In My Hometown
In My Hometown is a fun and thought-provoking lifestyle podcast hosted by Jamie Stein and Pascal (fan favorite from The Golden Bachelorette). The show explores relationships, reinvention, and what it means to thrive in life’s “golden — or going golden — era.” (after 50!)
The podcast features two series:
Golden Era Conversations
Jamie, Pascal, and expert guests dive into real conversations about divorce, dating, sex, wellness, and life transitions, exploring how people reinvent themselves and build fulfilling next chapters.
Bachelor Nation Fix
Jamie and Pascal recap and react to the latest shows including The Bachelorette, The Golden Bachelor, Bachelor Mansion Takeover, and more — breaking down the drama, the contestants, and the moments everyone is talking about.
Friends from Bachelor Nation, relationship experts, and Chicago voices join the conversation to share their perspectives and insights.
Whether you’re here for real talk about relationships and reinvention or your weekly Bachelor Nation fix, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to In My Hometown.
Jamie Stein is an award-winning PR, communications, and marketing executive, former reporter, and brand spokesperson. Pascal is a fan-favorite and finalist from Season 1 of The Golden Bachelorette and a successful business owner for more than 40 years.
Episodes
43 episodes
Older Women Dating Younger Men? Vanessa Drozda on Age Gaps & Double Standards | Netflix’s Age of Attraction
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 o...
A Secret Family Just 6 Miles Away | A Conversation with Author Mike Zimmerman
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 Pas...
Is Age Really Just a Number? Theresa DeMaria (54) On Dating a 27- Year Old | Netflix Age of Attraction Tell All
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 Na...
From Attorney to Tequila Founder: Reinvention & Career Change with Mara Smith
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 succ...
Bachelor Mansion Takeover Recap: Hit or Miss? + Dating Slang, Red Flags & Real Talk
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 thei...
Bachelor Nation Reacts to The Bachelorette Cancellation with Dina Lupancu & Parisa Shifteh
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, ho...
After The Golden Bachelorette: Love, Friendship & The Bachelorette Cancellation - with Jordan & CK
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...
Chock Chapple: The Golden Bachelorette Couple & Life After the Show + The Bachelorette Cancellation
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,” Cho...
Bachelorette Reunion Recap, Taylor Frankie Paul Predictions & Bachelor Mansion Takeover
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 Franki...
Bachelor Mansion Takeover Recap: Drama, Competition, and a Mansion That Needed Help
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.
Marriage in Midlife: Why Couples Drift — and How to Reconnect | Amy Lombardi
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 relati...
Supplements After 40: What Actually Works— Prescriptions, Personalized Care & Expert Tips with Pharmacist Donna Goodhart
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 ...
Is Modern Dating Broken? Finding Love Without Apps with Megan Wessels
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
Career Pivots, Job Search Mistakes & Reinvention at Any Age with Recruiter + Author Nicki Perchik
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, h...
Kenny Braasch & Mari Pepin — Bachelor in Paradise, Engagement & Life After Reality TV
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 view...
Dina Lupancu on The Bachelor (Grant's Season): Her Journey, Dating Now & Life After Reality TV
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 ...
Marriage, Relationships & Dating after 50: Expectations & Real Talk
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 d...
New Year, New Perspective: Mindset Shifts That Create Lasting Change with psychologist Sarah Schmidt
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,...
Holiday Dating Truths: Finding Love During Peak Season with Bela Gandhi
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...
Holiday Bonus Episode: Building Peace, Love & Cookies w/ Wendy Silverman
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 jour...
Holiday Bonus Episode: Finding Balance with Yoga Studio Owner Laura Merlo
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, wel...
Holiday Bonus Episode: From Self-Doubt to Purpose -A Conversation w/ Therapist Julia Fording
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 y...
Jordan Heller & Girlfriend Emily Talk Love, Relationship Age Gap & the Golden Bachelor Finale
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 ...
Age Is Your Superpower: Reinvention After 50 & Fitness Secrets with Jodi Harrison Bauer
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 ho...
What Should I Get Done? Where to Start with Plastic Surgery | Dr. Michael J. Lee
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...