Best Ben Kraker Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 26 || Final Episode: Farewell from Jim & Ben 45:31

5M ago45:31

45:31

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 vulnerable moments of connection—all while modeling authentic friendship and challenging societal norms around masculin…

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Ep. 25 || Cornerstone Concerns: Navigating Christian Nationalism, Inclusivity, and Faith in Politics 43:10

6M ago43:10

43:10

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 significant challenges, including a faculty vote of no confidence on October 21, 2021, just before his inauguration.* A…

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Ep. 24 || The Gift of Choice: Crafting Your Own Holiday Rhythm 31:20

6M ago31:20

31:20

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 reflecting on the idea of “picking a different day” to celebrate, they bring both humor and heart to the conversat…

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Ep. 23 || Who Do You Think You Are?: When Self-Perception and Reality Collide 23:35

7M ago23:35

23:35

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-perception can skew our understanding of who we truly are. Topics covered: Ben and Jim’s College Days: Reflecting …

1
Ep. 22 || Balancing Pills, People, and Purpose: Walking the Path to Better Health Together 22:36

7M ago22:36

22:36

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 relationships. Ben shares personal stories about his own weight loss journey, the mental and physical connection, and …

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Ep. 21 || The Weight of Empathy: Caring Without Losing Yourself 36:13

9M ago36:13

36:13

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 by sharing and bearing the weight of someone else’s burdens. Through personal stories, such as Ben's journey with …

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Ep. 20 || The Gratitude Effect: Balancing Privilege and Perspective 41:24

9M ago41:24

41:24

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 gratitude manifests across different walks of life. The episode dives into the challenges of maintaining gratitude amidst…

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Ep. 19 || Moving from What If to What Is: Thriving with ADHD and Other Forms of Neurodiversity (w/ Dr. Matthew Zakreski) 56:57

10M ago56:57

56:57

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 complexities of neurodiversity, focusing on ADHD, academic giftedness, and other neurodivergent conditions. They explor…

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Ep. 18 || Reaching Out: Building Support Systems to Overcome Loneliness 48:58

10M ago48:58

48:58

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 advice on choosing…

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

11M ago40:12

40:12

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 access to Snapchat, h…

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

11M ago37:30

37:30

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 emotional and phy…

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

11M ago51:41

51:41

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 discussion about the mos…

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

12M ago56:33

56:33

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 for an organization…

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

1y ago40:00

40:00

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 friendship with cando…

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

1y ago45:19

45:19

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 conversation, Jamie and …

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

1y ago53:50

53:50

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 the hosts fearlessly…

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

1y ago1:16:10

1:16:10

"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, and empathy. From e…

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

1y ago52:20

52:20

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 unwavering positivity. Expl…

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

1y ago59:11

59:11

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, they paint a vivid …

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

1y ago1:12:14

1:12:14

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's professional cha…

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

1+ y ago56:28

56:28

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 legendary Dread Pirate Rob…

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

1+ y ago56:55

56:55

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 ongoing pursuit o…

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

1+ y ago54:50

54:50

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 awkward moments wh…

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

1+ y ago59:42

59:42

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 heartfelt journey ce…

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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

1+ y ago45:01

45:01

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 through a profound journ…

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

1+ y ago58:49

58:49

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 pillar of emotion…

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Real Men Hug || Teaser 1:16

1+ y ago1:16

1:16

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 world. Listen in for …

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Ep 210 Final Finale 1:53:29

2y 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

2y 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ 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

2+ y 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

2+ y 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

2+ y 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

2+ y 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

2+ y 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

3y 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

3y 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ben Kraker Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen