More Than Before

Nathan Cook
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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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

  1. 6D AGO

    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 Episode Tina’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 eventChapters 00:00 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 Tina Links & Resources Mentioned Masterpiece Women Event Tickets:https://offer.aoleadership.com/masterpiece-offer Alpha Omega Leadership:https://aoleadership.com About Tina Townsend Tina 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 Before Instagram: @morethanbeforepodcast

    57 min

  2. MAR 5

    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 Resources Unity in Servicehttps://unityinservice.org Book: Unity in Service – A Pathway to Responsible Citizenship Tampa Bay Watchhttps://tampabaywatch.org Topics Discussed Leadership lessons from SearsEntrepreneurship and riskListening as a leadership skillDemocracy and pluralismThe loneliness epidemicVolunteering and civic responsibilityMicrovalidations and human dignity Episode Chapters 00:42 — 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 before Reflection Question What is your responsibility in your community today?

    53 min

  3. FEB 19

    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 answer The difference between being “lean” and being svelte (lean + attractive + healthy) How global perspective builds resilience, empathy, and adaptability The fatherhood “crucible” that reshaped Duane’s priorities Applying operational wisdom to life: cut noise, protect what matters Beekeeping lessons that surprisingly translate to relationships and conflict Faith as a journey: conviction, presence, and seasons of growth Timeline / 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 it If 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?

    53 min
  4. The Mindset That Cancer Couldn’t Take: Choosing Your Response | Diana Fritz

    FEB 5

    The Mindset That Cancer Couldn’t Take: Choosing Your Response | Diana Fritz

    What happens when your doctor says,“We’ve been fighting to save your eye… now it’s time to fight for your life”? In this powerful episode of More Than Before, Nathan Cook sits down with Diana Fritz—executive leader, mom, woman of faith, and author of Uniquely Imperfect, Uniquely Qualified. Diana shares her journey through a rare cancer near her left eye, multiple surgeries, and ultimately losing her eye—while choosing to live as a victor, not a victim. This conversation explores faith, resilience, leadership, humor in adversity, and why imperfection can actually qualify you to help others. If you’re walking through a hard season, this episode will re-center your perspective and remind you that your scars don’t disqualify you—they can shine. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 — “It came back and started to spread again…”00:18 — Introduction: why Diana’s story re-centers you01:11 — Growing up in Pennsylvania + family legacy02:44 — Sunday dinners, faith, and childhood memories06:10 — Lessons from her grandparents: work ethic & grace09:06 — Who Diana was as a kid: athlete, peacemaker, DISC “S”11:38 — Childhood dreams and early ambition12:20 — Torn ACL, loss of identity, and first major pivot14:33 — Man’s Search for Meaning and choosing your response18:01 — Faithfulness, leadership, and unexpected open doors20:05 — First cancer diagnosis near her left eye24:53 — “Stop fighting to save your eye. Fight for your life.”25:11 — 10–12 hour surgery and losing her eye26:18 — Humor in suffering: “God didn’t make me a pirate.”26:40 — How her journey shaped her sons30:03 — Turning discomfort and curiosity into connection31:55 — Losing her sense of smell + burning homework story34:18 — Gratitude, adaptation, and a new normal36:26 — What still drives her today: adding value to people38:59 — Why imperfection can actually qualify you42:07 — Living visibly and embracing accountability43:01 — Nutrition, sugar, and health awareness after cancer44:15 — Faith becoming personal through adversity48:52 — Community, boundaries, and going to God first51:44 — Kintsugi: brokenness made beautiful55:52 — What “More Than Before” means now57:28 — Final encouragement + call to action Connect with Diana on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-fritz-b032064/ 🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode encouraged you.Be more. See more. Experience more… than before.

    58 min
  5. Burnout, the Wilderness, and Why Leaders Don’t Escape It — with Robb Gossen

