Best Ben Kraker Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 17 || The Social Media Maze: Parenting, Politics, and the Pursuit of Positivity 40:12

2d ago40:12

40:12

Send us fan mail! 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 connectivity and complications. Ben shares a personal story about the regret of allowing his son acc…

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Ep. 16 || 40 and Fabulous...ly Falling Apart 37:30

17d ago37:30

37:30

Send us fan mail! 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 AFib to the excitement and stress of buying and moving into a new home. The hosts delve into the…

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Ep. 15 || Smiles and Sorrows: The Duality of Dad Life 51:41

1M ago51:41

51:41

Send us fan mail! 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 mishaps, setting a fun tone for the episode. The conversation transitions into a deeper discus…

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Ep. 14 || Forgiveness: For Your Peace, Not Their Pardon 56:33

2M ago56:33

56:33

Send us fan mail! 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 into their experiences with betrayal and abuse. Ben shares a poignant story about working f…

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Ep. 13 || Crafting Connections: A Blueprint for Lasting Friendships in Adulthood 40:00

2M ago40:00

40:00

Send us fan mail! 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 from their own experiences and heartfelt insights, they navigate the highs and lows of fri…

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Ep. 12 || (pt. 2) Deconstructing Gender Norms: Real Talk with Jamie and Mahlon from Roundtable Mindset 45:19

3M ago45:19

45:19

Send us fan mail! 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, open dialogue, and personal growth beyond traditional expectations. Throughout the conver…

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Ep. 11 || Deconstructing Gender Norms: Real Talk with Jamie and Mahlon from Roundtable Mindset (Part 1) 53:50

3M ago53:50

53:50

Send us fan mail! 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 invited to challenge the rigid confines of traditional masculinity and femininity, as th…

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Ep. 10 || Real Men, Real Marriage: Conversations on Love, Loss, and Learning Together 1:16:10

3M ago1:16:10

1:16:10

Send us fan mail! "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 marriage. They candidly share experiences from their own individual marriages with humor, honesty, a…

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Ep. 9 || Toxic Positivity: Good Intentions Gone Bad 52:20

4M ago52:20

52:20

Send us fan mail! 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 pressures that often compel us to suppress our vulnerabilities under the guise of unwaverin…

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Ep. 8 || From Yesterdog to the Grand River: Our Hometown of Grand Rapids, MI 59:11

4M ago59:11

59:11

Send us fan mail! 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 mouthwatering (depending on who you ask...) delights to cruising along the serene White Pine Trail, t…

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Ep. 7 || Failing Forward: When Bitterness Robs Your Joy 1:12:14

5M ago1:12:14

1:12:14

Send us fan mail! 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 regularly on our podcast. Ben lends his insights and observations, having witnessed Jim'…

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Ep. 6 || Do You Even Nerd, Bro?: Gatekeeping and Geek Culture 56:28

5M ago56:28

56:28

Send us fan mail! 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 spirited escapades at Renaissance fairs, where he often donned the guise of the legendar…

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Ep. 5 || The Man in the Mirror: Ben's Pursuit of Identity 56:55

6M ago56:55

56:55

Send us fan mail! 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 conversation delves into the influence of external voices on Ben's initial career choices and both of their…

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Ep. 4 || The Power of No: Setting Healthy Boundaries 54:50

6M ago54:50

54:50

Send us fan mail! 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 underscoring the importance of good communication. Tune in as Ben and Jim get real about those …

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Ep. 3 || Echoes of Childhood Trauma 59:42

6M ago59:42

59:42

Send us fan mail! 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. Explore the healing power of acknowledgment, therapy, and community. Episode 3 is a he…

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Ep. 2 || Embracing Vulnerability: Jim's Journey from Childhood Ridicule to Emotional Freedom 58:49

6M ago58:49

58:49

Send us fan mail! 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 weakness shaped his childhood and his path. Years later, we witness Jim's transformation into a…

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Ep. 1 || How Jim Walked with Ben from the Brink of Despair and Offered Hope at Just the Right Time 45:01

6M ago45:01

45:01

Send us fan mail! Stuck between the pursuit of self-expression and the pressure of appearing 'strong', Ben's story strikes a chord with all those who've been through the ringer. An inspiring tale of resilience, this episode sheds light on the multiple triggers of suicidal thoughts and the pursuit of hope in the darkness. Ben's story takes us throug…

