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Bios, Photos, and Videos

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The UP Guys

*duo programs

The UP Guys, Nels Ross and Richie Derwald, are overcomers who have uplifted and empowered one million+ people in the U.S. and abroad – Nels as a clean comedian, juggler, and educator; Richie as a singer, impersonator, and "The Mental Health NUT"; and both as inspirational speakers and edutainers.

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 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 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 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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