In Episode #200 of The BTB Project Podact the conversation emphasizes that true growth occurs not in easy circumstances but through overcoming challenges and adversity. It highlights the importance of personal effort and actions taken in solitude, which shape one's character and development.
Takeaways
Growth doesn't happen when things are easy.
Growth typically happens when you show up, especially when no one's watching.
It's what you do in the silence that matters.
Adversity is essential for personal development.
What you do in the dark defines you.
Challenges push you to stretch beyond your limits.
Personal growth is a silent journey.
Overcoming obstacles is key to becoming a better person.
True character is built in difficult times.
Self-improvement requires effort and resilience.
Sound bites
"Growth doesn't happen when things are easy."
"It's what you do in the dark."
"It's what you do in the silence."
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating 200 Episodes: A Journey of Growth
06:44 Lessons Learned: Starting Without a Plan
13:18 Authenticity: The Power of Being Real
17:07 Consistency: The Key to Success
18:45 Gratitude: Shifting Perspectives
20:33 Becoming Built to Be: The Ongoing Journey of Growth
25:15 NEWCHAPTER
In this episode #199 of The BTB Project, the host Kollman Gearhart explores the concept of fear and excitement, emphasizing how they feel similar but can lead to different outcomes based on energy direction. The discussion includes personal anecdotes and a three-step breathing practice to transform fear into a positive force, encouraging listeners to embrace fear as a sign of growth and opportunity
Takeaways:
Chapters
In this episode of the BTB Project #198, Kollman Gearhart shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose beyond athletics.
He reflects on the lack of mentorship he experienced as a young athlete and how it inspired him to create the BTB Blueprint, a coaching program designed to help athletes rebuild their identity and purpose. Kollman emphasizes the importance of resilience and the lessons learned from his experiences, encouraging listeners to embrace their next chapter in life.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Finding Purpose Beyond Sports
01:37 The Coach I Never Had: A Personal Reflection
05:58 Building Resilience: Lessons from Adversity
08:23 Introducing the BTB Blueprint: A New Path Forward
10:45 Your Next Chapter: Embracing Life After Athletics
In this episode #197 of the BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart discusses the transformative power of gratitude and how it can significantly impact our daily lives. He emphasizes the importance of starting and ending the day with gratitude practices that can enhance mental well-being, foster resilience, and promote a positive mindset.
The episode outlines specific morning and evening routines to cultivate gratitude, as well as the importance of practicing gratitude during challenging times. Coleman also introduces a 7-day gratitude challenge to encourage listeners to integrate these practices into their lives.
Takeaways
Gratitude is a powerful mindset shift that can change your life.
Practicing gratitude can improve sleep, relationships, and reduce stress.
Morning routines should prioritize gratitude over distractions like phones or news.
Visualizing what you're grateful for can deepen your appreciation.
Gratitude helps close the day with peace and reflection.
Acknowledging small wins is crucial for maintaining a positive outlook.
Challenges can teach valuable lessons that contribute to personal growth.
Expressing gratitude can create a ripple effect of positivity.
Gratitude practices can physically change your brain for the better.
Consistency in gratitude practices can lead to significant shifts in mindset.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to Gratitude- Start with the importance of gratitude in daily life and how it can ignite a positive change.
00:03:00 The Power of Mindset- Discuss the shift in mindset that comes from recognizing what's already present in life.
00:06:00 Gratitude as a Tool- Explore how gratitude is a powerful tool, not a weakness, and its impact on personal growth.
00:09:00 Neuroscience of Gratitude- Delve into studies showing how gratitude changes the brain and improves well-being.
00:12:00 Morning Gratitude Routine- Introduce a morning routine to cultivate gratitude and set a positive tone for the day.
00:15:00 Evening Reflection- Discuss the importance of closing the day with gratitude to ensure peace and relaxation.
00:18:00 Real Talk on Gratitude- Address the challenges of practicing gratitude during tough times and its transformative power.
00:21:00 BTB Gratitude Challenge- Encourage listeners to participate in a seven-day gratitude challenge to experience its benefits.
In this episode of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart discusses the metaphor of slaying dragons as a representation of overcoming life's challenges. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, maintaining momentum, and the support of a community in facing obstacles.
Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Kollman inspires listeners to confront their fears and pursue their goals with determination and resilience.
