The Mental Mettle Podcast

What happens when you find something that makes you dream—and then decide to pursue it even when it's hard?In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, I sit down with Travis Vaughn of Upward Sports and Upward Running to talk about running, faith, mental toughness, community, setbacks, and the pursuit of goals that push us beyond our comfort zones.Travis shares his own seven-year journey toward qualifying for the Boston Marathon, including injuries, setbacks, and the mental shifts that helped him keep moving forward. We also talk about the mental side of running, the power of community, how faith fits into competition and endurance, and why focusing on what you can control can change the way you approach difficult challenges.But ultimately, the message is simple:“Find something that makes you dream and makes you want to go achieve something that you've never done before. Make it hard. Do hard things.”Whether you're an athlete, coach, runner, or simply someone looking for the next challenge, I think there's something valuable in this conversation.Connect with Travis & Upward RunningUpward Running:Upward RunningKinda Fast Podcast:Kinda Fast Podcast — Upward RunningKinda Fast is hosted by Claire Boyce and Travis Vaughn and covers running, training, faith, and the real-life challenges that come with pursuing your goals.Upward Sports:Upward SportsConnect with Mental Mettle CoachingMental Mettle CoachingIf this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to the Mental Mettle Podcast and share it with an athlete, coach, runner, or someone who needs a reminder that doing hard things can be exactly what helps us grow.#MentalMettle #MentalToughness #TravisVaughn #DoHardThings #Running #FaithAndSports #MentalPerformance #AthleteDevelopment

Lauren Busalacchi is entering her 14th season as the head women’s basketball coach at Ripon College, after spending three years as an assistant and two years as a part-time assistant. During her time at Ripon, she has built one of the most successful programs in the Midwest, winning eight consecutive Midwest Conference championships, making five NCAA Tournament appearances, and earning induction into the Ripon College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025. She has also been named the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s Private College Coach of the Year twice and has led her staff to seven consecutive Coaching Staff of the Year honors.But this conversation isn't really about the championships.It's about what happened when Lauren realized that X's and O's weren't enough.After struggling early in her tenure—including a 2–21 season—Lauren recognized that building a successful program required something deeper: an intentional culture. That led her to the Tribal Leadership model, which now provides the framework for the language, behaviors, and culture within Ripon's program.Lauren and I talk about what it means to intentionally build culture, how coaches can teach athletes to respond to adversity, and why mental toughness can't simply be demanded—it has to be trained.We also dig into two concepts that have become important parts of the Ripon program: E + R = O and the Chinese proverb, “Behind the mountains, there are more mountains.”Lauren believes one of the most important responsibilities of leadership is to continually help and challenge people to respond better. We may not control the events we experience in life, but we do have control over our responses—and those responses affect everyone around us.We talk about vulnerability, asking for help, player ownership, leadership, adversity, family, faith, and the ongoing challenge of becoming better leaders and coaches.Because no matter how much success you've had, you never really arrive.There is always a next mountain.Connect with Lauren & Ripon College Women's BasketballFacebook: Ripon College Women's BasketballInstagram: @riponwomensbasketballConnect with Coach Matt Thomann & Mental Mettle CoachingMental Mettle Coaching: [email protected] Mettle Coaching helps athletes, coaches, and educators develop the mental skills necessary to handle adversity, build confidence, and perform at their best.Forge Your Mettle.

In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Jeremy Clodfelder, Head Football and Softball Coach at Paris High School, for a powerful conversation about leadership, mental toughness, personal growth, and what it really takes to build a strong culture.With more than 20 years of coaching experience, three rebuilt football programs, over 100 career football victories, and a record-setting career as a softball coach, Jeremy brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. But his greatest lessons haven't necessarily come from winning. They've come from overcoming adversity, confronting his own struggles, and learning how to lead differently.Jeremy believes mental toughness is a skill. Just like any other skill, it has to be intentionally developed and trained.In this episode, we talk about:• Why you shouldn't just trust the process—you have to attack the process• The power of standard over feelings• Jeremy's Code of Standards: Consistency, Ownership, Discipline, and Excellence• Why winning is a byproduct rather than the ultimate goal• How to hold young athletes accountable while still giving them grace• Why coaches need to be demanding without demeaning• Creating environments where athletes feel safe enough to be vulnerable• Why mental toughness requires daily, intentional practice• Discovering your personal "burn" and what drives you to show up• Jeremy's powerful mantra: Master Your Mirror• How coaches can develop mental skills as part of their everyday cultureThis is a conversation about overcoming challenge and adversity, continually pursuing peak performance, and becoming the kind of coach who develops more than athletes.Connect with Jeremy Clodfelter📧 Email: [email protected]: Jeremy ClodfelderInstagram: @jeremy_clodfelderX: @Coach_ClodLinkedIn: Jeremy ClodfelderSpeaking: Leadership • Culture • Mental ConditioningConnect with Coach Matt ThomannMental Mettle CoachingHelping coaches, parents, and young athletes develop the mental skills necessary to perform, grow, and thrive.🌐 Website: www.mentalmettlelifecoaching.com🎙️ The Mental Mettle Podcast: Helping coaches develop mentally tougher athletes through better coaching and intentional mental skills training.If you got something from this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with another coach.And always remember to Forge Your Mettle.

In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, I sit down with Dan Stratford, owner and partner at Kick It 3v3 Soccer, for a conversation that goes far beyond soccer.Dan and I dig into a problem I think every youth sports coach and parent needs to think about:Are we giving our youngest athletes the coaching they actually need?Too often, the youngest players get the least experienced coaches, even though coaching young athletes requires a very different skill set. We talk about why youth coaches need to understand the developmental stage of the kids they're coaching—and why development should be the priority over simply winning games.We also get into the role of 3v3 soccer and why small-sided games can be such a powerful developmental tool. More touches. More decisions. More creativity. More opportunities to make mistakes, solve problems and learn.Some of the big ideas we discuss: Why our youngest athletes may need our best coaches Why development is always winning, but winning isn't always development The danger of parents tying their ego to their child's success  Why being on the "best" team isn't necessarily best for development  How small-sided games encourage creativity and decision-making  Why kids shouldn't be coached like miniature professional athletes  How we can redefine what "winning" means in youth sports  And ultimately, why we have youth sports in the first placeDan brings decades of experience as a player, coach, parent and youth-sports leader to this conversation, and I think there's something here for coaches and parents in every sport, not just soccer.Learn more about Dan and Kick It 3v3 Soccer: Kick It 3v3 SoccerAbout Coach Matt Thomann & Mental MettleI'm Coach Matt Thomann, an ICF-certified coach and the founder of Mental Mettle Coaching, where I help athletes, coaches and educators develop the mindset and mental skills needed to perform, lead and thrive.Through individual coaching, team coaching, professional development and speaking, Mental Mettle focuses on building confidence, resilience, self-awareness and mental toughness.🌐 Mental Mettle Coaching: mentalmettlelifecoaching.com

What if we stopped trying to protect athletes from adversity and started teaching them how to use it?In this solo episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann takes on one of the most important—and misunderstood—aspects of athletics: adversity.Sports are supposed to be hard. That’s the point.The losses, mistakes, pressure, disappointment, difficult practices, setbacks, and failures that athletes experience aren't just obstacles standing in the way of success. They are opportunities to develop the skills that will matter long after the final whistle.Coach Matt breaks down how athletes, parents, and coaches can change their mindset around adversity and use it to build confidence, resilience, perseverance, and the ability to face difficult things without running from them.In this episode, you'll hear:For athletes: How to stop asking, “Why is this so hard?” and start asking, “What can I learn from this?”For parents: How to support your child through adversity without rescuing them from it.For coaches: How to create adversity that is purposeful—not punitive.Why the right amount of adversity should stretch but not snap an athlete.Why the best coaches combine high expectations with high levels of love and connection.How difficult experiences can become evidence that builds confidence.Why winning and losing aren't the ultimate measure of what an athlete gains from sports.How athletics can prepare young people for the mandatory adversity that life will eventually bring.The goal isn't to make kids suffer. The goal is to help them learn that they can do hard things.Because we don't use adversity to create better athletes.We use athletics to create better people.That’s the real purpose of building mental mettle.Connect with Mental Mettle Coaching:🌐 www.mentalmettlelifecoaching.comPARENTS:  Check out the free email course:The Resilient Parent's PlaybookIf you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and leave a comment. And share it with an athlete, parent, or coach who needs to hear that sometimes...It’s supposed to be hard.#MentalMettle #MentalToughness #YouthSports #AthleteMindset #SportsParent #Coaching #MentalPerformance #Resilience #SportsPsychology #AthleteDevelopment

