Episode 86: The Process-Driven Approach in Coaching with Mike Kohl

January 20, 2025

Watch on Youtube Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this enlightening episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Mike Kohl, head football coach and athletic director at Bradley Bourbonnais High School, to explore the transformative power of a process-driven approach in coaching.

Embracing "Mudita" in Coaching

Mike Kohl introduces us to the powerful concept of "mudita," a Buddhist term that describes the joy derived from delighting in others' well-being. This principle forms the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of celebrating team members' successes over individual achievements.

From Results to Process

Kohl shares his journey of evolving from a results-oriented coach to one who prioritizes the process. He explains how this shift has positively impacted his team's performance and, more importantly, the players' personal growth and well-being.

Building a Culture of Gratitude

One of the key takeaways from the episode is the importance of fostering a culture of gratitude within the team. Kohl discusses practical strategies for implementing gratitude practices, such as:

Daily recognition of teammates' efforts
Encouraging players to express appreciation for each other
Incorporating gratitude exercises into team routines

Mental Toughness Through Character Development

Kohl emphasizes that mental toughness isn't just about enduring hardship but also about building character. He shares insights on how coaches can help young athletes develop resilience, focus, and a growth mindset through intentional practices and positive reinforcement.

The Impact of Process-Driven Coaching

Perhaps the most striking revelation from the interview is Kohl's observation that his players don't feel "less than" after a loss or "greater than" after a win. This emotional stability, he argues, is a direct result of focusing on the process rather than just the outcome.This episode offers valuable insights for coaches, educators, and leaders in any field who are looking to build mentally tough, resilient, and supportive teams. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most innovative coaches in high school athletics!

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Episode 156: Raising Superheroes: Megan Gilmore on Mental Health & Well‑Being for Kids

In Episode 156 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Megan Gilmore, founder and executive director of Larksong, certified coach, and author, to talk about why mental health and well-being skills should start much earlier than most people think. The conversation makes a clear case that kids benefit from learning these tools early, just like they do with physical health habits.

Episode 155: Time on Feet: How Kyle Thompson Uses Adversity to Chase Excellence

In Episode 155 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Regional Superintendent and ultramarathoner Kyle Thompson shares how “time on feet” in the mountains has shaped the way he leads, parents, and lives. His story is a powerful look at intentional adversity, resilience, and what it means to choose hard things on purpose so you’re better prepared for the hard things life brings your way.

Why Individual Mental Performance Coaching Matters for Athletes

Athletes train their bodies, sharpen their skills, and study the game, but many still struggle when pressure rises. Individual mental performance coaching helps bridge that gap by teaching athletes how to think, respond, and compete with more confidence, composure, and control.

Episode 154: Secrets Behind the Third Skill Set: Mental Performance

Most athletes train hard in two areas: sport skills and strength. But there’s a third skill set that often gets ignored, and it may be the one that matters most when pressure hits. In Episode 154 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann breaks down the real difference-maker in sports performance: mental performance.

Ember to Inferno: Building Mentally Tough Athletes Through Coach Development

Coaches spend countless hours perfecting physical training and game strategies, but mental toughness—the ability to thrive under pressure, regulate emotions, and respond to adversity—often gets overlooked. That's where Ember to Inferno comes in.

Episode 111: Tips for Mastering the Mental Game with Coach Brandon Beery

How do elite athletes and coaches rise above the noise, pressure, and setbacks to achieve peak performance? In Episode 111 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann and fellow mindset coach Brandon Beery break down the science and art of mastering the mental game.

View all