Takeaways
Facing giants in life is a universal experience.
Preparation is key; you fall to the level of your preparation.
Visualizing your first move can set the tone for success.
Stay neutral under pressure to maintain focus.
No one slays a dragon alone; community support is vital.
Dragons thrive on hesitation; maintain your momentum.
Reset quickly after mistakes; perfection is not the goal.
Focus on the next step, not the entire journey.
Positive affirmations can boost your resilience.
Every challenge has a weakness; confront it head-on.
Chapters
00:00 Facing the Giants: Introduction to Slaying Dragons
03:55 Understanding the Dragon Moments in Life
05:53 The Gate of Uncertainty: Overcoming Obstacles
10:19 Preparing for Battle: The Importance of Preparation
14:39 The No Dip Rule: Maintaining Momentum
17:32 Practical Tools for Overcoming Odds
22:01 Embracing Your Purpose: Slaying Your Dragon
25:00 NEWCHAPTER
In this conversation on The BTB Project Podcast with Kollman Gearhart, Cole Shoults shares his journey from college tennis to pursuing a professional career.
He discusses the challenges of adapting to Florida's climate, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of resilience. Cole emphasizes the significance of content creation in sharing his experiences and the impact it has on others.
He offers advice for aspiring tennis players, reflecting on the realities of pursuing a tennis career, the physical and mental challenges faced, and the importance of perspective in defining success.
Takeaways
Cole emphasizes the importance of putting oneself out there to pursue dreams.
Adapting to new environments, like Florida's heat, is a significant challenge for athletes.
Overcoming self-doubt is crucial in the journey to becoming a professional athlete.
Resilience is built through facing criticism and negative feedback.
Aspiring players should focus on the work required to achieve their dreams.
Financial stability is a major concern for those pursuing professional tennis.
Content creation allows athletes to share their journey and connect with others.
Finding a supportive coach is essential for development in tennis.
Players should embrace discomfort as part of their growth process.
Success is defined by personal growth and maximizing one's potential.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cole Shoults and His Journey
04:36 Adapting to Florida's Climate and Training Challenges
07:18 Taking the Leap: Pursuing Professional Tennis
10:06 The Impact of Social Media and Community Support
12:57 Resilience in the Face of Adversity
15:37 Advice for Aspiring Tennis Players
18:22 The Financial and Physical Realities of Professional Tennis
23:52 Navigating the Challenges of Content Creation
27:21 The Impact of Content on Others
29:54 Reflections on Tennis Development
35:21 Overcoming Setbacks and Mental Challenges
42:39 Defining Personal Success in Tennis
48:14 NEWCHAPTER
Follow Cole:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coleshoultstennis
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/coleshoults_tennis/
In this deeply personal episode of The BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart shares a story he’s carried for decades one that resurfaced in the most unexpected way.
What begins as a stop at a gas station with his son turns into a life-changing confrontation with buried trauma from childhood. Through honesty, vulnerability, and courage, Kollman reveals how pain that once defined him has now become the foundation of his purpose.
This episode is an invitation for anyone carrying silent wounds to step into healing, reclaim their story, and discover what they are truly Built To Be.
This episode explores:
The moment a Yoohoo bottle triggered a decades-old memory.
Childhood trauma and the hidden ways it shapes our lives.
Growing up in a home shadowed by addiction.
Overcoming weight struggles, depression, and doubt to become a Division I athlete.
The last words from Kollman’s mother that defined his mission.
Why unresolved trauma keeps resurfacing until it’s faced.
How healing is less about “getting over it” and more about “walking through it.”
A powerful reminder: You are not broken. You are Built To Be.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: Why this story matters now
02:10 – Growing up in the shadow of addiction
05:30 – The nickname “Big Teddy Bear” and the pain it carried
08:15 – A run that changed everything at 14
11:40 – Fighting for my mom and the moment that defined my mission
15:00 – From weight loss to Division I athletics
18:20 – The Yoohoo moment: when buried trauma resurfaced
23:10 – The truth about unresolved pain
26:00 – What healing really looks like
29:00 – Built To Be: turning pain into purpose
32:00 – Closing message: You are not broken
In this conversation, Oliver Marach shares his journey from being a top doubles player to becoming a successful coach. He discusses the importance of resilience, the evolution of tennis fitness, and the significance of family and sports in his life.
