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 

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.

03:08
Creating Unique Experiences in Miami

06:10
The Importance of Connection and Networking

09:12
The Leap of Faith: Quitting the 9 to 5

15:14
Designing Memorable Events

18:09
Handling Community Dynamics

20:47
Mindset and Overcoming Challenges

23:58
The Role of Co-Founders in Entrepreneurship

27:01
Rapid Fire

30:00
Lucy'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.

00:00
Celebrating Milestones and Future Goals

02:59
LinkedIn Competition: A New Challenge

06:10
The Art of Storytelling and Content Creation

09:07
Engaging with the Community and Sharing Wisdom

11:47
Elevator 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.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Elevation Nation and Jarrett's Journey

06:00
The Transition to Full-Time Freelance

11:54
The Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Creative Pursuits

17:53
Navigating the Modern World: The Role of Difficulty in Growth

25:13
Building Resilience Through Challenges

33:47
The Role of Support Systems in Entrepreneurship

43:27
Jarrett'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.