Most athletic directors spend countless hours investing in their athletes.But what if the greatest investment you could make in your athletes...is investing in your coaches?In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Midland University Athletic Director Courtney Thomsen to discuss what really builds successful athletic programs. From coach burnout and athlete retention to vulnerability, leadership, culture, and the true purpose of college athletics, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for coaches, athletic directors, and anyone who leads people.You'll hear why Courtney believes: Better coaches create better athlete experiences.  Healthy coaches build healthy team cultures.  Winning is important—but it can't be the only measure of success.  Investing in coaches is one of the best ways to invest in athletes. Whether you're a high school coach, college coach, athletic director, or educator, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and mental toughness.In this episode:🏆 Why coach development matters more than ever💪 How healthy coaches create resilient athletes🔥 Preventing coach burnout before it impacts your team🤝 The role of vulnerability and relationships in great coaching🎯 Why culture—not just winning—drives long-term success📈 How athletic directors can build programs that athletes want to be part ofIf you're interested in bringing Ember to Inferno, Coach Matt's professional development program for coaching staffs, to your school or athletic department, visit:www.mentalmettlelifecoaching.comIf this episode encouraged you, please: ✅ Subscribe ✅ Like the video ✅ Share it with another coach or athletic directorwww.mentalmettlecoach.comSign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomann

What separates good athletic programs from great ones?In this episode, I sit down with Charlie Zimmerman, principal of Metamora Township High School, to discuss what it really takes to build a championship culture. As a former athlete, coach, and now school leader, Charlie offers a unique perspective on how administrators, coaches, parents, and athletes all play a role in creating an environment where excellence becomes the standard.In our conversation, we discuss:Why culture must be built intentionally—not left to chance.Why the best programs are never satisfied with yesterday's success.Why mental performance training isn't "soft"—it's one of the smartest investments a school can make.How coaches, parents, and administrators can work together instead of pulling athletes in different directions.Why sports should prepare young people for life, not just for the next game.Whether you're a coach, athletic director, principal, teacher, or parent, you'll walk away with practical ideas for building a stronger culture in your school and helping young athletes thrive both on and off the field.Remember: Championship teams are built by championship cultures.For more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:www.mentalmettlecoach.comSign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomann

What gives someone the confidence to say those five words?In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Team USA Women's Handball athlete Julia Taylor to explore a journey marked by profound loss, unwavering purpose, and servant leadership.After losing both of her parents as a young child, Julia learned firsthand that resilience isn't something you're born with—it's something you discover when life forces you to keep moving forward. That lesson carried her from a college club sport to professional handball in Europe, to representing Team USA, and now to helping shape the future of her sport through leadership.Together, Coach Matt and Julia discuss:Why adversity can become our greatest teacherHow purpose keeps us going when motivation fadesWhat true leadership looks like when you're serving the next generationThe mental skills elite athletes use to perform under pressureWhy the lessons we learn in sports prepare us for life far beyond competitionWhether you're an athlete, coach, parent, educator, or simply navigating a difficult season, Julia's story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about knowing that whatever comes your way...You'll be ok.A special thanks to Shane Fisher and American Paragons for connecting us with another outstanding Team USA athlete.If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from it.To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation:americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.com

You've probably heard the saying:"Hope isn't a strategy."There's some truth to that—but I also believe I don't want to be part of any strategy that doesn't include hope.In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Brandi Kelly—former superintendent, licensed clinical social worker, leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Spark Hope EDU—to explore why hope is so much more than wishful thinking.We discuss how hope fuels action, why focusing on your circle of control builds confidence, and how simple daily habits create lasting excellence. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, educator, or leader, these principles will help you build resilience and perform at your best.In this episode, we discuss:Why hope is the foundation of action—not a substitute for it.How your circle of control determines your confidence.The role habits play in building mental toughness.Why self-awareness is essential for growth.How adversity can become one of your greatest teachers.Why greatness is built through consistent daily choices.One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple:Hope isn't passive. Hope is aggressive.Hope shows up.Hope goes to practice.Hope keeps working.Hope believes tomorrow can be better—and then gets to work making it happen.Connect with Dr. Brandi Kelly https://sparkhopeedu.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with another coach, athlete, teacher, or leader who could benefit from this conversation.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a coach, athlete, or parent who could benefit from the conversation.For more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.com

What if the biggest obstacle to peak performance isn't a lack of confidence—but a misplaced identity?In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, I sit down with mental and spiritual performance coach Ricky Scruggs to explore why so many athletes struggle under pressure and how true mental toughness begins long before the game starts.Ricky shares how his journey—from growing up in Washington, D.C., to playing Division I and professional baseball, building successful businesses, and coaching athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs—led him to a completely different understanding of performance. Together, we discuss why chasing approval, perfection, and outcomes often leads to anxiety, while competing from a foundation of identity leads to freedom.We also dive into the role faith plays in mental performance. Rather than separating faith and sport, Ricky explains how biblical principles like identity, truth, service, and purpose provide a practical framework for competing with confidence and resilience.In this episode, we discuss:Why identity is the foundation of mental toughnessHow approval and perfectionism rob athletes of confidenceCompeting for purpose instead of validationThe connection between faith and peak performancePractical ways athletes can handle pressure, mistakes, and adversityWhy mental skills must be trained just like physical skillsWhether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation will challenge the way you think about confidence, competition, and what it truly means to perform at your best.Connect with Ricky Scruggs:🌐 Website: www.rickyscruggs.com📸 Instagram: @rickyscruggs19🎵 TikTok: @truthtoker1969If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a coach, athlete, or parent who could benefit from the conversation.For more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.com

What if everything you've worked for came down to just six attempts?That's the reality for Team USA hammer thrower Rachel Richeson. After years of training, sacrifice, and relentless improvement, Olympic dreams and World Championship opportunities can be decided by just six throws.In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Rachel shares her incredible journey from a high school volleyball player who didn't even throw the hammer until college to becoming one of the top hammer throwers in the world.But this conversation goes far beyond track and field.We discuss:How confidence is built by recognizing progress and believing you still have "more in the tank."Why elite performers focus on growth instead of outcomes.The hidden pressure that comes with rising expectations.How Rachel incorporates mental training into every practice—not as something extra, but as part of the process.Using body scans between throws to recognize anxiety without letting it control performance.The psychology of youth sport specialization, identity, and intrinsic motivation.Why failure is one of our greatest teachers... even though, as Rachel says, "it still sucks."Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone pursuing excellence, Rachel's insights offer practical strategies for performing under pressure and trusting your preparation when the moment arrives.A special thanks to Shane Fisher and American Paragons for connecting us with another outstanding Team USA athlete.If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from it.To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation:americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.com

What happens when a lifelong endurance athlete is suddenly told he has Stage 4 cancer and may only have months to live?In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Ironman competitor and author Jim Logan for a powerful conversation about resilience, faith, and the mindset required to keep moving forward when everything is on the line.Jim shares his journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery while continuing to pursue endurance racing at the highest level, including his goal of finishing the Ironman World Championship in Kona.Together, they explore the deeper lessons behind his story:How intentional suffering in sport can prepare you for unexpected hardship in lifeThe moment fear began to shift into faithWhy vulnerability and surrender became turning points in his journeyThe difference between focusing on finish lines versus embracing the daily processHow purpose and perspective can change everything in the face of uncertaintyThis conversation goes far beyond triathlon and cancer. It’s about what it means to rebuild your life from the inside out when the future is unclear, and how discipline, belief, and faith can carry you through the darkest moments.Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or someone navigating your own challenges, Jim’s story is a reminder that strength isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about continuing to move forward with purpose.Just keep TRI-ing.To learn more about Jim Logan, his book, and his mission to inspire others through faith, endurance sports, and his cancer journey, visit www.justkeeptri-ing.com.To learn more about Mental Mettle Coaching, visit www.mentalmettlecoach.com. If you're looking to strengthen your mindset, build resilience, or improve your performance in sports, work, or life, email [email protected] to schedule a free coaching session.

