Elevation Nation

Elevator no. 114: Orly Israel returns to Elevation Nation three years after his first appearance with a powerful story of loss, resilience, and renewal. After losing his home in the California Palisades fires earlier this year, Orly reflects on the importance of human connection, vulnerability, and his commitment to social fitness through his Listening Table Project.03:12The Listening Table Project and Social Fitness05:55The Impact of Loneliness on Society12:08The California Fires16:10A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes24:02The Power of Connection and Community34:09The Power of Humor in Difficult Times39:15Improving Communication Skills49:11Lessons from Listening: A Transformative Experience01:03:51Social Fitness: Enhancing Relationships Through Listening

Parker and Sam dive into Simon Sinek’s concept of the infinite game and why success isn’t about winning—it’s about staying in the game. They reflect on how this mindset shift has impacted their journey with Elevation Nation and why chasing short-term wins can distract you from long-term purpose.

Elevator no. 202: Trevon Gross Jr. is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Craft Your Dream, an organization helping ambitious dreamers turn their goals into reality. He shares his journey from college athlete to coach, opening up about early challenges, the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, and the mindset it takes to lead with clarity and resilience.00:00Introduction to Trev Gross Jr.02:26Craft Your Dream: Mission and Vision10:52Leadership Lessons from Sports14:50Helping Clients Find Clarity20:20The Stack Method for Success30:00The Power of Team Building in Entrepreneurship34:56The Importance of Mental Fortitude in Business44:59Trevon's Mental Motto

After welcoming a ton new people to Elevation Nation the past month, Parker and Sam reintroduce themselves and share the origin story of Elevation Nation. From post-grad confusion to building a community centered on mental fortitude, they reflect on how it all began and why they’re still just getting started.

Elevator no. 201: Bradford Jacobs is the founder of The Modern Gentleman, a men’s mental health and lifestyle magazine reshaping how we talk about vulnerability, style, and personal growth. Bradford's own personal experience and challenges with mental health shaped the vision behind the magazine. In this episode, Parker, Sam and Bradford explore the intersection of fashion and emotional well-being, and the mission to create a space where men feel seen, heard, and supported.

Parker and Sam explore how fear can be a powerful trigger for growth and personal development. From public speaking nerves to stepping into the boxing ring, they share their experience with facing fear head-on.

Elevator No. 200: Jimmy Gavin is a former professional basketball player who earned an NCAA scholarship at 23 after never playing a minute of high school ball. His story is shaped by living with Crohn’s disease, the loss of his younger brother, and years of mental health struggles.Through therapy, self-reflection, and an unshakable mindset, Jimmy found healing, reclaimed his passion for basketball, and built a seven-year pro career. He shares lessons in resilience, emotional growth, and the importance of expressing vulnerability both on and off the court. Now, he's working on The Den Collective, the first NIL fund for Wisconsin-Parkside athletics.00:00Introduction to Jimmy Gavin's Journey02:21Early Life and the Impact of Sports04:02Health Challenges and Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease17:09Transition to College and Family Tragedy23:47Mental Health and Seeking Help30:32The Power of Questions in Personal Growth34:00The Journey to Becoming a College Basketball Player43:48Transitioning from College to Professional Basketball49:53The Importance of Mindset and Gratitude54:47Preparing for Life Beyond Basketball

Parker and Sam break down the hard truth—no one is coming to hand you success. They discuss the difference between structured career paths and the chaos of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the power of taking action. If you’ve been waiting for permission, this is your sign to stop and start creating your own opportunities.

Elevator No. 202: Keegan O'Connor is the co-founder and CEO of Chill Shark, an innovative company transforming bathtubs into cold plunges to make cold water therapy more accessible. With a passion for mental health and a mission to help those struggling with PTSD, Keegan’s journey is fueled by personal experiences, resilience, and a drive to build something meaningful.In this episode, Keegan shares the challenges of launching a product, the importance of team dynamics, and how vulnerability plays a role in both business and personal growth. Chillshark went live on Kickstarter on March 18 and is now fully launched to the public.

Parker and Sam dive into the reality of uncertainty in entrepreneurship, personal growth, and success. No one really knows what they’re doing, but that’s where the magic happens. They explore how learning by doing, taking small bets, and seeking mentorship can turn uncertainty into an advantage.

Elevator No. 199: Michael Bluestone is the Founder & CEO of Bluestone Travel, an Independent Travel Advisor at FROSCH (a CHASE Company), and a member of the Chase Travel Group Advisory Board, representing 600+ travel advisors nationwide. Before launching Bluestone Travel, he spent his 20s leading luxury adventure trips across 70+ countries, curating unforgettable experiences in destinations like Patagonia, the Dolomites, and South Africa.In this episode, Michael shares how travel builds resilience, shifts perspectives, and fosters personal growth. From navigating unfamiliar cultures to designing one-of-a-kind itineraries, he reflects on the lessons learned from a life spent exploring the world.

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