Shellda Podcast

Dan Shelley
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Hosted by the 2X Paintball Photographer of The Year. This podcast focuses on the human side of paintball going deeper into vulnerability.

  1. 4 HRS AGO

    #68: I quit my job to chase my dreams ft Tom Guest

    Text Shellda a quick review and he might post it on his IG story! Tom Guest just made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NXL season — leaving the Los Angeles Ironmen and returning to San Antonio XFactor. In this episode, Tom opens up about the REAL reasons behind the move, the mental battles he’s faced, and why this next chapter is the most important of his career. We also dive into Tom’s personal journey: leaving a secure law-enforcement path, battling social anxiety, building a career through photography, and rebuilding his identity around values instead of expectations. If you want the real human side of a pro athlete — beyond stats, beyond highlights — this conversation is everything. Join Shellda's exclusive discord and see the podcast early:  https://www.patreon.com/c/shelldaphotos/membership Shop BFPGear here:  https://www.blackfridaypaintball.com Want 10% off on ProDNA gear?  https://infamouspaintball.com/SHELLDAPHOTOS Grab Shellda's Book here:  https://a.co/d/bG1hU8e Support the show

    1h 10m

  2. FEB 17

    67: Nick Slowiak on why he chose to Coach Protocol and more.

    Text Shellda a quick review and he might post it on his IG story! Nick Slowiak has won at the highest level of professional paintball. But this conversation isn’t just about trophies....It’s about loss. Tragedy. Identity. Controversy. Community. And what happens when the people around you show up in your darkest season. In this episode, Nick opens up about: Why Dye signed Protocol (and the controversy around it) What it’s really like working behind the scenes at Dye Stepping away from playing professional paintball The struggle of identity after the pro field And the moment the paintball community rallied around him when he needed it most Chapters:  00:00 –  Intro 01:12 – Why Dye Signed Protocol 06:12 – Meeting Dan & Coaching Protocol 12:48 – Sponsorship, Business & Brand Decisions 20:49 – What Nick Actually Does at Dye 31:46 – Creating Content Behind the Scenes 37:50 – Stepping Away from Playing Pro 41:00 – “I Still Have It” – The Competitive Fire 42:58 – Identity After Professional Paintball 47:59 – Losing His Wife & Community Support 50:00 – How the Paintball World Showed Up Join Shellda's exclusive discord and see the podcast early:  https://www.patreon.com/c/shelldaphotos/membership Shop BFPGear here:  https://www.blackfridaypaintball.com Want 10% off on ProDNA gear?  https://infamouspaintball.com/SHELLDAPHOTOS Grab Shellda's Book here:  https://a.co/d/bG1hU8e Support the show

    1h 20m

  3. FEB 10

    #66: Ryan Brand opens up about almost losing his marriage.

    Text Shellda a quick review and he might post it on his IG story! What happens when the thing you love most starts costing you everything? In this episode of the Shellda Podcast, Ryan Brand opens up in a way he never has before. From chasing the dream in professional paintball to coaching at the highest level, Ryan shares how years of grind, pressure, and unspoken expectations nearly led to the collapse of his marriage. This isn’t a paintball stats episode. This is a conversation about identity, burnout, ego, resentment, and the quiet moments nobody sees. Ryan talks honestly about: Feeling like he was drowning while trying to be everything to everyone How resentment slowly built at home without him realizing it Why therapy changed the trajectory of his life and marriage The childhood conditioning that shaped how he showed up as a husband and father Letting go of the “grind at all costs” mentality Finding balance without giving up what you love If you’re an athlete, creator, coach, or anyone trying to balance ambition with real life—this episode will hit close to home. Join Shellda's exclusive discord and see the podcast early:  https://www.patreon.com/c/shelldaphotos/membership Shop BFPGear here:  https://www.blackfridaypaintball.com Want 10% off on ProDNA gear?  https://infamouspaintball.com/SHELLDAPHOTOS Grab Shellda's Book here:  https://a.co/d/bG1hU8e Support the show

    1h 56m

  4. FEB 3

    #65: Why Playing for Dynasty Almost Changed My Game ft. Dany Schonauer

    Text Shellda a quick review and he might post it on his IG story! In this episode of the Shellda Podcast, I sit down with Dany Schonauerr for one of the most honest, thoughtful conversations we’ve had on the show. Dany opens up about his time with San Diego Dynasty, the pressure of playing alongside elite talent, and how fear, hesitation, and second-guessing quietly crept into his game. We break down what happens mentally when one mistake can cost you playing time; and how that mindset can slowly change the player you are. We also talk about his move to Infamous Paintball, why the fit feels different, and how embracing his aggressive, blue-collar style might be the key to unlocking the next chapter of his career. Beyond paintball, Dany shares powerful lessons on: - Learning through failure - Balancing a full-time career with pro paintball - Taking risks when the reward outweighs the fear - Why being a student of the game matters more than highlights Join Shellda's exclusive discord and see the podcast early:  https://www.patreon.com/c/shelldaphotos/membership Shop BFPGear here:  https://www.blackfridaypaintball.com Want 10% off on ProDNA gear?  https://infamouspaintball.com/SHELLDAPHOTOS Grab Shellda's Book here:  https://a.co/d/bG1hU8e Support the show

