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In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we’re diving into a powerful message from our pastor: “Blessings can become curses when they turn into excuses.” As Christian parents, it’s easy to let good things—like kids, work, or even church livestreams—become reasons we stop showing up for God. Ben and Kimi share personal stories about how comfort and convenience crept into their faith life, from skipping church after COVID to juggling serving and parenting on Sundays. Listen in for real talk about: How blessings can quietly become spiritual distractions The importance of physically showing up in community (Hebrews 10:25) Encouragement for tired moms and dads trying to make it to church Why modeling faithfulness for your kids matters more than perfection This episode is for anyone who loves Jesus but sometimes struggles to stay consistent when life gets busy. Tune in, be encouraged, and let’s get back to showing up for what matters most. 🎧 Subscribe to Real Talk with Ben & Kimi for more conversations on faith, family, and fun.

In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we dive into five hot-button topics for Christian families in 2025—faith, marriage, parenting, and even fitness. From debating Disney’s direction and how Christian parents should approach Halloween, to tackling the tension of screens and Sabbath, this conversation is raw, real, and practical. We also unpack why fitness matters for marriage (hint: it’s about more than looks), and discuss the real-life question every couple faces: how much money can you spend without asking your spouse first? Whether you’re a parent trying to raise strong kids, a couple looking to strengthen your marriage, or a believer wrestling with culture in 2025, this episode will encourage you to think deeply, laugh often, and keep Christ at the center of family life. 👉 Topics We Cover: Fitness as a marriage builder (why it matters more than you think) Screens, Sabbath, and family rest in a digital world Disney in 2025: harmless fun or too far gone? Halloween as Christians: celebrate, separate, or redeem? Marriage & money: when do you need to ask before spending?

Suffering is inevitable—but how we respond to it shapes our faith, our family, and our future. In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we dive into the story of Job, one of the Bible’s most powerful examples of enduring hardship with faith. From losing everything to still declaring, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” Job’s life reminds us that joy isn’t about circumstances—it’s about trusting God’s promises. We also share personal reflections on choosing joy in busy seasons of parenting, building resilience in marriage, and leaning on God when life feels overwhelming. Plus, some fun banter with our Overrated/Underrated game (spoiler: soup, flat bill hats, cats, and spontaneous dining out all make the list). Whether you’re walking through a tough season or simply want to strengthen your foundation before storms come, this conversation will encourage you to keep your eyes on Christ and find joy—even in the struggle. 🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why suffering is inevitable for believers (John 16:33) How Job’s story teaches us to trust God in trials Practical ways to choose joy in marriage and parenting How to support your spouse when they’re struggling Why faith gives families strength that circumstances can’t shake 👉 Subscribe to Real Talk with Ben and Kimi for weekly encouragement in faith, family, and fun.

In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we dive into the power of encouragement—at home, in marriage, with your kids, and in your community. We kick things off with a fun round of “Overrated or Underrated” (spooky season, DIY decorations, meal planning, and more), then move into a heartfelt conversation about why encouragement matters more than ever in today’s world. We share personal stories about love languages, how small words of affirmation can create a ripple effect, and practical ways to uplift your spouse, children, and others in everyday life. Whether it’s complimenting someone’s effort, showing love in the way they receive it, or modeling encouragement in your home, this episode will challenge you to be intentional with your words and actions. If you want to strengthen your marriage, parent with more compassion, and spread positivity in your circle, this episode is for you.

Sometimes the best memories come from the moments you don’t plan. In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we share stories from our recent trip to St. Louis—including an unforgettable day at the zoo, exploring the City Museum, and how our kids decided their favorite meal was a random Mexican restaurant on the drive up. We also dive into: Why hosting a small group is worth the effort (and how it’s changing our perspective). The underrated joy of “grown-up” luggage and a great breakfast spot. How the simplest moments—like playing football in a hotel pool—created the biggest laughs with our kids. Whether you’re planning a big vacation or just looking for intentional ways to connect with family, this episode is packed with encouragement to slow down, laugh more, and enjoy the season you’re in.

Homeschooling kids while living through home renovations? It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s full of lessons you didn’t see coming. In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we share the highs and lows of homeschooling, the chaos (and comedy) of home improvement projects, and the joy of seeing God answer prayers in everyday life. You’ll hear:✅ Why we chose homeschooling and how we make it work✅ The unexpected lessons marriage and family learn during renovations✅ Real stories of God’s faithfulness through answered prayers✅ Encouragement for parents juggling faith, family, and home life If you’re a parent trying to balance homeschooling, family projects, and your walk with God, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that God shows up in the details.

Let's try this again. Last time I uploaded the wrong podcast. In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we kick things off with our Overrated/Underrated segment (bodysuits, kids in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, leftovers, and more) before diving into real-life family updates. We share what’s new in our homeschool journey and co-op life, how we’re feeling about the upcoming fall season, and the behaviors we noticed in our kids that signaled a need for more one-on-one time. You’ll hear our new weekly rotation plan for connecting individually with each of our four kids — from simple, free outings like errands or hiking to fun “payday” activities like dinner dates or laser tag. We also share why we’re saving one week a month for just us as a couple. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, juggling multiple kids, or simply looking for ways to connect more intentionally with your family, this conversation is packed with practical ideas, relatable laughs, and encouragement to slow down and make moments count.

