The BTB Project Podcast

Kollman Gearhart
  • 5.0 (9)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the BTB Project (Built to Be Project): Empowering listeners to discover their purpose and live their best lives, regardless of circumstances. As a former athlete and motivational coach, I've spent the last 20 years inspiring thousands through my story, helping individuals, teams, and organizations achieve their true potential. Prepare to be inspired by featured guests from various fields, including athletics, business, entrepreneurship, science, fitness, and nutrition. Remember, impossible is nothing. Together, we will strive to become 1% better with each episode.

  1. The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness: Kaeden Dendorfer The Journey Through College Running & Beyond

    6D AGO

    The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness: Kaeden Dendorfer The Journey Through College Running & Beyond

    Get ready to be inspired. Kaeden Dendorfer’s story isn’t just about running; it’s about resilience, purpose, and pushing beyond every limit that tries to hold us back. If you’re chasing a dream, navigating change, or hungry for that next jump, this episode will fuel your fire. In this episode: Kaeden shares how a high school championship ignited his passion for greatnessThe intense reality of training alongside national-level athletes at Butler UniversityThe mental and emotional hurdles of transitioning between programs and seeking clarityHow he leverages team culture and leadership to elevate everyone around himThe importance of discipline over motivation in the pursuit of excellenceWhy Kaeden believes success is about becoming the best version of yourself, not hitting specific timesHis thoughts on the power of self-awareness, transparency, and intentional growthThe role of sport science and academics in fueling his athletic journeyThe significance of embracing setbacks as setups for breakthroughsHis vision for future coaching and cultivating championship-level teamsTimestamps:00:24 - Introduction: The relentless spirit of Kaeden Dendorfer00:42 - From Colorado to the NCAA transfer portal: a journey of resilience03:03 - High school championships and the DNA of competitive greatness05:03 - The emotional weight of winning a Colorado state championship07:39 - Life as a Division I runner: training, mileage, and the grind09:56 - Transitioning from high school to college: growth, challenges, and maturity13:32 - College debut race: breaking barriers with an 8K time of 25:0816:36 - The discipline that defines success: pushing through discomfort18:07 - Navigating the transfer portal: a conversation with his coach19:41 - The power of team culture and being a "glue guy"21:06 - Balancing academics and athletics: a 3.6 GPA in kinesiology24:04 - The mental toughness behind tough workouts and setbacks27:03 - Kaeden’s burning desire to help others and coach someday29:15 - The qualities that make him an asset to any program31:36 - Making peace with the sport of running: control, expectations, and growth33:19 - The unending pursuit of self-improvement: metaphors for success34:17 - Final words: perseverance, character, and relentless passion Stay relentless, stay authentic, and remember: it’s not just about crossing the finish line it’s about how you become the person who can. Your journey to greatness starts now. Your truth is worth chasing. Don't hold back.

    35 min
  2. Be Where Your Feet Are: Master the Power of Presence & Stop Living in the Past or Future

    APR 21

    Be Where Your Feet Are: Master the Power of Presence & Stop Living in the Past or Future

    Are you physically in one place but mentally somewhere else? In this powerful BTB Short, Kollman Gearhart explores why being where your feet are is the foundation of becoming who you're truly Built To Be. If you're constantly replaying past regrets, traumas, or guilt or racing ahead with future anxiety and pressure you're missing the only moment that actually matters: right now. Kollman shares raw insights from his own journey healing generational family trauma and helps you understand how unprocessed pain lives in your body, dysregulates your nervous system, spikes cortisol, and blocks clarity, creativity, and growth. You'll learn practical tools to return to the present, regulate your nervous system, make peace with your past without blame or victim mode, and take intentional action every single day. Why presence is biological, not just mindset, and how it affects your nervous system, decision-making, and relationshipsHow to stop suppressing trauma and start facing it so it stops controlling your futureThe simple daily check-in: "Where are my feet right now?"5 minutes of stillness & breathwork to reset and feel safe in the presentEmotional honesty journaling: What did I feel today? What triggered me? What am I avoiding?One intentional action per day to align with the person you're becomingThis episode is for athletes, coaches, high-performers, and anyone tired of living scattered ready to build a life rooted in clarity instead of chaos. Chapters (00:00) Welcome to the BTB Short (00:23) The Cost of Not Being Present (02:19) You Can't Become Who You're Built To Be If You're Not Where Your Feet Are (03:41) How Past & Future Destroy Presence (05:28) Kollman's Story: Healing Generational Trauma (07:41) Why Presence Is Everything – Goals, Relationships & Legacy (09:18) The Biology of Presence: Nervous System Regulation (10:51) The Shift: Making Peace With Your Past (13:27) 4 Practical BTB Tools for Daily Presence (15:09) Tool 1: Where Are My Feet? Check-In (16:10) Tool 2: 5 Minutes of Stillness & Breathwork (18:21) Tool 3: Emotional Honesty Journaling (20:08) Tool 4: One Intentional Action Per Day (21:10) Final Message: Live Fully in the Present Be where your feet are. Your future is built in this moment. 🎧 Listen now and start training presence into your daily life. Grab the free BTB Blueprint Quick-Start Guide (with worksheets for presence & persistence) If this hit home, like, save, and share this episode with someone who needs to come back to the present. Tag them below or send it to a teammate, friend, or family member. New here? Subscribe to The BTB Project for weekly mindset shifts, BTB Blueprint steps, and inspiring comeback stories from athletes and coaches. Follow on YouTube @thebtbproject Instagram @the_btb_project_ Kollman Gearhart – Former athlete, motivational coach, and host helping you discover your purpose and live your best life. #BTBProject #BeWhereYourFeetAre #Presence #Mindset #MentalToughness #NervousSystemRegulation #PersonalGrowth #OvercomeTrauma