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Roanoke Benson girls basketball coach Ryan Davis for a powerful conversation about anxiety, expectations, coaching, and vulnerability.Ryan shares his personal story of battling severe performance anxiety as a high school athlete—a struggle that ultimately cut short the playing career he loved. But this isn't a story about overcoming anxiety and leaving it behind.It's a story about how that struggle shaped the coach he would become.Together, Matt and Ryan discuss:• How anxiety impacted Ryan's basketball career• The hidden connection between expectations and anxiety• Growing up trying to play under pressure• Why athletes often put more pressure on themselves than anyone else does• How vulnerability helps coaches build trust• Why empathy may be a coach's greatest leadership tool• The "Play Fearless" philosophy and helping athletes compete freely• Why mental skills deserve practice just like physical skills• The importance of controlling the controllables• How adversity can become a superpower when used to serve othersOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that Ryan isn't a great coach despite his anxiety.He's a great coach because of it.His struggles gave him empathy. They taught him how pressure feels. They helped him connect with athletes in ways many coaches never can.If you're an athlete, coach, parent, educator, or anyone navigating the pressures and expectations of life, this conversation is for you.Subscribe for more conversations on mental toughness, resilience, leadership, and personal growth.Connect with Coach Matt / Mental [email protected]

Most people think mental toughness is just grinding harder at what you’re already good at. This episode is about the opposite: choosing to be a beginner again on purpose.In this conversation, I sit down with USA Team Handball player and Olympic hopeful Katie Timmerman. Katie went from being a high-level college and pro basketball player to a complete novice in a sport she’d never even heard of… and did it knowing she’d be bad at first.We get into:From Hoops to HandballHow an Instagram DM from USA Team Handball changed her pathWhat it was like walking into her first camp with no real idea how to playGoing from “expert” in basketball to “day-one rookie” in handballChoosing Hard Paths on PurposeFlying to Korea on a one-way ticket with no guarantee she’d be draftedLiving in a foreign country, new language, new leagueLeaving pro basketball to chase an Olympic dream in a pay-to-play sportMental Mettle, Not Just Skill & StrengthHow she realized her mindset was actually hurting her gameThe books and tools that helped her flip her self-talkWhat she does mentally when she knows she’ll fail more than she’ll succeedTurning the COVID Shutdown Into an AdvantageWhy COVID hit during the worst mental stretch of her careerHow losing access to gyms forced her to attack the mental sideUsing therapy, reading, and reflection to come back as a different playerThe Reality of Underfunded Olympic SportsWhat “Team USA” actually looks like in a sport with almost no fundingTradeoffs: delayed career, part-time jobs, and financial strainWhy she still says it’s worth itIf you’re an athlete, coach, or competitor in any field, this episode is a playbook for:“Vulnerability reps” – intentionally doing things you’ll be bad at to grow fasterReframing setbacks – using shutdowns, cuts, losses, and “no’s” to build your mental gameBuilding true mental mettle instead of just more reps and more weightsFollow Katie on Instagram! @katie_timmerman To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation:americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.com

When life changes in an instant, who you are after matters more than what happened.In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt sits down with Scott Lackey — U.S. Army veteran, former college basketball player, patented inventor, Ironman finisher, newspaper columnist, and leadership author — to talk about what he calls “lightning‑strike moments”: those shocks that split your life into before and after.Scott opens up about losing everything, hitting rock bottom with a pregnant wife and young kids, and realizing that no matter how impressive your “scoreboard moments” look from the outside, they don’t protect you from pain on the inside. From there, the conversation goes deep into how you actually respond when the rug gets pulled out from under you.We get into:Why it’s never really about what happened to you, and always about how you respond to it.How sudden hits — a firing, a diagnosis, a stroke, a betrayal — can become turning points instead of end points.The idea of “waking up to die again”:the destructive version, where you wake up every day and slowly die inside, andthe powerful version, where you choose daily sacrifice, discipline, and hard things that forge you into someone better.What Scott learned from the military and Ironman about intentional adversity — training yourself to do hard, uncomfortable things so you’re ready for the adversity you don’t choose.Vulnerability as real toughness: letting people see you’re not invincible, telling the truth when you’re not the hero, and why Scott chose to write his book in a way that exposes his flaws instead of hiding them.Forgiving your past self, including forgiving “the person you never became,” so you’re not dragging old weight into every new day.Living a Carpe Diem mindset and focusing on direction over distance: caring less about five‑year plans and more about taking the next right step today.How Scott’s faith anchored him at rock bottom, and his belief that God isn’t running to meet you in the dark — He’s already there when you arrive.If you’ve been blindsided by an injury, getting cut, a health scare, a business failure, or a personal crisis, this episode is for you. It’s an honest look at suffering, mindset, and faith — and how to start moving forward when the lightning has already struck.Connect with Scott Lackeywww.scottlackey.comConnect with Coach Matt / Mental [email protected] this conversation hit home, subscribe, share it with someone going through their own lightning‑strike moment, and keep building your mental mettle.

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Matt sits down with Team USA para powerlifter Ashley Dyce, who was born with spina bifida and has fought her way onto the world stage through a decade of relentless commitment.Ashley shares how she went from discovering the Paralympics on TV to representing the United States, what it really looks like to stick with one path for 10+ years, and how she’s handled injuries, surgeries, missed lifts, and seasons that felt like setbacks instead of breakthroughs. She talks about chasing a 300 lb bench, preparing for the Paralympic Games, and using both her faith and sports psychology tools to stay locked in when progress isn’t linear.We get into:Choosing a lane and committing fully to para powerliftingComing back from injuries and health issues without quitting on the dreamHow faith and sports psychology work together in her mental gamePractical tools: visualization, music, and routines to manage nerves on the big stageCompeting as a woman with a disability and why representation mattersIf you’ve ever wondered how far you can go by going “full send” on one goal—and refusing to back off when it gets hard—Ashley’s story is a powerful example of what persistence and progress really look like.Subscribe for more conversations on mental toughness, mindset, and high performance from athletes, coaches, and performers at the highest level.Timestamps (approximate): 00:00 Intro00:40 Ashley’s journey into para sports03:30 Discovering para powerlifting05:00 From 135 to chasing 300 on bench08:00 Failing in the gym and building real resilience11:30 Injuries, surgery, and non-linear progress18:00 Training, recovery, and daily life as a Team USA athlete19:30 Faith as a foundation for mental toughness21:30 Working with a sports psychologist24:30 Visualization, nerves, and reframing anxiety as excitement28:30 Competing on the Paralympic stage31:00 Representation, purpose, and lifting for something bigger than medals34:00 Ashley’s goals and final thoughts on persistence and progressFollow Ashley: www.instagram.com/ashley_dyce/To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation:americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.com

In this episode of The Mental Middle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Megan Gilmore—founder and executive director of Larksong, certified coach, and author—to talk about how early we should be building mental health and well‑being skills in kids. (Spoiler: much earlier than most people think.)We cover:Why well‑being and “mental health” for kids should start as early as physical healthHow a single caring adult can radically buffer a child from adversity (ACEs vs. PACEs)The science showing that well‑being education boosts grades, graduation rates, and resilienceMegan’s children’s book that turns brain parts into fun characters kids can understand“Mind Bandits” (kids’ version of limiting beliefs) and how to help children name and tame themLarksong’s Superhero Camp: a five‑day experience that teaches kids real tools for stress, emotions, and self‑talkWhy parents and teachers don’t have to be experts to start this work—they just have to startIf you’ve ever wondered:“How young is too young for mindset and mental skills?”or“Am I going to mess my kid up if I try this and don’t know what I’m doing?”…this conversation will give you both the why and some concrete how.🔗 Learn more about Larksong & Superhero CampWebsite & Superhero Camp info: www.larkssong.com/superherocamp(Volunteering, sponsoring, and donating options are all there.)📚 Megan’s Children’s BookAmy Dala and the AnswerAmy Dala and the Answer: 9781087933382: Amazon.com: BooksResilent Parent's Playbook by Mental Mettle Coaching.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact Coach [email protected]

