More Than Before

Chad Wallen is the founder of a nonprofit organization that serves fatherless young men between sixth and 12th grade. The organization focuses on mentoring and teaching these young men life skills, both mental and physical. Chad's own experience growing up with a disengaged father has fueled his passion for helping fatherless boys. He believes in the power of learning and constantly seeks out new knowledge and experiences. Chad's desire for growth and impact has led him to build a strong community and surround himself with mentors who can guide him in his journey. In this conversation, Chad Wallen discusses his passion for serving the fatherless and mentoring young men through his organization, Advanced Camp. He shares his personal journey of faith and how it has shaped his mission. Chad emphasizes the importance of community and sacrificial love in building relationships and making a difference. He also talks about the challenges and sacrifices he has faced along the way. The ultimate vision for Advanced Camp is to expand to multiple locations in every state and provide trade education and life skills to young men.

Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chad Wallin and his nonprofit organization
06:17 Chad's childhood and the impact of a disengaged father
08:14 Chad's journey of self-discovery and learning
12:01 The desire for growth and impact
26:26 Building Community and Offering Support
29:21 The Power of Sacrificial Love
35:03 Personal Experiences Shaping Mentorship
38:28 Faith as a Driving Force
47:27 The Vision for Advanced Camp

Contact Chad Wallen

Email:  [email protected]

Website Url: https://advancecampusa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-wallen-8a248256/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancecamptexas/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AdvanceCampTexas &

https://m.facebook.com/advancecamporegon https://m.facebook.com/advancecampflorida  

Contact Nathan Cook

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therealnathancook

In this conversation, Nathan Cook interviews Gunnar Simonsen, the voice of the More Than Before podcast, to learn more about his story. They discuss topics such as identity, personal growth, forgiveness, and parenting. Gunnar shares how he has transformed his life by letting go of false identities and unpacking his past traumas. He also talks about the importance of forgiveness in finding freedom and embracing one's true identity. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the second chance Gunnar has in raising a young boy and the differences he sees in parenting now compared to earlier in his life. In this conversation, Gunnar Simonson shares his personal journey of transformation and growth. He discusses the importance of self-reflection, owning one's mistakes, and embracing the process of parenting. Gunnar also talks about the role of social media in sharing one's story authentically and the need for intentional and accountable communication. He delves into the concept of cognitive biases and how they can hinder personal growth. Finally, Gunnar redefines success as finding contentment, loving one's family, and living a life of purpose.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:20 Unpacking Traumas and Embracing True Identity
07:20 The Power of Forgiveness in Finding Freedom
14:45 Parenting as a Second Chance
27:28 The Power of Self-Reflection and Owning Mistakes
31:13 Parenting as a Process of Growth and Learning
31:42 Authenticity on Social Media: Intention, Accountability, and Transparency
37:55 Understanding and Overcoming Cognitive Biases
48:18 Redefining Success: Contentment, Love, and Purpose

Contact Gunnar Simonsen

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunnarsimonsen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunnarsimonsen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gunnarsimonsen  

Contact Nathan Cook

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therealnathancook

Ken Roshan, owner of Perfect Publishing and radio host of Amplified, shares his journey and the impact of his son's writing. Ken's father's strictness and lack of understanding influenced his approach to fatherhood. Ken's love for writing was inspired by Mark Twain and his grandmother, a published poet. After a failed book release, Ken learned the importance of marketing and helping others publish their books. Ken's son, Kenny, has written and published 12 books, teaching him confidence and self-expression. Ken's goal is to help authors have a positive publishing experience and enjoy the process. Ken Rochon shares his insights on embracing differences, overcoming challenges, and finding success in life and business. He emphasizes the importance of standing up for oneself and others, trusting people despite past betrayals, and maintaining a positive mindset. Ken also discusses the power of writing a book, which allows individuals to step into their highest power, share their stories, and deepen their expertise. He provides formulas for success in publishing and sales, highlighting the significance of distribution, inspiration, and social proof. Ken encourages everyone to write a book to amplify their impact and connect with others.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ken Roshan
01:30 Ken Roshan's Journey and Childhood
06:41 The Impact of Writing on Kenny Roshan
08:12 Interview with Kenny Roshan
13:39 Kenny Roshan's Books and Impact
14:35 Ken Roshan's Love for Writing and Publishing
23:27 Ken Roshan's Approach to Fatherhood
26:23 Ken Roshan's Parents as Role Models
27:52 Unconditional Love and Perfect Partnerships
28:51 Embracing Differences and Standing Up for Yourself
33:35 Overcoming Challenges and Trusting Again
37:29 Maintaining a Positive Mindset and Finding Success
45:12 The Power of Writing a Book and Stepping into Your Highest Power
49:25 Formulas for Success in Publishing and Sales
55:07 Amplifying Your Impact Through Writing

