Episodes

169
May 26, 2025

169: A Real Pane in the Glass

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Daniel and Stacy share updates from their latest old house projects, including a listener-favorite topic: linseed oil paint. Then, Stacy tells the story of a stubborn window repair that proves just how humbling glass cutting can be, especially when you have an audience. From cost-effective glass solutions to lessons learned the hard way, it's another lively conversation about the real-life joys and frustrations of restoring old houses. WE LOVE O...
168
May 19, 2025

168: The Case for Historic Windows | Scott Sidler & Stacy Grinsfelder

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about original basement windows—save them or start fresh? They weigh the pros and cons of restoration versus replacement, and why there's often wiggle room instead of a clear-cut answer. Then, the tables turn as Daniel puts Stacy, and special guest Scott Sidler, in the hot seat to talk about their new book, The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows . While the...
167
May 12, 2025

167: Progress, Priorities, and Other Wins

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Daniel and Stacy start by revisiting their favorite takeaways from the Lustron House interview, including why metal walls are both brilliant and bonkers, in the very best way. Then, Stacy dives into the beautifully controlled chaos of preparing Blake Hill House for its next chapter. The only thing multiplying faster than boxes is the list of things left to do. Meanwhile, Daniel leans into the satisfying rhythm of repair and maintenance, restori...
166
May 5, 2025

166: Lustron House Love

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel tackle a relatable question: What's the deal with tiny closets in old houses, and how can homeowners maximize storage? They offer tips, commiseration, and a few creative workarounds....
165
April 28, 2025

165: Two Deadlines and a Baby

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Daniel dives into the deeply satisfying experience of helping friends prepare their home for a new baby. Left unsupervised while his friends were at the hospital, Daniel organized the house with...
164
April 21, 2025

164: Demystifying Linseed Paint (Again!)

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Michiel Brouns of Brouns & Co. sets the record straight on linseed oil paint. From its surprising shelf life to why "thin to win" is the golden rule, Michiel unpacks everything you thought you...
163
April 14, 2025

163: The Weight of Goodbye and What Comes Next

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy opens up about two major goodbyes, one expected, one not. After losing her sweet dog Millie, a constant companion through every renovation and recording, she shares what it's been like to grieve a...
162
April 7, 2025

162: From Spreadsheets to Bed Sheets - An Innkeeper's Tale

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel share spring updates, answer a fireplace Q&A, and chat with new innkeeper Rod Whale about embracing history, Acadian heritage, and the adventure of old house ownership at one of...
161
March 31, 2025

161: Help! We Can't Stop Talking About Frank Lloyd Wright

Will Stacy and Daniel ever stop talking about Frank Lloyd Wright? Yes, but not this week! In this episode, Stacy and Daniel catch up after the Window Preservation Alliance conference and wade into the world of Usonian architecture through the story of...
160
March 24, 2025

160: Wright in the Desert Part II - Taliesin West

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel return to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter hideaway and experimental desert lab in the Arizona desert. They swap stories from their trip, including nighttime escapades...
159
March 17, 2025

159: Wright in the Desert - Taliesin West

Ever wondered what it's like to spend the night at Frank Lloyd Wright's desert hideaway? This week, Stacy and Daniel are on location at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona.  They share stories from their stay in the historic apprentice...
158
March 10, 2025

158: The Descendant's Project + Enon Hall

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, host Stacy Grinsfelder highlights the powerful work of the Descendants Project, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the heritage and environment of the Black descendant community in Louisiana's river...
157
March 3, 2025

157: Balancing Modern Style with Old House Soul

How do you blend modern style with the soul of an old house? Can contemporary design coexist with historic charm without feeling out of place? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel chat with designer Amy Ilias to answer these...
156
Feb. 24, 2025

156: The Never-Ending Staircase Project

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter celebrate a long-awaited victory as Stacy finally crosses the finish line on the never-ending staircase project. After six years of stops and starts, she reflects on...
155
Feb. 17, 2025

155: Built Different - The Printmaker's Inn

What happens when disaster strikes a historic building? And how do you even begin to move an entire house to a new state? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel explore the incredible efforts people make to save history—one...
154
Feb. 10, 2025

154: Basements, Balusters, and a Trip to Taliesin West

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter are back with fresh updates, big plans, and a tangent or two. First, Daniel gives an update on his ongoing duplex renovation, including the latest challenges and...
153
Feb. 3, 2025

153: Crafting Timeless Homes with Brent Hull

In this episode of True Tales from Old Houses, Contractor and preservationist Brent Hull joins hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter to talk craftsmanship, good design, and why historic homes deserve better. Plus, learn how psychic realtor...
152
Jan. 27, 2025

152: Architectural Goofs and the Great Modillion Mix-Up

Stacy and Daniel kick off Season 12 with old house updates, product tips, and a lively conversation on preserving historical materials.  In this episode of True Tales from Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter are back and ready to...
151
Oct. 28, 2024

151: Spooky Stories From Old Houses Part II

In this special October episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel return with Part II of their spooky stories compilation. Following the eerie encounters shared in Part I, this episode brings even more spine-tingling yet light-hearted...
150
Oct. 21, 2024

150: Spooky Stories From Old Houses Part I

It's spooky season! In this special October episode of True Tales From Old Houses, hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter take a break from their usual discussions of old house restoration and DIY to share spine-tingling, light-hearted ghost...
149
Sept. 16, 2024

149: A Brush with the Law and Other Misadventures

In today's minisode, the final episode of Season 11, Stacy and Daniel wrap things up with a lively discussion about their renovation adventures, funny experiences, and plans for the upcoming ghost story episodes, arriving in October!  First,...
148
Sept. 9, 2024

148: Christopher Brandt - Architect by Day, Preservation Hero by Night

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel discuss practical solutions for damaged wood floors in a folk Victorian farmhouse and chat with preservation architect Christopher Brandt. First, Stacy and Daniel offer some personal...
147
Sept. 2, 2024

147: Stacy's Utah Quest and Daniel's Big Build

In today's minisode, Stacy offers an update on her house search in Utah. She and Daniel discuss their current real estate situations and future plans. First, They begin by declaring their love for track shelving. They also recommend the podcast...
146
Aug. 26, 2024

146: Kitchen Quirks and Detroit Duplex Dreams

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy is wrapping things up at Silver Lake and getting ready for a new sleeping porch project. Meanwhile, Daniel is busy turning a dining room closet into a masterpiece—because even closets deserve a...