Marach reflects on his experiences in the Olympics, the challenges of coaching, and the mindset required to succeed in tennis. He emphasizes the value of college tennis as a pathway for young players and the importance of mental toughness and fitness in the sport.
Takeaways
Oliver's family plays a significant role in his life and coaching.
He believes in the importance of sports for health and well-being.
Talent alone is not enough; hard work is essential for success.
Resilience is key in overcoming doubts and injuries in sports.
The mindset of a champion involves constant effort and focus.
Coaching requires building chemistry and communication with players.
Representing one's country in the Olympics is a pinnacle achievement.
Fitness and training have evolved significantly in tennis.
Mental toughness is crucial for young players to develop early.
College tennis offers valuable opportunities for aspiring players.
Chapters-
00:00 Introduction to Oliver Marach
02:45 Life After Tournaments: Balancing Family and Coaching
04:28 The Evolution of Flag Football for Girls
04:49 Oliver's Early Tennis Journey
10:06 Resilience in Tennis: Overcoming Doubts and Injuries
12:00 The Mindset of a Coach: Handling Pressure and Expectations
14:54 Full Circle: Coaching a Former Partner to Success
20:31 Building Chemistry: The Importance of Communication in Doubles
26:52 Confidence and Performance: The Key to Success
26:59 The Unforgettable Run in Doubles
31:04 Representing Austria on the Olympic Stage
33:23 Building Mental Toughness in Tennis
35:01 Injury Prevention and Coaching Strategies
38:43 Reflections on Career and Legacy
46:04 The Value of College Tennis
51:12 New Chapter
In the finale of The College Athlete mini-series, Kollman Gearhart brings it all together the lessons learned as an athlete, a coach, and a parent. Episode 4 zooms out to reveal what sports truly prepare us for: life itself.
From discipline and resilience to identity and leadership, this episode highlights how the habits and character developed in athletics carry into careers, relationships, and personal growth. Sports end but the lessons last forever.
Chapters
0:00 – 2:00 | Introduction: Wrapping up the 4-part series
2:01 – 6:00 | Discipline outlasts talent: habits that build success
6:01 – 10:00 | Resilience: bouncing back from setbacks in sports and life
10:01 – 15:00 | Identity beyond the game: who are you without your sport?
15:01 – 20:00 | Leadership and teamwork: lessons that translate everywhere
20:01 – End | Final reflections: Built To Be more than an athlete
Key Takaways:
Talent opens the door, but discipline keeps you in the room.
Resilience learned through sports prepares you for life’s biggest challenges.
Athletes must build an identity beyond their sport.
Leadership and teamwork are skills that transfer far beyond competition.
Sports end, but the lessons of athletics last forever.
In Episode 3 of The College Athlete Journey mini-series, Kollman Gearhart shifts into one of the most personal roles of all the parent. Supporting a child through recruiting and the college athletics grind is a journey of pride, patience, and perspective.
From the emotional rollercoaster of competition, to balancing encouragement without pressure, Kollman shares what it means to walk beside a child chasing their dreams.
Chapters
0:00 – 2:00 | Introduction: From athlete to coach to parent
2:01 – 6:00| The emotional rollercoaster of parenting a college athlete
6:01 – 10:00 | Encouragement vs. pressure: how to support without overstepping
10:01 – 15:00 | Navigating the recruiting process as a parent
15:01 – 20:00| Letting go: why identity beyond the game matters
20:01 – 24:00 | Stories from the sidelines: moments of pride and growth
24:01 – End | Closing thoughts + preview of Episode 4: Lessons for life beyond sports
In this episode, Kollman Gearhart discusses the coaching aspect of being a college athlete, reflecting on his journey from athlete to coach. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, preparation, and character over mere talent.
Kollman shares insights on how he helps athletes identify their goals and align them with their potential, focusing on their personal 'why' to drive success in their athletic careers.
Key Topics:
Building a complete package: Beyond talent to character and resilience. The impact of effective communication with college coaches. Leveraging social media to enhance visibility and opportunities. Real-life stories of athletes who excelled through strategic presence.
Takeaways:
Communication and social media are crucial for college recruitment. Character and resilience are as important as athletic talent. A strong personal brand can open doors to future success.
