More Than Capable

Kyle Layne
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

More Than Capable is the antithesis of the optimization hype. It is a podcast about recovery, resilience, faith, parenting, discipline, and rebuilding a life after loss, burnout, addiction, grief, or prolonged pressure. Hosted by Kyle Layne, the show features long-form conversations with people who have been tested by life and are still choosing responsibility, growth, and purpose. This is not a self-help show. It is not about motivation, optimization, or pretending to be a finished product. More Than Capable is about becoming stronger physically, emotionally, and spiritually through honest conversations about struggle, recovery, family, faith, endurance, and the work of showing up. For men and women navigating hard seasons, rebuilding trust, seeking purpose, struggling with identity, or learning how to keep going, these conversations are a reminder that being worn down or misstepping does not mean being broken. Keep showing up and taking action.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Recovery Isn’t a Solo Act: Marriage, Trust & Three Years Sober with Alyssa | EP011

    Three years after entering rehab, Kyle sits down with his wife, Alyssa, for a conversation about what recovery has required from both of them. Kyle and Alyssa reflect on the isolation, fear, silence, loyalty, trust, and rebuilding that addiction brought into their marriage. They talk about the rehab intake moment that changed Kyle’s recovery, the painful question of why Alyssa stayed, and what it has looked like to rebuild peace in their home one day at a time. This episode is not just about getting sober. It is about what happens after the crisis point — when the drinking stops, but the marriage, family, wounds, habits, fears, and trust still have to be rebuilt. Kyle and Alyssa also discuss what recovery has given back: laughter in the house, friendships, fatherhood, honesty, shared responsibility, and a life neither of them would trade.  Topics discussed include: Alcoholism and marriage Rebuilding trust after addiction The role of loved ones in recovery Why sobriety has to become personally chosen Life after rehab Learning to communicate again The emotional weight carried by spouses and family members Three years sober Fatherhood, family, and recovery Chapter 8 of Alcoholics Anonymous More Than Capable is about formation, responsibility, recovery, and the work of becoming someone who can carry what life asks of them. Keep showing up.

    58 min
  2. Down Syndrome, Fatherhood & the Luckiest Men in the World with Jacob Esser | EP010

    MAY 5

    Down Syndrome, Fatherhood & the Luckiest Men in the World with Jacob Esser | EP010

    In this episode of More Than Capable, Kyle sits down with Jacob Esser, founder of Dads of Down Syndrome, for a conversation about fatherhood, purpose, fear, advocacy, and the unexpected ways our lives are shaped by the moments we never saw coming. But this conversation is not only about diagnosis. It is about what happens after. Jacob shares how the early days of fatherhood eventually led him to start Dads of Down Syndrome, a growing community created to give fathers a place to be honest, encouraged, and connected. What began with a small group of dads sitting together has grown into a movement built around presence, compassion, and the belief that these men are among “the luckiest men in the world.” This is a conversation about special needs parenting, Down syndrome, marriage, community, honest conversations among men, and the quiet power of simply showing up.

    1h 7m
  3. Dying at the Peak: Winning Emmys, Addiction, and the Fight for His Life with Chris Burns | EP009

    APR 21

    Dying at the Peak: Winning Emmys, Addiction, and the Fight for His Life with Chris Burns | EP009

    Chris Burns built his career at the highest levels of television—winning Emmys and working on Duck Dynasty—while quietly battling an addiction that would nearly kill him. At one point, on set, he was one of only three people sober. One of them was Robert Downey Jr. That contrast—success, pressure, proximity to people who had survived their own battles—was happening at the same time Chris was slipping deeper into his own. Then everything caught up. Chris went into liver failure and was forced to confront the reality that he might not survive. What followed were the calls no one ever wants to make, the wait for a transplant, and the weight of knowing that someone else would have to die for him to live. In this conversation, Chris walks through: Building a career while losing control behind the scenes The lie of “getting away with it” Addiction as a solution—and what it was actually solving The moment his body gave out Facing death and waiting for a second chance What it takes to rebuild a life after surviving it This is a story about contrast—winning at the highest level while falling apart in private—and what it looks like to come back from the edge.

