The BTB Project Podcast

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 greatness * The intense reality of training alongside national-level athletes at Butler University * The mental and emotional hurdles of transitioning between programs and seeking clarity * How he leverages team culture and leadership to elevate everyone around him * The importance of discipline over motivation in the pursuit of excellence * Why Kaeden believes success is about becoming the best version of yourself, not hitting specific times * His thoughts on the power of self-awareness, transparency, and intentional growth * The role of sport science and academics in fueling his athletic journey * The significance of embracing setbacks as setups for breakthroughs * His vision for future coaching and cultivating championship-level teams Timestamps: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.

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 relationships * How to stop suppressing trauma and start facing it so it stops controlling your future * The simple daily check-in: "Where are my feet right now?" * 5 minutes of stillness & breathwork to reset and feel safe in the present * Emotional 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 becoming This 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

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 career * The intense 10-month journey of misdiagnoses, treatments, and setbacks * The discovery of a rare genetic condition that changed everything * How he maintained his mental toughness through the darkest days * The lessons learned about character, perseverance, and self-belief * Why health and happiness now define his version of success * His upcoming journey at UPenn and his outlook on life and tennis Timestamps: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

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 dreams * The real cost of playing it safe for decades * How to start small today and build unstoppable momentum * The myth that confidence comes before action * Practical ways to tear down fear and get started now * The power of vulnerability and honest conversations in transformation * Why most regret what they didn't try, not how they failed * How a single decision can set a life-changing ripple in motion Timestamps: 00:00 - The truth about playing it safe and regret 01:03 - Why fear keeps us from living boldly 02:05 - The danger of staying in an unfulfilling job or relationship 03:02 - How stepping into uncertainty is brave and necessary 04:00 - The paralysis of overthinking vs confidence from action 04:57 - Small starts: the secret to long-term change 07:19 - Momentum in careers: small steps lead to new opportunities 08:59 - Vulnerability in relationships: the small act that changes everything 10:13 - Recognizing what you already know you need to do 11:14 - Playing it safe vs growth—what’s worth the risk? 12:15 - Practical ways to start today with one simple step 13:52 - How each step builds belief, growth, and transformation 14:33 - 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.

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 seasons * Why the middle is the most crucial part of any journey * How to stay committed when results aren’t visible * The biblical lesson of storms and promises * Practical steps to navigate the messy middle with grit and purpose. Chapters: 00:00 - Why growth is uncomfortable and storms are part of the journey 02:08 - The overlooked importance of the messy middle in life 03:31 - The middle as the space where true strength is built 04:16 - Why starting excites us but the middle tests us hard 05:14 - The reality of progress stalls and doubts creep in 06:22 - The challenge of seeing results in health and fitness 07:28 - How the middle affects career ambitions and growth 08:18 - Building resilience in relationships through adversity 09:40 - Growth is messy; why perfection is a myth 10:06 - The biblical storm on the Sea of Galilee as a lesson 11:10 - The middle as the space where discipline and character develop 12:08 - Five practical ways to navigate the messy middle 13:52 - Expect resistance and embrace discomfort 14:18 - Trust the process, the most exciting part of growth 15:01 - You are being built in the middle—resilient and strong 15:48 - 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.