Elevation Nation

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, ult...

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...

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 w...

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. 01:56 Creating Diverse Content: Lessons from Scott Galloway 05:17 Defining a 'Baller' Life: Financial Freedom and Time 11:09 The Value of Interviews...

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. 02:45 Reflecting on the Past and Future 05:30 Excitement for New Opportunities 08:09 Navigating Social Media Challenges 11:18 L...

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...

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. 03:45 Living by Values vs. Future Planning 11:31 Finding Balance Between Long-Term and Short-Term 15:02 Embracing 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, J...

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...

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.

Elevator 209: Jessie Yaffe is a certified holistic health and mindset coach who helps others reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, emotional healing, and inner child work. After navigating chronic stress and inspired by her sister’s cancer journey, Jessie found purpose in guiding others toward self-worth and sustainable well-being. In this episode, Jessie opens up about the importance of...

Amid rising antisemitism and growing tension around the world, Parker and Sam reflect on what it means to be proudly and visibly Jewish in a time that often feels unsafe. They open up about the tension between fear and identity, and why now more than ever, silence isn’t an option. Disclaimer: This episode is a personal reflection on Jewish identity and safety in America today. It does not represen...

Elevator No. 208: Libby Amber Shayo is a content creator, storyteller, and comedic voice known for her viral portrayals of Jewish mothers and her unique ability to blend humor with cultural insight. What began as a pandemic-era TikTok video has turned into a full-time career working with global brands, helping others share their stories authentically and proudly. Libby opens up about navigating on...

Parker and Sam celebrate 400 episodes of Elevation Nation by reflecting on the podcast’s impact and how it’s fueled their personal growth. Then they explore the rise of AI therapy tools like ChatGPT and how young adults are turning to technology for emotional support.  The conversation unpacks the power of introspection, the limits of AI in mental health, and the ongoing journey of building emotio...

Elevator No. 206: Jack Adler is a young entrepreneur and founder of Out2Win, an athlete marketing tech company using AI to help brands, universities, and agencies streamline athlete partnerships. While still at Syracuse, Jack launched the company from a fraternity house, balancing campus life with building a business and dropping out of a master’s program to go all in. Jack opens up about navigati...

Parker and Sam break down why now is the best time to be a young creator or entrepreneur. With more tools, platforms, and demand for authenticity than ever before, they explore how anyone can start building something meaningful, no permission required. If you've been sitting on an idea, this is your sign to make your move.

Elevator No. 205: Matt Williams is a testament to resilience and reinvention. After a life-changing moment in 2010, he embraced sobriety and began rebuilding from the inside out, eventually founding FROPRO, a snack bar company rooted in second chances and healthy living. Matt shares how vulnerability, introspection, and consistency became the pillars of both his personal growth and his business jo...

Young people today have more access, flexibility, and tools than any generation before, so why do so many of us feel stuck? Parker and Sam break down findings from a massive global study showing that 18–29-year-olds, especially in the U.S., are struggling most to feel fulfilled.

Elevator No. 207: Kayla Schreibstein is a seasoned tech sales pro turned community-builder, storyteller, and host of the podcast Friends of Kayla . Beyond her 9 to 5, she’s redefining success through intimate Shabbat dinners, cultural conversations, and passion projects that center around identity and connection. In this conversation, Kayla shares how embracing her Jewish identity and protecting h...

Parker and Sam unpack the reality of loneliness in today’s hyper-connected world. They share personal experiences and coping strategies, emphasizing that feeling isolated doesn’t mean something is wrong with you...it’s part of being human.