BeTempered

He walked into church to impress a girl. He left with a decision that would change the direction of his life.On BeTempered Episode 119, Ben Spahr and Dan Schmidt are joined by Rondale Broome, Student Pastor at Salem Church of God in Clayton, Ohio.Rondale grew up in Muncie, Indiana in a single-parent home with eight kids, surrounded by an environment where drugs, violence and jail could easily begin to feel normal. Expectations for his future weren't high, but along the way, a handful of people refused to let his circumstances determine where his story ended.Rondale shares how show choir, sports and a few relentless adults gave him places to belong, and how a sudden school transfer stripped away much of that support. Then came a simple invitation to come play basketball at a church.That invitation opened the door to youth ministry, new relationships and a completely different community. A pastor repeatedly greeting him with, "How you doing, Pastor?" initially felt like a joke. Eventually, Rondale began wondering if it might be something more.He talks about the mission trip, a conversation with a man living the future Rondale feared for himself, and a foot-washing moment that turned what felt like God's whisper into a yell. He also opens up about the struggle of trying to grow while people and influences from his old life continued pulling him back.Today, Rondale serves the next generation, and his own story has shaped how he approaches ministry. For him, reaching young people isn't about having the perfect program. It's about consistency, relationships and the power of simply inviting someone in.This conversation is about faith, resilience, fatherlessness, breaking generational cycles and what can happen when someone refuses to give up on you.Learn more at betempered.comSupport BeTempered at patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What starts as a lighter day in the studio quickly turns into a conversation about the things that shape who we are when nobody’s keeping score.This episode of BeTempered is a little different. No guest. No single story driving the conversation. Ben, Dan, and Shawn work through rapid-fire questions that start with some friendly roasting and eventually lead into grace, imposter syndrome, parenting, faith, perspective, and legacy.What do people see in us that we have a hard time seeing in ourselves? How have we changed over the last few years? And how much grace are we willing to give ourselves while we’re still becoming the people we want to be?Parenting becomes a big part of that conversation. Our kids can teach us patience and unconditional love, but they also hold up a mirror. They’re paying attention to what we model far more than what we tell them. That raises a bigger question: when the careers, accomplishments, and work are eventually stripped away, what do we actually want our families to remember about us?Even simple questions like beach or mountains open the door to something deeper. The guys talk about the places and moments that remind them how small they are and how big God is, from a sunrise run and a quiet walk through an arboretum to spending time with people rebuilding their lives through recovery.Those experiences reinforce something we all need reminded of: you never know someone’s entire story by looking at them. Instead of judging from a distance, we can choose curiosity, stay humble, extend grace, and remember that every person we meet is carrying something we may know nothing about.That perspective is a big part of what BeTempered continues to be about. Resilient faith, stronger character, honest conversations, and becoming better through the things that test us.If this episode makes you think differently about your own life, share it with someone who needs the conversation.betempered.compatreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

A cancer diagnosis changes more than your health. It changes the way you see your future, your family, your faith, and the role you've always played for everyone else. On this episode of BeTempered, Ben Spahr and Dan Schmidt are joined by Jeremy Duncan, superintendent of Fayette County School Corporation in Connersville, Indiana, to talk about leading a school district while facing one of the biggest battles of his life.Jeremy shares the moment he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer at just 46 years old, the difficult conversation with his wife and children, and the reality of hearing words like Stage 3C, Gleason 9, and radical prostatectomy. He explains why routine screenings matter, how a "normal" MRI didn't tell the whole story, and what life has looked like through surgery, hormone therapy, radiation, and recovery.The conversation goes well beyond cancer. Jeremy reflects on what it means to accept help after spending a lifetime serving others, how leadership changes when you're carrying pain that no one else can see, and why faith isn't about getting the outcome you want. It's about trusting God, even if life doesn't unfold the way you hoped.We also dive into the importance of PSA testing, annual checkups, and why too many men wait until it's too late because of pride, fear, or simply putting everyone else first.Whether you're walking through cancer yourself, supporting someone who is, carrying the weight of leadership, or searching for hope in the middle of uncertainty, Jeremy's story is a powerful reminder that faith doesn't remove the struggle, but it can change the way you walk through it.betempered.compatreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Some moments divide your life into before and after. For Amy Cullum, that moment came on a dark roadside after a late-night crash involving her son, Alex. In the middle of fear and uncertainty, she heard four words she believes came from God: "Don't turn him over." She didn't know it then, but those words would carry a meaning she wouldn't fully understand until a phone call from the coroner days later.Hosts Ben Spahr and Dan Schmidt talk with Amy about a life shaped by faith long before tragedy ever entered the picture. She reflects on growing up as an identical twin, the search for identity beyond comparison, her years as a Spanish teacher, and the lessons she's learned through endurance training and walking the Camino de Santiago. Along the way, she explains how perseverance isn't built in the easy moments, but in choosing the next faithful step when life doesn't make sense.The conversation turns to the unimaginable loss of Alex and the years that followed. Amy shares how Psalm 32:8 became an anchor, how her family found purpose through organ donation, scholarships, and honoring Alex's legacy, and why authentic faith doesn't ignore grief but learns to carry it. She also discusses her books Welcome to the Banquet and Not Done Yet, along with a new project she's creating with her twin sister.This episode is a reminder that God doesn't promise a life without heartbreak, but He does promise His presence through it. Whether you're walking through grief, searching for purpose, or simply need encouragement to keep taking the next step, we hope Amy's story reminds you that you're not walking alone.Learn more at betempered.com and support the mission at patreon.com/betempered.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Some stories remind you that addiction isn’t a lack of willpower. It’s a battle that slowly steals your identity until you no longer recognize the person staring back at you. On BeTempered Episode 115, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr welcome Kara Harris for one of the most honest conversations we've had about addiction, trauma, recovery, and what it really takes to rebuild a life.Kara shares her journey from experimenting with pills at a young age to years consumed by heroin, methamphetamine, arrests, abusive relationships, homelessness, and the constant fight to survive. She opens up about how bullying, trauma, untreated mental health struggles, and the loss of her identity fueled the addiction, and why telling someone to "just quit" completely misses the reality of what they're experiencing.The conversation also explores the devastating impact addiction has on families, the heartbreak of losing Logan to an overdose, and the difficult balance between loving someone and enabling them. It's an honest look at the pain addiction leaves behind for everyone involved.But this story doesn't end there.Kara explains what finally changed, from probation and treatment to medication-assisted treatment, accountability, and the faith-based community at Another Chance Ministry that helped her discover a new purpose. Today, she's using her own experiences to help other women find hope, healing, and a path forward while pursuing a future in social work.This episode is a reminder that no matter how dark life becomes, your past doesn't have to define your future.If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, subscribe for more authentic conversations, and help us continue these stories by visiting betempered.com and joining our community at patreon.com/betempered.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Some battles don't end when the mission is over. They begin when the uniform comes off.BeTempered Episode 114 brings back Colonel George Glaze for a conversation that is noticeably different from the first time he joined hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr. The confidence is still there, but so is a level of honesty that only comes from doing the hard work. George shares how losing more than 50 pounds became about far more than a number on a scale. It forced him to confront the pain, fatigue, frustration, and anger that had quietly built over years of leadership, combat, and carrying the weight of everyone else's expectations.The conversation moves into one of the greatest struggles facing veterans, first responders, and leaders: discovering who you are when your identity is no longer defined by your rank, title, or mission. George explains why ego can become a survival mechanism, how cynicism slowly creeps into everyday life, and why replacing constant noise with prayer, Scripture, and intentional presence has transformed the way he approaches each day.One of the most powerful moments comes when George talks about holding his newborn grandson, Hudson. Looking into the eyes of a child with a completely blank slate, he realized he didn't want to pass down the cynicism he had carried for so many years. That moment became a challenge to leave behind bitterness and embrace a legacy built on hope, faith, and resilience instead.Dan, Ben, and George also dive into survivor's guilt, vulnerability, spiritual warfare, and why "giving it to God" is often much harder than people make it sound. They explore the unseen battles that continue long after combat ends and why healing requires the same discipline, accountability, and intentionality that prepared soldiers for the battlefield.Whether you've served in the military, worn a badge, led an organization, or simply find yourself carrying burdens no one else sees, this conversation offers practical wisdom, honest encouragement, and a reminder that your greatest battle may not be behind you, but neither is your greatest growth.Watch and listen at https://betempered.com.If you'd like to help us continue sharing conversations like this, become a supporter at https://patreon.com/betempered.Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Five pregnancy losses will either pull you apart or force you to discover a strength you never knew you had. For Mark Broeker, that journey became one of faith, perseverance, and learning how to keep moving forward when life refuses to make sense.With Ben out this week, it's just me, Dan Schmidt, talking with Mark about a life that has been shaped by both incredible hardship and incredible resilience. We begin with his small-town upbringing, his father's battle with cancer, three torn ACLs, and the pressure of building a successful career while quietly struggling with anxiety, depression, and alcohol. It's an honest conversation about the weight many men carry without ever talking about it.Mark also shares the deeply personal story of walking through five pregnancy losses alongside his wife. We discuss the grief that miscarriage brings to a marriage, what it looks like to support your spouse while you're hurting yourself, and the medical journey that ultimately led to the birth of their daughter, Annabelle. From counseling and faith to daily discipline and movement, Mark explains the habits that helped him rebuild his life. He also shares the unexpected blessing of welcoming a foreign exchange student, Lucia, whose presence brought joy and healing to their family during one of their darkest seasons.The conversation then shifts to the 3 of 7 Project Rite of Passage, a grueling 24-hour endurance event through the mountains of North Georgia led by former Navy SEAL Chad Wright and his team. Mark takes us inside the preparation, the physical suffering, the mental battles, Copperhead Road, the infamous Wormhole, and the defining moment when an entire group of men refused to let anyone quit.This episode is about far more than endurance. It's about faith when prayers seem unanswered, the importance of men's mental health, finding purpose through suffering, and discovering that resilience is built one difficult step at a time.Learn more at https://betempered.com and support the show at https://patreon.com/betempered.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