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Real Men Hug || Teaser 1:16

8M ago1:16

1:16

Send us fan mail! Get ready for Real Men Hug, a groundbreaking podcast challenging the norms of masculinity and embracing vulnerability. Join Jim and Ben in this exclusive pre-release teaser where they provide a sneak peek into candid conversations about men's emotions, struggles, and the journey to redefine what it means to be a man in today's wor…

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Ep 210 Final Finale 1:53:29

1+ y ago1:53:29

1:53:29

Welcome to the final episode of Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered. In this episode, Jason and Mike (and Ben) reflect on the highs and lows of their journey and share one thing they wish they could have done differently on the show. They also have a special surprise, as Mike has a sentimental gift for Jason. As we come to the end of this podcast, we …

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Ep. 209 Why is it so hard to make and keep friends as an adult? 1:01:19

1+ y ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Ep. 209 Why is it so hard to make and keep friends as an adult? Episode Summary: Dawn Taylor welcomes Jason Tieri, host of Threads Podcast, to the show to dive into why adult friendships are difficult. From childhood trauma blocking adult connections to a lack of properly communicated expectations, Dawn and Jason break down why adult friends are ha…

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Ep. 208 This One Stings: A Huge Show Update and Mike & Jason Debate ‘He Gets Us’ 1:24:51

1+ y ago1:24:51

1:24:51

If there was one episode that you didn’t want to miss it would be this one. This podcast was produced by Hey Guys Media Group LLC Are you looking to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Hey Guys can help! Check them out at Hey Guys Media GroupBy Jason Tieri & Michael VanDrie

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Ep. 207 Jason Joins Joe P on the RE Choice podcast and talks about recalibration. 37:56

1+ y ago37:56

37:56

Ep. 207 Jason Joins Joe on the RE Choice podcast and talks about recalibration. Link to the original Ep. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As always thank you so much for supporting the show. Our 1st Sponsor! Ervine's Au…

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Ep. 206 Mike and Jason (two white dudes) talk about how black men are not safe from cops; Jason is a victim of a racial slur; Did Mike’s honking incident cross the line? 57:05

1+ y ago57:05

57:05

Mike and Jason (two white dudes) talk about Tyre Nichols and how it seems to them that black men are not safe from cops. And in a kinda related incident Jason gets called a racial slur while partying down in Florida. And Mike wants you all to weigh in on whether he crossed the line in a honking incident. The Patreon page is live and we would love f…

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Ep. 205 Jason Resigns from Lucrative Career; Mike’s Quest for Expensive Workout Gear; Jason Implores Mike to Be a Pastor to Him 1:10:04

1+ y ago1:10:04

1:10:04

The story follows the journey of two friends, Jason and Mike, as they navigate life's challenges. Jason, feeling unfulfilled in his successful career, decides to leave it behind and seek new opportunities. On the other hand, Mike is focused on obtaining expensive workout gear, reflecting his materialistic priorities. However, Jason reaches out to M…

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Ep. 204 Mike Decides to Become a Libertarian after a Gas Stove Debate; Jason is a Rock Star Bus Driver; And Jason Gets Hit by a Car…AGAIN 1:06:33

1+ y ago1:06:33

1:06:33

This one gets off to a really rough start, such a rough start that those listening live weren’t sure that it would even be a show. But Mike and Jason rallied and pulled off a pretty decent show. And Jason had so many good points at the end about asthma and gas stoves that Mike has decided to become a libertarian and will vote for Justin Amash as Pr…

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Ep. 203 Uncovering the Truth About an Orthodontist: A 39-Hour Journey to Recovery and a Deep Dive into Ottawa County's Corruption 59:47

1+ y ago59:47

59:47

Ep. 203 The perverted orthodontist; 39 hours in bed; And what the heck Ottawa County Jason and Mike have a ton to discuss this week. Especially Jason, we almost named this episode “The Jason Show” but Mike knows that if that happens Jason will get a huge head and never be humble again. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support u…

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Ep. 202 Mike and Jason lose their cool; Jason was weirded out during Mike’s special moment; And a Ben update 1:10:28

1+ y ago1:10:28

1:10:28

Ep. 202 Mike and Jason lose their cool; Jason was weirded out during Mike’s special moment; And a Ben update Jason and Mike hold back no punches as a new season of Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered begins. Mike and Jason take some time to catch up and are super vulnerable about some moments that happened to them during December. The Patreon page is …

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Ep. 201 Jason Wants Meaghan to Make Friends; Natalie and Meaghan Set the Record Straight…Again; And You Will Never Guess Mike’s Favorite Holiday Food 1:11:36

