In My Hometown

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.

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 evolving at any age and finding the courage to become more of who you are.

In this episode:
✨ Reinventing yourself in midlife and beyond
✨ Why fitness fuels confidence, purpose, and resilience
✨ The mindset shift that helped Jodi overcome fear
✨ Building strength — physically and emotionally
✨ How to age boldly, powerfully, and authentically
✨ What it really takes to evolve into your next chapter

If you’re ready to get stronger, braver, and more confident in your Golden Era, this episode will light you up.

👇 COMMENT BELOW:
What are YOU reinventing in this season of your life?
🔔New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe on YouTube + follow on Instagram @inmyhometownpod.

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
• The biggest DOs and DON’Ts Dr. Lee wants everyone to know
• How to think about procedures in your 40s, 50s, 60s+
• And yes… a deep dive on breast augmentation (Pascal had QUESTIONS 😅)

Dr. Lee breaks it all down with clarity, humor, and a ton of practical insight — whether you’ve considered a tweakment, are curious about trends, or just want to age confidently and naturally.

🎧 About Dr. Michael Lee:
He’s a board-certified plastic surgeon, educator, and the host of I’d Love to Know, a podcast focused on aging and how it impacts the way we look and feel. The podcast explores ways to not only improve your appearance, but also your health and mind.

🎙️ About Us:
In My Hometown with Jamie Stein & Pascal brings conversations about aging, relationships, pop culture, beauty, Golden Bachelor insights, and everything happening in your “Golden Era.”

👉 Subscribe for more episodes, expert guests & unfiltered conversations.
👉 Drop a comment if you want Dr. Lee back — or if you have a question for him!