The Upgraded Man

In this powerful episode, Chris Anderson sits down with marathon runner and coach Adam Bennett, who turned his multiple sclerosis diagnosis into a mission of endurance and purpose. Over nearly ten years, Adam ran the equivalent of the Earth’s circumference — 24,901 miles — proving that adversity doesn’t define us, it refines us. From the emotional day of his diagnosis to the support of his family and the lessons he’s learned along the way, Adam’s story is one of relentless perseverance, hope, and leadership through action.
 

Main Talking Points:

• The emotional moment Adam was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015
• How he set a goal to run 24,901 miles — the Earth’s circumference
• The power of routine, discipline, and small daily steps
• The importance of family, faith, and community support
• Mentoring others living with MS and inspiring hope
• Lessons from 10 years of resilience, running, and personal growth
• “Run for the Fallen” and honoring fallen heroes
• The mindset of never quitting and always looking where you want your life to go

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Tim Swindle, a 10-year entrepreneur who turned a fun side project into a nationally distributed success. Tim shares how his first Kickstarter-backed game, Utter Nonsense, went from living room play to being sold in Target and Walmart nationwide. He opens up about overcoming self-doubt, leveraging online trends, and using influencers to launch products that stick.

Discover practical lessons on prototyping, scaling, and marketing your product in today’s crowded digital space. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, Tim’s story offers the strategies and inspiration you need to take action.
 

Main Talking Points:

• Why execution matters more than the idea
• Overcoming self-doubt and just getting started
• How a Target buyer found his game through UK toy news
• Leveraging influencers and viral trends to create demand
• Turning pickleball and spikeball into a new hit game: Paddle Smash
• Building authentic connections and gathering raw product feedback
• The importance of getting out of your comfort zone

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From a handwritten card in an avocado-green Tupperware box to a top-selling, gluten-free coffee liqueur poured across Colorado and beyond—this founder story is packed with grit, family legacy, and smart growth. David and Monica Kowalski share how Lebowski's Taproom (a Lebowski-themed spot in Colorado Springs) turned a house-made coffee liqueur into a rapidly expanding brand—pre-selling 1,500 bottles, landing marquee accounts, and building community through unforgettable cocktail experiences.

Talking points:

• Rediscovering a long-lost, handwritten family recipe and perfecting it in-house
• Turning a taproom “house pour” into a commercial product with Black Hat Distillery
• Pre-selling 1,500 bottles before launch and scaling into restaurants and liquor stores
• Why the liqueur is different: gluten-free, no additives or caramel coloring, vodka-based, Colombian coffee, coffee-forward flavor
• Creative cocktail applications (espresso martinis, white Russians, tequila riffs) and menu education for restaurants
• Licensing and expansion strategy (CO, FL, TX, CA, NY) and the realities of state-by-state permits
• Marketing what actually works for hospitality now: events, experience, and daily content
• Building a team culture with low turnover and “connection-first” service
• Five-year vision: second location, franchise conversations, national and international distribution
• Entrepreneur lessons: paperwork, patience, controlled chaos, and relentless outreach   

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Austin McMillan, founder of Flywheel Financial, to talk about building profitable businesses through financial clarity and smart systems. Austin shares his journey from acquisitions in the landscaping industry to launching his own fractional CFO firm. They dive into why chasing revenue can sink businesses, the importance of profit-first strategies, and how to avoid burnout while scaling.

Main Talking Points:

• Austin’s journey into entrepreneurship and Flywheel Financial’s mission
• Why profit—not revenue—is the real scorecard for business health
• The importance of financial rhythms and owner KPIs
• Red flags that lead to burnout and financial stress
• Building accountability systems and effective team culture
• How AI is reshaping bookkeeping and financial services
• The role of margin in creating freedom and creativity
• Personal legacy, integrity, and family impact

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Mike Pritchett to unpack the brutal but rewarding journey of entrepreneurship. Mike shares why grit—not talent or luck—is the ultimate factor that separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else. From getting knocked down to rising again, his perspective will inspire anyone chasing their dream.
 

Main Talking Points:

• Why grit is the #1 trait for entrepreneurial success
• The harsh but honest reality of building a business
• How to know if entrepreneurship is truly your path
• Why persistence and resilience matter more than strategy
• Encouragement for early-stage entrepreneurs to keep going

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson shares simple, beginner-friendly video editing tips that will help you create professional-quality content without being a professional editor. From cutting filler words to organizing your files, adding clean transitions, improving audio, and exporting the right way—Chris breaks it all down in layman’s terms so you can elevate your brand through better video.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why editing matters for brand perception and professionalism
• The basics of cutting, trimming, and sequencing your content
• Beginner-friendly editing software options (CapCut, Canva, DaVinci, Adobe)
• How to stay organized with files and assets to save time
• The role of pacing and storytelling in keeping your audience engaged
• Tips for color grading and adding simple graphics for impact
• Why clean, synced audio is more important than visuals
• Using tools like Adobe Podcast Enhancer for noise reduction
• When and how to add music, sound effects, and transitions
• Exporting your final video in the right format and resolution

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with serial entrepreneur and world traveler John Abbas. From serving in the Navy to chasing storms, starting roofing companies, running a Vegas coffee shop through the recession, and eventually building multiple thriving businesses, John shares his powerful journey of wins, failures, and lessons. Together, they dive into what it really means to choose happiness, why perspective matters, and how building people and culture is the real key to scaling.

You’ll learn how John leverages business ownership for long-term wealth, why he prefers buying businesses over starting them, and the importance of values-driven leadership. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Talking Points:

• Why happiness is truly a choice and how John learned this perspective in the Navy
• Lessons from building—and losing—businesses like roofing and a coffee shop during the recession
• Why buying businesses can be smarter than starting from scratch
• The critical role of culture, core values, and leadership in growth
• How John structures multiple businesses while being home every day by 3 p.m.
• Investing profits wisely for long-term wealth and financial freedom
• Why legacy is more about daily impact than being remembered

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith for an in-depth conversation on conviction, faith-driven leadership, and standing for truth in a culture of compromise. From personal sacrifices to political pressures, Micah shares what it truly means to lead with courage—even when it costs you. If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone wrestling with how to live out your beliefs in a public space, this episode is for you.

Key Talking Points:

• What conviction really means and why many operate without it
• Lessons from the Founding Fathers and how they still apply today
• Faith, politics, and the unseen battle for truth
• Navigating political corruption and leading in lion’s den environments
• Why servant leadership creates long-term influence
• Lessons from Trump, Lincoln, and pastors of the Revolutionary War
• The biblical foundation of American government
• How schools and parenting impact the future of our nation
• The importance of knowing your values before entering tough spaces
• Why we need more leaders who speak the hard truth in love

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Robbin Nathaniel, former second-in-command of a $23 million nonprofit and founder of GPS LLC. Robbin shares how he transformed nonprofit growth through social media, why connection matters more than metrics, and how mission-driven leaders can simplify their strategy without getting lost in “checking the box” content.
 

Main Talking Points:

• Robbin’s journey from musician to nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship
• The breaking point with social media in nonprofits
• Why leadership often resists social media and how to get buy-in
• Avoiding the “check the box” syndrome with content
• How to build trust and human connection through video
• Growing email lists with contests and lead magnets
• Paid ads vs organic growth: where small businesses and nonprofits should focus
• Building content pillars and balancing trends with mission-driven storytelling
• Defining success beyond vanity metrics
• Practical tips for consistency, cadence, and finding harmony as a leader

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After 30 years in the corporate world, Nancy Dillingham Marks felt something needed to change. One glass art class shifted everything. In this inspiring episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson dives into Nancy’s powerful journey from COO to founder of the Glass Arts Collective—a studio dedicated to healing, creativity, and community.

Learn how Nancy discovered her passion through helping her mother, overcame imposter syndrome, and built a thriving business just weeks before the COVID shutdown. Her story is a testament to the power of pivoting, embracing imperfections, and reigniting your creative spark—no matter your age or experience.

🎯 Main Talking Points:

• Leaving the corporate world after 30+ years
• How one glass class changed everything
• Starting a creative business right before COVID
• The therapeutic and healing power of fused glass
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing creativity
• Building a community around shared artistic expression
• Why adults need creative outlets more than ever
• Lessons on joy, business pivots, and life satisfaction
• The metaphor of broken glass as a symbol of transformation
• How to redefine success beyond traditional business metrics

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.