Elevation Nation

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.

00:00
Introduction to Jimmy Gavin's Journey

02:21
Early Life and the Impact of Sports

04:02
Health Challenges and Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease

17:09
Transition to College and Family Tragedy

23:47
Mental Health and Seeking Help

30:32
The Power of Questions in Personal Growth

34:00
The Journey to Becoming a College Basketball Player

43:48
Transitioning from College to Professional Basketball

49:53
The Importance of Mindset and Gratitude

54:47
Preparing 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.

00:00
Feedback on New Podcast Structure

01:48
The Hot Take: Trying Too Hard is Cool

06:00
The Difference Between Hard Work in Careers vs. Social Skills

10:13
Personal Experiences Shaping Perspectives on Effort

13:31
Elevator 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.

00:00
Navigating Family Dynamics in Business

07:11
The Journey of Entrepreneurship from a Young Age

12:45
The Decision to Drop Out of College

15:36
Understanding the Red Zone and Its Impact

18:49
Leveraging TikTok for Awareness and Growth

23:05
Personal Growth and the Challenges of Young Adulthood

29:03
Memorable Moments from Shark Tank

36:33
Mental 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