The Beyond Business Podcast
by Presented by Beyond Business Studio and Host Nic Freno
Nic Chats with AWOL (All Walks of Life) and digs into their lives, past to future. Who, how, from where, when and all of that. The guest roster is an array individuals from career professionals and creators to entrepreneurs, sitting down to bare all. Listen, Laugh and Learn.
Episodes
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Beyond Business Episode 112 | Tonya Kowa Morelli – Purpose, Pressure & Pushing Forward
Episode 112 is LIVE.Tonya Kowa Morelli sits down with me for a real conversation about life, pressure, perseverance, business, and the moments that shape who we become.No scripted answers. No surface-level talk. Just honest conversation, perspective, and the kind of insight people can actually…
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Beyond Business Ep. 118 | Mark Tonelli – The Musical Genius Behind Brasiliana
🎙️ BEYOND BUSINESS EPISODE 118 | MARK TONELLI🎸 From a lifetime of mastering the guitar to creating an internationally celebrated album and documentary, Brasiliana, Mark Tonelli has spent decades proving that music is more than entertainment—it’s a universal language.In this episode, we dive…
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Episode 117 | Dr. Kimberly Sheppard: Leadership, Mental Health, and Building Stronger Communities
In Episode 117 of Beyond Business, I sit down with Dr. Kimberly Shepherd for a powerful conversation about leadership, personal growth, mental health, resilience, and the importance of building stronger communities.Whether you’re a business owner, professional, parent, or simply someone trying to...
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Why Most Businesses Stay Stuck | Gary Mitchell (OnTrac Coach) || Ep116
What does it actually take to grow a business without chaos?In this episode of Beyond Business, Nic “FRENO” sits down with Gary Mitchell of OnTrac Coach—one of the pioneers in the lawyer coaching industry—to break down what really separates struggling businesses from those that scale.This isn’t...
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Episode 113 | Colton Lane Comedy | Comedy, Chaos & Keeping It Real | Beyond Business Podcast
Episode 113 of Beyond Business is one of those conversations that just flows.Nic “FRENO” Hancock sits down with rising local comedian Colton Lane @C@Colton_Lane_Comedyor a hilarious, honest, and unfiltered conversation about comedy, life, chasing opportunities, awkward moments, and the reality…
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From Olympic Athlete to Finding Her Worth | Cherita O’Dell | Beyond Business Ep. 114
What happens when the competition ends… and the identity you built around it disappears?In Episode 114 of Beyond Business, I sit down with @Cherita O’Dell — former Olympic-level athlete turned entrepreneur, speaker, and leader — to talk about what it really takes to transition from high-level...
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Sarah Edwards | Real on Life, Growth & What It Takes to Keep Going || Ep.110
Sarah Edward is officially live on Beyond Business Ep. 110.This one is real, honest, and full of the kind of conversation that hits deeper than surface talk. We got into her journey, her mindset, what she’s learned through life, and what keeps her pushing forward. If you like authentic...
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EP 111 | Dr. Anthony Cherry | From Criminal Justice to Ministry, Entrepreneurship & Purpose
Episode 111 of Beyond Business is officially out now.I sat down with Dr. Anthony Cherry — local minister, entrepreneur, fellow podcaster, and just an all-around good soul. This was one of those conversations that flows naturally and reminds you how powerful real connection, faith, purpose, and...
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From Military Discipline to Entrepreneurial Dominance | Jeremy Yost on Beyond Business || Ep107
What happens when military discipline meets real-world entrepreneurship?In this episode of Beyond Business, I sit down with Jeremy Yost — a military veteran turned entrepreneur — to break down the mindset, structure, and grit it takes to transition from serving your country… to building something...
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Move Your Body, Change Your Life | Kyle May (Fleet Feet Decatur) | Beyond Business Ep. 108
Most people think movement means running miles or grinding in the gym… but that’s not the message.Kyle May, owner of Fleet Feet Decatur, breaks it down in a way that hits different—this isn’t about being a runner, a cyclist, or some elite athlete……it’s about staying in motion. Period.Because the...
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Dan Caulkins EXPOSES Illinois Politics, Leadership, and What Most Won’t Say | Episode 106
Episode 106 is live.I sat down with former Illinois State Representative and career military man Dan Caulkins — a guy who’s seen leadership from the battlefield to the State Capitol.We talked about:• What leadership actually looks like when decisions matter• The reality of Illinois politics…
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Episode 105 | Isabella Carver — Young, Driven, and Building a Future in Real Estate
n Episode 105 of the Beyond Business Podcast, Nic “FRENO” Hancock sits down with Isabella Carver, a young real estate professional who is already proving that age has nothing to do with ambition.Driven, focused, and determined to make her mark, Isabella shares her journey into real estate, the...
