In My Hometown

Empty nest. A new normal. The Lindsay Clancy case. And the TV shows and pop culture we can’t stop talking about.

Family, food and culture writer Pamela Rothbard joins Jamie Stein to get into what’s been on their minds lately—and what a lot of us are talking about after 40.

In this episode:

• The reality of the empty nest: The unexpected mix of freedom and loss when the kids leave—and figuring out who you are when active parenting changes.

• The Lindsay Clancy case: The difficult qu...

You worry about your kid’s grades, their roommate, whether they’ll make friends and if they’ll call home. But what should you really be worried about? 

Dr. Jill Grimes — aka The College Doc and author of The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook — joins Jamie and Pascal for a revealing conversation about the things parents should be thinking about before their kids leave home — including some you may never have considered.

Why should every college student have Narcan? What should your kid know about drinking and blackouts? Safe sex and STIs...

Millions of viewers watched Joan Vassos make history as the first—and so far only—Golden Bachelorette. But the experience didn’t just change her love life—it changed her life.

In this episode of In My Hometown, Joan joins Jamie Stein and Pascal for a candid conversation about finding love later in life, family, grief, resilience, and what it’s really been like since the cameras stopped rolling.

Joan reflects on her journey from widow and mother to becoming the first Golden Bachelorette, how the experience has shaped her life today, and where things stand with...

After Part 1, one thing became clear: the conversation wasn’t over.

The response to Mike Zimmerman’s story was unlike anything we’d seen. Audience questions challenged assumptions, explored the emotional impact of his discovery, and made us realize there was much more to discuss.

So we invited Mike back.

In Part 2, author Mike Zimmerman returns to answer the questions our audience couldn’t stop asking after sharing the remarkable true story behind his memoir, Suburban Bigamy: 6 Miles Between Truth & Deceit.

Why didn’t he confront h...

Modern dating can feel more complicated than ever—but does it have to be?

Relationship expert and Smart Dating Academy founder Bela Gandhi doesn't think so!  She joins Jamie Stein and Pascal to talk about what really works when it comes to finding love after 40.

From dating apps and first dates to unrealistic expectations, attraction, and relationship-ready partners, Bela shares practical advice for navigating today’s dating world with more confidence and less frustration.

Plus, Bela puts Pascal’s dating truths to the test, weighing in on w...

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has captured national attention. But for NewsNation anchor Marni Hughes, her case is part of a much bigger mission: shining a light on missing persons cases that too often fly under the radar.

Marni joins Jamie and Pascal to share the latest developments in the Nancy Guthrie case and take us inside NewsNation’s “Missing” series. She opens up about why this work has become so important to her, the cases and families that have stayed with her, and what she has learned from sitting across from people living with unimaginable uncertainty.

C...

For nearly two decades, Reality Steve (Steve Carbone) has been one of reality TV’s most influential insiders, breaking stories, sharing spoilers, and changing the way fans follow their favorite shows.

In this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie Stein and Pascal sit down with Reality Steve for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of reality television. They discuss Bachelor Nation, Taylor Frankie Paul’s new dating series, Love Island, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and where reality TV is headed next.

They...

What do men really think about dating after 50?

In this special episode, Jamie Stein puts co-host Pascal in the hot seat for an unfiltered conversation about love, relationships, attraction, confidence, and his infamous “French standards.” 

Drawing from questions submitted by our community—and a few of Jamie’s own—Pascal shares his candid opinions on first impressions, chemistry, red flags, modern dating, and the controversial belief that men gain power with age while women lose it in the dating world.

Whether you agree with him or completely disagree, you’ll get a deeper look at the m...

What if the thing preventing you from attracting the love—and the life—you want isn’t timing, luck, or even chemistry?

What if it’s confidence?

In this episode, Jamie and Pascal sit down with dating strategist, confidence expert, matchmaker, and host of The Charisma Quotient podcast, Kimmy Seltzer, for a conversation about dating, attraction, confidence, and finding love after 50.

Kimmy shares her belief that confidence isn’t just an inside job—it also works from the outside in. From the way we present ourselves to the energy we bring into a room, she ex...

