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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 ...
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Ep. 18 || Reaching Out: Building Support Systems to Overcome Loneliness
50:33
50:33
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Send us fan mail! 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 insights on coping strategies. The hosts tackle the impact of self-criticism, offering practical …
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Ep. 17 || The Social Media Maze: Parenting, Politics, and the Pursuit of Positivity
40:12
40:12
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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
37:30
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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
51:41
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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
56:33
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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
40:00
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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
45:19
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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
53:50
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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
1:16:10
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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
52:20
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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
59:11
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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
1:12:14
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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
56:28
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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
56:55
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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
54:50
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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. 1 || How Jim Walked with Ben from the Brink of Despair and Offered Hope at Just the Right Time
45:01
45:01
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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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Ep. 2 || Embracing Vulnerability: Jim's Journey from Childhood Ridicule to Emotional Freedom
58:49
58:49
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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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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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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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