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Beyond Business Podcast | Darren Bailey & Aaron DelMar – Campaigning Across Illinois || Ep101
Illinois Governor and Lt Gov Candidates Darren Bailey and Aaron DelMar came through the Studio in Central IL to hang out for a bit. They make it make sense, but VOTERS ARE REQUIRED! This was a good 1!
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Check On Your People | Jayjuan Boatman - Beyond Business || Ep 102
Episode 102 steps straight into the pulse of Decatur with Jayjuan Boatman, the voice behind the widely followed “Check On Your People” Facebook posts. Known for spotlighting real-time police activity and community incidents, Jayjuan has built a reputation for keeping residents informed when...
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What 99 Guests Taught Me About Success, Failure & Excuses | Ep 100
99 conversations.99 different humans, stories, mindsets, victories, failures, patterns, and perspectives.Episode 100 isn’t a celebration episode — it’s a reflection on what sitting across from 99 people reveals about success, stagnation, discipline, ego, comfort, adversity, and human behavior...
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Zach Stroud -Brass Horn| Loyalty, Work Ethic, and What It Takes to Build Something That Lasts |Ep 96
Today’s episode hits different.Zach Stroud from the Brass Horn isn’t just an employee — he’s a cornerstone. We talk loyalty, pride in your work, earning trust, and why showing up every day still matters in a world chasing shortcuts.No fluff. No hype. Just real conversation about work,...
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Chris Ellis - Bre Law | Beating Life’s Battles, Building Success, and Inspiring || Ep 98
In Episode 98 of Beyond Business, I sit down with Chris Ellis, one of the owners of Bre Law right here in Decatur.Chris is a walking example of resilience. Over the past decade, he’s faced serious health challenges that would’ve taken most people out of the fight—but instead, he doubled down. He...
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Beyond Business Podcast | Darren Bailey & Aaron DelMar – Campaigning Across Illinois || Ep101
Beyond Business Podcast | Darren Bailey & Aaron DelMar – Campaigning Across Illinois || Ep101
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EPISODE 99 | Chris Papst: “Failure Factory” || Following the Money in Public Schools
What happens when investigative journalism turns into a national conversation?In Episode 99 of the Beyond Business Podcast, I sit down with @c@chrispapst8799 Emmy-winning investigative journalist and author of Failure Factory — the groundbreaking book examining corruption, mismanagement, and...
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Tim Evans on Grit, Growth & Building Something Real | Elite Paving | Ep 97
Some people are born into opportunity.Others build it with their hands.Tim Evans didn’t get a blueprint—he earned one. From hard knocks to owning Elite Paving, his journey is about grit, discipline, and showing up when quitting would’ve been easier.No shortcuts. No excuses. Just work.If you’re...
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Episode 94 | 25 Years of Grit, Growth & Landscaping Excellence || Taylor Deetz
In this episode of Beyond Business, Nic “FRENO” Hancock sits down with local entrepreneur Taylor Deetz, owner of Taylor Made Landscape and Family Home & Patio, as he celebrates 25 years in business.Taylor’s journey is a real-world example of what consistency, hard work, and vision look like over...
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Kendall Dolly on Health, Business & Building a Life with Intention | Beyond Business Podcast || Ep95
Entrepreneur Kendall Dolly, owner of Physicians Choice Wellness, joins me for a real conversation that cuts through the noise.We dig into health, education, entrepreneurship, discipline, and what it actually takes to build a business and a life you’re proud of.No fluff. No buzzwords. Just...
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From Corporate Finance to Building a Luxury Brand | Alisa Sparks – Beyond Business Podcast || EP 93
What happens when you leave the safe, traditional path and bet on yourself?In this episode of Beyond Business, I sit down with Alisa Sparks, Founder and CEO of Linden Creek, to talk about the real journey behind building a luxury home staging and interior design brand that has grown into a...
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From Author to Next Level: How Marcy Bialeschki Is Preparing for a Bigger 2026 || Episode 92
Author, entrepreneur, and friend of the show Marcy B returns to the studio for another real, unfiltered sit-down on Beyond Business. @MarcyB In this episode, we talk about: • What “leveling up” actually looks like heading into 2026 • The mindset shift required to grow as a creative and a…
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Episode 91 | Jackson Castro — Entrepreneurship, Setbacks, and Owning the Lessons
Episode 92 of Beyond Business features Jackson Castro, an entrepreneur with a story that doesn’t get sugar-coated.In this episode, Jackson sits down with Nic “FRENO” Hancock to talk honestly about entrepreneurship — the ambition, the grind, the mistakes, and what happens when things don’t go...
