Elevation Nation

Interview with Rachel Gross (1:10 - 41:35) Rachel Leigh Gross is the Director of Community at Next Gen HQ and a "conductor" of inspiration. Rachel shares the balance needed between pushing yourself to grow while finding a sense of comfort in your daily life.  We discuss the struggles Rachel found upon graduation, the challenges young adults have in facing the unknown, and how she creates comfort with her festive seasonal decorations. While Mental Fortitude typically focuses on pushing yourself to grow, Rachel highlights the importance of using time and space to reset and unwind.

Instagram - @rachelleighgross
Next Gen HQ - https://nextgenhq.com/

2020 is behind us and we are so ready to take on 2021. In this week’s episode of “Fortitude in 15”, we talk about some of the actions we have already taken to ensure that we meet our goals for this year. To make those New Year Resolutions a reality, it all starts with a little introspection, action, and accountability.  We discuss some actions we have already taken to tackle our goals and give some tips and tricks on how you can get started on making 2021 a year of elevating your life.

On the first episode of "Fortitude in 15", we reflect on the longest year ever finally coming to a close. It seems like 2020 was a poorly made Hollywood movie with twists and turns unimaginable, but we somehow made it through. We talk about the immense struggles the world faced this past year and how we also seemed to turn a hell of a lot of lemons into a bit of lemonade.

Pulse of the Nation (0:24 - 14:49) Music has the unique ability to unite generations, evoke emotions, and inspire movements. The Elevation Nation guys share their experiences with tunes and how specific moments in life are tied to certain melodies. Parker shares the perspective of "The Boss" and his take on the power of song.

Interview with Jeremy Weinapple (15:05 - 52:09) Jeremy Weinapple otherwise known as "byJ." truly uses both sides of his brain. His analytic mind achieves success during the day managing data, while his creative side soars at night producing new music. Jeremy walks us through his journey, the importance of creativity, and how he uses Mental Fortitude.

Instagram - @producedbyJ
Website - https://www.yanacast.com/talent/by

Pulse of the Nation (0:26 - 19:19) The Elevation Nation guys talk "blazing your own trail" in this week's POTN. Sam and Parker explain how following in other's footsteps isn't necessarily what is always best. The guys discuss their old business ventures and how they continue to try to find new ways to get them to where they want to go. As always, Parker drops some knowledge from none other than Mr. Teddy Roosevelt.

Interview with Peter Fusilero (19:23 - 1:21:15) Peter Fusilero is relentless in the pursuit of his dream to be an NBA coach. As a graduate assistant for the University of Georgia Men's BB Team, Peter is no stranger at creating his own luck. He started his own basketball filmmaking brand at 15 in order to grow his network of connections and get him to where he is today. We talk about dedication, following your dreams, and the importance of experiences > money.

Instagram - @litfuse_
Twitter - @litfuse_

Pulse of the Nation (0:26 - 12:59) As we near the holiday season, the weather is getting colder! The pandemic has impacted all of us, but the homeless population in particular has never been more neglected. Sam and Parker talk about their experiences with homelessness in DC and propose a challenge to Elevation Nation: Give back this holiday season!

Interview with Matt Johnson (20:00 - 56:29) Matt Johnson is an athletic trainer who has faced immense adversity throughout his life. Through it all, he used Mental Fortitude to persevere through the challenges he was thrown and take control of the life he wants to live. We talk to Matt about his inspiring story and how he plans to live his life now that he has entered the real world.

Instagram - @johnsonmk23
Twitter - @johnsonmk23

Pulse of the Nation (0:18 - 16:54) It's storytime! Sam and Parker talk about the time they went to PRISON and how that impacted their outlook on life.

Interview with David Hess (16:55 - 1:19:59) David Hess has dedicated his life to mentor others. As a former high school basketball coach and current school counselor, he helps young adults transition to the real world. We talk about his journey to uncovering his true purpose in life and how he helps high school students navigate their future plans.

Bonus Video

Pulse of the Nation (1:06 - 19:24) It is a Thanksgiving like no other! Sam and Parker discuss how to be grateful even in these trying times. Parker drops another quote to make you think this holiday season.

Interview with Nikki Novoselsky (20:00 - 1:16:34) After graduating from Wisconsin, Nikki was planning to lead a typical "successful" life; living in the big city, having a corporate job, being financially stable. But something inside her kept telling her to make a change. Nikki decided to follow that voice, quit her job, and move to Southeast Asia. We talk to Nikki about the Mental Fortitude it took to trust her gut with such a big decision and how her new environment has changed her outlook on life as she hones in on gratefulness each and every day.

Instagram - @ohtheplacesyoullflow_
Website - https://www.ohtheplacesyoullflow.com/

Pulse of the Nation (0:21-15:27) In a new segment, Parker and Sam discuss the struggles they are having as adults in the real world. This week, the foucs is on COVID and navigating the tough decisions millions of Americans need to make during this crazy 2020 Thanksgiving season. Also, Parker drops his first quote. #putitonashirt

Interview with Noah Fleishman (15:40- 1:03:37) Noah and his family have been fueling the DC area with their breakfasts for over 2 decades. But for the Fleishman family, Bethesda Bagels is more than a breakfast joint, its a family legacy and a cornerstone of the community. We talk about the struggles Noah had transitioning to a manager and the dedication it takes to be in the service industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instagram - @noahfleish
@bethesdabagels

Sam and Parker head to the Washington Monument to discuss the crazy last 10 days in the USA and talk empathy & mental fortitude, a perfect topic for their guest...

Rachel is the founder of Momentum Wellness, a movement to inspire true wellness from within. After a rare cancer diagnosis in college, Rachel turned to an integrative approach for healing. We talk to Rachel about her road to recovery, her struggles before her diagnosis, and how cancer has changed her into the person she always wanted to be.

Instagram- @rachelkyaffe
Momentum Wellness Instagram - @momentumwellnessco
Website - Momentum Wellness