BeTempered

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

What happens when a successful executive's carefully constructed facade finally crumbles, revealing decades of addiction, pain, and self-deception? Doug Macias knows this journey all too well. For more than 20 years, he was trapped in cycles of alcoholism, drug abuse, and emotional isolation. His story is raw, unflinching, and proof that even the most outwardly successful lives can mask unimaginable pain.In this episode of BeTempered, hosted by Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, Doug takes us back to the fracture point of his parents’ divorce at 16. That painful event set him on a path of chasing acceptance through partying, material possessions, and chemical escapes. With brutal honesty, he shares how his intelligence and charm often earned him second chances after reckless and dangerous behavior, but those missed opportunities for accountability only fueled his downward spiral.Everything began to change on December 28, 2016—Doug’s sobriety date after a destructive holiday binge. From that moment, he embarked on the difficult, non-linear path of recovery: admitting powerlessness, accepting help, walking into 12-step meetings, and rebuilding life step by step. He shares how recovery isn’t always straightforward—facing homelessness and hardships even after years of sobriety—but also how resilience, persistence, and faith transformed his life.The most powerful part of Doug’s journey is his shift from isolation to connection. After decades of hiding behind walls, he discovered healing through community, faith, and service to others. Today, working in community development and openly sharing his story, Doug shows how helping others becomes the greatest form of self-healing. His testimony proves that no matter how far you’ve fallen, redemption is possible—one day, one hour, even one minute at a time.🎙️ BeTempered isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. Each conversation with hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr uncovers stories of brokenness, resilience, and hope—reminders that transformation is possible.👉 Support the mission and watch every episode live at Patreon.com/BeTempered ✨ Explore more at BeTempered.comSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What happens when a life built on fear, alcohol, and self-destruction finally crumbles? On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Alan Bair to share a story that is as raw and honest as it is inspiring.Alan grew up in a home overshadowed by dysfunction, where fear and insecurity became the lens through which he saw the world. Even with an elite prep school education and later an engineering degree, those internal struggles followed him into adulthood. When Alan discovered alcohol, it seemed like the answer he had been searching for. The noise quieted. The fears faded. He felt like he could finally be the person he wanted to be.But what started as a solution quickly turned into a devastating cycle. Alcohol became the lock on a prison cell of addiction. His life unraveled into blackouts, broken relationships, and professional setbacks. Despite the outside image of success, inside he was sinking deeper into despair.The breaking point came in 2010. Standing in a bar, Alan looked into a mirror and didn’t recognize the man staring back at him. In that instant of clarity, he knew something had to change. That moment led him to his very first AA meeting—a step that would begin a profound journey of redemption.What makes Alan’s story so powerful isn’t just the decision to get sober. It’s everything that came after. Through faith, accountability, and relentless discipline, Alan transformed not only his inner life but also his physical body. From a 310-pound alcoholic struggling to get through the day, he became an ultra-marathon runner capable of enduring 75+ mile races through rugged mountain terrain. His physical renewal mirrored his spiritual awakening, as he built a relationship with God that brought him peace, purpose, and a new understanding of life’s challenges.Alan speaks with conviction when he says: “You don’t have to dig any deeper. Nobody wants to cry out to God until they have to… but you can do that whenever you want.” His words remind us that surrender doesn’t have to wait until rock bottom—that transformation is possible the moment we’re ready to take it.In this conversation, Dan and Ben dive deep into what true change looks like: the battles fought in silence, the courage it takes to start over, and the ways faith and perseverance can rewrite the entire story of a life. Alan’s testimony is a living example that our greatest struggles often become our greatest victories.This episode of BeTempered is not just for those facing addiction. It’s for anyone who has wrestled with fear, doubt, or destructive patterns and wondered if it’s too late to change. Alan’s journey proves that no matter how broken things feel, there is always a way forward.👉 Listen now at www.BeTempered.com 👉 Support the show at Patreon.com/BeTemperedDo you want me to also create a shorter condensed version of this for Spotify/Apple Podcasts descriptions (since they usually limit character count), while keeping this long one for the website?You said:mention the Rite of Passage he completed with danChatGPT said:Got it — here’s a much longer episode description that includes the fact that Alan completed a Rite of Passage with host Dan Schmidt, which deepens the connection to the BeTempered story:What happens when a life built on fear, alcohol, and self-destruction finally crumbles? On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Alan Bair to share a raw, honest, and inspiring journey of redemption, transformation, and faith.Alan’s story begins in a childhood home marked by dysfunction, where fear and insecurity became constant companions. Even with an elite prep school education and later an engineering degree, he carried those wounds into adulthood. When he discovered alcohol, it felt liSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What does it really take to defy the odds when nine out of ten startups fail? On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr welcome Justin Bayer, founder of Welcome to College, for a raw and inspiring conversation about perseverance, setbacks, and finding meaning in the grind of entrepreneurship.Justin opens up about his 15-year journey building Welcome to College, a company born out of a single transformative moment—a campus tour at the University of Dayton that changed the trajectory of his life. That moment sparked the idea for a platform that helps universities optimize their campus visit programs. But the road to impact was anything but easy.From day one, Justin’s story has been filled with both triumphs and trials, embodied most vividly in “Marv”—a retrofitted 1970s RV that became the company’s boldest marketing experiment and toughest challenge. Marv’s adventures included fuel line failures in rural Mississippi, confetti cannons misfiring at campus events, and even an “angel mechanic” who drove three hours on a Sunday to rescue the stranded team. These experiences pushed Justin to the brink, but also strengthened his resolve and revealed the importance of resilience, faith, and unexpected relationships.Central to Justin’s philosophy is MARV—Meaning, Accomplishment, Relationships, and Vitality—a framework rooted in positive psychology that guides his approach to life and business. For Justin, accomplishment is not simply about crossing the finish line; it’s about embracing the messy, difficult, and often humbling process of getting there. As he puts it: “If you have meaning and relationships, accomplishment becomes possible, and then you can feel fully alive.”This conversation dives deep into what it means to persevere when the odds are stacked against you. It’s about discovering purpose in the struggle, holding onto faith when things fall apart, and realizing that at the end of the day, people may not remember your words or actions—but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or anyone trying to live with more purpose, Justin’s story offers wisdom and encouragement that will stick with you long after the episode ends.Catch this episode—and every episode—live at patreon.com/betempered, and explore more at betempered.comLearn more about Welcome to College at https://www.welcometocollege.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What makes a leader? Is it the title, the position, or something deeper? In this powerful episode of BeTempered, host Dan Schmidt sits down with Tucker Perkerson to unpack the experiences, challenges, and defining moments that shaped his leadership journey—from a small-town childhood in Atlanta to making an impact in both education and corporate America.Tucker reflects on the lessons learned growing up immersed in sports and community, and how those early values carried forward into his adult life. He shares the heartbreak of suddenly losing his high school football coach, a man who had been a pillar of guidance and support. The loss became a turning point, shaping how Tucker views mentorship and legacy. After his college football career came to an end, he faced the daunting question of what to do next. It was a single question from his father—“Who’s had the greatest influence on your life?”—that steered him toward a career in education, leading to twelve fulfilling years as a teacher, coach, and eventually, a school principal.The conversation takes a surprising turn when Tucker describes his leap into the corporate world, joining Chick-fil-A’s team at the national level. He gives listeners a rare insider look at what makes the brand thrive—not just its customer service reputation, but the “operator model” that prioritizes local ownership and direct accountability. Tucker explains why being closed on Sundays is more than a faith-based decision—it’s a strategic move that supports employee well-being, retention, and long-term performance.One of the most compelling moments in the episode is when Tucker and Dan Schmidt recount their shared experience completing the Rite of Passage—a grueling 24-hour endurance challenge designed to strip away comfort and push participants to their absolute limits. Side by side, they endured exhaustion, pain, and the mental battles that come with extreme adversity. Tucker recalls physically collapsing at the finish line, unsure if he could take another step, until a Green Beret friend leaned in and said, “You just gave everything.” That simple statement reframed the entire experience, turning it into a powerful metaphor for leading with heart, faith, and relentless commitment.From there, the discussion moves into Tucker’s day-to-day approach to leadership and life: intentional morning routines, making career decisions that prioritize family, and embracing gratitude as a guiding principle. He and his wife, Jennifer, have a shared vision for their legacy—one rooted in generosity. As Tucker puts it, “When people look back on Tucker and Jennifer, if there’s one word, we want it to be generosity.”This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a roadmap for anyone looking to lead with purpose, overcome challenges, and live in a way that inspires others.🎧 Experience the full story of grit, gratitude, and growth—visit BeTempered.com to listen now.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Some stories are about survival. This one is about transformation.In this unforgettable episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr welcome Ray Mackelson—a man whose life was once confined by invisible walls. For decades, anxiety ruled everything. Ray couldn’t drive more than an hour from home without facing crippling panic. Normalcy, freedom, and adventure felt like distant dreams—out of reach, beyond reason, and completely unattainable.But then, something changed.Through a combination of nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and a powerful reconnection with faith, Ray began to feel the smallest cracks in the wall that had surrounded him for so long. What started as subtle shifts in mindset and health grew into something far greater: a deep inner strength that had been buried beneath fear for years.And then came the moment that would test him like never before.Ray—who once feared even a simple road trip—decided to fly alone to Georgia to take part in a 24-hour mountain endurance event surrounded by strangers. What’s more? He didn’t just show up. He was chosen to lead.The trek was brutal. The mountain was unforgiving. And Ray’s knee gave out early. Every step became agony, and quitting would’ve been understandable—expected, even. But Ray didn’t stop. And the power of his perseverance rippled through the team.As one teammate put it: “If Ray isn’t quitting, none of us are quitting.”What unfolded on those trails wasn’t just a test of physical endurance—it was a living illustration of how our deepest struggles can become our greatest testimonies. Ray’s pain became purpose. His brokenness became a beacon.This episode isn’t simply about overcoming anxiety—it’s about how vulnerability, faith, and courage can be the catalyst not just for personal healing, but for leading others to breakthrough. It’s a reminder that true peace doesn't always mean the absence of pain, but rather discovering purpose in the midst of it.Have you been living in limitation? Are there mountains in your life you’ve avoided even thinking about climbing? Ray’s story doesn’t offer clichés—it offers hard-earned hope. It’s the push we all need to ask: What might happen if I surrender my fear and step forward anyway?Pull up a seat. Grab your coffee. Get quiet. This conversation might just change the way you see your own story.—🔗 Watch our episodes LIVE: patreon.com/betempered 🌐 Explore past episodes and more: www.betempered.comSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Strength isn't pretending everything's fine—it’s having the courage to be real about what’s hard. On Episode 64 of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr open up about how this podcast has become a journey of transformation through vulnerability—for themselves and for the community it’s building.From a young age, especially as men, we’re taught to suppress emotion, to “man up,” and to keep going no matter what. But that kind of emotional isolation can be a heavy burden. In this episode, we challenge that narrative head-on—because the truth is, vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s a doorway to healing, connection, and real strength.We dig into powerful biblical truths like Galatians 6:2 ("carry each other’s burdens") and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ("when I am weak, then I am strong"), and we share stories that prove how honesty changes lives—from Kevin Love’s mental health advocacy to a recent men’s rite of passage event where Dan witnessed how 18 men sharing their stories led one man to seek help and enter rehab.If you’ve ever felt unsure about opening up—or wondered if your story matters—this conversation is for you. Your vulnerability might just be the permission someone else needs to begin their own healing journey.Learn more at www.betempered.com Let’s keep choosing courage over comfort—together.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

How do you find strength when your world is crumbling from the inside out?In this powerful episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Susan Preble, whose story of perseverance through hidden trauma, heartbreak, and healing will leave you breathless and forever changed.Susan’s journey began with tragedy—when she was just 18 months old, her family car was T-boned, leaving her mother in a coma and shifting the course of her life. As she grew, the trauma deepened: childhood sexual abuse, isolation from scoliosis treatment during her teens, and a painful family move that triggered a years-long battle with anorexia.But her most painful battle came later—a 20-year marriage to a man struggling with severe pornography addiction. Susan shares how she lived in two realities: the public image of a functioning family and the private chaos of emotional pain. “I often felt like an imposter in my own life,” she confesses, navigating life as a registered nurse, a cancer survivor, and a mother of two—all while her marriage unraveled behind closed doors.Through every chapter, Susan’s faith became both a lifeline and a battlefield. She doesn’t offer easy answers—only raw honesty about what it means to question, wrestle, and cling to hope in the darkest of seasons. “It wasn’t just about knowing Christ came and died,” she explains. “It became about a personal relationship.”Whether you’re navigating addiction in your family, carrying unspoken pain, or struggling to reconcile your faith with suffering, Susan’s story is a testament to the power of bringing hidden wounds into the light—because once exposed, they lose their power to define us.Listen now at www.betempered.com or find us on all major platforms. You’ll be challenged. You’ll be moved. And you won’t walk away the same.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Some friendships are built on shared victories, bruises, and sweat—on long bus rides and harder losses. But the deepest friendships aren’t just remembered; they return when we need them most.In this deeply moving episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr reconnect with Jeff Swanson, a former University of Dayton teammate and roommate whose story is both heart-wrenching and hope-filled. What begins as a conversation between old friends quickly transforms into a profound exploration of grief, resilience, fatherhood, and the transformative power of mental toughness.Jeff opens up about one of the darkest chapters of his life: losing his father to cancer and the silent storm of depression that followed. On the outside, he appeared strong—working, functioning, pushing forward. But internally, he was unraveling. The moment that snapped him out of the spiral wasn’t some dramatic intervention—it was something bizarre, almost absurd. In the middle of a therapy session, his counselor fainted, and Jeff had to help him. The moment of role reversal jolted something inside: “If I can help someone else while I’m at my lowest, maybe I’m stronger than I think.”That realization sparked the beginning of Jeff’s transformation. He made the decision to stop relying on medication, not out of recklessness, but out of a renewed commitment to taking ownership of his mental and emotional healing. He leaned into gratitude. He embraced daily discipline. And over time, he began rebuilding his life from the inside out.But this isn’t just Jeff’s story. It’s also the story of how one man’s decision to change himself ended up changing the lives of many—including Dan’s. At a high school football game, Jeff casually mentioned a program called 75 Hard. That brief conversation planted a seed. Dan took on the challenge, pushed himself mentally and physically, and ultimately, that experience became the foundation for the Be Tempered podcast itself.Together, the three men reflect on how discipline and vulnerability walk hand-in-hand—how strength is born not just in lifting weights or showing up every day, but in daring to be honest about where you are and what you’re struggling with. Jeff's journey illustrates a core theme of Be Tempered: the idea that pain, when faced head-on, becomes purpose.One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Jeff reflects on being a father—something he almost couldn’t imagine during his darkest moments. “I look at my son… I put him down to sleep and I’m like, I can’t believe I’m blessed to have this child.” It’s a moment of clarity, of awe, of deep and quiet joy that only comes after walking through the fire.Throughout the episode, Ben offers sharp insights that ground the conversation, reminding listeners that we are never the only ones going through something. And Dan, now years removed from that high school football game conversation, speaks from a place of gratitude—thankful not only for the friendship but for the chain reaction it caused. The podcast itself, this community, this movement—it all began with one vulnerable conversation.As Ben reflects, “You never know who’s watching you. You never know who you’re going to impact by one decision you make.” That one decision—choosing vulnerability over silence, courage over comfort—can ripple into lives you may never see.This isn’t just an episode about football or mental health or personal transformation. It’s about what happens when we stop pretending we’re fine and start showing up as we are. It’s about how true strength is forged—not in comfort, but in fire.Listen now at BeTempered.com or wherever you get your podcasts. And remember: your toughest challenges might be the very thing that awaken your greatest gifts—not just for you, but for everyone around you.Send us Fan MailSupport the show