The BTB Project Podcast

Episode #25 In this inspiring episode of the BTB Project "Courtside Reflections: Unveiling the Transformative Power of High School Tennis Coaching," we delve into the profound impact that coaching high school tennis can have on personal growth, character development, and lifelong lessons. As a former college tennis player, I share my journey of transitioning from player to coach and the...

Episode #24 Risk-taking can be intimidating, but it's an essential ingredient for personal growth and achieving our dreams. In today's BTB Short, we will be discussing 10 strategies to help you take risks in life. In this episode of "Embracing Risks: Unleashing Personal Growth and Fulfilling Dreams," we dive into the world of risk-taking and explore how it can be an intimidating...

Episode #23 In today's BTB Project episode I sit down to interview my son Kaeden Dendorfer. He has an incredible story as a 16-year-old and will inspire you to live in the moments of life each and every day. Experience the incredible journey as he seizes the moment and embarks on an inspiring transformation through the world of running. In this captivating podcast, we delve into Kaeden's r...

In episode #22 BTB Shorts we are going to talk about forgiveness. Forgiveness is a deeply significant and beneficial aspect of relationships and personal well-being. Here are some reasons why forgiveness holds importance: • Emotional Healing: Forgiveness can provide emotional healing for both the forgiver and the person being forgiven. By letting go of anger, resentment, and negative emotions, ind...

Episode #21 In today's BTB Project interview I speak with Colorado tennis star Richard Johnson. He was a four-year standout at Pepperdine University and was a member of their 2006 national championship team. With the Waves, he played No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles during the Waves' national title run and was a team captain the following season. He ranks sixth on the school's all-time...

Episode #20 BTB Shorts In today's episode, we discuss the importance of telling your untold story. Stories are a part of everyday life and no matter the circumstances your story is a testament of where you've been and where you are going. The BTB project was built on stories and I would love to hear YOU the listener YOUR story and let's watch the lives it will impact. Be sure to leave...

Episode #19 In today's Episode, I share the story of Stan Vaughan a Colorado tennis player who went on to play D1 College tennis at Liberty University in Virginia. He was playing the best tennis of his life when a neurological condition Guillain-Barre Syndrome paralyzed him from the neck down 3 months into his freshmen year. Stan shares his incredible comeback and the journey of navigating lif...

Episode #18 In today's BTB Short we talk about identity and becoming the ONE in your family tree. There are 4 different types of identities we see in life:   1. The Unknown Person 2. The Vitalizing Person 3. The Impressive Person 4. The Servant leader and becoming the ONE Some questions I cover and answer in the podcast: What truly makes us happy in life? Helping others success  What does it t...

Episode #17 In today's episode, I interview one of my former student-athletes Mark Finkevych. He came to the US after winning a Future Leaders Exchange Program of over 10,000 applicants from Ukraine. After putting in the work on the court and a successful High School tennis session his exchange program was cut short by the COVID Pandemic and he was asked to fly back home. A few years later, hi...

Episode #16: In today's BTB Short, we talk about "Fear" Life can be unpredictable, and there is a lot going on in the world. Feelings of fear and worry are perfectly natural. However, worrying constantly or excessively about what ‘may’ happen can get you stuck in a cycle of harmful thoughts and behaviors. We talk about some examples of fear both personally and in moments as a coach t...

Overcoming Adversity: My Journey with Spinal Tumors and Triumph in TennisIn Episode 17 of the BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart, a former athlete and motivational coach, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming significant adversity. As a college senior playing tennis, Coleman's life took a dramatic turn when a back injury led to the discovery of a schwannoma tumor in his spine. In this heartfel...

Win Your Morning, Win Your Day: Essential Morning Routine Traits | BTB Project Ep. 14In Episode 14 of the BTB Project, Kollman Gearhart delves into the critical importance of owning your morning to set yourself up for daily success. Drawing from a Via360.com article and incorporating insights from Hal Elrod's 'Morning Miracle,' Coleman outlines six essential traits for a powerful morni...

