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...
Jul 18, 2025•17 min•Ep. 186
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 thei...
Jul 04, 2025•22 min•Ep. 185
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 con...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 184
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, r...
Jun 24, 2025•19 min
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 do...
Jun 09, 2025•14 min•Ep. 182
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 voluntee...
Jun 02, 2025•37 min•Ep. 181
In this episode of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart explores the profound impact of self-reflection on personal growth, leadership, and legacy. He discusses how our actions, energy, and mindset shape the world around us, often unbeknownst to us. Through his personal story of overcoming challenges and his experience as a coach, Kollman emphasizes the significance of being a positive example. Discover how intentional reflection can lead to meaningful change and how to build habits that refle...
May 28, 2025•19 min•Ep. 180
In this episode of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart shares his personal experiences with bullying and provides an in-depth look at 'modern bullying' in 2025. Drawing from his journey of losing 100 pounds and turning adversity into strength, Kollman discusses the impact of digital bullying on today's youth and offers practical strategies to combat it. He presents a three-section framework consisting of mindset, boundaries, and resilience to help both parents and individuals navigate and ove...
May 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 177
Welcome to Season 2 of the BTB Project Eposide #178! Host Kollman Gearhart shares his personal journey from being an overweight child labeled as 'Big Teddy Bear' to becoming a successful Division I tennis player and coach. This season focuses on helping you unlock your potential, let go of past fears, and take actionable steps towards becoming the strongest version of yourself. With 176 episodes under their belt, Kollman answers key questions about the mission and evolution of the BTB Project, s...
May 07, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 178
In this episode of the BTB Project#177, host Kollman Gearhart delves into the theme of identity crises and how to overcome them. He shares personal experiences of having to redefine his identity after transitioning from a high-level tennis player to a sales professional and beyond. Kollman provides actionable steps for listeners to strip back to their core, reflect on their true selves, ask deeper questions about their purpose, and take meaningful actions aligned with their identity. The episode...
Apr 25, 2025•14 min•Ep. 177
In this episode #176 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart interviews Colorado tennis icon Nathan Gold. Nathan, a high-altitude tennis player with three state championships, discusses his journey, challenges, training regimen, and balancing academics with tennis. He shares impactful stories about his growth, inspired by his older brothers and mentors, and offers advice for aspiring tennis players. Nathan also talks about his upcoming college tennis career at Cornell University. This conversa...
Apr 22, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 176
In this episode of the BTB Project #175, Kollman Gearhart delves into the complex topic of imposter syndrome. He provides insights into understanding the phenomenon, sharing personal experiences and practical steps to overcome it. Listeners are encouraged to identify and combat imposter syndrome through strategies such as naming it, keeping a wins folder, avoiding comparisons, self-coaching, and focusing on proof over perfection. Join Kollman in this motivational journey to break through barrier...
Apr 17, 2025•13 min•Ep. 173
In this episode #174 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart dives deep into an inspiring conversation with Coach Tony Bresky, the head men's tennis coach at Wake Forest University. Listen as Coach Bresky shares his journey from a young tennis player in Canada to becoming a celebrated collegiate coach leading the nationally top-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons. They discuss developing a successful tennis team, handling adversity, maintaining a positive attitude, the significance of daily habit...
Apr 14, 2025•50 min•Ep. 174
In this episode #173 of the BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart a former athlete and motivational coach, offers actionable strategies to conquer self-doubt. He emphasizes the importance of remembering past victories, taking fast and imperfect actions, waging war on negative self-talk, surrounding oneself with supportive people, visualizing success, and focusing on a mission beyond oneself. Kollman shares personal insights and urges listeners to apply these tactics to transform their lives and achieve ...
Apr 08, 2025•14 min•Ep. 173
In this episode of the BTB Project #172, host Kollman Gearhart interviews Richie Murphy, a standout Division III football player from Wisconsin. Richie discusses his journey through various challenges, including setbacks and difficult circumstances in his pursuit to play professional football. The conversation highlights the significance of energy, consistency, and an unconventional mindset to overcome obstacles. Richie shares inspirational lessons on pursuing dreams against the odds and the une...
Mar 27, 2025•53 min
In this BTB Project episode, host Kollman Gearhart, a former athlete and motivational coach, shares five crucial tips to help you master and protect your energy. Emphasizing intentionality, diversification of your day, investing in energy, establishing routines, and prioritizing sleep, Kollman provides practical advice to ensure you achieve your highest potential daily. By following these strategies, listeners can prevent energy drains, avoid burnout, fuel their bodies properly, maintain consist...
Mar 21, 2025•16 min•Ep. 168
In this episode of the BTB Project #170, host Kollman Gearhart interviews Noah Christian Dion, a faith-driven tennis player from Texas determined to compete at the division one college tennis level. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including challenging statistics, self-doubt, and the competitive world of the transfer portal, Noah's relentless faith, resilience, and dedication are showcased in this inspiring conversation. Listeners will gain valuable insights into Noah's daily grind, the power...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 170
In this episode of the BTB Project #169,Kollman Gearhart discusses the powerful impact of our thoughts on our lives. He shares a poignant story about Katie and her nonverbal autistic son, Houston, who demonstrated remarkable mental awareness and ability despite his condition. Through their journey, Kollman emphasizes the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs, embracing neurodiversity, and maintaining hope and positivity to shape our realities. This inspirational episode invites listeners to ...