    21 min
  3. From Medical Mystery to UPenn Tennis: How Jonah Chernett Built Unbreakable Spirit & Mental Toughness

    APR 14

    From Medical Mystery to UPenn Tennis: How Jonah Chernett Built Unbreakable Spirit & Mental Toughness

    This episode dives deep into the remarkable journey of Jonah Chernett a high school tennis star from Michigan who faced a life-altering medical mystery. His story is a raw, impactful testament to resilience, mental toughness, and finding victory beyond victory on the court. In this episode: Jonah shares how a sudden health crisis nearly ended his tennis careerThe intense 10-month journey of misdiagnoses, treatments, and setbacksThe discovery of a rare genetic condition that changed everythingHow he maintained his mental toughness through the darkest daysThe lessons learned about character, perseverance, and self-beliefWhy health and happiness now define his version of successHis upcoming journey at UPenn and his outlook on life and tennisTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Jonah Chernett’s inspiring story02:01 - The day everything changed: Jonah’s health crisis begins03:07 - The mysterious symptoms and initial setbacks04:36 - The long search for answers: doctors, scans, and uncertainty05:02 - The relief and hope from medication that helped temporarily06:46 - The heartbreak of relapses and the toll on mental health07:29 - How support from family, especially his dad, kept him going08:58 - The influence of childhood friends and early inspirations09:52 - The turning point: embracing team and community12:20 - The importance of character over rankings in recruiting14:52 - How Jonah’s perspective shifted after his health challenges16:14 - What makes a tennis champion mentally tough18:03 - Overcoming nerves and building confidence20:23 - The latest diagnoses and the shocking genetic revelation23:29 - Lessons learned about self-worth and identity25:40 - The lowest points and moments of profound doubt28:42 - Rebuilding strength and resilience after losing everything34:20 - Connecting the dots: the true cause of Jonah’s health struggles37:15 - The groundbreaking diagnosis: DLD deficiency and dietary changes39:29 - Approaching life with gratitude and purpose44:18 - The college recruiting journey: from doubt to opportunity47:40 - The profound impact of character and compassion50:27 - Defining success beyond tennis52:45 - Words of encouragement for young athletes and dreamers53:50 - Final thoughts: impossible truly means nothing

    53 min
  4. Stop Playing It Safe: Live Your Boldest Life Now

    APR 8

    Stop Playing It Safe: Live Your Boldest Life Now

    Are you tired of looking back with regrets? This episode ignites your courage to step out of safety and into the life you were meant to live. Because the truth is your potential doesn't wait. It demands action, one small step at a time. In this episode: Why so many stay stuck in comfort zones instead of chasing their dreamsThe real cost of playing it safe for decadesHow to start small today and build unstoppable momentumThe myth that confidence comes before actionPractical ways to tear down fear and get started nowThe power of vulnerability and honest conversations in transformationWhy most regret what they didn't try, not how they failedHow a single decision can set a life-changing ripple in motionTimestamps:00:00 - The truth about playing it safe and regret01:03 - Why fear keeps us from living boldly02:05 - The danger of staying in an unfulfilling job or relationship03:02 - How stepping into uncertainty is brave and necessary04:00 - The paralysis of overthinking vs confidence from action04:57 - Small starts: the secret to long-term change07:19 - Momentum in careers: small steps lead to new opportunities08:59 - Vulnerability in relationships: the small act that changes everything10:13 - Recognizing what you already know you need to do11:14 - Playing it safe vs growth—what’s worth the risk?12:15 - Practical ways to start today with one simple step13:52 - How each step builds belief, growth, and transformation14:33 - Will your life be comfortable or meaningful? The choice is yoursResources & Links:Remember, you only get this one life. The question is — will you play safe or live boldly? The choice is yours, starting today.

