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Bios, Photos, and Videos

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The UP Guys

*duo programs

Nels Ross, MEd and Richie Derwald, CLC are The UP Guys. They are overcomers who have uplifted and empowered over a million people – Nels as a clean comedian, juggler, and educator; Richie as a singer, impersonator, and "The Mental Health NUT"; and both as speakers and edu-tainers.

Fun Fact: They have rave reviews from the National Comedy Center, National Center for Education Research & Technology, U.S. Department of Defense, and others... And still don't know why.

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Nels Ross

*solo programs

Nels Ross, MEd is "The (Original) UP Guy" – an uplifting speaker, entertainer, and co-founder of The UP Guys and UP Team LLC. His background includes degrees in math and education, touring with a nonprofit circus, working across the U.S. and abroad, and empowering wellness, growth, and juggling life.

Fun Fact: He uses his first and middle names as a stage name and claims it's easier for him to remember.

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Richie Derwald

*solo programs

Richie Derwald, CLC is "The Mental Health NUT" – a speaker, entertainer, and radio personality who promotes Nurturing Uplifting Thinking. He fought depression, addictions, and his fear of stuttering to do pro wrestling, acting, singing, and impressions at events and resorts across North America. Now he uplifts and empowers others with The UP Guys.

Fun Fact: When he was a pro wrestler, he sometimes teamed up with his dad, who was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2024.

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