In episode 67 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Shannon Nicole, HR professional, author, advocate, and survivor—for a courageous conversation about overcoming trauma, embracing healing, and transforming life's greatest challenges into a mission of helping others. She also explains how writing became part of her healing process, why community and relationships are essential for recovery, and how serving others has become the cornerstone of her life's mission. 

Tune in to hear Shannon Nicole's inspiring journey of resilience, discover practical tools for healing and growth, and learn how speaking your truth can empower both your life and the lives of those around you.

TIMESTAMPS

 [00:00:26] Meet Shannon Nicole: Author, advocate, and survivor.
 [00:01:33] Life after marriage, military life, and early career.
 [00:02:48] A 26-year HR career and passion for helping people.
 [00:04:09] The story behind Silent No More.
 [00:06:19] Surviving domestic violence and an unexpected legal battle.
 [00:10:19] Fighting for justice and rebuilding her life.
 [00:13:58] Healing through writing and helping other survivors.
 [00:18:33] Honoring her father through The Long Goodbye.
 [00:21:13] Why healing is a lifelong journey.
 [00:22:13] Gratitude, journaling, and daily healing practices.
 [00:24:19] Advice for anyone carrying hidden pain.
 [00:25:34] What's next for Shannon Nicole?
 [00:26:21] Building a legacy of hope and advocacy.
 [00:27:42] Rapid-fire questions and personal insights.
 [00:30:41] Final encouragement and closing message.

QUOTES

• "The shame lives in silence. Once I started talking about it, that became part of my healing." – Shannon Nicole
• "Healing is ongoing because when you become a different version of yourself, there's always something new to heal." – Shannon Nicole
• "Keep showing up, keep going, and keep elevating." – Blake Elsner

SOCIAL MEDIA

Blake Elsner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpelsner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Shannon Nicole

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shannon-nicole/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon___hayes 

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@authorshannonicole 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonicole 

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast:https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Shannon Nicole:https://www.shannonnicoleconsulting.com/books 

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In episode 66 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews David Ames, a respected mortgage professional, community leader, and founder of Agent STL, to discuss how genuine relationships, servant leadership, and continuous learning have fueled his success in the real estate industry. 

Tune in to discover how authentic leadership, continuous education, and meaningful connections can transform your business and help you elevate both personally and professionally. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Meet David Ames and his entrepreneurial journey.

[00:00:57] Growing up in a military family and lessons from constant change.

[00:02:57] From Verizon corporate trainer to the mortgage industry 

[00:07:06] Why serving people matters more than selling.

[00:08:25] Learning through adversity and thriving under pressure.

[00:12:06] The vision behind Agent STL

[00:16:45] Collaboration over competition in real estate.

[00:20:50] Agent STL events, workshops, and educating industry professionals.

[00:23:04] Upcoming events and relationship-building

[00:25:56] Why every networking event creates growth opportunities.

[00:27:31] Rapid-fire questions with David Ames.

[00:29:56] Final thoughts on relationships, leadership, and serving others.

QUOTES

• "Taking the nerves out of it is something that I take a lot of pride in." – David Ames
• "As you help people, you succeed." – Blake Elsner
• "It's not just about business or transactions—it's about relationships, it's about people." – Blake Elsner

Blake Elsner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpelsner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

David Ames

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ames-79031a57/ 

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast:https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Agent STL: https://agentstl.com/About 

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In episode 65 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Dan Luigs, who shares how he leveraged relationships with real estate agents, mortgage pros, and entrepreneurs to build a winning team and client base, and to learn about the biggest misconceptions that cost individuals and businesses dearly. 

Tune in to learn exactly what you’re risking and how smart, proactive leadership can help you secure your future... and achieve peace of mind! 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:05] Meet Blake Elsner & guest Dan Luigs: background, values, and the power of hard work
[00:03:25] Differentiation through relationships, service, and mentorship
[00:07:25] Common insurance mistakes and the real cost of “saving money”
[00:09:55] Real-world claim stories: from underinsurance to denied claims
[00:18:04] The new deductible landscape—why your policy may have changed
[00:24:56] Life events that demand a policy review
[00:29:27] The risk of uninsured drivers and protecting yourself
[00:33:10] Future outlook: Why the market is finally stabilizing
[00:38:25] Wrapping up: Protecting your business, family, and legacy