Regional Superintendent and ultramarathoner Kyle Thompson joins The Mental Mettle Podcast to break down how “time on feet” in the mountains has reshaped the way he leads, parents, and lives.Kyle is the Regional Superintendent of ROE #11 in Charleston, Illinois, and a 100-mile finisher who believes deeply in intentional adversity—choosing hard things on purpose so you’re ready for the hard things you don’t choose.In this conversation, we cover:How a simple question from his kids (“What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?”) completely changed his lifeWhy he prefers 90-degree runs, 2 a.m. training sessions, and brutal trail conditionsThe mental and physical battle of his first 100-miler at Grindstone (106 miles, 35+ hours, cold rain, and massive elevation)DNFs, disappointment, and what failure in ultrarunning has taught him about leadershipThe difference between optional adversity (what you choose) and mandatory adversity (what life throws at you)How trail running and ultras have made him a calmer, more resilient leader and parentWe also dig into the work Kyle has done with Mental Mettle Coaching:Why he brought me in to do an 8-session group coaching series with his ROE #11 teamHow that coaching helped his staff with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and vulnerabilityThe culture shift that happens when a team feels genuinely invested in, not just managedWhy he actively promotes my professional development and coaching to superintendents and schools across his regionIf you’re an educator, coach, or leader who:Wants to build real resilience (not just talk about “grit”)Is curious how endurance training and leadership intersectIs looking for PD that actually focuses on the adults in the room, not another buzzword program…this episode will give you a clear picture of what intentional adversity looks like in real life—and how it can transform both your work and your life.———WORK WITH MENTAL METTLE COACHING→ Group coaching & PD for schools, districts, and teams→ Coaching for educators, leaders, and coaches who want to build real mental [email protected], share, and if this resonated, consider passing it along to a leader or educator who needs to hear it.

Unlock the real difference-maker in sports performance: your mind.In this solo episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann reveals the Secrets Behind the Third Skill Set: Mental Performance—the hidden skill set that separates average athletes from consistent peak performers.You already train skills and strength. But if you’re not training your mindset on purpose, you’re leaving a huge part of your potential on the table.In this episode, Coach Thomann breaks down exactly how he coaches mental performance for athletes and why it works:What the “third skill set” is—and why most athletes never train itHow neuroplasticity lets you literally rewire your brain for confidence and composureThe two keys to lasting mindset change: Recognition + RepetitionHow to stop wasting energy on uncontrollables and dominate what you can controlThe ACE Framework (Attitude, Communication, Effort) that athletes write on bags, bats, cleats, and guns (for competitive shooters)How to change your self-talk from brutal and negative to a powerful inner coachWhy “positive toughness” and gratitude beat fake positivity and empty slogansHow values work explains burnout, frustration, and losing the joy in your sportWhat an actual mental performance coaching session looks like with real athletesHow these mental skills transfer to life: school, relationships, adversity, and careerCoach Thomann also shares his personal story—battling cancer, a stroke, PTSD, and panic attacks—and how the same mental skills for athletes he now teaches helped him rebuild his own mindset and life.🔊 This episode is for you if you’re a…Athlete who chokes under pressure, overthinks, or struggles with confidenceParent who sees your kid spiraling mentally and doesn’t know how to helpCoach who keeps saying “be more mentally tough” but doesn’t have a system to train itYou’ll walk away with a clear picture of what mental performance training is, how it works, and why mastering the third skill set can completely change how you compete and how you handle adversity.🔗 Free Resource for Parents:Check out Coach Thomann’s free course, The Resilient Parent’s Playbook, to learn how to support your athlete’s mindset at home without accidentally feeding anxiety or negativity.  www.resilientparentsplaybook.com📩 Interested in Mental Performance Coaching?Coach Thomann works with individual athletes, teams, and schools.To inquire about coaching or PD for coaches, reach out at:[email protected] to more episodes of The Mental Mettle Podcast for tools, stories, and strategies to help athletes forge real resilience and confidence—on and off the field.

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with 24-year coaching veteran and fellow Millikin alum, Coach Lee Mateer of Taylorville High School.By his own words, Lee used to be “the raging psychopath” on the sideline — yelling, screaming, cursing, and tying his entire identity to wins and losses. He was the classic old school, outcome-obsessed coach who wore misery and grittiness like a badge of honor.Then life hit at home.Lee’s transformation didn’t begin at a clinic or in a playbook. It began with deep personal struggle: watching his daughter enter high school and battle an eating disorder rooted in crippling anxiety. Seeing his own child waste away and suffer shook everything he thought he knew about toughness, mental health, and what today’s kids are actually fighting through.That crisis forced him to confront his ego, his fear, and his entire coaching philosophy.In this conversation, we dig into:How an old school “tough guy” coach became the self-described “raging psychopath” on the sidelineHis daughter’s battle with anxiety and an eating disorder—and how it broke him and opened his eyesWhy that personal struggle became the turning point for his coaching, parenting, and faithMoving from yelling, fear, and control to connection, standards, and real trustThe three “sins” he sees in all of us: fear, ego, and laziness—and how they show up in coachesHow trauma and past experiences drive emotional volatility in athletes and adultsBuilding a 17-lesson leadership and character curriculum into his strength programGetting teenage athletes to honestly reflect on jealousy, fear, and toxic masculinityWhy you can still demand toughness and excellence without being a miserable coachHow faith and Scripture reshaped his definition of success on and off the fieldIf you’ve ever felt burned out, bitter, or trapped in the old school vs new school coaching battle—and especially if something at home has made you question everything—this episode will hit close to home.This conversation is exactly what my Ember to Inferno program is about—helping coaches intentionally develop that third skill set:Mental skillsEmotional regulationResponse to adversityProgram standards and culture systemsCoaches go to clinics every year to sharpen their press, their zone defense, their ball-screen offense. But if you truly believe culture > X’s and O’s, your professional development should reflect that.If you’re thinking, “I love this stuff, but I don’t know how to start,”that’s where I come in.Contact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.commentalmettle | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | LinktreeSign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.com

Today’s episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast is all about what you do after you hit rock bottom, in sport and in life.My guest is Olympian discus thrower Joe Brown (@joethethrower on Instagram)—one of only a handful of Division II athletes to make it all the way to the 2024 Paris Olympics.Joe is the:2019 NCAA Division II national champion in the discus (won on his final attempt)4x USATF national qualifier (every year since 2021)4th place finisher at the 2023 USA Championships, earning a spot on the Pan American Games team (5th place finish)Bronze medalist at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials—again, on his final throw in a historic competition, punching his ticket to ParisCurrently ranked 31st in the world and in the top 100 male discus throwers of all timeBut this conversation is not just a highlight reel.When Joe talks about “throwing it into the pole,” he means it literally—slamming the discus into the metal pole of the cage under massive pressure at the Olympic Trials and nearly knocking himself out of contention. On his very last attempt, with his Olympic dream and his entire career on the line, he had to decide: walk away, or step back into the ring one more time.That moment in the stadium mirrors the rest of his life.Joe opens up about years spent in a destructive loop with alcohol—training hard all week and then erasing it with blackout weekends, drinking alone, using it to numb grief and depression, and “throwing it into the pole” in his own life over and over again.We get into:The resilience it takes to keep fighting after you fall flat on your face on the biggest stageThe mental framework behind being able to win on your final throwThe discipline required to train in solitude with no coach, no teammates, and no cheerleadersHow he handled doubt, depression, grief, and self-sabotage while still chasing an Olympic dreamThe tools he built through construction work with his dad, books, meditation, visualization, and trial and errorWe also dive into Joe’s “Olympic Decisions” series on Instagram—where he breaks tough moments down into simple but powerful choices (confidence or curiosity, belonging or independence, etc.) and uses those choices to come back from failure instead of being crushed by it.If you’ve ever felt like you keep slamming into the same wall—whether in competition, with alcohol, or in your own patterns—Joe’s story is a blueprint for how to step back into the ring and take one more throw.To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation:americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.commentalmettle | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Before the crisis hits, your team has already decided how it will respond.In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with IBCA Hall of Fame coach Chad Cluver to unpack how daily habits, standards, and relationships shape a team’s response to adversity long before the big moment arrives.Across 36 years on the sidelines and over 450 career wins, Coach Cluver has built competitive, resilient teams by putting culture before X’s and O’s. In this conversation, we dive into:In this episode, you’ll learn:Why culture must come before schemes—especially when flipping a struggling programHow clearly defining roles, standards, and expectations transforms team chemistryPractical ways to teach emotional regulation, vulnerability, and next-play mentalityHow to train responses to adversity instead of labeling kids as “tough” or “soft”What adversity actually reveals about your preparation, habits, and relationshipsHow to give players real ownership with tools like code words, communication systems, and feedback loopsWhy coaches say culture matters most—but often invest PD time only in X’s and O’sIf you’ve ever thought:“My kids just aren’t mentally tough,”“We fall apart when things get hard,” or“I believe in culture… but I don’t know how to build it,”…this episode will give you both a mindset framework and concrete ideas you can use with your team tomorrow.🔥 Want Help Building This in Your Program?This conversation is exactly what my Ember to Inferno program is about—helping coaches intentionally develop that third skill set:Mental skillsEmotional regulationResponse to adversityProgram standards and culture systemsCoaches go to clinics every year to sharpen their press, their zone defense, their ball-screen offense. But if you truly believe culture > X’s and O’s, your professional development should reflect that.If you’re thinking, “I love this stuff, but I don’t know how to start,”that’s where I come in.Contact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.commentalmettle | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | LinktreeSign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.com

On this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Matt sits down with 2020 Olympian and NCAA national champion hammer thrower Alex Young to talk about what it really means to “do all your labor as unto the Lord.”Alex grew up in Laverne, Tennessee as a football and weight-room kid before a high school coach pulled him into track and field. Inspired by watching Reese Hoffa at the Olympics, he took up the throws as a sophomore, went on to win a Tennessee state title in the shot put, and eventually became an NCAA champion in the weight throw and a World Championships finalist in the hammer.But this conversation isn’t just about results—it’s about what happens when they stop coming.Alex and Matt dig into:How Alex discovered throwing and chose track over footballBecoming SLU’s first-ever Division I national championMaking Team USA, the 2020 Olympics, and finishing 12th at Worlds in 2022Then having the worst professional seasons of his career in 2023–2024Losing confidence, changing coaches, and rebuilding from the bottomWhy he now competes for an “audience of One” and what that actually looks likeThe scripture that anchors him: “Do all your labor as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23)Learning to truly enjoy the process—even when the outcome hurtsHis thesis on self-talk, neuromuscular efficiency, and why what you say to yourself shows up in your bodyThe difference between real mental toughness and just grinding yourself into the groundHow he talks to younger athletes about finding their “superpower” and building confidence the right wayIf you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or believer who cares about faith, performance, and real resilience—not just motivational slogans—this episode is for you.If you found this helpful, hit subscribe for more conversations on mental performance, resilience, and mindset from athletes across all sports.To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation:americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.commentalmettle | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Pat Ryan, Director of High School Relations for Illinois Football and longtime head coach at Metamora High School.📌 About Pat RyanPat Ryan is the Director of High School Relations for the University of Illinois football program. Before joining Illinois, he spent decades as the head football coach at Metamora High School in Illinois, where his teams became known statewide for their toughness, consistency, and championship‑level success. A former high school teacher and coach, Pat now serves as a vital bridge between the Illini and high school programs across the state, helping build relationships, evaluate talent, and support coaches and athletes through the recruiting process.Pat’s story isn’t about secret schemes or flashy buzzwords. It’s about a simple, humble approach to coaching that’s built on love for the game and genuine care for people.Drawing on years as a high school coach and now at a Big Ten program, Pat talks about:Why “you’re never done learning in this game”How he helped build Metamora into a perennial powerhouse without chasing gimmicksThe importance of relationships with players, families, and other coachesGetting the best athletes in your school to actually play footballMeeting kids where they are without lowering standardsSecond chances, discipline, and not “majoring in psychology” as a coachWhat Illinois looks for in recruits and how HS coaches can truly help their kidsHow routines, preparation, and situational work build real mental toughnessIf you’re a high school coach, this conversation is a masterclass in doing the “simple stuff” really well: caring deeply, staying consistent, and never stopping your own development.For more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.commentalmettle | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Team USA discus thrower Gabi Jacobs didn’t start track dreaming of the Olympics. She joined in 7th grade just to hang out with friends, then quietly became a three-time All-American and three-time SEC champion at Mizzou. After a heartbreaking Olympic Trials in 2021 and the pressure of juggling demanding jobs with elite training, she walked away from the sport completely—fully believing she was done.In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Gabi and I dig into how she went from that “I’m done” moment to a full-on comeback, and why her reasons for competing now are totally different than they were before. She talks about growing up a multi-sport athlete at Normal U-High in Bloomington-Normal, thinking more about volleyball than track in college, and how Mizzou’s coaches taught her to dream big while obsessing over the daily details.Gabi explains how she used SMART goals, training journals, and small, tangible wins to build a high-performance mindset, and then what happens when that mindset collides with burnout. She takes us inside the 2021 Olympic Trials—making the final, fouling out, and the mental crash that followed. From there, she made a deliberate choice: rather than do the sport halfway, she chose to quit and focus on her career.Two years away from throwing changed everything. Watching SECs, USAs, and then Worlds in Budapest lit a fire she didn’t expect, especially seeing women she used to compete against on the world stage. A simple conversation with her dad, a longtime high school track and cross-country coach, gave her the framework for coming back: start again, and if it brings you joy, keep going. If it doesn’t, it’s okay to stop.Now training again in Columbia, Missouri with Coach Dane Miller of Garage Strength, Gabi is rebuilding as a Team USA discus thrower with a very different internal compass. She’s structuring her life around training and part-time work, coming back from a knee injury, and using the same process mindset to navigate recovery and the long season ahead. The focus is no longer on sponsorships or status, but on seeing how good she can become and enjoying the grind along the way.Gabi also holds a master’s in Positive Coaching, so when she talks about goal setting, small wins, burnout, and joy, she’s drawing from both lived experience and positive psychology. If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach wrestling with pressure, expectations, or burnout, this conversation will give you a real, practical look at what it means to step away, come back, and truly trust the process.If you found this helpful, hit subscribe for more conversations on mental performance, resilience, and mindset from athletes across all sports.To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation:americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle Coaching:Sign up here for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook:www.resilientparentsplaybook.comContact:[email protected] for a free coaching session with Coach Thomannwww.mentalmettlecoach.commentalmettle | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Former pro hockey player, Air Force veteran, and sport & performance psychologist Dr. Dave Jones joins The Mental Mettle Podcast to unpack the battle between fear and faith—and how “toxic motivators” quietly drive so many athletes and high performers off course.Dr. Dave shares how a brutal slap shot to the face ended his early hockey career, led him into the Air Force, and unexpectedly opened the door to playing pro hockey in Germany while serving as an F‑16 crew chief. That season of pain, identity loss, and rerouting became the foundation for his faith, his work in performance psychology, and his work as founder of the Christian marketing agency MisGood Marketing (misgood.com).A lot of what we talk about in this episode flows directly into his upcoming book, Plan to Win, which you can learn more about on his site.In this episode, we dig into:The four toxic motivators: fear, lust, anger, and prideWhy fear-based and anger-based “mental toughness” can work in the short term but destroy you in the long runThe difference between identity and role (you’re more than your sport, job, or scoreboard)How faith, vision, and humility create a healthier, more sustainable form of toughnessHigh vs. low emotional intelligence in sport: calm, confident, team-first vs. reactive, revenge-driven, and self-focusedPractical ways to start shifting from fear to faith, including gratitude, “fruit‑checking,” and choosing the right people around youHow Plan to Win helps you identify which toxic motivators you struggle with most and walk through devo-style steps to replace them with faith-driven motivationTo learn more about Dr. Dave’s work, his Christian marketing agency, and his book Plan to Win, visit https://misgood.com.If you’ve ever felt driven, successful, and yet strangely empty—or if you’re tired of being powered by fear, anger, or pride—this conversation will show you a different way to be mentally tough, rooted in faith instead of toxicity, and point you toward tools to keep doing that work long after the episode ends.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

