From Gridiron to Greatness: David Bush on Mindset, Motivation, and Living an Extraordinary Life

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with former Iowa Barnstormer, life coach, and author David Bush for an inspiring conversation about breaking through barriers and living an extraordinary life. From his days on the football field to his journey into business, coaching, and personal development, David shares powerful insights into mindset, motivation, and what it truly takes to reach your full potential.

David and I go way back to the Barnstormers days, and we kick things off with some nostalgic memories—including the unexpected way he landed his first media opportunity. But beyond the football stories, David's real transformation began after his playing career. He talks about his post-football struggles, how he lost 100 pounds, and the lessons he learned about reinventing yourself after major life transitions.

A major theme of our conversation is what David calls the "comfort cave"—a place where people settle for safety instead of pursuing their true calling. He explains why so many people get stuck in unfulfilling jobs or lifestyles, afraid to take risks, and what it takes to break free. “People think they’ll go after their dreams next year, but as they say in The Music Man, ‘too many tomorrows and all you have is a bunch of empty yesterdays,’” David says. That message hits home for anyone who has ever procrastinated on a dream.

David also shares insights from his book, Live an Extraordinary Life, including the six commitments to achieving success and significance. We talk about:

✔️ Discovering your true calling and listening to what inspires you

✔️ How to engage in your dreams even while working a full-time job

✔️ The fear barrier that keeps people stuck in the “comfort cave”

✔️ The difference between motivation and action—and why you need both

✔️ Why so many former athletes (and high-achievers) struggle with identity after their careers end

✔️ The power of faith and belief systems in shaping our future

One of the best moments of our chat? A full-circle story about Kurt Warner—yes, the Hall of Fame quarterback. Years after their Barnstormer days, David reconnected with Kurt, and their sons ended up helping each other in ways they never expected. It’s a testament to the long-lasting impact of relationships and mentorship.

If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure of your next move, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable advice to help you break free from limitations and start climbing new peaks in life.

Get David’s book & resources at TheExtraordinaryLife.com