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

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Manage episode 406400070 series 3538529
Content provided by Ben Kraker / Jim Van Stensel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ben Kraker / Jim Van Stensel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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 picture of the good times they've shared.
Jim and Ben dive into what makes Grand Rapids special - the tight-knit community. They swap stories about bumping into old pals and the camaraderie that comes with it. Through laughter and banter, they highlight the importance of having a solid crew by your side.

But it's not all smooth sailing. They get real about the challenges of returning to familiar turf after living out of state for several years. It's a rollercoaster of emotions - the joy of rediscovery mixed with the struggle to find your place again. Their honest chat invites listeners to ponder their own journey back home and the quest for belonging.
So grab a brew, kombucha, Vernors, Robinette's cider, or whatever Grand Rapids-esque beverage appeals to you and tune in as Jim and Ben lay it all out on the table, sharing laughs, insights, and fond memories.

Send us fan mail!

Support the show

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Welcome to Real Men Hug: Introductions and Listener Feedback (00:00:00)

2. Celebrating Grand Rapids: Our Hometown Stories (00:00:48)

3. The Impact of Real Men Hug: Listener Stories and Personal Reflections (00:01:29)

4. Exploring Grand Rapids: From Hot Dogs to Billionaires (00:06:35)

5. Adventures in Grand Rapids: ArtPrize, Ax Throwing, and More (00:13:50)

6. The Grand Rapids Lifestyle: Downtown Living and Work Experiences (00:19:55)

7. Exploring Mixed-Use Buildings and Unique Living Experiences (00:24:06)

8. Behind the Scenes: Discovering Hidden Structures in Grand Rapids (00:24:43)

9. Adventures in Grand Rapids: From Axe Throwing to Pedal Bars (00:26:23)

10. The Charm of Local Coffee Shops and Late-Night Eateries (00:29:08)

11. Celebrating Local Heroes and Community Impact (00:32:46)

12. Navigating Personal and Community Growth in Grand Rapids (00:40:21)

13. Finding Belonging and Building Community in Grand Rapids (00:54:04)

14. Preview: Diving into Toxic Positivity in the Next Episode (00:56:44)

27 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 406400070 series 3538529
Content provided by Ben Kraker / Jim Van Stensel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ben Kraker / Jim Van Stensel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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 picture of the good times they've shared.
Jim and Ben dive into what makes Grand Rapids special - the tight-knit community. They swap stories about bumping into old pals and the camaraderie that comes with it. Through laughter and banter, they highlight the importance of having a solid crew by your side.

But it's not all smooth sailing. They get real about the challenges of returning to familiar turf after living out of state for several years. It's a rollercoaster of emotions - the joy of rediscovery mixed with the struggle to find your place again. Their honest chat invites listeners to ponder their own journey back home and the quest for belonging.
So grab a brew, kombucha, Vernors, Robinette's cider, or whatever Grand Rapids-esque beverage appeals to you and tune in as Jim and Ben lay it all out on the table, sharing laughs, insights, and fond memories.

Send us fan mail!

Support the show

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Welcome to Real Men Hug: Introductions and Listener Feedback (00:00:00)

2. Celebrating Grand Rapids: Our Hometown Stories (00:00:48)

3. The Impact of Real Men Hug: Listener Stories and Personal Reflections (00:01:29)

4. Exploring Grand Rapids: From Hot Dogs to Billionaires (00:06:35)

5. Adventures in Grand Rapids: ArtPrize, Ax Throwing, and More (00:13:50)

6. The Grand Rapids Lifestyle: Downtown Living and Work Experiences (00:19:55)

7. Exploring Mixed-Use Buildings and Unique Living Experiences (00:24:06)

8. Behind the Scenes: Discovering Hidden Structures in Grand Rapids (00:24:43)

9. Adventures in Grand Rapids: From Axe Throwing to Pedal Bars (00:26:23)

10. The Charm of Local Coffee Shops and Late-Night Eateries (00:29:08)

11. Celebrating Local Heroes and Community Impact (00:32:46)

12. Navigating Personal and Community Growth in Grand Rapids (00:40:21)

13. Finding Belonging and Building Community in Grand Rapids (00:54:04)

14. Preview: Diving into Toxic Positivity in the Next Episode (00:56:44)

27 episodes

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