events and why traditional networking often fuels burnout, not mental health. She shares why creating spaces that prioritize wellness, like Shanti House, is essential for founders to manage stress, calm their nervous systems, and gain the clarity needed to build resilient businesses.

This week, we pull back the curtain on the evolution of Elevation Nation, teasing a new concept on human connection. We share our vision for new authentic experiences and events designed to empower you outside the digital noise.

Elevator no. 227: Uri Pearl is the founder and president of Nealon Holdings Inc., a holding company that owns and operates a growing home-services business, Nealon Insulation. As a former special forces soldier, Uri brings a disciplined, long-term mindset to both his entrepreneurial ventures and his value investing philosophy.In this podcast: We break down the three M's of "Authentic Intelligence" (AI): Mindset, Messages, and Moments. Uri shares how a strong, fortified mindset, developed in the military and applied in business, is critical for growth, how you communicate effectively, and where to inject your authentic self into your daily life to truly create value.

This week, we're talking about the best investment you can make: you. Parker and Sam dive into the shifts they’ve made this year, from optimizing sleep and starting new solo adventures to embracing new hobbies like basketball and holistic healing.

Elevator 226: Alex Servetnick is the Head of Commercial Strategy at Stakt, the female-founded wellness brand creating innovative fitness equipment that inspires movement. After nearly a decade in Corporate America across UBS and Anheuser-Busch, he left his senior role to join his wife, Taylor, and her co-founder, Millie, helping scale Stakt toward ten million dollars in revenue in under two years.In this podcast: Alex opens up about the mindset shift required to walk away from corporate stability, what it’s really like building a company with your spouse and best friend, and how communication keeps both the relationship and the business moving forward. We talk about brand building, managing stress in a fast-growing startup, and the mental motto that keeps him grounded.

Parker and Sam are thankful for many things as Thanksgiving approaches.

Elevator 225: Raz Malas is the CEO and Co-founder of Talent Hackers, an offshore staffing company helping US businesses hire top global talent at scale. He has built two multi-million dollar businesses across E-commerce and Staffing, blending sharp execution with an unconventional mindset toward education and career growth.In this podcast: Raz breaks down how he built companies from the ground up, why remote talent is the future, and how his view of college shaped his entrepreneurial path. He shares honest lessons on partnerships, scaling, and the mindset behind his motto “make it happen.”01:28Raz Malas: The Entrepreneurial Journey03:11The Impact of Family on Entrepreneurship05:51Navigating College with a Different Mindset10:48Rethinking the Purpose of College15:33The Changing Landscape of Employment18:11Building a Remote Business22:03Scaling Talent Hackers25:42The Importance of Partnership in Business29:06Rapid Fire Questions

Parker turns 30 and shares 30 insightful thoughts, reflecting on personal growth and life lessons. The guys explore the wisdom gained over the years in a memorable Fortitude in 15.

Elevator no. 224: Renee Fluker is the Founder and CEO of Midnight Golf, a nonprofit she launched in 2001 that blends life-skills training with the game of golf to help Detroit students get to and through college. Known as Ms. Renee to her kids, she has helped more than 3,000 young people pursue higher education by using golf as a vehicle for discipline, confidence, relationship-building, and opportunity. She has become a pillar of Southeast Michigan through her mentorship, her leadership, and her unwavering belief that every young person deserves a real shot at success.In this conversation, Ms. Renee shares how she built Midnight Golf from scratch, the sacrifices behind its growth, and the impact she sees every day in her students. We talk about giving back, building community, and what it really takes to change a young person’s life.Chapters01:20The Birth of a Vision: Renee's Journey04:13Life Skills Beyond Golf: Curriculum Overview12:12Challenges and Triumphs: Renee's Resilience17:51Creating an Authentic Environment24:54Success Stories: Impact of Midnight Golf29:35Empowering the Next Generation31:09Building a Legacy of Support38:43The Importance of Grit and Determination41:31Rapid Fire44:50Call to Action for Support

Sam just got back from LA, where he attended a wellness event before heading to San Diego for some much-needed solo travel. Parker’s fresh off celebrating his sister Colby’s wedding, but both have been hit with major travel chaos. They reflect on the madness of flying, slowing down, and the importance of being fully present in real spaces with real people.

Sam and Parker use ChatGPT to play a rapid-fire game — asking each other deep, heartfelt, and hilarious questions.

