Elevation Nation

Society loves success but shames effort—why? Parker and Sam break down the weird stigma around trying hard, why it’s actually a superpower, and how putting in the work leads to authenticity, growth, and real success. They also highlight Brett Dashevsky, an elevator, who’s proving that effort is cool again.00:00Feedback on New Podcast Structure01:48The Hot Take: Trying Too Hard is Cool06:00The Difference Between Hard Work in Careers vs. Social Skills10:13Personal Experiences Shaping Perspectives on Effort13:31Elevator Shoutout: Brett Dashevsky Mentality

Elevator No. 198: Shirah Benarde is the co-founder and CEO of NightCap, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, and a Shark Tank-backed founder. She created NightCap—a drink spiking prevention company—at just 16, after learning how easily unattended drinks could be spiked. Her first prototype, made from a scrunchie and her mom’s stockings, turned into a globally recognized product that has sold over 700,000 units in 40+ countries, partnered with 160 universities, and is helping push for stronger drink safety laws.In this episode, Shirah shares how taking risks, embracing discomfort, and leveraging social media helped her turn an idea into a global movement.00:00Navigating Family Dynamics in Business07:11The Journey of Entrepreneurship from a Young Age12:45The Decision to Drop Out of College15:36Understanding the Red Zone and Its Impact18:49Leveraging TikTok for Awareness and Growth23:05Personal Growth and the Challenges of Young Adulthood29:03Memorable Moments from Shark Tank36:33Mental Motto: Embracing Discomfort for Growth

Some days are smooth—until they’re not. Parker and Sam break down how they handle challenges that come out of nowhere.Elevator shoutouts: Founder of LTM Laura Ter Meer and NHL creator and journalist Jonny Lazarus

Elevator No. 196: Lucy Nelles is a community-building expert, co-founder of Coffee & Chill Miami and the Community Building Collective. She’s hosted over 15,000 guests, generated over $500K in revenue, and built spaces where real connections thrive. In this episode, Lucy shares her journey from a 9-to-5 to entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts needed to take the leap, the power of intentional networking, and how to create great events, navigate community dynamics, and embrace discomfort for growth.03:08Creating Unique Experiences in Miami06:10The Importance of Connection and Networking09:12The Leap of Faith: Quitting the 9 to 515:14Designing Memorable Events18:09Handling Community Dynamics20:47Mindset and Overcoming Challenges23:58The Role of Co-Founders in Entrepreneurship27:01Rapid Fire30:00Lucy's Mental Motto

Parker and Sam are throwing down in a LinkedIn showdown—who can grow faster? They celebrate podcast milestones, share storytelling secrets, and break down why content creation takes mental fortitude.00:00Celebrating Milestones and Future Goals02:59LinkedIn Competition: A New Challenge06:10The Art of Storytelling and Content Creation09:07Engaging with the Community and Sharing Wisdom11:47Elevator Shoutouts and Community Events

Elevator No. 196 – Jarrett Birnbaum is a photographer and videographer who recently took the leap into full-time freelance work, turning his childhood passion into a thriving career. With a talent for capturing raw, emotional moments, Jarrett uses his craft to tell meaningful stories that often go unnoticed.In this episode, Sam and Parker talk with Jarrett about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the mindset needed to turn passion into a profession.Chapters00:00Introduction to Elevation Nation and Jarrett's Journey06:00The Transition to Full-Time Freelance11:54The Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Creative Pursuits17:53Navigating the Modern World: The Role of Difficulty in Growth25:13Building Resilience Through Challenges33:47The Role of Support Systems in Entrepreneurship43:27Jarrett's Mental Motto

Change is inevitable, but how we navigate it defines us. In this episode, Sam and Parker explore the emotional complexities of change, the balance between control and surrender, and why embracing uncertainty is key to growth.

Elevator No. 195: Christian Mortensen is a transformational life coach and Wim Hof breath-work instructor, guiding people through identity shifts and personal growth. Parker and Sam dive into the power of reframing negative experiences, self-talk, and mindfulness to unlock potential. They explore the science behind positive energy, sleep optimization, and how belief systems shape reality.

Parker and Sam dive into the difference between being busy and feeling overwhelmed, exploring how genuine conversations, mindfulness, and teamwork play a role in finding balance.

Elevator no. 194: Travis Stoliker is the VP of Marketing for Scribe Media and an entrepreneur with experience across multiple industries. His journey has taken him from driving for Uber to running a restaurant and a publishing company, all while exploring the impact of mindset and mental fortitude. He shares how financial success didn’t guarantee fulfillment, how personal loss forced him to rethink his path, and how taking action helped him regain purpose. Through it all, Travis emphasizes the importance of connection, resilience, and breaking routines to strengthen mental well-being.

