BeTempered

In Episode 59 Part 2 of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Jeff Travis for a raw, unflinching conversation about faith forged in the fires of real life. Jeff opens up about his remarkable journey—from a struggling student to a reluctant pastor and, eventually, a missionary in Thailand. What begins as a familiar story of answering God’s call soon unfolds into something far deeper—a father’s desperate fight to protect his family amid cultural isolation, special needs parenting, and relentless spiritual warfare.

After years of battling infertility and enduring painful adoption setbacks, Jeff and his wife Elizabeth finally became parents to three beautiful children. When they felt called to the mission field, they sold everything and moved to Thailand, believing they were stepping into their greatest adventure. Instead, they found themselves in a harrowing struggle as their oldest son developed severe behavioral challenges in a place with almost no resources or support.

With brutal honesty, Jeff dismantles the myth of the bulletproof spiritual leader, sharing how God often works through our most broken places. When bombs from a nearby civil war literally rattled their home while their son was in crisis, Jeff faced the hardest question of his life: Was God asking him to sacrifice his family for ministry, or was caring for his family the ministry itself?

Whether you’re a parent navigating a child’s special needs, someone wrestling with feelings of failure, or simply searching for authentic faith in life’s messiness, this conversation will both comfort and challenge you. Jeff’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is admit when we need help—and that vulnerability, not perfection, is the true path to healing.

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What happens when following your faith costs everything? In this powerful episode of the BeTempered podcast, Pastor Jeff Travis joins hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation that traces his extraordinary journey—from childhood struggles in suburban Detroit to anti-trafficking work along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

As a young boy, Jeff battled severe reading difficulties and depression, feeling like he didn’t belong in traditional academic settings. Competitive swimming became his outlet, but it wasn’t until college that everything changed. A miraculous healing experience not only restored his ability to read but ignited a spiritual awakening that would alter the course of his life.

During the conversation, Jeff opens up about the lingering effects of his early coping mechanisms—avoiding failure, hiding insecurities, and performing to gain approval—and how those patterns followed him into adulthood, ministry, and marriage. With honesty and humility, he recounts the gradual unraveling of those habits as he learned to listen more deeply to God’s call.

That call would take Jeff and his wife Elizabeth from Michigan to small-town Ohio, and eventually, in 2022, to one of the world’s most dangerous regions. Now partnering with Life Impact International through New Life Commission, they work on the Thailand-Myanmar border, offering hope and healing to displaced families and survivors of human trafficking. Jeff describes this leap of faith not as a heroic act, but as a daily choice to trust, to serve, and to go where the need is greatest—even when the road is uncertain.

What makes this episode especially moving is Jeff’s willingness to share the messy, often painful parts of his journey—his battle with self-doubt, the grief of miscarriage, marital challenges, and the weight of leadership. His mix of vulnerability and humor makes his story both accessible and deeply resonant for anyone wrestling with purpose, identity, or fear of the unknown.

Whether you’re navigating a personal crossroads, feeling called to something outside your comfort zone, or simply seeking a story of authentic, faith-driven courage, Jeff’s testimony will challenge and encourage you. His conversation with Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr on the BeTempered podcast is a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest transformation happens when we stop playing it safe and start listening to that still, small voice—even if it leads to places we never imagined.

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What does it take to walk away from a successful 23-year career to serve those society often overlooks? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, guest Tim Pierson joins hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr to share the story of how an unexpected calling turned his life upside down—and ultimately right side up. Tim’s journey from insurance executive to full-time advocate for the homeless and addicted is a reminder that purpose often begins where comfort ends.

Tim grew up in a middle-class household where faith, family, and hard work shaped his worldview. For more than two decades, he built a thriving career in the insurance industry—successful by every traditional measure. But when he unexpectedly lost both his father and his business mentor within a short span of time, he found himself at a crossroads. In the silence left behind by grief, Tim began asking bigger questions about meaning, purpose, and legacy.