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Building a Business that Gives Back | Colby Geiser -Clean Cut Painting & Handyman || Ep 90
n this episode of Beyond Business, I sit down with Colby Geiser, owner of Clean Cut Painting and Handyman—a business built not just on quality work, but on community, relationships, and giving back.Colby is a true example of what it looks like to build something bigger than yourself. From...
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Back in the Hot Seat: 2026 Sheriff Candidate Speaks Unfiltered | Shane Beck || Episode 88
He’s BACK — and this time, he came to set the record straight.The 2026 Macon County Sheriff candidate returns to Beyond Business to address the rumors, clear the air, and give YOU a real look at his campaign, his vision, and his truth.This episode isn’t politics-as-usual — it’s raw, direct, and...
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“The Regular Guy Who Never Quit” | Scott ‘Riz’ Risley || EP. 85
Scott “Riz” Risley may call himself a regular guy, but his story is anything but ordinary. In Episode 85 of the Beyond Business Podcast, Nic “Freno” Hancock sits down with a true blue-collar workhorse — a career tradesman, devoted husband, and proud father who built his life the old-school way:...
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Episode 87 — Heather Saffer || From Hospitality to Authorhood
In episode 87 of Beyond Business, Nic “FRENO” Hancock sits down with author and Argenta, Illinois native Heather Saffer — a woman who rebuilt, reinvented, and redefined her life on her own terms.Heather shares her journey from working at the Decatur Conference Center, to navigating real-life...
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Young, Hungry & Building Decatur | Brandon Dulick of Bobbie Lane’s BBQ || Ep 86
In Episode 86 of Beyond Business, Nic “Freno” Hancock sits down with one of Decatur’s youngest and brightest entrepreneurs — Brandon Dulick, owner of Bobbie Lane’s BBQ.Brandon has quickly become a name in the community, not just for his incredible BBQ, but for his work ethic, creativity, and...
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Community Leadership by Example | Jeff Ludwick || Episode 84
In this episode, Nic “Freno” Hancock sits down with Jeff Ludwick — a Country Financial agent, community leader, and one of the driving forces behind Five Kings Charity.Jeff shares how he built a thriving insurance career while keeping faith, family, and giving back at the center of it all. From...
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Radio Show Host and Full Time Student | Jennilyn Gidney || Ep 83
@MillikinUniversity 89.5 WJMU Radio Show Host and Full time student Jennilyn Gidney in to the BB Lab to chop it up for a bit. Fun Interview @jennilym @MillikinUniversity #radio #radiohost #radioshow #podcast #beyondthemic #beyondbusiness #mindsetmatters
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The Unveiled Episode | Amy Sargeant || Episode 81
In this episode, I sit down with Amy Sargent — a woman whose spirit truly speaks for itself. Amy has walked through more in her life than most ever will, yet she continues to radiate grace, strength, and positivity. Her faith runs deep, her heart is genuine, and her energy is flat-out…
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Endocrinologist To Entrepreneur - Vybe Medical Spa | Sky Green || Episode 80
This episode I got to chat with someone who blends medicine, beauty, entrepreneurship, and motherhood all in one—Sky Green, FNP-FPA, co-founder and CEO of VYBE Med Spa & Salon right here in Decatur, Illinois.Sky is a nurse practitioner with full practice authority, working in endocrinology, and...
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Del Brown Services Owner, Cancer Survivor and lifelong grinder | “SILKY” Steve Boles || EP79
Sit down to catch up with Childhood Pal who has been the example of hard work and treating people as you want to be treated for as long as I have known him. He kicked Cancers ass TWICE, and he is here with purpose! Enjoy this one that’s filled with inspiration.
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Beyond the Badge — Running Law Enforcement Like a Business | Shane Beck || Episode 78
In Episode 78 of Beyond Business, Nic “Freno” Hancock sits down with Shane Beck, a 20-year private-sector veteran turned 10-year law-enforcement officer — now running for Macon County Sheriff in 2026.Shane brings a bold, unapologetic perspective: Government is a business — and letting politics…
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From State Job to Small-Town Legacy “Rocco’s Bar | Carla Wester || Episode 77
After retiring from the Illinois Department of Revenue, Carla Wester took over her late father’s bar “Rocco’s Bar” — and turned grief into growth. In this episode, we talk about legacy, leadership, and redefining what a “dive bar” really is. 🎙️ Beyond Business Podcast — Hosted by Nic “Freno”...
