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This Old House Radio Hour

American Public Media

This Old House has been America’s most trusted source for home improvement, expert renovation advice, and DIY inspiration for over 40 years. Now, that trusted guidance comes to your ears with This Old House Radio Hour—a weekly home improvement podcast designed to help homeowners, renters, and renovators take better care of the places they live. Hosted by This Old House editor Jenn Largesse, and featuring fan-favorite experts like Zack Dettmore (general contractor), Richard Trethewey (plumbing and HVAC specialist), and Jenn Nawada (landscape designer), each episode offers practical, step-by-step solutions to real home improvement problems. Listeners can expect weekly episodes packed with actionable advice on everything from plumbing and electrical upgrades to bathroom remodels, basement waterproofing, HVAC maintenance, flooring installation, window repair, insulation tips, and more. We answer listener questions, break down renovation techniques, and spotlight smart fixes for everyday challenges. Whether you're a first-time DIYer, a seasoned weekend warrior, or just trying to make sense of home maintenance, This Old House Radio Hour is your go-to podcast for trusted home improvement tips, expert advice, and project ideas that actually work.
Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and start building a better home, one episode at a time.

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26 episodes
weekly
Avg 50 min
English

Episodes 26

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Tuesday · 51 min
Why We Hate the Big Light + Erin Napier’s Haunted Childhood Home + Choosing the Right Driveway
Why does turning on the “big light” instantly kill the vibe? Home design curator Andrew Maddock explains why harsh overhead lighting can make a room feel uninviting and how layering warmer lights can transform your space. HGTV’s Erin Napier returns to the Mississippi ranch house her grandfather built from salvaged materials, where childhood memories include an encounter with a surprisingly friendly ghost. Plus, we reveal the secret history of the alarm clock and driveway expert Patrick Mattingly breaks down the pros and cons of asphalt, concrete, gravel, and pavers. On this episode you’ll learn: * Why discovering live knob-and-tube wiring during a renovation is a job for a licensed electrician, even if you were told the old wiring had been disconnected. * Why a repeatedly crumbling shower wall may signal water damage behind the surface and require more than another round of grout and mortar. * How to track down a leak in an old concrete fountain and seal hairline cracks without changing its appearance. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.
September 8 · 51 min
Your Thermostat Is Lying + Tan France’s ‘Bougie Grandma’ Tudor + The Trouble With Flipped Houses
What’s the right temperature for your AC? HVAC expert Ty Branaman explains why the number on your thermostat matters less than humidity, airflow, and radiant heat when it comes to actually feeling comfortable at home. Welding instructor LLashanna Ingraham Lintamo shares advice for young women interested in careers in the trades. Queer Eye’s Tan France takes us inside the Salt Lake City Tudor he painstakingly designed as a celebration of his British and South Asian roots. Finally, Contractor Zack Dettmore reveals the red flags to look for before buying a flipped house. On this episode you’ll learn: * How to create a barrier-free shower that’s easier to clean and more accessible and why waterproofing the entire bathroom floor is essential. * Why a freshly painted ceiling can look patchy and blotchy, and how proper priming can help you get an even finish. * What to consider before removing your home’s siding to add exterior insulation, including thermal bridging, moisture, and how much insulation you actually need. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.
September 1 · 51 min
Can AI Run Your Home? + Matthew Quick’s Outer Banks Dream + The DIY Power of 3D Printing
Can AI actually run your home better than you can? AI expert Tiffany Chazey explains how it can manage everything from lights to maintenance reminders and where humans should stay in control. Silver Linings Playbook author Matthew Quick reflects on the stunning Outer Banks home that became a symbol of both his success and some of the hardest years of his life. In Secret History of Your Home, we uncover the surprisingly scandalous history of the dinner fork, and YouTuber and engineer Jake Ward shows how a 3D printer can make custom replacement parts and clever fixes for everyday problems around the house. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
August 25 · 51 min
Mosquito-Proof Your Yard + Kasie Hunt’s Forever Home + The Wild History of the Murphy Bed
Want fewer mosquitoes in your backyard without resorting to chemical sprays? Botanist Joseph Reynolds explains how to use non-toxic methods to dramatically reduce their numbers. CNN anchor Kasie Hunt takes us inside the landmark 1949 mid-century modern house that gave her the sense of home and permanence she'd always wanted. In The Secret History of Your Home, we reveal how the Murphy bed went from a clever solution to a romantic problem to a Prohibition-era accomplice and modern luxury. And find out when a leaking deck is too complicated for a DIY repair, and why waterproofing may be one project worth leaving to a pro. On this episode you’ll learn: * Why painting tile flooring usually isn’t a great long-term solution and which flooring options can create a durable, uniform look throughout a home. * How to stop mice from nesting inside an outdoor mini-split unit and repair the insulation they’ve chewed through. * When a growing crack across your ceiling could indicate structural movement—and when it’s time to have a professional investigate. * Why walls can appear to “cry” or sweat and how excess indoor moisture and poor ventilation may be causing it. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.
