BeTempered Episode 51: Tables Turned – Dan and Ben in the Hot Seat In this milestone 51st episode of BeTempered, things get flipped—literally. Instead of leading the conversation, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr find themselves on the other side of the mic, interviewed by their good friend Matty Ledgerwood. The result? A refreshingly raw and deeply…

Meet Nathan Hogg, a 20-year-old from Richmond, Indiana, already stepping into leadership with a voice wise beyond his years. In this powerful episode of BeTempered, co-hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Nathan for a raw, inspiring conversation about resilience, identity, and the impact one young person can make. Nathan opens up about his…

When retired Army Colonel George Glaze rolls up his sleeves to help troubled youth through horse therapy or counsel police officers as a chaplain, he's drawing from a lifetime of hard-earned wisdom. In a powerful conversation with hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Colonel Glaze opens up about his journey—from leading troops through the streets of Ba…

In this powerful episode, we welcomed a very special guest, Sam Fledderjohann, whose incredible journey from protector to life-giver is a testament to resilience, faith, and divine timing. With co-host Kim Schmidt—Host Dan's wife—stepping in as Ben sits this one out, the conversation took on an even more heartfelt tone. Born to a very young mother …

What happens when honor matters more than financial security? In this powerful episode of the BeTempered Podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Brian Ballenger of Whisenhunt Construction and Brighter Path Inc. to unpack a story that challenges conventional definitions of success—rooted not in wealth or accolades, but in integrity, f…

Jason Koger Joins Hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr on the BeTempered Podcast for a Powerful Conversation on Resilience and Purpose In this unforgettable episode of the BeTempered Podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr welcome back Jason Koger, whose extraordinary journey of recovery and purpose delivers a masterclass in resilience. After a life-al…

What happens when life delivers a devastating diagnosis on a day meant for celebration? For Deb Tintsman, receiving news of aggressive B-cell lymphoma on her birthday was not the end of hope, but the beginning of an extraordinary journey—one defined by faith, resilience, and an unexpected sense of freedom. From her childhood on an Ohio farm to her …

BeTempered hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Bill Bowers, better known as @Bushel_Billy on Instagram, for an unfiltered conversation about grit, family, and refusing to make excuses. Growing up on a western Ohio farm in the 1980s, Bill developed a relentless work ethic where tasks weren’t considered chores—they were simply "what the fam…

Join BeTempered Podcast hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr for an uplifting episode featuring the inspiring story of Becky Morin, a beacon of resilience and community spirit. Growing up as one of nine siblings, Becky experienced the joys and challenges of a bustling household, instilling in her the values of hard work and cooperation. As she navigated…

What if true leadership meant taking full responsibility, even when the stakes are at their highest? On this episode, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr take a deep dive into the principles of Extreme Ownership, inspired by Jocko Willink’s teachings. Joined by Matty Ledgerwood, they explore the role of leadership in shaping culture, the balance betwee…

Childhood trauma, profound loss, and the road to recovery—Shawn Ruebush returns to the BeTempered Podcast with a story that continues to strike a deep chord with listeners. Sitting down with hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Shawn reflects on the incredible outpouring of support following his first appearance, revealing how opening up about his past…

What are the moments in your life that have truly defined you? Join co-host Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr in an intriguing conversation with Dr. Matt Roberts as he shares his journey of resilience, growth, and balance. From his humble beginnings in West Alexandria, Ohio, to the traumatic high school car accident that shaped his outlook, Matt's story is…

Co-Hosts Dan Schmidt & Ben Spahr is joined by special guest Kim Schmidt to happens to be Dan's wife. Kim's journey from a small-town farm in St. Henry, Ohio, to becoming a passionate interior designer is a story filled with charm, resilience, and life lessons. Growing up with five siblings on a family farm, Kim learned the value of hard work and fa…

What does it mean to truly overcome adversity and emerge stronger? Join hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr as we reminisce about our year-long podcast journey, from our early days recording in a basement to thriving in a professional studio. We reflect on the incredible stories shared by our guests, like Brad's moving account of his challenging upbrin…

At just nine years old, Jordan Christian experienced a life-altering moment on a baseball field in Richmond, Indiana. Now, as our youngest guest, he takes us on an extraordinary journey of resilience, from the initial shock of his epilepsy diagnosis to becoming a beacon of hope in Raleigh, North Carolina. Jordan's story unfolds with raw honesty, as…

What happens when a young boy given less than a 1% chance of survival defies the odds and transforms his life into a beacon of hope and inspiration? Join us for an extraordinary conversation with John O'Leary, a captivating storyteller whose journey from a devastating childhood accident to becoming a best-selling author and motivational speaker wil…

