This episode explores the profound impact of "Place" on friendships, particularly those formed in childhood and adolescence. It delves into how shared geography creates emotional bonds, how proximity is responsible for most lasting friendships, and the importance of reconnecting with place based friends. Dr. Hoffman emphasizes the lasting significance of these relationships and how they shape our identities, while also ad...

In this episode of Hometown Friends, host Dr. Chandler Hoffman interviews a legendary (in Berkeley) duo, Becca Foote, and Jana Cooper Morse as they explore the deep-rooted friendships that have shaped their lives over 45 years. They discuss the significance of childhood friendships, the psychological attachments formed during adolescence, and how hometowns influence social development. The conversation delves into personal stories ...

Childhood friendships play a crucial role in developing resilience. These friendships serve as developmental lifelines, helping shape children’s abilities to cope with stress and adversity. Experiences with friends, like sharing lunches or having sleepovers, children learn co-regulation and understand themselves. Friendships provide essential emotional support, creating a foundation for psychological well-being that extends into ad...

In this episode of the Hometown Friends podcast, a group of five lifelong friends from Berkeley, California, share their experiences of deep-rooted friendships that have shaped their lives. They discuss the importance of being there for one another through both good and bad times, the sense of belonging that comes from their hometown, and how their connections have provided support during challenging moments. The conversation highl...

This episode centers the youthful awareness of the importance of a friendship that stands the test of time and a feeling of brotherhood. These two young men discuss how their hometown friendship, which began in their youth, has provided them with a profound sense of belonging & connection. They discuss the importance of vulnerability and honesty & the non judgmental ways they have been there for each other through difficult...

This episode gives us a glimpse into the lives of two women who met and formed a deep friendship in a mental hospital….sort of.
These women discuss their experiences of living with an eating disorder and how this illness lead to anxiety and depression, conflicts in their family, and ultimately to being mandated to treatment in an effort save their lives. Their friendship story and their podcast called How Did You Meet, exemplif...

Michael Marshall AKA Mike Meezy is known, his well known hook I Got 5 On It, that he wrote for the Luniz
Mike shares his life story with us that includes the friendships that helped him achieve much of his success. He also shares the trials and tribulations of his addiction and subsequent recovery from crack cocaine abuse. It is never to late to change and you will not want to miss this inspirational story of the...

On this episode, Antoine Joyce, a senior vice president of a youth organization in Dallas TX, shares his story of growing up in Brooklyn, New York and about the Hometown Friends that shaped his life. 
#hometown #friends #brooklyn #podcast 

https://belonging.berkeley.edu/conference

YouTube:​⁠@hometownfriends

Contact me: Dr.hoffman@amityconsulting.com

Send your questions or friend story to Hometownfriend...

• It is never too late.  Especially when it comes to making positive changes in our lives and in this first episode of Season 2 of Hometown Friends, we see that James LaBlanc is a living example of this. James is an author, motivational speaker and community developer who was born a biracial orphan, adopted into a white family, with seemingly every possible advantages but experienced the challenges and struggles that many familie...

Mark Conway and I delve into his memories of the friendships that gave him the opportunity to become a different person and lead to a new understanding of himself. We share and explore the unique bonds that ties  us both to out Berkeley roots. 

This episode ties together the adventures of adolescence with the joys and challenges of parenthood, and promises relatability stories of being lost and then finding yourself in the...

In this heartfelt episode of Hometown Friends, join us as we dive into the life and memories of Greg White, who was born in Denver Colorado but moved to “Bizerkeley” CA where he grew up. Hometown Friends is not only about the stories of our youthful friendships, it’s about where you are from and where you feel you belong! 
Greg has always identified with the people, history and culture of his hometown.  He shares stories of tee...

Host Chandler Hoffman and his first grade friend, Carvel Watson reminisce about their childhood friendship and the sense of community they experienced growing up in Berkeley. They discuss their beloved teachers that made them feel loved and allowed them to learn, in contrast to other teachers that made them feel negative about themselves and squelched their confidence in school. They discuss the scary experiences of being picked on...

Join us on "Hometown Friends" as we hear from John Sasaki, whose journey from discovering lacrosse on the east coast to founding a team at Berkeley High paved the way for a remarkable 20-year career in TV news at KTVU and his current role as Communications Director for the Oakland Unified School District. Host Chandler Hoffman explores the transformative power of friendships and the essence of community, while John discus...

Join us for a captivating episode of "Hometown Friends," featuring Alex and Emily from Berkeley, California. Dive into their experiences growing up in a multicultural environment and how it shaped their views on diversity and friendship.

Alex discusses the challenges of losing diversity in high school, while Emily shares her unique experience as a White Jewish woman in a Black sorority, sparking a broader discussion on cul...

Join Owen and Dave—two friends who found each other later in life but share a deep bond rooted in their hometown of Berkeley, California.  

From childhood adventures to navigating adulthood, they reminisce about coffee shops, pedal through scenic cycling routes, and swap stories about staying healthy.  

Tune in as they celebrate enduring friendship, sipping lattes and conquering hills. True camaraderie, one cup of...

In today's episode, we delve into Rich Stroud's deeply personal journey of battling addiction and the transformative power of friendship. Rich shares his raw and moving experiences, highlighting the crucial support of friends who stood by him, offering a lifeline during his darkest days. This conversation is not just about struggles; it's a showcase of two friends appreciating their adolescent friendship after not se...

In today’s episode, "Rob and Chris," we’re getting into the heart of a friendship that’s stood the test of time. These guys aren’t just old friends; they’re lifelong companions who’ve been each other’s rock through every high and low life has thrown their way.

Their story isn’t just about sticking together; it’s about how they’ve been essential to each other’s survival through the tough times. It’s a powerful rem...

 Hey everyone! Welcome back to "Hometown Friends," where we're all about celebrating those enduring connections that stand the test of time!

In this second episode, get ready to be inspired as we shine a spotlight on a friendship that's lasted over 40 years! Jenny Fellows and her best friend Jesse Parker join us for 60 wholesome minutes to share their unique bond.  These two are like the peanut butter a...