QUOTES

• "You have so much value to somebody else, and it could be just being there to support them." – Dan Luigs
• "It's not always really about policies. It's about protecting your family, your business, your assets, and the life that you've worked so hard to build." – Blake Elsner
• "Smart People sometimes understand things poorly... Just because you know the numbers doesn’t mean you understand the true cost." – Dan Luigs

Blake Elsner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpelsner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Dan Luigs

Phone Number: 314-503-0964

WEBSITES

Dan Luigs:

https://www.insurancestoreinc.com/staff-directory/DanLuig

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

In episode 64 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Stewart Miller, Founder of ARKHE Club and Livewire Production, as he shares his remarkable journey of relentless innovation and purposeful leadership. Along the way, he’s partnered with powerhouse brands like UFC, Technogym, and Disney, introducing more than 2 million people to active lifestyles and reshaping the fitness industry in the process. 

Tune in for insider wisdom from a leader who proves that building something bigger than yourself is the ultimate reward! 

In episode 63 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Joshua Danrich, the 16-year-old entrepreneur who’s already made business history by getting his innovative air freshener brand, MrFreshGlobal, onto Walmart’s shelves, as he shares the behind-the-scenes story of pitching his product at the Walmart Open Call, what it took to stand out among 700+ competitors, and how he stays laser-focused while balancing his responsibilities as a student and business owner. 

Tune in to discover actionable advice on team growth, relationship-building, and the courage to implement your ideas—no matter your starting point. If you’ve ever needed proof that it’s never too early to chase your dreams, this episode delivers. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:21] Meet Joshua Danrich—16 and already in Walmart
[00:01:43] Early entrepreneurial beginnings and family mentorship
[00:04:04] Standing out from the crowd & teaching others to dream big
[00:05:41] Cracking the code: Pitching and winning at Walmart
[00:10:18] Delivering on big promises—production and logistics
[00:11:11] What makes MrFreshGlobal unique and lasting
[00:13:43] Life-changing milestones: From Good Morning America to viral moments
[00:16:59] Time management, school balance, and the “work now, play later” ethic
[00:19:11] The power of routines, scheduling, and staying booked
[00:20:43] Shattering misconceptions about youth and success
[00:21:54] Faith, resilience, and “doing it anyway”—the MrFreshGlobal mindset
[00:25:15] Where to find MrFreshGlobal and final motivation

QUOTES

• "If you believe it, if you can tell your mind you believe it, you can achieve it." – Joshua Danrich
• "Success doesn't just ask for your age. It asks for action." – Blake Elsner
• "I want to motivate and inspire kids that you can be bigger than anything that the world tells you you can be." – Joshua Danrich

Blake Elsner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpelsner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Joshua Danrich (Mr. Fresh)

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrfreshglobal/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mrfreshglobal/ 

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

In episode 62 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Landon Lynch, founder of Motiv People Strategies, as he emphasizes the importance of understanding limiting beliefs and how they can hinder personal and professional growth.

Tune in to discover how Landon's mission to serve others shapes his work and philosophy.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:23] Purpose and clarity in leadership.

[00:06:02] Limiting beliefs and personal growth.

[00:08:30] Limiting beliefs and personal growth.

[00:12:42] Establishing trust in leadership transitions.

[00:14:36] Trust and transparency in leadership.

[00:19:24] Founder’s role in developing leaders.

[00:22:47] Founder self-actualization challenges.

[00:25:45] Effective leadership mindset.

[00:29:15] Founder advice and support.

QUOTES

• "The problem solves itself because the person understands it." -Landon Lynch
• "If you're not growing and evolving and developing, you're usually atrophying in some way." -Landon Lynch
• "I think getting really curious today about what it's like on the other side of you is a great place to start." -Landon Lynch

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpelsner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Landon Lynch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landonclynch/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/moshi-space/ 

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Motiv People Strategies: https://www.motivstrat.com/our-team 

In episode 61 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Matt Adams, a former MLB player and World Series champion as he shares his incredible journey through the highs and lows of professional baseball.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance and making an impact in the big leagues.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:12] Transitioning into a coaching career.

[00:05:37] Draft frustrations and unexpected opportunities.

[00:09:54] Overcoming rejection in sports.

[00:12:55] Mindset and perseverance in baseball.

[00:15:21] Major League Baseball debut excitement.

[00:20:26] Kershaw's pivotal NLDS moment.

[00:24:01] Trade experiences and personal impact.

[00:28:42] Career-changing trade to Atlanta.

[00:30:01] Trade deadline experiences.

[00:34:10] Wife's impact on athlete's health.