Chapters:
Introduction to the Episode (0:00)
The Complete Athlete Package (5:12)
Communication with Coaches (12:45)
Social Media Strategies (20:30)
Real-Life Success Stories
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
In this episode, Kollman Gearhart shares his unique journey as a college athlete, discussing the dreams and realities of pursuing athletics at the collegiate level. He reflects on the sacrifices made, the hard work required, and the hidden struggles faced by athletes.
Kollman emphasizes the importance of resilience, mental toughness, and having an identity beyond sports. He provides key lessons for aspiring athletes and sets the stage for future discussions on coaching and the athlete experience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the College Athletic Journey
01:25 The Dream vs. Reality of Becoming an Athlete
04:48 The Transformation: Sacrifices and Hard Work
10:57 Differentiators of Elite Athletes
17:24 Hidden Struggles of College Athletes
20:57 Key Lessons for Aspiring College Athletes
In this episode of the BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart delves into the often unspoken topic of trauma and its physical manifestations in our bodies. He shares personal experiences with unresolved health issues and discusses how trauma can affect our mental and physical well-being.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing trauma, understanding its roots, and taking proactive steps towards healing through breathwork, movement, and community support.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Trauma and Its Impact
02:32 Personal Experiences with Trauma
07:09 Understanding Trauma's Physical Manifestation
12:47 Healing from Trauma: Steps and Techniques
18:03 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Healing
In this episode of the BTB Project,Kollman Gearhart discusses the profound impact of not trying and the regret that often follows. He emphasizes that avoiding action due to fear leads to a different kind of painone rooted in regret.
Through personal anecdotes and coaching experiences, he illustrates how fear can hinder performance and personal growth. The conversation culminates in a call to action, encouraging listeners to confront their fears and embrace opportunities for growth, while also highlighting the importance of community support in this journey.
Chapters
00:00
The Dangers of Not Trying
04:38
The Cost of Regret
07:22
Fear and Its Impact on Performance
09:33
Life Lessons from a Near-Death Experience
11:35
The Numbing Effect of Avoidance
13:51
The Ripple Effect of Not Trying
15:56
Embracing Courage Over Comfort
18:25
Taking Action and Building Community
20:24
In this episode of the BTB Project #186, host Kollman Gearhart discusses the critical role of feedback in personal growth and success. He emphasizes that feedback is essential for recognizing blind spots and areas for improvement.
Through personal anecdotes and examples from sports and business, Kollman illustrates how embracing feedback can lead to transformation and development. He also shares practical strategies for seeking and utilizing feedback effectively, encouraging listeners to view it as a tool for refinement rather than criticism.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Feedback
08:50 Practical Feedback Hacks
12:40 Embracing Feedback for Growth
In this episode #185 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart dives into the profound impact of fear and self-doubt on personal growth. He shares personal experiences and coaching insights, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and naming fears to diminish their power.
The conversation explores practical techniques for managing fear, including breathwork, progressive exposure to discomfort, and the use of positive affirmations.
Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to confront their fears and take actionable steps towards their goals, fostering resilience and courage in the face of challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Fear
02:20 Understanding Real Fear and Its Impact
04:57 Naming and Acknowledging Your Fears
07:34 Using Fear as a Signal for Growth
09:42 Techniques to Manage Fear and Anxiety
12:12 Progressive Exposure to Discomfort
14:30 Building Confidence Through Affirmations
16:29 Taking Action Against Fear
In this powerful episode #184 of The BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart sits down with former University of Washington tennis standout Mitch Stewart a 5-star blue chip recruit, NCAA Sweet 16 coach, and recipient of the prestigious ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership Award. From his early days as a top-ranked junior to his evolution as a Division I assistant coach, Mitch shares an inspiring journey marked by grit, growth, and an unwavering love for the game.
More than just trophies and rankings, this conversation dives deep into defining success on your own terms. Mitch opens up about the importance of intensity, gratitude, and the relationships that shape both athletes and coaches. He reflects on the highs and lows of his career including serious injury and recovery and how adversity helped shape the mentor he is today.
Whether you're a competitor, coach, or simply someone chasing purpose, Mitch’s story will remind you that true success is found in the process, not just the result.
