🎙️ Episode 19: “I Did: Rewriting the Labels That Tried to Define Me” In this deeply personal and redemptive episode, Coach Dave Shelton opens up about the powerful journey from being labeled “not smart enough” in high school to discovering his true voice and purpose later in life. Growing up in a special education program, working 40-hour weeks just to earn high school credits, Coach Dave internalized the voice of a teacher who once whispered, “He’s not smart.” That label followed him for 30 years—until one question changed everything: 💬 “I didn’t ask if you could. I asked if you were available.” From teaching in rural Alaska to walking students through the very struggles he once faced himself, Coach Dave proves that success isn't about ability—it's about availability, willingness, and refusing to let someone else’s words have the final say. 💥 This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever doubted their worth, felt boxed in by a label, or thought it was too late to start over. ✅ Tune in and be reminded: You get the final say over your story.

Episode 18: “We Had a Great Trip” – Finding Joy in the Journey In this moving and deeply personal episode, Coach Dave Shelton shares a treasured childhood memory—his family’s yearly road trips from Ohio to Florida. Though those journeys were filled with excitement, they were never easy. From flat tires and food poisoning to tragic loss, the road was rough. But his father always ended the trip the same way: “We had such a great trip.” Through his father’s unwavering optimism, Coach Dave learned a life-changing truth: it’s not about avoiding struggle, it’s about how we grow through it. 💬 “Difficult times are a part of my journey—and they allow me to appreciate the good.” Tune in to hear how embracing challenges with courageous intelligence can turn even the hardest roads into meaningful milestones. ✅ This episode will remind you to treasure your journey—bumps, beauty, and all.

Episode 17: “The Show Me State of Mind” In this heartfelt episode, Coach Dave draws inspiration from Missouri—the Show Me State—to deliver a message every parent, grandparent, and leader needs to hear: it’s not just about what we say, it’s about what we show. At 51 years old, Coach Dave is earning his degree not just for himself—but to show his grandkids what’s possible. Because telling them to chase dreams and pursue education isn’t enough—they need to see it. 💬 “If I can show you, then you can do it.” This episode is a call to action for anyone who wants to leave a legacy of action, not just advice. It's about becoming living proof that success, growth, and change are never out of reach—no matter your age, background, or history. ✅ Tune in and adopt the Show Me State of Mind.

Episode 16: “The Voice That Didn’t Win” In this raw and emotional episode, Coach Dave opens up about the battles he faced while studying from the Arctic of Alaska—thousands of miles from his grandkids in Georgia. Through job loss, financial hardship, and isolation, he came face to face with the voice from his past: “He’s not smart enough.” That voice followed him for 30 years… until he decided it wouldn’t win. Coach Dave shares how he overcame doubt, silence, and struggle—not with applause or awards, but with a quiet decision: to keep going. 💬 “That voice never had the final say—I did.” If you’ve ever struggled with self-worth, past labels, or feeling stuck, this episode will remind you that the most powerful voice in your life is the one you choose to believe. ✅ Listen in and reclaim your voice.

Episode 15: “The Power of Imagination: Your Life’s Coming Attraction” In this inspiring episode, Coach Dave takes us back to the exact day his college journey began—October 10, 2022. Not the day of his graduation, not when he was invited to speak—but the day he chose to believe. Coach Dave shares why he wrote his graduation speech before even finishing his first class and delivers a bold truth: you don’t need permission to dream—you need the courage to act. 💭 From quoting Einstein and Mr. Rogers to challenging you to stop waiting and start stepping, this episode is a powerful reminder that your imagination isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a preview of your life’s coming attractions. If you’ve ever said, “One day I will…” this episode is your push to turn “one day” into day one. ✅ Listen now and unlock the power of imagination with Coach Dave.

🎙️ New Episode 14: “Proof You Can Do It” – A Message from Coach Dave In this powerful and personal episode, Coach Dave Shelton shares a message of resilience, determination, and the quiet courage to believe in yourself—even when it’s hard. He takes us back to October 10th, 2022—the day he started college at 49 years old with zero credits and one big question: Am I smart enough? Through vulnerability and conviction, Coach Dave reflects on the journey from doubt to confidence, from fear to faith. With graduation on the horizon in May 2025, he delivers a stirring reminder: “If you can see it, and if you can imagine it, then you can do it.” This is not just a podcast—it’s a celebration of every listener who dares to keep going. ✅ Tune in for inspiration. ✅ Stay for the truth. ✅ Leave knowing you're not alone.

