The Beyond Business Podcast

🎙️ 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 into the creative process, the discipline behind becoming a world-class musician, his deep connection to B...

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 become a better version of yourself, there’s something in this conversation for you. Tune in and join...

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 theory. This is real-world execution. From accountability and leadership to systems and structure, Gar...

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_Comedy‬ or a hilarious, honest, and unfiltered conversation about comedy, life, chasing opportunities, awkward moments, and the reality of trying to make people laugh in today’s world. This episode takes a lighter turn than most, with p...

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 performance into real life. This isn’t just about sports. This is about identity… pressure… setbacks… and...

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 conversations with substance, this episode is for you. Watch now and make sure you smash subscribe, drop a commen...

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 perspective can be. It was a pleasure to have him in the studio and build with somebody who’s genuinely...

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 of your own. We talk about:• The reality of life after the military• How discipline translates into b...

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 moment you stop moving—physically, mentally, or in life—you start losing ground. This conversation go...

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 behind closed doors• Where the system is working… and where it’s clearly not• Accountability — who has it,...

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 mindset it takes to pursue big goals at a young age, and why she believes discipline and vision matter m...

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!

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 curiosity, concern, and confusion collide. In this conversation, we unpack how it all started, the responsib...

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 itself. After years of conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, creators, professionals, and everyday i...

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, responsibility, and building something you’re proud to stand behind. This one’s for anyone who believes characte...

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 continued to build a successful law practice, lead by example, and inspire young people to stay focuse...

Beyond Business Podcast | Darren Bailey & Aaron DelMar – Campaigning Across Illinois || Ep101

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 systemic failures within the Baltimore public school system. Failure Factory didn’t just spark discussi...

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 building from the ground up—or fighting to stay in the game—this episode will hit home. #BeyondBusine...

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 the long haul. From landscaping and outdoor living to continually expanding his footprint as a bus...

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 experience, perspective, and hard-earned wisdom from someone doing the work. If you care about your health,...

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 multi-location franchise. Alisa shares how she transitioned from corporate finance into entrepreneurship, th...

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 business owner • Lessons learned since her last appearance • Taking bold risks, refining strategy, and stayin...

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 according to plan. From pursuing big ideas to navigating setbacks, public scrutiny, and personal growth, t...

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 supporting local causes to showing up for people when it matters, this conversation dives into: • What it rea...