Shows
BeTemperedBeTempered 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 10BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 39 - Kim Schmidt's Story: Embracing Change and Cherishing Family ValuesCo-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 to town life, she discovered her love for gymnastics and cheerleading, all while actively participating in school activities. As we reminisce about these formative years, you'll glimpse into the values and memories that...2025-01-311h 01BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 38 - Faith, Strength, and Triumph: Inspiring Journeys of 2024What 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 son Drew. These moments have not only illuminated the power of resilience but have also reinforced our mission to share impactful narratives that resonate deeply with our listeners.Throughout this year, we've been...2025-01-2432 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 37 - Game Changer - Overcoming Epilepsy and Finding Purpose with Jordan ChristianAt 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 balancing sports, academics, and a health condition that often defies predictability. Through vivid storytelling, he highlights the unwavering support from his family, friends, and mentors that sustained him through tough times.In this...2025-01-1759 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 36 - John O'Leary's Journey: Defying the Odds with Resilience, Faith, and Family LoveWhat 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 how the unwavering love of family and the profound strength of his mother shaped his path to recovery, mirroring the trials and triumphs of Job from scripture. His story is one of survival, resilience, and the power...2025-01-1052 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 35 - Heather Labbe's Impactful Mission with the Travis Mills FoundationHave 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 from aspiring paramedic to nonprofit accounting, leveraging her skills to amplify the foundation’s mission. Her story is woven with the inspiring legacy of Travis Mills, a quadruple amputee veteran whose resilience and vision have...2025-01-0342 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 34 - Chris Roseberry's Journey: From Battlefield Challenges to Empowering VeteransJourney 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 life-altering motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of a limb. Yet, Chris's determination propelled him to not only return to active duty but also to take on new trials overseas, demonstrating an unwavering warrior mentality. Through Chris's...2024-12-271h 07BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 33 - Facing the Lion: Mark Metzger's Story of Survival, Faith, and StrengthEver 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 the ups and downs, including the trials of the 1987 recession, Mark's commitment to his employees, whom he considers family, shines through. Discover how his education at the University of Dayton and a relentless work ethic...2024-12-201h 00BeTemperedBeTempered Episode 32 - From the Field to the Boardroom: Bill Courtney's Journey of Leadership and LegacyDiscover 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 life of purpose and success. We explore how his passion for coaching and child psychology at Ole Miss laid the foundation for his thriving business career while continuing to uplift young athletes and communities.Venture into the world of...2024-12-1358 minBeTemperedBeTempered Episode 31 - Near-Death, New Life: How Jason Koger Became a Bionic InspirationWhat 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 helped him navigate the harrowing aftermath of a life-changing electrical accident. With vivid storytelling, Jason takes us through the incident that left him temporarily heart-stopped yet ignited a burning determination to overcome all odds, including becoming the...2024-12-061h 51