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 episode #192 of The BTB Project, 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

• Feedback is essential for personal growth.
• You can't improve without knowing your blind spots.
• Feedback should be seen as fuel for growth.
• Reflection is a form of feedback.
• Your ego can hinder your ability to accept feedback.
• Surround yourself with people who provide honest feedback.
• Top performers actively seek feedback.
• Asking better questions can lead to better feedback.
• Feedback is a continuous process, not a one-time event.
• Embrace feedback as a way to refine and improve.

• Unlocking Growth Through Feedback
• The Secret Weapon for Personal Development

• "Feedback is fuel for growth."
• "Ask better questions."
• "Get 1% better each and every day."

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