A kid tries to play basketball while limping, then pulls off his shoes and reveals socks soaked in blood. That single moment became the catalyst for everything Kris Horlacher would build through Shoes 4 The Shoeless. What started as one heartbreaking realization has grown into a nonprofit that has provided properly fitting shoes and socks to well over 200,000 children across Southwest Ohio, restoring dignity one child at a time. Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Kris to hear the story behind the mission and the lessons she's learned while leading one of the region's most impactful nonprofits. From her years as a registered nurse working in emergency medicine, trauma care, disaster relief, and public health, to mentoring children living in poverty, Kris explains how those experiences prepared her to recognize a need almost everyone else overlooked. She shares why correctly measuring every child's feet is non-negotiable, why socks are often the greatest need, how volunteers make school distributions run like clockwork, and why something as simple as a new pair of shoes can dramatically change a child's confidence, health, and future.The conversation also dives into the realities of nonprofit leadership. Kris opens up about criticism from people who think they know better, navigating legal challenges as a faith-based organization serving public schools, building trust with school districts, and why deciding who is "deserving" of help often misses the point entirely. She also explains why empathy isn't something we're born with, but something that must be intentionally taught and practiced through what she calls "eye-to-eye service."Whether you're passionate about serving your community, leading a nonprofit, raising empathetic children, or simply looking for a reminder that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and genuine hope. Sometimes changing a life starts with something as simple as making sure a child has shoes that actually fit.Learn more about Shoes 4 The Shoeless or find ways to volunteer and support their mission at shoes4theshoeless.org. Listen now at betempered.comSupport the show and get exclusive content at patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

There are coaches who win games, and there are coaches who change lives. Mark Hoffman spent 46 years doing both, but ask the people who know him best and they’ll tell you the scoreboard was never the point. From small-town football fields to classrooms and communities across Ohio, Coach Hoff built a reputation for demanding excellence while never losing sight of the person behind the player.Hosts Dan Schmidt, Ben Spahr, and special guest host Shawn Ruebush sit down with Coach Hoff to explore the lessons that shaped him long before he became one of the most respected coaches in the region. He shares stories from his upbringing, the family values that became his foundation, the mentors who influenced his path, and the experiences that formed his approach to leadership, discipline, and service.The conversation goes far beyond football. Mark reflects on coaching at 12 different schools, adapting to changing generations, and why standards still matter in a world that often looks for shortcuts. He also opens up about helping students facing difficult circumstances, advocating for kids who needed someone in their corner, and the responsibility adults have to notice what others miss.At the heart of the episode is Coach Hoff's simple but powerful mission for every player he coached: be a good citizen, be a good man, and be a good dad. It's a philosophy that reaches far beyond sports and offers a blueprint for building stronger families, teams, and communities.Learn more at betempered.comSupport the show at patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

A lot of people can tell you what combat looks like. Fewer can tell you what happens when the war follows you home.Caleb Hutcheson spent his deployment in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, conducting route clearance missions as a combat engineer. Every day meant searching for hidden IEDs where a single mistake could cost lives. He shares what it was like driving the Buffalo, surviving an explosion beneath his vehicle, and discovering a second device nearby that could have made an already terrifying situation even worse.But this conversation goes far beyond Afghanistan. Caleb opens up about the difficult transition back to civilian life, the depression that crept in after military service, and the identity crisis that can come when you go from having a clear mission to wondering where you belong. He discusses alcohol, dark thoughts, comparison, and the spiritual battles that often happen long before anyone else notices.Caleb also shares how faith became more than something he believed. Through conviction, surrender, Bible study, prayer, and unexpected opportunities, God began redirecting his life toward ministry. What started as small steps of obedience eventually led him to Bible college and serving at Community of Faith Church in Lewisburg, Ohio.Hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Caleb Hutcheson for an honest conversation about combat, purpose, faith, resilience, and finding hope when life looks fine on the outside but feels empty within.https://betempered.comSupport the show:https://www.patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What happens when the thing you've built your identity around gets taken away?Carson Brower shares a story that goes far beyond baseball. Born with VATER syndrome affecting his right arm, Carson grew up learning how to adapt, solve problems differently, and push through obstacles most people never have to face. Those lessons eventually helped him achieve his dream of becoming a Division I pitcher at Bellarmine University, but the greatest challenges of his life weren't on the field.Inspired by Jim Abbott, Carson became obsessed with finding ways to make what others viewed as a disadvantage work at the highest level. He takes us through growing up in Eaton, Ohio, the frustrations and victories that came with doing everyday tasks differently, and the moment he returned to baseball after walking away from the game at age 12.Hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr dive into the darker side of competitive athletics as Carson openly discusses the depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts that developed when his identity became tied to performance. He shares the phone call from his mother that changed everything, the community that rallied around him, and how his faith in Christ helped him rebuild his foundation when baseball could no longer define who he was.The conversation also explores the wrist injury that ultimately ended Carson's pitching career, the difficult decision to prioritize his long-term future over one more season, and the perspective he carries today about gratitude, purpose, pressure, and resilience.If you've ever struggled with identity, mental health, adversity, faith, athletics, or finding your purpose beyond achievement, this episode will stay with you.Visit:betempered.comSupport the show:patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

At five years old, Mason Shrout made a decision that most kids only dream about.He was going to play Division I basketball.What followed was years of sacrifice, long drives, early mornings, pressure, criticism, and expectations that most people never see. Mason grew from a kid in rural Ohio into Preble County's all-time leading scorer, a historic Final Four participant, and eventually a Division I athlete at Purdue Fort Wayne. But the road was anything but easy.In this episode, Mason shares what it was like growing up with strict parents who pushed him to be his best, the AAU experiences that humbled him early, and the criticism he faced after making the decision to reclassify. He explains how he learned to block out negativity, trust the people closest to him, and use doubt as motivation instead of allowing it to become a limitation.Mason also takes us behind the curtain of the recruiting process, the pressure of being one of the most talked-about athletes in the area, and why he chose loyalty to his community over opportunities that could have taken him elsewhere. He reflects on the unforgettable Final Four run at UD Arena and the lessons learned from carrying expectations on and off the court.Hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr then dive into the realities of college athletics, including balancing a demanding Mechanical Engineering degree with Division I basketball, redshirting, fighting through disappointment, and learning how comparison can rob athletes of joy and purpose. Mason also discusses his faith journey, baptism, and how staying grounded in something bigger than basketball has helped him navigate success, setbacks, temptations, and pressure.This episode is about much more than sports. It's about identity, resilience, humility, discipline, and what happens when the dream you've chased your entire life finally becomes reality.Listen now: https://betempered.comSupport the show:https://patreon.com/betempered Send us Fan MailSupport the show

A fighter jet drops out of the clouds at 300 miles an hour, the controls stop responding, and the pilot has seconds left to decide what to do. David Wheeler lived through that moment and what happened next still challenges everything he thought he knew about life, purpose, and survival.In this episode of BeTempered with Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, David takes us from his 1950s Cincinnati childhood and early fascination with aviation to flying the Air National Guard F-100 Super Sabre while balancing life as an architect and family man. He breaks down the intense reality of pilot training, low-level flight routes, military discipline, and the medical obstacles he had to overcome just to earn the chance to fly.Then everything changed.David walks us through the terrifying seconds of his fighter jet crash and the unexplainable peace he experienced as the aircraft went down. He describes hearing what sounded like singing, feeling overwhelming love, and waking up with questions that would shape the rest of his life.We also explore what it means to live a “second life,” how trauma can transform purpose, and why David eventually returned to the crash site decades later searching for answers. The conversation expands into prison ministry, servant leadership, radical forgiveness, hospice experiences, faith, and the moments that quietly redefine what matters most.Whether you love aviation stories, military history, leadership lessons, near-death experiences, or conversations about faith and meaning, David’s story stays with you.Visit https://betempered.comSupport the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