Episode #13 On today's episode, I interview the great Kellen Damico, we talk through his junior tennis career and important lessons learned along the way. His story will inspire you and encourage you to go after anything you want in life. Here is a list of what we discussed on the Podcast: UT Playing experience Growing up as a kid High School Tennis Academy training with John and Andy Roddick...

Episode #12 is my first BTB short Podcast! These episodes are focused on weekly motivation on topics in 15 minutes or less. I really wanted to start a podcast 13 years ago and every part of me found a way to talk my way out of starting. Ideally, 85% of your problems should be solved ASAP! I didn't realize that until I saw how indecision made matters worse in life. One of my greatest podcast me...

Episode #11 Chad Tsuda was a two-time individual champion while attending Fairview High School in 2001 and 2002. He returned as head coach to help bring the Knights their elusive first-team title over powerhouse Cherry Creek High School in 2017. Tsuda, a four-year No. 1 singles player at Fairview, graduated in 2002. Over a dominant high school career, he qualified for the state tournament in each...

Episode #10 In 2003 I went on a weight journey to help accomplish my goal of playing college tennis. I never knew it would lead to so many lessons learned and more importantly, teaching moments to help me help others as I do today. Obesity currently affects four out of 10 Americans, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While weight and overall health aren’t...

Episode #9 -In today's episode, I interview one of the greatest college coaches of all time. Coach Dick Gould is truly a college tennis coaching legend. As the head men’s tennis coach at Stanford University for 38 years his teams won 17 NCAA team championships and he holds a record of 776 wins and 148 losses. He has coached 10 NCAA singles champions, 7 NCAA doubles champions, 50 All-Americans...

Episode #8 is here, and I couldn't be more honored to share with you the extraordinary Built to Be journey of my beloved mother, Peggy Gearhart. Join me as we delve into her inspiring story, shedding light on the challenges she faced and her unwavering determination to overcome them. Eighteen years have passed since Peggy's tragic loss to alcohol addiction, a struggle that has unfortunatel...

Episode #7 -In today's episode, I interview one of the greatest runners and track and field athletes to ever compete in the state of Wisconsin. David walks us through his built-to-be journey and you will find value in the advice he shares on how running has impacted his life and helping others.  We cover the following in the interview: Childhood and finding his calling as a runner in 8th grade...

Episode #6 -In today's episode, I interview my mentor and Colorado tennis icon Jeff Salzenstein . A lot of people know Jeff from his accomplishments on the court but many haven't heard about the journey of how he got to the mountaintops of the National Championships and the ATP tour. Jeff shares some valuable lessons from his playing days and also as a coach to help YOU become what YOU are...

Episode #5 -Today's episode is with my former college teammate and coaching friend Manu Santos. She is originally from Itajai Brazil and started playing tennis at age 3.  She was the #1 Junior in Brazil from ages 10-18 and competed in the National Orange Bowl and Eddie Herr tournaments in the United States back when she was 14. She developed her game at a world-renowned tennis academy in Brazi...

Episode #4 of the BTB Project, there's a topic that's come up in my house recently around being perfect. If you’re wondering whether you are a perfectionist, there’s a good chance you are—at least partially is that a good trait or a bad trait? There's also a good chance you have some investment in being a perfectionist because of the positive connotations of the word "perfect.&quo...

Episode #3 -This BTB Project episode was an interview with my former inspiring tennis student Peyton Palermo who I met with she was 14. Peyton was initially diagnosed with a brain tumor at age five. After the first tumor was successfully removed, Peyton went on to find success as a high-level tennis player. In 2011, she was ranked 11th in the 12 and under age grouping for the girls' Satellite...

Episode #2- In 2023 the word on the street is things are going to get rough for our economy and day-to-day life with the rise of inflation. Today's episode is a keynote on tools you can use to help you navigate the circumstances as they come up and go after what you are Built to Be. The BTB project was built with these tools and I want you the listener to be motivated, encouraged, and determin...

Episode #1 -What are you Built to Be? It's a question I've always asked myself personally since I was 14 years old as I began my journey to become an elite D1 tennis player and have been able to ask thousands of people as a motivation coach over the last 22 years. In today's episode, I introduce the BTB project and its mission to help others uncover their WHY to overcome any HOW. I wal...