More Than Before

Hosted by Nathan Cook

EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

MORE THAN BEFORE, hosted by Nathan Cook, shares stories of leaders, creators, and everyday people who live from identity, not just achievement. Each episode dives into faith, leadership, purpose, and personal growth—revealing how challenges refine rather than define us. Be inspired to live with greater intention, excellence, and authenticity. 🎥 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@MoreThanBeforePodcast

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 11, 202657 min

The Leadership Secret Most People Learn Too Late | Jim Boyle

What happens when you survive something only 8% of people survive?In this episode of More Than Before, Nathan sits down with longtime friend Jim Boyle for a conversation about leadership, adoption, faith, purpose, resilience, and what it really means to make a difference.Jim shares his incredible journey from growing up as an adopted child in Chicago to becoming a corporate president, servant leader, keynote speaker, and Rotary leader. Along the way, he opens up about the internal drive that fueled his success, the identity struggles that shaped his early life, the leadership lessons learned from corporate America, and the widowmaker heart attack that changed everything.This episode is packed with wisdom about risk-taking, personal growth, values, marriage, leadership, faith, and leaving a legacy that matters.In This EpisodeGrowing up as an adopted childThe hidden drive behind achievementEntrepreneurship lessons from childhoodWhy fear stops so many peopleThe difference between success and significanceBuilding a values-driven lifeThe power of servant leadershipMarriage lessons after 47 years togetherSurviving a widowmaker heart attackWhy Jim wrote his own obituaryLiving intentionally in the fourth quarter of lifeThe philosophy of "Go MAD" — Go Make A DifferenceKey Takeaways✓ Luck is the residue of endeavor✓ Fear is often false evidence appearing real✓ Values simplify decision-making✓ Leadership is about developing others✓ Success without service is incomplete✓ The best legacy is helping others become more✓ Don't wish life were easier. Wish you were better.Connect with More Than Before🎙 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, faith, mindset, and living with greater purpose.📺 YouTube:https://youtube.com/@morethanbeforepodcast🎧 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/yourshowlink🌐 Website:https://www.morethanbefore.org

May 21, 20261 hr 4 min

The Truth About “Having It All” | Mindee Hardin

Success doesn’t always look the way we imagined it would.In this powerful episode, Nathan sits down with Mindee Hardin — entrepreneur, speaker, and author — to talk about the hidden realities behind building a nationally recognized company while losing herself in the process.Mindee opens up about:Building a nationally recognized brand from scratchThe pressure of trying to “have it all” as a mom and entrepreneurBurnout, broken relationships, and identity lossHer journey back to faith and peaceThe importance of community and healingThe story behind “Mom Mafia”Her new mission with Miah FamiliesThis conversation is honest, emotional, deeply faith-centered, and full of wisdom for anyone trying to balance ambition, purpose, family, and personal healing.Resources & LinksMiah FamiliesDonate to Miah FamiliesMindee Hardin on LinkedInFavorite Quote“Faith and frustration do not dance together.” — Mindee HardinIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today. And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss future conversations designed to help you become more than before.

