I Have Cool Friends

Sam welcomes entrepreneur and fitness expert, Noah Neiman. Noah has had a unique path to entrepreneurship. He started out as an accountant until a family health scare and a revelation acted as a wake-up call. He decided to become a personal trainer and boxing coach and found that he was quickly selling out every class. In 2017, he and four business partners opened the boxing gym, Rumble. What started as one location has quickly spread to thirteen! In this episode, Sam and Noah discuss the many hats Noah wears as a business owner, the importance of pivoting when things don’t go your way, and the intrinsic value of treating others well.

Sam welcomes entrepreneur and founder of the women’s lifestyle brand, 12th Tribe, Demi Marchese. Demi has been featured in Forbes, Business Journal, Spirit 680, Style Collective and WWD MAGIC Panel, among others. She is an extraordinary business owner whose vision and drive have led to overwhelming success. In this episode, Sam and Demi discuss the trials and triumphs of owning a business, the importance of balance, and the inspiration behind her fashion line, 12th Tribe brand.

Sam welcomes entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of the Los Angeles-based investment firm M13, Courtney Reum. A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Business School, Courtney is no stranger to the world of business. After helping take Under Armour and Vitamin Water public nearly 12 years ago, he started his own ventures with his brother, Carter. Together, they founded the disruptive brand development and venture capital firm, M13. In this episode, Sam and Courtney discuss what it takes to become an entrepreneur, the importance of preparation, and the inspiration behind Courtney’s book, Shortcut Your Startup.

In today’s episode, Sam welcomes fitness entrepreneur, broadcaster, and social media influencer, Katie Austin. Health and exercise were always a part of Katie’s life, growing up in the spotlight with a mother who is an icon in the world of fitness. Today, Katie inspires women everywhere to get fit and live a healthy, yet balanced lifestyle. In this episode, Sam and Katie talk about self-confidence, best practices for balancing a busy life, and the importance of asking for help.

On episode 1, Sam welcomes consultant, speaker, and influencer, Jon Levy. Jon is a behavioral scientist, best known for his work in the field of influence, community, and adventure. He specializes in applying research to transform the ways companies approach marketing, sales, consumer engagement, and product development.

In this episode, Sam and Jon discuss the importance of community, how to influence people in your daily life, and why it’s important to live adventurously.

We also introduce our new segments - Ask a Friend and I Have Cool Recs! Jon answers questions from listeners, and then recommends things he’s watching, reading, and listening to right now that he thinks will enrich your life.

Welcome to the I Have Cool Friends podcast, a show that sparks inspirational conversations with experts about business, wellness, and personal development. Join host Samantha Peszek as she welcomes back returning listeners and invites a whole new audience to learn from industry leaders, entrepreneurs. and other top professionals.

Now more than ever, it is crucial to have a community to believe in, and Sam hopes all listeners can find that here. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from successful people and be able to apply relevant tips to your everyday life.

Sam welcomes to the podcast 2016 NCAA Balance Beam Co-Champion, 6x All-American and 2012 Olympic alternate, Danusia Francis. In this episode, Danusia discusses the unique experience of representing two separate countries in Olympic qualifiers.  Danusia opens up about her training regimen, meeting Olympic legend, Usain Bolt, and balancing life while working to qualify for the next Olympic Games. Finally, Danusia talks about the lessons she has learned throughout her gymnastics career, her views on confidence, and her post-retirement plans.

Full show notes: http://ihavecoolfriends.show/s3e12

Sam welcomes to the podcast two very special guests, Olympians Madison Kocian & Kyla Ross. Madison is a 2018 NCAA Team Champion, a 2016 Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist, a 3x World Champion and a 7x All-American. Kyla is a 2018 NCAA Team Champion, a 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, a 2014 World Championship Gold Medalist, an NCAA record holder with 14 Perfect 10s in 2019, and a 19x All-American. These amazing women are seniors at UCLA where they’ve experienced some of their most memorable gymnastics moments. In this episode, Sam, Madison and Kyla talk about the abrupt cancellation of their gymnastics season due to the global coronavirus pandemic. They reflect on their careers as collegiate gymnasts and recall the peaks and valleys of their gymnastics career, including embarrassing and uplifting moments. Madison and Kyla speak to the importance of their club coaches as well as the special place they hold in their hearts for UCLA.

Full show notes: http://ihavecoolfriends.show/s3e11

Sam welcomes to the podcast two-time Olympian and professional volleyball player, Matt Anderson. Matt is currently a member of the Italian club Modena Volley and the United States men’s national volleyball team, with whom he was a participant of the Olympic Games, 2014 World League and 2015 World Cup.

In this episode, Sam and Matt discuss Matt’s volleyball origin story, from his days playing for Penn State at the collegiate level to winning bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Matt speaks to his decision to leave college a year early and pursue a professional career playing abroad. Sam and Matt reflect on their shared experience of the Olympic blues and the sheer weight and pressure the Olympics carries with it. Finally, Matt talks about the future of professional volleyball and advice he would give to young and aspiring athletes everywhere.

Full show notes: http://ihavecoolfriends.show/s3e10

Sam welcomes to the podcast two-time Olympic swimmer and four-time Olympic medalist, Kaitlin Sandeno. Kaitlin is a world champion, former world record holder and has won a gold, silver and two bronze medals throughout her career. Since retiring, Kaitlin has gone on to lead a successful post-Olympic career as a sports commentator, motivational speaker, coach, philanthropist, author, and GM of a professional international swimming league.

In this episode, Sam and Kaitlin talk extensively about Kaitlin’s professional swimming career, from the highs of qualifying and competing in two Olympics to the lows of injuries. They discuss the lessons they both learned from their first experiences at the Olympic Games. Kaitlin tells the story of how she won her most prized medal, the silver, and what it meant to her personally. Finally, Kaitlin talks about her post-Olympic career, including her involvement as a National Spokesperson for NEGU, an organization that’s near and dear to her heart.

Full show notes: http://ihavecoolfriends.show/s3e9