August 18 · 51 min
Gas vs. Charcoal, Settled + Justin Halpern Moves Home + The Dark History of the Light Bulb
Gas or charcoal…which really makes for a better barbecue? James Beard Award-winning chef J. Kenji López-Alt settles the debate and shares the grilling techniques that can make a difference no matter which fuel you choose. Abbott Elementary showrunner Justin Halpern returns to the San Diego house where he grew up and recalls how moving back home after a breakup helped change the course of his life. Plus, we reveal the cutthroat (and sometimes deadly) battle that gave us electric light, and drywall expert Lydia Crowder shares the pro techniques that can make patches virtually disappear. On this episode you’ll learn: * What to prioritize as a 50-year-old home starts needing major maintenance, and how to tell when an aging roof really needs replacement. * How to build a long-lasting brick patio, from preparing the gravel base to getting the drainage and slope right. * How to save money on a full bathroom remodel by tackling some of the work yourself and what plumbing is better left to a pro. * Whether upgrading the electrical service in a century-old home means you also need to replace old knob-and-tube wiring at the same time. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
August 11 · 51 min
The Tankless Water Heater Debate + Jonathan Knight’s Crazy Old House + Grow a Living Fence
Should you replace your traditional water heater with a tankless model? Plumbing expert Ryan Carpenter breaks down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of both systems, including what homeowners should know before making the switch. Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block and Farmhouse Fixer shares memories of growing up in a bustling Victorian home that sparked his lifelong passion for restoring old houses. Then, In The Secret History of Your Home, we take a look at the long, messy history of the toilet. Finally, Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains why "living fences" are becoming one of the hottest trends in backyard design. On this episode you'll learn: * How to know whether a damaged standing seam metal roof needs a simple repair or a full replacement. * Whether a solar chimney can actually cool your home and why it works better in some climates than others. * What might be causing squeaky parquet floors and a simple trick that could quiet them down. * Why bathroom ceiling paint keeps bubbling and peeling, even after you've repainted it. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
August 4 · 50 min
Should You Kill Your Lawn? + Nathaniel Rich’s Artist’s Retreat + When Contractors Wreck Your Home
Is the traditional American lawn doing more harm than good? Botanist Joey Santore makes the case for replacing thirsty turf with native plants that support wildlife and require far less maintenance. Author Nathaniel Rich reflects on the secluded Maine artist's studio that transformed the way he thinks about creativity. In The Secret History of Your Home, we look at an item in your bathroom that’s been around for 3,500 years. Finally, contractor Zack Dettmore explains what homeowners should do when a renovation goes wrong and how to protect themselves before small problems become expensive ones. On this episode you'll learn: * What might be causing mysterious circular stains to appear on your ceiling, even when your roof isn't leaking. * How to stop water from seeping into your basement around a sump pump and radon system. * What it takes to convert a basement half bath into a full bathroom with a shower. * The best way to reinstall a rare vintage ceramic fireplace tile without damaging it. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
July 25 · 50 min
The Right Way to Load Your Dishwasher + Colson Whitehead’s Family Retreat + Grow Backyard Fruit
Is there really a right way to load a dishwasher? Technology expert Alec Watson explains the science behind cleaner dishes, why you should stop pre-rinsing, and how a few simple changes can improve your dishwasher's performance. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead reflects on the modest Sag Harbor cottage that has been at the heart of his family's summers for generations. In The Secret History of Your Home, we unveil the deadly story behind the modern-day refrigerator. Lastly, horticulturist Josh Davis reveals how grafting lets you grow multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree. On this episode you'll learn: * How to prioritize home renovation projects when your budget won't cover everything at once. * What you can do to repair peeling thermofoil cabinets before resorting to a full kitchen replacement. * Whether it's possible to uncover and restore hardwood floors hidden beneath old flooring. * How to plan lighting and electrical circuits during a whole-home rewiring project with modern LED fixtures. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
