Something More Human

What scripts are shaping your life without you even realizing it? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Peck to explore how small moments—like starting a conversation or choosing kindness—can create powerful ripple effects. We talk about embracing vulnerability, navigating the tension of being "too much," and uncovering the hidden narratives that guide our decisions. Packed with insigh...

From growing up in a trailer park eating ketchup soup as a child to COO of the world’s largest art dealer, John Block talks with us about imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and how to know when you’ve outgrown a friendship. Thank you so much to The Clayton Hotel & Member's Club for hosting our live podcast and sponsoring this episode! Learn more about membership or plan your next Denver...

Hanging upside down from a hot air balloon to pick cotton with some friends; a reluctant trip to New Mexico turns into 33 years of never missing the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and an induction into the Balloon Fiesta hall of fame; turning two balloon pins into 200,000 pins. We dug through our communities and connections to find some iconic characters of the worlds largest hot air bal...

How does loneliness impact our health and what can we do about it? We just wrapped up The Art and Science of Connection by social scientist Kasley Killam in The Something More Society book club and we're unpacking our key takeaways, outlining how you can benefit from feeling connected in your day to day life. Sam takes us back to a research fellowship she did in 2017, reminding us that commun...

Self-love isn’t a quick fix; it’s a journey made up of small, intentional choices. Elliot unpacks his toughest questions with our guest, Sarah: How did she learn to embrace herself, even in difficult moments? This episode doesn’t offer a ‘perfect’ solution, but instead, explores the real steps toward self-acceptance that anyone can try. With surprising tools, and reflections from Sam, this is your...

If we're in a friendship crisis, what do we do about it? We discuss data from The American Survey Center and the US Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community to better understand what it means to be in a friendship crisis. And of course, we'll never leave you high and dry. We outline 4 strategies for improving your relationships, overall life sa...

Improve your relationships by becoming a better conversationalist. We often hear complaints after a first date or catching up with a friend that the other person didn't seem invested because they didn't ask any questions. Tony Robbins says "the quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask" and we believe that questions hold the power to enable us t...

What if the key to a fulfilling life isn't found in achievement, but in connection? In this episode, we sit down with Dan Harris , former ABC News anchor and renowned meditation advocate, to explore the power of deep relationships, the inner struggles we all face, and how mindfulness can change the way we live. Dan opens up about his infamous 2004 panic attack on live TV, and how it set him o...

How to get people to care about your projects? People can only be as excited about something you're working on as YOU are. We uncover the ideas behind manufacturing your own hype and what that looks like from artists to entrepreneurs to 9-5ers. Elliot says "don't take the wind from the sails of the boat that you built." I also share with Elliot the power behind recognizing mome...

From being all alone in a new city to navigating the intense spotlight of The Bachelor Season 20, Ben Higgins faced the most Googled breakup of 2017. In this candid conversation, Ben opens up about the challenges of separating his identity from 'Ben the Bachelor' and the pitfalls of social media, including the comparison and envy that can come with it. He shares how a friend's life-...

Sam says, "Not allowing your friends to help robs them of the joy of being a great friend" and I felt that. Asking your friends for help is easier said than done. When was the last time you explicitly asked your friend to help you with something related to your relationships, mental well being, professional development, creative expression? Sam and I talk about how we feel compelled to l...

Action creates clarity, failure is a rite of passage, don’t let perfect be the enemy of good! During her mindset coaching sessions around the time our podcast was just forming, Sam, inspired by her coaching, asked me, 'If I told you that episode 20 was where we figured it out, how fast would you fail through the first 19 to get there? If you apply that anywhere in your endeavors, only good th...

How do your relationships and community change when you experience growth and success in entrepreneurship? We sat down with our new friend Anna Zesbaugh who owns not one, not two, but three successful businesses in Denver and discuss imposter syndrome, ego inflation, and transforming relationships.    If you're in the Denver area, you can knock out three birds with one stone and experience a...

Announcing The Something More Society! We’ve noticed the social fabric of our society wearing down and believe the best way to heal it is through intentional connection and community where art, voice, and written words are celebrated. Our mission with Something More Human has always been to create a movement and a space where this is possible. We’re creating the community we think society is in ne...

If we can’t talk surface level stuff and then go realllyyy deep, we don’t want it. Amanda dives into the mindset of meeting people and making friends, why all human connection starts with a connection to self, and why curiosity is a lost art. You'd think we've known Amanda for a long time but this was our first time meeting her! Connect with Amanda Instagram Amanda's podcast, Just M...

The answer seems obvious enough. But, do we really? Elliot tells Sam all the time of his dreams and visions of the future, but so often gets in his own way of achieving them. Together, we break down the reason for that. We talk about how to get out of your own way, transcend your Upper Limit, and find the things you’ve been looking for your whole life, starting today… RIGHT NOW! Grab your new favo...

Overcoming the loss of her mother and son to suicide and her husband whose death she believes was from a broken heart, Dr. Kimberly Harms flew to us from Minnesota to discuss how. We discuss the sneaky feelings of guilt and shame in the journey of grief and how to leverage your community during mourning. Kim is the author of "Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For" and shares th...

Could we get 100+ people to leave their phones behind and exist in the present moment for three consecutive hours? We created Return to Real Life, a phone-free in person experience, to find out. This episode is inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s new book, The Anxious Generation, which touches on the mental health crises of adolescents that began in the early 2010s. He believes, and so do we, that our ph...

How do you know who belongs in your inner circle? We all like to think we know who makes up our inner circle and why but do we really? Are there people in there currently who no longer belong? We break down 5 tips to help you determine who is best suited for your inner circle (and who isn’t). Grab your new favorite tea from New Mexico Tea Company HERE Stay Connected with Sam & Elliot Shop our...

Is it possible to create and maintain a strong community while choosing van life, traveling full time, or working remotely? Maria shares everything from the challenges and risks to the power and fulfillment in choosing to live as a nomad doing remote work. Yes, it does include fractured ribs and expensive van repairs, but Maria also shares invaluable insight about not only how to make a living on...

Coming out as an adult is difficult enough, but in the midst of processing emotional trauma, relocating, and going to school full time, that’s enough to overwhelm anyone. We talk with one of our very best friends, Meghan, about her newfound insights as a lesbian, coming out as a 26 year old, how she cultivated self love after coming to terms with her trauma, and how that brought her to the love of...

A simple, cost-effective way to reconnect with our loved ones by putting our phones out of reach and prioritizing presence of mind, fun, and relaxation. We talk about how allowing ourselves the time and space to ask powerful questions creates an opportunity to explore and learn more about each other and ultimately reconnect our friendship. Elliot also talks about a realization he had about how to...

How long does it take to get over a breakup? We sit down with relationship coach and therapist, Christina Abood, to discuss when to know to end it, how to get closure when you leave a relationship, recognize your dating patterns, get back out there without dating apps, and the do’s and don’ts for leaning on your community. Mentioned in this episode: Signs It’s Time To Let Go Of A Relationship More...

What happened on Friday the 13th, 1979 to a couple of lovebirds on their way to see Alien at the theatre? You may have a hard time believing what you hear, but Elliot's parents tell us about their close encounter on that night in 1979. Elliot realizes a specific Dateline NBC episode may be the starting point for the majority of his irrational anxieties. How do folks in their 60s feel about ag...

Personal growth leads to growth everywhere else. In this episode, Sam downloads massive learnings from her first ever business conference and Elliot shares the easiest way to make friends in a foreign environment. Listen to this episode when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next. Remember, there are no rules and there is no way. Our favorite quote from the episode comes from...