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 over

• Dating apps vs real-life chemistry

• Why companionship matters more than instant sparks

• Rebuilding confidence after heartbreak or divorce

• Common first-date mistakes

• Valentine’s Day pressure and expectations

• What healthy dating really looks like

Plus, we answer audience questions and share actionable advice for anyone navigating relationships in their Golden (or Not Yet Golden) era.

Whether you’re single, newly divorced, or simply curious about modern relationships, this episode is full of real talk, encouragement, and back-to-basics dating wisdom.

🎙 Subscribe for weekly conversations about reinvention, relationships, dating, and real life.

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 into Nicki’s own reinvention journey — from recruiting to publishing — including her career guide A Recruiter’s Truly Simple Guide to Stop Fcking Up When Job Searching & Interviewing* and her children’s book The Adventures of Nana Z. – IT’S RIGHTEOUS!, which celebrates an unconventional grandmother who proves it’s never too late to live boldly.

Whether you’re considering a career pivot after 40 or 50, helping your kids enter the workforce, or dreaming about your next chapter, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Common job search and interview mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• How to pivot careers after 40 or 50 with confidence

• Practical interview strategies that actually work

• How Nicki reinvented her own career later in life

In My Hometown explores reinvention, relationships, identity, and real-life transitions — especially for women navigating midlife and their “Golden Era.”

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" episode, dating now, and what it’s really like returning to her career as a lawyer after national television. Dina also shares why Bachelor in Paradise is not for her, reflects on what she learned about herself through the experience.  She and Pascal had fun trading stories, secrets, and laughs along the way.

It’s a thoughtful, fun, and refreshingly honest sit down. 

🎧 Tune in now — and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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 lead to meaningful transformation
-Parenting with intention and raising strong, resilient kids
-Sarah's personal journey, including her bisexuality and embracing her full identity

This episode is thoughtful, grounding, and incredibly relatable — especially if you’re navigating change, feeling stuck, or entering the New Year with more questions than answers.

✨ Whether you’re focused on mental health, relationships, personal growth, or simply starting fresh, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

📌 Watch or listen
👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation resonates

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 them exclusively
-Why real connection still happens offline (and how to create more opportunities)
-Common dating patterns that block healthy relationships -and how to shift them.
-The role mindset and positive thinking play in dating success
-What to do if dating apps have left you frustrated or burned out

And of course, Pascal weighs in on his dating life, why dating apps haven’t worked for him, and why he’s officially not a fan—leading to an honest, relatable (and always funny) conversation about modern dating and expectations.

Whether you’re dating, navigating relationships, or ready to approach love differently in the new year, this episode delivers practical advice, clarity, and encouragement from a trusted voice in dating and relationship coaching.

👉 Subscribe to In My Hometown for more conversations about love, relationships, reinvention, and life at every stage.
💬 Join the conversation in the comments: Do you agree with Pascal about dating apps? What's been harder -dating or building real relationships?

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.