The Mental Mettle Podcast

Join Matt Thomann and Guest Jamie Nixon on The Mental Mettle Podcast as they delve into the complexities of parenting young athletes. In this insightful episode, Matt shares his experiences and the lessons he's learned about managing expectations and providing the right support. This conversation is a must-watch for any parent looking to navigate the challenges of youth sports without the pre...

In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Tillman sits down with the inspiring Coach Hollis to explore the profound difference between success and significance. Discover how Coach Hollis fosters a culture of praise, effort, and gratitude in his team, leading to meaningful impacts on and off the field. Coach Hollis shares powerful insights on: The importance of celebrating effort ove...

In this insightful interview, Coach Olivia Lett shares her journey of building a successful basketball program, focusing on the importance of culture, resilience, and authentic leadership. Coach Lett discusses the significance of developing core values such as selflessness, authenticity, and being undeniable, and how these principles have shaped her teams' success both on and off the court. D...

 In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Coach Aaron Clark, who has mastered the art of developing young athletes into leaders, transcending the boundaries of sports. Coach Clark shares his innovative strategies for fostering leadership and personal growth within his teams. Discover how he leverages unique coaching techniques to instill confidence, discipline, and leadership qualit...

 In this compelling interview, join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Ryland Holt, exploring how he overcame adversity both on and off the basketball court. From being a late bloomer in high school to navigating the challenges of collegiate basketball and building a successful career in real estate, Ryland shares his insights on resilience, mental toughness, and the mindset needed to a...

In this episode, we discuss the transformative power of values in shaping organizational culture. In this insightful conversation with Coach Brody Walworth, we explore practical strategies for embedding core values into everyday practices, fostering resilience, and enhancing team dynamics. Discover how to cultivate a culture that not only embraces challenges but thrives on them, embodying a mindse...

Welcome to another episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast! Today, I sit down with Dayton Burnett, a former college football player turned athletic trainer, to explore the vital role that mindset plays in overcoming adversity both in sports and life. In this insightful conversation, we delve into: The challenges Dayton faced after a career-ending ACL injury. How he transformed his setback into a powe...

Welcome to the Mental Mettle Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Toby Vallas, the head football coach at Farmington High School, to explore the transformative power of social-emotional learning (SEL) in athletics. Coach Vallas shares his insights on how trauma-informed coaching, recognition and appreciation, regular check-ins, and a dedicated mental mindset can significantly enhance the stud...

Welcome back to The Mental Mettle Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Thornton, a high school basketball coach, girls' golf coach, and dedicated educator. Join us as we dive deep into the evolution of Ryan's coaching philosophy, the importance of building relationships, and how focusing on personal well-being can revolutionize your coaching approach. Don't miss out on thi...

Welcome to the latest episode of the "Mental Mettle Podcast" with your host, Coach Matt Thomann. In this episode, we sit down with Coach Seth Massey to dive deep into the evolving culture of sports and the critical role mental strength plays in today's athletic landscape. Join us as we discuss: Building and maintaining a strong team culture The importance of mental coaching alongsid...

Join host Matt Thomann as he chats with Coach Brad Soderberg from Virginia Basketball on this episode of the Mental Metal Podcast. They dive into the importance of grindability and core values in sports and life. Coach Soderberg shares his 39-year coaching experience, emphasizing humility, thankfulness, and staying true to one's values. Perfect for coaches, athletes, and anyone looking to str...

In this episode of the Mental Metal Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann interviews the legendary Coach Matt Long from Central Southeastern High School. With over 600 wins as the girls' coach, Coach Long shares his transformative coaching strategies, emphasizing the power of visualization, the importance of gratitude, and his practice mantra: "Do it right, do it light." He also discusses how...

A special episode required a special guest!  I finally interviewed my little brother about his basketball experience.  11 years of pro basketball and 4 years of college basketball were all guided by a phrase he learned in high school.  So, coaches, be aware your intentional coaching decisions make an impact!    Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann Order The Mental Mettle Podcast Gea...