McKenna McKee is a 16-time National Champion in sprint cycling, she is an Olympic hopeful for Team USA, and she is also in school to become a nurse.  She is an impressive young woman and her accomplishments are notable.  What makes it even more impressive is that she was diagnosed with diabetes at age 6.Or does it?   Does the diagnosis make it harder for her to be an elite athlete or did it actually help?   Because of the diagnosis, she learned to eat right and fuel her body at a time in her life when most of her classmates at whatever and whenever.  It also taught here that focusing on excuses does translate to results.  With the right attitude, she was able to take something that happened TO her and turn it into something that happened FOR her.   You and your athlete may not be facing a chronic health issue, but you are likely facing some sort of scenario that could be seen as a disadvantage.   Forging Mettle is about not only facing that disadvantage, but also turning it around.  McKenna has done that and is on her way to being an Olympian for the United States of America.   Along the way, she has become an advocate for athletes competing with diabetes.  As a member of Team Novo Nordisk, she races to inspire, educate, and empower athletes who face the same struggles.  Check out the episode to learn more about her journey and purpose.       If you found this helpful, hit subscribe for more conversations on mental performance, resilience, and mindset from athletes across all sportsTo learn more about the American Paragons Foundation at americanparagons.orgFor 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

👉 Get the free playbook here:  resilientparentsplaybook.comResilient Parents Playbook: 5 Mistakes Killing Your Athlete’s Confidence (and What to Do Instead)In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann pulls back the curtain on the real mental performance coach in every young athlete’s life: their parents.Drawing on hundreds of hours working with athletes, coaches, and his own journey through cancer, stroke, and anxiety, Matt breaks down how well‑meaning parents can unintentionally undermine their kid’s confidence, resilience, and love of the game—and how to turn that around.You’ll learn:🧠 Why the car ride home and dinner table talk shape your athlete’s inner voice more than any practice or pep talk.🏆 The 3 essential skill sets every athlete needs (physical, game, and mental)—and why we usually neglect the mental.❌ The 5 most common parent mistakes:Praising results instead of effort and attitudeUsing negative motivation (“toughen up”)Teaching kids to fight/ignore stress instead of manage itTurning the car ride home into a negative performance reviewTrying to be both parent and coach✅ And practical replacements you can start using today:How to praise controllables (effort, attitude, communication)How to build “positive toughness” instead of shame-based toughnessSimple tools to help kids manage nerves and anxietyThe “Three Good Things” car-ride ritual that rewires their brain for confidenceHow to run a “reset conversation” if you feel like you’ve been getting it wrong for yearsThis is not a parent-blaming episode—it’s a parent-empowering one. You’ll walk away with a clear framework for becoming the kind of mental performance influence your athlete desperately needs at home.FREE RESOURCE – RESILIENT PARENTS PLAYBOOKWant these concepts broken down into simple, bite-sized steps?Grab Matt’s FREE email course, “The Resilient Parents Playbook,” and get:Daily, practical prompts you can use with your athleteScripts for car rides and post-game talksTools to help your kid manage stress, pressure, and mistakes👉 Get the free playbook here:  resilientparentsplaybook.com

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Team USA climber Ben Hanna, one of the grittiest and most consistent competitors in American climbing.Ben was never the “young phenom” who won everything. He never won Youth Nationals, watched peers win titles and World Cups, and almost quit multiple times. Instead, he built a world‑class career on longevity, stubborn persistence, and a refusal to walk away.We dig into:How Ben went from “I’m not that good at this” to becoming:The 24th American to climb 5.15The 86th person in the world to climb V16A fixture in almost every US national final from 2019–2025What competition bouldering really demands mentally:Isolation, unknown problems, and 4–5 minutes to figure everything outWalking out to Boulder 1, getting zero points, and hearing the crowd go wild for everyone elseWhy Boulder #4 is where true mental toughness shows up“Persistence over prodigy”:Why not winning as a kid kept him hungryHow he handled watching peers succeed fasterThe near‑retirement moment just weeks before winning Team TrialsThe courage to say goals out loud:Why Ben is finally vocal about wanting to contend for the OlympicsHow expectations can both sharpen you and crush youAdapting your mindset each season as you go from underdog to “the one to beat”Training, sacrifice, and picking one path:Quitting climbing for months to focus on deadlifts, bench, and finger strengthPouring all his “training water” into one cup and trusting it for a full yearWhy success is less about the perfect plan and more about trying your face offMental health, ADHD, and using sport as medicine:Realizing he’s been self‑medicating anxiety and depression with the gymADHD, dyslexia, and why traditional school was brutalLearning to design life and routines around his brain instead of against itIf you’re an athlete who has never been the prodigy, or a coach/parent trying to help someone navigate pressure, frustration, and long-term development, this conversation is for you.Ben’s story is proof that:You don’t have to peak early to reach the top.Losing can be the best kind of fuel.The real edge is mental mettle—the ability to keep showing up long after the talent stories fade.If you found this helpful, hit subscribe for more conversations on mental performance, resilience, and mindset from athletes across all sportsTo learn more about the American Paragons Foundation at americanparagons.orgFor 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

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

Olympian and U.S. Nordic Combined national champion Niklas Malacinski joins The Mental Mettle Podcast to break down the real mental side of elite performance.Nordic combined is already wild: ski jumping plus cross-country skiing in one event. But the psychology behind mastering two completely different disciplines? That’s next level.In this episode, we dive into:How Niklas uses meditation and detailed visualization (down to tying his boots and feeling the wind) to nail jumps where millimeters matterThe difference between the “Zen” of ski jumping and the “grit” of cross-country racing—and how he switches mindsets between the twoWhat it’s like being the top-ranked American for three straight years and competing with the best in the worldWhen drive becomes toxic: his honest story of overtraining, isolation, and chasing results so hard it backfiredHow he rebuilt his mental game by going “psycho” about recovery, balance, and joy instead of just grindUsing self-talk and affirmations to survive 20–27 minutes alone in your head during a 10k raceWhy sleep is the most underrated performance enhancer in sportsThe power of reframing nerves as excitement on the biggest stages, including his first Olympic GamesWhether you’re a skier, a football or basketball player, a coach, or just someone obsessed with improvement, Niklas’s insights on mental training, balance, and sustainable high performance will resonate.Timestamps (approx):0:00 – Intro to Niklas and Nordic Combined5:30 – Peaking, age, and consistency vs. one-off performances12:30 – Growing up in Steamboat Springs & discovering Nordic combined15:30 – The psychology of ski jumping vs. cross-country skiing19:30 – How Niklas actually visualizes: routines, senses, and slow-motion reps23:30 – Fixing technical habits through mental reps26:00 – Self-talk during 10k races & training his mind as hard as his body29:00 – David Goggins, “weak mind” culture, and why his approach doesn’t fit elite sport34:00 – When drive turns toxic: overtraining, isolation, and losing joy40:00 – Rebuilding: balance, recovery, and redefining “psycho” dedication42:00 – Sleep, rest, and why they’re non‑negotiable for peak performance44:30 – Representing the U.S. at the Olympics & honoring his community45:45 – Why you should start paying attention to Nordic combinedIf you found this helpful, hit subscribe for more conversations on mental performance, resilience, and mindset from athletes across all sportsTo learn more about the American Paragons Foundation at americanparagons.orgFor 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

In Part 2 of my conversation with Team USA bobsled pilot Shane Fisher, we go deeper into the real cost of chasing an Olympic dream—and why mindset alone isn’t enough when the bills keep coming.Shane pulls back the curtain on the financial side of being an elite athlete for Team USA:How little funding most athletes actually receiveThe sacrifices and side jobs required just to stay in the gameThe emotional toll of training like a pro while living without pro-level supportWe also unpack the origin story of the American Paragons Foundation—the organization Shane founded to support underfunded Team USA athletes. He explains how American Paragons helps athletes by:Connecting them with employers who understand the demands of high-level trainingPartnering with media platforms and storytellers (like this podcast) to share their journeysMatching them with mentors who’ve navigated the same pathFinding lodging hosts who can relieve the burden of housing costs while they train and competeIf you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes—mentally, emotionally, and financially—to represent your country on the world stage, this episode will change how you see Olympic hopefuls.Tune in to Part 2 with Shane Fisher to learn how you can support America’s next generation of Olympians and become part of the solution.To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation at americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

Shane Fisher is an elite athlete on a mission to become an Olympian. He started in tennis, moved into the decathlon, and now competes as a pilot for the USA Bobsled Team.Along the way, Shane has learned that mental skills matter more than physical talent. Yes, he trains hard—but his unwavering self-belief is what truly drives his success.He’s also discovered a tougher truth: being an athlete for Team USA is rarely glamorous or profitable. Until you’re among the most well-known, funding and sponsorships are extremely limited. Most athletes are on their own.That’s why Shane founded the American Paragons Foundation—to support underfunded Team USA athletes who are chasing their dreams on the world stage.Enjoy Part 1 of this episode with Shane Fisher, and learn how you can help support America’s next generation of Olympians.To learn more about the American Paragons Foundation at americanparagons.orgFor more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Matt sits down with Morgan (Kane) Brons—former Iowa State women’s basketball standout, D2 Sweet 16 finisher at Nova Southeastern, and founder of Winning Edge Coaching.Morgan’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, identity, and mental toughness:In this episode, we cover:Morgan’s path from Utah standout to Iowa State post playerThe ego hit and self-doubt that came with redshirting her freshman yearHow scout team, strength training, and film built her basketball IQ and confidenceLearning mental skills late in college—and why she’s determined to give high school athletes a head startThe impact of sports psychologists and how COVID accelerated mental health awareness in athleticsWhy “control the controllables” and “be confident” became empty phrases—and how to make them actually actionableJournaling, visualization, self-talk, and other tools Morgan used to turn anxiety into performanceThe difference in how girls and boys often handle self-talk and pressureHow habits, not big moments, create success (inspired by The Slight Edge)Why Morgan founded Winning Edge Coaching and how she helps middle and high school athletes with:Mindset & confidenceStrength & recoveryNutrition basicsMentorship and identity beyond sportWe also dive deep into:Identity: Who are you outside of your sport?The danger of tying your entire worth to performanceHow parents can do less harm and more good—especially on the car ride homeWhy athletes need both confidence in who they are and humility to keep growingIf you’re a:High school or middle school athlete who wants to get mentally tougherParent who wants to support your athlete the right wayCoach looking to make mindset more than just a buzzword…this episode is packed with practical ideas you can start using today.Contact Morgan atWinning Edge Coaching - Train to reach your potential!Subscribe to The Mental Mettle Podcast and start forging your 100% Mettle today.For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Coach Greg Geisinger to dig into what it really means to “coach the heart first.”After more than 20 years in boys’ high school basketball and a successful run as the head boys coach at Arcola High School, Greg made a surprising move: stepping away from a winning boys program to take over the girls team in a really tough situation. He shares honestly about:How he realized he was once “coaching out of fear, not love”Moving from an old-school, iron-fist style to a heart-first, relationship-driven approachWhy wins and losses alone left him feeling empty, even during Elite Eight and Sweet 16 runsHow coaching the heart has actually produced tougher, more connected teamsA major theme in this conversation is accountability and spiritual support. Greg talks about a former player he now calls his “spiritual caddy” — a trusted brother who walks with him daily in Scripture, prayer, and honest conversations. They text each other their “God shots,” encourage each other, and call each other out when needed.Greg unpacks:Why every coach (and every man) needs a “foxhole brother” and spiritual accountability partnerHow his coaching transformation changed who he is at home as a husband and fatherThe tension and humility of leaving a successful boys program to help stabilize and rebuild the girls sideWhy coaching with love does NOT mean coaching soft—and how his teams are both tough and deeply connectedIf you’re a coach, parent, or leader who senses there has to be more than just chasing the scoreboard, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you lead, how you measure “success,” and who you surround yourself with as you coach the heart first.Subscribe to The Mental Mettle Podcast and start forging your 100% Mettle today.For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

“Football should be the best part of a kid’s day.”In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, host Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Coach Garrett Mueller, head football coach at Stewartville High School (MN), to unpack how a shift in philosophy transformed his program on the field and in the minds of his athletes.Garrett’s resume is stacked:18 years coaching, 15 at Stewartville8 years as head coach70–14 record, 2 state championshipsA 30‑game win streakBut the real story is how they did it.We dive into:Why he moved away from the “grind” model of football practicesHow Feed the Cats / sprint‑based football changed everythingMaking football the best part of a kid’s day instead of a daily beatdownHow shorter, high‑intensity practices actually improved performanceThe role of mental health, joy, and recovery in building a championship cultureCoaching alongside his Hall of Fame dad and now coaching his own sonsAvoiding youth burnout (and why they don’t push early tackle football)What happens when success dips and how to re‑center on your core principlesThe power of “Hunt the Good Stuff” as a daily mindsetIf you’re a coach, parent, or athlete who senses there has to be a better way than endless conditioning, punishments, and grind culture, this conversation will give you a concrete, proven alternative.Subscribe to The Mental Mettle Podcast and start forging your 100% Mettle today.For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

Welcome back to The Mental Mettle Podcast with Coach Matt Thomann – the show where we break down the habits, mindset, and systems behind real mental toughness in sport and life.In this episode, Coach Adam Lewandowski of Andrew High School in Tinley Park shares how owning both your strengths and limitations is at the core of great coaching, leadership, and athlete development.We dig into:How his early experiences as a player shaped his coaching callingWhy unchecked ego gets in the way of growth and good decisionsThe impact of technology and modern youth sports on focus, commitment, and toughnessWhat he learned from coaching women’s professional footballHow he defines mental toughness and teaches it dailyWhy ownership and accountability are non-negotiable for playersBuilding a mission-driven program that develops champions on and off the fieldUsing community and service to build character, connection, and buy-inHow small, consistent actions create big results over timeIf you’re a coach, parent, or athlete who wants to build mentally tough competitors while still caring about character and community, this conversation will give you practical ideas you can use right away.Subscribe to The Mental Mettle Podcast and start forging your 100% Mettle today.For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

If your idea of toughness is resisting all change and never admitting your weaknesses, you’re blocking your own growth. It really is that simple.True strength means being willing to see where you fall short—and yes, even asking for help. It’s scary. It’s risky. But the reward is the chance to grow into a stronger, more honest version of yourself.I only learned to be vulnerable when I had no choice. After my stroke, I needed help—lots of it. That forced vulnerability led to some of the biggest growth of my life and opened my eyes to its power.The good news is, you don’t have to hit rock bottom to experience this. You can start small by finding an accountability partner. It’s a safe way to practice vulnerability, get honest feedback, and grow without having to go through a crisis first.In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, we dig into:Why “never show weakness” is actually holding you backHow vulnerability and asking for help can accelerate your growthWhat my stroke taught me about true toughnessHow to use an accountability partner to build mental mettle in a safe, structured wayIf you’re ready to redefine toughness and tap into real growth, this episode is for you.Subscribe to The Mental Mettle Podcast and start forging your 100% Mettle today.For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Thomann talks with former Purdue University captain and professional defender Maya Lambert about how  her soccer journey prepared her for life and work beyond the game.We talk about:How competing in the Big Ten and serving as a leader at Purdue shaped her confidence and communicationThe mental toughness and perspective she gained from recovering from injuryHer experience playing professionally in Kazakhstan and the UEFA Women’s Champions LeagueHow the habits of a high-level athlete—discipline, preparation, resilience, teamwork—translate directly to career successWhether you’re an athlete, coach, student, or young professional, Maya’s story offers practical insights on how to turn your sports experience into real-world strengths.Subscribe to The Mental Mettle Podcast and start forging your 100% Mettle today.Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