Parker and Sam explore the book Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means, breaking down how metabolism, nutrition, and inflammation shape overall health. They discuss the impact of processed foods and seed oils while highlighting simple changes that can make a big difference. With personal insights and practical takeaways, this episode offers a fresh perspective on better eating and long-term well-being.

Elevator no. 193: Emilie Sobel is the founder of Emilie Sobel Media, a marketing agency specializing in influencers, events, and creative consulting for PR agencies and consumer-focused brands. Alongside running her agency, she works as a content creator and influencer, focusing on beauty, lifestyle, and travel. Emilie graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2014 and brings her creative expertise to every project. Based in Miami Beach, she balances her professional work with a passion for connection and innovation.

Parker and Sam dive into the challenges of winter, exploring how the cold and darkness can trigger boredom and anxiety. They discuss the value of mindfulness and embracing boredom, while questioning how constant stimulation affects our ability to relax. The episode wraps up with shoutouts to elevators making an impact in the real world.

Elevator no. 191: Sophia (Phia) Gladieux is a Penn State University Field Hockey alumna who has achieved a multitude of accolades and awards. Phia recently had the honor and privilege of competing in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Outside of sports, Phia has used her platform to speak about the truths of anxiety and burnout as a high-level athlete. She hopes to help inspire the next generation of male and female athletes of all ages.

Parker and Sam reflect on their personal experiences and reflections after attending the Discover EY conference in Atlanta. They share insights on the energy and professionalism of the young attendees, the importance of self-reflection after achieving milestones, and the need to recalibrate one's goals.

Elevator no. 192: Jonah Brown is a filmmaker, photographer, and traveler from Michigan who specializes in a wide variety of projects and personal work in the commercial, narrative, and travel spaces.

Parker and Sam return to the pod after holiday break. They share their hot takes for 2025, focusing on social media trends, the rise of authenticity in communication, and the evolving landscape for young adults.

Elevator no 190: Eitan Miller is the Founder of Boundless Creative a boutique video production company helping businesses and nonprofits share their stories. With an emphasis in documentary-style brand storytelling videos, Eitan has worked with clients from Barclays to Vogue to Amazon across the US and London. Eitan's work has won numerous awards, been profiled in Business Insider, and Boundless Creative was recently ranked as a top 10 corporate video production company in NYC.

Sam and Parker reflect on 2024, discussing their personal and professional growth, achievements, and the evolution of Elevation Nation. They share insights on setting goals and the importance of consistency in the lessons learned throughout the year.

Elevator no. 189: Donovan Taylor Hall is a youth empowerment advocate and mental health educator. Helping kids build positive relationships with themselves, he is driven by the idea that kids who feel better do better.Through social emotional learning, educational psychology, and positive youth development, Donovan has created programs and curriculum that aims to help young people become their own best friend. Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Donovan Hall and His Mission06:03 - The Disconnect in Education and Youth Engagement12:40 - Building Self-Expertise and Mental Health Awareness20:08 - Struggle vs. Suffering: A New Perspective on Growth27:57 - The Swimming Pool Analogy for Youth Development35:39 - The Power of Community and Teamwork46:02 - Donovan’s Mental Motto

In every interview of Elevation Nation, Sam and Parker ask each elevator a book recommendation that they have for the nation. Sam and Parker recap what they are currently reading and how its helping them elevate.

Elevator no. 188: Vin Infante is a mental performance coach and psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting entrepreneurs, execs, and organizations by optimizing their human capital to reach their potential in life and business.Chapters02:45 - The Vision of Impacting a Billion Lives05:54 - Vin's Journey in Mental Health and Therapy09:10 - The Limitations of Traditional Therapy12:07 - The Importance of Action in Personal Growth15:01 - Self-Mastery and Mental Fortitude17:48 - Empowerment Through Coaching and Therapy21:07 - Vin's Unique Career Path and Firefighting Adventure30:01 - Taking Action: From Firefighting to Coaching31:26 - Rapid Fire37:48 - Mental Motto: Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius

In the spirit of Spotify Wrapped, Parker and Sam reflect on goal setting for this year and how they are approaching their intentions for 2025.