Sam and Parker spent last week in Asheville, NC at a camp staffing conference called Camp Collab. Last year, they were just participants and presented about mental fortitude. This year, they took on a new role as Head Counselors acting as the MC's for the entire event.

Elevator 223: Alex Feinberg is a former professional athlete who went on to work at a global macro hedge fund, then Google, before launching his own business. Today, he’s a high performance specialist who helps elite men optimize their mindset, health, and purpose so they can perform at their best—without burning out.In this conversation, Alex shares how his experiences across sports, finance, and tech shaped his perspective on success. He opens up about fulfillment beyond money, the balance between ego and humility, and why vulnerability and recovery are just as important as discipline and drive.Chapters02:57The Journey of a High Performer05:50The Importance of Mentorship and Learning09:00Finding Fulfillment Beyond Corporate Success11:40The Role of Money and Success14:57Understanding the Drive for More17:29The Balance of Mindset and Performance20:31The Interplay of Mind and Body23:22Fitness and Financial Success26:29Introspection and Personal Growth29:30Vulnerability and Authenticity in Men32:16Rapid Fire Questions and Mental Motto

Parker and Sam unpack how AI is rewriting creativity from songs that sound too good to be real to social feeds that feel eerily empty. They explore what happens when everything becomes personalized, polished, and fake and why authenticity might just be the rebellion of the future.

Elevator 221 & 222: Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby are the co-founders of Solo Retreat Co., a company helping people find clarity, peace, and purpose through structured solo retreats. After years of chasing business success, they each faced personal hardships, from a house fire to loss and burnout that inspired them to slow down and rebuild with intention.In this conversation, Kyle and Eli share how their experiences led to the creation of Solo Retreat Co. and their book The Art of a Solo Retreat. They open up about the fear of solitude, the power of stillness, and why sometimes stepping away from everything is the only way to move forward.

After 429 episodes and more than 225 guests, Parker and Sam celebrate the five-year anniversary of Elevation Nation.

Elevator 220: Matt Goldbloom is the founder of Common Shelf, a company focused on helping brands grow through retail partnerships and strategy. With a background in scaling beauty, wellness, and pet brands, Matt has worked with national retailers and built strong relationships across the industry.In this podcast: Matt talks about his path to entrepreneurship, the lessons he’s learned from failures, and the mindset that keeps him moving forward. He also shares why relationships matter more than revenue and how playing the long game shapes the way he builds his business.Chapters04:52The Journey to Common Shelf12:02Defining Success and Relationships14:37Navigating Wounds and Challenges21:34Reflections on Personal Growth24:19Embracing Uniqueness and Innovation30:06The Purpose Behind Common Shelf

Parker and Sam kick off the Jewish New Year with reflections on family, tradition, and the quirky nostalgia that comes with fall. They talk about the meditative side of going to temple, the beauty in life’s mix of highs and lows, and why perspective and mindfulness help make the year ahead a little brighter.

Parker and Sam discuss the phenomenon of 'Sunday Scaries' among Gen Z, exploring how anxiety related to work impacts mental health. The discussion highlights the generational shift in attitudes towards work and the significance of finding purpose in one's job.03:06The Rise of Sunday Scaries05:50Understanding the Impact of Job Anxiety08:25Navigating Career Choices and Mental Health11:09Strategies for Managing Sunday Scaries

Elevator no. 219: Igor Vainshtein is a serial entrepreneur and keynote speaker whose journey from young immigrant to business leader is marked by resilience, reinvention, and perspective. His career reflects both the highs of building companies and the lows of personal tragedy, shaping his outlook on what true success means.In this Podcast:Igor opens up about redefining success beyond wealth, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how tragedy clarified his values. He shares his perspective on AI’s role in creativity, the importance of risk-taking, and why his mental motto, “Success is inevitable,” guides both his business and his life.01:42Igor's Entrepreneurial Journey05:55Redefining Success11:41The Pursuit of Happiness18:28Authenticity in Life and Business24:27The Role of AI in Authenticity27:16Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Parker interviews Sam as he just turned 30! Sam share wins, wounds, and quirks from his 20s touching on family, authenticity, and the role of mental fortitude in navigating life’s inevitable challenges.

Elevator 218: Julia Resnick is a Senior Psychotherapist at Be You Psychotherapy. Specializing in anxiety, OCD, and chronic illness, she draws on her own experiences to connect with clients in their 20s and 30s through empathy, humor, and authenticity.In this podcast:Julia shares her journey into therapy, the importance of building trust, and how routines and flexibility support mental health. She talks about the role of AI in therapy, the challenge of overwhelming mental health statistics, and why creating hope and embracing vulnerability are essential for growth.