May 7, 20261 hr 6 min

He Built a 6-Figure Coffee Business With $5,000 | Randy Matheny

What if the key to success isn’t working harder… but staying curious?In this episode, Nathan Cook sits down with Randy Matheny, founder of Intentional Espresso, to unpack the mindset behind entrepreneurship, resilience, faith, and community.Randy shares his journey from growing up in a difficult home environment to building a thriving coffee business from just $5,000. Along the way, he opens up about ADHD, self-doubt, missions work in Haiti, losing everything when his trailer was stolen, and how curiosity became the foundation for growth.This conversation is full of practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, and anyone trying to become more than they were yesterday.Topics include:EntrepreneurshipCuriosity & growthADHD & learning differentlyFaith & identityCommunity buildingHospitality & leadershipThe power of pivotingBuilding a meaningful business☕ Learn more about Intentional Espresso:https://www.intentionalespresso.com Chapter Timestamps00:00 – Why Curiosity Fuels Entrepreneurship00:21 – Meet Randy Matheny01:01 – Growing Up in Northern California02:04 – Childhood Responsibility & Addiction at Home03:33 – The Curiosity Mindset05:09 – ADHD, School Struggles & Learning Differently07:48 – Getting His GED at 3210:10 – Limiting Beliefs & Self-Criticism11:23 – Faith, Identity & Transformation15:22 – Discovering Faith in High School17:13 – Meeting His Wife Online20:40 – Haiti Changed Everything24:14 – What Poverty Taught Him31:26 – Why Community Matters35:08 – The Power of Seeing People39:39 – How Intentional Espresso Started43:46 – Losing Everything When His Trailer Was Stolen48:00 – Pivoting Through Failure & COVID50:51 – Coffee as Experiential Marketing55:03 – Becoming a Master of the Pivot58:50 – Why Curiosity Matters1:02:00 – Curiosity Creates Connection1:04:42 – Randy’s Advice for Becoming More Than Before1:06:12 – Final ThoughtsSEO Keywords / Tagsentrepreneurship podcastcuriosity mindsethow to become successfulcoffee entrepreneurintentional espressoRandy MathenyNathan Cook podcastmore than before podcastfaith and entrepreneurshipADHD entrepreneurentrepreneur motivationresilience storyovercoming adversitybusiness mindsetleadership podcastpersonal growth podcastentrepreneurial curiosityhow to pivot in businesshospitality businesscoffee catering businessKey TakeawaysCuriosity is often the hidden trait behind successful entrepreneurs.Your past doesn’t have to define your future.Community starts with intentionality and simple acts of kindness.Pivoting is one of the most important skills in business and life.Hospitality is about making people feel seen.Entrepreneurship is about solving problems creatively.Faith and identity can anchor you through uncertainty.Staying teachable keeps you growing.

April 23, 20261 hr 9 min

Who Are You Without Your Career? | Andi Simon on Identity, Change & Purpose

What happens when the identity you’ve built your entire life around… no longer fits?In this powerful episode of More Than Before, Nathan sits down with Andi Simon—a corporate anthropologist, award-winning bestselling author, and expert on human behavior—to explore one of life’s most overlooked transitions:👉 Who are you beyond what you do?From growing up in a family-run business to becoming a tenured professor, banking executive, and global consultant, Andi has spent her life helping organizations navigate change. But her greatest transformation came from a deeply personal moment—when her own daughter challenged how she defined herself.This conversation dives into:Why people resist change (even when they want it)The hidden identity crisis behind retirementHow to find purpose beyond achievementThe power of observation and perspectiveWhat it really means to live a rich, meaningful lifeIf you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain about your next step, or questioned your identity beyond your work—this episode is for you.⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro: Identity, Change & Becoming More Than Before00:42 – Growing Up in a Family Business05:40 – Lessons Learned from Working at Age 508:09 – Discovering Anthropology & Finding Identity12:23 – The Power of the Dinner Table & Family Influence18:06 – Horses, Observation & Life Lessons22:02 – The Meaning Behind the Giraffe Symbol25:05 – Intentional Living & Designing Your Life26:54 – The “Mirror Moment” That Changed Everything31:19 – Leaving Academia & Entering the Business World35:14 – Why People Resist Change40:00 – Mentors, Influence & Life Lessons46:04 – The Thread Behind Her Books49:50 – Building a Rich Life (Family, Work & Joy)54:00 – Holding Tight & Letting Go57:36 – Time, Gratitude & Living Intentionally1:00:39 – Rethinking Retirement & Identity1:06:39 – Finding Purpose in Every Stage of Life1:07:40 – Final Thoughts: Becoming More Than Before🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYSIdentity is more than your careerWhat you do is not who you are—and redefining that can change everything.People don’t resist change—they resist the unknownOur brains are wired to protect us, which makes transformation uncomfortable.Observation is a superpowerLearning to truly see people (not just hear them) changes how you lead and live.Retirement isn’t a financial problem—it’s an identity problemMany people struggle not because they lack resources, but because they lack purpose.You can design your next chapter intentionallyA meaningful life doesn’t happen by accident—it’s created.Every stage of life has purposeWhether you’re building, transitioning, or redefining—there is always more ahead.📚 RESOURCES & LINKS👉 Connect with Andi Simon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/Website: https://www.andisimon.com/👉 Explore her work:On the BrinkRethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in BusinessWomen Mean BusinessRethink Retirement: It’s Not the End, But the Beginning of What’s Next👉 Listen to her podcast:On the Brink with Andi Simon🎯 POWERFUL QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE“You don’t see the world as it is—you see the world as you are.”“If you want people to change… make them thirsty.”“I’ll tell you what I do… but who I am is a different story.”“Every day is a gift—treat it like a special one.”🚀 CALL TO ACTIONIf this episode challenged the way you think about identity and purpose:✅ Share it with someone who’s navigating a life transition✅ Subscribe to More Than Before for more powerful conversations✅ Leave a review—it helps more people discover the showAnd remember…👉 Be more. See more. Experience more than before.