Elevator no. 187: David Argasinski is a former professional tennis player who lives by the core values of discipline, work ethic, and mental fortitude. From the pro circuit, to coaching and mentoring others, David is now translating that pursuit to the business aspect of tennis while looking to inspire and bring a change to the next generation.

Parker and Sam reflect on Thanksgiving traditions, the importance of gratitude, and the personal growth that comes from embracing challenges.

Elevator no. 186: Natalie Barbu is a content creator and entrepreneur, known for her expertise in social media strategy and branding. She is the founder of Rella, which helps people combines the automation of content planning with the power of project management. A VC-backed startup, Rella has raised over $1M. Natalie has built a strong personal brand with over 400K followers across platforms. She also hosts a podcast, sharing insights on entrepreneurship and the creator economy.

Sam and Parker reconnect after a week off from Fortitude in 15. In this episode they share a transformative experience at a concert, highlighting the power of music to inspire introspection and connection.

Elevator no. 185: Dexter Zuang is the founder of Money Abroad, an online education platform that helps high-performers design their independent money path. Starting his career in San Francisco, he has lived and worked across Southeast Asia and Latin America for the past 6 years. He has 10+ years of experience building products and teams at public companies (Dropbox) and scaling startups (Xendit). His work has been featured in global outlets like Business Insider, CBS, US News & World Report, and Tech in Asia. He graduated from Dartmouth College.

Elevators 183 & 184: Justin Leusner and Ben Wasserman are building TDAY Sports, which they call "Gen-Z's ESPN". Justin, a 21-year-old student at Penn State University, is the founder and CEO of TDAY Sports, which connects millions of Gen-Z sports fans monthly and offers ROI-driven social media services through TDAY Production. Ben, a Penn State graduate, manages partnerships at TDAY Sports, building relationships with big names like Gatorade, DAZN, and SMACKIN’ Seeds. Together, they’ve grown TDAY into a media brand that’s more than just sports—it’s about fostering a mindset of ambition, adaptability, and genuine connection. 02:09 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit at Penn State10:03 - The Reality of Entrepreneurship20:08 - Building a Unique Media Brand29:45 - Navigating Young Adult Life and Career Choices39:57 - Mental Mottos

Parker and Sam discuss recent election and the importance of resilience in young people. They share insights from their experience at Camp Collab, emphasizing the need for community and the role of camps in fostering growth and resilience among youth.03:13 - Reflections on the Election05:58 - Insights from Camp Collab: Building Resilience09:05 - The Importance of Camp and Community11:55 - Elevator Shoutouts

Elevator no. 182: Daniel Kramer is the Head of Business Development for JUUCE, a portable charging company dedicated to enhancing charging accessibility nationwide. Driven by a passion for innovation and a strong commitment to customer experience, Daniel is focused on building meaningful relationships to further the growth of JUUCE.Together with the JUUCE team, he is focused on expanding the company’s presence in the U.S. market in order to establish it as a household name.01:47 - Daniel's Journey and Passion for Juice05:17 - The Drive Behind Success10:12 - Accountability and Personal Growth15:29 - Building Emotional Intelligence23:22 - Transactional vs. Genuine Relationships27:32 - Rapid Fire Questions31:34 - Daniel's Mental Motto

On this Halloween Fortitude in 15, Parker and Sam share their perspectives on the wild week ahead in the United States.

Elevators no. 180 & 181: Quinn Caputo and Bennett Kramer are the founders of QB Ventures. Back in November 2023, they ventured into entrepreneurship by purchasing their first business together - a dog grooming business based in New Jersey.Bennett and Quinn met while studying abroad in Barcelona. After graduating from the University of Texas and Ohio State University, respectively, they have been fascinated with the idea of starting a business together. Now a year later, they shed light on their mental fortitude mindset and lessons learned after acquiring the business.03:06 - The Journey of Entrepreneurship Begins09:03 - The Importance of Franchising in Business11:52 - Building a Strong Company Culture15:09 - Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship18:04 - Highs and Lows of Business Ownership24:10 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs27:12 - Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights30:13 - Mental Mottos

Fortitude in 15 replay from March 9, 2023: Parker comes across a very interesting article in the Wall Street Journal titled "Is this it? When Success Isn't Satisfying" by Rachel Feintzeig that left us asking the question... Does success equal happiness?

