Still Here: David VanBeenen on Pressure, Resilience, Fatherhood, and Finding Strength in Life’s Hardest Moments

What happens when everything you've built is suddenly placed under pressure?In this powerful episode of Telling My Story, I sit down with David VanBeenen, an author, performance coach, former All-American athlete, and leadership mentor who has spent more than 20 years helping athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders perform under pressure.David's story is unlike an ordinary performance coaching journey. In 2010, he became involved in a federal investigation that lasted two years and threatened to take him away from his family. Faced with an incredibly difficult decision, David ultimately chose being present for his children over risking their childhood for vindication.That experience became the foundation of his book, Still Here, and transformed the way he understands pressure, resilience, leadership, and personal identity.In this conversation, we explore what pressure reveals about us, how to remain present during uncertain seasons, the difference between mental toughness and genuine resilience, and how difficult experiences can reshape the way we lead and live.David also introduces his Pressure, Fracture, Return framework and shares lessons from his athletic career and decades of coaching high performers.Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, athlete, leader, or simply someone going through a difficult season, this episode offers an honest reminder that pressure doesn't have to define you—and that sometimes strength means choosing what matters most.Connect with David VanBeenen:🌐 Website: https://coachdave.meListeners can also find David's free From Pressure to Presence guide, learn more about Still Here, and explore his coaching and speaking work.If you enjoyed this episode, follow Telling My Story on Spotify, leave a rating and review, and share this conversation with someone who may be carrying more than they're letting the world see.