April 9, 202659 min

Rewire Your Mind: Breaking Patterns, Trauma & Leadership with Bernii Godwin

Most people don’t realize it…They’re living out patterns they didn’t choose.In this episode, Nathan sits down with Bernii Godwin to explore how trauma, neuroscience, and environment shape the way we think, act, and lead.This conversation dives deep into:Why you repeat the same behaviorsHow your brain tricks you into staying stuckThe role of safety in personal growthWhat real leadership actually looks likeIf you’re ready to break old patterns and step into who you were created to be—this episode is for you.🔥 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNHow trauma influences decision-makingWhy familiarity feels safe (even when it’s harmful)How to create environments where growth is possibleThe truth about failure and transformation🔗 CONNECT WITH BERNIILinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berniigodwin/⭐ CALL TO ACTIONIf you enjoyed this episode:Follow the podcastLeave a reviewShare it with a friendLet’s grow together—more than before.

April 2, 20261 hr 3 min

Why Success Feels Empty (And What to Do About It) | Rebecca Faust

Success isn’t always what it seems.In this episode of More Than Before, Rebecca Faust shares her journey from high-achieving perfectionist to living a life of alignment, courage, and purpose.After experiencing burnout, anxiety, and the loss of her mother at a young age, Rebecca began to question everything she thought success was supposed to be.This conversation dives into:Why high achievers often feel unfulfilledThe difference between confidence and courageHow burnout can actually lead to clarityLetting go of perfection and embracing authenticityFinding purpose beyond performanceIf you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected—this episode is for you.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Courage vs Confidence00:13 When Success Feels Empty05:04 The Drive Behind Overachievement12:01 Transitioning Into Career Success17:13 Burnout & Wake-Up Calls19:07 Loss, Perspective & Purpose25:00 Authenticity in Relationships30:15 Anxiety & “Not Enough”35:08 Expanding Beyond Self-Help40:15 Breaking Isolation & Taboo Topics44:06 Speaking Truth & Gaining Clarity49:03 Identifying Fear Patterns50:28 Why High Achievers Don’t Stop52:03 Learning to Step Back55:56 Creative Growth & Identity58:28 Living with Presence1:00:33 Becoming More Than Before💡 Key TakeawaysCourage—not confidence—is what creates changeBurnout is often a signal of misalignmentYou are not your achievementsGrowth requires honesty, vulnerability, and actionThe life you want is often on the other side of fear🔗 Connect with Rebecca FaustLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-faust/If this episode impacted you, take the next step:👉 Share this episode with someone who needs it👉 Follow the show for more conversations like this👉 Leave a review—it helps more people find this messageAnd ask yourself:Where in your life do you need more courage… right now?

March 26, 20261 hr 38 min

Trapped in Addiction, Saved by Faith | A Powerful Redemption Story With Shane Hanno