1+ y ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Yes...it's THAT episode. The episode where things get a little crazy and usually Jason gets picked on. You guessed it, it's the one where Meaghan and Natalie join Jason and Mike. Which means it's the season finale. And once again, it's a DOOZY. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support …

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Ep. 200 Celebrating 13,000+ Minutes of Unfiltered Dialogue; Should Jason and Mike Start an Only Fans; and Jason Has a BIG Announcement 1:11:44

1+ y ago1:11:44

1:11:44

It’s FINALLY here, Episode 200!!! We are joined by some good friends who want to celebrate this moment with us. Join us as we celebrate and for some more unfiltered dialogue. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As always t…

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Ep. 199 Mike's Been Getting Attacked at Night; Jason is the Dad of the Year; The Office for the Win 1:00:00

1+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Mike gets super vulnerable in this episode. It's been a tough couple of weeks for Mike opens up about it to Jason. And Jason wants to know how he can support Mike through this time. Also, Jason has a huge dad win and gets to brag (in a good way) about it. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers …

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Ep. 198 Jason Meets Mike’s Mom; Mike Conquered COVID; And Dealing with Election Stress 57:01

1+ y ago57:01

57:01

Ep. 198 Jason Meets Mike’s Mom; Mike Conquered COVID; And Dealing with Election Stress Mike is BACK!!! COVID could not hold Mike down and he is back in the studio with Jason. Jason and Mike have a lot to catch up on, including Jason meeting Mike’s mom. And with the elections upon us, it is easy to stress, Mike and Jason talk about their stress with…

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Ep. 197 Meaghan joins Jason because Mike has the vid, Jason has a new job and not so great blood work. 1:00:13

1+ y ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Ep. 197 Meaghan joins Jason because Mike has the vid, Jason has a new job and not-so-great blood work. This was a fun episode to record with my beautiful hot wife. Things we talked about Dear Abby Tying up loose threads- Jason's shop week issues and Meaghan's issue with Jason at the race. Stories of the week. Jason is a Grandville school employee, …

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Ep. 196 Half Marathon Results; Jason's Work Frustrations; And is Jason Really Done with Therapy 1:16:58

1+ y ago1:16:58

1:16:58

Jason and Mike didn't let a little (a lot for Mike) soreness stop them from recapping the race. And of course, that's not all Mike and Jason talked about. Jason spills some tea about his frustrations at work. And Patreon Joe joins for trivia and you will never guess who wins. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There a…

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Ep. 195 Jason Drops a Mental Health Bomb; Mike Was Wrong Last Episode; Mike and Jason Give Great Advice to ‘Baffled in Texas’ 1:00:27

1+ y ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Ep. 195 Jason Drops a Mental Health Bomb; Mike Was Wrong Last Episode; Mike and Jason Give Great Advice to ‘Baffled in Texas’ Don’t miss this episode. Jason shared some HUGE mental health news. Mike and Jason share some race predictions. And Jason and Mike give out some great advice. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us!…

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Ep. 194 Proud Dad Moments for Jason and Mike; Jason Calls Out a Bully; And Patreon Kate Battles Mike in Trivia 57:46

2y ago57:46

57:46

Ep. 194 Proud Dad Moments for Jason and Mike; Jason Calls Out a Bully; And Patreon Kate Battles Mike in Trivia. In the first-ever segment of ‘Phone a Patreon’ there is a trivia battle between Patreon Kate and Mike. Who will win? Also, Jason and Mike share some proud dad moments they had. And Jason…whelp Jason stands up for his friends and calls out…

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Ep. 193 Is Jason an Atheist; Mike Gets Fat Shamed; And Can We Please Stop Talking About Jason’s Bladder 53:41

2y ago53:41

53:41

After creating promo audio for another show, Jason and Mike sit down and are a little slap happy. And somehow the show ends up talking about things found on TikTok. Talk about a TikTok problem. You’re probably not gonna wanna miss this episode. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support …

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Ep. 192 Jason’s Bladder Issue; What’s Up with Mike’s Screen Time; An ER Visit; And Parenting Teens in the Age of Technology 56:34

2y ago56:34

56:34

Have you ever wanted Mike to burn Jason so bad that Jason is quiet for 6 seconds? If so, this episode is for you. And if not, this episode is still for you cause there is a lot of awesome content in it. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks.…

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Ep. 191 Jason’s Dog Battles a Skunk & Mike’s Absurd Amount of Screen Time 58:42

2y ago58:42

58:42

This episode has it all. The story of Jason's race. What happened when Jason's dog battled a skunk. And Mike realizing that maybe, just maybe his screen time has gotten out of control. Links Mentioned on the Show: Cap/No Cap 15 Inspirational Mental Health Quotes Things That Can Affect Our Mental Health Food Best diet for mental health: Can certain …