[00:38:14] Retirement and first pitch experience.

[00:45:12] Life lessons from baseball.

[00:45:56] Knowledge sharing and appreciation.

QUOTES

• "The biggest piece of advice I give anybody listening is just don't take no for an answer. Believe in yourself and keep moving forward with that confidence." -Matt Adams
• "I had a mindset inside of me that I wanted to be the best. I worked, I sacrificed a lot." -Matt Adams
• "I wanted to prove everybody wrong. I wanted to use that for fuel." -Matt Adams

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpelsner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Matt Adams

LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/bigcityforreal/ 

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

In episode 59 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Dave Wiggins, a Senior Director at Recruits Baseball Club and head coach at Principia High School, as he shares stories of athletes who rose above adversity, the changing landscape of collegiate recruitment, and how modern success isn’t just about exposure—it’s about accountability, culture, and intentional growth.

Tune in for inspiring perspectives, actionable advice, and an honest look at how coaching can impact lives well beyond the game.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:21] Building character vs. chasing exposure in youth sports
[00:01:35] Dave’s transformation: from player to coach
[00:05:59] Leadership lessons from early coaching experiences
[00:09:42] Team discipline, goal-setting, and building culture
[00:14:11] D1 vs. D3: reframing success and college recruitment
[00:17:09] What college coaches REALLY look for
[00:22:44] Staying focused—navigating distractions and accountability
[00:26:41] The impact of NIL on athletes and leadership
[00:29:05] Mentorship, relationships, and lasting influence

QUOTES

• "Those things don't show up on a stat sheet, but they determine everything." – Blake Elsner
• "My job is to help them continue to love the game of baseball, but it's also to help develop young men and leaders." – Dave Wiggins
• "It's more important that you run as hard as you can out of the box…Your gameplay gets you in the door, but your character keeps you there." – Dave Wiggins

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpelsner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Dave Wiggins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wiggins-1ba17760/ 

X: https://x.com/CruitsCoachDW 

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast:https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

In this powerful episode, Blake Elsner sits down with Katy Chappell — a passionate advocate for prison reform — to unpack a story that will challenge the way you see accountability, punishment, and human dignity.

At the center of this conversation is Macaulay Boschen.

He’s 12 months away from freedom.

But right now? He’s in solitary confinement inside a maximum security prison.

Not because of a new crime.

Not because of disciplinary action.

But because he’s close to release.

Inmates serving life sentences don’t take kindly to someone “seeing daylight soon.” For his own safety, he’s been isolated — cut off, alone, confined.

And here’s the hard truth:

Solitary confinement doesn’t protect mental health.

It doesn’t rehabilitate.

It doesn’t restore.

Katy shares her own recovery journey and why she believes transparency, accountability, and basic human dignity must exist — even inside prison walls.

This episode isn’t about excusing crime.

It’s about asking better questions.

✔️ What does justice actually look like?

✔️ How do we protect someone who’s preparing to reenter society?

✔️ And where is the line between punishment and inhumanity?

This conversation will make you uncomfortable.

Good.

Growth doesn’t happen in comfort.

🎙️ Tune in to Episode 59 of Elevate with Elsner for a raw, real, and necessary discussion.

Because real elevation means facing the hard conversations — not avoiding them.

In episode 58 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Dr. Greg Pursley,  business coach, author, and CEO of PC Medical Centers, as he discusses how he helps owner-operators transform their mindset to build sellable and scalable assets. 

Tune in for a conversation that is packed with valuable advice to help you elevate your mindset and operations.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:39] Beliefs are operational, not motivational.

[00:06:03] Key person dependency in business.

[00:09:19] Aligning company missions for growth.

[00:12:06] Business alignment and delegation.

[00:16:59] Delegation vs. ego in business.

[00:21:07] Sellable business assets.

[00:24:45] Sellable business assets explained.

[00:27:07] Personal branding in business.

[00:30:42] Legacy versus cash flow.

[00:34:30] Impacting more people's lives.

QUOTES

• "The quicker we implement this strategy, the quicker we give you the resources you need to reach this goal, and the quicker we figure out whether you can or cannot do it." -Dr. Greg Pursley
• "A business doesn't run without cash flow." -Dr. Greg Pursley
• "Remember, your business should grow because of you, not collapse without you." -Blake Elsner

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpelsner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Dr. Greg Pursley

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgregpursley/?hl=en 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgregpursley1/ 

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast:https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Dr. Greg Pursley: https://www.drgregpursley.com/