Episode 93: Hitting the Wall with Ryan Clanton, Iowa State OL Coach

March 10, 2025

Watch on Youtube Listen on Apple Podcasts

Every athlete knows the feeling: that moment when fatigue sets in, doubts creep in, and the finish line seems miles away. It's the dreaded "wall," and in this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, host Coach Matt Thomann explores how to conquer it with Ryan Clanton, the Offensive Line Coach for the Iowa State Cyclones.

From Garage to Gridiron: A Journey of Grit

Coach Clanton's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. From humble beginnings living in a garage to becoming a team captain at Oregon, Ryan shares the challenges he overcame and how they shaped his coaching philosophy. This story underscores the importance of appreciating the journey and making the most of every opportunity, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Building a Resilient Mindset: Preparing for Hardship

Coach Clanton emphasizes the importance of preparing athletes for the inevitable hardships they will face, both in sports and in life. He stresses the value of facing challenges head-on and using them as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach to mental toughness equips athletes with the tools to navigate adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.

Creating Ownership and Accountability: Fostering a Winning Culture

Coach Clanton shares practical strategies for fostering a sense of ownership and accountability among players, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and successful team.

The Power of Clear Communication

Coach Clanton underscores the critical role of effective communication in fostering understanding and clarifying expectations.

Embracing the Challenge: Pushing Through Your Own Walls

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or simply someone interested in personal development, this episode is packed with practical advice and motivational stories that will inspire you to embrace challenges and push through your own walls. By fostering a resilient mindset, building a supportive culture, and communicating effectively, you can navigate adversity and achieve your full potential, both on and off the field.

Contact coachthomann@gmail.com for more information.

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