Promo

Bios, Photos, and Videos

⋯ Bios ⋯

The UP Guys

*duo programs

Nels Ross and Richie Derwald are The UP Guys – speakers and entertainers who have uplifted and empowered one million+ people in the U.S. and abroad. Nels is a comedian, juggler, and educator. Richie is a singer, impersonator, and "The Mental Health NUT.” Both are known for comedy variety entertainment, as well as edu-tainment described as “TED Talks meets America’s Got Talent!”

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.

⋯

Nels Ross

*solo programs

Nels Ross is "The (Original) UP Guy" – a speaker, entertainer, and co-founder of The UP Guys and UP Team LLC. He works solo and with others to uplift and empower at corporate, educational, motivational, and other events. His background includes degrees in math and education, touring with a nonprofit circus, working across the U.S. and abroad, and sharing keys to 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.

⋯

Richie Derwald

*solo programs

Richie Derwald is "The Mental Health NUT" – a speaker, entertainer, and radio personality who promotes Nurturing Uplifting Thinking (NUT). His experience in pro wrestling, singing, impressions, and acting led to work at events and resorts across North America. He fought depression, addictions, and fear of stuttering to do all of it. Now he uplifts and empowers people as co-founder of The UP Guys and UP Team LLC.

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.

⋯