Contact Ken Roshon (Dr. Smiley)

Email: [email protected]

Website:  https://DrSmiley360.com

Contact Nathan Cook

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therealnathancook

Darcy Edwards, a successful real estate agent in Oregon, shares her journey and the key principles that have guided her. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, being certain in your decisions, and never giving up. Darcy also highlights the value of servant leadership and helping others who can't help themselves. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and staying true to oneself. In this conversation, Darcy Edwards discusses the importance of alignment, servant leadership, and perseverance in achieving goals. She emphasizes the need to avoid comparing oneself to others and instead focus on personal growth and authenticity. Darcy also highlights the significance of knowing oneself and setting realistic goals. She encourages listeners to stay committed to their goals and not be discouraged by setbacks or failures.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:21 The Love for Coffee and Motivation
03:18 Growing Up in Oregon and Real Estate Journey
06:12 Taking Advantage of Opportunities
07:37 The Importance of Timing and Outlook
08:58 The Confidence and Certainty in Decision Making
10:26 Standing Up for What You Believe In
12:49 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
16:15 The Impact of Teachers and Mentors
19:55 Overcoming Challenges and Never Giving Up
21:05 The Crucible Moment of Adoption
24:03 Fighting for What You Believe In
26:28 Living in Alignment with Core Values
28:08 The Danger of Comparison and the Importance of Authenticity
30:03 The Power of Alignment and Writing Down Your Goals
31:58 Servant Leadership: Opening Doors of Opportunity
37:29 Perseverance in the Face of Setbacks and Failures
49:21 Knowing Yourself and Setting Realistic Goals

Contact Darcey Edwards

Email: [email protected] or edwardsrealtytrust.com

Website:  https://edwardsrealtytrust.com/ or https://queenbeeleadershiptraining.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcey-edwards-7b053010/   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenbeeleadership/   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darcey.edwards 

Contact Nathan Cook

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therealnathancook

Eric Konovalov, author of B2B Sales Secrets, shares his journey from growing up in communism to becoming a successful sales coach. He emphasizes the importance of identity and understanding oneself in sales. Eric's childhood in communism taught him resilience and the value of hard work. Joining the Marines provided structure and discipline, which changed the trajectory of his life. Transitioning into the civilian world, Eric discovered the power of sales and started his own coaching company. He highlights the significance of having goals and a morning routine to drive success. The conversation explores the importance of self-image and how it affects our ability to achieve our goals. It discusses the subconscious beliefs that hold us back and prevent us from taking action. The key takeaway is that our self-image determines our results, and in order to change our results, we must first change our beliefs. The conversation also touches on the importance of being intentional about our identity and the role it plays in our relationships and parenting. It emphasizes the need to spend time with ourselves, reflect, and create a clear picture of who we want to be.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eric Konovalov
01:01 Eric's Childhood in Communism
06:08 Joining the Marines
11:17 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Discovering Sales
28:10 Setting Goals and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
28:40 The Power of Self-Image
30:04 Changing Beliefs
36:37 The Role of Identity
45:23 Reflection and Personal Growth

Contact Eric Konovalov

Email: [email protected] 

Website: http://www.thegoalguide.com/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@relentless.goal.achievers?si=GJHaPGxtc9f3IcBs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegoalguide/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoalguide/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoalGuide

Join his free group, Relentless Goal Achievers Community on FB:

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/rgacommunity/?ref=share_group_link

