BeTempered

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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What happens when faith, humor, and resilience collide? In this heartwarming episode, we introduce Kelly Daniel, an inspiring figure and dear friend of co-host Ben Spahr. Kelly's childhood, filled with the melodies of her father’s military band and the grounding values of a small Ohio farming community, sets the stage for a life shaped by love, faith, and music. As she navigates the challenges of raising children in Arizona’s scorching heat, Kelly’s story becomes a powerful testament to perseverance and the strength of family bonds.

Kelly’s journey takes a poignant turn as she faces chronic health issues and a traumatic assault that challenges her faith and identity. Through candid conversations, we explore the transformative power of forgiveness, prayer, and familial support that guide her path to healing. Kelly’s narrative doesn't shy away from the raw realities of her early marriage, marked by loss and financial difficulties, but instead shines a light on her and her husband's unwavering faith and spirited humor that sustain them through life's adversities.

A gripping account of Kelly's brush with death in 2017 reveals her extraordinary resilience. From waking up paralyzed and navigating a miraculous recovery to embracing life’s unexpected turns that led her family to Arizona, Kelly’s story is a moving reminder of the power of faith and community. Join us as we celebrate Kelly's journey, reflecting on the profound impact of supportive networks and the enduring spirit of hope and renewal. Her story is an inspiration, offering powerful lessons on staying present for loved ones and finding joy amidst the challenges.

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Have you ever faced a rejection so monumental that it felt like the end of the world? Join us as we explore that very experience with Dan Schmidt, who shares a defining moment from his youth—being denied a loan at just 23. This seemingly devastating setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise, guiding him to a more supportive financial partner and steering him away from potential financial ruin. We uncover how rejection can be harnessed as a powerful motivator, especially within the competitive arenas of sports and business, and how it can drive us to prove our critics wrong.

Drawing inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s celebrated "Mamba Mentality," we discuss the virtues of hard work and relentless persistence. A humorous family story about ice-making duties helps illustrate the importance of putting forth your best effort in every task, no matter how mundane. We also highlight the critical role of patience in achieving success, particularly in small business endeavors and life's broader challenges. By nurturing these values in our children, we hope to ignite their passions and dream bigger.

Patience and perseverance take center stage as we reflect on life's unpredictable journey through the lens of farming. Contrasting modern society's instant gratification culture, we emphasize the long-term benefits of patience and steady effort. We share motivational quotes and personal transformation stories that underscore the importance of resilience. Ending on a heartfelt note, we discuss the impact of our podcast journey, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of kindness, capped off with Mother Teresa’s inspiring poem, "Do it Anyway." Tune in for a wealth of insights designed to help you navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience.

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Ever wondered what it takes to transform a hesitant idea into a thriving podcast? Join us as we recount our journey from the rough beginnings of the BeTempered podcast to the inspiring stories that have shaped its growth. The spark ignited with our first guest, Matty Ledgerwood, whose entrepreneurial spirit and self-taught construction skills captured our hearts and set a powerful tone for future interviews. Dive into Matty's journey and discover why believing in oneself can make all the difference. 

From the dual careers of Howard Stommen to the resilience of Drew VanVleet and the profound insights of Coach Mike Kelly, this episode is packed with stories that showcase the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. A special moment of synchronicity led us to enhance our podcast production, reaffirming our commitment to delivering meaningful content. Tune in to experience the impactful feedback from our listeners and the divine signs that guide our path forward, ensuring that the Be Tempered podcast continues to inspire and connect us all.

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Prepare to be inspired by the legendary college football coach, Mike Kelly, as he shares the secrets behind his extraordinary 27-year career at the University of Dayton. With an enviable record of 246-54-1 and a spot in both the University of Dayton Athletic Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, Kelly remains a paragon of humility. Discover how he attributes his success to the incredible people around him and his seamless transition from the sidelines to administrative roles, always guided by unwavering values and principles.

Journey with us through the life of a versatile high school athlete whose passion for coaching was ignited by a fourth-grade gym teacher. Kelly recounts his path from balancing multiple sports in high school and college, to securing his first teaching and coaching position. His story is filled with the tribulations and triumphs of building a football program that values character as much as talent. Listen to the strategic formation of the Pioneer Conference and how the commitment to recruiting players of high character has shaped Dayton's football legacy.

Reflect on poignant moments and enduring lessons from Kelly’s interactions with his players, including the impact of enthusiasm, preparation, and accountability. Hear heartfelt stories of personal challenges and perseverance, like the tragic death of a teammate and the establishment of a meaningful award in his honor. As we conclude, celebrate the values and success stories from the University of Dayton football community, and find inspiration in the timeless wisdom of a coaching giant who has forever changed the lives of those he has mentored.

BeTempered Podcast is Sponsored by Catron's Glass of Richmond, Indiana and Hosted by Dan Schmidt & Ben Spahr.

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