“Complacency looks like busyness, feels like comfort, and sounds like excuses.”
Chris Robinson, EVP at Maxwell Leadership Entrepreneurial Solutions and author of From Drift to Drive, joins Nathan for a deeply personal and practical conversation about how to stop drifting and start driving—with clarity, action, and intention.

Chris shares his raw journey from chasing a baseball dream, to six college expulsions, to selling perfume on the streets—ultimately rising to become a leader, husband, and father who lives out excellence every day.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, distracted by perfectionism, or unsure of what comes next. You’ll walk away with real tools to regain focus, overcome complacency, and become more than before.

🌟 BONUS for Book Buyers
If you’ve purchased From Drift to Drive, don’t miss your exclusive bonus resources:
👉 https://drifttodrivebook.com

⏱️ Timestamps & Chapter Titles:

00:10 – Intro: Mastering Everything from Pickleball to Sales
01:29 – Childhood Dreams & Deion Sanders Influence
02:23 – Six College Expulsions and the Sales Gift
03:34 – First Sales Lesson: The $10 Yard Cutting Job
06:34 – Work Ethic, Creativity & Lessons from Parents
09:02 – Perfume Sales, Napoleon Hill & the Personal Growth Spark
12:27 – The DUI Wake-Up Call & Handcuffs on the Curb
17:19 – Balancing Family and Business: Build Around What Matters
21:00 – Teaching Wisdom Over Giving Things to Your Kids
23:03 – Which Kids Have the Entrepreneur Bug?
24:43 – Kids Are Your Responsibility—Not Your Motivation
25:12 – From Solopreneur to Serving Under John Maxwell
27:35 – "I'll Never Write a Book" to Publishing From Drift to Drive
31:03 – Action Answers Questions: Learn a Little, Do a Little
33:58 – Careless Security: The Root of Complacency
36:17 – Perfectionism vs. Excellence: The Big Trap
39:06 – Real-Life Drift: Finances, Marriage & Focus
42:38 – Letting Go of Image: Imposter Syndrome & Responsibility
45:08 – From Star to Star Creator: The Shift that Changed Everything
49:46 – Living Significantly with Limited Resources
52:27 – Faith, Sobriety & Divine Intervention
55:04 – Media, Consumption & Focused Growth
56:49 – Chris’s God-Sized Vision: NYT Bestseller & Becoming More

📌 Show Notes – Episode Summary

Do you feel stuck chasing goals that never materialize?
This solo episode of More Than Before with Nathan Cook is your wake-up call—and your roadmap.

Nathan gets honest about the real reasons we don't get what we want—and it’s not for lack of trying. From unknowingly chasing someone else’s dream to overcrowding our lives with distractions, we often block the very outcomes we crave.

But there's good news: You can start seeing real change.

👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The #1 question you must answer before anything can change

• Why “more priorities” actually means less progress

• How clutter (in life or living room) could be blocking your breakthrough

• Why being useful to others is your unfair advantage

• The power of doing what others are unwilling to do

• How to invite God into your grind for exponential results

• And why reflecting + implementing is the true secret to growth

💡 Quote of the episode:
“If you want something new in your life, you’ve got to do something—and that starts with thinking differently.”

If this episode inspired you, help Nathan get what he wants: more people discovering this message.
Share the episode, leave a review, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

➡️ Be more. See more. Experience more. It starts today.

Why do some people grow faster than others? The secret might be ownership. In this episode, Nathan dives deep into four powerful strategies to help you take back control of your life and live with purpose:

✅ Execute without excuses
🔁 Be radically consistent
⚡ Make decisions with confidence
🏡 Shift from renting → owning → stewarding your life

You’ll discover how responsibility fuels transformation and why stewardship isn’t just about taking control — it’s about honoring what’s been entrusted to you.

💡 “Are you renting your life?”
💬 “Be decisive with the small things.”
🔥 “You need to stop renting your life.”

🎯 Takeaways:

• Excuses kill progress; execution creates momentum

• Consistency compounds results

• Indecision limits impact

• Stewardship unlocks purpose and peace

🔖 Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Personal Growth
01:02 Why Ownership Matters
02:34 Excuses vs Execution
04:39 Compounding Through Consistency
08:18 The Power of Decisiveness
09:41 Rent → Own → Steward Your Life

🔁 Share this with someone who’s ready to level up their life and take ownership of their growth.

#MoreThanBefore #NathanCook #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Stewardship #SelfDevelopment #ExecutionMatters #ConsistencyIsKey #DecisiveLiving #ChristianLeadership #GrowthMindset #StopRentingYourLife #PodcastEpisode #TransformationJourney #OwnYourLife

In this episode of More Than Before, Nathan Cook discusses the importance of recognizing and embracing opportunities in our lives. He reflects on personal growth and the challenges of saying yes to new experiences, especially as a parent. Nathan shares valuable insights on evaluating opportunities based on personal values, priorities, and the potential to add value to oneself and others. He encourages listeners to create space for meaningful opportunities and to be mindful of what they are saying yes or no to in their lives.

