Special Guest Shawn Ruebush joins BeTempered Hosts Ben Spahr & Dan Schmidt to share his remarkable journey from a tragic childhood to a life marked by resilience and growth. He is an inspiring testament to the human spirit. Join us as we explore Sean's life-altering experiences, beginning with a humorous college escapade involving mischievous football players, which sets the stage for a deeper look into his life's trials. Shawn opens up about enduring the loss of his father at a young age, navigating the complexities of family dynamics, and the emotional upheaval that followed. His story is a profound reminder of the strength and perseverance found in family bonds and mentorship, and how these influences can guide us through the darkest of times.

Sport becomes a recurring theme in Shawns’s life, serving as both an outlet for his frustrations and a source of discipline and purpose. Through the guidance of influential coaches, particularly during a challenging high school football career, Sean discovered the transformative power of sports. We discuss the impact of mentors like Coach Matt Kemper, who saw potential in Shawn and pushed him beyond his limits, teaching invaluable lessons in respect and resilience. Our conversation highlights the role of positive influences and the pivotal life choices that can steer one away from destructive paths, emphasizing the critical importance of support systems and personal decisions in shaping one's life trajectory.

Shawn's story of overcoming adversity and finding gratitude in the face of life's challenges is not just inspiring, but a powerful reminder of the potential for personal growth. From a difficult divorce to finding healing and balance through counseling and mentorship, Sean exemplifies resilience. His journey underscores the importance of self-awareness and emotional healing, encouraging others to confront their challenges and embrace new beginnings. As we reflect on the profound impact of sharing our stories, Shawn's experiences serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, illustrating that even the most trying experiences can lead to a life filled with gratitude and growth.

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Could a mentor be the missing key to unlocking your personal and professional potential? Join us as we unravel the profound impact of mentorship, sharing heartfelt stories and life-changing moments that have defined our paths. From powerful parental influence to transformative coaches, learn how mentors have sculpted our character, work ethic, and self-improvement journeys. In a unique family exercise, we explore how each stage of life reveals different perceptions and heartfelt appreciations for mentors, sparking a deeper understanding of their invaluable guidance.

We embark on a journey through personal experiences with mentors who have navigated us through life's challenges. Relive my encounters with Coach Kelly, whose balanced encouragement prepared me for collegiate athletics, and Eric Van Vleet, whose wisdom illuminated the complexities of business ownership. These stories are not just personal reflections; they are universal tales of how mentors guide us towards achieving our best selves. Through these narratives, we uncover the lessons of accountability, trust, and positivity that our mentors instilled in us.

As the episode unfolds, we celebrate the rewarding experience of becoming mentors ourselves. From coaching youth sports to engaging with the community, we emphasize the power of stepping out of our comfort zones to uplift others. We express gratitude to those who have shaped our lives while encouraging listeners to become mentors in their communities. Tune in for inspiring stories, upcoming guests with unique journeys, and exciting ways to engage with us, as we champion the transformative power of mentorship.

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What if you could turn life's biggest hurdles into stepping stones for success? Join us as we unravel Marcus's incredible story of resilience and positivity from a previous episode. Marcus has faced some of life's toughest challenges, yet he continues to inspire with his unwavering optimism. Alongside Marcus's journey, Ben & Dan share their own experiences from the lows of living in a girlfriend's parents' basement to carving out successful careers. Together, we explore how a simple shift in mindset can open doors to personal growth and opportunity, even when the odds are stacked against us.

Life's challenges don't have to be setbacks; they can be opportunities for transformation. Through anecdotes from unexpected situations on a family farm and career twists, we discuss how maintaining gratitude, positivity, and prayer can help navigate life's uncertainties. By choosing to focus on the good, while acknowledging the bad, we outline strategies to build a resilient mindset and highlight the vital role of kindness and perspective in overcoming adversity. Our discussion also touches on the health benefits of positivity, including a surprising way a smile can influence your well-being.

Our conversation wouldn't be complete without expressing our heartfelt gratitude to you, our listeners. Your support fuels our journey, and we celebrate the sense of community and connection your engagement brings. We encourage you to continue walking this path with us, sharing your thoughts and stories as we collectively strive toward a more fulfilling life. Don't forget to check out our recommended reads, including "The Magic of Thinking Big" and "The Power of Positive Thinking," to further enhance your positivity toolkit.

