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. 6D AGO · 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

  2. DEC 9

    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

  3. OCT 28

    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

  4. OCT 7

    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

  5. SEP 23

    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

  6. SEP 9

    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

  7. AUG 26 · BONUS

    Quick Take: Death of Friends

    In this heartfelt Quick Take episode of "Hometown Friends," we delve into the profound emotional impact of losing friends.  Through both a personal story and research on the psychological impact of death, Dr. Hoffman explores how the death of a friend affects our physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. This short episode emphasizes the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones still here, the healing power of mourning together, and how these experiences can reshape our connections and increase appreciation for life. Join us as we navigate the journey of grief and the enduring value of friendship. 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

  8. AUG 20

    Building Bridges With A Friend's Father

    In this episode of Hometown Friends, we delve into the life of Arnold Perkins, a man whose journey from the Jim Crow South to a life of activism and leadership in Berkeley, California, is nothing short of inspiring. Arnold shares his experiences of overcoming adversity, the importance of community, and his commitment to public health through community stewardship. A special quality of Hometown Friendships is that we often know their parents and they often have a profound influence on us. This episode also marks the announcement of a new nonprofit organization aimed at combating social isolation and fostering belonging. #hometownfriends #childdevelopment #podcast #friendship #fatherlove #socialhealth #nonprofitpodcast #berkeley # Takeaways: The power of community and belonging in shaping personal and social identity. Arnold's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a community leader. The impact of childhood friendships and diverse role models on adult identity. The importance of gratitude and maintaining a positive outlook despite adversity. Introduction of a new nonprofit, Tribe One, focused on social health and connection. Please make tax deductible donation to TribeOne to help us produce this podcast and address Lonliness and Isolation through Bridging, Belonging and Friendship initiates.   WWW.TribeOne.Org Chapters: Introduction to Arnold Perkins (0:00 - 5:00) Overview of Arnold's background and the focus of the episode. Early Life and Challenges (5:01 - 15:00) Arnold's upbringing in the Jim Crow South and his move to California. Community and Activism (15:01 - 25:00) Arnold's involvement in civil rights movements and community organizing. Leadership and Stewardship (25:01 - 35:00) Insights into Arnold's leadership style and his role in public health. The Role of Friendship (35:01 - 45:00) Discussion on the importance of friendships and non-judgmental support. Launching Tribe One (45:01 - 55:00) Announcement of the new nonprofit and its mission to address social isolation. Closing Thoughts (55:01 - End) Reflections on gratitude, resilience, and the power of community. Join the mission to combat social isolation by supporting Tribe One. Visit our website for more information and consider making a tax-deductible donation. Share your stories and stay connected by subscribing to our podcast. Links: https://www.youtube.com/@HometownFriends/videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFs0MroCggl&pp=0gcJCf8Ao7VqN5tD www.hometownfriendspod.com 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

    47 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Hometown Friends
  • Show Website
    Hometown Friends

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