Mar 11, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 169
In this episode of the BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart welcomes Jonathyn , known as XXL Tennis, to share his inspiring journey in the world of tennis. From viral social media posts attracting legends like Venus Williams to overcoming challenges related to his size and financial constraints, XXL Tennis recounts his rise in the tennis community. The episode delves into his experiences with mental toughness, discipline, and consistency while also highlighting his work in inspiring others and breaking...
Feb 27, 2025•53 min•Ep. 168
In today's BTB Project episode #167 host Kollman Gearhart delves into the importance of taking the high road when faced with disrespect. Drawing from personal experience and timeless wisdom, he emphasizes the significance of choosing who you want to be in response to negativity. Kollman shares practical advice on pausing before reacting, understanding that others' disrespect often stems from their own struggles, and protecting one's own energy. He encourages listeners to find their tribe and use...
Feb 25, 2025•17 min•Ep. 167
In this episode #166 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart sits down with influential tennis coach and entrepreneur Robert Wojcik. Once a standout tennis player from Poland, Robert transitioned from player to elite coach, shaping the next generation of athletes. Robert shares his inspiring journey, the challenges he faced, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. They dive into his work with AmerLink, a platform revolutionizing opportunities for international athletes, and explore how Rober...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 165
In this episode #165 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart, former athlete and motivational coach, delves into the concept of 'heart power' and the incredible impact it can have on achieving your dreams. Kollman shares his personal journey, including a pivotal high school experience, to illustrate how connecting with our hearts can propel us beyond self-doubt and setbacks. He offers actionable tips to help listeners align their heart and mind, fostering resilience and passion. The episode em...
Feb 19, 2025•19 min
In this episode #164 of the BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart interviews Pablo Perez Ramos, the number one singles player at NJIT, to discuss his remarkable journey in tennis. Starting at age 3 in Spain and overcoming significant hurdles such as a severe ankle injury, Pablo shares insights into his mental resilience, family support, and the dedication it took to lead his team to a Southland Conference Championship. He also talks about his plans to join the Florida Gators after graduating. Tune in fo...
Feb 13, 2025•53 min•Ep. 163
In episode #163 of the BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart dives into the importance of being mission-minded and introduces the three essential qualities—Caring, Commitment, and Conviction. Kollman shares his personal journey of overcoming significant obstacles to achieve his dream of playing Division I college tennis. He emphasizes how these principles can be applied to any area of life, providing actionable advice for listeners to pursue their own goals with purpose and dedication. Tune in for an in...
Feb 11, 2025•17 min•Ep. 163
In this powerful BTB Project episode #162, host Kollman Gearhart addresses the damaging societal stereotypes around men's emotions and encourages embracing vulnerability. He challenges the lie that emotions are a sign of weakness, underscoring the importance of connecting with others, solving life's challenges together, and achieving inner peace. Kollman discusses mastering emotional intelligence, the importance of authenticity, and seeking help when needed. He shares personal experiences and pr...
Feb 06, 2025•21 min•Ep. 160
In this episode of the BTB Project #161, Kollman Gearhart discusses the power of embracing your unique traits and quirks. Drawing from personal experiences, including an intriguing encounter at a coffee shop, he emphasizes how being different can be a superpower. He shares motivational insights on creating a strong identity, facing challenges, and pursuing bold actions. Kollmsn also touches on his own struggles and triumphs, aiming to inspire listeners to harness their uniqueness for greater suc...
Jan 23, 2025•25 min•Ep. 161
In this episode #160 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart delves into the essential skill of active listening. Emphasizing the importance of listening with empathy, curiosity, and intention, Kollman shares actionable tips on how to become a more effective communicator. He discusses how to avoid pitfalls like conversational narcissism and distractions, and how to engage in meaningful dialogues through open-ended questions and supportive responses. This episode aims to help listeners connect ...
Jan 13, 2025•20 min
In this episode #159 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart interviews Marco Matteucci, the head men's tennis coach at NJIT. Matteucci discusses his team's journey to winning the Southland Conference Championship—the first in school history—by building a winning culture, mastering daily routines, and harnessing mental resilience. The conversation covers leadership, accountability, the evolving challenges of college tennis, and Matteucci's approach to sustaining success while instilling the im...
Jan 01, 2025•46 min•Ep. 159
In this BTB Project episode #158, Kollman Gearhart, former athlete and motivational coach, shares insights on how to transform your mindset and achieve your goals for 2025. Drawing inspiration from mindset coach David Bayer , Kollman emphasizes the importance of desire, eliminating barriers, and non-resistance. He discusses practical steps to cultivate a focused mindset, reframe challenges, and turn intentions into actionable plans. With a blend of personal anecdotes and motivational strategies,...
Dec 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 158
In this episode #157 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart shares a heartfelt and motivational message about the impact of bullying and how to confront it. Kollman recounts personal experiences from his school days, where he faced bullying and was nicknamed 'Big Teddy Bear.' He emphasizes the importance of standing up, speaking out, and supporting others who are bullied. The episode calls for action against bullying, encouraging listeners to uphold kindness, courage, and accountability. Koll...
Dec 06, 2024•23 min•Ep. 157
