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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