A single decision at 100 miles per hour can ripple through families, friendships, faith, and the rest of your life. In Episode 106 of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Tony Talbert to unpack the night a drunk driver changed everything. What started as a celebration of his friend David’s recovery journey through addiction and service ended in tragedy just minutes from home, leaving Tony and his wife Donna carrying grief, trauma, and questions that don’t disappear when the headlines fade.Tony opens up about the realities of PTSD, survivor’s guilt, panic, flashbacks, nightmares, and the pressure many people feel to “move on” before they’re actually healed. He shares how EMDR therapy, honest prayer, and eventually visiting the young man responsible for the crash became part of a healing process that challenged everything he thought he knew about justice, forgiveness, and redemption.Then the conversation takes a turn none of us expected. On a freezing day in Richmond, Indiana, a homeless man asks Tony for help and leaves behind a freshly cut green crown of thorns. Weeks later, Tony receives a message he believes came directly from Jesus, and suddenly the nightmares stop. What follows is a powerful conversation about faith, suffering, purpose, and the kind of charity that restores dignity instead of creating dependency through practical support, accountability, and love.This episode is raw, emotional, hopeful, and deeply human.Listen now at https://betempered.com and support the mission at https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What happens when your normal life disappears overnight? In this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Kateryna Tabota to hear the real human side of the Ukraine war through the eyes of a wife, mother, and woman of faith. Her story moves from growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine, to serving in the medical field, to suddenly facing air raid sirens, uncertainty, and separation from family as war closes in around them.Katya opens up about raising children during chaos, leaving Ukraine for Poland while her husband was legally required to stay behind, and the emotional weight of wondering if your family will ever be reunited again. She shares how faith became her anchor during the fear, confusion, and constant uncertainty surrounding everyday life.The conversation also dives into the unexpected moments that changed everything. A scooter accident eventually creates the medical exemption that allows her husband to reunite with the family. Church relationships and the United for Ukraine sponsorship program lead them to Ohio, where complete strangers prepare a home for them before they ever arrive. From beds and groceries to a full tank of gas, Katya reflects on the kindness that helped her family begin rebuilding their lives in America.Dan, Ben, and Katya also talk about culture shock, learning English through customer interactions, rebuilding a career through nail licensing, and the hope of returning to medicine in the United States someday. It’s a conversation about resilience, faith under pressure, family sacrifice, and gaining a deeper appreciation for freedoms that are often taken for granted.This episode will challenge perspective, deepen gratitude, and remind listeners how powerful faith and community can become in life’s hardest moments.https://betempered.com https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Two years later, we decided to turn the cameras around and let Brian Ballenger ask the questions. This episode pulls back the curtain on the real story behind the BeTempered podcast, how a mindset shift, a weight loss journey, and the idea of tempered glass became the foundation for something much bigger. Strength is not built in comfort. It is built through pressure, heat, failure, and choosing to keep going anyway. What started as a simple experiment turned into a movement centered around faith, resilience, discipline, and conversations most people are afraid to have out loud.Dan Schmidt, Ben Spahr and Shawn Ruebush open up about the moments they still wrestle with doubt, the pressure of staying authentic, and the messages from listeners that remind them these stories truly matter. They reflect on how hearing the testimonies of guests over the past two years has changed the way they see addiction, trauma, recovery, and the people around them. This conversation dives deep into vulnerability, grace, imposter syndrome, forgiveness, and why being fully present in everyday life can completely reshape relationships, faith, and purpose.The episode also gets practical. The guys talk about parenting in a digital world, social media boundaries, smartphone restrictions, and why uncomfortable conversations inside the home matter more now than ever before. They connect discipline to consistency through daily routines, early mornings, and intentional habits that build stronger families and stronger communities. They also share what is ahead for the BeTempered Foundation, the BeTempered Standard for schools, and local outreach efforts like Care Cycle and hygiene support initiatives.If BeTempered has ever encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you feel less alone, share this episode with someone who needs it. Subscribe, leave a review, and help us continue spreading stories that remind people they are capable of more than they think.Learn more at https://betempered.comSupport the mission at https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

A bowl of porridge does not look like a life plan, but for Dennis Alejo it was the first glimpse of something different. Sitting down with hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Dennis walks through a childhood in the Philippines shaped by hunger, instability, and survival. Introduced to alcohol at eight and working just to eat, long term thinking was not part of the equation. It was day to day, moment to moment.What begins to change his life is not a single breakthrough but people. Small acts of kindness. Mentors who keep showing up. A faith that slowly moves from something he hears about to something he lives out.Dennis shares what it was like leaving a system where poverty feels constant and stepping into the United States where structure, planning, and opportunity can actually change outcomes. He reflects on a defining moment with a retired US Marine who told him he would one day be a pastor in America, and what it took over the next decade to see that become real.The conversation also gets practical. Dennis talks about building a digital marketing agency with purpose and connecting that work to Kingdom Legacy Ministries so business fuels real impact. Through that mission, thousands of children are fed each month, kids are given the chance to return to school, and young people are trained with digital skills that create opportunity that multiplies.This episode is about identity, forgiveness, and the idea that the fire you walk through can become the strength you carry. It is a story about breaking cycles, finding purpose, and choosing to build something that outlives you.Listen now at https://betempered.com Support the show at https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Some people know what to say when life is smooth. This episode is for when it isn’t. When work feels heavy, marriage feels strained, and you’re quietly asking yourself, “Is this all there is?”Joe Swartzel joins us with a story that doesn’t hide from the hard parts. A longtime bricklayer known for his smile, Joe shares what that smile has carried through. A childhood marked by constant moving and a mother who was legally blind shaped his sense of responsibility early. Sports, mentors, and coaches helped build his foundation, but life eventually tested everything he thought he knew.Joe opens up about walking through divorce, raising kids across two homes, and the weight that comes with trying to hold things together when it takes two people to save a marriage. He takes us to a defining moment. Standing under a massive moon after a night of drinking, asking God if life was really meant to be nothing more than work and weekends. That question led to a turning point. Not a quick fix, but a real surrender that changed the direction of his life.We also talk about what healing actually looks like after divorce. What kids like Justin and Kristen carry quietly. Why blended families need guidance, patience, and grace instead of judgment. Joe and his wife Lisa now use their story to serve others, creating space for people walking through addiction, brokenness, and rebuilding.This is a conversation about faith that shows up in the middle of the mess. About resilience that isn’t loud, but steady. And about what real community looks like when people choose to walk with each other instead of turning away.If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs it. These are the stories that remind us we’re not alone.Learn more and support the show at https://betempered.com Join the community at https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Charles “Murph” Byrne didn’t become a coach because of wins. He became one because he showed up in the hardest moments when people needed someone to steady them, guide them, and refuse to let them quit.In this episode of the BeTempered Podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Murph to unpack a life shaped by loss, discipline, faith, and the kind of mentorship that changes everything. From growing up in Oxford, Ohio to navigating the sudden loss of his father, Murph shares how anxiety, grief, and unanswered questions didn’t break him, they built something deeper.This conversation gets real about what coaching actually means when the scoreboard is gone. Murph talks about the mentors who stepped in at the right time, the small moments that leave a lifelong impact, and why discipline, when done right, is one of the strongest forms of love. He also opens up about marriage, reconnecting with his wife Barb, and the turning point in his faith journey, giving his life to Christ in 2014, baptized in 2015, and continuing to grow every day.There’s weight to this one. The kind that stays with you. The kind that makes you look at your own life a little differently.If you’ve ever battled anxiety, carried loss, or needed someone to believe in you when you didn’t believe in yourself, this episode will hit home.Watch and listen at https://betempered.comSupport the show at https://patreon.com/betemperedFollow BeTempered for more real conversations about faith, resilience, and growth.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Episode 100 isn’t polished and that’s the point.This time, it’s not one guest sitting across the table. It’s a room full of people who have lived it. People who have carried addiction, trauma, loss, shame, and still chose to show up anyway.On this episode of the BeTempered Podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr step into something different. You’ll hear voices from past conversations and new ones stepping forward for the first time. Stories like Joni Reed and others who reached a moment where saying the hard thing out loud changed everything.You can feel it happen in real time. That moment where the weight comes off. Not just for the person speaking, but for everyone listening.We talk about addiction recovery, eating disorders, trauma that stayed buried for years, and the ripple effect of honesty. The kind that breaks cycles. The kind that makes faith personal again.If you’ve followed this journey, you’ve heard stories from people who looked fine on the outside but were fighting battles no one saw. Episode 100 brings that all into one room. No filters. No pretending.We also get real about what this has cost. Carrying these stories doesn’t come without weight. It affects marriages, families, and energy, and we don’t avoid that conversation.Then we look ahead.The BeTempered Standard is coming. A program focused on students, resilience, and real conversations before life forces those conversations later.If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying something no one else understands, this episode is for you.Watch and subscribe at https://betempered.com Support the mission at https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Cindy Lee shows up with energy, humor, and a presence that lights up the room. But behind that is a story most people would never guess. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 28, battling relentless fatigue, surviving a head-on crash that left her with guilt she couldn’t shake, and walking through a career shift that pushed her into a level of depression she didn’t think she’d come back from.In this conversation with Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Cindy opens up about what MS actually feels like day to day. The triggers. The mental fog. The constant adjustments just to function. But more than that, she talks about choosing not to let it define her outcome.This episode goes deeper than just illness. It hits on burnout, purpose, and the quiet weight of holding everything in while looking completely fine on the outside. Cindy shares the moment she finally told the truth after years of silence, and how leaning into service became the thing that kept her going. From probation work to leadership roles, she believes people only change when they feel seen and held accountable.If you’ve ever felt like you’re barely holding it together behind the scenes, this one is going to hit.Watch, listen, and share with someone who needs it.https://betempered.com https://patreon.com/betempered Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Rock bottom doesn’t always look like chaos. Sometimes it looks like a normal life slowly coming apart behind the scenes. In this episode, that’s exactly where the story begins before everything spirals.Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Donald Reed, whose journey didn’t start with addiction, but with identity loss, divorce, and depression that cracked the door open just enough. What followed was a rapid descent into cocaine, pills, meth, dealing, and ultimately the needle. Donald breaks down the real psychology of addiction, the constant bargaining, the shame that fuels the next hit, and how each return pulls you deeper than the last. From trap houses to an overdose that should have ended everything, his story doesn’t hold back.Then comes the moment no one expects. Arrested in his own hometown, handcuffed on a front step, Donald feels something he hadn’t felt in years…peace. That moment becomes the turning point into a faith-driven recovery shaped by jail ministry, confession, Scripture, and real accountability.Now over eight years sober, Donald and his wife Joni Reed are helping others find their way out through Crossroad Christian Recovery Center for Women, a no-cost residential program in Richmond, Indiana. Supported by donors, churches, volunteers, and prayer, their mission is restoring lives and rebuilding families.If you or someone you love needs help or wants to support the mission, visit https://www.crossroadchristianrecovery.org/If you feel stuck, this conversation is a reminder that change can start with one honest moment.Watch and listen at https://betempered.comSupport the mission at https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Some stories do not build slowly. They hit you with the reality of what trauma and addiction actually do, and they force you to sit in it before showing you what redemption can look like.Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Joni Reed for a raw and honest conversation about a life shaped early by chaos, fear, and instability. Growing up in a home marked by severe mental illness, repeated suicide attempts, and abuse, Joni learned how to survive long before she ever had the chance to just be a kid. What looked normal from the outside was anything but on the inside. This part of the conversation puts words to the kind of pain that often stays hidden and unspoken.As the years go on, the story moves into addiction. What started as early substance use turned into opioid addiction, IV drug use, and a cycle that took over everything. This is an honest look at what that life actually feels like. The physical pain of withdrawal. The mental obsession that never shuts off. The constant loop of trying to get out while being pulled right back in. Joni shares what it was like to lose her nursing school dream on the final day, why consequences alone never created change, and how addiction slowly strips away everything that once mattered.The conversation also dives into the role of Suboxone, the complexity around recovery paths, and how grief can become fuel for relapse. There is a turning point where things get even darker as meth enters the picture, leading to the loss of nearly everything, including custody of her children. This episode does not soften any of it. It tells the truth about how far things can fall.Then everything shifts.At her lowest point, when there seemed to be nothing left, a prison Bible shows up and something begins to change. Through conviction, repentance, fasting, and learning to truly listen for God’s voice, a different path starts to form. This is where the story moves from survival into transformation. Not just sobriety, but a complete change in identity and purpose.Joni Reed now has more than eight years of sobriety and serves as the Executive Director of Crossroad Christian Recovery Center for Women in Richmond, Indiana. She now walks alongside women who are facing the same battles she once fought, helping them find real freedom through faith, structure, and support.This episode is for anyone who has struggled with addiction, experienced trauma, loved someone in that fight, or wondered if change is still possible.If this conversation impacts you, share it with someone who needs it and help us continue to bring these stories to light.Listen, follow, and support BeTempered:https://betempered.comhttps://patreon.com/betemperedLearn more about Crossroad Christian Recovery Center:https://www.crossroadchristianrecovery.org/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Tracy Nutt shares the painful and powerful truth about surviving childhood sexual abuse, the manipulation that kept her silent, and the shame that followed her into school, relationships, and her mental health. Joined by hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Tracy opens up about the reality many survivors carry behind closed doors. This conversation includes discussion of suicide and may be difficult to hear, but Tracy’s courage to speak openly brings hope to anyone carrying a story they have never felt safe enough to say out loud.Tracy talks with Dan and Ben about what happens when the adults who should protect you fail to see the signs or refuse to believe them, and how that kind of abandonment can shape a lifetime of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. She shares the turning point that came during a hospital stay when she felt the presence of God and realized her life still had purpose. From there, the conversation traces the long road of trauma recovery, including panic attacks, hypervigilance, and the exhausting “what if” mindset that many survivors carry for years.They also explore breaking generational cycles through trauma informed parenting, rebuilding a relationship with her mother later in life, and grieving a loss that reopened old wounds. Tracy explains why forgiveness is not the same as excusing evil, why forgiving herself was the hardest step of all, and what she hopes every child and every adult understands about boundaries, protection, and speaking up. She also shares an update on her upcoming book, What Survived Was Me.If you care about protecting children, understanding trauma, and seeing how faith and resilience can lead to real healing, this is an important conversation.Subscribe for more stories of turning tragedy into triumph and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.https://betempered.comhttps://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