Writer, former model, mom, and Netflix Age of Attraction cast member Erin Timm joins Jamie and Pascal for a revealing conversation about the gap between the life we imagined and the life we actually get.

From becoming a single mom at 20 to navigating health challenges, difficult relationships, self-doubt, and the realities of never marrying, Erin reflects on the choices, setbacks, and unexpected turns that shaped her journey.

Together, they explore what happens when life doesn’t unfold according to plan, why so many people find themselves questioning everything in midlife, and whether what feels like a...

From Playboy Bunny and nine-time Playboy cover model to one of Chicago’s most recognizable media personalities and society columnists, Candace Jordan has spent decades at the center of celebrity culture, media, fame, and reinvention.

In this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal sit down with Candace for a "candid" conversation about what really happened behind the scenes at Playboy, her time living in the mansion, Hef, the cultural shifts she’s witnessed, and why Chicago remains one of the greatest cities in America.

Candace also reflects on the choices that shaped her life...

Women over 50 are no longer being sidelined in conversations around love, attraction, and dating — they’re becoming the romantic leads.

On this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal explore the growing conversation around older women dating younger men — and the double standards that still exist around age, attraction, confidence, and modern relationships.

Joining the conversation is Vanessa Drozda (50) from Netflix’s Age of Attraction, who opens up about meeting her boyfriend Logan (30) on the show, getting engaged, navigating public reactions to their relationship, and why age-gap dynamics continue to spark such strong opinions.

The...

What would you do if you discovered your father had been living an entirely separate life — with another wife and children — just 6 miles away (in a neighboring suburb)?

In this compelling episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal sit down with author Mike Zimmerman to discuss the shocking true story behind his shocking memoir, Suburban Bigamy: 6 Miles Between Truth & Deceit.

Mike opens up about the moment he discovered his father’s hidden family, the emotional fallout of that revelation, and how he began to process betrayal, grief, identity, forgiveness, and healing.

This conver...

Is age really just a number in dating? And does it depend who’s older? 

This week on In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal sit down with Theresa DeMaria, 54, from the hit Netflix show Age of Attraction—hosted by Nick Viall and Natalie Joy.

Theresa and John's (27) relationship on the show made headlines their 27 year age gap. Now she’s sharing what really happened—behind the scenes, off camera, and beyond what viewers saw.

We get into what that relationship was actually like, what surprised her most, and why age gap dynamics still feel so d...

What does it really take to reinvent your career (and life) —and start a completely new chapter?

In this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal sit down with Mara Smith, founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila.

After a successful career as an attorney and business strategist - and years focused on raising her family, Mara made a bold pivot—launching a premium tequila brand in a male-dominated industry.

We talk about what it means to bet on yourself, navigate uncertainty, and pursue something new—even when it feels risky. From career change...

The Bachelor Mansion Takeover finale recap + Dating slang terms (Putting Pascal to the test) and Real Red Flags!!

In this episode of In My Hometown, Jamie and Pascal recap the full season of HGTV’s Bachelor Mansion Takeover and share their unfiltered hot takes—from the finale results to what worked (and what didn’t).

Whether you watched every episode or are just here for the dating conversation, this one is fun, hone...

The cancellation of The Bachelorette sent shockwaves through Bachelor Nation — and Dina Lupancu and Parisa Shifteh (fan favs from Grant's season) join In My Hometown to share their perspective.

We discuss what was seen in early promos, how the news is being received within Bachelor Nation, and what this moment could mean for the future of the franchise.

Dina and Parisa also open up about life after reality TV, the friendships that last beyond the show, and how their perspectives on dating and relationships have evolved.

In this episode:

Jordan Heller and CK (Charles King) join Jamie and Pascal to talk about what life really looks like after The Golden Bachelorette (and ofc Taylor Frankie Paul and The Bachelorette cancellation and fallout).

From the unexpected brotherhood that came out of the show to navigating love, relationships, and big decisions later in life (in our Golden and Going Golden Era)—this conversation goes far beyond reality TV.

Jamie and Pascal also dive into the current state of Bachelor Nation, including the recent Bachelorette cancellation and what it could mean for the future of the franchise.

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.

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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...