Parker and Sam break down which skills will matter most in 2030 as AI and technology reshape the workforce. They reflect on why creativity, resilience, and interpersonal connection are becoming more valuable than technical expertise and how education needs to evolve to keep up.

Elevator no. 216: Christy Bowie is a CPA and financial consultant who left the Big Four to build her own firm helping entrepreneurs take control of their tax and financial planning. She combines her corporate experience with a proactive approach to guide small business owners in using their business as a tool to build the life they want.In this Podcast: Christy opens up about authenticity in client relationships, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and why flexibility matters in building a dream life. We talk about lessons from corporate America, the role of AI in decision-making, and how entrepreneurs can balance growth with personal fulfillment.Chapters02:51Lessons from the Big Four: Work Ethic and Skills06:06The Importance of Authentic Relationships in Business08:52Target Audience: Service-Based Entrepreneurs12:06Leveraging AI vs. Authentic Intelligence15:02Navigating Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Imposter Syndrome17:54Building a Business: From Clients to Operations20:53The Dream Life: Balancing Work and Personal Goals26:41Finding Fulfillment Beyond Business30:51Redefining Success and Enough

Sam and Parker look back on their week at Experience Camps, a place where kids facing loss find healing through community, nature, and connection. They share stories from camp, the power of activities like the carnival and talent show, and the emotional weight of the community that brings people together to reflect and grow.https://experiencecamps.org/

Parker and Sam reflect on their upcoming return to Experience Camps, a nonprofit supporting kids who have lost a loved one. They open up about their own experiences with grief, why authenticity matters in building connections, and how community and mentorship at camp create space for healing and growth, for the campers and for themselves.Experience Camps Website

Elevator no. 217: Shane Riggs is an entrepreneur who went from sales and culinary arts to founding a successful virtual assistant company. His mission is to create financial freedom not just for himself, but also for his family and employees, while fostering authentic connections and innovation.In this Podcast: Shane shares how resilience and adaptability shaped his journey across industries, ultimately leading him to the virtual assistant space. We talk about work ethic, the importance of time and freedom, and how success is measured by the impact you have on others, not just your bank account.

Parker and Sam get real about a trend in corporate America right now. They talk anxiety, imposter syndrome, job security, and how showing up as your authentic self can be your biggest advantage. The conversation touches on why multiple income streams matter and what the future of work might look like for all of us.

Elevator no. 215: Griffin Toren is the founder and CEO of Killa Dinks, a fast-growing pickleball and padel paddle company creating custom products for brands like Apple, Poppi, and the Miami Marlins. He started the company while still an undergrad at the University of Miami, turning a side hustle into a full-fledged business before graduation.Inside this Podcast:Griffin reflects on the pressure of building a company as a student, the mindset required to grow fast without burning out, and how relationships and customer service have been his biggest assets. We talk about the rise of pickleball, the beauty of learning on the fly, and what’s next for Killa Dinks.Chapters02:32The Rise of Pickleball and Its Appeal04:58Building a Brand in a Competitive Market07:39Balancing College Life and Entrepreneurship10:45The Drive Beyond Financial Gain12:41The Elevator Mindset: A Blessing or a Curse?20:55Lessons from the Journey of Entrepreneurship25:48The Importance of Customer Service29:24Balancing Business and Personal Relationships33:45The Future of Killa Dinks and Growth Mindset

AI is reshaping what early careers look like and many traditional paths just aren’t cutting it anymore. Parker and Sam break down why emotional intelligence, people skills, and creative thinking matter more than ever in a world where machines can do the rest.

This week, Parker and Sam unpack a powerful comment from world #1 golfer Scottie Scheffler, who admitted that golf, despite all his wins, isn’t the most fulfilling part of his life. They reflect on the difference between success and meaning, and why even at the top, the grind can still feel empty.

Elevator no. 214: Dane Johnson is the CEO and Founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle, the world’s leading consulting firm for natural IBD healing. Once a successful model and actor in LA, Dane’s life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, nearly dying before taking his health into his own hands. Today, he’s a board-certified functional nutritionist who has helped thousands around the world heal naturally and reclaim their lives.Inside this Podcast: Dane opens up about the lowest point in his life and the mindset shift that saved it. We talk about the power of personal accountability, the failures of traditional medicine, and how real healing requires vulnerability, discipline, and belief.