A 0.1 percent chance can sound impossible until you hear Cheyanne’s story. In this episode, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Cheyanne Mitchell and her aunt Maria to talk about a journey marked by resilience, faith, and the relentless hope for a second chance. Cheyanne shares what life has looked like since being diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, including a kidney transplant, the heartbreak of rejection, and the reality of now undergoing dialysis three times a week. Through it all, her determination remains unshaken and her belief that the right living donor is out there continues to fuel her fight.We also break down the medical side of Cheyanne’s story in clear, understandable terms. Because of extremely high antibody levels, finding a direct donor match is rare. However, paired kidney exchange programs create new possibilities. Your kidney could help another recipient while their donor provides the kidney that matches Cheyanne. We talk about how the donor process works, the extensive screening that protects donor health, how insurance coverage is handled, and the privacy options available for those who choose to remain anonymous. The conversation also addresses common myths about living donation and explains why blood type alone does not determine compatibility.Cheyanne’s story is part of a much larger reality. More than 90,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. That number includes people like Ben’s cousin Jordy, who is balancing dialysis while raising her one year old son. This episode becomes a reminder that hope often begins with a single act of courage. Cheyanne dreams of returning to a normal rhythm of life, stepping away from dialysis, building a career she loves, and eventually returning to school to become a veterinary technician. Faith, family, and community continue to carry her forward.If this story moves you, consider taking the first step to see if you could help.Start the living donor screening process herehttps://www.osuwexmedlivingdonor.org/Choose Named Recipient and enter Cheyanne Mitchell.Even if you are not a direct match, programs like paired kidney exchange may allow your donation to help another recipient while their donor provides the kidney Cheyanne needs.Find out if you may be a matchhttps://www.osuwexmedlivingdonor.org/Listen and support BeTemperedhttps://betempered.comSupport the show on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What if the most important thing you steward isn’t wealth, but identity? Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with financial planner and community builder Brett Guiley to unpack a journey rooted in small town values, deep curiosity, and the courage to step away from comfort to chase purpose. Brett reflects on how watching his dad make a bold career change and his mom return to school shaped his understanding of sacrifice, and how early days of cold calling taught him humility, persistence, and respect for every no. Over time, conversations with local business owners became the education that truly formed his approach to service and leadership.From his time at Merrill and Raymond James to launching Vista Investment Partners, Brett shares why independence mattered and how betting on people others overlooked became a defining theme. In conversation with Dan and Ben, he opens up about confronting labels he carried for years like fear, guilt, and impostor syndrome, and how faith helped him embrace a new identity as a connector. That shift reshaped the way he leads, mentors, and serves clients. We also talk about the launch of Orange Horizon Wealth and his vision for helping clients understand emerging assets like Bitcoin with clarity and responsibility.At the heart of it all is family. Regular Sunday dinners and yearly trips to Lake Michigan remind Brett that legacy is built in the moments that repeat, not the ones that impress. His reflections on his grandfather in law offer a powerful picture of wisdom, intentional listening, and the kind of presence that leaves a lasting mark.You’ll walk away with practical insight on building relationships with humility, growing a business through service, listening for your calling, and taking risks that align with faith. If you are navigating a career pivot, leadership pressure, or the tension between ambition and purpose, this conversation will meet you where you are.Subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a quick review to help more people discover stories that build resilience and real wealth.https://betempered.comhttps://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What starts as a foggy morning hike with his daughter turns into a life saving chain of events Dennis never could have planned. At 69, the firefighter, EMT, chaplain, and tool and die craftsman found himself facing multiple iliac aneurysms on the brink of rupture. What followed was a series of moments that felt anything but random: a hurricane delay that shifted their trip, swelling that refused to be ignored, a chiropractor who kept asking deeper questions, a rare Saturday scheduling call, and a surgical team suddenly available after a last minute cancellation. Hours later, Dennis woke up with rebuilt arteries, grafts, and stents and a story that reframes coincidence as something far more meaningful.Hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr walk with Dennis through the full arc of his journey. From childhood loss and the early roots of faith, to decades of steady service helping others navigate their worst moments, Dennis shares what first responders carry long after the sirens stop. He opens up about the mental discipline required in chaos, the quiet rituals of grief and prayer, and the peace that grounded him when he heard the words, “go to the ER now.”This conversation reaches beyond survival. It explores how purpose evolves, why community matters when seconds count, and how the interruptions we resist can become the very lifelines we need. Dennis offers practical wisdom on advocating for your health, listening to your body, and seeking answers when something does not feel right. More than anything, he speaks to a deeper calling that did not begin after surgery, but was clarified by it: serve more, love more, and show up where people are hurting.If you have ever questioned whether a detour in your life might actually be direction, this episode will stay with you. Listen now and share it with someone who needs hope today. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and join the discussion. Was it coincidence, or was it providence?Listen and subscribe: https://betempered.com Support the mission: https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What happens when the crash you never wanted becomes the wake up call you needed?On this week’s episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Zac Shisler for one of the most raw and redemptive conversations we have had yet.Zac shares the moment everything came to a head. High behind the wheel after a speedball. Blacking out at a stop sign. Waking up to sirens, charges, and consequences he could not outrun. But the real story started years before that. A childhood marked by chaos. Alcoholism in the home. A father who left. Early drinks at a bar. A first joint at eleven that felt like relief instead of rebellion.What began as escape slowly became survival.Zac takes us deep into the neuroscience of addiction, explaining how the brain rewires and how the limbic system can scream for a fix like it is oxygen. He does not offer excuses. He offers clarity. We unpack the hard truth that treatment can stabilize you, but only transformation can sustain you.Outpatient programs checked boxes. Inpatient detox cleaned him up. But real change began when grace met grit. A church that hugged him when he still smelled like alcohol. Worship music that reached his heart before theology did. Mentors who spoke truth without shame.After losing his grandfather, Zac relapsed. Not long after, his brother lost the same fight. In a Florida rehab facility, a letter from a friend he once encouraged brought him to his knees. Surrender was not a single emotional moment. It became a daily practice. Sponsor. Meetings. Prayer. Boundaries. Cutting ties with people, places, and patterns that kept dragging him back.Now six years sober, Zac lives what we call the slow miracle of consistency. He rebuilt trust with his wife and five daughters by showing up emotionally, not just physically. He confronted hidden habits that dulled conviction and blocked intimacy. He found purpose in co-founding Recovery Chance Maintenance, a remodeling company that hires men from sober living and gives them more than work. It gives them a second shot.This episode is about addiction, responsibility, faith, relapse, restoration, and what it really means to temper your life through surrender.If you are fighting relapse, loving someone who is, or wondering if your story can still be redeemed, this conversation is for you.Listen now at https://betempered.comSupport the mission at https://patreon.com/betemperedSubscribe. Leave a review. Share it with someone who needs hope today.Your share might be the letter that changes a life.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Pain does not ask permission before it reshapes a life. On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Lisa Chandler to talk about what it looks like to stop running and start rebuilding when survival has been the default for decades.Lisa’s story moves through constant childhood instability, overwhelming debt, and a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in 1984. Searching for security, she joined the Navy, only to face pregnancy, abandonment, and the reality of starting over as a single mother with almost nothing. Faith entered quietly when a church bus began picking up her daughter, but it came tangled with legalism, shame, and the belief that love had to be earned. Everything shifted when Lisa encountered a simple truth that dismantled years of striving. She was already saved. Forgiveness became necessary, not optional, and identity began to form around truth instead of past mistakes.The conversation also explores calling in everyday obedience. After restarting cosmetology from the ground up, Lisa built Off The Top Salon in Eaton, reviving a name she dreamed up years earlier and turning it into a mission. By bringing haircuts to shelters and recovery centers and training a team rooted in empathy and excellence, her work became a living expression of faith. This episode challenges common church narratives and asks what real love looks like when it shows up practically, consistently, and without conditions.If you have wrestled with shame, struggled with forgiveness, or wondered if your past disqualifies your future, this conversation offers clarity and hope rooted in lived experience.Listen to BeTempered wherever you get your podcasts.Visit https://betempered.comSupport the show at https://patreon.com/betemperedIf this hits home, share it with someone who needs it and keep walking forward.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What if the thing you are most ashamed of becomes the bridge that helps someone else survive? That question frames this conversation as hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Mandy Turner, a teacher, coach, photographer, and woman of deep faith whose life has been shaped by resilience, integrity, and hard decisions.Mandy’s story begins on an Ohio farm where her parents modeled discipline, budgeting, and a church-rooted sense of community. A college drop-off for her sister sparked comparison that quietly grew into anorexia and bulimia. What changed everything was not correction or control, but her mother meeting her with love, trust, and dignity. Those words became a turning point that still echoes through Mandy’s life today.That same heart for seeing people carried her into cosmetology, where she learned that helping someone feel confident can matter as much as technical skill. But years of chemical exposure took a hidden toll. Steroids masked the damage until her adrenal glands failed, forcing her to walk away from a salon family she loved and rebuild from the ground up.Reinvention led Mandy into the medical field, where a single request for her “clean” urine exposed serious ethical issues. Faced with a defining crossroads, she chose integrity and reported a physician’s misconduct, living with both the weight and peace that comes from doing the right thing. Coaching cheer revealed a deeper calling, and a last-minute flight to an interview placed her exactly where she belonged. Today, she teaches cosmetology with high standards, real-world professionalism, and a classroom culture built on trust, accountability, and safety. She also worked at Greene County Career Center, shaping students far beyond technical skills.Mandy shares how a severe corn allergy and visible scars became unexpected tools for connection, helping her reach students who struggle in silence. During long lockdown drives, photography emerged as a creative outlet and became Skip to My Lou Photography, a joyful return to her roots and a way to honor the people she lifts up.This episode is a story of faith under pressure, resilience after loss, and choosing integrity when the cost is real. If you have wrestled with self-doubt, burnout, disordered identity, or holding a moral line, this conversation offers clarity and hope.Listen, learn, and share this episode with someone who needs courage today.Visit https://betempered.com for more episodes.Support the mission at https://patreon.com/betempered.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What starts with a fifth a night and a recliner slowly becomes absence. Jerry Wilson was still providing, still present in the house, but slipping further away behind the glass. His story does not begin with a polished plan to change. It begins with a daughter asking hard questions about death, a desperate prayer whispered in a Kroger parking lot at midnight, and a baptism that changed everything in a single breath.In this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Jerry to walk through the full arc of his story. Childhood mentors and the missing pieces they left behind. Moving to Ohio. Marriage, homebrewing culture, and a career that kept rewarding him even as his presence at home faded. Jerry shares how small nudges began stacking up until they forced a decision he could no longer avoid.The turning point came at 3 a.m. when a stranger named Thomas prayed over him and spoke identity instead of shame. That moment cracked something open and made faith feel possible instead of performative. Jerry describes waking up sober after baptism with no craving, grieving the loss of old circles, and choosing practical obedience to stay steady. Taking a pay cut to be home. Saying yes to discipleship. Serving every week. Writing prayers down to track daily provision and answered prayers.Jerry also opens up about what his family faced next. Night terrors. Spiritual warfare. Fear inside their own home. He shares how prayer brought peace back into their space and how church shifted from behavior modification to true belonging.With Dan and Ben guiding the conversation, this episode digs into rebuilding trust after addiction, letting faith fuel discipline, and how community becomes a lifeline when willpower runs out. They talk identity, mentorship, resilience, and the quiet power of showing up early to serve people you love.If you are wondering what the next right step looks like, this conversation is for you.Subscribe, share this episode with one person who needs it, and leave a review to help others find stories that heal.Listen more at https://betempered.comSupport the show at https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What if one sentence could change the entire direction of your life?When Chief Kurt Holden’s foster dad introduced him as “my son,” something finally settled. After years of instability and separation, that moment of belonging became the foundation that carried Kurt from a fractured childhood to leading public safety at Wright State University and earning selection to the FBI National Academy.In this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr walk with Kurt through the chapters most people avoid. Being split from his brothers in foster care. Learning to scan rooms for danger instead of approval. Losing stability during his senior year and facing homelessness. Kurt shares with honesty and grit how college became shelter before it became education, and how stability turned survival into excellence.Law enforcement was never just a career path. It was shaped by childhood moments when uniformed strangers were the only ones who showed up when everything else fell apart. That calling deepened through marriage and faith. His wife saw leadership before the title and helped him move from inherited belief to a lived, grounded relationship with God.Kurt is unflinching as he talks about reconnecting with his parents. Addiction’s emptiness. A father’s humor returning just in time for goodbye. The intentional decision to fund both funerals as an act of love, release, and closure. The conversation also sits with the difficult truths of foster care. Lunch tickets that single kids out. Gifts that come with receipts. The long, uncomfortable work of forgiveness.From there, the focus shifts to leadership, wellness, and what lies ahead at Quantico. Psychology. Resilience. Practical tools that matter. A commitment to bring real support back to the officers he serves. Through it all, fatherhood reframes the story. The prayers Kurt once believed went unanswered became an invitation to become the dad he needed and to build the home he always longed for.If you have ever felt defined by one chapter instead of the full arc of your life, this conversation offers perspective, truth, and grounded hope.Listen to this episode of BeTempered, share it with someone who needs it, and support the show by subscribing and joining the community at https://betempered.com https://patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Some stories do not get easier with time. They shape who you become.On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Superintendent and educator Mike Derringer. What begins as a conversation about leadership in education quickly turns into something much deeper. Mike shares a life marked by early momentum and purpose-driven work that was later shaped by unimaginable loss. He and his wife buried two daughters, years apart, and still found a way to lead, love, and serve with integrity while carrying grief that never fully leaves.Mike walks us through his journey from agricultural education and FFA leadership into county-level service, where his Educational Service Center exists to reach students who often fall through the cracks. MD units. Nonverbal autistic classrooms. Behavior coaching. Alternative placements. Speech therapy. Mental health supports. He also names a quiet crisis many do not talk about. When kids cannot access pediatric care, they cannot attend school consistently. When they cannot attend, they cannot learn. His vision is clear. Invest locally. Build partnerships. Treat education, health, and community as one system with kids at the center.The heart of this episode comes when Mike speaks as a father, not an administrator. He describes grief not as something you conquer, but as something you carry. A sharp rock that never disappears, but one you learn to walk with. He refuses to hide it. Instead, he honors all four of his daughters by choosing to live fully in the middle. The space between birth and death. The daily choice to stay present.He talks openly about marriage as an action, faith when anger would be easier, and the strength found in what he calls a strand of three. That same belief shapes his leadership. Titles are tools, not identities. Kindness is a decision. And service still matters, even when your own heart is healing.This episode is for anyone walking through loss, leadership, or quiet perseverance. It is a reminder that resilience is not born in comfort. It is forged.Listen now, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs hope.Visit https://betempered.com Support the show at https://patreon.com/betemperedAnd tell us this. Where has your life asked you to be tempered?Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What happens when the plan you built your life around stops working, and you choose not to walk away?This week on BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Jeff Schmidt, Dan’s brother, for a real conversation about discipline, identity, and staying grounded when life forces a pivot. Jeff’s story begins on the farm and carries through football, education, and leadership, shaped by hard work, humility, and learning to serve when recognition disappears.Jeff talks about chasing a college football dream at Dayton, embracing his role on scout team, and the moment a simple question from his dad gave him permission to step away from the family farm and chart a new path. He opens up about leaving college the first time, returning years later with clarity, and finishing strong with a 3.8 GPA.The conversation moves into leadership and education, where Jeff shares what it was like stepping into administration, facing doubt, and learning to lead by focusing on the one student who needed him most. That same discipline carried into his personal reset through 75 Hard, dropping weight, building structure, and committing to challenges like the RAIN Ride and the Air Force Half Marathon.Faith runs through the entire episode, especially through the “coffee bean” principle Jeff lives by. Do not let the environment change you. Change the environment. From family routines to daily habits, this episode is about staying grounded, choosing discipline, and becoming who you are called to be.If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, this conversation will hit home.🎧 Listen to BeTempered: https://betempered.com🔥 Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/betemperedIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a push forward and leave a review to help more people find the show.What hard thing are you choosing next?Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What does it look like to coach for something bigger than a scoreboard? In this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Tyler Luce, a sixth grade social studies teacher and head varsity baseball coach at National Trail, to talk about leadership that lasts longer than a season.Tyler’s story begins in a blue collar home shaped by consistency, accountability, and family members who showed up when it mattered most. Those early influences, along with an uncle who left a lasting mark on his community, helped shape the way Tyler approaches teaching and coaching today. Whether he is in the classroom or the dugout, his focus stays the same. Build people first and let results follow.Inside the school, Tyler goes far beyond curriculum. He teaches goal setting, personal responsibility, and character, while also helping lead Hope Squad, a peer based program designed to identify mental health concerns and encourage students to speak up before things spiral. He and the guys talk about the unique pressure students face in a social media driven world, especially young girls dealing with comparison, image, and unrealistic expectations. Tyler explains how consistency and trust from one steady adult can make all the difference.On the field, he breaks down the culture he has built at National Trail and the decision that surprises most people. He does not cut seniors. If a player commits, works, and supports the team, they belong. Even if their only moment is senior night, it matters. Tyler also opens up about his own health journey, from battling self doubt to building discipline through fitness and routine, and how that process reshaped both his mindset and leadership style.Faith runs quietly through everything he does, not as a catchphrase, but as a daily choice to serve, lead with humility, and stay grounded in purpose.If you care about youth sports, mental health, and leadership that actually changes lives, this episode is for you. Listen now, subscribe for more conversations like this, and share it with a coach, teacher, or parent who is shaping the next generation.Find more episodes at www.betempered.comShow support and catch every episode LIVE at www.patreon.com/BeTemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Before Christmas rushes past, we press pause to ask better questions. What truly mattered this year? Where is God leading the mission of BeTempered? And how do we show up for people in ways that outlast trends, algorithms, and noise?Hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr reflect on a season of growth, clarity, and calling, and they officially welcome the newest BeTempered team member, Shawn Ruebush. This conversation shares why the team chose conviction over convenience when adding to the mission, because passion for people is what turns content into connection and vision into action.We revisit humble beginnings and meaningful milestones, including more than one million views across platforms and over 7,000 hours watched on YouTube. Not as trophies, but as proof that real stories still cut through. The center of gravity has shifted fully toward faith, service, and community, and that clarity is shaping what comes next.The team unpacks upcoming initiatives including monthly gratitude walks designed to model simple, repeatable habits for resilience, training missions that build grit and teamwork, and men’s groups in partnership with the YMCA with hopes to expand. Each effort is built to get people out of their heads and into each other’s lives.The focus on schools deepens as well. Too many kids scan empty bleachers. A principal who shows up, a teacher who attends a recital, a neighbor who mentors. These moments change trajectories. The conversation offers practical ways to get involved, resist labels, and make presence the strategy.Landing just before Christmas, the episode closes with reflections on the memories that still shine and the generosity that brings the season back to its core. Hope, humility, and love made real through action.If this moved you, help one more person hear what they need. Visit betempered.com and join our free community on Patreon at patreon.com/betempered. Your presence matters. Who will you show up for this week?Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What if the hardest detours in life turn out to be the exact preparation you needed for a purpose you didn’t see coming? Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Dr. Craig Hewitt, a husband, father of five, and Navy trained dentist whose path runs from a small Catholic school to Parris Island, to Hawaii, and then back home to build a practice anchored in trust, gratitude, and faith.Craig opens up about moving in the middle of high school and how that shift shaped his sense of identity. He talks about the orthodontist who encouraged him at the right moment and set him on the path to dentistry. Craig also explains why the Navy’s residency and boot camp rotations gave him the speed, skill, and empathy to care for anyone who walked through his door.Hawaii changed his view of leadership. One month before 9/11, Craig arrived on Oahu and met Colonel Adams, a commander who believed leadership was measured by presence. Training through tear gas at 2 a.m., rucks at sunrise, and handshakes that told the truth. Craig reflects on readiness, the weight families carried after the towers fell, and the pride of serving Marines during a time of uncertainty.The story shifts when he comes home. Craig bought a local dental practice on a handshake. He upgraded to digital X rays, wrote handwritten letters to invite patients back, and grew with humility while raising a young family, including surprise twins. He talks about keeping a business grounded in gratitude, faith, and consistent effort.Craig closes with the questions that matter now. What identity looks like once the original goals have been met. How to mentor the next generation. Why small acts like thank you notes, learning names, and staying reachable create a durable practice and a resilient community. Anyone who values service driven entrepreneurship, Navy dentistry, small town leadership, and raising a family without losing your center will find a blueprint in Craig’s journey.betempered.compatreon.com/BeTemperedIf this episode moved you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway. We read every word.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What happens when a child cannot focus in class because the lights were shut off at home, there is no food in the cupboard, or their clothes have not been washed in a week. On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Eaton Community Schools Success Liaison Allie Shafer to shine a light on the non academic barriers that quietly shape whether a student learns or simply survives the day. Allie shares what her role looks like in real time as she listens without judgment, builds trust with families who have every reason to be cautious, and works through the maze of agencies, benefits, and applications to make sure heat stays on, meals stay consistent, and kids have clean clothes to wear.The conversation highlights a struggle that affects far more than people realize. Laundry becomes a barrier when loads are stolen, coin machines cost more than families can spare, and kids wear the same outfit day after day until the social pressure becomes overwhelming. We walk through real solutions that communities can create together, including vouchers, church supported laundry rooms, mobile wash setups, and volunteer wash hours that bring dignity and confidence back to children who need both.We also spotlight programs that are changing lives. Shoes for the Shoeless brings a level of care that you can feel the moment a child steps into a pair of shoes that finally fit. Christmas for Kids reaches up to a thousand children across the county with support from churches, neighbors, and local businesses that refuse to let kids go without. Throughout the conversation Allie models courage as she advocates for families in difficult situations and still protects the boundaries she needs to care for her own children.If you have ever wondered where you can make a real difference, this episode gives you a clear place to start. Sponsor a laundry load. Clear a lunch balance. Cut a lawn. Bake a birthday cake. Share this episode with someone who can unlock resources or create space for ideas that matter. Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr invite you to listen, reflect, and take action.Connect with Allie Shafer, Success Liaison for Grades K through 5 at Eaton Community Schools, at [email protected] at betempered.com or support the show at patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What makes someone worth following when no one is watching. In this leadership roundtable, that question sits in the center of the table as stories unfold from classrooms, locker rooms, offices, and quiet early mornings when no one else is around to see the work.On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with guests Brian Ballenger, Mark Broeker, and members of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce WC Leads Cohort to unpack leadership that is not about titles or platforms, but about service, alignment, and consistency when the spotlight is off.The conversation traces the path from a high school teacher who walked away from a 20 year career to a coach who drilled preparation and accountability into every practice. Their stories show how example beats rhetoric, how standards shape culture, and how small daily choices quietly forge character over time.Together, the group explores why alignment often works better than chasing balance. Instead of trying to slice life into even pieces, they talk about naming non negotiables like faith, family, service, and health, then letting those priorities drive the calendar. That framework gives leaders a steady place to stand when it is time to enforce standards, make hard calls, protect culture, and still hold compassion for the people involved.You will also hear practical insight on how to have tough conversations, how to tailor feedback so it actually lands, and how to judge leadership by the culture it creates rather than the title on a door. The WC Leads cohort shares what it looks like to grow as young professionals across healthcare, housing, education, finance, and business while staying rooted in Wayne County.Integrity in the dark shows up too. The early workouts no one sees. The quiet reading before the day starts. The text or note of encouragement that costs a few minutes but compounds into trust over time. Challenges like 75 Hard become case studies in ownership, grit, and the kind of self discipline that teams and families naturally follow.If you care about servant leadership, real accountability, and practical tools you can use with your team tomorrow, this conversation will sit right beside you in the work.Connect with BeTempered and the hosts:BeTempered website: https://betempered.com BeTempered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/betemperedLearn more about WC Leads and the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce:WC Leads program: https://www.wcareachamber.org/wcleads.htmlWayne County Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.wcareachamber.orgIf this conversation encouraged you, follow BeTempered, share it with a friend who leads, and leave a quick review. When you support the show and check out these links, you help more people find stories of real faith, resilient leadership, and communities that grow stronger together.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

A locked door at 3 a.m., a voice that asked one piercing question, and a church parking lot where a bag of drugs met a trash can. Tim Clowers’ turning points do not read like safe, polished faith stories. They read like real life. On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with the Knoxville chef and creator behind Cook It With Tim to unpack an extraordinary arc, from addiction and anger after his brother’s death to Bible college, missions across 66 countries, and a calling that keeps reshaping itself through service.Tim brings us into his years in Southeast Asia organizing large leadership conferences, including the tragic Manila hotel fire that claimed 88 attendees. What followed was a masterclass in accountable compassion, coordinating restitution, sending bodies home, and personally visiting 86 families to grieve, listen, and help. We explore how forgiveness, especially toward a father who finally showed up, can remake a man from the inside out, and why choosing presence over constant travel changed the trajectory for his own kids.Back in Tennessee, a catering shift ended with pans of fresh food in a Corolla trunk and a simple, brave decision: drive under the bridge and feed whoever was there. That night birthed Juniper Worldwide, a nonprofit rooted in Isaiah 55:13 and focused on consistent Friday outreach. From a living room Bible study to a driveway smoker during COVID to millions of followers drawn by barbecue and everyday encouragement, Tim shares how digital ministry and community outreach can live under one roof without losing the plot. He also opens up about launching a church, the pain of closing it, and the pastoral wisdom that helped him follow what God was clearly blessing.Along the way, you will hear about blended family lessons, being introduced as “my dad” for the first time, and a surprising moment on a country music stage when an old prophecy that he would speak to thousands came true. Food, faith, and service meet here without pretense. If you have wrestled with addiction recovery, forgiveness, burnout, or purpose, Tim’s story offers a grounded path forward: show up, serve well, and let the blessing lead.Connect with BeTempered and the hosts:BeTempered website: https://betempered.com BeTempered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/betemperedConnect with Tim and Cook It With Tim: Website and recipes: https://cookitwithtim.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CookItWithTim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookitwithtim Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheftimothyclowers Link hub for all platforms and resources: https://linktr.ee/cookitwithtim Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-5fdccbafIf this conversation gave you hope, follow BeTempered, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. When you support the show and check out these links, you help more people find stories of real faith and resilient lives.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

