In My Hometown

Chock Chapple joins In My Hometown for a candid conversation about life after The Golden Bachelorette—and the two unexpected love stories that came out of it.

From his relationship with Joan to the lasting bond with the “mansion men,” Chock reflects on what it means to build real connection beyond the show—and how that continues to shape his life today.

He shares what it’s been like navigating long distance, blending families, and enjoying the life he and Joan are building together now that the cameras are gone.

We also get Chock’s re...

Bachelor Nation took fans on a walk down memory lane with The Bachelorette: Before the Rose and Reunion, bringing together women from 22 seasons of The Bachelorette to share advice and perspective with the franchise’s newest lead, Taylor Frankie Paul.

In this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie Stein and Pascal are joined by Golden Bachelor finalist and friend of the show Jordan Heller for a fun and lively recap of the reunion special — revisiting standout moments and familiar faces from across the franchise.

The conversation then turns to the...

The Bachelor mansion might be the most overdue renovation in reality TV.

In this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal break down the new HGTV show Bachelor Mansion Takeover, where Bachelor Nation meets design and home renovation.

Twelve fan-favorite contestants from ABCs The Bachelor and The Bachelorette (and Bachelor In Paradise) return to the most famous house in reality TV to redesign and renovate the iconic Bachelor mansion — and Jamie and Pascal have thoughts. 

They discuss the premiere episode, the contestants, the mansion itself, and whether this crossover between Bachelor Nation and...

Marriage changes over time — especially in midlife.

In this Golden Era conversation of the In My Hometown podcast, Jamie and Pascal sit down with marriage and couples therapist Amy Lombardi to talk about what really keeps long-term relationships strong — and why couples sometimes start to drift.

From communication styles to emotional and physical intimacy, we explore the patterns Amy sees in her work with couples and how relationships evolve as life changes.

Jamie and Pascal also bring their own perspectives to the conversation — asking the questions many couples are thinking but don’t always s...

Ever wonder which supplements actually matter — or how to make sure your medications are truly working for you as you get older?

In this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal sit down with pharmacist and health counselor Donna Goodhart for a practical, eye-opening conversation about personalized health after 40.

Donna breaks down how to optimize your prescriptions, avoid common supplement mistakes, and take a more proactive approach to your wellness — especially for women navigating midlife changes. From medication management to evidence-based supplement recommendations, this episode cuts through the nois...

Is modern dating broken — or have we just forgotten how to connect?

In this Valentine’s Day special episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal sit down with Megan Wessels, founder of Throwback Dating, to talk about going back to basics — meeting in real life, building companionship first, and creating meaningful connection without relying on dating apps.

If you’re navigating dating after divorce, dating later in life, or feeling burned out by swipe culture, this conversation offers honest insight and practical guidance.

We cover:

• Dating later in life and starting o...

Looking for career reinvention advice after 40 — or trying to avoid common job search and interview mistakes?

On this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie Stein sits down with executive recruiter turned author Nicki Perchik for a practical, honest conversation about career transitions, job searching smarter, and starting over at any age.

Nicki shares insider tips from years in executive search — including the biggest job search mistakes professionals make, how to interview with confidence, and what both college grads and midlife career changers need to know when navigating today’s job market.

We also dive i...

Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin from Bachelor in Paradise join us to share the real story behind their relationship — from meeting on the beach to building a life together off camera. We discuss their "break-up" after 2 days in Paradise, what viewers didn’t see, how their connection grew after the show, the realities of dating in the public eye, and what makes a relationship last in the real world.

A must-listen for Bachelor Nation fans and anyone interested in modern dating and relationships.

Pascal and Jamie sit down with Dina Lupancu from Grant’s season of The Bachelor for an honest, candid conversation about her journey on the show and what life looks like after reality TV.

Dina opens up about what led her to apply for The Bachelor, how she experienced the process behind the scenes, and the moment that surprised so many viewers during her hometown date — including how her family truly felt about the decision and why they chose not to meet Grant.

We talk about the women from her season, the "Women Tell All" epis...

Dating today feels more complicated than ever—especially dating in midlife.

In this episode, Jamie and Pascal talk modern dating, relationship expectations, red flags, and what actually matters when navigating dating later in life. From dating with kids to evolving priorities, boundaries, and being single again, this is an honest conversation about how relationships have changed—and what still holds true.

Whether you’re dating after divorce, exploring modern relationships, or simply trying to understand dating today, this episode offers real talk, perspective, and relatability.

Nearly 50% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions — and yet, most abandon them within weeks. So what actually works when it comes to change?

In our first episode of the year, we sit down with Sarah Schmidt, psychologist, mindset coach, mom, and host of the Wholly Schmidt podcast, for a powerful conversation about resetting from the inside out.

We talk about:
-Why so many resolutions fail- and what's missing
-The power of mindset in creating lasting change
-Why becoming comfortable with discomfort is often the key to transformation
-How small shifts can...

Bela Gandhi, founder of Smart Dating Academy, joins Jamie and Pascal on In My Hometown to break down why the holidays are peak dating season - and how to actually find love during it.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, dating activity surges, with Dating Sunday (the first Sunday of January) marking the busiest online dating day of the year, with spikes in matches and messages.

In this episode, we talk about:
-Why holiday dating feels different—and why that can work in your favor
-How to approach dating apps strategically without relying on t...

In this holiday bonus episode of In My Hometown - Local Voices, Jamie talks with Wendy Silverman, founder of Peace, Love & Cookies — a beloved local brand built on joy, creativity, and connection.

Wendy shares her entrepreneurial journey, the meaning behind her brand, and what it's really like to turn passion into a business.

A warm, uplifting listen perfect for the holidays.

As a special holiday bonus episode of In My Hometown- Local Voices, Jamie sits down one-on-one with Laura Merlo, a local yoga studio owner who has built more than a business — she’s built a community.

They talk about entrepreneurship, wellness, and listening to your body.

A calming, thoughtful conversation to listen to while walking, traveling, or taking a quiet moment for yourself.

In this holiday bonus episode of In My Hometown: Local Voices, Jamie sits down one-on-one with Julia Fording, a licensed therapist who made the courageous decision pursue her true passion.

They talk about overcoming self-doubt, trusting your inner voice, healing through life transitions, and why it’s never too late to choose a path that feels aligned.

A thoughtful, grounding conversation for anyone reflecting, resetting, or looking inward during the holidays.

Jordan Heller is back in the studio — and this time, he’s bringing his girlfriend, Emily Rooney!   They just celebrated their one year anniversary, and their happiness is undeniable. Pascal and Jamie sit down with Jordan and Emily to talk how they met, what their relationship looks like in reality, and how they navigate their 22-year age gap. Pascal — naturally — has a lot of questions (and thoughts).

Jordan also weighs in on The Golden Bachelor finale...

This episode really delivers — with honesty, humor, and Pascal being… well, Pascal.

What if the strongest, fittest, most confident version of you is still ahead? 

In this Golden Era conversation of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal are joined by Jodi Harrison Bauer - fitness competitor, trainer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Fearlessly Authentic - for an empowering and inspiring conversation about reinvention, strength and aging boldly. 

They explore how Jodi transformed her life in her 40s and 50s, why building physical strength leads to emotional resilience, and what it means to embrace your next chapter with purpose and power. This is an honest, energizing look at...

Ever wondered what's really happening with plastic surgery, aging, Botox, filler, and the procedures celebs swear by? In this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal sit down with Board-Certified and One of Chicago's Top Plastic Surgeons Dr. Michael Lee — host of the podcast I’d Love to Know — for an honest, smart, and surprisingly hilarious conversation about aging, appearance, and what actually works.

We cover everything:
• The truth about aging and how it affects your appearance
• Real talk on trends: Botox, fillers, facelifts, lasers & more
• Celebrity procedures — what’s real, what’s overhyped
• Th...

We’re back for Part 2 — and this one goes deeper.

Jamie and Pascal return for an unfiltered breakdown of the Golden Bachelor Finale and After the Final Rose, because one recap wasn't enough. 

We unpack:

• Peg’s calm confidence and why it hit differently

• Cindy’s emotional breaking point and what Mel wasn’t giving

• Pascal’s behind-the-scenes stories from the ATFR taping

• The “newly committed” moment everyone is debating

• The biggest surprises, awkward beats, and real relationship takeaways

• Your comments, theories, and hot takes — featured and disc...