Elevator no. 178: Steven Rofrano is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ancient Crunch. Steven and his team are building the FritoLay of real food focused on developing classic snacks "how they are supposed to be". Their products consist of no seed oils, fully organic ingredients, and are traditionally prepared. Their first product MASA Chips launched in July '22 and reset the tallow-fried snack industry. Made with just organic corn, grass-fed tallow, and sea salt, MASA is the tortilla chip, perfected.Steven and his team remain committed to growing Ancient Crunch. Their newest product Vandy crisps which they deem "the potato chip perfected” are available now. 02:08 - Stephen's Background and Transition to Food Industry05:19 - The Influence of Childhood Food Experiences10:21 - The Decline of American Food Quality18:21 - The Importance of Knowing Where Food Comes From23:24 - Building the Frito-Lay of Real Food36:11 - Making Healthy Food Accessible43:23 - Stephen's Mental Motto

Rachel Yaffe, a beloved and incredible person passed away on October 11. Sam and Parker reflect on her incredible spirit, mental fortitude, and the impact she had on those around her.Rachel joined Elevation Nation as elevator no. 2 back in November 2020. At the 10 minute mark of this episode, you can hear the episode that we recorded called “Cancer Changed My Life for the Better”.Elevation Nation will continue to honor her legacy going forward. Per the Yaffe family, any donations can be made to Experience Camps, a national, no-cost program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. To donate, please visit https://experiencecamps.org/

Parker and Sam discuss the importance of changing environments to foster creativity and productivity. They share their personal routines and preferences, highlighting the balance between comfort and the need for new experiences.01:54 - Changing Environments for Creativity06:00 - The Power of Reflection and Introspection09:56 - The Importance of Routine vs. Creativity12:27 - Elevator Shoutouts

Elevator no. 177: Dakota Rivers is a professional basketball player who just wrapped up five years of Division 1 college basketball at Florida Gulf Coast University. Throughout his playing career, Dakota has shared his journey from college basketball to professional athletics on social media. Dakota talks with Elevation Nation the importance of authenticity, personal growth, and inspiring others.03:10 - Inspiration and Authenticity12:55 - Growth Through College Basketball19:51 - The Blessing of an Elevator Mindset34:46 - Dakota's Mental Motto

Sam and Parker celebrate Rosh Hashanah, reflecting on the significance of the Jewish New Year and the importance of family, tradition, and personal growth. They highlight the value of reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the future, emphasizing the role of impactful teachers and mentors in their lives.00:00 - Celebrating Rosh Hashanah: A Time for Reflection02:50 - The Importance of Tradition and Community06:11 - Gratitude and Personal Growth09:09 - Messages from the Past

Elevator no. 176: Zach Joyner is a Senior Account Executive at LinkedIn, where he helps small to medium-sized businesses enhance their human capital strategies using cutting-edge recruiting tools and data-driven insights. With a solid background in talent acquisition and brand development, Zach focuses on aligning people strategies to drive business growth.Before joining LinkedIn, Zach worked as an Enterprise Account Executive at the startup Multiverse, where he advanced diverse talent through innovative apprenticeship programs. His experience there reinforced his commitment to fostering talent and driving professional development.In addition to his role at LinkedIn, Zach serves on the Alumni Board of the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, where he promotes alumni engagement. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and has recently taken up padel at Padel Haus in NYC.

Sam and Parker were in Chicago this week to do something a bit different. Instead of sitting behind the mic's to record Elevation Nation Podcasts, they interviewed EY Talent leaders for a firm marketing initiative. As employees of EY, it was a full circle moment for Sam and Parker.

Elevator no. 179: Sami Gomez is the founder of Studio Sami, a web design studio building websites and brands for entrepreneurs and businesses. With over 8 years of digital marketing experience, Sami combines her strategic marketing knowledge with expert design skills to build epic brands and websites that drive sales. She has worked with both startups and billion-dollar companies including beauty brands like Ipsy and Boxycharm. Most recently, she designed the new Elevation Nation website and brand.In this episode, Parker and Sam talk with Sami about her journey from college to entrepreneurship, the evolution of her brand, and the challenges she faced along the way. 02:57 - Sami's Journey to Entrepreneurship06:07 - The Evolution of Studio Sami08:58 - Navigating Early Career Challenges11:57 - The Gig Economy and Side Hustles18:05 - The Importance of Professionalism21:02 - Embracing Youth in Business27:08 - Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations30:10 - Rapid Fire Questions36:00 - Sami's Mental Motto

Parker and Sam reflect on their journey with Elevation Nation, discussing the origins of their podcast, the importance of mental fortitude, and their vision for the future. 00:00 - Introduction to Elevation Nation03:07 - The Origins of Elevation Nation06:04 - The Journey of Mental Fortitude08:53 - The Future of Elevation Nation11:55 - What's Elevating and De-Elevating This Week