    15 min
  5. Embrace the Messy Middle: Your Path to Growth & Transformation

    APR 1

    Embrace the Messy Middle: Your Path to Growth & Transformation

    This episode dives deep into the often-overlooked middle stage of growth where real transformation happens. If you've ever felt stuck, doubtful, or tired in your journey, this is your wake-up call to keep pushing, leaning into discomfort, and knowing you're building resilience whether in health, relationships, or dreams. In this episode: The truth about growth and stormy seasonsWhy the middle is the most crucial part of any journeyHow to stay committed when results aren’t visibleThe biblical lesson of storms and promisesPractical steps to navigate the messy middle with grit and purpose. Chapters: 00:00 - Why growth is uncomfortable and storms are part of the journey02:08 - The overlooked importance of the messy middle in life03:31 - The middle as the space where true strength is built04:16 - Why starting excites us but the middle tests us hard05:14 - The reality of progress stalls and doubts creep in06:22 - The challenge of seeing results in health and fitness07:28 - How the middle affects career ambitions and growth08:18 - Building resilience in relationships through adversity09:40 - Growth is messy; why perfection is a myth10:06 - The biblical storm on the Sea of Galilee as a lesson11:10 - The middle as the space where discipline and character develop12:08 - Five practical ways to navigate the messy middle13:52 - Expect resistance and embrace discomfort14:18 - Trust the process, the most exciting part of growth15:01 - You are being built in the middle—resilient and strong15:48 - The call to action: keep going, you're worth it Remember, the middle is where you’re forged into your strongest self. Keep going. You've got this.

    17 min
  6. Break Through Your Limits: Everett Smulders shares how an insecure kid became a Sub-4 miler, Entrepreneur, and World Class Coach

    MAR 24

    Break Through Your Limits: Everett Smulders shares how an insecure kid became a Sub-4 miler, Entrepreneur, and World Class Coach

    You’ve never heard a story quite like this an NCAA All-American, SEC champion, and ultra marathoner who went from feeling inadequate to smashing the four-minute mile. Everett Smulders reveals the gritty journey of battling insecurities, risking everything, and tapping into an unshakable drive to succeed. In this episode, Everett breaks down how you can harness your inner strength, push past setbacks, and create a discipline-backed path to greatness. You’ll discover: the profound power of context and environment in shaping champions, how to cultivate confidence, and why embracing vulnerability accelerates growth. He shares raw stories of falling just short of victory and bouncing back stronger a testament to resilience and unbreakable belief. We dive into the mindset shifts that turn ordinary athletes into legends how to develop a swagger without losing authenticity, and the importance of faith, service, and purpose in fueling your journey. If you're an aspiring competitor, coach, or just someone hungry for real transformation, this episode is your call to action: your limits are made to be broken. Everett Smulders, now dedicates his life to helping others realize their potential. His lessons transcend sport they’re a blueprint for life. Don't miss this insight-packed, emotion-driven conversation that will challenge how you see obstacles and empower you to conquer them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Everett Smulders 04:26 The Journey of a Business Owner 07:09 Transitioning from Coaching to Entrepreneurship 12:41 Building a Community in Running 13:44 Overcoming Insecurities and Finding Confidence 18:42 Lessons from Failure and Resilience 23:51 From High School to Sub-Four Mile 27:03 Rediscovering Joy in Running 29:21 Breaking Barriers: The Journey to Sub-Four Mile 30:48 Creating the Right Environment for Athletes 32:05 Navigating Tough Situations: Making the Right Choices 35:15 The Alter Ego: Confidence and Performance in Competition 41:39 Building a Positive Team Culture 47:53 Self-Sufficiency: The Key to Athletic Success 53:00 Faith and Purpose: A Life of Service 58:20 NEWCHAPTER Connect with Everett: Instagram: @CoachSmulders WesFly Training Systems: @wesfly.trained

