Hometown Friends

Dr. Chandler Hoffman
  • 5.0 (18)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The only podcast about the powerful influence of childhood friendships from the places that we call home. We discuss friendship in general and how these relationships make life worth living.  My guests are regular people and experts who know about friendship. These are the stories that define our lives! 

  1. 3D AGO

    Soul Travelers || Hometown Friends || Season 2, Episode 15

    Celebrating Lifelong Friendships: Friendship stories that span decades reveal the deep bonds formed in childhood and adolescence, shaping our identities and emotional well-being. This episode highlights the enduring connection between two women who met in seventh grade in Berkeley, California, illustrating how shared history and cultural understanding foster resilient, meaningful relationships. In this episode: How childhood friendships form through mutual protection and supportThe role of friendships in shaping adult identity and belongingNavigating intercultural and interracial friendships in a diverse societyThe importance of having friends outside intimate partnerships for emotional resilienceThe impact of shared experiences like family challenges and community connectionsHow lifelong friendships adapt through life's phases, from school to parenthoodThe significance of friendship in healing after crises, including natural disastersThe societal influence of diversifying schools and fostering cultural awarenessThe value of gratitude and intentional connection in a technology-driven worldTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to lifelong friendships and their significance 00:30 - How childhood friendships are formed through protection and loyalty 01:00 - The influence of friendships on adult identity and belonging 01:56 - The concept of soul travelers and deep deep bonds in Berkeley history 02:27 - Growing up in Berkeley: contrasting neighborhoods and family backgrounds 03:15 - The power of shared experiences and mutual understanding 04:15 - The story of protection and friendship from middle school 05:30 - Exploring Berkeley's diverse environment and community roots 06:57 - Navigating social classes and race in Berkeley schools 08:29 - How friendships transcend racial and cultural boundaries 09:24 - The impact of college and post-college intercultural experiences 10:58 - Challenges of racism and curiosity beyond Berkeley 12:45 - Family backgrounds: dealing with addiction, divorce, and attachment 14:52 - Living authentically and the importance of emotional safety in friendships 16:36 - Maintaining connections through life's transitions and crises 17:22 - The evolution of friendship from adolescence to parenthood 20:18 - Recognizing each other as life partners and foundational bonds 21:15 - The significance of trust and unconditional support 22:07 - The "package deal": companionship and support as integral to friendship 24:52 - How adversity, like the California wildfires, deepens bonds 27:46 - Admiring each other's resilience, loyalty, and authenticity 30:15 - Parenting and modeling long-term friendship for the next generation 31:30 - Reflection on secure attachment and friendship’s role in emotional stability 36:17 - The universal importance of human connection despite societal changes 37:01 - Personal journeys into careers and life stories 38:38 - How shared interests and mutual admiration fortify lifelong bonds 41:33 - Transitioning from best friends to life partners 42:11 - Supporting each other through crises and natural disasters 44:49 - The societal benefits of diverse and intercultural friendships 45:19 - The ongoing importance of friendship in a fragmented social landscape 46:49 - The role of community and intentional diversity in fostering understanding 48:43 - The call for cultivating empathy, inclusion, and deep social bond Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com if you want it read anonymously on the podcast! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @Hometownfriendspod

    49 min

  2. JAN 6

    Hometown Coach || Hometown Friends || Phil Tagami, Season 2, Episode 14

    In this episode, Dr. Chandler Hoffman, a clinical psychologist for over 25 years, continues to explores the profound impact of friendships with Phil Tagami, an executive, real estate developer and his former lacrosse coach. They discuss the significance of hometown friendships, the role of mentors, and how early relationships can shape future success. Phil shares his journey from a high school dropout to a successful businessman, emphasizing the importance of community and long-lasting friendships. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Hometown Friendships 00:01:16 Chandler's Personal Journey 00:02:13 Phil Tagami's Story 00:03:38 The Role of Mentors 00:04:35 Community and Success 00:07:12 Trust and Criticism in Friendships 00:13:18 The Importance of Shared History 00:21:09 Emotional Support and Challenge Keywords #friendshipstory #friendship  #relationships, #lacrosse, #business, #personalgrowth, #hometownfriends, #trust #Mentorship #CommunitySuccess #Lacrosse #PersonalGrowth #HometownConnections #TrustInRelationships #BusinessOpportunities #EmotionalSupport #LongLastingFriendship #interview #belonging #podcast # Takeaways: Friendships can shape future success. Mentors play a crucial role in personal growth. Community involvement is key to success. Long-lasting friendships provide support. Early relationships can lead to business opportunities. Trust is essential in friendships. Criticism from friends can promote growth. Shared history strengthens friendships. Unconditional positive regard is vital. Friendships offer emotional support and challenges. Sound Bites: Friendships shape future success. Mentors are crucial for growth. Community is key to success. Long-lasting friendships support us. Early relationships lead to opportunities. Trust is essential in friendships. Criticism promotes growth. Shared history strengthens bonds. Unconditional regard is vital. Friendships offer support and challenges. Links: Email: Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com Latest episodes: https://youtu.be/oKpfJIgzylk?si=bzYjhQAO1PHL9k6C https://youtu.be/2i8IdgWoVpQ?si=jGqo0WZTkWvtdIOz Website: www.hometownfriendspod.com Nonprofit : www.tribeone.org  @HometownFriends   Instagram @hometownfriendspod Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com if you want it read anonymously on the podcast! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @Hometownfriendspod