    1h 48m
  4. Building a Life You Don’t Want to Escape with Luke Thorkildsen of Weatherby | EP008

    APR 7

    Building a Life You Don’t Want to Escape with Luke Thorkildsen of Weatherby | EP008

    What does it actually take to build a life you don’t want to escape from? In this conversation, Kyle sits down with Luke Thorkildsen, Chief Operating Officer of Weatherby, to explore the long, often uncomfortable process of building a life rooted in faith, family, and responsibility. From early career rejection to navigating the realities of marriage, Luke shares what it looks like to stop chasing the wrong things—and start doing the work that actually matters. This isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level advice. It’s about the quiet, repeated decisions that shape who you become over time. Luke opens up about the challenges in his marriage, including the hard realization that growth doesn’t come from trying to fix someone else, but from taking ownership of yourself. Through counseling, faith, and a commitment to stay, he began to rebuild not just his relationship, but his perspective on what it means to lead a life with intention. Together, Kyle and Luke discuss the role of faith in decision-making, the responsibility that comes with being a husband and father, and the importance of showing up consistently—even when it’s difficult. If you’ve ever felt stuck, restless, or unsure whether you’re building the right life, this conversation will challenge you to take a deeper look at what matters—and what it actually requires to build something that lasts. Topics: Building a meaningful life without a clear roadmap Navigating rejection and creating your own opportunities The reality of marriage: love, tension, and growth Personal responsibility and ownership Faith as a foundation for life decisions Parenting with honesty and intention The slow, daily work of becoming

    1h 6m
  5. Breaking His Neck Saved His Life: Kenny White’s Story of Paralysis & Recovery | EP007

    MAR 24

    Breaking His Neck Saved His Life: Kenny White’s Story of Paralysis & Recovery | EP007

    What if the moment that nearly ended your life… was the one that finally gave it back to you? Kenny White was a father, a provider, and a man quietly losing control. Alcohol had taken hold, shaping his days, his decisions, and the trajectory of his life. Then, in a split second accident at home, everything changed. A broken neck. A shattered vertebra. Instant paralysis. What followed was an 11-hour surgery, months of recovery, and a reality that most people never have to face. But somewhere in that darkness, Kenny experienced something unexpected: Clarity. In this conversation, Kenny shares the full story of the accident that left him paralyzed, the physical and emotional battle to recover, and how that moment became the catalyst for lasting sobriety and a completely different life. This is not just a story about survival. It’s about identity, fatherhood, faith, and what it means to be given a second chance when everything you thought defined you is stripped away. We talk about: The moment of impact and what it felt like to lose movement instantly The long road of physical recovery after a catastrophic spinal injury Living as a father while navigating paralysis and uncertainty The role alcohol played before the accident — and why it never came back after Finding purpose through pain and rebuilding life from the ground up The mindset shift that turned tragedy into transformation Launching the “Break Your Neck” movement and helping others through adversity Kenny’s story is raw, honest, and deeply human — a reminder that sometimes the hardest moments in life are the ones that wake us up. Sign Up or Donate to Kenny's Break Your Neck 5k Here. If this conversation resonates with you, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    2 hr
  6. From Collapse to Calling: Faith, Cardiac Arrest and a Second Chance with Tyler Moon | EP006

    MAR 10

    From Collapse to Calling: Faith, Cardiac Arrest and a Second Chance with Tyler Moon | EP006

    At mile eight of the Twin Cities 10 Mile race, Tyler Moon collapsed in the middle of the course. A healthy 25-year-old. Three months away from his wedding. No warning. What happened next involved strangers, CPR, an AED… and a series of moments that Tyler and his family still struggle to explain. In this conversation, Tyler sits down with Kyle to unpack the story behind that day—from the memories that simply disappeared, to the phone call that changed his fiancée’s life forever, to the strange detail on his race bib that would take on a meaning no one could have predicted. But this episode goes far beyond the moment of collapse. Kyle and Tyler explore what happens after a life-altering event: how identity changes, how faith is tested, how relationships deepen, and how adversity can become the foundation for a calling. Today Tyler speaks about resilience, leadership, and faith through Living Proof Leadership and recently released his book More Than a Conqueror. This conversation is about survival — but even more about what we do with the life we’re given. More Than Capable listeners enter code "MTC" at check out to receive a special discount off of More Than a Conqueror. Topics explored in this episode • Sudden cardiac arrest and survival • Faith during crisis and uncertainty • Identity, purpose, and adversity • Marriage, commitment, and resilience • Turning trauma into leadership and service

