Ordinary people. Extraordinary resilience.
Real Stories...Raw Truth... Resilient Faith.
What it Means to BeTempered
Tempering is a heat treatment process used to improve the toughness of glass & metals like steel, making them less brittle and more durable.
"Tempered" refers to being moderated or controlled, as in having a measured approach to situations rather than being excessively emotional or reactionary.
about BeTempered
Our Story
BeTempered was born out of a simple yet powerful conviction: every person carries a story of resilience, struggle, and triumph worth sharing. What started as heartfelt conversations about faith, leadership, and life’s hardest moments grew into a podcast and movement designed to encourage others to keep pressing forward. At its heart, BeTempered is about documenting legacies, preserving the stories of individuals not only for their families today, but also for generations they may never meet. These are people you may or may not know, people you might never cross paths with, yet they are ordinary, everyday people just like you. Their stories remind us that while we all face adversity, we can grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate through it.
meet the BeTempered team
Dan Schmidt
Shawn Ruebush
Dan Schmidt
Dan and his wife, Kim, are proud parents of five children—Allyson, Leah, Nate, Mary, and Ryan—and together they live on their family farm just outside of Eaton, Ohio. With a deep commitment to both business and agriculture, Dan owns Catron's Glass in Richmond, Indiana, and also partners with his father in farming operations where they cu
Dan and his wife, Kim, are proud parents of five children—Allyson, Leah, Nate, Mary, and Ryan—and together they live on their family farm just outside of Eaton, Ohio. With a deep commitment to both business and agriculture, Dan owns Catron's Glass in Richmond, Indiana, and also partners with his father in farming operations where they cultivate corn, soybeans, and wheat, while raising beef cattle and pigs. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dan is a dedicated community leader, serving on multiple boards, volunteering in local organizations, and coaching his children’s sports teams. His greatest joy comes from investing in his family and community, helping to nurture growth both on the field and in everyday life. Dan’s journey is a testament to faith, resilience, hard work, and the enduring values of family and community.
Ben Spahr
Shawn Ruebush
Dan Schmidt
Ben is not only a co-host of the BeTempered Podcast, but also a Project Manager at Catron’s Glass. Before joining the glass industry, he spent 17 years building a career in the gun industry, where he developed a sharp attention to detail and a strong work ethic that continue to serve him well today. Ben lives in Eaton, Ohio with his wif
Ben is not only a co-host of the BeTempered Podcast, but also a Project Manager at Catron’s Glass. Before joining the glass industry, he spent 17 years building a career in the gun industry, where he developed a sharp attention to detail and a strong work ethic that continue to serve him well today. Ben lives in Eaton, Ohio with his wife Lisa and their three sons—Jude, Silas, and Everett. He is known for his positive energy, deep love for his family, and unwavering commitment to his community. His involvement in volunteer organizations and coaching youth sports highlights his passion for making a difference in the lives of others. With his infectious smile and unmistakable laugh, Ben brings warmth, joy, and authenticity to every conversation. He truly embodies the spirit of being tempered—balancing the demands of work, family, and service while consistently spreading encouragement and positivity wherever he goes.
Shawn Ruebush
Shawn Ruebush
Shawn Ruebush
Shawn Ruebush is an author, and a cornerstone voice on the BeTempered Podcast, sharing his powerful story of resilience, faith, and transformation. As the author of Turning Pain Into Purpose, Shawn opens up about overcoming childhood trauma, the tragic loss of his father, the devastation of losing his home in a house fire, and the life-ch
Shawn Ruebush is an author, and a cornerstone voice on the BeTempered Podcast, sharing his powerful story of resilience, faith, and transformation. As the author of Turning Pain Into Purpose, Shawn opens up about overcoming childhood trauma, the tragic loss of his father, the devastation of losing his home in a house fire, and the life-changing faith that helped him find hope in the midst of hardship.
Today, Shawn is a devoted follower of Christ and proud father to his three children, Chase, Hunter, and Haven. His message reminds others that while we can't always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. Through his testimony, and appearances on BeTempered, he has inspired countless people to view adversity as an opportunity for growth, healing, and purpose.
In addition to sharing his story, Shawn serves as the Marketing Director for BeTempered, helping expand the reach of the podcast and its mission to impact individuals, families, schools, and communities with a message of resilience, faith, and hope.
Kevin Shook
Shawn Ruebush
Shawn Ruebush
Kevin Shook is the producer of the BeTempered Podcast and the founder of Global Media Enterprise in Richmond, Indiana. With years of experience in media production, Kevin brings a professional edge and creative vision to every episode. His expertise in sound engineering, video editing, and digital storytelling ensures that each conversa
Kevin Shook is the producer of the BeTempered Podcast and the founder of Global Media Enterprise in Richmond, Indiana. With years of experience in media production, Kevin brings a professional edge and creative vision to every episode. His expertise in sound engineering, video editing, and digital storytelling ensures that each conversation is delivered with clarity and impact. Beyond his technical skills, Kevin has a powerful personal story—openly sharing his journey through addiction, suicide, and ultimately sobriety. That lived experience gives him a unique ability to connect with the mission of BeTempered, helping others see that even in the darkest seasons, hope and transformation are possible. As a trusted partner behind the scenes, Kevin plays a vital role in bringing authentic stories of resilience to life for listeners everywhere.
Our Partners