    1h 5m

  5. JAN 27

    #64: Mike Bianca opens up on why he was let go from Dynasty and more.

    Text Shellda a quick review and he might post it on his IG story! In this episode of the Shellda Podcast, Mike Bianca opens up in a way he hasn’t before. Mike reflects on his time as head coach of San Diego Dynasty, the pressure that comes with leading one of the most iconic teams in paintball, and the lessons he learned after being let go.  This isn’t about drama or finger-pointing. It’s about accountability, leadership, identity, and growth. We talk about what it’s really like coaching at the highest level, how imposter syndrome shows up when you reach the top, and why sometimes doing your best still isn’t enough. Mike also shares how this experience reshaped his approach to leadership and how he’s applying those lessons as he steps into his next chapter with the Atlanta Jungle Cats. This conversation goes far beyond paintball. It’s about pressure, self-reflection, and learning how to move forward when a chapter closes. -- Join Shellda's exclusive discord and see the podcast early:  https://www.patreon.com/c/shelldaphotos/membership Shop BFPGear here:  https://www.blackfridaypaintball.com Want 10% off on ProDNA gear?  https://infamouspaintball.com/SHELLDAPHOTOS Grab Shellda's Book here:  https://a.co/d/bG1hU8e Support the show

    1h 2m

  6. JAN 20

    #63: When Your Identity Ends, What’s Left? ft Thomas Taylor

    Text Shellda a quick review and he might post it on his IG story! For 25 years, Thomas Taylor lived and breathed professional paintball. Wins. Losses. World Cups. Rivalries. Identity. In this episode, we go deeper than paintball. We talk about: • Stepping away from JT and long-standing partnerships • Building your entire identity around being an athlete • Ego, pride, and the fear of letting go • Playing with your son instead of playing for yourself • Why the real value isn’t trophies — it’s time Join Shellda's exclusive discord and see the podcast early:  https://www.patreon.com/c/shelldaphotos/membership Shop BFPGear here:  https://www.blackfridaypaintball.com Want 10% off on ProDNA gear?  https://infamouspaintball.com/SHELLDAPHOTOS Grab Shellda's Book here:  https://a.co/d/bG1hU8e Support the show

    1h 9m

  7. JAN 13

    #62: Why I left JT....

    Text Shellda a quick review and he might post it on his IG story! This is a solo episode about why I left JT—and more importantly, what that experience taught me. This isn’t drama and it isn’t a rant. It’s an honest reflection on saying yes too fast, skipping important questions, and learning the difference between a good opportunity and the right one. Last season, I was invited to be part of the JT Elite line. On the surface, it felt like a dream opportunity. But over time, I realized how critical alignment, clarity, and structure are when you’re building a personal brand in paintball. In this episode, I talk about: • why excitement can replace due diligence • how not having a contract created unclear expectations • the difference between prestige and alignment • why structure is necessary to do your best work • and when growth means walking away respectfully If you’re a paintball player, creator, or entrepreneur navigating sponsorships and partnerships, this episode is for you. Sometimes the biggest lessons come from opportunities that almost worked. --  Join Shellda's exclusive discord and see the podcast early:  https://www.patreon.com/c/shelldaphotos/membership Shop BFPGear here:  https://www.blackfridaypaintball.com Want 10% off on ProDNA gear?  https://infamouspaintball.com/SHELLDAPHOTOS Support the show

    21 min

  8. JAN 6

    #61: This Podcast Is Changing...

    Text Shellda a quick review and he might post it on his IG story! Join Shellda's exclusive discord and see the podcast early:  https://www.patreon.com/c/shelldaphotos/membership Shop BFPGear here:  https://www.blackfridaypaintball.com Want 10% off on ProDNA gear?  https://infamouspaintball.com/SHELLDAPHOTOS Support the show

    44 min
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About

Hosted by the 2X Paintball Photographer of The Year. This podcast focuses on the human side of paintball going deeper into vulnerability.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Shelley
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shellda Podcast
  • Show Website
    Shellda Podcast

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