A great story does not skip the hard parts, and Erin Flynn refuses to. On BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Erin to trace the real path from Indiana gym floors to Silicon Valley boardrooms. She chased a dream, ran into walls, and still chose to build a company and a life that actually fit. Her early chapters read like a crash course in grit. She graduated into the 2009 recession, rode a bus six hours a day to an unpaid internship, and turned a blog into a bridge between brands and creators. Then came her first startup, the shock of blunt sexism in investor rooms, and a humbling move back into her childhood bedroom when both money and luck ran out.What changed everything was not louder hustle. It was alignment. Erin joined Cladwell, helped it grow, and then faced the VC treadmill that demanded free growth and breakneck scale. When the numbers no longer served customers or the mission, she did something few founders even consider. She bought back the business, raised values aligned capital, and rebuilt the app around a simple promise. Cladwell now helps people get dressed with what they already own, pairing weather smart suggestions with a capsule wardrobe philosophy that encourages doing more with less. Motherhood added urgency and perspective, faith shifted from a slogan into a steady rhythm, and her love for design grew into real estate renovations, boutique lofts, and kitchen design studios that put craft and service at the center.The conversation also dives into her bestselling book, The Road Less Worn, where she clears out the closet of her life and keeps only what still fits. Identity, failure, resilience, and the courage to swim sideways out of the rip current. For anyone who has felt pressured into a version of success that did not feel like their own, Erin’s approach is a lifeline. Choose profits over posturing, customers over vanity metrics, and values over speed. She shares practical insight on fundraising, bias, creative focus, and building businesses that breathe, along with a hopeful reminder that company failure is not personal failure.Connect with the hosts at www.betempered.com and www.patreon.com/betempered. Explore Erin’s work at https://cladwell.com/ and her design and development projects at https://eastmain.com/. If this conversation encouraged you, follow the show, share it with someone who is building their own path, and leave a quick review so more people can find these stories.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Some stories knock the wind out of you and then hand you back your breath. On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Robert Rogers, who in one devastating moment lost his wife and four children in a sudden flash flood and yet, in the very room where he identified their bodies, chose to lift a hand and trust God. This is not a tidy arc. It is a raw, lived map through catastrophe where scripture becomes a lifeline, counseling becomes a compass, and service becomes medicine.Robert’s story begins in a large Cincinnati family where music and faith shaped the rhythm of life. As a teen, he fell in love with the Bible and memorized verses that later became anchors in the storm. Marriage brought joy and testing, including an ectopic pregnancy that nearly claimed his wife, the birth of Zachary with Down syndrome, and a step of faith to adopt Alina from China. After a summer focused on family and simplicity, tragedy struck. While driving through Kansas, rising floodwaters surrounded their van. The family prayed Psalm 46 and sang “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” Moments later, a wall of water swept them away.Survival brought the hardest hours of Robert’s life and the first acts of surrender. He held on to Job 23 and Psalm 71 and built a daily rule that kept him close to God when nothing else made sense: no Bible, no breakfast; no Bible, no bed. Grief counseling helped him work through trauma, and invitations to share his story soon became a calling. He founded Mighty in the Land Ministry with a simple mission: face it, embrace it, replace it. His work now supports orphans and children with special needs while teaching others how to honor their pain without becoming defined by it.There is restoration too. Robert later married Inga, welcomed new children, chose to homeschool, and kept family first. He poured his journey into books that weave story with scripture, including Into the Deep, Seven Steps to No Regrets, Rise Above, Stay Pure, and Father Your Family. If you are walking through fire or feel like you are being pulled under by your own storm, this conversation offers more than inspiration. It offers practical handles to hold on to. Open the Psalms. Ask for help. Serve someone. Let God meet you where your heart is heaviest.If this episode moved you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs hope. Visit www.betempered.com for past episodes and resources, or support the mission directly at www.patreon.com/betemperedTo learn more about Robert Rogers, his ministry, and his books, visit www.mightyintheland.comSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Senior year can feel like standing on a cliff’s edge, and Leah Schmidt brings us right to that moment with clarity, humor, and heart. Hosted by Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, this conversation follows Dan’s daughter as she wraps a long soccer journey, weighs college athletics, and chooses something rarer: a future built on faith, family, and balance.From small town sidewalks to country life, 4-H chores, and the day a goat didn’t make it, Leah shows how responsibility and loss shape character long before resumes do. She walks into a new club team where no one knows her name and still finds her voice. She explains why she stepped away from the D1 chase to protect what matters most. Church and camp helped turn prayer into a real back and forth. A raw breakthrough from her dad during a rite of passage reframed vulnerability as strength and growth as a choice.You’ll hear about the lively chaos of five siblings, firm consequences with love, and how a teen cleaning business quietly teaches service, standards, and grit. If you’re a parent guiding without smothering, or a student deciding who you want to be beyond the next game or grade, Leah’s story offers honest encouragement that growth lives just past comfort and grit comes from losses you carry well.Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. For daily encouragement and behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. Patreon members get the option to view every episode LIVE.Learn more at www.betempered.comPatreon at www.patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Doubt has a way of sounding smart. It whispers that you’re a fraud, that you got lucky, that someone else would have done it better. On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr challenge that voice head-on as they unpack how labels, setbacks, and perfectionism feed imposter syndrome and how faith, community, and honest storytelling cut it down to size.We start with the hard truth that many of us chase achievement while starving for fulfillment. A bank’s refusal once said, “You’re not ready,” but perseverance and a second chance became a decades-long lesson in grit and responsibility. That same weight now shows up in leadership because hiring someone means serving the family behind their name. Along the way, we explore how vulnerability unlocks healing for both the speaker and the listener, sharing messages from people moved by recent guest stories of grief, resilience, and hope.From sobriety to simple rhythms that pull you through hard days, Dan and Ben get practical. Plan for storms before they hit, stack small wins, and change one thing to break isolation. Scripture anchors the message in courage and identity through Ephesians 2:10, 2 Timothy 1:7, and 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, while time in nature reminds us that perspective can heal what pressure distorts. A father-son trip becomes a rite of passage when a 13-year-old battles a shark and a dad learns to stop forcing perfect moments and let God lead them.If doubt has been loud lately, let this be your reminder: you are not an accident, you are not behind, and you are not disqualified. Press play, share this with someone who needs courage today, and join our growing community on Patreon at patreon.com/betempered for daily posts, behind-the-scenes updates, and live streaming access to every episode. Learn more and listen at betempered.comSend us Fan MailSupport the show

When someone says, “Brian’s dead,” life divides into a before and an after. For Chuck Winings, it divided twice. What began as an ordinary Super Bowl Sunday became a season of heartbreaking loss. First came the passing of his father. Soon after came the fight no family is ever ready for, when his wife Rhonda was diagnosed with triple negative metastatic breast cancer. On BeTempered, hosted by Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Chuck opens his heart and tells the story from the very beginning: high school sweethearts, a surprise third child, years spent teaching and coaching, and the long road of hospitals, hope, and hard decisions.This conversation takes you inside the moments most people never see. Chuck talks about the diagnosis delivered on a blank sheet of paper, the infusion days filled with silent prayers, and the moment the word “curable” slipped away. Through it all, Rhonda remained a teacher. She wrote notes for the future, made plans for the children, and showed what love looks like when it prepares to let go. Chuck explains why honesty with his kids mattered more than pretending to be strong, and how trust was built by telling the truth, even when it hurt.He shares how their community stepped in, not with answers, but with presence. Meals left at the door. Friends who sat in silence. Small signs that felt like messages from above. A lone cardinal on a beach fence. A quiet breeze when he needed one most. These moments stitched a fragile thread of comfort through unbearable days.You will hear about the strength of his children. Theo calling every day just to check in. Gavin choosing to wear his mother’s number eight and making a play he still believes she was part of. Emma asking simple questions that cut straight through the noise of adult grief. These stories are not about tragedy, but about the proof that love continues in those who remain.We also talk about the part of loss no one prepares you for. The mornings that feel like climbing out of concrete. The day Chuck realized he was stuck in a hole. The first walk he took just to breathe. The decision to speak goals out loud, including 75 Hard, because sometimes choosing discipline is the only way to choose life again.This episode is not about having the right words. It is about standing when your legs shake. It is about fathers trying to be anchors for their children when they feel like they are drifting. It is about carrying a legacy forward without letting it crush you. If you have ever whispered, I am not okay, or wished someone would simply check on you, this conversation is a hand on your shoulder.If this story reached you, do not carry it alone. Share it with someone who needs proof that hope can survive heartbreak. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what keeps you going when life hits hardest.Support and connect at Patreon.com/BeTempered Send us Fan MailSupport the show

The wind through pine branches can sound like a lullaby, or the whisper of survival. That’s where Shirley Thacker loved to sit with her husband, Rich—a farm kid turned teacher, veteran, and fighter—dreaming about the book she would someday write. In this powerful episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Shirley to trace the hard and luminous arc of her life: a small Indiana farm in the 50s and 60s, a ten-year-old’s stolen safety and the silence that followed, the middle-school note that tried to erase her, and the moment on the edge when she felt a love stronger than despair pull her back.We follow Shirley into young love forged by letters during Rich’s Air Force years, a marriage built with grit and not much money, and a cancer diagnosis that rearranged everything. With Dr. Lawrence Einhorn’s groundbreaking protocol, Rich endured brutal chemo, a miraculous brain surgery, and the long tail of complications—retina damage, PTSD, Parkinsonian symptoms. Alongside the fear and fatigue, there were precise graces: a surgeon who showed up on a Saturday, a tumor lifted out in forty-five minutes, a renowned doctor acknowledging a higher power, and a gas-station prayer met with unexpected peace. When an untreatable brainstem tumor closed the final chapter, hospice brought them home. In the quiet, Rich asked for three things: mow under my red Chevy, fly a flag on my grave, and be happy. She promised.Shirley kept that promise by writing. Her words became a way to translate grief into craft and service. She wrote poetry and children’s stories, taught kids to compress truth into six words, and donated every dollar to cancer research, local teachers, veterans, and a memorial scholarship. She told her daughters the hard story she’d once hidden, then told her parents, and now tells us—so others don’t have to carry it alone.We talk practicals too: why boys and men must do self-exams, how to start hard talks with kids, how to spot signals of silent pain, and how to build daily habits that make joy easier to find.If you need a companion for a long night, this conversation sits beside you without flinching. It’s about breaking secrecy, holding on through treatment, trusting help, and noticing small mercies—the pine wind, a friend at lunch, a nurse’s extra hour, a promise kept.Listen now at betempered.com or support the show at patreon.com/betempered You can explore Shirley’s books and poetry here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08PXVH3MK?ccs_id=4bd01bf5-9ad4-41ad-bf88-2e2edf28d35eSend us Fan MailSupport the show

The first thing Greg Jackson will tell you is simple: no peace, no decision. That quiet rule has guided him from a teen revival moment in Dayton to decades of faithful pastoring in Camden, Ohio—through false starts at the post office, a bi-vocational grind, and the messy, beautiful work of building a church that truly serves its town.In this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Greg to explore what a small, faithful life looks like when it’s lived at full strength. He shares how working as a mail clerk taught him the people skills he’d need in ministry, why listening often beats advice, and how a simple three-by-five card can anchor a leader in the middle of chaos. Greg opens up about funeral ministry—nearly 500 services—and why end-of-life moments are some of the most honest pulpits for hope. You’ll also hear the story of the church’s leap to buy homes, build a new facility, and pay it off through grit and unity, all while resisting the pressure to perform like a “celebrity church.”Family threads through every story. From Greg and Renee’s marriage, to consistent parenting, to the power of a dinner table ritual—this episode offers a grounded playbook for moms and dads. A hard season—when their 8-year-old broke both legs—became a lifelong lesson in empathy for families with special needs. And yes, we even talk Pistol Pete: the artistry, the late-life conversion, and his piercing line about money buying everything but happiness—and paying your fare to everywhere but heaven.If you’re searching for authentic faith, small-town leadership, grief care that tells the truth, and practical ways to avoid burnout, this conversation will meet you where you are. Tune in for a clear gospel, steady wisdom, and stories that remind you to bloom where you’re planted.👉 Visit betempered.com to learn more and connect with the hosts 👉 Support the show and access resources at patreon.com/betemperedIf this episode resonates, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what insight will you carry into your week?Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Raw vulnerability fills this deeply moving episode of BeTempered, where co-host Ben Spahr courageously opens up about processing a personal tragedy that has shaken his faith community to its core. When someone you’ve shared life with commits an unthinkable crime, how do you reconcile the good memories with their devastating actions? Where was God in the middle of all this heartbreak?Ben allows listeners into the raw and uncomfortable reality of his journey—sharing the guilt, anger, confusion, and the difficult path toward forgiveness. His honesty reminds us that walking through grief and faith struggles isn’t a neat, quick process but a painful road that requires courage to face openly.Together, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr widen the lens to explore not just personal tragedy, but the broader struggles we all face in today’s world. They reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the troubling rise of political violence in America. Their discussion calls out how social media often fuels division, amplifies hate, and dehumanizes those who see the world differently. Both hosts emphasize the responsibility we all share when speaking about others—especially when our words could weigh heavily on someone already battling mental health challenges.Scripture anchors the conversation. Passages from Ephesians, Colossians, and the powerful account of the woman caught in adultery remind us that forgiveness is not just a biblical teaching—it is a life-altering, liberating force. Ben acknowledges that he is not fully at the point of forgiveness yet, and in doing so, he shows that Christian growth is rarely instantaneous. Instead, it’s a journey of wrestling, questioning, and slowly allowing God’s love to change us over time.As the hosts remind us, our response to tragedy defines us. In moments of brokenness, we can choose love instead of bitterness. We can reach out to the vulnerable instead of withdrawing. We can take steps toward forgiveness, even when it feels impossible. Ben’s heartfelt words capture the spirit of this episode: “The most powerful language is love.”This is not an episode that offers simple answers. Instead, it offers space for honest wrestling, biblical wisdom, and compassionate guidance for anyone trying to keep their faith alive in the face of heartbreaking circumstances.💡 Want to go deeper with Dan and Ben? Join the BeTempered community for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and the chance to watch episodes recorded live. 👉 Support the show at patreon.com/betempered 👉 Learn more and connect at betempered.comSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What does it take to transform your deepest pain into purpose? Shawn Ruebush knows firsthand. After first sharing his life story on Episode 24 of the BeTempered podcast with hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Shawn took the courageous step of writing his memoir, Turning Pain into Purpose—a raw, unflinching account of tragedy, struggle, and ultimate redemption.Shawn’s journey began with unimaginable trauma at just eleven years old, an event that forever altered the course of his life. For decades, he wrestled with destructive behaviors while silently carrying the weight of his past. Though he felt a persistent call to share his story, fear kept him silent—until his moment of vulnerability on the podcast became the catalyst for profound change.The writing process itself became part of Shawn’s healing. With no formal writing background (and even calling himself a “D” student in English), he poured his heart into a manuscript completed in just two months. Financial hurdles nearly stopped the project, but Shawn’s conviction to follow obedience over comfort pushed him forward. “God has given you a gift. Use it,” he reflects, a phrase that captures the essence of his transformation.Shawn also shared two powerful milestones that shaped his growth: completing the intense 75 Hard challenge and being baptized as an adult. Both represent his deeper commitment to discipline, faith, and authentic living. In a moving moment, his daughter Haven joins the conversation, showing the ripple effect of Shawn’s transformation on his family.His story echoes a truth from C.S. Lewis: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Shawn proves that our darkest struggles can become our most powerful testimonies when we find the courage to share them.👉 Ready to be inspired? Listen now, then grab a copy of Shawn’s book Turning Pain into Purpose: https://books.by/shawnruebush/turning-pain-into-purpuseAnd if you’d like to support more stories like this, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/betemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What happens when a young pastor with no money but unwavering faith decides to plant a church in a town of just 1,800 people?On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Pastor Justin Wiegand to uncover an extraordinary story of courage, obedience, and small-town ministry. Justin’s journey takes him from making pizza dough in Kentucky to leading five thriving church campuses across rural Ohio, proving the life-changing power of listening to God’s call—especially when it leads to places that many overlook.Justin’s story began with a simple but powerful revelation while cutting pizza dough: plant a church in Preble County. With just $3,000 from his grandmother and six committed people, Community of Faith was born in Lewisburg in 2007. But the road forward was anything but easy. When the church boiler failed, he took out a $10,000 loan. To make ends meet, he spent countless hours roofing houses while pastoring on nights and weekends. At the same time, Justin immersed himself in the life of the community—coaching youth basketball, announcing school games, and showing up at chamber meetings where only four people attended. Over time, his consistent presence made him not just a pastor, but a trusted part of small-town life.What sets Justin apart is his intentional focus on rural communities—places that often get bypassed by larger ministries chasing numbers and growth. He describes driving through small towns looking for signs of a church or ministry presence, because to him, every one of those towns matters deeply. “Those little towns matter so much to me, and I know they matter to God,” Justin says. That passion has guided Community of Faith to expand to five campuses, each shaped by local leadership and rooted in its community’s specific needs.Justin doesn’t just talk about ministry growth—he talks about life. He challenges us to resist a culture that glorifies busyness and instead create rhythms of rest, reflection, and presence. He asks the hard questions: “How many marriages fall apart after the kids are gone because it was the only thing holding them together?” His insights are both sobering and freeing, offering a reminder that true success isn’t measured in speed or size, but in faithfulness and sustainability.Whether you’re a pastor, a community leader, or simply someone searching for balance in the chaos of life, Justin’s story will inspire you to embrace faithfulness right where you are. Because as he reminds us: “There is no small or big. There’s just obedience.”👉 Learn more and watch every episode at BeTempered.com 👉 Support the mission and gain access to exclusive content at Patreon.com/BeTemperedSend us Fan MailSupport the show