    31 min

  3. 12/18/2025 · BONUS

    Quick Take: Internal Hometown Friends

    Hometowns and Friendships are both sources of belonging.  In the quick take episode, Dr Chandler Hoffman introduces the concepts of internal Hometown Friendships (IHTF).   This wellbeing practice prescribes both inhabiting our body and minds by creating a hometown within and cultivating self friendship with self compassion practices.  #friendship #belonging #podcast #hometownfriends #intrernalfamilysystems #ifs #internalhometownfriends Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com if you want it read anonymously on the podcast! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @Hometownfriendspod

    3 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    Moving Away, But Staying Connected || Hometown Friends || Season 2, Episode 13

    This Episode explores the a deep-rooted friendships formed in adolescence, by two women who didn't fit in to the popular crowd but found each other and connected over academic achievement.  Finding one friend is shown in the research to be more important in overall wellbeing than hanging with the popular crowd. This conversation with Lisa Balabanian and Angali Ranadive discusses the importance of effort in long lasting friendships and how mental health challenges made staying connected difficult over time.  These women reflect on how their cultural backgrounds shaped their friendships and the significance of loyalty, acceptance, and the power of vulnerability in fostering meaningful relationships, while also offering insights and advice for nurturing friendships in adulthood. Dr. Hoffman discusses social penetration theory and how reciprocal vulnerability is the ingredient to deep and meaningful friendships.   Chapters 00:00 Foundational Friendships: A Journey Through Time 02:59 Cultural Identity and Belonging 05:26 The Impact of Vulnerability on Relationships 08:14 Navigating Life Changes and Maintaining Connections 11:00 The Role of Effort in Sustaining Friendships 14:01 The Importance of Loyalty and Acceptance 16:23 Lessons from Long-Term Friendships 19:15 The Power of Vulnerability in Friendship 21:56 Building New Connections in Adulthood 24:40 Gratitude and the Value of Old Friends 27:20 Advice for Nurturing Friendships 30:09 Reflections on Friendship and Connection Takeaways -Friendship is often rooted in shared experiences and cultural identity. -Vulnerability is essential for authentic relationships. -Effort and patience are key to maintaining long-term friendships. -Loyalty and acceptance strengthen the bonds of friendship. -Friendships can evolve but require ongoing effort to sustain. -The impact of mental health on relationships is significant. -Old friends provide a sense of belonging and understanding. -Gratitude for friends enhances well-being and connection. -New friendships can be formed at any stage of life. -The quality of friendships often outweighs the quantity of acquaintances. Links: www.hometownfriendspod www.TribeOne.org Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com if you want it read anonymously on the podcast! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @Hometownfriendspod

    46 min

  5. 10/28/2025

    Music Man Moose

    This episode is about a man and his journey through music and friendship. Join us as we delve into the life of Musashi "Moose" Lethridge, a local artist and musician from Berkeley, California. In this episode, Moose shares his journey from childhood experiences with friends and music to his impactful career in the Bay Area music scene. Discover how friendships and music have shaped his life, offering healing and connection. His honesty and vulnerability are  impressive and keys to this authentic conversation with the man they call Moose. Keywords: #Music, #Friendship, #Healing, #bayarea , #musashi  #Berkeley, #punkrock #podcast #skareggae  #Identity, #resilience #hometownfriends #navigatingfriendships #healingmusic  Takeaways: Music's power to heal and connect. The influence of childhood friendships. Overcoming adversity through creativity. The role of music in identity formation. Resilience in the face of personal challenges. The impact of community and social connection. The evolution of musical identity. The importance of vulnerability and honesty. The transformative power of music education. The significance of cultural and musical diversity. Sound Bites: "Music is everything." "You don't miss something till it's gone." "Nobody bounces back like a skanking fool." "Music is a healing property." "Friendships matter." "Music connects us and heals us." "The power of human connection." "Music is how we create connections." "Resilience through music." "The journey of a lifetime." **Chapters:** 00:00:00 Introduction to Moose's Story 00:05:00 Childhood and Early Music Exposure 00:10:00 Formative Friendships and Identity 00:20:00 The Healing Power of Music 00:30:00 Musical Career and Influences 00:35:00 Reflections on Life and Music 00:40:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com if you want it read anonymously on the podcast! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @Hometownfriendspod