Marriage takes teamwork—but it also takes fun. In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we dive into the balance between planning and spontaneity in marriage and family life. From swim nights with the kids to carving out time for date nights, we share real stories about how easy it is to give all your energy to your kids and forget to invest in your spouse. You’ll hear us talk about: Why some spouses are natural planners and others thrive on spontaneity How to bring the same playful energy you give your kids back into your marriage Practical (and funny) ideas for keeping your relationship fresh The importance of dates, downtime, and biblical wisdom for lasting love Whether you’re the schedule keeper, the spontaneous adventurer, or somewhere in between—this episode will encourage you to plan to win together while still leaving room for fun. 👉 If you want to strengthen your marriage, grow closer as parents, and laugh along the way, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we’re diving into the difference between absolute truths and flexible areas in marriage and parenting. From screen time and sports on Sundays to Halloween and kids’ shoes (yep, we went there), we share personal stories, biblical convictions, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you're figuring out where to draw the line on video games or wrestling with how to keep Jesus first in a busy family life, this episode will encourage you to lead your home with both conviction and grace. 👉 Topics covered: Biblical non-negotiables vs. modern gray areas Why honoring your spouse and raising kids in the Lord matters Halloween: fun dress-up or spiritual danger? Sports, Sundays, and protecting your family's priorities The parenting trap of screens, shoes, and culture's noise

Men often ask: “How do I help my wife care about her health when she doesn’t seem to?”In this candid conversation, Ben and Kimi talk about the tension between wanting the best for your spouse and learning how to support—not shame—them. From postpartum depression to tough love, they break down the balance between grace and accountability in marriage. Whether you're a husband wanting to lovingly encourage your wife, or a wife trying to find your way back to yourself after kids, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Real Talk with Ben & Kimi, we dive into the world of kids and allowance—what we grew up with, what we're doing now, and the pros and cons of different systems. From fixed allowances to chore-based commissions to teaching kids about tithing and budgeting, we unpack it all with humor and honesty. Should kids get paid to exercise and read their Bible? Should they be expected to clean up just because they live in the house? We also share some real-life stories about how our own kids handle money (spoiler: some are savers, others are spenders). If you're a parent trying to raise responsible, generous kids in a world of entitlement, this episode is for you. 🎯 Topics Covered: The 6 most common allowance systems Why not everything needs a payout Encouraging wise spending, saving, and giving Creating charts that actually work And yes… our take on Santa 🎅 Got a system that works in your house? DM us—we’d love to hear about it and share it on a future episode!

In this honest episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we dive into our imperfect but intentional efforts to build a faith-based family culture. This isn’t a list of tips to make you feel behind—it’s a real conversation about how we’re trying to disciple our kids, grow in our marriage, and prioritize Jesus daily. We cover: Why we don’t skip church while traveling—and how we make it a family priority Our favorite kids’ devotional series that actually keeps their attention Simple faith habits we’ve built (and some we’ve let slide) Why memorizing Scripture and praying before Sunday matters If you're a parent trying to raise your kids in faith while figuring it out yourself—this episode is for you.

In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we’re sharing the real, unfiltered story behind our decision to homeschool our four kids this upcoming school year. From wrestling with doubts to getting a clear confirmation from God, we dive into what tipped the scales and why this choice makes sense for our family right now. Before we get deep, we kick things off with a lighthearted “Overrated or Underrated” covering everything from oversized tees and air fryers to mowing the lawn and Saturday breakfasts. Whether you’re a homeschool-curious parent, already on the journey, or just want to hear honest reflections from a faith-filled family, this one’s for you. 🔔 Hit play and join the convo!

Letting your kids spend time at someone else’s house used to feel normal — but in today’s world, that decision comes with a lot more weight. In this episode of Real Talk with Ben and Kimi, we’re diving into a topic more parents are quietly thinking about but few are talking about out loud:👉 Is it “too much” to ask questions about the families your kids are hanging out with? We’re breaking down: Why it’s okay (and wise) to vet other parents before a playdate or sleepover What kinds of things we ask (without sounding like overbearing weirdos) How to approach these convos with respect and clarity Why we welcome other parents asking us the same questions How to create a safe home environment that puts other parents at ease too This isn’t about control — it’s about intentional parenting in a world full of noise. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about sending your kids into someone else’s home but didn’t know how to bring it up, this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in and let’s normalize protecting our kids and keeping community strong.

Don’t feel like being intentional in your marriage today? Us too. But showing up—especially when it’s hard—is what builds a strong relationship. In this episode, we talk about practical ways to stay consistent in your marriage: praying together, going to church as a family, eating dinner at the table, and choosing connection over convenience.