Episodes

May 30, 2023

Minisode #3: Our Early DIY Influences

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel talk about their early DIY influences. From PBS to TLC, the age gap between them has never been more apparent. Both learn that some of the early This Old House episodes don't hold up. Oh, Bob Vila, what were you...

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May 22, 2023

Episode #97: Preservation Hero and Legend Bob Yapp - Part I

In today's episode, Stacy and Daniel talk to preservation legend, Bob Yapp. Bob Yapp is the president of the national historic preservation consulting firm, Preservation Resources, Inc., and he conducts hands-on preservation events in cities and towns...

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May 16, 2023

Minisode #2: Breaking Up (With Contractors) is Hard to Do

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel describe their survival of the fittest approach to gardening. Stacy also discusses her upcoming surgery and how the long recovery will affect her summer projects and plans. Then, Daniel explains the sad breakup with...

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May 8, 2023

Episode #96: "Big Fancy Houses are a Gateway Drug": Caitlin Mee Kicks…

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss which inspection professionals to call during the old home buying process. And later, Georgia-based preservationist Caitlin Mee kicks off National Historic Preservation Month on...

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May 2, 2023

Minisode #1: Chatty Chat Chat

In this episode, the very first minisode, Stacy and Daniel explain why they are adding minisodes and how they differ from the typical format of True Tales From Old Houses.  Stacy also discusses the stress and emotion of getting Blake Hill House...

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April 24, 2023

Episode #95: Selling Historic Real Estate in Los Angeles + Prioritizi…

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss how to prioritize old house projects when you're short on time.  And later, they chat with Erin Keegan. Erin loves old houses, and she and her business partner, Ben, have made...

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April 10, 2023

Episode #94: Creating a Home in the Catskills + How to Handle Unsolic…

In today's episode, Stacy and Daniel talk about handling unsolicited advice on social media and from friends and family in real life.   And later, you'll meet architectural designer Christienne Dobson. Christienne and her husband and baby...

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March 27, 2023

Episode #93: Grassroots Building Preservation in Murray, Utah + The M…

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss the merits of lead safety training and certification for old house owners. And later, Stacy talks to Amy and Rachel from the Historic Murray First Foundation in Murray, Utah. In an...

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March 13, 2023

A Victorian by the Bay + Stacy and Daniel Play Floor Plan Detective

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss ways to determine the original floor plan of an old house.  And later, they chat with Gina Bellous. Gina's dream of owning a Victorian Bed and Breakfast is coming true in her...

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Feb. 27, 2023

Episode #91: The Aurora Restoration Project + Tips for Wallpapering C…

In today's episode, the first of season nine, Stacy welcomes a new co-host, Daniel Kanter. During listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss special considerations for wallpapering crooked plaster walls. And later, Stacy and Daniel chat with...

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Jan. 16, 2023

Episode #90: History Attic Research + Making Steel Casement Windows E…

In today’s episode, Scott Sidler joins Stacy for listener Q&A. Scott explains how to use Low-e glass to improve the energy efficiency of steel casement windows. And later, Stacy chats with sisters Linda McManus and Chris Wysocki, who own a...

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Jan. 2, 2023

Episode #89: Laine Berry Shares Apocryphal Stories + Our Moving Plans

In today's episode, Laine Berry from Our Restoration Nation shares apocryphal stories. Apocryphal stories have a dubious origin, but they have been told so often that they are accepted as fact. Many of these tales are rooted in religion and...

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Dec. 19, 2022

Episode #88: Esther Judge-Lennox of Shacks on Racks + Updating Electr…

In today’s episode, Stacy chats with Esther Judge-Lennox, founder of Shacks on Racks. Shacks on Racks is an innovative company working hard to keep old houses out of the landfill by moving them before they are demolished. The mountain west is...

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Dec. 5, 2022

Episode #87: The Money Pit Life - Balancing Old House Wants and Needs

In today’s episode, Stacy is back in the Hudson Valley for the second of two shows recorded in front of a live audience. Old houses are money-hungry, and figuring out how to pay for rehabilitation and maintenance can be stressful. Susan and Will...

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Nov. 21, 2022

Episode #86: Architectural Salvage Stories + The Best Reference Books…

In today’s episode, Stacy is back in the Hudson Valley for the first of two shows recorded in front of a live audience. Stacy talks to Reggie Young from Hudson Valley House Parts. Reggie explains the logistics of the architectural salvage business...

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Nov. 7, 2022

Episode #85: Author David Giffels + Sourcing Antique Mail Slots

In today’s episode, author David Giffels chats with Stacy about his humorous and heartfelt memoir, All the Way Home: Building a Family in a Falling down House. David Giffels is an author, essayist, journalist, and lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio....

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Oct. 24, 2022

Episode #84: Supernatural Pranks & Thanks

October is ghost story month, so get ready for some goosebumps. In today's episode, Stacy shares four tales of the unexplained, including one from . From pranks to thanks, each paranormal experience is unique.  To request a transcript of this...

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Oct. 10, 2022

Episode #83: Ghostly Whispers & Mischief + Kitchen Cabinet Advice

In today's episode, Stacy and Alex discuss ways to choose and modify low-end cabinetry to make it more suitable and period-appropriate for an old house. And later, Stacy chats with long-time restoration contractor Stephen Ortado about four-leaf...

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Sept. 26, 2022

Episode #82: Restoring Your Historic House with Scott Hanson + A Relo…

In today’s episode, Stacy and John Rodgers disagree during Q&A when a listener asks if she should abandon city life for a big old house in the country. And then later, Stacy chats with Scott Hanson, author of Restoring Your Historic House, The...

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Sept. 12, 2022

Episode #81: Brad's Cheap Old Lake House + Understanding Efflorescence

In today's episode, Stacy visits the Silver Lake Institute, a small lake cottage community with a fascinating religious camp past. Brad and Stacy discuss his latest project house and the evolving history of the institute. Note: Brad's first house, a...

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July 18, 2022

Episode #80: Preserving Cottages in Old Towne Orange

In today's episode, Danny Moody from Pro Historical joins Stacy for listener Q&A. They discuss why so many old houses have aluminum-wrapped exterior trim and whether removing it is a good or bad idea. And later, Stacy chats with Hugh Siler. Hugh...

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July 4, 2022

Episode #79: Live From Florida

In today's episode, live from Florida, Stacy chats with ten talented professionals involved in old house restoration. They discuss the mainstream shift they're seeing towards preservation and restoration and how they can continue to support positive...

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June 20, 2022

Episode #78: Joe Thornton - Village Thatcher

In today's episode, Stacy chats with Joe Thornton, a 2nd generation Master Thatcher from the charming Cotswolds region of England. Roof thatching is a trade that has been around for thousands of years.  Also, Stacy and Jason Lamb discuss built-in...

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June 6, 2022

Episode #77: How Inheriting an Old House Changed Emily's Life

In today’s episode, Stacy and Alex talk about ways to get your DIY groove back when you’re feeling overwhelmed. And later, Emily Heller talks about how inheriting a dilapidated old house changed the trajectory of her life, personal and...

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