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Ep. 190 Mike Shares a Bombshell and Jason Wins an Award 59:50

2y ago59:50

59:50

After a season break, Jason and Mike sit down and catch up on life. Mike shares a bombshell that has rocked his world and is gonna alter his future. And Jason shares about his prize-winning run. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn m…

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Ep. 189 || The ladies (Natalie and Meaghan) take over and gang up on Jason and Mike laughs his butt off the whole time 1:02:50

2y ago1:02:50

1:02:50

What’s a better way to end the season than to bring our wives on to tell all??? Nothing absolutely nothing, or at least Mike thinks so. Jason got picked on a lot by Natalie and Meaghan, so he may not think so. This episode will have you laughing and if not…whelp we might have to question your sense of humor…jk. The Patreon page is live and we would…

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Ep. 188 || Conquering the deck, birthday parties, no breakfast made, and extra edgy bearded dudes 1:00:22

2y ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Jason and Mike sit down for the last Personal Format of Season 2. Jason gets his wish with another segment of AITA. Mike is proud of how he conquered his ADD in his last home project. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As…

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Ep. 187 || Two Bearded Dudes discuss (debate) Roe v Wade & Am I The Ahole? 1:09:32

2y ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Jason and Mike sit down and decide that two bearded dudes should talk abortion in light of Roe v Wade. And Mike even defends Christians in this episode…what in the world is happening. The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As…

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Ep. 186 || Jason bares all & Mike recalls his National Lampoon’s Vacation-esque return trip from Colorado 54:03

2y ago54:03

54:03

Mike’s back from Colorado so Mike and Jason break down Mike’s trip to Colorado. And Jason wants to revisit the sex talk from last week’s episode. Links from the episode: -A Colorado city unbans ice cream -Bobby Bonilla keeps getting paid -Netflix show: Keep Sweet: Pray & Obey The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There a…

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Ep. 185 || Meaghan and Megan sit down with Jason and talk parenting, adulting and even sex 1:26:41

2y ago1:26:41

1:26:41

It is finally here! The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As always thank you so much for supporting the show. Jason sits down with his wife Meaghan and our friend Megan and talk all things adulting, mental health, and even …

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Ep. 184 || Mike gets decimated and humbled; Jason is hardcore bumming; and beard hair slivers are a thing…apparently 46:38

2y ago46:38

46:38

It is finally here! The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As always thank you so much for supporting the show. Jason and Mike sit down for a Personal Format Episode and dig deep into their past few weeks and into each other’…

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Ep. 183 || How do Jason and Mike nurture their mental health & why doesn’t dog food taste like dog treats 57:50

2y ago57:50

57:50

It is finally here! The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As always thank you so much for supporting the show. Jason and Mike sit down and get vulnerable about the history of their mental health and how they are currently nu…

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Ep. 182 || Rethinking Christianity; Mike refused to wear orange; Jason is frustrated with his kids 1:01:13

2y ago1:01:13

1:01:13

It is finally here! The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As always thank you so much for supporting the show. After Jason and Mike catch up about life and all that they have on, they interview Blake Fine who is the creator …

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Ep. 181 || Mike Wants to BAN Guns and Jason Doesn’t 1:07:56

2y ago1:07:56

1:07:56

It is finally here! The Patreon page is live and we would love for you to support us! There are 3 different tiers to support us and each comes with some amazing perks. Learn more now! As always thank you so much for supporting the show. After catching up after a long weekend, Jason and Mike discuss the school shooting in Uvalde and the problem of s…

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Ep. 180 || Jason processes a gigantic screw-up; glitter poop discovered; Mike wants to be like Jesus and flip some tables 51:18

2y ago51:18

51:18

Jason and Mike sit down for the first Personal Format show of the season. After some talk about glitter poop, Jason reveals a gigantic screw-up in his life and spends some time processing it on the show. After that Mike wants to be like Jesus and flip some tables over. Articles and Videos Mentioned in the Show: Glitter Pooping Jelly Fish The Video …

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Ep. 179 || Fallout of coming out; the lonely extrovert; fortune cookies “in bed” 1:02:03

2y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Just over a year ago Joe Pellerito was on the show. In that episode, Joe shared his journey of leaving Christianity and how he had just shared with those around him that he was not a Christian. This time Joe joins us to share the fallout that has happened because of his decision to come out as not being a Christian. He shares how his last year has …

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