Keywords:

#personal growth #opportunities #values# leadership #parenting# self-reflection #decisionmaking #lifelessons #mentorship #community

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Season Two

03:07 Embracing Personal Growth

06:03 Recognizing Opportunities

08:51 Evaluating Opportunities

12:08 Creating Space for What Matters

14:50 Conclusion and Call to Action

Takeaways

• Recognizing opportunities often requires a shift in mindset.
• Saying no too often can lead to missed opportunities.
• Evaluate opportunities based on priority buckets.
• Aligning opportunities with personal values is crucial.
• Consider how opportunities contribute to long-term goals.
• Adding value to others is as important as self-value.
• Creating margin in life allows for new opportunities.
• Reflecting on what to cut out can create space for growth.
• Opportunities are everywhere; awareness is key.

In this season finale, Nathan Cook welcomes back Gunnar, reflecting on personal growth, transformation, and the meaningful work they are doing in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the importance of storytelling, resilience, and shifting narratives from victimhood to purpose. Gunnar shares his journey through health challenges and how faith has played a role in his perspective. The conversation emphasizes the power of connection and presence in making a difference in people's lives. In this conversation, Nathan Cook explores the themes of new life, personal transformation, and the journey of faith. He discusses the importance of letting go of past burdens, finding peace in change, and trusting in God's plan. Nathan emphasizes the significance of hopefulness and gratitude in personal growth, as well as the role of meditation and self-awareness in navigating life's challenges. The conversation highlights the ongoing journey of becoming more than before, both personally and spiritually.

Takeaways

• The journey of transformation is ongoing and requires self-reflection.
• Meaningful work is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Stories have the power to heal and inspire others.
• Shifting from a victim mindset to one of purpose is crucial.
• Health challenges can lead to deeper faith and understanding.
• Purpose often extends beyond personal gain to impact others.
• Connection with others can create profound moments of change.
• Meditation on meaningful concepts can reshape our thinking.
• We all play a role in the stories of those around us.
• Being present for others can have a lasting impact.
• New life is about perspective and hope.
• Meditation helps fill the mind with positive truths.
• Forgiveness allows us to let go of past burdens.
• We can find freedom in our identity in Christ.
• Personal transformation requires self-acceptance.
• It's important to navigate the tension between past and present selves.
• Trusting God means letting go of control.
• Hopefulness is rooted in gratitude and self-awareness.
• Emotional health is a journey of understanding and acceptance.
• We are called to be gentle, humble, and kind.

Chapters

00:00 Season Finale: Reflecting on Growth
02:49 The Journey of Transformation
05:31 Impactful Work in Nonprofits
10:57 Stories of Resilience and Healing
15:46 Shifting Narratives: From Victimhood to Purpose
19:39 Facing Health Challenges with Faith
25:20 Understanding Purpose Beyond Self
32:23 The Power of Connection and Presence
34:42 The Concept of New Life
40:22 Navigating Personal Transformation
45:36 Finding Peace in Change
51:53 Trusting God's Plan
57:06 Hopefulness and Growth

In this conversation, Nathan Cook interviews Tim Miller, exploring his journey from a humble upbringing to becoming the director of production at Athey Creek Church. Tim shares insights about family dynamics, the influence of music in his life, and the challenges of high school. He reflects on the importance of forgiveness in both personal and professional settings, emphasizing the need for open communication and understanding in parenting and teamwork. In this conversation, Nathan Cook discusses the importance of perspective in facing challenges, the dynamics of working with volunteers, and the significance of creating a culture of excellence within a church production environment. He emphasizes the need for trust, training, and mentorship, while also reflecting on the legacy he wishes to leave for his children. The conversation highlights the balance between serving with humility and striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tim Miller's Journey
05:44 Family Dynamics and Early Influences
09:49 The Role of Music in Personal Development
16:13 High School Experiences and Identity Formation
21:53 Parenting Lessons from Personal Experience
29:08 The Importance of Forgiveness in Life and Work
33:54 Perspective on Challenges
34:47 Building Trust with Volunteers
36:11 Creating a Culture of Excellence
39:23 Training and Equipping Volunteers
43:38 The Role of Family and Mentorship
50:06 Legacy and Values for Future Generations
55:41 Serving with Excellence and Humility

Join the MORE THAN BEFORE COMMUNITY:

https://www.nathancookcoaching.com/offers/ZBDrhXmb

Learn more about Athey Creek Church:

https://atheycreek.com/

Join us as Sean Bacchus takes us on a captivating journey from his early aspirations in the medical field to becoming a beacon of success in entrepreneurship and public speaking. Sean, who currently excels as a training and development coordinator while running his own business, opens up about the hurdles of mastering public speaking, the pivotal role of mentorship, and the profound impact of his Caribbean heritage and family values on his life.

In this heart-to-heart conversation, Sean delves into his personal evolution, underscored by his deep-rooted faith, the challenges and revelations of fatherhood and marriage, and the transformative power of financial literacy and lifelong learning. His story is a testament to the importance of finding one's identity and purpose through faith, personal experiences, and the continuous quest for knowledge.

Takeaways:
- Sean's journey highlights the critical importance of overcoming the fear of public speaking and embracing leadership roles.
- The influence of his Caribbean upbringing instilled in him a spirit of excellence and resilience.
- Through faith and personal experiences, Sean discovered his true identity and purpose.
- Mentorship emerged as a key pillar in Sean's professional and personal development.
- Financial literacy was a hard-earned lesson, pivotal to Sean's growth and stability.
- Lifelong learning and personal growth remain central themes in Sean's life philosophy.
- Sean shares candid insights into parenting, the dynamics of marriage, and the essence of leading by example.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Journey
01:47 Career Development and Leadership
06:02 Education and Personal Growth
09:46 Cultural Influences and Family Background
13:58 Finding Identity and Purpose
18:11 Overcoming Challenges in Public Speaking
21:57 Building Confidence and Value
26:12 Embracing Entrepreneurship and Fear of Rejection
28:05 The Transformative Power of Marriage
30:58 Intentionality in Relationships
32:23 Faith and Personal Growth
35:08 Financial Literacy and Responsibility
40:34 The Journey of Lifelong Learning
41:55 Lessons in Fatherhood
46:37 Finding Peace in Trials

Dive into this episode to discover how Sean Bacchus's journey of faith, learning, and leadership can inspire your path to personal and professional development. Whether you're navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, looking to enhance your public speaking skills, or seeking inspiration for lifelong learning, Sean's story offers valuable insights and lessons that resonate with us all.

Join the MORE THAN BEFORE COMMUNITY:

https://www.nathancookcoaching.com/offers/ZBDrhXmb

Connect with Sean Bacchus:

www.lead2serveinc.com

LinkesIn

IG

Today, we're joined by Anthony Silano, a man who wears many hats: hospice chaplain, stand-up comedian, and a devoted family man. In this episode, Anthony shares his remarkable journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anthony Salado
00:50 Journey into Chaplaincy and Hospice Care
03:59 The Unexpected Path to Chaplaincy
06:50 Childhood Reflections and Their Impact
11:52 Faith and Personal Growth
17:03 The Intersection of Comedy and Life
20:51 Balancing Humor with Seriousness
25:07 Lessons from Family and Grandparents
30:11 The Influence of Island Life
39:06 Marriage and Building a Strong Foundation
44:51 Parenting and Responsibilities
54:03 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Episode Highlights:

- From Childhood to Chaplaincy and Comedy:** Anthony opens up about the impact of his parents' divorce and moving during his teenage years. He shares how music and comedy became his refuge during these turbulent times.

- **Reconnecting with Faith:** Anthony discusses his journey back to faith and how it has profoundly influenced his work as a chaplain, guiding him to be fully present in each moment and find the light in even the darkest situations.

- **The Power of Humor:** With a unique perspective as both a chaplain and a comedian, Anthony talks about the role of humor in his work and life. He shares how finding humor in difficult situations has not only been therapeutic for him but also for those he serves.

- **Lessons from Grandparents:** Reflecting on the influence of his grandparents, Anthony discusses the values of hard work, communication, and the importance of family that have been instilled in him.

- **Life in Hawaii:** Anthony shares how living in Hawaii has impacted his perspective on time, the importance of building relationships, and the value of intergenerational connections.

- **The Journey of Marriage and Fatherhood:** Anthony opens up about how becoming a husband and father has shaped him. He emphasizes the importance of friendship, communication, and commitment in his marriage and the joy and responsibility of parenting.

Key Takeaways:

• Life's challenges, such as divorce and relocation, can profoundly influence one's path and perspectives.
• Reconnecting with faith can offer both guidance and purpose, illuminating the way forward.
• Being present and finding humor in the face of adversity are crucial skills in both chaplaincy and comedy.
• The lessons learned from grandparents about hard work, communication, and family values leave a lasting impact.
• Experiencing different cultures, like living in Hawaii, can teach valuable lessons about time, relationships, and community.
• Marriage and parenthood are transformative experiences that build on friendship, communication, and a deep commitment to love and nurture.

Join us as Anthony Silano shares his insights on finding balance, laughter, and meaning in life's journey. Whether you're looking for inspiration, a good laugh, or a reminder of the importance of being present, this episode has something for everyone.

Don't forget to subscribe to "More Than Before" for more stories that inspire, challenge, and entertain.

Connect with Anthony:

Instagram: @asilano

Instagram: @drivebyblessing

Join the More Than Before Community Calls:

https://www.nathancookcoaching.com/offers/ZBDrhXmb