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Real Men Hug
Step into the realm of "Real Men Hug," where authenticity reigns supreme. Our podcast offers a refreshing blend of candid conversations, heartfelt exploration of emotions, and invaluable insights into mental well-being, tailor-made for both men and the women who hold them dear.
Discover us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform, ready to accompany you on your journey. Don't forget to tap that like button and subscribe for a regular dose of wisdom. And if our episodes resonate with you, share the love with your tribe and leave a review that brightens our day!
Tune in bi-weekly, every other Thursday, as hosts Jim Van Stensel and Ben Kraker lead the charge into meaningful discussions that promise growth and connection.
Episodes
27 episodes
Ep. 26 || Final Episode: Farewell from Jim & Ben
In this bittersweet finale of Real Men Hug, Jim and Ben reflect on the transformative journey of their podcasting adventure. Over the past year, they’ve shared laughs, deep dives into mental health, stories of personal growth, and vuln...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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45:31
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Ep. 25 || Cornerstone Concerns: Navigating Christian Nationalism, Inclusivity, and Faith in Politics
In this episode of Real Men Hug, Ben and Jim discuss the controversies surrounding their alma mater, Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Under the leadership of President Gerson Moreno-Riaño, the university has faced sign...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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43:10
Ep. 24 || The Gift of Choice: Crafting Your Own Holiday Rhythm
This week, Ben and Jim dive into the nuances of holiday traditions, exploring how we can reclaim joy and reduce stress by celebrating on our own terms. Whether it’s debating the supremacy of cheesy potatoes over green bean casserole or reflecti...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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31:20
Ep. 23 || Who Do You Think You Are?: When Self-Perception and Reality Collide
In today’s episode, Ben and Jim dive into the topic of self-perception and how it can sometimes stray far from reality. Whether it’s the inner critic that says we’re not enough or that old friend called self-doubt, they unpack how self-p...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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23:35
Ep. 22 || Balancing Pills, People, and Purpose: Walking the Path to Better Health Together
In this episode, Ben and Jim explore the balance between medication, meaningful connections, and long-term health. They discuss how pills can be a temporary bridge toward healthier habits but shouldn’t replace physical activity and relationship...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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22:36
Ep. 21 || The Weight of Empathy: Caring Without Losing Yourself
In this episode of Real Men Hug, hosts Jim and Ben take a deep dive into the concept of empathy, highlighting the crucial difference between empathy and sympathy. While sympathy involves feeling for someone, empathy goes a step further...
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36:13
Ep. 20 || The Gratitude Effect: Balancing Privilege and Perspective
In this 20th episode of Real Men Hug, Ben and Jim explore the multifaceted nature of gratitude. Ben shares his unique perspective from a life spent rubbing elbows with both CEOs and the homeless, offering deep reflections on how gratit...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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41:24
Ep. 19 || Moving from What If to What Is: Thriving with ADHD and Other Forms of Neurodiversity (w/ Dr. Matthew Zakreski)
Moving from What If to What Is: Thriving with ADHD and Other Forms of Neurodiversity (w/ Dr. Matthew Zakreski)Ben and Jim enjoy a fascinating conversation with the insightful Dr. Matthew Zakreski. Listen in as they delve into the...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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56:57
Ep. 18 || Reaching Out: Building Support Systems to Overcome Loneliness
In this episode, Ben and Jim delve into the complexities of loneliness, exploring how self-doubt can deepen feelings of isolation. They discuss the concept of emotional permanence and its relation to ADHD, sharing personal stories and insight...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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48:58
Ep. 17 || The Social Media Maze: Parenting, Politics, and the Pursuit of Positivity
In this episode of Real Men Hug, Ben and Jim explore the complex world of social media and its impact on parenting, politics, and mental health. Ben and Jim reflect on how social media has become a double-edged sword, bringing both ...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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40:12
Ep. 16 || 40 and Fabulous...ly Falling Apart
In this episode of Real Men Hug, Ben and Jim tackle the rollercoaster ride of gracefully aging—or at least trying to. They candidly share their recent experiences, from Ben's frightening heart scare that landed him in the hospital with ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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37:30
Ep. 15 || Smiles and Sorrows: The Duality of Dad Life
In this special Father's Day episode of "Real Men Hug," hosts Ben and Jim dive into the complexities and joys of fatherhood with a mix of humor and heartfelt conversations. They kick off with light-hearted banter about dad jokes and pool mishap...
