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 Chock. She also reunites with Pascal for a heartfelt conversation, sharing thoughts they never had the chance to express after their time together on the show.

Whether you’re a longtime Bachelor Nation fan or simply navigating your own next chapter, this episode is an honest conversation about embracing change, finding joy again, and believing it’s never too late for a fresh start.

In this episode:
• Making history as the first—and only—Golden Bachelorette
• How the experience changed Joan’s life
• Life today with Chock
• Love, family, grief, and new beginnings
• Joan and Pascal’s candid reunion
• What’s next for Joan

CHAPTERS
0:00 - Introduction: America's First Golden Bachelorette
0:45 - Joan's Life Before Reality TV: From Shy Programmer to Public Eye
1:35 - The Two Glasses of Wine Story: How Joan Ended Up on The Bachelor
4:28 - Reflecting on the "Purity" of Initial Seasons
6:04 - Joan's One-on-One Date with Gerry & The "Bachelor Bubble"
9:19 - Life After Leaving the Mansion & Staying in Touch with Fellow Contestants
11:34 - Becoming the Lead: The Pressure of the Franchise
13:54 - Night One: First Impressions and the Jordan Incident
17:02 - The Final Four: Immediate Connections and Memorable Entrances
20:09 - Why the Lead is Just One Part of the Show
21:35 - Analyzing Other Seasons: Authenticity and Vulnerability on Camera
24:29 - The Future of the Franchise: Competition and Social Media Influence
31:13 - Purity vs. The Influencer Era 34:25 - Pascal's Unsaid Truths: Why He Really Left 36:27 - Joan's Take: Flexibility, Family, and Second Homes 39:28 - Life with Chock: The Reality of Long-Distance Love
42:04 - Navigating Expectations: Engagement vs. Commitment
44:01 - The Leap of Faith: Getting to Know Chock After the Show
48:20 - Advice for Women: Gratitude, Exhaustion, and Finding Joy
51:56 - Moving Forward: Loving More Than One Person

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 his father sooner? How did one man successfully maintain two families just six miles apart for decades? What happened when the two families finally crossed paths? And if Mike had never uncovered the truth before his father’s death, would he have ever found peace?

This conversation goes beyond the shocking revelation. It’s about family, identity, forgiveness, resilience, and what happens when everything you thought you knew about your past suddenly changes.

If you haven’t listened to Part 1, we recommend starting there first.

In My Hometown, hosted by Jamie Stein and Pascal, features weekly conversations about life, love, relationships, health, culture, and everything we’re talking about after 40.

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 where she agrees—and where she thinks he might have it wrong.

Whether you’re divorced, widowed, newly single, or simply wondering if lasting love is still possible, this episode is full of practical advice, surprising insights, and plenty of laughs.

In this episode:

• Why dating feels harder than ever
• The biggest mistakes people make when looking for love
• Dating apps vs. meeting people in real life
• Green flags, red flags, and deal breakers