What makes you nostalgic for home?
In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore the surprising science behind place attachment — why certain places feel like home, and why traditions, parades, festivals, and quirky community rituals bring us closer together. Writer and researcher Melody Warnick joins the conversation to unpack what connects us to the places we live.
Through stories from around the country, we dive into:
– A 63-year-old factory whistle concert that entertains an entire town early on Christmas morning
– How a tiny Colorado town doubles in size for beloved bluegrass festivals
– Why preparing strawberries with strangers can make you fall in Love with your community
– The surprisingly deep meaning behind quirky traditions like earmuff parades and “cutest little chick” contests
GUESTS
Melody Warnick, author “This is Where You Belong” and “If You Could Live Anywhere”
Don Ryan, Whistlemaster of York, PA
Penny Meservier, former director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in Farmington, Maine, home of “Chester Greenwood Day”
Marie McCusker, Executive Director of the Petaluma, CA Downtown Association and Visitor Program, home of “Butter and Egg Days”
Zach Tucker, Vice President, Planet Bluegrass, Lyons, CO
Stephanie Driggs from Pleasant Grove, UT home of “Strawberry Days”
Natasha Szilagyi from Seattle, WA
Ralph Tobias from Reading, PA
CHAPTERS
(0:00) Intro
(1:00) Melody Warnick on place attachment
(6:00) Listener stories
(14:00) The factory whistle that unites a town
(22:00) How local traditions evolve
(27:00) Music festivals and community identity
(36:00) Celebrating agricultural heritage
(46:00) Why participating makes you love where you live
(51:00) Final thoughts
Originally aired on December 19, 2022