    1h 31m
  7. Inaction Is a Decision: Military Leadership, Risk & Missed Signals with Morgan Hampel | EP005

    FEB 25

    Inaction Is a Decision: Military Leadership, Risk & Missed Signals with Morgan Hampel | EP005

    What if the most dangerous choice in your life isn’t failure — but inaction? In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Hampel—friend, engineer, Navy Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer and real estate operator—to talk about the decisions that define a life. We discuss: • Growing up as the grandson of a Holocaust survivor • The military leader who held him to a higher standard • The conversation he wishes he handled differently • Why saying “sorry” isn’t always enough • Raising $1M in 90 days on his first deal • Leaving engineering to serve • Missing signals from people who needed help • The discipline required to build momentum • The upward spiral: sleep, health, testosterone, ownership This conversation is about responsibility. Responsibility to your legacy. Responsibility to your friends. Responsibility to your own potential. Inaction is still a decision. The question is whether you’re choosing it.

    1h 37m
  8. The Harder Path Wins: Discipline, Identity, and Refusing to Settle | EP004

    FEB 10

    The Harder Path Wins: Discipline, Identity, and Refusing to Settle | EP004

    Grant Hankins didn’t just “turn things around” — he refused to accept the story that seemed inevitable. In this conversation, Grant and Kyle unpack what it looks like to challenge the path you think you’re stuck on and build a life driven by discipline, identity, and daily choices. From growing up around chaos, to hockey shaping his standards, to learning emotional intelligence later in life, Grant shares the patterns that helped him stop settling — and start building. If you’ve ever felt like your environment, your past, or your mistakes define what comes next, this episode is a reminder: you can challenge that. In this episode: Not accepting what feels “inevitable” — and why most people settle How environment shapes identity (and how to outgrow it) Discipline as a lever for confidence and change The hidden cost of people-pleasing and peacekeeping Athletes, identity, and the void after the game ends Why comparison can sabotage growth — and what to do instead “Desire vs. dedication vs. determination” (and the sacrifices required) Explore More Than Capable: morethancapable.life Subscribe & follow the podcast: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts If this hit home, share it with someone who needs a push to challenge the script.

    1h 32m
  9. The Strength to Stay: Grief, Recovery, and Learning to Feel Again with Julian Bermudez | EP003

    JAN 27

    The Strength to Stay: Grief, Recovery, and Learning to Feel Again with Julian Bermudez | EP003

    What happens when you stop running from your emotions and learn to stay with them? In this deeply personal conversation, Kyle sits down with psychedelic therapist and trauma integration specialist Julian Bermudez, founder of Psychedelic Integration, to explore grief, recovery, fatherhood, and what it actually means to heal—not by labeling yourself as broken, but by learning to be present with what you once had to suppress. Rather than treating “trauma” as an identity or a crutch, this episode reframes it as something far more practical and hopeful: the patterns we learned in order to survive, and the ones we can now learn to outgrow. Julian shares his own journey from a childhood marked by rejection, instability, and suicidal despair to a life devoted to helping others reconnect with their emotions and inner resilience. Together, they discuss: Why healing is less about fixing what’s “wrong” and more about recovering what was lost How emotional suppression becomes the root of addiction, burnout, and disconnection Why comparison and self-judgment keep us trapped in shame How psychedelic-assisted integration can help soften defenses and build real emotional safety What it means to model presence, courage, and emotional honesty for our children The conversation culminates in a powerful, unscripted moment as Julian guides Kyle through a somatic exercise while Kyle reflects on the grief of losing his daughter—revealing how staying with emotion, rather than escaping it, can become a source of strength, connection, and love. This episode is about learning to stay. With discomfort. With grief. With your own heart. Not to be overwhelmed by it—but to become the kind of man, father, and human who can meet life fully and remain standing.

    1h 5m
  10. Build the System: Discipline, Recovery, and the Power of Community with Kyle Kamp | EP002

    JAN 13

    Build the System: Discipline, Recovery, and the Power of Community with Kyle Kamp | EP002

    Kyle Kamp, founder of Valley to Peak Nutrition and Director of Nutrition Programming for MTNTOUGH Fitness, joins me for a conversation on what actually drives lasting change: discipline, non-negotiables, and community. We start with friendships and why relationships are often the hardest part of recovery and personal growth; especially when you’re intentionally trying to build a life that can withstand pressure. We talk about “two-way street” friendships, building real community in a busy season of life, and knowing when to let go of what no longer aligns. From there, we get practical: bare minimums, removing negotiation from daily decisions, and the mindset shift that keeps a passing thought from turning into a spiral—you can’t stop a bird from landing on your head, but you can prevent it from building a nest. We also touch on nutrition and why extremes fail long-term, bringing the conversation back to the More Than Capable core: build the system, keep showing up, and prepare for the pressure life will apply. Kyle Kamp / Valley to Peak Nutrition (V2P): Instagram Website Topics: discipline, habits, non-negotiables, recovery, community, consistency, nutrition coaching, MTNTOUGH Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:20 Navigating Relationships and Community 07:12 The Journey of Discomfort and Growth 14:47 The Role of Discipline in Recovery 21:39 Understanding Self-Talk and Its Impact 32:23 The Importance of Acknowledging Potential Relapse 39:19 Nutrition Myths and Realities 51:27 The Power of Small Changes in Life

    1h 8m
  11. The End of Chapter 3 Stigma, and the Beginning of More Than Capable | EP001

    12/29/2025

    The End of Chapter 3 Stigma, and the Beginning of More Than Capable | EP001

    In this opening episode of More Than Capable, Kyle is joined by his wife Alyssa for a conversation about transition, loss, recovery, and why this work is shifting beyond its original focus. This episode serves as both a reflection on the body of work known as Chapter 3 Stigma and a clear articulation of what comes next. Kyle shares why Chapter 3 Stigma was always meant to be approachable, bite-sized, and accessible for someone in the depths of addiction or despair — and why, over time, that growing body of work risked becoming harder for that person to find and navigate. Together, Kyle and Alyssa talk through: Why Chapter 3 Stigma is being intentionally sunset as a focused body of work What remains available for those in early recovery or supporting loved ones Why managing relationships and family life is often the hardest part of long-term recovery How grief, loss, and addiction reshaped their understanding of endurance and discipline Why More Than Capable is not self-help or motivation, but preparation The conversation also explores the deeper realization behind this new direction — that life applies pressure in predictable places, and most people dramatically underestimate what they are capable of enduring over time through small, disciplined practices. More Than Capable exists for those who have been worn down by life, not broken by it — and who are willing to prepare, not to avoid hardship, but to stand under it without losing themselves. This episode is published to both feeds as part of the transition. To continue with future episodes, subscribe to the More Than Capable podcast on your platform of choice. Learn more and read the accompanying work at morethancapable.life Chapters 00:00 Introduction to More Than Capable Podcast 01:04 Navigating Difficult Conversations 02:59 Transitioning from Chapter Three Stigma 07:10 The Purpose of Chapter Three Stigma 10:38 The Importance of Relationships in Recovery 12:35 The Garbage Can Stickers Project 16:18 The Next Steps: More Than Capable 19:32 The Anti-Motivation Approach 23:00 Launching the New Podcast 25:37 Reflections on the Journey 28:25 Conclusion and Future Directions

    30 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

More Than Capable is the antithesis of the optimization hype. It is a podcast about recovery, resilience, faith, parenting, discipline, and rebuilding a life after loss, burnout, addiction, grief, or prolonged pressure. Hosted by Kyle Layne, the show features long-form conversations with people who have been tested by life and are still choosing responsibility, growth, and purpose. This is not a self-help show. It is not about motivation, optimization, or pretending to be a finished product. More Than Capable is about becoming stronger physically, emotionally, and spiritually through honest conversations about struggle, recovery, family, faith, endurance, and the work of showing up. For men and women navigating hard seasons, rebuilding trust, seeking purpose, struggling with identity, or learning how to keep going, these conversations are a reminder that being worn down or misstepping does not mean being broken. Keep showing up and taking action.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle Layne
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kyle Layne
  • Show Website
    More Than Capable

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