July 17 · 50 min
The Right Way to Load Your Washing Machine + Mary H.K. Choi's Texas Home + Contractor Truths
The debate over front-load versus top-load washing machines has homeowners fiercely divided, but laundry expert Zach Pozniak says the science points to one clear winner. Then, bestselling author Mary H. K. Choi reflects on moving from a tiny Hong Kong apartment to an enormous Texas house that never quite felt like home. Plus, This Old House’s Zack Dettmore pulls back the curtain on why so many renovation projects go sideways and how homeowners can set better expectations before construction begins. In This Episode You'll Learn: * How to choose between a designer and a design-build firm for your next renovation. * The best way to clean, protect, and maintain soapstone countertops without damaging them. * Whether painting a concrete floor is a smart alternative to replacing old carpet. * Why one room in your home may never feel comfortable and what can be done to fix it. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
July 14 · 49 min
Avoid Locksmith Scams + Adam Rehmeier’s Hollywood Hideaway + Carpet Buying 101
Getting locked out of your house is stressful enough, but choosing the wrong locksmith could turn it into a $1,000-dollar mistake. Locksmith Phil Mortillaro reveals the biggest red flags of a locksmith scam and how to make sure you're hiring someone you can trust. Then, filmmaker Adam Rehmeier looks back on the ramshackle Hollywood Hills cabin where he chased his dream of becoming a director. Plus, flooring expert Aaron Johnson explains how to choose the right carpet by focusing on what really matters beyond color and price. In This Episode You'll Learn: * Whether old jack posts under a historic home should be adjusted or replaced * How to repair cracked concrete pool coping and when it's time for a full replacement * Whether you can replace just the rotted parts of a deck railing or need an entirely new system * How to repair and seal hairline cracks in a concrete basement floor before painting All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
July 7 · 49 min
Color Therapy at Home + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Paradise + Fenway Park Lawn Secrets
Can the color of your walls actually affect your mood? Therapist-turned-designer Anita Yokota explains the science behind color and how to use it to create calmer, more productive spaces. Comedian Tom Papa takes us inside the beloved Jersey Shore beach house that became the heart of his family's summers. Former Red Sox groundskeeper David Miller shares the secrets behind Fenway Park's iconic grass patterns and how to recreate them at home. On this episode you’ll learn: * How to build a strong foundation for a decorative stone garden wall. * What might be causing certain rooms and walls to feel much hotter or colder than the rest of your house. * The best way to create and maintain a level bocce court. * How to replace a drain in a pedestal sink when access is tight and frustrating. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
June 30 · 50 min
Unclog Any Drain + David Sedaris’ N.C. Retreat + Contractor Installation Red Flags
A stubborn clog doesn't always require harsh chemicals. Chicago plumber Benjamin Vance explains how a wet/dry vacuum, a towel, and a few simple tools can clear drains throughout your home. Author David Sedaris shares the story of finally buying the North Carolina beach house his family had dreamed about for decades, and why it remains deeply connected to memories of his mother. Plus, Contractor Confidential reveals what homeowners should know before agreeing to a professional installation. On this episode you’ll learn: * Why your dryer might be showing an airflow error after a move and the simple steps that could solve it. * What's causing stucco to peel from a retaining wall and why the real problem may be hidden behind it. * How to safely remove old fiberglass insulation and decide whether replacing it is a DIY job or a task for the pros. * The best way to run a dedicated electrical circuit for a new appliance while keeping wiring protected and up to code. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.
