Elevation Nation
Elevation Nation is a movement to shape resilient leaders by elevating mental fortitude.
Join Sam Panitch and Parker Yablon each week as they sit down with a new Elevator: a bold thinker, creator, or leader who’s using mental fortitude to overcome adversity, lead with purpose, and make an impact.
From entrepreneurs and pro athletes to musicians, wellness experts, and changemakers, Elevators come from all walks of life - but they all have one thing in common: mental fortitude that helps them thrive in the real world.
Elevation Nation
The Professional Trier | Richie Frieman - Best-Selling Author and Entrepreneur
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
