Best Ben Kraker Jim Van Stensel Podcasts (2025)

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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 …

1
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 …

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
Ep. 15 || Smiles and Sorrows: The Duality of Dad Life 51:41

12M 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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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 …

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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 …

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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 …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ben Kraker Jim Van Stensel Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Real Men Hug

Ben Kraker / Jim Van Stensel

1
Ep. 26 || Final Episode: Farewell from Jim & Ben 45:31

1
Ep. 25 || Cornerstone Concerns: Navigating Christian Nationalism, Inclusivity, and Faith in Politics 43:10

1
Ep. 24 || The Gift of Choice: Crafting Your Own Holiday Rhythm 31:20

1
Ep. 23 || Who Do You Think You Are?: When Self-Perception and Reality Collide 23:35

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

1
Ep. 21 || The Weight of Empathy: Caring Without Losing Yourself 36:13

1
Ep. 20 || The Gratitude Effect: Balancing Privilege and Perspective 41:24

1
Ep. 19 || Moving from What If to What Is: Thriving with ADHD and Other Forms of Neurodiversity (w/ Dr. Matthew Zakreski) 56:57

1
Ep. 18 || Reaching Out: Building Support Systems to Overcome Loneliness 48:58

1
Ep. 17 || The Social Media Maze: Parenting, Politics, and the Pursuit of Positivity 40:12

1
Ep. 16 || 40 and Fabulous...ly Falling Apart 37:30

1
Ep. 15 || Smiles and Sorrows: The Duality of Dad Life 51:41

1
Ep. 14 || Forgiveness: For Your Peace, Not Their Pardon 56:33

1
Ep. 13 || Crafting Connections: A Blueprint for Lasting Friendships in Adulthood 40:00

1
Ep. 12 || (pt. 2) Deconstructing Gender Norms: Real Talk with Jamie and Mahlon from Roundtable Mindset 45:19

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

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

1
Ep. 9 || Toxic Positivity: Good Intentions Gone Bad 52:20

1
Ep. 8 || From Yesterdog to the Grand River: Our Hometown of Grand Rapids, MI 59:11

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

1
Ep. 6 || Do You Even Nerd, Bro?: Gatekeeping and Geek Culture 56:28

1
Ep. 5 || The Man in the Mirror: Ben's Pursuit of Identity 56:55

1
Ep. 4 || The Power of No: Setting Healthy Boundaries 54:50

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

1
Ep. 2 || Embracing Vulnerability: Jim's Journey from Childhood Ridicule to Emotional Freedom 58:49

1
Ep. 3 || Echoes of Childhood Trauma 59:42

1
Real Men Hug || Teaser 1:16