One of the first seeds of change came during a routine event: a drug prevention presentation at his children's school. What began as simple curiosity quickly turned into a deeper realization. He started volunteering with a local anti-drug coalition and eventually began walking the streets of Richmond, Indiana late at night, handing out coffee and snacks to people in need. What he discovered was staggering: a hidden crisis of homelessness, addiction, and despair happening just blocks from his comfortable home.

“I was just blown away,” he recalls. “I had no idea people were living like this in my own community. How could I not know that it was this bad?” That moment of awareness became the catalyst for action.

Tim founded Bridges for Life, a nonprofit organization focused on building real, sustainable pathways out of homelessness and addiction. Rather than offering short-term fixes, Tim’s team invests in long-term solutions—programs that restore dignity, provide stability, and build real skills. One such initiative is the Building Together program, which teaches carpentry and construction skills to people in recovery. Participants rehabilitate condemned or abandoned homes—gaining not only job training and a sense of purpose, but also housing and extended sobriety support.

The model is innovative, efficient, and deeply personal. Each renovated home becomes a stepping stone to a new life. “We’re not just fixing up buildings,” Tim says. “We’re rebuilding people.”

Tim also sheds light on a sobering reality: Wayne County’s homeless population is far larger than official counts suggest. Without visible tent cities or encampments, most homeless residents remain out of sight—living in vehicles, abandoned structures, or couch-hopping in temporary situations. And while the cost of homelessness to society is estimated at $38,000 per person annually—through emergency services, healthcare, and lost productivity—Bridges for Life can transition someone into stable housing for about $1,100.

It's not just about housing. It’s about hope. It’s about showing someone that they’re seen, valued, and not beyond redemption.

Tim’s story is a testament to the power of saying yes—to discomfort, to uncertainty, and to something greater than yourself. It’s a challenge to all of us to consider where we might be called to serve, even if the path ahead looks nothing like the life we imagined.

If you’ve ever wondered whether one person can really make a difference, Tim Pierson’s journey offers a resounding “yes.”

Ready to learn more or get involved? Visit mybridgesforlife.org to support their work through donations, volunteer efforts, or simply by spreading the word. You don’t have to change careers to change lives—but you might be surprised where your own next step leads.

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What does it mean to run toward the fire instead of away from it?

For Carl Rhinehart III, that question became more than a metaphor—it became a mission. On this powerful episode of the BeTempered Podcast, Carl joins hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr to share his journey from insecurity and adversity to purpose and impact.

Growing up in Muncie, Indiana, Carl’s childhood was shaped by contradictions. He was the youngest of six in a home where love and trauma coexisted. While he faced domestic violence and his father’s struggles with addiction and absence, he was also surrounded by strong women of faith who prayed over him nightly. His father, despite his flaws, never missed a football game and often told him, “You’re going to be the first Black mayor of Muncie.” The tension between affirmation and chaos left Carl wrestling with identity, confidence, and belonging.

Football became both an escape and a proving ground. He admits he only played to please his dad, hating practice with a passion. But during his senior year of college, something changed. He asked himself, “What if I just tuned everything else out and gave it everything I had?” That mental shift changed how he showed up—not just in the game, but in life. He sprinted sideline to sideline, determined to give every ounce of effort. “If I die on this field,” he recalls thinking, “let them say I gave it my all.”

Today, Carl brings that same energy and intentionality into his role as a teacher at Richmond High School and as the founder of Future Achievers, a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring and developing young people in the community. Through birthdays, affirmations, and consistent presence, Carl ensures that every student knows they matter. In some cases, the birthday card he hands them may be the only acknowledgment they receive all year.

In one of the most emotional parts of the episode, Carl shares how the passing of his father in 2019 brought a moment of grace and growth. “How dare I make some of the same mistakes my dad made and still be shown grace—yet I couldn’t extend that same grace to him?” That moment of reflection reshaped Carl’s understanding of forgiveness, legacy, and leadership.