🔥 Episode SummaryShane Hanno’s story is one of transformation—from addiction and anger to purpose and peace.After years of alcohol abuse, broken relationships, and identity struggles, Shane reached a breaking point that forced him to confront everything.What followed wasn’t self-help… it was a complete shift in identity, faith, and direction.This episode dives into:Addiction and identityBreaking destructive cyclesForgiveness and healingFaith and transformationLiving with purposeIf you’ve ever felt stuck or lost—this conversation will challenge and inspire you.⏱️ Key MomentsGrowing up without directionWhen addiction took overThe breaking point that changed everythingThe role of faith in transformationWhy forgiveness is essentialHow to build a new identity💡 TakeawaysYou are not defined by your pastChange is possible—but it requires surrenderYour identity determines your directionCommunity is critical for growthTrue peace comes from alignment, not achievement📢 CALL TO ACTIONIf this episode resonated with you:⭐ Follow the podcast⭐ Leave a review⭐ Share with someone who needs encouragement🔥 Episode SummaryShane Hanno’s story is one of transformation—from addiction and anger to purpose and peace.After years of alcohol abuse, broken relationships, and identity struggles, Shane reached a breaking point that forced him to confront everything.What followed wasn’t self-help… it was a complete shift in identity, faith, and direction.This episode dives into:Addiction and identityBreaking destructive cyclesForgiveness and healingFaith and transformationLiving with purposeIf you’ve ever felt stuck or lost—this conversation will challenge and inspire you.⏱️ Key MomentsGrowing up without directionWhen addiction took overThe breaking point that changed everythingThe role of faith in transformationWhy forgiveness is essentialHow to build a new identity💡 TakeawaysYou are not defined by your pastChange is possible—but it requires surrenderYour identity determines your directionCommunity is critical for growthTrue peace comes from alignment, not achievement📢 CALL TO ACTIONIf this episode resonated with you:⭐ Follow the podcast⭐ Leave a review⭐ Share with someone who needs encouragement

March 12, 202656 min

The Hidden Battle Women Face: Identity, Confidence, and Worth | Tina Townsend

What happens when a woman stops hustling to prove herself and starts living from the truth that she is already worthy?In this episode of More Than Before, Nathan sits down with Tina Townsend — Vice President of the Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Head of Sales and Client Relations for Alpha Omega Leadership, event emcee, wife, mom, and a woman deeply committed to serving others with faith, grit, and authenticity.Raised in the Permian Basin of West Texas, Tina shares how ranch life, strong family values, marriage, motherhood, faith, and leadership shaped her into the woman she is today. From growing up on horseback and packing wool on the ranch, to doing hair, leading in business, emceeing large events, homeschooling her daughters, and helping women rediscover their worth, Tina’s story is full of strength, humility, and purpose.This conversation dives into:confidence and identity for womenraising strong daughtersfaith and obediencemarriage and communicationcommunity and encouragementserving others without losing yourselfwhy women need spaces that remind them who they already areIf you’ve ever struggled with insecurity, comparison, or feeling unseen in the middle of a busy life, this episode is for you.In This EpisodeTina’s West Texas upbringing and ranch lifehow she unexpectedly became Vice President of the Martin County Chamber of Commercewhy she loves serving peopleher fear of public speaking and how she became an emceeraising confident girls through homeschooling and intentional parentingwhy women need encouragement, community, and reminders of their worthhow faith became central in her marriage and motherhoodthe heart behind Alpha Omega Leadership’s Masterpiece Women eventChapters00:00 Tina’s message to women about confidence and worth00:28 Introduction to Tina Townsend01:04 How Tina went from secretary to VP of the Chamber04:02 Why serving others has always been part of her life04:57 Growing up on a ranch in West Texas06:47 Tina and her sister’s adventurous childhood10:04 Raising strong, imaginative daughters15:39 Why kids should learn to solve problems16:08 What Tina wanted to be growing up19:07 Fear of speaking and the first time she announced publicly23:56 From hiding under a table to emceeing live events26:10 Tina’s path from teaching to cosmetology to leadership30:04 Why so many women struggle to see their worth32:35 Obedience, saying yes, and serving others36:05 Why women need community38:40 Tina’s real story about insecurity and comparison42:35 Faith, motherhood, and raising daughters with intention46:44 Marriage, communication, and what she learned from her parents51:20 The Masterpiece Women event53:34 What women will experience at the event54:41 What “More Than Before” means to TinaLinks & Resources MentionedMasterpiece Women Event Tickets:https://offer.aoleadership.com/masterpiece-offerAlpha Omega Leadership:https://aoleadership.comAbout Tina TownsendTina Townsend is the Head of Sales and Client Relations for Alpha Omega Leadership, the Vice President of the Martin County Chamber of Commerce, and an emcee for Alpha Omega Leadership events. She is passionate about encouraging women, serving others, building community, and helping people step into greater confidence and purpose.Connect with More Than BeforeInstagram: @morethanbeforepodcast

