BeTempered

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...

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, faith, and music. As she navigates the challenge...

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 and steering him away from potential financial rui...

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 captured our hearts and set a powerful tone for future...

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. Discover how he attributes his success to the incred...

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.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show

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 provide the foundation for his endeavors. Together, they...

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 a Superintendent is not just about managing a sch...

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. Send us Fan Mail Support the show