Contact Nathan Cook

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therealnathancook

Royce White, a successful entrepreneur and author, shares his journey of starting multiple businesses and the importance of leadership and personal growth. He emphasizes the value of learning from failures and developing systems for continuous improvement. Royce also discusses his passion for teaching and understanding personality types, which has helped him become a better leader and mentor. He reflects on his role as a father and the decision to homeschool his children, allowing them to pursue their interests and develop their talents. In this conversation, Nathan and Royce discuss the importance of focusing on a person's desires and strengths rather than trying to fix their weaknesses. They explore the concept of curiosity and how it plays a role in lifelong learning. They also discuss the impact of personality traits, particularly dominance, on leadership and personal growth. Royce shares his own experiences of learning to control his dominant traits and the importance of seeking truth and finding a coach to guide personal development.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest's Background
02:59 Learning from Failure and Building Systems for Success
08:46 Understanding Personality Types for Effective Leadership
15:56 The Benefits of Homeschooling and Tailored Education
28:58 Focusing on Desires and Strengths
41:59 Understanding Personality Traits and Leadership
50:15 Seeking Truth and Applying the Physics of God

Contact Royce White

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.WeAreCaris.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roycewhite/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyceWhiteOfficial

Contact Nathan Cook

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therealnathancook

Lucy Escobar, a coach and speaker, shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She grew up in California, faced difficulties, and struggled with her identity. However, she always believed in herself and had big dreams. She started her career in the banking industry and worked her way up to become a branch manager. Eventually, she decided to transition into coaching and consulting, where she continues to help others achieve success. Lucy emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, continuous learning, and serving others. Lucy Escobar shares her journey as an entrepreneur and advocate for the Latino community. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability and learning from failures in order to achieve success. Lucy also discusses her passion for serving others and being a voice for those who are underrepresented. She reflects on her role as a mother and the joy she feels seeing her son succeed. Lucy encourages listeners to set goals, build meaningful relationships, and be open to change in order to become the person they were created to be.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lucy Escobar
02:21 From Challenging Childhood to Successful Entrepreneur
09:51 Believing in Yourself and Pursuing Big Dreams
14:08 Transitioning from the Banking Industry to Coaching and Consulting
21:21 Serving Others and Adding Value
26:51 Embracing Setbacks and Challenges for Growth
28:09 Embracing Adaptability and Making Tough Decisions as an Entrepreneur
29:25 Learning from Failures and Adjusting Your Strategy
32:38 Serving Others and Finding Joy in Their Success
35:23 Building Meaningful Relationships and Seeking Mentorship
41:00 Motherhood and the Journey of Raising a Son
44:24 Cultivating a Strong Sense of Identity and Embracing Change
50:59 Setting Clear Goals and Taking Action

Contact Lucy Escobar

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.lucyescobar.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachlucyescobar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachlucyescobar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@CoachLucyEscobar

Contact Nathan Cook

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therealnathancook

Overview:
In this powerful episode, Nathan sits down with Keith Sconiers—entrepreneur, mentor, speaker, and man of deep integrity. Keith shares his moving journey from surviving a childhood shaped by trauma, addiction, and instability to becoming a purpose-driven leader in both business and community.

Growing up in a toxic environment in West Fresno, Keith faced extreme adversity: abuse, abandonment, homelessness, and countless school expulsions. Yet through the influence of key mentors, family members, and his faith, he found not only survival—but direction, purpose, and an unshakable foundation of core values.

This conversation dives into the power of alignment, intentionality, and identity. Keith unpacks how adversity shaped his character, why honoring your core values changes everything, and how true passion is discovered, not stumbled upon.

What You’ll Learn:

• How toxic environments can fuel your drive if processed well

• Why Keith believes your worst seasons can shape your best outcomes

• The influence of mentors like Uncle Chuck and Keith's grandmother

• How core values drive both personal integrity and business success

• Practical ways to find your passion through reflection and pain

• Why honoring your identity is more important than chasing success

Quotes to Remember:

“Sometimes we don’t have passion because we’re still in pain—and we haven’t addressed it.”
“It’s not good example or bad example—it’s good action or bad action.”
“Friction creates fire—and friction will reveal your calling.”