Key Themes Covered:
Turning adversity into strength
Redefining success through mindset and process
The impact of mentorship and team culture
Transitioning from elite athlete to influential coach
Balancing intensity with respect and humility
Chapters Breakdown:
00:00 – Intro to Mitch Stewart
04:01 – From Player to Coach
07:15 – Discovering Tennis
11:11 – Regional Challenges in Development
14:29 – The College Recruitment Journey
17:41 – Defining Moments in College Tennis
20:33 – Modern College Tennis Landscape
24:59 – Mentorship & Coaching Philosophy
30:14 – Honoring Roots and Community
32:39 – Injury, Recovery & Resilience
38:17 – College to Pro Transition
40:54 – Leadership and the Perfect Season
46:55 – Coaching and Player Development
52:52 – Building a Legacy through Relationships
59:56 – Embracing a New Chapter
Mitch Stewart Career Highlights:
ITA Northwest Region Arthur Ashe Leadership Award (2018)
Pac-12 Player of the Week, multiple All-Pac-12 selections
Wins over Top-25 ranked players including #24 Johannes Schretter (Baylor)
Career-high ITA singles ranking: #57
Assistant Coach Roles at Washington, Elon, Arizona, and Denver
High School 4A State Champion & 4:12 miler in track
Don’t miss this conversation. It’s more than a tennis story it’s a blueprint for high performance, character, and growth on and off the court.
In this episode #183, Kollman Gearhart shares a personal journey of returning to competitive tennis after a long hiatus, highlighting the challenges faced, including a painful injury and unexpected setbacks.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of resilience, the growth that comes from facing difficulties, and the idea that true strength lies in the willingness to try again despite failures.
Kollman encourages listeners to embrace their own challenges and find purpose in their comebacks, reminding them that every setback is an opportunity for growth.
Takeaways
The journey of growth often involves setbacks and challenges.
Embracing competition can push us out of our comfort zones.
The result of a challenge doesn't define our comeback.
Pain can be a necessary part of progress and growth.
Authenticity in facing challenges is crucial for personal development.
It's important to recognize that everyone faces difficulties behind the scenes.
The courage to try again is where true growth happens.
Our current challenges are just a small part of our larger journey.
Every day presents an opportunity to become a stronger version of ourselves.
The only thing that can stop our story is ourselves.
Chapters
00:00 Embracing Setbacks and Challenges
10:04 The Journey of Growth Through Pain
14:31 Finding Purpose in the Comeback
In this episode, Kollman Gearhart reflects on his return to competitive tennis after a six-year hiatus, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to foster personal growth. He shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned about embracing discomfort. The conversation encourages listeners to pursue their passions, take on challenges, and inspire others through their journeys.
Takeaways
It's been six years since I stepped into a competitive arena.
We don't grow in comfort; we grow in the arena.
Discomfort is where true growth is happening.
Chasing comfort can lead to stagnation.
You have to find ways to become incredibly uncomfortable.
Revisit the fire in your life to ignite new growth.
Schedule challenges to push yourself.
Sharing your journey can inspire others.
The first step back into the arena is the hardest.
You're just getting started; it's not about winning.
Sound bites
"We don't grow in comfort."
"Schedule the challenge."
"Share the journey."
tennis, competition, personal growth, discomfort, motivation, overcoming fear, life challenges, self-improvement, coaching, resilience
In this episode #181 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart interviews professional tennis player Ashley Leahy. From her days as a top-ranked college player at Pepperdine to facing significant setbacks like major surgeries, Ashley shares her journey of persistence, identity, and finding joy both on and off the court.
She discusses the impact of her supportive family, her transformative college experience, and her insights on setbacks and success. The conversation also delves into her volunteer work in Kenya and Uganda, highlighting her well-rounded and service-driven life. Tune in to gain valuable life lessons about dedication, passion, and living a balanced life.00:00 Introduction and Listener Appreciation00:23 Interview with Ashley Leahy: Overcoming Setbacks01:52 Coleman's Personal Journey and Podcast Mission02:40 Ashley Leahy's Early Tennis Journey03:37 Facing Setbacks and Finding New Perspectives07:55 Life Beyond Tennis: Service and Leadership13:15 College Experience and Professional Decisions20:12 Future Aspirations and Personal Reflections35:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts