Elevator No. 207: Kayla Schreibstein is a seasoned tech sales pro turned community-builder, storyteller, and host of the podcast Friends of Kayla. Beyond her 9 to 5, she’s redefining success through intimate Shabbat dinners, cultural conversations, and passion projects that center around identity and connection.

In this conversation, Kayla shares how embracing her Jewish identity and protecting her peace led to deeper purpose. She opens up about navigating side hustles, setting boundaries, and creating spaces for authenticity, reminding us that fulfillment doesn’t come from doing it all, it comes from doing what matters most.

Chapters

02:41
The Journey of Side Hustles

06:27
The Impact of Networking and Influencers

12:50
The Birth of Friends of Kayla

18:20
Embracing Identity and Purpose

23:14
Defining Success in Podcasting

25:54
Cultural Exchange Through Shabbat Dinners

28:20
The Importance of Welcoming Judaism

30:39
Challenging Anti-Semitism and Embracing Identity

33:42
Future Aspirations for Friends of Kayla

36:37
Rapid Fire Questions and Kayla's Mental Motto

Parker and Sam unpack the reality of loneliness in today’s hyper-connected world. They share personal experiences and coping strategies, emphasizing that feeling isolated doesn’t mean something is wrong with you...it’s part of being human.

Elevator No. 204: Richie Frieman is a best-selling author, illustrator, entrepreneur, and former professional wrestler dubbed a "Modern-Day Renaissance Man." His latest memoir, The Optimistics, highlights powerful love stories within the dementia community and showcases his lifelong commitment to resilience and creativity.

In this conversation, Richie shares how trying, failing, and leading with vulnerability have shaped his life, from the wrestling ring to the writing desk. Parker and Sam talk with Richie about lessons on mental fortitude, storytelling, battling stigma, and why building meaningful human connections is more important now than ever.

03:01
The Journey of a Professional Trier

06:14
The Art of Trying: Overcoming Challenges

09:08
Writing for Purpose: Balancing Art and Business

11:48
The Impact of Alzheimer's: Personal Stories and Insights

28:24
Embracing Vulnerability and Real Conversations

30:29
The Importance of Mental Fortitude

40:54
Food and Community in Baltimore

41:52
Book Recommendations and Inspirations

44:25
Richie's Mental Motto

This week, Sam and Parker unpack a feeling many of us struggle to name. When everything is technically fine but something still feels off. From job dissatisfaction to global chaos bleeding into our daily routines, they explore how comfort can quietly convince us to play small.

00:00
Introduction and Celebration Plans

01:20
Feeling Stuck at 30

05:08
Exploring Community and Fulfillment

10:46
The Search for New Opportunities

12:32
Elevator Shoutouts

Elevator no. 114: Orly Israel returns to Elevation Nation three years after his first appearance with a powerful story of loss, resilience, and renewal. After losing his home in the California Palisades fires earlier this year, Orly reflects on the importance of human connection, vulnerability, and his commitment to social fitness through his Listening Table Project.

03:12
The Listening Table Project and Social Fitness

05:55
The Impact of Loneliness on Society

12:08
The California Fires

16:10
A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes

24:02
The Power of Connection and Community

34:09
The Power of Humor in Difficult Times

39:15
Improving Communication Skills

49:11
Lessons from Listening: A Transformative Experience

01:03:51
Social Fitness: Enhancing Relationships Through Listening

Parker and Sam dive into Simon Sinek’s concept of the infinite game and why success isn’t about winning—it’s about staying in the game. They reflect on how this mindset shift has impacted their journey with Elevation Nation and why chasing short-term wins can distract you from long-term purpose.

Elevator no. 202: Trevon Gross Jr. is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Craft Your Dream, an organization helping ambitious dreamers turn their goals into reality.

He shares his journey from college athlete to coach, opening up about early challenges, the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, and the mindset it takes to lead with clarity and resilience.

00:00
Introduction to Trev Gross Jr.

02:26
Craft Your Dream: Mission and Vision

10:52
Leadership Lessons from Sports

14:50
Helping Clients Find Clarity

20:20
The Stack Method for Success

30:00
The Power of Team Building in Entrepreneurship

34:56
The Importance of Mental Fortitude in Business

44:59
Trevon's Mental Motto

After welcoming a ton new people to Elevation Nation the past month, Parker and Sam reintroduce themselves and share the origin story of Elevation Nation. From post-grad confusion to building a community centered on mental fortitude, they reflect on how it all began and why they’re still just getting started.