    58 min
  7. How to Handle a Bad Coach or Boss: Building Strength Beyond Skills

    MAR 19

    How to Handle a Bad Coach or Boss: Building Strength Beyond Skills

    This isn't just about sports it's about the heart, the responsibility, and the profound impact coaches have on lives. In this episode, we dive deep into what true coaching really means and how it can shape someone’s entire future for better or worse. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and motivated to make every moment with those you're guiding count. Main Topics Covered: The true responsibility of a coach and the impact beyond skills How certain coaching behaviors can unintentionally crush confidence The importance of asking questions and nurturing curiosity Strategies for protecting your belief system under negativity Turning adversity into fuel for growth What to do when authority figures hold you back Timestamps: 00:26 - The core principle: leaving someone stronger than you found them 02:17 - Welcome and the episode's different, motivational tone 03:05 - The deep responsibility of coaching at any level 03:54 - The story of a young tennis coach’s mission to nurture 04:18 - Why coaching is about more than skills it’s about trust and belief 05:41 - The danger of tearing people down instead of uplifting them 06:04 - Recognizing when someone in leadership is making others feel smaller 07:03 - The power of curiosity and asking for feedback 08:29 - How a coach’s negative response can kill confidence 10:37 - The impact of comparing past success to current struggles 12:25 - The importance of belief in performance and overcoming doubt 14:14 - What to do when your coach or leader is holding you back 15:02 - Protecting your belief system and inner why 16:33 - Using adversity as fuel, not futility 17:15 - Every day as an opportunity for growth, even in tough circumstances 18:23 - Your story isn’t over resilience is key 19:08 - Call to action: support, reflect, and make a difference Resources: The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey Book: The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle Coaching with Impact Remember: The greatest strength you have is your resilience. Tough coaches, tough bosses, tough circumstances they’re just part of your evolution. Keep showing up, believe in your potential, and push beyond what anyone says is possible. YOU are built for this.

    20 min
  8. The Inner War: How Your Mind Battles Your Success

    MAR 12

    The Inner War: How Your Mind Battles Your Success

    Are you tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed by your own thoughts? In this fiery episode v of The BTB Project, I dive deep into the invisible war happening inside your mind where doubt clashes with belief, fear fights courage, and your future is on the line. This is the fight that determines whether you stay trapped or break free and thrive. In this episode: The daily mental battles we all face when waking up and how to win themWhy your brain is wired for safety, not successThe roots of mental struggles: childhood trauma, past failures, and limiting storiesHow your identity shapes your actions and your ability to succeedThe truth about discipline: it begins in your mind, not motivationWhy your mind is both your prison and your power—learn to choose the story you believePractical steps to build confidence through small winsThe importance of shifting your story from past pain to future powerA call to action: fight for your mind because that’s where the real victory isTimestamps: 00:00 - The mental negotiation every morning that decides your day02:22 - Introducing the battlefield inside your mind03:18 - The choice: build or break yourself daily04:08 - The internal war: belief vs doubt, courage vs fear05:42 - How past mistakes haunt your thoughts and sleepless nights06:34 - The cost of staying safe — and the reward of courageous action07:23 - Your brain’s wiring: survival vs growth08:36 - Childhood scars, trauma, and the stories they create09:36 - Your past isn’t your prison: rewriting the narrative10:16 - How to turn dreams into reality by changing your story11:33 - The critical mental battles that determine success or failure12:27 - Identity is everything: what you believe about yourself13:36 - Discipline starts in your mind, not motivation14:45 - Your mind’s prison vs your mind’s power — which will you choose?15:34 - The story you tell yourself shapes your destiny16:02 - A final push: you’re built for resilience prove it Resources & Links: Atomic Habits by James Clear⁠⁠Brene Brown - Unlocking Vulnerability⁠⁠The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle⁠ Remember: The biggest victory starts with mastering your mind. You are more powerful than your doubts — but only if you decide to fight for it. Watch this episode, share it, and start rewriting your story today. The war is real, but so is your power to win.

    17 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Welcome to the BTB Project (Built to Be Project): Empowering listeners to discover their purpose and live their best lives, regardless of circumstances. As a former athlete and motivational coach, I've spent the last 20 years inspiring thousands through my story, helping individuals, teams, and organizations achieve their true potential. Prepare to be inspired by featured guests from various fields, including athletics, business, entrepreneurship, science, fitness, and nutrition. Remember, impossible is nothing. Together, we will strive to become 1% better with each episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Kollman Gearhart
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    223
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kollman Gearhart
  • Show Website
    The BTB Project Podcast

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