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51:41
Ep. 14 || Forgiveness: For Your Peace, Not Their Pardon
In this episode of Real Men Hug, hosts Jim and Ben navigate their personal journeys through challenging life events, reflecting on the role of forgiveness in healing and moving forward. They share updates on their family lives and dive deep int...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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56:33
Ep. 13 || Crafting Connections: A Blueprint for Lasting Friendships in Adulthood
In a world where adult friendships often take a backseat, hosts Ben and Jim embark on a journey through the complexities of maintaining meaningful connections amidst the chaos of various life stages, including raising young children. Drawing fr...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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40:00
Ep. 12 || (pt. 2) Deconstructing Gender Norms: Real Talk with Jamie and Mahlon from Roundtable Mindset
In this episode of Real Men Hug, hosts Jim and Ben sit down with Jamie and Mahlon from Roundtable Mindset to explore the impact of societal gender norms on various aspects of life. Together, they delve into the significance of mutual respect, o...
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45:19
Ep. 11 || Deconstructing Gender Norms: Real Talk with Jamie and Mahlon from Roundtable Mindset (Part 1)
Dive into a riveting collaborative dialogue between Real Men Hug and Roundtable Mindset as they bravely confront the age-old assumptions and societal norms that shape our perceptions of gender roles. In this illuminating episode, listeners are ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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53:50
Ep. 10 || Real Men, Real Marriage: Conversations on Love, Loss, and Learning Together
"Mawage. Mawage is what brings us together today." The iconic words of The Impressive Clergyman from The Princess Bride perfectly set the stage for today's episode!Join hosts Ben and Jim as they open up about the highs and lows of marri...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:16:10
Ep. 9 || Toxic Positivity: Good Intentions Gone Bad
In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Ben and Jim delve into the complexities of toxic positivity, shedding light on its detrimental effects on emotional well-being. Through personal narratives and reflections, they navigate the societal pre...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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52:20
Ep. 8 || From Yesterdog to the Grand River: Our Hometown of Grand Rapids, MI
In this episode of Real Men Hug, join Jim and Ben as they kick back and reminisce about their adventures of growing up around, and ultimately returning to, their hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. From chowing down on Yesterdog's mouthwa...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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59:11
Ep. 7 || Failing Forward: When Bitterness Robs Your Joy
Dive into the deep end with us as Jim candidly unravels his career voyage, laying bare the trials he's faced. From career disappointments to grappling with depression and anxiety, he shares his journey with the honesty and candor that you find ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:12:14
Ep. 6 || Do You Even Nerd, Bro?: Gatekeeping and Geek Culture
In this episode of the Real Men Hug podcast, hosts Ben and Jim immerse themselves in the realm of nerdy hobbies, sharing how these pursuits have enriched their lives. They fondly recall their adventures, from Ben's geocaching exploits to Jim's ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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56:28
Ep. 5 || The Man in the Mirror: Ben's Pursuit of Identity
In this episode, Jim and Ben focus on Ben's journey of identity transformation. They explore how personal experiences such as relational strain, vocational loss, and personal growth have shaped and reshaped who they are. The conver...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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56:55
Ep. 4 || The Power of No: Setting Healthy Boundaries
In this episode of Real Men Hug, hosts Ben and Jim open up about the essentials of setting boundaries. They chat about why it's crucial for your emotions and personal growth, sharing stories about navigating pushback from loved ones and undersc...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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54:50
Ep. 3 || Echoes of Childhood Trauma
In this touching episode, hosts Jim and Ben share poignant tales about Jim's wife and Ben's daughter, revealing how childhood trauma shaped their lives. Hear heartfelt stories that showcase resilience and the enduring impact of past experiences...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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59:42
Ep. 2 || Embracing Vulnerability: Jim's Journey from Childhood Ridicule to Emotional Freedom
In this eye-opening episode of Real Men Hug, we dive into Jim's story. Born as the emotional one in a family of five siblings, he was always deemed 'abnormal.' Struggling with feeling emotions in a family that viewed such sensitivity as weaknes...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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58:49