This episode is a powerful reminder that our deepest wounds can become our most profound sources of strength—and that showing up for others, especially youth, doesn’t require perfection, just presence.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference in your community, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of the BeTempered Podcast featuring Carl Rhinehart III at:
 https://www.betempered.com

🌟 Learn more about mentoring opportunities and the mission behind Carl’s nonprofit, Future Achievers, at:
 https://futureachievers.org

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What happens when your carefully built life suddenly crumbles? On this deeply honest and inspiring episode of the BeTempered Podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Joan Parsons, a woman whose life story is marked by unexpected heartbreak, enduring faith, and the quiet strength that comes from trusting God through life’s hardest seasons.

Joan grew up surrounded by the steady beauty of rural Ohio farmland, a childhood filled with warmth, stability, and the simplicity of country life. But at just 13 years old, her world was turned upside down by her parents’ divorce—a seismic shift that cracked open questions about love, security, and identity. Rather than allowing the brokenness to define her, Joan leaned into her growing faith. That pain became a doorway to a deeper purpose.

From that point forward, her life became a series of bold steps led by conviction. She met her husband through campus ministry and together they embarked on a journey that would eventually take them to post-communist Budapest with two small children. There, far from the familiar, Joan encountered the unexpected pressures and emotional toll of missionary life—something rarely spoken about in Christian circles. She shares candidly about the anxiety she faced and how she learned to survive with one guiding principle: have someone to love, someone who loves you, and something to look forward to.

But nothing prepared her for the loss that came in 2016 when her husband suddenly passed away, leaving her widowed with four children ranging in age from 14 to 20. In the aftermath of that life-altering moment, Joan found herself facing deep grief, mounting responsibilities, and the painful realization that 72% of her support system quietly faded away. Yet what she describes next is a stunning testament to the power of real community—the 28% who remained showed up in such a profound and complete way that it felt like “1000%.”

Rather than retreating, Joan leaned into the calling that had been growing in her heart for years. She poured herself into Neighbor Bible Study to Go (NBS2GO), a ministry that began with a simple idea: empowering everyday people to reach their neighbors with the Gospel in natural, life-giving ways. What started in her local community now spans 175 countries and has been translated into 55 languages—proof that God multiplies even the smallest acts of faith.

Joan’s voice is gentle, but her words carry the weight of someone who’s been through fire and emerged with wisdom and grace. She challenges the cultural obsession with curated, Instagram-perfect lives by reminding listeners that “flourishing can happen every day,” even in the messy middle of loss, anxiety, or uncertainty. Her story is not about tidy endings—it’s about hope in the midst of heartbreak and finding purpose in the ruins.

Whether you’re walking through your own valley of grief, struggling to hold things together, or just questioning if your ordinary life has meaning, Joan’s testimony will meet you where you are—and lift your eyes to something bigger.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode of BeTempered — a podcast where real stories meet real faith.

🌐 Learn more about Joan’s global ministry at nbs2go.com
📱 Follow the journey and join the mission—right where you are.

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Have you ever thought about that small line between the birth and death dates on a tombstone? That dash represents everything—your entire life, the people you loved, the choices you made, the legacy you left behind.

In this powerful episode of the BeTempered podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr invite you to reflect on what it means to live a life worthy of your dash. They share the extraordinary story of Michael "Pappy" Quinn, a humble tool and die maker from West Virginia whose legacy of love, faith, and servant leadership continues to inspire.

Mike’s life wasn’t measured by wealth or titles, but by how he made others feel. Kids from the neighborhood—many without father figures—walked miles just to play backyard football with him. When his brother was drafted for Vietnam, Mike asked to go in his place. He lived with wonder, joy, and unshakable faith—teaching life lessons through peanut butter bacon sandwiches, muddy puddle adventures, and quiet, intentional presence.

