Shows
BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 63 – A Nurse, A Mother, A Survivor: Susan’s War Behind the SmileHow do you find strength when your world is crumbling from the inside out?In this powerful episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Susan Preble, whose story of perseverance through hidden trauma, heartbreak, and healing will leave you breathless and forever changed.Susan’s journey began with tragedy—when she was just 18 months old, her family car was T-boned, leaving her mother in a coma and shifting the course of her life. As she grew, the trauma deepened: childhood sexual abuse, isol...2025-07-251h 30BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 62 – Jeff Swanson: Finding Fire in the Fog of DepressionSome friendships are built on shared victories, bruises, and sweat—on long bus rides and harder losses. But the deepest friendships aren’t just remembered; they return when we need them most.In this deeply moving episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr reconnect with Jeff Swanson, a former University of Dayton teammate and roommate whose story is both heart-wrenching and hope-filled. What begins as a conversation between old friends quickly transforms into a profound exploration of grief, resilience, fatherhood, and the transformative power of mental toughness.2025-07-181h 03BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 61 – Breaking the Walls of Selfishness: Dan’s Rite of Passage ExperienceWhat does it take to break through the walls of selfishness we’ve built around ourselves? For Dan Schmidt, it was a brutal 24-hour journey through the mountains of Georgia that stripped away every comfort and convenience of modern life.In this powerful episode, host Ben Spahr leads a raw conversation with host Dan Schmidt about his experience in The Rite of Passage, an endurance challenge led by former Navy SEAL Chad Wright. This wasn’t just another test of grit—without electronics, timepieces, or any knowledge of their route, nineteen strang...2025-07-111h 41BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 60 – Real Freedom Isn’t About Doing Whatever You Want—It’s About Becoming Who You’re Meant to BeWhat does true freedom really look like in our daily lives? In this thought-provoking Independence Day episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr welcome guest Brian Ballenger for an intimate, wide-ranging exploration of how personal discipline—and the courage to confront our own weaknesses—shapes genuine independence.Freedom, as the trio discovers, isn’t simply about doing whatever we want or escaping life’s responsibilities. Instead, it’s rooted in self‑regulated integrity: the quiet resolve to make and keep commitments to ourselves when nobody’s watching. Brian explains, “Habits are devel...2025-07-041h 03BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 59 Part 2 - Jeff Travis on Special Needs, Spiritual Warfare, and SurrenderIn Episode 59 Part 2 of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Jeff Travis for a raw, unflinching conversation about faith forged in the fires of real life. Jeff opens up about his remarkable journey—from a struggling student to a reluctant pastor and, eventually, a missionary in Thailand. What begins as a familiar story of answering God’s call soon unfolds into something far deeper—a father’s desperate fight to protect his family amid cultural isolation, special needs parenting, and relentless spiritual warfare.After years of battling infertility and enduring painful adoption setbacks, Jeff and...2025-06-271h 12BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 59 Part 1 – Battling Insecurity, Answering God’s Call, and Moving to One of the World’s Most Dangerous PlacesWhat happens when following your faith costs everything? In this powerful episode of the BeTempered podcast, Pastor Jeff Travis joins hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation that traces his extraordinary journey—from childhood struggles in suburban Detroit to anti-trafficking work along the Thailand-Myanmar border.As a young boy, Jeff battled severe reading difficulties and depression, feeling like he didn’t belong in traditional academic settings. Competitive swimming became his outlet, but it wasn’t until college that everything changed. A miraculous healing experience not only restored his ability to read but ig...2025-06-201h 41BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 58 – Answering the Call: Why Tim Pierson Left Corporate America for the StreetsWhat does it take to walk away from a successful 23-year career to serve those society often overlooks? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, guest Tim Pierson joins hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr to share the story of how an unexpected calling turned his life upside down—and ultimately right side up. Tim’s journey from insurance executive to full-time advocate for the homeless and addicted is a reminder that purpose often begins where comfort ends.Tim grew up in a middle-class household where faith, family, and hard work shaped his...2025-06-131h 20BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 57 – From the Sidelines to the Frontlines of Education with Carl Rhinehart lllWhat does it mean to run toward the fire instead of away from it?For Carl Rhinehart III, that question became more than a metaphor—it became a mission. On this powerful episode of the BeTempered Podcast, Carl joins hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr to share his journey from insecurity and adversity to purpose and impact.Growing up in Muncie, Indiana, Carl’s childhood was shaped by contradictions. He was the youngest of six in a home where love and trauma coexisted. While he faced domestic violence and his father’s struggles with addiction and ab...2025-06-061h 22BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 56 – Faith in the Rubble: Joan’s Story of ResilienceWhat happens when your carefully built life suddenly crumbles? On this deeply honest and inspiring episode of the BeTempered Podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Joan Parsons, a woman whose life story is marked by unexpected heartbreak, enduring faith, and the quiet strength that comes from trusting God through life’s hardest seasons.Joan grew up surrounded by the steady beauty of rural Ohio farmland, a childhood filled with warmth, stability, and the simplicity of country life. But at just 13 years old, her world was turned upside do...2025-05-301h 01BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 55 – Filling the Dash: The Legacy of Michael “Pappy” QuinnHave you ever thought about that small line between the birth and death dates on a tombstone? That dash represents everything—your entire life, the people you loved, the choices you made, the legacy you left behind.In this powerful episode of the BeTempered podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr invite you to reflect on what it means to live a life worthy of your dash. They share the extraordinary story of Michael "Pappy" Quinn, a humble tool and die maker from West Virginia whose legacy of love, faith, and servant leadership continues to inspire....2025-05-2321 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 54 – Empowered to Lead: The Youth Movement at National TrailWhat does real