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How does a journey from poverty lead to becoming a successful football coach? This episode of the Be Tempered podcast features Marcus Colvin from Chaminade Julienne, who shares his poignant story of resilience. Growing up in Columbus as one of six siblings in a blended family, Marcus faced significant challenges, including the heart-wrenching loss of his youngest sister, Rosa. Inspired by "Slumdog Millionaire," Marcus reflects on how his life's trials prepared him for his roles as a 43-year-old husband, father, and football coach, offering a moving narrative of overcoming adversity.

Marcus's story is a testament to the power of sports in transforming lives. He recounts his experiences with basketball, football, and track, which provided structure and motivation during his youth in Licking Heights. Through tales of hardship, like washing clothes in the bathtub and going to bed hungry, Marcus highlights the resilience and empathy developed along the way. The support from mentors and educators played a crucial role in shaping his character, showcasing the importance of community and perseverance in overcoming life's obstacles.

Listen as Marcus delves into his coaching career at Chaminade Julienne, from starting as a young coach to becoming the head football coach by 30. He shares the emotional highs and lows, the support from senior players, and the journey to a seven-game winning streak. Alongside professional milestones, Marcus opens up about his college romance and the mentors who have guided him. This episode underscores the power of thoughtful gestures and community support, emphasizing the importance of staying tempered in life's journey.

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What does it take to transition from a childhood dream to a life rooted in the soil? Join us as Keith Schmidt, father of show host Dan Schmidt uncovers his inspiring journey into agriculture, a passion sparked by childhood adventures and nurtured by friends and family. Hear about the pivotal moment when a generous church member provided essential equipment that set Keith on his path, and the crucial role community support played in overcoming initial family resistance to his farming dreams.

Rewind to the days when Keith balanced the excitement of meeting his future wife with the challenges of starting a farm amidst financial struggles and harsh weather. Experience his vivid memories of the blizzard of 1978 and the resilience required to manage a farm during such tumultuous times. Keith’s storytelling paints a rich picture of rural life, from joyful moments like welcoming his first son to the relentless pursuit of his farming aspirations.

No journey is without its trials, and Keith’s story includes harrowing close calls and medical battles that tested his strength and faith. Learn about the life-threatening accident during a brutal cold spell and Keith's determined fight against aggressive prostate cancer. Discover the heart of farming through Keith's eyes, where resilience, community support, and an unwavering love for the land are essential. Whether you’re a farmer or just curious about the rural life, Keith’s reflections on the lessons learned from mentors, coaches, and family are sure to resonate deeply.

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Unlock the secrets to mastering self-discipline and achieving long-term success as Matty Ledgerwood returns for another insightful episode of the Be Tempered Podcast. Matty, Ben, and Dan share powerful personal stories that highlight how self-discipline, rather than fleeting motivation, shapes their lives, careers, and personal growth. Ben introduces a unique concept: selecting a new discipline each year to focus on, ensuring manageable and lasting changes.

Throughout our conversation, we dive into the nuts and bolts of habit formation, emphasizing the importance of incremental adjustments to foster lasting habits. Learn how waking up early and sacrificing late-night activities can become second nature through consistent effort. We also delve into valuable resources like Craig Groeschel's leadership podcast and James Clear's "Atomic Habits," offering listeners practical tools to support their journey toward disciplined living and substantial personal growth.

In our final chapters, we underscore the significance of delayed gratification, starting small, and maintaining realistic goals to build self-discipline. We examine transformative programs like 75 Hard and the critical role of accountability partners in achieving goals. Personal anecdotes illustrate the power of embracing uncomfortable challenges, giving oneself grace, and fostering a mindset of consistent effort over perfection. Join us as we explore how self-discipline can lead to exceptional long-term benefits and personal success.

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What if the key to business success lies in treating your sales team like sports dynasties and military units? Join us as Jim Niekamp, owner of 95% Share Marketing, takes us through his incredible journey, from his early days at Miami University of Ohio to becoming an influential entrepreneur in the healthcare industry. Jim's story is filled with pivotal moments and insights, such as the strategic advice to choose a stable industry and the power of starting in sales to truly understand the customer.

We dive into the fascinating world of business strategies that mirror successful sports and military tactics. Learn how leaders like Scott and Don revolutionized the medical equipment industry by transforming sales reps into proactive consultants, doubling revenue and building lasting relationships. Jim shares invaluable lessons on creating a cohesive company culture and the risks and rewards of prioritizing strong leadership and shared values. Discover how the journey of Midmark Corporation exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a successful company culture.

But it’s not all about business; this episode also delves into the personal side of growth and relationships. Jim reflects on the profound impact that supportive relationships and influential figures have had on his journey. Hear unforgettable stories of friendship and love, and gain insights into the importance of delighting customers, not just satisfying them. With powerful examples from industry giants like Steve Jobs and disruptive innovators like Uber and Apple, Jim provides a masterclass on building meaningful business relationships. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends entrepreneurship, leadership, and the enduring power of strong personal connections.

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Have you ever wondered what life was like before the convenience of modern technology and the hustle and bustle of today's world? In this episode of the Be Tempered Podcast, we bring you a heartwarming conversation with Mary Niekamp, the cherished matriarch of my wife’s family. Born in 1930 in St. Henry, Mary's life story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of family bonds. She opens up about her childhood during the Great Depression, the cherished values instilled in her by her family, and the remarkable tradition of praying for each of her 64 great-grandchildren and 21 grandchildren daily.

Mary's tales are a beautiful journey back in time, touching on the everyday routines that shaped her early years. From the meticulous process of laundry and gardening to the social dynamics of small-town life, these stories paint a vivid picture of a simpler, yet labor-intensive, way of life. Her sweet love story with Tom, marked by a small gesture of candy corn, illustrates the enduring power of young love and the deep bond they shared over decades, despite financial hardships and societal changes post-war.

We also reflect on the transitions brought about by wartime and the significant societal shifts that followed. From rationing essential goods to women entering the workforce, Mary's anecdotes provide a rich, personal perspective on these historical events. As we wrap up, Mary shares poignant memories of her late husband, Tom, including his touching last words that encapsulate their lifelong romance. This episode is an emotional tapestry of family memories, life lessons, and the enduring legacy of love. Join us for a heartfelt tribute to a life well-lived and the timeless values that continue to inspire.

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How does one rise above a turbulent childhood marked by addiction, near-poverty, and financial adversity to become a successful entrepreneur? Join us as Kevin Shook, the founder of Global Media Enterprise, takes us through his extraordinary journey from a troubled youth in Indiana to a thriving business owner. Kevin's candid reflections on his upbringing, his father's mental health challenges due to birth control complications, and his family's struggles with addiction and government aid are both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Kevin opens up about his unexpected career path, starting as an EMT and firefighter right after high school. He shares the transformative experiences of working in both rural and urban settings, from the quiet streets of small towns to the bustling neighborhoods of Indianapolis. We'll hear about the personal growth and invaluable lessons that came from this tumultuous journey, including his passion for bodybuilding and the impacts of complex family dynamics and relationships along the way. Kevin's return to the Winchester Fire Department provides a nostalgic and touching glimpse into the importance of community and camaraderie.

In a powerful and moving discussion, Kevin delves into the tough topics of funding challenges within the fire department, the misuse of EMS for financial gain, and the personal toll of these stresses. His honest talk about sobriety, mental health struggles, and the daily battle with alcoholism offers hope and encouragement. Kevin's emphasis on vulnerability, authenticity, and breaking societal expectations underscores the profound impact of sharing one's story. Don't miss this heartfelt episode that highlights resilience, the importance of support systems, and the transformative power of honesty and faith.

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How do you rebuild your life when everything seems to be falling apart? Join us as childhood friends Justin Swartsell and Dan Schmidt take a heartfelt walk down memory lane, sharing their experiences growing up in Preble County, Ohio. From football fields to Bible school classrooms, their stories are filled with humor and nostalgia, setting the stage for an inspiring discussion about the importance of maintaining a sense of fun and community in everyday life.

As we dive deeper, Justin opens up about his journey through life's challenges, including the uncertain post-high school phase and a pivot towards a career fueled by his passion for the outdoors. With a background in recreation and wildlife management from Hawking College, Justin eventually found his calling at a private hunting and shooting preserve by Lake Erie. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the significance of pursuing one's true passions, even when the path isn't always clear.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Justin bravely recounts his struggles with divorce and the emotional turmoil that followed. He speaks candidly about hitting rock bottom and the suicidal thoughts that plagued him, but also about the unwavering support of his friends and family that helped him through. Through faith and financial discipline inspired by Dave Ramsey, Justin found healing and a new sense of purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the times may seem, there is always hope and a path to recovery. Tune in for a story of resilience, faith, and the indomitable human spirit.

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