World record holder Van Mathias joins the Mental Toughness Podcast with Dr. Rob Bell to discuss breaking the American record and world record in the 100-meter short course breaststroke on the same day

Van shares how stepping away from competitive swimming transformed his perspective, why he returned to the sport, and how training with Indiana University's elite swimmers helped him reach another level. The conversation explores mental toughness, confidence, coachability, gratitude, finding an identity beyond performance, and the importance of enjoying the journey while pursuing world-class goals.

0:52 Breaking the American Record and World Record on the Same Day

4:29 Doing the Work Nobody Wants to Do

7:09 Finding Areas to Improve Even After Breaking Records

9:30 The Power of Relays and Competing for Teammates

12:52 Building Confidence by Training at Race Speed

15:21 Stepping Away From Swimming and Rediscovering the Joy of Competition

18:59 Gratitude, Perspective, and Always Wanting More

21:09 Developing an Identity Beyond Swimming and Performance

23:15 The Humility of Wearing the Team USA Cap

26:48 Advice to Young Swimmers: Never Lose the Fun

30:23 Coachability and Learning From Great Coaches

37:38 Chasing Bigger Goals Without Losing Perspective

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Dr. Rob Bell

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Matt Sandlin is an endurance athlete and winner of the 2026 Prairie On Fire Backyard Ultra, where he pushed through 43 yards—nearly 180 miles—to become the last runner standing. His remarkable performance is a powerful example of mental toughness, resilience, and faith.

1:06 The Hinge Moment That Altered the Course of His Life

5:07 The 100-Mile Race That Changed Everything

7:50 The Hinge Moment That Changed His Running Career

10:48 Training to “Own the Night”

15:22 Finding God in the Quiet Miles

20:44 The Prayer Before Prairie on Fire

24:04 Experiencing the Holy Spirit During the Race

30:14 Just Get to the Next Tree

36:49 Using Running to Reflect Christ

41:35 Focus Only on the Light in Front of You

Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!

Follow At:

• X @drrobbell
• Instagram @drrobbell

5 Mental Toughness Advantages for Financial Advisors:

https://pages.drrobbell.com/

If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!

Dr. Rob Bell

Exclusive Podcast Partner:

Morton Brown Family Wealth

https://mortonbrownfw.com/

Webb Simpson, 2012 U.S. Open Champion, seven-time PGA TOUR winner, a former Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup competitor, shares insights on faith, mental toughness, hinge moments, and high performance.

2:42 The Origin of the Bible Caddie Podcast and a Friendship Built Through Golf and Faith

7:37 How Studying the Bible Shapes the Mental Approach to Life and Competition

11:39 Titus 3:3–7: A Favorite Bible Passage About Grace, Mercy, and Faith

14:21 How Fatherhood Deepens the Understanding of God’s Love

16:54 Living a Life That Others Are Watching

19:29 The Caddie Relationship That Helped Build Mental Toughness and Belief

23:46 Returning to a Long-Term Mindset Instead of Chasing Short-Term Results

25:12 Why Belief, Fundamentals, and Mental Toughness Have to Work Together

28:13 The Impact of Wake Forest Coach Jerry Haas On and Off the Golf Course

30:40 “Pleased, But Never Satisfied”: The Drive to Keep Getting Better

33:25 HINGE MOMENT: The Question That Changed the Mindset at the 2012 U.S. Open

35:00 Winning the U.S. Open by Focusing on the Process, Not the Leaderboard

39:33 Total Commitment: Why a Decision Means Eliminating Every Other Option

41:41 HINGE MOMENT: The Struggles That Made the 2018 PLAYERS Championship Victory So Meaningful

46:36 Remembering the Feeling of Walking to the 17th Hole at TPC Sawgrass

48:37 Why Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups Create a Different Kind of Pressure

52:28 Fight, Resolve, and the Spirit of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team

57:25 What Makes Scottie Scheffler a Once-in-a-Generation Golfer

Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!

Follow At:

• X @drrobbell
• Instagram @drrobbell

5 Mental Toughness Advantages for Financial Advisors:

https://pages.drrobbell.com/

If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!

Dr. Rob Bell

Exclusive Podcast Partner:

Morton Brown Family Wealth

https://mortonbrownfw.com/