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Keith Gonyers
02:04 Growing Up in a Challenging Environment
05:42 Fear and Adversity in Childhood
09:05 The Influence of Father and Uncle Chuck
13:51 Learning from Good and Bad Examples
25:55 The Impact of Keith's Grandmother
26:54 Lessons Learned and Transformation
27:50 Discovering Identity and Passion
29:19 Passion and Misalignment of Identity
30:18 Journey of Self-Discovery and Core Values
34:39 Friction and Finding Passion
37:03 The Power of Core Values
45:37 Instilling Core Values in Others
51:44 Identity and Relationships

Contact Keith Sconiers

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://keithsconiers.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithsconiers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithsconiers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keithsconiers/

In this episode, Nathan Cook interviews Wendy Burns, a transformational coach and author, about her journey of overcoming abuse and finding her true identity. Wendy shares her personal story of experiencing abuse and trauma, including her father's suicide and her own rape. She discusses the importance of recognizing the difference between guilt and shame and the power of forgiveness in healing and moving forward. Wendy emphasizes the need to peel back the layers of emotions and uncover the truth in order to make choices that align with our true selves. Wendy shares her personal journey of wearing masks and the power of dropping them to embrace one's true identity. She emphasizes the fear that keeps us trapped behind masks and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Wendy discusses the impact of sharing her story and how it has empowered others to find their own truth. She highlights the importance of taking intentional action and the process of breaking generational patterns. Wendy's greatest achievements include breaking the cycle of generational inheritance and writing her books, which have opened doors and impacted lives. She encourages listeners to believe in themselves, know their worth, and choose to live authentically.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning
01:04 Introduction to Wendy Burns
03:46 Sharing a Deep and Emotional Story
05:41 The Power of Storytelling and Encouragement
07:34 The Influence of Family and Environment
09:02 The Power of Choice and Attitude
11:22 Feeling Helpless and Picking Up Identity Pieces
13:20 Peeling Back Emotions to Find Truth
15:12 Understanding Guilt and Shame
19:31 The Impact of Guilt and Shame
21:29 Unpacking Guilt and Shame to Find Truth
23:25 The Power of Forgiveness
26:43 Choosing to Wear Masks
27:11 The Power of Dropping Masks
30:00 Fear and Courage
33:38 Choosing Victory over Victimhood
44:06 The Impact of Sharing Our Stories
51:02 Believing in Yourself and Embracing Your True Identity

Contact Wendy Burns

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://wendyburnsconsulting.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-burns-a27a704b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyburns2993/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.burns.3304

Contact Nathan Cook

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

Patrick Lyons shares his personal journey of growth and transformation, from hiding his struggles to embracing vulnerability and authenticity. He discusses the importance of unpacking emotional baggage and being fully known in relationships. Patrick also talks about the process of redefining his identity and finding purpose beyond external achievements. He shares his experience with organized religion and how he shifted from exclusion to inclusion. Overall, Patrick's story highlights the power of self-reflection, personal growth, and the pursuit of genuine connection. In this conversation, Nathan Cook and Patrick Veroneau discuss the importance of understanding one's identity and using their unique gifts and talents to make a positive impact on others. They emphasize that everyone has a toolbox of skills and abilities that they can use to build others up and bring light into their lives. They also highlight the dangers of comparing oneself to others and measuring worth based on external accomplishments. Instead, they encourage listeners to focus on being their authentic selves and using their tools to the fullest extent possible.

Takeaways

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:26 Childhood and Family Dynamics
03:51 Hiding Chaos and Putting on a Facade
06:17 Navigating Marriage and Identity
09:07 Unpacking Baggage and Rebuilding Trust
10:31 Mirror Work and Personal Growth
13:47 Being Fully Known and Choosing Love
18:55 Redefining Identity and Finding Purpose
23:15 Shifting from Exclusion to Inclusion in Faith
26:26 Personal Growth and the Journey of Transformation
28:49 Embracing Your Identity and Using Your Gifts
34:29 The Dangers of Comparison and External Validation
39:07 Being Authentic and Making a Positive Impact
50:49 Using Your Tools to Build Others Up

End Of Show Notes:

Contact Patrick Lyons

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://culturebydesign.com/    &   http://thefrustratedceo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pflyons/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just.patrick.lyons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justpatricklyons 

Contact Nathan Cook

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nathancookcoaching.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2nathancook/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morethanbeforepodcast

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/therealnathancook