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

In Episode 143 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with performance coach, keynote speaker, and author Travis Thomas to explore a surprising idea: improv isn’t just for comedians—it might be one of the most powerful mental performance tools you’re not using yet.​

Improv meets high performance

Travis shares how he went from a self-described “mediocre D3 soccer player” to working with organizations like U.S. Soccer, the New York Yankees, Miami Marlins, Georgia Football, and top corporate teams—all through the unlikely bridge of improvisational comedy. What started as evening improv classes in Boston turned into decades on stage and, eventually, a unique niche in mindset, leadership, and team culture coaching.​

Why improv works for athletes and coaches

Throughout the conversation, Travis breaks down how core improv principles map directly onto mental performance:

• The “Yes, And” mindset as a framework for acceptance, adaptability, and collaboration—on a team, in a locker room, or in your family.​

• Simple games like “word toss” that pull athletes out of overthinking and anxiety and bring them back into the present moment in under 60 seconds.​

• Seeing performance as improvisation: you prepare like crazy, but once the whistle blows, your real job is to respond to what’s actually happening, not what was “supposed” to happen.​

Whether you’re coaching middle schoolers or elite pros, these tools give you a language and structure for presence, connection, and resilience.

Confidence, belief, and the real “reset button”

One of the most powerful parts of the episode is Travis’ challenge to how we talk about confidence. He argues that confidence is often overrated and misunderstood—and that courage, commitment, and belief in your preparation are more reliable anchors on game day.​

You’ll hear:

• The difference between confidence (a feeling that swings) and belief (a steadier trust in your work and skills).​

• How to help athletes create their own “reset button” when their nervous system is spinning—whether through breath work, improv games, or other simple mindfulness habits.​

• How shifting from internal, me-focused thinking (“How am I playing?”) to external, team-focused thinking (“How can I make my teammate look brilliant?”) can pull you out of a slump and transform team culture.​

Coaches and parents will also appreciate the discussion on how “Yes, And” can replace the classic “compliment sandwich” and reduce the constant “yes, but…” negativity athletes are used to hearing.​

Who this episode is for

If you work with people under pressure—on the field, court, stage, or in the boardroom—this conversation is packed with practical tools you can start using immediately. Athletes, coaches, parents, and leaders will walk away with new ways to:​

• Reset when anxiety spikes

• Stay present in big moments

• Build a more connected, positive, and courageous team culture

Connect with Travis Thomas

• Website: https://www.liveyesand.com

• Book: Live Yes, And: What Improv Taught Me About Leadership, Teamwork, and the Meaning of Life

• Book: Confidence Is Overrated (add your purchase link here)

If this episode hits home, subscribe, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share it with a coach, athlete, or parent who needs these tools.​

For more from Mental Mettle Coaching:

• Sign up for the FREE Resilient Parents Playbook: https://www.resilientparentsplaybook.com

• Contact Coach Matt: matt@mentalmettlecoach.com

• Learn more: https://www.mentalmettlecoach.com

• Schedule a free coaching session with Coach Thomann.​