BeTempered

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 family bonds early on. Transitioning t...

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 upbringing and the touching interaction with his so...

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 he shares the struggles and triumphs of bala...

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 will leave you moved and inspired. John shares h...

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. Heather opens up about her unexpected career shift fro...

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, only to face unimaginable challenges, including a...

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 lessons learned from a large family. Through t...

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 mentorship through sports led him to a...

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 were instilled in him, and how these foundations help...

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 recounts his experiences of frequently moving and...

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 motivating teachers and students. We explore Greg&ap...

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 the art of operational excellence with Pal&apo...

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 carries the humor and drive from those formative...

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 political divides. Our conversation touches o...

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 candidly discusses how his own injury redi...

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 football players, which sets the stage for a d...

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 self-improvement journeys. In a unique family exer...

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 experiences from the lows of...

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 of his youngest sister, Rosa. Inspired by "Sl...

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 equipment that set Keith on his path, and the cruci...

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 introduces a unique concept: selecting a new discipline ea...

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 pivotal moments and insights, such as the stra...

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 resilience, love, and the power of family bonds....

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 upbringing, his father's mental health chall...

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 stage for an inspiring discussion about the importanc...