This episode will move you. It will challenge you. And it will ask the question: Are you living your dash with purpose? Are you showing up for the people who matter? Are you serving without expectation?

As the poem “The Dash” says:

“It matters not how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash.
 What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash.”

Take a moment today to reflect on what kind of story your dash is telling. Then share this episode with someone who needs the reminder—because while we don’t choose when our dash begins or ends, we do choose how we fill it.

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What does real leadership look like in today’s world? At National Trail High School in New Paris, Ohio, the answer isn’t found in titles or authority—it’s found in actions. In this powerful episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with the students behind the school’s Renaissance Program, a dynamic, student-led initiative that’s changing the very heartbeat of their school culture.

The Renaissance Program at National Trail isn’t just a club—it’s a movement. Rooted in the national Jostens Renaissance model, this local chapter embraces a vision that celebrates academic achievement, reinforces positive behavior, boosts teacher and student morale, and cultivates a campus where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired to lead.

Forget what you know about the word “Renaissance.” This isn’t about knights and castles—it’s about revival. A revival of compassion. A revival of empathy. A revival of what it means to care deeply for your community. These students embody the idea that creating a school worth showing up to every day doesn’t require a title or a position—it just requires a willing heart and a commitment to lead by example.

Throughout the conversation, these young leaders open up about what leadership truly means. “A leader steps up willingly,” one student says. “Even knowing they’ll face hardships, they keep going.” They talk openly about the emotional labor of leadership—making space for others, checking in with those who are struggling, and remembering that even the smallest act of kindness can have lasting impact. From surprising office staff with flowers to greeting classmates they barely know, they demonstrate that culture shifts happen not through grand gestures, but consistent, authentic care.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. They dive into the complexities of growing up in a digital world—navigating social media, staying grounded in their values, and pushing through seasons of burnout and doubt. When asked who they would most like to have a conversation with, nearly all answer the same: Jesus. Not because of religion, but because of the example He set for servant leadership, humility, and love.

Perhaps the most moving moment comes as they reflect on their advisor, Ms. Laird—a teacher who has empowered them to take the reins without ever trying to control the direction. "She knows what we can do," one student says, choking back tears. "And she’s never said no." It’s clear that her belief in them has helped them believe in themselves.

This episode is a window into the future—and it’s hopeful. It’s proof that students today are not only aware of the problems around them—they're actively stepping up to make change. If you've ever doubted whether the next generation is ready to lead, this conversation will set your mind at ease.

Tune in and let the students of National Trail’s Renaissance Program show you how leadership, kindness, and perseverance are still alive—and thriving—in the hallways of a small Ohio high school.

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What does true resilience look like?

In this powerful episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Misty Hollis, Director of the Richmond Family YMCA and a two-time cancer survivor, as she shares the extraordinary strength that unfolds when faith collides with life’s hardest trials. Proudly sponsored by Catron’s Glass, this conversation reminds us that true strength is forged in the fire.

Born into a fourth-generation ministry family, Misty’s early life traveling across Texas in her parents’ revival van only hinted at the tests of faith ahead. From career ambitions to leading a community, she opens up about how personal heartbreak—including pregnancy losses and two battles with breast cancer—transformed her faith from inherited tradition into an unshakable personal conviction.

“I’m not afraid of dying,” Misty shares with striking honesty. “I’m afraid of not being with Tim.” Her words capture the heart of a love story that’s weathered not just cancer, but the spiritual reckoning that comes with life-altering diagnoses. When doctors discovered her cancer had returned after five years of misdiagnosis, Misty made a bold choice: “I’m running into the fight, not away from it.”

Her story also shines a light on the power of community. From board members who prayed over her to friends who showed up unasked to drive her to treatments, Misty’s experience proves that true support isn’t passive—it’s action.

Whether you’re facing a personal battle, walking alongside someone through theirs, or looking for inspiration to navigate life’s challenges, Misty’s journey offers a moving testament to finding strength in vulnerability and purpose through pain.

