The Mental Mettle Podcast

“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 Stewartville 8 years as he...

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...

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 choi...

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 communication The mental toughness and perspective she gained from recoveri...

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. Rec...

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...

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...

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...

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 a...

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 ch...

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...

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 coa...

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.  ...

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. Co...

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 p...

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Sean Taylor of Moline Boys Basketball shares his philosophy on developing leaders within his program. Instead of forcing leadership, he creates space for his players to grow into it, allowing each athlete to find their own voice and role on the team. Coach Taylor and Coach Thomann discuss the balance between structure and freedom, the importance...

Coach Jamie Kromm believes in ripples.   She believes in focusing on building mental traits that will help basketball players not only on the court but in life.  Using Kamp Kromm she helps young hoopers develop traits that will affect them now and forever.    Join Coach Matt Thomann as he sits down with Coach Kromm.   Together, they discuss the power of mental coaching in athletes.   Subscribe for...

Tim Meiss has been coaching for more than half a century, but he continues to find ways to improve.  In this episode, Coach Thomann talks to him about why he believes that mental training is the next evolution in basketball coaching.  We also talk identity, faith, and hoops.   Coach Meiss has 5 decades of experience, don't miss out!   Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches...

Whatever we put our time and effort into, we improve on.  If you want more happiness and fulfillment in your life, you have to spend time being intentionally positive.  It's not hard, but you have to be intentional about it.  Our natural default is negativity, so it takes purpose to move forward in positivity.     Coach Thomann discusses the research and tools that can help you help yourself....

Greg Tonagel won 500 games faster than any coach in collegiate history.  He also has 3 National Championships as the Head Coach at Indiana Wesleyan University.  He wins, and he does not with Xs and Os, but with unified hearts and fearless minds.    If you want to gain insight into how to coach with a positive and transformational attitude, this episode is for you.    Do not miss it.    Subscribe f...

Welcome to The Mental Mettle Podcast! In this episode, we're joined by the inspiring JaDawn Bryant, a dynamic coach and evangelist who seamlessly blends faith with her approach to leadership and coaching. Discover how JaDawn's journey from athlete to a celebrated coach is deeply rooted in her unwavering faith and commitment to integrity. 🏀🙏 JaDawn shares her insights on: Building a res...

In this powerful episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Thomann delves into the inspiring story of Zach Cleveland, a dedicated basketball player from Liberty University, who shares how his faith in God has shaped his life both on and off the court.  Listen as Zach opens up about: The transformative role of his faith in Jesus Christ in defining his identity beyond basketball. How staying conne...

Join us in this insightful episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, where we sit down with Coach Abe Zeller, head basketball coach of Morton Potters, to explore the deeper dimensions of coaching beyond the scoreboard.  In this conversation, Coach Zeller shares his philosophy on prioritizing growth, development, and life skills over mere victories. We delve into: The importance of building relationshi...

In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, we delve into the transformative power of visualization and explore why it's an underutilized tool for achieving peak performance.  Discover the science behind how visualization activates neural pathways, enhances neuroplasticity, and boosts psychological readiness—key elements for success in any field. Join us as we talk with Dana Thomann, who sh...

Welcome to another episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast with your host, Coach Matt Thomann!  In this episode, we delve into an inspiring story of resilience and transformation. Join Matt as he sits down with Anna Pavey, an amateur endurance athlete and nonprofit executive, who shares her incredible journey of overcoming a rare autoimmune disease. Anna opens up about how her faith and determination...