Join me in a great conversation with Southwest Baptist assistant coach Vince Walker.  We talk about confidence, mindset, and even shooting slumps.    Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann Order The Mental Mettle Podcast Gear The Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | Bonfire Mental Mettle Coaching specializes in providing comprehensive mental performance coaching services to athlete...

Coach and athletic director, Ryan Hamilton, recently hired Mental Mettle Coaching to work with several of his high school coaches.   His goal was simple, he wanted to give them tools they could use to help them better help their athletes.   In this episode, we discuss the Ember to Inferno program provided by Mental Mettle coaching, and how he is already seeing benefits in his programs.   Schedule...

Coach Herm spent his youth developing his basketball skills and his mental skills.  It allowed him to be successful at the high school, college, and professional levels.   Now he helps other young basketball players do the same.    Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann Order The Mental Mettle Podcast Gear The Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | Bonfire Mental Mettle Coaching spec...

Joni Nightingale has been the head coach of the Dee-Mack Lady Chiefs for 3 seasons, and every year they have set the school record for wins in a season.    She is humble enough to know she has had help from others, but her communication and her care for her players are an enormous factor as well. Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann Order The Mental Mettle Podcast Gear The Mental Me...

Craig Lambert was the Chief Sportswriter for Harvard Magazine for 26 years, so he knows a thing or two about high-level Student-Athletes.   Now he is using that experience to write his new book "The Signature Game" which helps young athletes learn to play their game in their way, despite what modern analytics and "best practices" say are best for a young athlete. Schedule a fre...

Margaret Lehr was the IHSA female wrestler in Illinois.  She knows her toughness is due to this intentional adversity in her youth and she now preaches that idea to her athletes at Normal West High School. Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann Order The Mental Mettle Podcast Gear The Mental Mettle Podcast | Official Gear | Bonfire Mental Mettle Coaching specializes in providing compr...

This episode stands as a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Dylan Bazzell and Drew Fehr, whose lives were tragically cut short in an accident on March 20, 2023. Darin Bazzell, not only the father of Dylan but also the coach of Drew, reminisces about their vibrant lives and the positive impact they left behind. In the wake of this devastating loss, Darin has courageously sought ways to navigate for...

"Just keep living", that's what doctors told Savannah Jost to do when she was diagnosed with Lymphoma during her Freshman year of high school.   So she did.  She kept playing the same way she always had.  She faced every game and every obstacle in a spirited and resilient way.   A true example of mental mettle!  Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann Order The Mental Me...

Jeff Henry has spent over 30 years coaching multiple high school sports at Rockridge High School.   He knows something about athletes, mentality, and the benefits of being a multiple sport athlete.  If you are unsure what to tell your athlete in today's specialized word, listen to this episode.   Mental Mettle Coaching Links.   Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann https://calen...

Reggie is a former Marine Corps Martial Arts instructor, BJJ purple belt, and owner of Embrace Process, a non-profit Jiu-Jitsu program for at-risk kids.  From personal experience, he knows that a growth mindset is the key for many kids in tough situations.  Jiu Jitsu can create that growth mindset.  Use the code "mettle" for a 20% discount on the Embrace Process Presale ending on 3/15/24...

An absolute legend, Coach Kearns is thought to be the first woman to both play and coach in the NCAA tournament, and she did it all for Millikin University, an NCAA Division 3 school in Decatur, IL.   In her coaching career, she won 548 games, 11 CCIW conference titles, and one National Championship.  She is one of the most competitive, successful, respected, and loved coaches I have ever met.   Y...

Tammy Barlette knows confidence under pressure.     She is a graduate of the USAF Weapon School, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and she's a mom.    She's also a coach who now teaches cockpit confidence to civilian pilots.   Check out her links here.  CrossCheck:  COACHING (tammybarlette.com) Athena's Voice: Tammy "G." Barlette — Athena's Voice (athenas...