    42 min

  6. 10/07/2025

    Quick Take||Awe For Friends

    In this episode of "Awe For Friends," we explore the transformative power of open awareness meditation and its impact on mental health. Dr. Hoffman shares personal stories of overcoming fear and finding equanimity through mindfulness. We delve into the importance of childhood friendships and how they shape our sense of self and social development. Tune in to discover practical steps to cultivate gratitude and awe in your daily life, and learn how reconnecting with old friends can enhance your well-being and can be essential to leading healthier lives. #AweForFriends #OpenAwareness #MindfulLiving #FriendshipMatters #WellbeingJourney #friendship #hometownfriends #childdevelopment #childdevelopment #childhoodmemories #childhoodfriendships Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com if you want it read anonymously on the podcast! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @Hometownfriendspod

    4 min

  7. 09/23/2025

    Parks' Reflections on Friendship || Hometown Friends || Season 2, Episode 11

    In this episode of Hometown Friends, we delve into the intricate dynamics of friendship with Lisa Parks, a seasoned expert in the art of connection. Lisa shares her personal journey, exploring how family and friendships intertwine to shape our identities. From the effortless reconnection with old friends to the intentionality required to forge new bonds, Lisa's insights offer a profound look at the essence of belonging. Join us as we discuss the unique nature of hometown friendships, the romantic parallels in new connections, and the vital role of friendships within family structures. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates the enduring power of friendship. Sound Bites: "Friendship is a universal topic." "Family can be our closest friends." "Childhood friendships shape us." "Adult friendships require effort." "Romance and friendship intersect." "Belonging is a powerful emotion." "Humor is essential in relationships." "Reciprocity is key in friendships." Key Takeaways: Friendship is a universal topic with deep personal connections. Family members can often be our closest friends. Childhood friendships shape our identities and provide lasting bonds. Navigating adult friendships requires intentionality and effort. Romantic relationships and friendships intersect in complex ways. Belonging is crucial for mental health and well-being. Intergenerational friendships offer unique perspectives and insights. Friendship requires reciprocity and mutual effort. Expressing gratitude sustains and strengthens friendships. Friendship is about the company, not just the journey. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:00 - Introduction to Friendship 00:09:00 - Family as Friends 00:15:00 - The Role of Childhood Friendships 00:21:00 - Navigating Adult Friendships 00:27:00 - Friendship and Romantic Relationships 00:33:00 - The Importance of Belonging 00:39:00 - Friendship Across Generations 00:45:00 - Conclusion: The Essence of Friendship 00:51:00 - Outro www.hometownfriendspod.com www.TribeOne.org Call to Action: Reconnect with the friends you loved from your past! Take a risk, pick up the phone, find them on social media, tell them you apprecited thier love and see how effortless it is. Follow us on social media at @HometownFriendsPod to stay connected! Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com if you want it read anonymously on the podcast! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @Hometownfriendspod

    49 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    College Age Friends || Hometown Friends

    In this episode, we explore some powerful themes in Friendship.  We see how cycling can build and maintain friendships across different stages of life.  Discover how cycling brings people together. The simple act of pedaling can create lasting bonds and enrich your social life, no matter your age or background. We also tackle the often-overlooked challenges of making friends in college. From navigating new social landscapes to overcoming feelings of isolation, we explore the hurdles students face in forming meaningful connections. We also explore the enriching world of intergenerational friendships and their profound impact on our lives. Discover how connections between different age groups foster mutual understanding, wisdom, and growth. This heartfelt episode, reveals the unique benefits that these friendships offer, from bridging generational gaps to enhancing personal development. Learn how embracing diverse perspectives can transform your social landscape and enrich your life. 00:00 Building Friendships Through Shared Interests 02:52 Navigating Loneliness in College 05:41 Articulating Goals and Aspirations 09:32 The Value of Meaningful Careers 12:38 Prioritizing Health and Fulfillment Over Wealth 15:43 The Role of Community in Friendship 18:17 Cycling as a Catalyst for Connection 21:45 The Power of Community in Cycling 30:22 Friendship Dynamics: Building Connections 39:39 Navigating Social Isolation in College 42:06 The Importance of Intergenerational Friendships Follow, Comment and leave a review if you like what we are doing. #friendship #podcast #navigatingfriendships #hometownfriends #collegefriends #intergenerationalfriendships #childdevelopment #socialhealth #socialconnections #comunity  Connecting with these guests  Nate’s business  Golden Hour Books https://nextdoor.com/pages/golden-hour-books-berkeley-ca Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriendspod@gmail.com if you want it read anonymously on the podcast! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @Hometownfriendspod

    47 min
See All (32)

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The only podcast about the powerful influence of childhood friendships from the places that we call home. We discuss friendship in general and how these relationships make life worth living.  My guests are regular people and experts who know about friendship. These are the stories that define our lives! 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Chandler Hoffman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hometown Friends
  • Show Website
    Hometown Friends

You Might Also Like