In this episode of the True podcast, Coach Dave Shelton and guest Briana Rosales explore the themes of healing, joy, and the importance of family support. They discuss the balance between being a source of joy for others while also recognizing the need for self-care and support. Briana shares her experiences with isolation, the significance of planning for happiness, and the power of a smile. The conversation delves into the importance of being heard and the aspirations for creating change in the community, particularly for men facing homelessness. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth and the importance of faith in taking risks. Takeaways Even the ones who carry joy need to be poured into. Joy is so much more than happiness. It's okay to pause; healing isn't pretending. Family and friends are essential for support. Planning for happiness can help maintain focus. A smile can brighten someone's day. You have to show what you're gonna put in. Self-care is crucial for those who help others. Isolation can lead to self-discovery and growth. Being heard is vital for personal connection.

Keywords: confidence, personal growth, perseverance, self-improvement, True to Success, Coach Dave, motivation, empowerment, self-belief, podcast Summary: In this episode of the True to Success podcast, Coach Dave Shelton emphasizes the importance of confidence as the word of the week. He shares personal anecdotes about building trust through perseverance and the challenges of balancing work and education. Coach Dave encourages listeners to embrace their journey, reminding them that confidence is not about perfection but about showing up and being present, even in uncomfortable situations. Takeaways The word of the week is confidence. Confidence is built through perseverance, not applause. Absolute confidence comes from being authentic to oneself. It's not about being the loudest; it's about being the realest. Confidence grows in moments of discomfort and challenge. You don't need to feel ready to build confidence. Keep pushing yourself, even when it's hard. Embrace your journey and keep moving forward. You are stronger than you know and deserving of good things. Stay true to yourself and your soul.

In this episode of the True to Success podcast, Coach Dave Shelton emphasizes the importance of trusting the life process, embracing growth, and healing. He encourages listeners to maintain faith during challenging times and to recognize that everything happens for a reason. The conversation is filled with motivational insights designed to help individuals navigate their journeys with strength and resilience. True to Success, Coach Dave, personal growth, trust the process, healing, self-improvement, motivation, podcast, inspiration, faith. Takeaways Trusting the process is essential for personal growth. Everything happens for a reason, so keep the faith. You're not behind; you're becoming who you're meant to be. Embrace the healing process and give your heart space to grow. Strength comes from facing challenges head-on. Let trouble find you instead of seeking it out. Your perspective can change your experience of a situation. Keep shining and loving yourself through tough times. Breathe and trust that everything will work out. You are deserving of all the good things in life.

Ever feel like happiness is somewhere out there—just past the next goal, the next relationship, or the next big break? In this episode, Coach Dave reminds us that happiness isn’t something you find… it’s something you choose. Through powerful reflection and a touch of humor, you'll learn how to stop chasing joy and start claiming it from within. 💬 Echo Me If You Will: “I realize that I have the power to control my happiness.” 🎯 Watch now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Amazon, Google, Audible & iHeartRadio. 🎙️ Like, share, subscribe—and let this message carry you through the week. #Tru2Success #CoachDave #HappinessWithin #MindsetMatters #MentalWellness #PodcastMotivation #SelfLove #GrowthMindset #PositiveVibes #MondayMotivation

🎓 Episode Title: “5,000 Miles to Purpose: Coach Dave’s Commencement Speech at SNHU” 🎧 Podcast: Tru2Success with Coach Dave Episode Description: In this unforgettable episode, Coach Dave shares his viral commencement speech delivered at Southern New Hampshire University after traveling over 5,000 miles from a remote village in Alaska to stand on stage. This isn’t just a graduation speech—it’s a testimony. A journey through self-doubt, long nights, lost jobs, and the echo of voices that once said, “You’re not smart enough.” From raising kids as a single father to earning a degree in the Arctic, Coach Dave proves that with resilience, belief, and a little faith—you’re never too late to become what you were born to be. 💬 Echo Me If You Will: “I am built for this. I have earned this. I am not done yet.” 🎯 Whether you’re in school, in life, or in the middle of a comeback—this episode is for YOU. 📲 Tap in, be inspired, and share this message with someone who needs it today. #Tru2Success #CoachDaveShelton #GraduationSpeech #SNHU #NeverTooLate #OvercomeTheOdds #EchoMeIfYouWill #PodcastMotivation #Resilience #BlackExcellence

In this episode of Tru2Success with Coach Dave, we’re getting deep into a truth that too many of us forget: You are worthy of your dreams. Not when you’ve got it all together. Not after the money comes. Not after the pain goes. You’re worthy right now. Coach Dave breaks it down with a relatable story — about a child stuck at the bottom of a jungle gym, afraid to climb — showing how our fears and past voices keep us from stepping into the life we’re meant to live. With personal reflection, empowering affirmations, and spiritual reminders, this episode will challenge the lies you’ve believed about your worth and push you to say: finally “I am worthy of my dreams.” This one is soul work. So grab your journal, take a breath, and lean in. 🔥 Topics Covered: • Self-worth and self-sabotage • Affirming your value out loud • Letting go of doubt and shame • Moving from survival to purpose 🎯 "Where Purpose Meets Power — Stay Tru2YourSoul." 🎧 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe if this message touched you. Someone else needs this, too.