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Eric Hector | Film Maker, Writer, Director, Producer, Artist, Professor & Near Death Survivor || E75
This guest has utilized his creative genius for most of his life, From back in the days of Comic Book Creation, To working with big Industry Producers to Creating and building his own film studio… writing, directing and producing an Indy Film, all while sharing his gift with the young minds as a...
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The Historic Lincoln Square Theatre Co-Owners & Operators | Lavelle & Tracie Hunt | E74
Dynamic Couple Lavelle and Tracie Hunt Came into to talk a little life and a lot of LINCOLN SQUARE THEATRE @LincolnSquareTheatreDecatur . They along with Pals Mark & Amy Scranton have poured blood, sweat , tears, time and resources into a restoration that we can now all enjoy! A vision has come…
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KC FINDS | Carol Kesler || E 72
From a psychology major with a goal of helping children and families at a young age to a small gift shop starting her entrepreneurial journey through life that’s lasted over 20 years. After her and her business partner ( son), have been killing it in Kansas City for over a decade, she comes back...
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Marcy Bialeschki | Author of Explicit Romance Novels That People LOVE || Episode 70
Joining me for episode 70 is a former teacher, counselor, and now internationally acclaimed, award‑winning romance‑suspense author. Her debut novel, Deception & Consequences, soared to #1 in its genre and racked up multiple literary honors. Marcy is also an entrepreneur behind the brand…
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Called To Rise/Beyond Business Colab Episode [E68]
Beyond Business Host Nic “FRENO” Hancock gets invited to the guest seat of the CALLED TO RISE podcast hosted by Entrepreneur Matt Crawford and we decided to collaborate and Just drop a double episode from his new studio.
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JONTAE THE KID PART 2
MY BOY CHANGED CAREERS, HAIR STYLES AND PERSPECTIVE. GREAT SIT DOWN AND CATCH UP WITH A GOOD YOUNG CREATIVE MIND.
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POWERHOUSE in Entreprenuership and Leadership
Amazing sit down with a woman is too much to speak on
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HEATH "GUNIT" HADDOCK Round 2 | Legion of St Michaels MC || Episode 64
Former Guest (S1E2), lifelong friend, Career correctional officer repping for his Passion, the Legion of St Michaels Motorcycle Club. We catch up, talk weight loss journeys, and get invited to help be a part of an amazing fundraising event of the Horizon.
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Athletic Director and Pastor | Episode 63 || Justin Neufeld
Great sit down with one of my former Competitive Softball teammates, Athletic Director for Decatur Christian, Friend and Head Pastor of Trinity Nazarene Church for 10 years now, we talk a little faith and a lot of sports. https://www.opus.pro/?via=ac0b50Shout out to Show Sponsors:...
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Cookie Monster | Josh Cook
ALERT Construction Foreman, Viral Video Creator, Body Builder and buddy of the Show Josh “Cookie Monster” Cook comes in to talk work, kids, memories and the new age of life. Awesome time with a good brother.THANKS Show Sponsors @LightningStrikes-WeProtect217 @aerialelitesolutionsllc2363 @opusclip...
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JCR Landscape Consultant | Jim “BONER” Reynolds || Episode 61
Life long friend was invited to sit down in the BB Lab for some stories, laughs and just to catch up. I Thoroughly enjoyed this. https://www.opus.pro/?via=ac0b50THANKS SHOW SPONSORS @LightningStrikes-WeProtect217 @aerialelitesolutionsllc2363 @opusclip #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #Videopodcast...
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WIGGLES | EPISODE 60 || Creighton Weigler
SBA Mid America Travel Baseball Player, Mt Zion Braves Sophmore High Honor Roll Student athlete (Baseball & Football) comes into the BB Lab and then out to the park with BB Host, Former Coach and now Pal to talk a little life and a lot of baseball! Thanks to show sponsors ...
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United Powerline Solutions | Episode 59 || Dustin Danner & Tom Williamson
Career Linemen go from working all over the US with whatever company has their interest to taking the huge leap to starting their own Company to now compete against former employers in the Electrical Industry. Highly skilled and Hard working Men, putting other highly skilled hard working Men to...
About this show
Nic Chats with AWOL (All Walks of Life) and digs into their lives, past to future. Who, how, from where, when and all of that. The guest roster is an array individuals from career professionals and creators to entrepreneurs, sitting down to bare all. Listen, Laugh and Learn.
Hosted by
Presented by Beyond Business Studio and Host Nic Freno
Categories