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform adversity into a beacon of hope for others? Join co-hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr as we engage with Heather Labbe, the dynamic executive director of the Travis Mills Foundation, who shares her remarkable journey from small-town Maine to leading a nonprofit that’s making a profound difference. Heat…

Journey with us as we explore the extraordinary life of Chris Roseberry, a retired First Sergeant with a story that embodies resilience and leadership. Chris joins co-hosts Dan Schmidt & Ben Spahr to share his miraculous story of triumph on this episode of the BeTempered podcast. Imagine choosing military service over a college football career, onl…

Ever wonder how a boy from a small dirt farm in Springfield, Ohio, could build a thriving construction empire? Join us as we share Mark Metzger's extraordinary journey from helping with early morning chores on a family dairy farm to founding a successful construction business. Mark's story is one of hard work and determination, shaped by the lesson…

Discover the inspiring journey of Bill Courtney, the acclaimed President and CEO of Classic American Hardwoods and celebrated high school football coach from the Oscar-winning documentary "Undefeated." Bill joins BeTempered hosts Ben Spahr and Dan Schmidt to share his powerful personal story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Memphis and how…

What if a moment of unimaginable adversity became the turning point of your life? Today, Jason Koger and Jeff Jacobs from Owensboro, Kentucky, share their extraordinary journeys of resilience and transformation with BeTempered Podcast Host, Dan Schmidt. Jason recounts his early years on a family farm, where the values of hard work and integrity wer…

On this episode, special guest Jim Catron joins hosts Ben Spahr and Dan Schmidt. Discover the extraordinary journey of Jim Catron, a man who rose from humble beginnings in coal mining camps to become a leading figure in the glass industry. Jim's story is one of adaptability, resilience, and a relentless work ethic learned early in life. As he recou…

Retired superintendent and principal Greg Pettit takes us through an inspiring journey from his humble beginnings in Hamilton, Ohio, to his impactful career in education. Greg shares stories from his childhood that taught him the essence of hard work and family values, recounting adventures with neighborhood friends that shaped his commitment to mo…

What if the journey to a wedding became an epic tale of resilience and determination? Join us as we share the remarkable story of David Jones, the mastermind behind Excellence Advisory, who took us on a whirlwind journey—not only across state lines but through the stormy path of Hurricane Helene's aftermath. From his roots in Indiana to mastering t…

Eric VanVleet's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of purpose. Picture a young boy moving from the bustling streets of New York to a quieter life in Richmond, facing the peculiar challenge of paying ransom for his gym clothes—a seemingly trivial event that sparked a lifelong passion for weightlifting. At 74, Eric still carr…

How do small-town values hold up in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world? This episode of BeTempered uncovers the essence of community pride and the vital role of mentorship amidst a politically charged environment. As we brace for the upcoming election, we remind ourselves of the power of unity, advocating for meaningful dialogues that transcend …

Legendary high school sports coach and educator Jim Place joins us to share his incredible life journey and the insights he's garnered over decades of mentoring young athletes. From the stability he found in Massillon, Ohio, to the transformative experiences at the University of Dayton, Coach Place's story is one of resilience and dedication. He ca…

Special Guest Shawn Ruebush joins BeTempered Hosts Ben Spahr & Dan Schmidt to share his remarkable journey from a tragic childhood to a life marked by resilience and growth. He is an inspiring testament to the human spirit. Join us as we explore Sean's life-altering experiences, beginning with a humorous college escapade involving mischievous footb…

Could a mentor be the missing key to unlocking your personal and professional potential? Join us as we unravel the profound impact of mentorship, sharing heartfelt stories and life-changing moments that have defined our paths. From powerful parental influence to transformative coaches, learn how mentors have sculpted our character, work ethic, and …

What if you could turn life's biggest hurdles into stepping stones for success? Join us as we unravel Marcus's incredible story of resilience and positivity from a previous episode. Marcus has faced some of life's toughest challenges, yet he continues to inspire with his unwavering optimism. Alongside Marcus's journey, Ben & Dan share their own exp…

How does a journey from poverty lead to becoming a successful football coach? This episode of the Be Tempered podcast features Marcus Colvin from Chaminade Julienne, who shares his poignant story of resilience. Growing up in Columbus as one of six siblings in a blended family, Marcus faced significant challenges, including the heart-wrenching loss …

What does it take to transition from a childhood dream to a life rooted in the soil? Join us as Keith Schmidt, father of show host Dan Schmidt uncovers his inspiring journey into agriculture, a passion sparked by childhood adventures and nurtured by friends and family. Hear about the pivotal moment when a generous church member provided essential e…