    JAN 22

    Burnout, the Wilderness, and Why Leaders Don’t Escape It — with Robb Gossen

    Most leaders don’t burn out because they’re weak. They burn out because they’re trying to survive a wilderness season with the wrong tools—and with no margin left. In this episode of the More Than Before Podcast, Nathan Cook sits down with pastor and leadership coach Robb Gossen (aka “Shifting the Wilderness”) to reframe burnout, pressure, and hard seasons through a lens of surrender, identity, and transformation. Robb shares his own story of burnout, what he learned coming out of it, and how leaders can stop trying to muscle their way through and start building a healthier, more sustainable way to live, lead, and love. If you’re leading at work, leading at home, and feeling stretched thin—this episode is for you. Key Takeaways The wilderness isn’t a season to dread—it can become a season of growth if you learn how to see it differently.You don’t always go from wilderness → promised land; often it’s wilderness → wilderness, and each season requires a new “toolbox.”Surrender is the turning point: you can’t shift your perspective until you stop denying where you are and release control of the outcome.Margin is the first thing to disappear on the road to burnout—when margin is gone, people become more reactive than responsive.Identity isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” Your strength, purpose, and calling must be anchored in being loved, valued, and created with purpose—not tied to performance or role.Marriage and leadership aren’t 50/50—they’re 100/100, with seasons where one person carries more when the other can’t. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 — The wilderness isn’t something to dread00:28 — Robb’s focus: helping leaders/pastors facing burnout02:06 — Robb’s burnout story and the “Shifting the Wilderness” framework05:10 — You don’t go from wilderness to promised land—often it’s wilderness to wilderness07:53 — “Different wilderness = different toolbox” (stop using old tools)09:13 — There’s still life in the wilderness (perspective shift)10:09 — Why camping in the wilderness reveals what’s buried in you12:04 — Nathan’s “desert comes alive at night” perspective point12:53 — Robb’s childhood: farm life in Southeast Kansas → ministry journey17:35 — Farm lessons: hard work, improvisation, handling the unexpected20:08 — Marriage wisdom from generations: love, joy, faithfulness over time24:53 — Crucible moments in marriage: grief, loss, and suffering together31:01 — How surrender changes the wilderness (and your leadership)35:04 — “Marriage isn’t 50/50—it’s 100/100”36:13 — Corrie ten Boom + the “fleas” perspective story36:26 — Do we stay in the wilderness because we won’t learn the lesson?42:47 — Burnout warning signs: control, overwork, and disappearing margin44:16 — The “book margin” metaphor: why margin is essential to health50:20 — Identity, purpose, and the danger of forcing a single model of “manhood”56:57 — 1 Corinthians 12–13: gifts don’t matter without love01:02:32 — How to connect with Robb + why this matters01:03:52 — “More Than Before” for Robb: living with more grace, joy, peace Resources & Links Mentioned Connect with Robb: Instagram — @shiftingthewildernesshttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingthewilderness/Corrie ten Boom (referenced story about perspective): The Hiding Placehttps://www.corrietenboom.com/the-hiding-place/Bible passages referenced:1 Corinthians 12–13 (community, gifts, and love)Galatians 5:22–23 (fruit of the Spirit)The wilderness narrative in Exodus / Israel’s journey Call to Action If you’re in a wilderness season—or you know a leader who’s quietly burning out—share this episode with them. Then take 30 seconds to follow/subscribe and leave a rating and review on Spotify. It helps more people find these conversations and start living with greater purpose, margin, and grace. Remember: be more, see more, and experience more… More Than Before.

    1h 7m
  6. Faith, Family & Fitness | Joe Buys (Buys Family Fitness)

    JAN 15

    Faith, Family & Fitness | Joe Buys (Buys Family Fitness)

    In this episode of More Than Before, Nathan sits down with Joe Buys, performance coach and founder of Buys Family Fitness, to talk about identity, faith, fatherhood, marriage, mentorship, and what it really means to win in life. Joe shares his journey from growing up in small-town Michigan, chasing music dreams in Los Angeles, and grinding through hardship—only to discover that true strength isn’t built through performance alone, but through surrender, discipline, and service. This conversation is for anyone who wants to: Build strength without losing their soulLead their family with humility and convictionRedefine success beyond money, titles, or trophiesTrain their body while protecting their heart 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOE BUYS & BUYS FAMILY FITNESS 🌐 Buys Family Fitness Websitehttps://buysfamilyfitness.com 📅 Train with Joe / Book a Sessionhttps://buysfamilyfitness.com/our-services 📸 Instagram – @buysfamilyfitnesshttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568531346503 🎥 YouTube – Buys Family Fitnesshttps://www.youtube.com/@JoeBuys 💼 Joe Buys on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-buys-cscs-12b43734b/ 📘 Buys Family Fitness on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/buysfamilyfitness ⛪ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Athey Creek Churchhttps://atheycreek.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@AtheyCreek ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:06 — Joe’s origin story: small-town Michigan to LA grind02:48 — Mentors, coaches, and a life-changing pivot06:09 — Why your circle shapes your future10:05 — Sports, music, and misplaced identity11:51 — Faith awakening and hunger for Scripture19:21 — “Dream the impossible” vs God’s calling23:15 — Forgiveness, father wounds, and refinement32:15 — Habits, goals, and input vs output37:24 — Marriage crisis & birth of Buys Family Fitness43:21 — Family-first training philosophy49:58 — Redefining winning & legacy1:02:05 — Marriage, partnership, and Proverbs 31 strength1:27:24 — Family devotionals & spiritual formation1:33:02 — What “More Than Before” really means1:40:12 — Final encouragement 📖 SCRIPTURE REFERENCED Colossians 3:23 Philippians 4:7 Matthew 6:25–34 Ephesians 6:10–18 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ezekiel 36:26 Proverbs 31 Ephesians 5:25 📚 BOOKS & IDEAS MENTIONED Atomic Habits – James Clear Make Your Bed – Admiral William H. McRaven Jackie Robinson: A Biography – Arnold Rampersad 💡 BIG TAKEAWAYS Mentors matter more than motivationIdentity built on performance will always failPreparation beats hype every timeWinning means helping others winFamily is the first ministry“More Than Before” is transformation, not self-improvement 🔑 SPOTIFY SEARCH KEYWORDS faith and fitness, christian fitness, family fitness, christian leadership, fatherhood, mentorship, strength training, identity in Christ, Buys Family Fitness, Joe Buys, More Than Before Podcast