March 5, 202653 min

Microvalidations & Responsible Citizenship: How Small Acts Can Rebuild Community | Chip Webster

What if rebuilding community starts with something as simple as saying hello?Nathan Cook sits down with leadership mentor and nonprofit founder Chip Webster to talk about microvalidations—small actions that affirm someone’s humanity and reconnect us in a divided culture.After decades developing CEOs and leading executive groups, Chip’s mission has shifted toward something bigger: helping people rediscover responsible citizenship through service, listening, and human connection.This conversation explores leadership, entrepreneurship, democracy, faith, and the loneliness epidemic—and why volunteering and community involvement may be the most powerful solutions we have.If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a real difference right now, this episode will give you a starting point.Guest ResourcesUnity in Servicehttps://unityinservice.orgBook: Unity in Service – A Pathway to Responsible CitizenshipTampa Bay Watchhttps://tampabaywatch.orgTopics DiscussedLeadership lessons from SearsEntrepreneurship and riskListening as a leadership skillDemocracy and pluralismThe loneliness epidemicVolunteering and civic responsibilityMicrovalidations and human dignityEpisode Chapters00:42 — Chip’s leadership journey03:56 — Traveling America and noticing human connection06:12 — Early work ethic lessons15:00 — Leadership lessons from Sears19:54 — Fear of failure and sales21:20 — Risk and entrepreneurship29:12 — Why democracy requires pluralism30:31 — Fatherhood and unlimited love34:01 — Listening without arguing43:25 — The Microvalidations poem47:10 — Citizen responsibility49:44 — Serve something bigger than yourself50:59 — Becoming more than beforeReflection QuestionWhat is your responsibility in your community today?

February 19, 202653 min

Svelte for Life (with Duane Deason): Operational Wisdom for Life & Business

What does it look like to live “svelte”—not just in business, but in life?CPA, author, and entrepreneur Duane Deason joins Nathan Cook on More Than Before to share how global childhood experiences shaped his identity, how operational discipline can protect families (not just profits), and why becoming “more than before” starts with redefining success.Duane grew up across South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden, later biked across America with a Christian group, started a business at 27, and faced a fatherhood moment that changed everything. This episode is part leadership, part life audit—and a powerful reminder that how we operate reflects who we are.Key Takeaways:Why many companies manage costs poorly—and why layoffs aren’t the first answerThe difference between being “lean” and being svelte (lean + attractive + healthy)How global perspective builds resilience, empathy, and adaptabilityThe fatherhood “crucible” that reshaped Duane’s prioritiesApplying operational wisdom to life: cut noise, protect what mattersBeekeeping lessons that surprisingly translate to relationships and conflictFaith as a journey: conviction, presence, and seasons of growthTimeline / Chapters:00:00 – Redefining success + what “More Than Before” really means00:33 – Intro: perspective, integrity, and stewardship01:11 – Why Duane launched a podcast (teach people to fish)02:28 – Growing up overseas: the lens it gave him05:12 – Sweden vs. Saudi Arabia: two different worlds06:44 – Culture shock coming back to the U.S.08:18 – Parents, truth, honor, and work ethic12:29 – Boarding school + broken leg turning point15:22 – Choosing accounting (a fork-in-the-road moment)17:22 – Biking across America + learning from small towns22:55 – Starting a business at 2725:07 – Fatherhood changes the definition of success30:07 – Marriage, work priorities, and honesty32:45 – Small business passion + big business waste36:12 – Defining “Svelte” (lean + attractive)38:16 – Cut costs to fuel growth, not just profit40:07 – “Svelte for Life”: simplifying what steals time44:56 – Beekeeping, nature, and living grounded47:13 – The bee lesson on relationships48:29 – Faith in phases50:52 – Duane’s definition of “More Than Before”52:32 – Outro + share this with someone who needs itIf this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more people find the show.And DM Nathan on Instagram with your biggest takeaway: What do you need to “trim” to live more svelte?

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing