The Mental Mettle Podcast

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Dee-Mack Football Coach Cody Myers to explore what makes it truly special to be a Chief. From celebrating student-athlete achievements to creating a culture of pride and ownership, Cody shares how he’s using positivity to transform his program. Learn how Cody leverages social media to highlight the small wins, builds...

Join Coach Matt Thomann in this inspiring episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast as he interviews Mike Kohl, head football coach and athletic director at Bradley Bourbonnais High School. Discover the powerful concept of "mudita," the joy in celebrating the success of others, and how it transforms team dynamics. Mike shares his journey of evolving from a results-driven coach to one focused...

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Thomann dives into the transformative power of gratitude as the focus of January's Monthly Mental Mettle Challenge. Featuring insights from a live coaching session with Megan Gilmore—founder of Lark’s Song and an exceptional coach—this episode highlights how intentional gratitude practices can build resilience, enhance happiness, and unlock...

In this episode, Coach Troy Allen shares his invaluable insights on building stronger teams and supporting coaches for long-term success. With a focus on developing both athletes and coaching staff, Troy discusses the importance of fostering a positive culture and providing the right resources to help coaches thrive. From overcoming challenges to the impact of a coach who works with other coaches,...

In this episode, Pastor Ryan Weaver shares his powerful insights on developing holistic mental toughness by integrating mind, body, and spirit. Through personal stories and lessons on faith, resilience, and self-reflection, Ryan challenges us to embrace silence, show up consistently, and redefine what true toughness means. From overcoming struggles to setting goals for growth, his perspective will...

In this holiday-themed episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Thomann helps you tackle your "inner Grinch"—that voice inside that sabotages your happiness and growth. Just like the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas , we all have moments where negativity takes over, especially around the pressures of the holiday season. But this Christmas, it’s time to take control. Using ins...

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Thomann talks with Luke Carmody, the inspiring leader behind one of the most remarkable turnarounds in high school football. Last year, his team finished 0-9; this year, they achieved an incredible 10-1 record. Coach Carmody shares how he built a culture of accountability, resilience, and unity, rallying his players and community with the mindse...

 Unlock the secrets to success both on and off the court with Coach Thomann's ACE mentality—Attitude, Communication, and Effort. This episode dives deep into controlling the controllables, building mental toughness, and using basketball as a tool for growth. Learn how to shift your focus, master your mindset, and bring your best self to every challenge. Whether you're a player, coach, or...

Coach Mueller won a State Championship with Deer Creek-Mackinaw, an all-time program in IHSA, and he now coaches a program that he had to build from scratch. Regardless of the situation, he understands that building relationships is key to building a program.   Whether you're a coach, player, or sports enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into building successful teams and overco...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Steven Rankin as he shares his transformative journey from a struggling athlete to a passionate trainer. In this episode, we dive into the challenges he faced in sports, the injuries that shaped his path, and how he discovered a deeper purpose beyond athletics. Steven discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset while navigating the pressures...

 In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Mike Burris joins Coach Thomann to share his journey of building a winning culture from the ground up. Burris, assistant coach for IU Indy men’s basketball, discusses the importance of focusing on daily growth, instilling mental toughness, and embracing adversity as a key part of success. Learn how Burris and his team attack every day, from pra...

 In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Matt Thomann dives deep into the three G's —Grit, Grace, and Gratitude. He explains why practicing these qualities is key to personal growth, mental toughness, and long-term success. Feeling like giving yourself grace or thanks is strange? You're not alone. But Coach Thomann shares why it's essential to get past that awkwardness...

In this special episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Matt Thomann is joined by Super Bowl champion Jack Cornell, who shares his journey through the highs and lows of elite sports. Together, they discuss the critical role of resilience, consistency, conviction, and personal growth in both sports and life. Jack Cornell, who played at the University of Illinois and earned a Super Bowl ring, o...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we dive into the incredible journey of JJ Guedet, an offensive lineman at Illinois State University. In this candid conversation, JJ shares the challenges he's faced throughout his six-year college football career, including injuries and the drive to persevere despite setbacks. Discover how he learned to embrace the grind, focusing on what he can control a...

Casey Thomann, a 3-star recruit for Olney High School and a 3-sport athlete, has helped lead the Olney Tigers from an 0-9 season last year to an undefeated season this year. His hard work and confidence have been key in changing the team's mindset. As a client of Mental Mettle Coaching, Casey uses mental tools to enhance his mindset and boost his confidence both on and off the field. This epi...

Join Coach Thomann in this inspiring episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast as he sits down with Sarah Smith-Raschen, a trailblazing female football official. In this candid conversation, Sarah shares her journey into a male-dominated field, discussing the challenges she faced and the determination that drives her to succeed. Discover the importance of hard work, perseverance, and mental toughness a...

 In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Thomann catches up with Coach Shubert, discussing the importance of hard work, patience, and building a strong team culture. Coach Shubert, a role model both on and off the field, shares insights from his coaching journey and the lessons learned from leading by example. Whether it's teaching dual-credit science classes, managing a farm, or...

Join Dan Cox, Superintendent of Rochester Schools, as he and Coach Thomann explore the power of intentional adversity in driving growth and personal development. Dan shares his insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of discipline, and how coaching can shape resilience in both student-athletes and educators. Discover how facing adversity with intention unlocks personal strengths and fost...

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Thomann dives into the power of the growth mindset and how it can transform not only athletes but entire families. If your child is struggling with confidence, plateauing in their sport, or facing challenges, this episode offers insights into how mindset coaching can reignite their passion and unlock their potential. Coach Thomann explains how ad...

 In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann dives into the critical conversation about mental health in athletics and beyond. He highlights the work of Mackenzie Nelson and her impactful initiative, "Stay Another Day," which aims to raise awareness and provide support for those struggling with mental health challenges. Matt discusses the importance of equipping youn...

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Hall of Fame basketball coach Dave Witzig to discuss the power of intention and patience in coaching. Dave shares how he reshaped his life and career by focusing on his family and mission as a coach. From learning leadership development to embracing growth through patience, Coach Witzig’s journey offers valuable insig...

In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann talks with Lauren Getz, a former elite volleyball player who shares her journey of overcoming challenges through mental toughness. Discover how Lauren, despite her incredible physical abilities, had to learn the importance of being "locked in" mentally to navigate team dynamics and personal struggles. Learn valuable insight...

 In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast , Coach Matt Thomann dives into the power of mindfulness and breathwork as essential tools for athletes to manage stress and build mental toughness. Learn how practicing these techniques can empower you to control your reactions in high-pressure situations, both in sports and life. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, discover practical str...

In this episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann explores how parents can shape their children's inner voices through positive self-talk. Learn practical tips to create a truthful, empowering narrative for young athletes and understand the long-term benefits of mastering your inner dialogue. Like, share, and subscribe for more insights on fostering mental toughness and resilie...

In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann discusses the importance of developing mental toughness in young athletes by using focused praise. Learn how to steer clear of uncontrollable factors like officials and coaches, and instead, emphasize effort, attitude, and decisions. Coach Matt shares practical tips for parents to help their kids focus on what they can control, foste...