Elevator no. 175: Faith Bergman is the founder of "Life with Intention Method", a mindset and life coaching program specializing in guiding individuals to discover their true needs, desires, and passions. By uncovering these vital components of their lives, individuals can spend more time on activities that bring them joy, while letting go of anything that doesn't serve them.02:09 - Faith's Journey: Leaving a Miserable Job and Finding Passion07:53 - Helping Clients Discover Their Direction and Purpose12:07 - Shifting from a Negative Mindset to a Positive Mindset16:09 - Taking Things Slow: The Power of Gradual Habit Change19:21 - Quick Tip: Spending Time Alone and Being Present21:52 - Faith's Hobby: Walking on the West Side Highway25:00 - Faith's Mental Motto

Sam just turned 29 and is feeling a little off about it. Parker recently spent a weekend at a retreat center in Zion National Park.Being back in both NYC and DC, Parker and Sam have a lot to debrief.02:25 - Reflecting on Recent Experiences04:11 - Sam's Discomfort with Celebrations06:00 - Sam's Introspection and Avoidance of Celebrations08:44 - Parker's Perspective on Celebrations10:50 -Choosing What to Celebrate13:03 - Parker Has a Frustration

Elevator no. 174: Leonard Armato created the Shaq brand for Shaquille O'Neal and the Golden Boy brand for Oscar De La Hoya and the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. He is the founder and CEO of Management Plus Enterprises (MPE), was the CMO of Skechers; President of Skechers Fitness; CEO of the AVP Pro Beach VB Tour; and regularly advises C-Suite executive on their brand and Web3 strategies. He is featured in the “30 for 30” ESPN documentary: “This Magic Moment” and the HBO "Shaq" documentary. He is also the contributing writer for Forbes.03:18 - The Power of Personal Culture and Branding07:18 - The Four P's: Play, Purpose, Potential, and Pay12:55 - Embracing Failure and the Art of Pivoting23:26 - The Rise of Women's Sports and the Potential of Volleyball26:33 - Upcoming Projects and Conclusion

As the summer winds down, Sam and Parker discuss how they are shifting their mindset with fall approaching. With their travel dwindling down a bit, both are excited to spend time in their home cities and elevate in new ways.

Elevator no. 173: Max Schauff is the co-founder of LineLeap, a company focused on helping people skip the line and get to the "fun, faster." In 2017, while a sophomore at University of Wisconsin, Max founded LineLeap with his two partners Nick & Patrick. Since the early days of traveling campus to campus in their beat up car, LineLeap has amassed 1M+ downloads, allowing users to skip long lines, pay for cover, get event tickets, order drinks & more at over 400 of their favorite bars across more than 100 different campuses and cities. Now based in New York City, Max & the LineLeap team of over 40 full time employees have been growing rapidly to scale their nightlife app.03:41 - The Inspiration Behind LineLeap07:17 - Overcoming Rejection and Building Momentum12:33 - The Journey of LineLeap and the Power of Resilience15:40 - The Next Steps for LineLeap19:31 - The Blessing of Never Being Satisfied28:05 - Favorite College Campus Visited29:45 - Lesson from a Mentor31:43 - Managing the Nightlife Scene and Sleep Schedule35:56 - Book Recommendation38:54 - Max Schauff's Mental Motto

Justin Weidenfeld (Elevator no. 138 and Boys Director of Experience Camp Georgia) interviews Parker and Sam about their week at Experience Camps in Michigan, a week-long camp for kids who've lost a parent, sibling, or caregiver. They discuss the emotional impact of their experience, the sense of community, and the powerful moments that made the week so meaningful.02:59 - The Emotional Impact of Camp05:44 - Describing Experience Camps06:04 - Parker's Personal Experience at Camp09:20 - Sam's Personal Experience at Camp29:33 - Favorite Activities at Camp41:52 - Magical Moments and Favorite Activities50:39 - Growth and Resilience at Camp

Sam and Parker are going to Experience Camps, a nonprofit that puts on a free week-long camp for kids who have lost a parent, sibling or caretaker. They discuss their excitement and nervousness for the emotional week ahead and the opportunity to give back and inspire the campers. https://experiencecamps.org/00:00 - Introduction to Experience Camps01:27 - Feelings Going into the Camp07:12 - The Healing Power of Nature and Play10:22 - Inspiring and Mentoring Others Through Shared Experiences13:17 - Processing Grief and Overcoming Fear18:11 - Gratitude and Appreciation for Each Other