🎙️ Tune in now to BeTempered with Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr, sponsored by Catron’s Glass, and hear how Misty Hollis’ unwavering faith continues to inspire hope and build stronger communities—even in her darkest hours.

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What happens when 5 men drop their guards and speak honestly about faith, failure, and finding their way? In this special live roundtable celebrating one year of the Be Tempered podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt & Ben Spahr reunites with previous guests Brian Ballenger, Matt Roberts, and Shawn Ruebush for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the journey to authentic manhood.

The wisdom flows as these men reflect on pivotal moments when faith became personal rather than inherited. Sean's admission that it took him 38 years to make peace with God resonates deeply, especially when he shares that "no matter how far away you walk from God, it only takes one step back in." Brian recounts feeling completely exposed when he first truly encountered God's presence, while Matt discusses how consistency in faith practices transformed his life.

The conversation turns remarkably practical when discussing leadership through failure. These men reject the notion that leaders must appear perfect, instead embracing failure as essential feedback for growth. "Failure is good," Sean asserts, "because it means you're taking risks and putting yourself out there." Their collective wisdom about coaching their own children, maintaining meaningful male friendships, and leading families through tough seasons offers invaluable guidance for listeners facing similar challenges.

Perhaps most powerful is the discussion about male vulnerability. Brian acknowledges the pressure men feel to project strength, noting "I can't be vulnerable because I have to be strong." Yet all agree that authentic male friendship requires breaking down these barriers to find true connection and accountability. The story of Sean being challenged to practice the discipline he preaches illustrates how genuine friendship sometimes means uncomfortable honesty.

Whether you're questioning your faith, struggling with leadership responsibilities, or simply seeking deeper connections with other men, this anniversary episode delivers authentic conversation from men who've walked through fire and emerged stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. Subscribe now and join our community of listeners pursuing balance in a chaotic world.

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BeTempered Episode 51: Tables Turned – Dan and Ben in the Hot Seat

In this milestone 51st episode of BeTempered, things get flipped—literally. Instead of leading the conversation, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr find themselves on the other side of the mic, interviewed by their good friend Matty Ledgerwood. The result? A refreshingly raw and deeply personal look at what it really means to live with intention, lean into discomfort, and commit to lifelong growth.

Dan opens up about a pivotal moment in 2022 when he realized he was just... too comfortable. On the surface, life looked good—successful career, stability, routine. But deep down, he knew he had more to give, more to explore, more to become. That awareness didn’t just spark a few journal entries—it lit the fire that would become this very podcast. His story is a reminder that growth isn’t always born from crisis; sometimes, it’s born from a quiet nudge that says, “You’re not done yet.”

Ben shares his journey of overcoming self-doubt and stepping into his own potential. He credits key mentors who believed in him before he believed in himself, and he speaks candidly about the pressures of being a role model—not just in public, but at home. “What are my kids seeing? What example am I setting for them?” he asks. For Ben, growth isn’t a personal pursuit—it’s generational. His reflections underscore the truth that how we grow directly impacts those we love most.

The conversation gets real about the fear of failure and the voice of imposter syndrome that so many of us hear but rarely admit. Instead of avoiding these uncomfortable topics, they lean in. “Failure only exists if you quit growing,” Matty says, a line that resonates deeply with both hosts. They emphasize that growth isn’t about perfection or speed—it’s about consistency, honesty, and showing up for yourself every single day.

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is that growth doesn’t have to be flashy. It might start with something simple—like going for a walk, being honest in a tough conversation, or choosing to reflect instead of react. Dan and Ben’s willingness to be vulnerable in this episode reminds us that personal development is messy, nonlinear, and absolutely worth it.

So—how are you choosing to grow today?

Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation. Dan and Ben want to hear how their journey is impacting yours.
 Visit www.betempered.com to listen and connect.

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