Ep. 143. Skydiving into Sharks with Travis Thomas: Improv Tools for Athletes and Coaches

Skydiving with Sharks with Travis Thomas: Improv Tools for Athletes and CoachesIn this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with performance coach, keynote speaker, and author Travis Thomas to unpack how improv isn’t just for comedians—it’s a powerful mental performance tool for athletes, coaches, and high performers.Travis shares his journey from being a self-described “mediocre D3 soccer player” to working with elite organizations like U.S. Soccer, the Yankees, Georgia Football, and more. The unlikely bridge? Improvisational comedy.Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:How improv principles like “Yes, And” can transform your mindset in sport and lifeA simple improv game (“word toss”) you can use as a reset tool for anxiety, nerves, or overthinkingWhy performance only happens in the present moment—and how to actually get back therePractical ways to create your own “reset button” under pressureHow to use play and improv to build connection and trust on teamsWhy confidence is overrated and what to focus on instead (courage, commitment, and controllable behaviors)The difference between confidence and belief—and why that matters for athletesHow to shift from internal (me-focused) thinking to external (team-focused) thinking when you’re in a slumpThe improv mantra: “Make your partner look brilliant” and how it can change your team cultureWhether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or performer in any field, this episode is packed with practical mindset tools you can start using immediately.Connect with Travis Thomas:Website: https://www.liveyesand.comBook: Live Yes, And: What Improv Taught Me About Leadership, Teamwork, and the Meaning of LifeBook: Confidence Is Overrated (add your purchase link here)If you found this helpful, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this episode with a coach or athlete who needs these tools.For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingSign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook.www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links