Unlock the secrets to mastering self-discipline and achieving long-term success as Matty Ledgerwood returns for another insightful episode of the Be Tempered Podcast. Matty, Ben, and Dan share powerful personal stories that highlight how self-discipline, rather than fleeting motivation, shapes their lives, careers, and personal growth. Ben introduc…

What if the key to business success lies in treating your sales team like sports dynasties and military units? Join us as Jim Niekamp, owner of 95% Share Marketing, takes us through his incredible journey, from his early days at Miami University of Ohio to becoming an influential entrepreneur in the healthcare industry. Jim's story is filled with p…

Have you ever wondered what life was like before the convenience of modern technology and the hustle and bustle of today's world? In this episode of the Be Tempered Podcast, we bring you a heartwarming conversation with Mary Niekamp, the cherished matriarch of my wife’s family. Born in 1930 in St. Henry, Mary's life story is a testament to resilien…

How does one rise above a turbulent childhood marked by addiction, near-poverty, and financial adversity to become a successful entrepreneur? Join us as Kevin Shook, the founder of Global Media Enterprise, takes us through his extraordinary journey from a troubled youth in Indiana to a thriving business owner. Kevin's candid reflections on his upbr…

How do you rebuild your life when everything seems to be falling apart? Join us as childhood friends Justin Swartsell and Dan Schmidt take a heartfelt walk down memory lane, sharing their experiences growing up in Preble County, Ohio. From football fields to Bible school classrooms, their stories are filled with humor and nostalgia, setting the sta…

What happens when faith, humor, and resilience collide? In this heartwarming episode, we introduce Kelly Daniel, an inspiring figure and dear friend of co-host Ben Spahr. Kelly's childhood, filled with the melodies of her father’s military band and the grounding values of a small Ohio farming community, sets the stage for a life shaped by love, fai…

Have you ever faced a rejection so monumental that it felt like the end of the world? Join us as we explore that very experience with Dan Schmidt, who shares a defining moment from his youth—being denied a loan at just 23. This seemingly devastating setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise, guiding him to a more supportive financial partner …

Ever wondered what it takes to transform a hesitant idea into a thriving podcast? Join us as we recount our journey from the rough beginnings of the BeTempered podcast to the inspiring stories that have shaped its growth. The spark ignited with our first guest, Matty Ledgerwood, whose entrepreneurial spirit and self-taught construction skills captu…

Prepare to be inspired by the legendary college football coach, Mike Kelly, as he shares the secrets behind his extraordinary 27-year career at the University of Dayton. With an enviable record of 246-54-1 and a spot in both the University of Dayton Athletic Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, Kelly remains a paragon of humility. Di…

The VanVleets are an All American family in small town Richmond, Indiana. In this episode Brad VanVleet and his son Drew discuss growing up in Richmond, working hard in school and sports to both moving on to play college football at the same University. An amazing story with some good men trying to make the world a better place.…

A man of unwavering faith, Howard Stammen approaches life with a steadfast belief that guides his every action. Through hard work and determination, he has built a life of purpose and achievement, facing challenges head-on with resilience and integrity. His efforts are always supported and enriched by his amazing family, whose love and unity provid…

Brad Neavin is a retired educator, Principle and Superintendent of Public Schools in the state of Ohio. His stature is not just physical but also a reflection of the resilience he developed from a tumultuous childhood. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. His leadership as …

Fr David Doseck is an extraordinary young priest in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati who has had a unique journey to the priesthood. In this episode, he shares his journey to the faith from growing up in small town USA to working and sharing his faith with those he meets. He’s honest, he’s real and he’s making this world a better place.…

A remarkable Individual dedicated to self improvement and positively impacting the lives of others coming from humble beginnings and coal country to thriving in Dallas Texas shows his resilience and determination. Shawn is a remarkable leader in his family and community shaped by those who raised him.…

In this podcast episode, we dive into the insightful book “Mindshift” by Erwin McManus. Join us as we explore McManus’s profound ideas on personal growth, mindset shifts and transformation.By dschmidt5

The 75 Hard challenge is a mental toughness program designed by Andy Frisella. It is designed to develop mental toughness principles, build discipline and achieve personal growth. In this episode, Ben and Dan discuss their 75 Hard journey. Andyfrisella.comBy dschmidt5

In this podcast episode, our special is guest Matty Ledgerwood, the owner and founder of Ledgerwood Home Restoration. Matty shares valuable insights and experiences that shed light on the challenges and rewards of the restoration industry. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in the world of home restoration. Matty is s…

Listening is a crucial skill in effective communication. It involves not only hearing the words being spoken but, also understanding the message being conveyed. This was a quick podcast/ thought on listening.By dschmidt5