leadership look like in today’s world? At National Trail High School in New Paris, Ohio, the answer isn’t found in titles or authority—it’s found in actions. In this powerful episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with the students behind the school’s Renaissance Program, a dynamic, student-led initiative that’s changing the very heartbeat of their school culture.The Renaissance Program at National Trail isn’t just a club—it’s a movement. Rooted in the national Jostens Renaissance model, this local chapter embraces a vision...2025-05-1648 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 53 - Faith Under Fire: Misty Hollis’s Journey as a Community Leader and Cancer SurvivorWhat does true resilience look like?In this powerful episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Misty Hollis, Director of the Richmond Family YMCA and a two-time cancer survivor, as she shares the extraordinary strength that unfolds when faith collides with life’s hardest trials. Proudly sponsored by Catron’s Glass, this conversation reminds us that true strength is forged in the fire.Born into a fourth-generation ministry family, Misty’s early life traveling across Texas in her parents’ revival van only hinted at the tests of faith ahead. F...2025-05-091h 14BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 52 - Failure Is Just Feedback: A Roundtable on Growing Through ChallengesWhat happens when 5 men drop their guards and speak honestly about faith, failure, and finding their way? In this special live roundtable celebrating one year of the Be Tempered podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt & Ben Spahr reunites with previous guests Brian Ballenger, Matt Roberts, and Shawn Ruebush for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the journey to authentic manhood.The wisdom flows as these men reflect on pivotal moments when faith became personal rather than inherited. Sean's admission that it took him 38 years to make peace with God resonates deeply, especially when he shares that "no matter how far...2025-05-022h 01BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 51 - Flipping the Script: Dan and Ben Get Real with Guest Host Matty LedgerwoodBeTempered Episode 51: Tables Turned – Dan and Ben in the Hot SeatIn 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 personal look at what it really means to live with intention, lean into discomfort, and commit to lifelong growth.Dan opens up about a pivotal moment in 2022 when he realized he was...2025-04-251h 16BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 50 - Building a Legacy at 20 with Nathan HoggMeet 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 entrepreneurial journey, which started at just six years old with a lemonade stand and a dream to own a restaurant. But when COVID-19 disrupted his freshman year of high school, he spiraled into burnout—until a TikTok vi...2025-04-1849 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 49 - Faith After Firefights: Retired Colonel George Glaze on Trauma and TransformationWhen 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 Baghdad to guiding his congregation at Beach Grove Church of the Brethren.With raw honesty, Colonel Glaze recounts the emotional toll of delivering 23 casualty notifications to families of fallen soldiers. “A mom crying in Spanish is a mom crying,” he reflec...2025-04-111h 13BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 48 – Love in Action: How Sam’s Faith Led to the Largest Kidney Transplant ChainIn 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 and raised in a home full of instability, Sam stepped into a caregiving role for her siblings early on. While her childhood was far from easy, she found comfort and stability at her gran...2025-04-041h 00BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 47 - Horses, Faith, and Building Dreams: Brian Ballenger's JourneyWhat 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, faith, and doing the right thing when it’s hardest.Brian’s journey begins on a 27-acre farm, where at just ten years old, he took on adult responsibilities caring...2025-03-281h 26BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 46 - The Bionic Man with a Golden Heart: The Jason Koger StoryJason Koger Joins Hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr on the BeTempered Podcast for a Powerful Conversation on Resilience and PurposeIn 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-altering accident with a downed power line that surged 7,200 volts through his body, Jason became the world’s first bilateral bionic hand recipient. But his story goes far beyond groundbreaking technology.With raw honesty an...2025-03-211h 07BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 45 - If I Live or Die, I'm His: Facing Cancer Without FearWhat 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 impactful career working with runaway teens in Dallas, Deb has always lived a life of service. Though she never set out to be a teacher, she found herself drawn to education, spending two decades at National Tr...2025-03-141h 01BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 44 - 'No Excuses': Lessons from the Farm to Instagram with @Bushel_BillyBeTempered 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 family did." His journey from an awkward kid who “couldn’t run” to a college football captain proves his core philosophy: success is about determination, not natural talent.Bill’s career pat...2025-03-071h 06BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 43 - Becky Morin: A Life of Resilience, Community, and PurposeJoin 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 adulthood, family, and grief, she built a career dedicated to serving her community through meaningful programs.Becky’s journey took a challenging turn when she faced significant adversity due to cancer, intensifying her commitment to...2025-02-2838 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 42 - Extreme Ownership in Action: Matty Ledgerwood on Leadership, Accountability, and TransformationWhat 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 between humility and assertiveness, and the critical importance of fostering trust and accountability. As they dissect decision-making in politics, they challenge the all-too-common tendency to shift blame rather than embrace responsibility.We also share the in...2025-02-211h 00BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 41 - The Journey Continues: Shawn Ruebush’s Hard Truths on Trauma, Recovery, and Finding PurposeChildhood 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 led to unexpected yet powerful connections.From the heartbreak of losing his father and grandfather to confronting personal demons, Shawn shares the pivotal moment that set him on a path to break the generational cycle of alcoholism. A blackout during a wo...2025-02-141h 07BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 40 - Defining Moments: Dr. Matt Roberts’ Journey of Resilience and GrowthWhat 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 a testament to finding strength in adversity. Hear about the unexpected twists that molded his path, including meeting his high school sweetheart and the profound impact of sports in his upbringing.As Matt transitioned to college basketball, his...2025-02-071h 10