Parker and Sam unpack what it really means to be a baller. Financial freedom. Owning your time. Building real connections. They share takeaways from Scott Galloway’s perspective on content, personal branding, and why traditional interviews are broken.01:56Creating Diverse Content: Lessons from Scott Galloway05:17Defining a 'Baller' Life: Financial Freedom and Time11:09The Value of Interviews: Referrals vs. Traditional Hiring

Parker and Sam return after a much-needed break to reflect on time with family, lessons learned, and the importance of slowing down to speed up. They dive into the highs and lows of building Elevation Nation, from navigating social media to prepping for new speaking gigs.02:45Reflecting on the Past and Future05:30Excitement for New Opportunities08:09Navigating Social Media Challenges11:18Looking Ahead with Optimism

Elevator 212: Peter Flores is the founder of Juan, Please, a bold new beverage company born from a blend of corporate insight, cultural roots, and entrepreneurial grit. With a background spanning hospitality, media, and alcohol partnerships at VICE, Peter saw a white space in the ready-to-drink market and built a brand designed to stand out.In this conversation, Peter shares his journey from NYU to entrepreneurship, the importance of adaptability, and the mindset that guides him. He dives into team dynamics, marketing strategy, and how embracing discomfort has helped Juan, Please grow in one of the most competitive industries out there.01:58The Meandering Path to Entrepreneurship11:46Corporate Experience and Its Impact18:55The Birth of Juan Please Drink Company25:08The Joy of Mentorship and Team Dynamics30:55Milestones and Growth in Business33:42Navigating Competition and Market Positioning38:34The Importance of Adaptability and Learning43:31Peter's Mental Motto

Parker and Sam unpack why obsessing over long-term plans can actually hold you back. They share how focusing on short-term action, just five days at a time, can lead to more momentum, clarity, and confidence.03:45Living by Values vs. Future Planning11:31Finding Balance Between Long-Term and Short-Term15:02Embracing Uncertainty and Flexibility

Elevator 211: Jenna Pereira is the founder of JP Social and a self-proclaimed professional hype girl who helps creators and entrepreneurs show up online with confidence and purpose. From her early days freelancing on Upwork to building a boutique agency during COVID, Jenna’s story is all about entrepreneurship, authenticity, and building a business that supports your dream life.In this episode, Jenna joins Parker and Sam to talk about what it means to post with intention, why social media is a new kind of currency, and how to embrace the messiness of content creation. 07:05The Evolution of JP Social and Entrepreneurial Spirit14:58Social Media Strategy and Its Importance24:01Authenticity in Social Media and Building Connections27:00The Journey of Content Creation33:57The Evolution of Personal Branding35:49Mindfulness and Grounding Practices40:59Book Recommendations42:49Jenna's Mental Motto

Camp isn’t just fun and games, it’s a mindset reset. In this episode, Parker and Sam break highlight the first leg of their Elevate Camp Tour at Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Camps and discuss why summer camp is the perfect space for reflection, leadership, and personal growth. They explore how nature, disconnection, and service create the clarity young people crave.

Elevator 210: Joe Vogel is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 17th district, which includes Gaithersburg and Rockville. As a young immigrant and one of Maryland’s rising political voices, Joe shares how his family’s history, values, and challenges shaped his mission to serve in public office.In this conversation, Joe opens up about his path to public office, the pressure of representing his generation, and the mental fortitude it takes to lead with conviction. From navigating campaign stress to finding his voice on the House floor, Joe reminds us that resilience, support, and perspective are powerful tools for impact.02:08Joe's Journey: From Immigrant to Legislator05:49The Impact of Family History on Public Service09:49Deciding to Run: The 'Oh Sh*t' Moment14:01Navigating Young Adulthood and Career Choices17:48A Day in the Life of a Delegate23:58Imposter Syndrome in Politics25:50The Power and Responsibility of Young Legislators34:46Navigating Political Tensions and Personal Beliefs40:59The Human Side of Politics: Balancing Personal and Public Life48:56Joe's Mental Motto

Why does every decision feel so intense? In this episode, Parker and Sam unpack the pressure of decision-making in adulthood from anxiety and overthinking to the fear of regret. They explore why commitment matters more than certainty, and how learning through action, not perfection, leads to real personal growth.