We’re diving into every twist of The Golden Bachelor Finale — from Cindy’s emotional decision to leave before the Fantasy Suite to Mel's proposing a "commitment" to Peg. 

Relationship therapist and author Jaime Bronstein (“MAN*ifesting”) joins us to break down the communication gaps, emotional patterns, and real relationship dynamics that played out both on screen and behind the scenes. Plus, Pascal shares what he saw at the final rose taping and even gets a little live relationship coaching himself

We Discuss:
-Cindy’s decision to skip the Fantasy Suite in Antigua and end her j...

The Golden Bachelor Fantasy Suites in Antigua brought MAJOR drama:
✅ Peg & Mel: romantic, natural chemistry, overnight glow
❌ Cindy & Mel: tense dinner, hard questions, zero clarity

Jamie and Pascal break it all down — including why Peg feels like the front-runner and whether Cindy deserves more answers.

They also react to Gerry Turner’s memoir about his 3-month marriage to Theresa Nist and divorce fallout.  Bonus: Pascal’s Golden #MansionMen reunion in Chicago!  Pascal found love with these buddies.

❤️ Enjoying our Golden Bachelor recaps?
➡️ Subscribe now 
👍 Like this video to support the show
💬 Comment...

The Women Tell All gave us everything we expected — tears, truth, and more than a few cringe moments.

Pascal and Jamie talk Nicole’s tearful plea to Mel, Cheryl wondering what she could have done differently, Debbie questioning whether her being unmarried cost her the rose -- and that “I’m dating America” line from Nicole that had everyone talking. 

Then Jackie Pilossoph, founder of Divorced Girl Smiling — a trusted community for people navigating divorce, joins the conversation. Jackie shares why “grey divorce” (divorce after 50) is on the rise even as overall divorce rates decline, and debunks the b...

The Golden Bachelor Season 2 with Mel Owens continues with Hometown Dates for Peggy, Debbie and Cindy.  Hosts Jamie Stein and Pascal unpack the most revealing week yet - with returning special guest, Jordan Heller. Mel met the families of Peggy, Debbie and Cindy, but even hometown warmth couldn’t melt his cool exterior.

Both Cindy’s and Peggy’s daughters voiced doubts, saying they couldn’t get a read on Mel’s feelings for their moms — and they’re not alone. Mel seems reluctant to even share he might see himself with any of the ladies.  There's guarded and then...

In this week’s In My Hometown Golden Bachelor Recap, hosts Jamie Stein and Pascal are joined by professional matchmaker and relationship expert April Fletcher from Spark Matchmaking to dive deep into love, drama, and second chances on The Golden Bachelor.

Together, they break down the latest episode of The Golden Bachelor, where Mel is down to six women and the L-word is flying. Is it really possible to fall in love in such a short time? What red flags should Mel — and anyone dating again later in life — be watching out for?

April brings her un...

In this week’s special edition of In My Hometown: The Golden Bachelor Recap--  co-hosts Jamie Stein and Pascal break down all the drama from last night’s episode. 🌹

We dive into:
-Peg’s 1:1 date at the OC Fair 🎡 (Spoiler alert: Mel didn't open up about anything).
-Nicole’s confession that she may be here more for followers than for love 
-The awkward group date beach photo shoot 🏖 
-A tailgate party at the mansion 🍔🍻
-And the rose ceremony where Mel sent home Gerri, Roxanne, and Robyn (no big surprises!) 🌹

PLUS — Pascal takes on listener questi...

Golden Bachelor Recap Episode 2 is here—and it was jam-packed with drama, laughs, and tough goodbyes. From the group date comedy roast with Jared Freid, to Nicole's 1:1, to Debbie’s cooking date (there's more than one kind of pepper), plus a surprise slumber party with Bachelor alum Susan Noles and Kathy Swarts - it’s clear the journey for Mel Owens is only getting more intense.

On this In My Hometown special edition Golden Bachelor recap, host Jamie Stein and co-host Pascal Ibgui (finalist and best dressed from Season 1 of The Golden Bachelorette) are joined by special guests...

Golden Bachelor drama will be back - but today, we're diving into college drama, applications, essays and advice.

College applications don’t come with a manual — but this episode gets pretty close.

This week on In My Hometown, host Jamie Stein sits down with Steph Degodny, a sought-after college counselor and essay coach, for a real conversation about what students and parents actually need to know about the college admissions process.

We talk:

The Golden Bachelor is back—and so are Chicago's Hometown bachelors (and #MansionMen from Season 1 of The Golden Bachelorette) Pascal Ibgui, Jordan Heller, and Jack Lencioni 🌹✨

In this special The Golden Bachelor recap episode, Jamie Stein teams up with  Pascal —a finalist from The Golden Bachelorette—to talk drama, controversy, and predictions from The Golden Bachelor premiere on ABC. 

Joining the conversation are Pascal’s fellow The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 contestants and good friends -- Jordan Heller and Jack Lencioni, who bring insider perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of hot takes.

From first-night impressions, mo...

This week on In My Hometown, Jamie Stein sits down with Sarah Hall—actress, owner of a local theatre company, and passionate arts advocate for people of all ages. Sarah shares her journey from performing on stage to building a community space where kids can explore theatre and dance, discover their confidence, and fall in love with the arts.

We talk about:

Whe...

What does it mean to dedicate your life to faith and community? In this episode of In My Hometown, host Jamie Stein sits down with Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein, Senior Rabbi of Am Shalom, to talk about his journey to the rabbinate, what it's like raising kids as "the Rabbi's children," and the unique role of being a local figure and community leader. From his decision to become a rabbi to his views on organized religion and the state of Judaism, Rabbi Lowenstein offers a candid look at faith, family and finding meaning in today's world.

<...

In this episode, I sit down with Dustin O’Regan, Editor-in-Chief of Sheridan Road Magazine, to explore her inspiring journey into publishing and storytelling. Known as a true social connector or "pollinator" -- Dustin shares how her passion for important causes, celebrating women doing amazing things, discovering meaningful stories, and building community has shaped her career and her life.

We talk about:

Our conversation is fun and filled with t...

I sit down with painter and installation artist and mom of 3 boys, Nicole Gordon to explore the moments and mentors that shape who we become. We talk about the lasting influence of teachers on our lives and trajectories, Nicole's unique artistic process, and decision to attend University of Michigan vs a small art school. 

This is a conversation about creativity, guidance, and the unexpected ways our paths unfold. 

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube. 

On this week's episode I sit down with Julie and Lou Rubin— the husband-and-wife team behind Hometown Coffee & Juice - THE go-to-gathering spot with locations along Chicago's North Shore.

If you’ve ever walked through their doors, you know it’s more than a cafe. It’s become the beating heart of every community it’s in—a place where people come together and everyone feels like a local. Oh…and a delicious menu too!!

We talked about building a neighborhood spot that feels like home, the challenges (and joys.) of running a restaurant together, making it a fa...

In this episode of In My Hometown, host Jamie Stein sits down with Dan Ponce, WGV-TV Morning News anchor and founding member of the vocal group Straight No Chaser. Journalism runs deep in Dan's family -his father, Phil Ponce, former reporter and long-time host of show "Chicago Tonight" -and his brother Anthony also followed the path into reporting. Dan shares what it was like growing up in a newsroom family, thoughts on the changing media landscape and advice for future journalists. Plus, he shares about his passion for music and performing and and why community matters.  

In the very first episode of In My Hometown, we sit down with Pascal Ibgui, owner of Pascal Pour Elle salon in Glencoe, IL and finalist from the first season of ABC's The Golden Bachelorette.

Pascal shares how he built one of the Northshore's most iconic salons, lessons learned, and what it was like to swap his scissors for a rose on national TV. 

It's a conversation full of style, heart, and zest for life - that reminds us that passion can be a powerful fuel for success and happiness.

Listen now because y...

In My Hometown is where we get into the business of our neighbors. Each episode spotlights the people who live and work next door - entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, and everyday people shaping our communities.  Host Jamie Stein sits down for thoughtful conversations about what they do, why they do it, their passions, purpose, challenges, and more.  Because the most inspiring stories aren't always on the front page - sometimes, they're happening right in your hometown.