In Episode 133 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann breaks down his framework for **100% Mettle**—the ability to recognize your strengths and limitations in adversity while embracing the repetition of positive actions that demonstrate real growth and change.Every coaching session Coach Thomann delivers centers on this idea. Growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it requires adversity. Recognizing both your strengths and your limitations in the face of that adversity is crucial for seeing where you are and where you want to go. But recognition is only the start—it takes consistent repetition to make lasting change.  With individuals, teams, staffs, and groups of all kinds, Coach Thomann uses 9 core topics to help people forge a positive version of toughness—100% Mettle:1. **Focus on Controllables**     Rooted in Bandura’s self-efficacy: belief → motivation → success → happiness. Learn to separate what you can control from what you can’t and build your mindset around what’s truly in your hands. (See Ep. 63)2. **Values / Shared Values**     Going beyond “family, faith, and friends” to include values like work ethic, fairness, responsibility, security, and independence. Clarify your personal values and create shared values for your team. (See Ep. 46, Huey Built – Prairie Central)3. **Voice (Self-Talk)**     Your inner voice can be a precursor to anxiety and depression. Learn why negative self-talk isn’t “normal,” how 3rd-person self-talk helps, and how to turn your inner Saboteur from a Hater into a Wingman. (See Ep. 64)4. **Confidence**     Building evidence-based confidence instead of fake hype—having “enough” proof to trust yourself in big moments. (See Ep. 28 with Hallie Mitchell)5. **Mind–Body Connection**     Understanding fight-or-flight, long-term stress, and telomere shortening, plus how to activate the parasympathetic system and vagus nerve to handle pressure better. (See Ep. 37 with Megan Gilmore, Ep. 65)6. **Growth Mindset**     Based on Carol Dweck’s work—how you approach challenges, effort, criticism, and comparison, and how to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. (See Ep. 69)7. **Perspective**     Using creativity, metaphors, objects, and images to see yourself and your situation differently—because new perspectives lead to new actions.8. **Conflict Resolution / Team Toxins**     Drawing from John Gottman’s research and the “Four Horsemen” (criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, contempt) to identify and clean up the patterns that quietly damage teams. (See Ep. 27)9. **Gratitude**     Using Seligman’s research to build positivity, fight anxiety and depression, and deepen grit through giving, receiving, and practicing gratitude—for others and for yourself. (See Ep. 76, Ep. 85 – Monthly Challenge)In this episode, learn how these 9 topics fit together to build 100% Mettle—a durable, positive form of toughness you can apply in your life, work, and teams.Subscribe to The Mental Mettle Podcast and start forging your 100% Mettle today.Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

Derek Gordon is a Ministry Coordinator at a men’s homeless shelter in Peoria, and he understands the power of hope. In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Derek sits down with Coach Matt Thomann to discuss how his own mistakes—and his work at the shelter—have shaped his belief that hope is both necessary and, fortunately, an innate ability for moving forward.If you would like to learn more or donate to the shelter, reach them atPathway Ministries: From Poverty to Progress through Jesus - Pathway MinistriesSubscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

Coach Matt Thomann hosts The Mental Mettle Podcast with guest Brett Miller—Air National Guard Sergeant, Caterpillar auditor, youth coach, and founder of Way of the Warrior Leadership Academy. Brett takes us inside his Captain’s Class program, where athletes learn to lead themselves first, build real confidence through self-trust, and develop team cultures that outlast wins and losses.We dig into how Brett’s military, corporate, and coaching worlds cross-pollinate; why modeling behavior matters more than talking about it; and how structured challenge plus safe spaces help athletes grow on and off the field. Brett also shares the “Yes, and” mindset that helped his nonprofit pivot through setbacks.What you’ll learn:Lead yourself first: the 10 controllables that require zero talentCulture beats tactics: trust and accountability multiply performanceConfidence that sticks: anchor it to effort, preparation, and self-trustModeling over messaging: coaches’ behavior becomes team culturePurposeful adversity: why athletes should seek harder environmentsCaptain’s Class playbook: 3 nightly evolutions that build presence, mindset, and team skillsCreating safe spaces: improv, teach-backs, and group dialogue to spark growthSupporting injured athletes: identity, isolation, and peer-powered solutionsNonprofit realities: imposter moments, pivots, and “Yes, and” resiliencySubscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

If someone hands you a wrapped gift, you take it, open it, smile, and say thank you. But when someone gives you the gift of gratitude—a compliment—do you do the same? Or do you deflect it with “It was nothing” or “I just got lucky”? When we don’t accept thanks, we rob the giver of the good feelings that come from expressing it.In this Mental Mettle episode, Coach Thomann flips “Thanksgiving” into “Thanks Taking.” Practicing gratitude with others is great—and we should do it—but we also need to accept it, and recognize the good it does in us.What you’ll learn:How to take compliments without deflecting, and why it strengthens relationshipsHow to give yourself thanks so your brain learns what to repeatHow expressing gratitude to others also boosts your own mood and resilienceSubscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

Coach Thomann turns 50 this week, so on this week's episode he drops some knowledge about things he's learned from being a father, a husband, a teacher, a believer, and a coach.  Tune in to hear him talk about positivity, confidence, aggressive patience, living your 100, and forging your mettle!Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast with your host, Coach Matt Thomann. In this episode, we dive deep into the incredible journey of Robo Kreps, a former professional basketball player who has seamlessly blended his passion for the game with his unwavering faith.Join us as we explore Robo's unique mission to reach those "who aren't stepping into the church but could get saved in the gym." Discover how his foundation, which combines basketball training with spiritual guidance, is making a profound impact on young athletes across the nation.In "Basketballs and Bibles," Robo shares his personal transformation story, the founding of his nonprofit, and the powerful role of faith in his life. We delve into the concept of using sports as a platform for evangelism and how monthly donations are helping to spread this mission far and wide.Whether you're a basketball enthusiast, a seeker of faith, or someone interested in the intersection of sports and spirituality, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don't miss the chance to hear how Robo Kreps is using basketballs and Bibles to change lives on and off the court.Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

Welcome to "The Mental Mettle Podcast," hosted by Coach Matt Thomann! In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary 30-year coaching journey of Klay Wheeler, a seasoned coach who has impacted countless athletes across a wide range of sports. From basketball courts to football fields, Klay has seen it all and shares his invaluable insights on the evolving landscape of coaching.Join us as we explore Klay's diverse coaching experiences, the pivotal role of assistant coaches, and the increasing importance of positive psychology in sports today. Discover how Klay has adapted his coaching methods in response to the changing needs of athletes, particularly in the post-COVID era. Learn about the transition from traditional weightlifting to speed training and its impact on athletic performance and mental confidence.Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with wisdom on creating a supportive sports culture, the critical role of nutrition in performance, and fostering environments where athletes thrive. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business!Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

A few years ago, Jason Drengwitz noticed a problem.  He was asking the player of Normal Community Football to show mental strength, but he wasnt teaching how to be mentally strong.  He fixed that.   Now he uses intentional breathwork, love, and other methods to make sure his players build the mental strenght they need to continue their success.Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

The Monthly Mettle Challenge continues.   This month Coach Matt Thomann turns into Mr. Sandman and talks about sleep.    Due to his struggles with sleep and associated health issues, this a topic that Coach Thomann is passionate about.  Learn about the dangers of lack of sleep, the benefits, and learn some tips.    Sleep is not a nuisance or being lazy it is a mental and and physical superpower.  Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

Learn more about the Ember to Inferno program!  Welcome to "The Mental Mettle Podcast," where we dive into the strategies, stories, and insights that shape successful teams and resilient individuals. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Coach Tyler Erwin, the head men's basketball coach at Midland University, join us to explore the transformative power of a player-led team.Coach Tyler Erwin shares his journey from player to coach and the lessons he's learned along the way. Discover how empowering athletes to take ownership can elevate a team's performance and culture. Tyler outlines his five pillars of success—integrity, determination, selfless service, gratitude, and growth mindset—and explains how he integrates these values into Midland's basketball program. 🏀Key Takeaways:The importance of a player-led team and how it raises the ceiling for success.Building a strong team culture with collaborative input.Practical steps for fostering leadership and accountability among players.How gratitude and positivity contribute to a thriving team environment.Join us for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the court, offering insights applicable to any team or individual striving for excellence.Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links

In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, host Matt Thomann speaks with endurance athlete Pierce Showe about his journey into ultra marathons and the mental toughness required to succeed in endurance sports. They discuss the importance of mindset, the challenges of consecutive half marathons on a treadmill, and the experiences of running 200-mile races. Pierce shares insights on the power of positivity, faith, and resilience, as well as the significance of coaching and helping others achieve their goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting measurable goals, learning from failure, and the connection between toughness and faith in personal growth.Follow Pierce on Instagram and X @pierceshoweSubscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!For more information about Mental Mettle CoachingContact:  [email protected] a free coaching session with Coach ThomannOrder The Mental Mettle Podcast GearThe Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | BonfireMental Mettle Links