What happens when life forces you to slow down, let go of control, and face your own mortality?

In this powerful episode of More Than Before, Nathan Cook sits down with Deb Krier—PR expert, master communicator, and three-time cancer thriver—to talk about what it truly means to live fully when tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Deb shares her journey through stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, surviving a rare chemo complication that led to septic shock, and how humor, curiosity, faith, and the right people helped her move from simply surviving to living with purpose.

This conversation covers:
• Why curiosity is the key to becoming more than you were yesterday
• How humor heals and creates connection in hard seasons
• What people actually need when facing cancer or crisis
• Why choosing the right tribe matters more than proximity
• How to advocate for yourself when life feels out of control
• What it means to live a life that is truly More Than Before

This episode is honest, hopeful, and filled with laughter—especially for anyone navigating illness, caregiving, leadership pressure, or a season of uncertainty.

👉 If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

⏱ Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Don’t wait. Be curious.
00:23 – Meet Deb Krier: cancer thriver, communicator, podcaster
01:38 – Growing up in Walden, Colorado
03:18 – Parents, independence, and early life lessons
05:21 – Outdoor childhood and learning freedom
07:24 – Broadway dreams and law ambitions
11:35 – Early jobs and learning self-advocacy

14:11 – Learning communication at the American Cancer Society
15:12 – Comedy, coping, and emotional resilience
17:40 – The mammogram call that changed everything
21:17 – Chemo complications and septic shock survival
26:51 – Regaining control inside the hospital
31:07 – Listening deeply and human connection
33:41 – Building Wise Women Communications
35:29 – Launching Trying Not To Die
38:47 – How to support someone with cancer
42:05 – Why Deb calls cancer a blessing
45:13 – Marriage, caregiving, and tribe
49:47 – Track the beagle and finding levity
53:34 – Why humor breaks down walls
55:17 – What it means to live More Than Before
56:21 – Final encouragement

Key Takeaways

• Don’t wait to live. Tomorrow is never promised.
• Curiosity fuels growth. Asking better questions leads to becoming more.
• Your tribe matters. Choose people who support, not just surround.
• Be specific when helping others. Concrete support matters more than vague offers.
• Humor heals. Laughter lowers stress and builds connection.
• You get a vote. Advocate for yourself—in health, leadership, and life.

🔗 Guest & Resource Links

Deb Krier• Trying Not To Die: https://tryingnottodie.live

• Wise Women Communications
• Podcast: Business Power Hour (1,100+ episodes)

More Than Before
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