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Cevin Soling is an American writer, filmmaker, musician, and philosopher known for his provocative and socially conscious work. Born in New York City and raised in Scarsdale, he studied English at the University of Michigan and Union College before pursuing graduate studies at Harvard University.

Soling’s films, including The War on Kids, Ikland, and Mr. Cevin and the Cargo Cult, blend humor, social critique, and philosophical inquiry, challenging viewers to question authority and cultural norms. As a musician, he founded the alternative rock bands The Neanderthal Spongecake and The Love Kills Theory and runs the independent label Xemu Records.

Across film, music, and writing, Soling’s work consistently explores culture, education, and human behavior, encouraging critical thought and creative freedom.

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Professor Brent Insco is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, strength and conditioning coach, and founder of Downriver Jiu-Jitsu and Insco Strength Training in Riverview, Michigan. With decades of experience both on the mat and in the gym, Professor Insco has dedicated his career to helping people of all ages unlock their potential through martial arts, fitness, and disciplined training.

A third-degree black belt and seasoned competitor, Professor Insco combines technical mastery with practical coaching, inspiring his students to achieve their goals while fostering a supportive community. Beyond martial arts, he guides athletes and everyday clients alike in strength, conditioning, and holistic performance, blending science-backed training with real-world experience.

Whether sharing stories from competition, insights on building resilience, or strategies for peak physical performance, Professor Insco brings energy, expertise, and a passion for helping others grow—making him a compelling voice for any conversation about martial arts, fitness, or personal development.

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Anca Platon Trifan is a visionary leader, event production expert, and advocate for women in technology. She is the CEO and founder of Tree-Fan Events LLC, a woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency that integrates audio-visual excellence, innovative AI solutions, and wellness-driven strategies to deliver memorable event experiences. Under her leadership, Tree-Fan Events has championed the #FIT4EVENTS framework—merging futuristic AV production, AI technology, and empowered teams to transform how events are designed and executed.

Anca is also the host and producer of the Events: Demystified Podcast, where she breaks down the complexities of event tech, AI, and production for professionals at all levels, amplifying diverse voices in the industry. She founded Fit Mindful Mavens and Women BTS in Events (tech + prod) to support women in event technology and production roles.

A multi-award-winning leader, Anca’s accolades include the 2024 Best of the Stage Smart Speaker Award, the 2024 #empowerHERaccess Women Tech Entrepreneur of the Year nomination, the 2023 Smart Woman in Meetings Catalyst Quantum Leap Award, 2022’s “40 Under 40” by BizBash + Connect Meetings, and more. Her two-decade career spans live, hybrid, and virtual event production, AI strategy, and strategic partnerships—making her a sought-after speaker and industry innovator.

Anca’s passion for inclusion, innovation, and wellness sets her apart as a force for positive change in the events and tech worlds.

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Michael Routhier helps adults 55 and older build the digital confidence they need to thrive in today’s connected world. As the founder of Tech4GrownUps, he is dedicated to closing the digital divide through practical education, empowering guidance, and stoic principles that make technology feel less overwhelming and more accessible.

Michael’s approach goes beyond teaching which buttons to click. He focuses on helping people develop genuine confidence with their devices by addressing the mindset barriers that often hold them back. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, he emphasizes resilience, patience, and the power of incremental progress—combining practical tech skills with mental frameworks that lead to lasting transformation.

He creates educational content across YouTube and TikTok, designs cohort-based courses, and works one-on-one with individuals to support lifelong learning. His mission is simple: ensure no one is left behind in the digital age simply because they didn’t grow up with smartphones.

An engaging and thoughtful guest, Michael brings real-world stories, actionable insights, and a fresh perspective on aging, technology, and lifelong learning. He speaks passionately about digital literacy, ageism, and the powerful intersection of ancient wisdom and modern technology.

Topics Michael regularly speaks on include:

• Technology & Aging
• The Digital Divide
• Digital Ageism as a Civil Rights Issue

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Josh Pruchniewski is the owner and head instructor of Training Grounds Combat Sports and Fitness in Brownstown Township, Michigan. He began his martial arts journey in 2010 and has since developed a well-rounded background in boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts.

With competitive experience across multiple disciplines, Josh brings both technical knowledge and real-world application into his coaching. He has been teaching fitness since 2016 and kickboxing since 2018, holding certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, professional pad holding, and cardio kickboxing.

At Training Grounds, Josh focuses on building strong fundamentals, conditioning, and confidence in his students—whether they are training for competition, self-defense, or overall fitness. His coaching style emphasizes discipline, hard work, and a supportive environment where athletes of all levels can grow.

Clifton Skelliter is a Canadian Indigenous entrepreneur, creative strategist, and media professional with over two decades of experience in branding, storytelling, and technological innovation. He is best known as the founder and director of The Indigenous Kore (TIK), a tech startup focused on developing workforce management solutions that promote Indigenous inclusion, data transparency, and equitable economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. His leadership at TIK reflects a deep commitment to cultural integrity, community empowerment, and ethical innovation.

Before launching TIK, Clifton built a multifaceted career across media, design, and business. He previously led LaunchPad Creative (now rebranding as Sky Story Creative), an Indigenous-owned branding and design agency where he worked directly with clients on brand strategy, creative direction, and storytelling that amplifies authentic voices and cultural narratives.

Skelliter’s media background spans filmmaking, television production, and documentary work, including contributions to projects that have screened at festivals and garnered industry recognition. His professional journey includes roles in reporting, directing, and producing content that engages audiences and highlights meaningful stories.

Rooted in his Ojibwe and Potawatomi heritage and as the great-grandson of a residential school survivor, Skelliter blends cultural perspective with entrepreneurial vision. His work has been featured in major media outlets, underscoring his influence both within Indigenous communities and in broader technology and design sectors. Under his leadership, The Indigenous Kore aims not just to innovate technologically but to bridge cultural values with practical solutions that uplift underserved populations.

• (00:00:00) - Rashad On Being Canadian
• (00:03:17) - Rashad Had Some Detroit Swagger
• (00:06:09) - "I'm Swagless"
• (00:06:38) - Rashad on His Success
• (00:09:21) - The Curious Case of Rashad Barkley
• (00:12:53) - Indigenous Actor on The Undoing Project
• (00:17:18) - Clifford on Prey
• (00:20:41) - In the Elevator With An Indian Actor
• (00:23:42) - milo on the Princess Diana Exhibit
• (00:27:05) - Rashad Barkley on Mixing Cultures
• (00:30:29) - The Hudson Bay Company's closure
• (00:30:57) - The sordid history of insurance
• (00:32:03) - Rashad on Red Skin
• (00:35:49) - Don't Let Your History Deter Your Identity
• (00:37:58) - Are certain countries still predatory?
• (00:39:31) - Rashad on His Indigenous Heritage Special
• (00:42:59) - Cliff Notes on Where Can Everybody Find Him?

Nathan Turner is known across the U.S. as “The Canadian Note Guy.” After running several businesses, including fix-and-flip real estate, he discovered mortgage notes and the opportunities they provide in the U.S. in 2009. Since then, he has become a leader in the private investment sector of the mortgage note industry.

Nathan is the President of Earnest Inc. and the manager of the U.S.-based Earnest Investing LP note fund, where he actively manages assets for accredited passive investors. His focus is on purchasing both performing and non-performing first-lien mortgages throughout the United States.

He is also the owner and host of the Diversified Mortgage Expo, a leading annual note conference known for its education-first, no-pitch environment. The event brings together investors who want to learn, network, and grow within the mortgage note space.

Nathan has appeared on numerous podcasts and enjoys speaking about his experiences in business, franchising, real estate, and mortgage note investing.

• (00:00:00) - The Canadian Note Guy
• (00:00:41) - When You Can't Buy a Home
• (00:01:48) - How to start a business in the real estate market
• (00:04:42) - Real Estate Licensing in Canada
• (00:05:39) - In the Elevator With Real Estate Investors
• (00:08:20) - Living in Canada vs. the US
• (00:11:47) - Do You Need a Real Estate Loan?
• (00:16:17) - Diversified Mortgage Expo
• (00:18:52) - How to Do Business in the Virtual World
• (00:19:37) - Does Currency Fluctuations Affect Your Payments?
• (00:20:41) - Diversified Mortgage Expert
• (00:22:24) - A Conversation With Nathan Turner
• (00:22:40) - Randomness of Nothing: Holiday Edition

Lisa Even is a nationally recognized leadership coach, keynote speaker, author, and culture expert dedicated to helping leaders and organizations create what she calls the Ultimate Ripple Effect—an intentional influence that strengthens leadership, energizes teams, and drives measurable results.

With over a decade of real-world experience in corporate leadership, including operational roles overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, Lisa brings a blend of strategic insight, relatable storytelling, and high-energy delivery to stages and workshops across the country. Her work focuses on helping teams lead with presence, build trust, foster connection, and shape workplace cultures that fuel productivity, engagement, and joy.

Lisa is the best-selling author of Joy Is My Job and host of the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast, where she explores how intentional leadership and everyday actions create lasting impact. She is also the creator of the S.E.A. Framework (Show up, Engage, Adapt), a practical model used by organizations to navigate change and build resilient, high-performing teams.

Known for her infectious energy and actionable insights, Lisa has partnered with clients across sectors such as healthcare, technology, finance, and government. Her speaking and coaching engagements help leaders move from reactive to intentional leadership—transforming culture from the inside out while balancing purpose with performance.

• (00:00:00) - Lisa Even on Cultivating a Welcoming Culture
• (00:03:41) - In the Elevator With Leela
• (00:05:48) - How to Engage a Pre-Angle Team Member
• (00:10:12) - The Positive Leader: What's Your Job?
• (00:12:13) - Steve Ballentine on Culture
• (00:16:18) - In the Elevator With Rich People
• (00:18:48) - How to Customize Your Conference
• (00:19:39) - You're Working On A Book
• (00:21:39) - How Positive Are You?
• (00:23:47) - Would Lisa Be Your Keynote Speaker?
• (00:24:44) - How Do People Project This Level of Optimism?
• (00:26:31) - What Do People Do For a Living