The Beyond Business Podcast

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 exactly what the public deserves before casting a vote. #BeyondBusiness #Episode88 #SetTheRecordStraig...

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: through grit, consistency, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching. Riz breaks down the re...

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 challenges, to finally publishing her first book. This episode dives into her creative process, her person...

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 passion for giving back to Decatur. In this conversation, we dive into his journey, what it takes to build...

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 leadership lessons to life perspective, this one’s packed with value for anyone chasing both purpose an...

​  @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

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 contagious. We talk about life, purpose, and what it really means to keep showing up when the world gives you ever...

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 also runs a bustling med spa and salon. She’s built her brand from the ground up, all while raising...

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.

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 run a business is a guaranteed failure. People treating people like people can go much further than the i...

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” Hancock📍 Filmed at Beyond Business Studio, Decatur, IL#beyondbusiness #podcast #beyondthemic #mindsetmatte...

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 Professor at  @MillikinUniversity  . What an interesting Gentleman. Absolute pleasure to have had this...

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 to life!!!!

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 home to be around family… and launched the very first store of its kind. A solid attempt at bringing th...

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 Tastefully Sexy, the creator of Aria’s Closet coloring book, and a passionate mindset coach who spoke at the Wom...

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.

MY BOY CHANGED CAREERS, HAIR STYLES AND PERSPECTIVE. GREAT SIT DOWN AND CATCH UP WITH A GOOD YOUNG CREATIVE MIND.

Amazing sit down with a woman is too much to speak on

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.

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:  @LightningStrikes-WeProtect217   @aerialelitesolutionsllc2363   @opusclip  #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #Videopodc...

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  https://www.opus.pro/?via=ac0b50#podcast #podcasting #podcaster #Videopodcast #beyondbusiness...

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 #beyondbusiness #inspiration #hardwork #entrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #focused #network #tren...

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 ​⁠ ​⁠ ​⁠ https://www.opus.pro/?via=ac0b50 #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #Videopodcast #beyondbusiness #inspiration #hardw...

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 work. Awesome sit down catching up with long time friend DD and get to know his industry partner Tom. @u...

A few years ago, a local entrepreneur named Annie Kirby had a brilliant idea. She shared it with her best friend, Jill, who, despite not being a risk-taker or an entrepreneur herself, was highly educated and hardworking. Together, they put in the hard work and dedication to make their dream a reality. Now, they distill, bottle, sell, distribute, and even enjoy their creations in the form of the Fi...