In this powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, championship football coach Tim Racki opens up about his personal journey through mental health struggles, burnout, identity, and self-reflection. With humor, honesty, and heart, Tim shares how success on the outside can mask deep internal battles—and how he's rewriting his life's playbook.

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Mental Health Quote from the Episode

“You can be confident without being a bragging asshole. I just started practicing what I preach—and it’s changing everything.” — Tim Racki

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Episode Description

This candid conversation with Tim Racki—a 10× State Champion Coach and Hall of Famer—unpacks the emotional toll of leadership and the silence behind success. Despite public accolades, Tim reveals how coaching masked internal turmoil, how performance identity shaped his personal life, and why he finally made the decision to care for his mental health.

He talks about the moment of clarity that sparked change, the deep shame he felt, and how daily habits are helping him rebuild trust in himself and reconnect with his family. Tim’s story is a roadmap for any man struggling with unspoken emotions or feeling trapped by expectations.

SEO Keywords: masculinity and mental health, coaching and burnout, men’s mental wellness, mental health in sports, emotional resilience, athlete identity crisis, performance anxiety, leadership and therapy, mental health for men, fatherhood and vulnerability

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Meet Our Guest: Tim Racki

Tim Racki – 10× State Champion Coach | Hall of Famer | Mental Resilience Advocate

Tim Racki is one of the most accomplished high school football coaches in the United States. Over a 26-year head coaching career, he's secured 10 Illinois state titles, made 12 state title appearances, and built powerhouse programs with lasting legacies. Beyond wins, Tim is known for his integrity, mentorship, and transformational leadership.

But behind the accolades is a deeply human story of depression, identity crisis, and the struggle to balance coaching with fatherhood and marriage. Today, Tim speaks openly about mental health in leadership and the importance of vulnerability, reflection, and small daily changes.

Connect with Tim Racki:

Twitter: https://x.com/CoachRacki

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576018534735

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachracki

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachracki/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-racki-a43294a/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/coachracki

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Key Takeaways

• Even championship leaders can feel lost—success doesn’t equal peace.


• Vulnerability and presence are more powerful than titles.


• Mental health for men is overdue for normalization, especially in coaching culture.

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Actionable Items

• Start each day with one intentional change that prioritizes your mental wellness.


• Reflect on how you're showing up at home, not just at work or in your leadership role.


• Listen to your own advice. If you support others, offer that same compassion to yourself.

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Chapter Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome + Football roots & identity


• 04:00 – Childhood, coaching influences, and early trauma


• 08:00 – Playing through pain & performance anxiety


• 13:00 – Standing up to bullies & leadership lessons


• 18:00 – Coaching wins vs. personal losses


• 20:00 – The epiphany moment: March madness and a friend’s confession


• 24:00 – Shame, presence, and learning to be a better husband and father


• 30:00 – Small habits that sparked massive change


• 34:00 – Applying the coaching playbook to his own life


• 38:00 – Advice for other men and coaches facing mental health challenges


• 42:00 – Listener questions: self-care, balance, and theme songs


• 46:00 – How to connect with Tim Racki

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#ToughConversations

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Audio Editing by NJz Audio