    1h 41m
  7. How to Laugh When Life Is Falling Apart (Deb Krier’s Unfiltered Truth)

    JAN 7

    How to Laugh When Life Is Falling Apart (Deb Krier’s Unfiltered Truth)

    What happens when life forces you to slow down, let go of control, and face your own mortality? In this powerful episode of More Than Before, Nathan Cook sits down with Deb Krier—PR expert, master communicator, and three-time cancer thriver—to talk about what it truly means to live fully when tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Deb shares her journey through stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, surviving a rare chemo complication that led to septic shock, and how humor, curiosity, faith, and the right people helped her move from simply surviving to living with purpose. This conversation covers:• Why curiosity is the key to becoming more than you were yesterday• How humor heals and creates connection in hard seasons• What people actually need when facing cancer or crisis• Why choosing the right tribe matters more than proximity• How to advocate for yourself when life feels out of control• What it means to live a life that is truly More Than Before This episode is honest, hopeful, and filled with laughter—especially for anyone navigating illness, caregiving, leadership pressure, or a season of uncertainty. 👉 If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today. ⏱ Episode Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Don’t wait. Be curious.00:23 – Meet Deb Krier: cancer thriver, communicator, podcaster01:38 – Growing up in Walden, Colorado03:18 – Parents, independence, and early life lessons05:21 – Outdoor childhood and learning freedom07:24 – Broadway dreams and law ambitions11:35 – Early jobs and learning self-advocacy 14:11 – Learning communication at the American Cancer Society15:12 – Comedy, coping, and emotional resilience17:40 – The mammogram call that changed everything21:17 – Chemo complications and septic shock survival26:51 – Regaining control inside the hospital31:07 – Listening deeply and human connection33:41 – Building Wise Women Communications35:29 – Launching Trying Not To Die38:47 – How to support someone with cancer42:05 – Why Deb calls cancer a blessing45:13 – Marriage, caregiving, and tribe49:47 – Track the beagle and finding levity53:34 – Why humor breaks down walls55:17 – What it means to live More Than Before56:21 – Final encouragement Key Takeaways • Don’t wait to live. Tomorrow is never promised.• Curiosity fuels growth. Asking better questions leads to becoming more.• Your tribe matters. Choose people who support, not just surround.• Be specific when helping others. Concrete support matters more than vague offers.• Humor heals. Laughter lowers stress and builds connection.• You get a vote. Advocate for yourself—in health, leadership, and life. 🔗 Guest & Resource Links Deb Krier• Trying Not To Die: https://tryingnottodie.live • Wise Women Communications• Podcast: Business Power Hour (1,100+ episodes) More Than Before• Follow on Instagram: @morethanbeforepodcast• Subscribe for weekly conversations on faith, leadership, resilience, and growth

    57 min
  8. How Silence Heals: Noemi Beres on Gratitude, Anxiety, and the Power of Thinking Sessions

    12/18/2025

    How Silence Heals: Noemi Beres on Gratitude, Anxiety, and the Power of Thinking Sessions

    In this episode of More Than Before, Nathan Cook talks with Noemi Beres—co-founder of Podcast Connections, linguist, artist, and creator of the Silent Thinking Session. Noemi opens up about losing her father and grandmother, losing her business during COVID, and how that season birthed a daily practice of gratitude, silence, and consistent habits that helped her heal and rebuild. You’ll hear how community can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, why silence is a leadership skill, and what it really means to become more than before—with presence, purpose, and compassion. Chapters 00:00 Grief, loss, and gratitude00:20 From small-town Hungary to global podcasting02:28 Feeling like an outsider—books, art, and identity03:40 Denmark exchange year and the desire to “see the world”05:11 Travel memories, getting lost, and family influence07:47 Self-esteem, hard work, and staying consistent09:47 Frida Kahlo and creating beauty through pain12:47 Ireland with two suitcases + 1,000 euros17:40 Cyprus, lifestyle rhythms, and choosing calm20:10 COVID season: losing loved ones + losing the business21:00 Healing through art + daily gratitude22:09 Building Podcast Connections (accidentally)25:58 Silent Thinking Sessions: what they are and why they work28:01 What silence teaches: presence and listening32:43 Motherhood: patience, presence, and trust36:06 Scarcity vs abundance mindset39:25 Community: the fastest way to change your energy41:05 Consistency and rebuilding strength (one step at a time)44:04 Noemi’s top 3 life foundations45:20 Faith journey and ongoing growth48:21 “More Than Before”: purpose, presence, and making people feel seen49:16 Final encouragement + share with a friend Links: Noemi’s website / waitlist: noemiberes.com Follow Noemi on LinkedIn Noemi’s YouTube (ASMR reading podcast)

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Nathan Cook
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nathan Cook
  • Show Website
    More Than Before

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