June 23 · 49 min
Air Conditioning Myths + Ben Gleib's Mid-Century Studio + The Garage Conversion Guide
Every dad seems to have a theory about the thermostat, but does turning off your AC, closing vents, or buying a bigger unit actually save money? Building science expert Allison Bailes shares the smartest ways to stay cool without driving up your energy bill. Then, comedian Ben Gleib takes us inside his San Fernando Valley home, a modest mid-century house transformed into a late-night television studio. Finally, This Old House contractor Charlie Silva explains what it really takes to convert a garage into a livable space. In This Episode You'll Learn: * Why common thermostat and AC "money-saving" tricks often don't work the way people think. * How to diagnose and solve humidity problems in a crawl space before they lead to mold. * What might be causing grout to crumble and whether it's worth repairing or replacing. * The biggest mistakes homeowners make when converting a garage into living space. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
June 16 · 49 min
Hantavirus Warning Signs + Annabelle Gurwitch’s Healing Wallpaper + Backyard Water Features
Hantavirus may be rare, but it can pose a serious risk to homeowners dealing with rodent infestations. Dr. Zachary Rubin explains where the virus hides, how to safely clean up droppings, and the warning signs every homeowner should know. Then, writer Annabelle Gurwitch shares how a roll of vintage wallpaper helped transform a room filled with painful memories into a place of healing and hope. Plus, landscape contractor Jen Nawada breaks down everything you need to know about adding a water feature to your yard, from simple birdbaths to backyard streams. In This Episode You'll Learn: * Whether adding insulation to a 100-year-old home is worth the investment and the best ways to do it. * What it really takes to add a wood-burning fireplace to a home that never had one. * How to investigate and solve a recurring mold problem before it affects your family's health. * What homeowners should know when they discover old knob-and-tube wiring behind their walls.
June 9 · 49 min
Hard Water Woes + Ann Patchett’s Wild Childhood Home + Heat Pump Advantages
Hard water is quietly damaging your pipes, appliances, hair, and skin. Plumbing expert Tucker Yarbrough explains what causes it, how to spot it, and the best solutions for every budget. Then, bestselling author Ann Patchett takes us back to the wild Tennessee farm of her childhood. Plus, building engineer Ross Trethewey explains why understanding your home as a system can save you thousands, and where homeowners should start before investing in solar panels or a new heating system. In This Episode You'll Learn: * Whether waterproofing an entire bathroom floor is worth it when installing a freestanding tub * How difficult it is to restore painted mid-century wood ceilings and fireplaces * How to protect an upstairs laundry room from leaks and washing machine failures * What might be causing a lingering odor after mold remediation and flooring replacement All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
June 2 · 49 min
No More Open Kitchens + Fab 5 Freddy’s Harlem Brownstone + Fence Building 101
Open floor plans promised connection and convenience, but more homeowners are starting to want their walls back. Architect Alexander Dahlgren-Jawad explains why separate rooms may actually make homes more functional, private, and comfortable. Then, hip hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy takes us inside his historic Harlem brownstone filled with jazz history, original woodwork, and stories from the Harlem Renaissance. Plus, fence expert Brian King shares the biggest mistakes homeowners make when installing a fence. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * What to do when old shower tile starts failing and how to safely handle concerns about silica dust. * How to investigate a mysterious basement ceiling water stain after a harsh winter. * Why windows in a manufactured home may shift out of plumb after being moved and how to fix them. * Whether broken pull-chain ceiling lights and fans can be repaired without replacing the entire fixture. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
May 26 · 49 min
Cleaning Dirty Ducts + Sheng Wang’s Bayou Childhood + Forced Air vs. Baseboard Heat
A five-foot snake inside the ductwork?! This week on Radio Hour, we uncover the strange, dusty, and sometimes creepy world hiding inside your vents — and what actually happens during a duct cleaning. Comedian Sheng Wang takes us back to his packed suburban Houston childhood home, where 12 relatives shared one house and the neighborhood bayou became an endless adventure. Plus, House Therapy tackles a family battle over baseboard heat versus forced hot air, and we answer your questions about damaged cork floors, mysteriously heated tiles, rocky hillsides, and cracking plaster ceilings. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to repair shiny tape damage on cork flooring without refinishing the entire floor * Whether warm floor tiles could mean leaking HVAC ducts beneath a slab foundation * What plants can actually survive on a steep shale hillside with almost no soil * What causes “alligator” cracking on old plaster ceilings and how to fix it All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
May 19 · 50 min
Vacation-Proof Your Home + Italian Family Memories + Attic Renovation Secrets
Before you leave for vacation, your home might need a checklist of its own. Home maintenance expert Kyshawn Lane shares the simple steps that can help prevent leaks, odors, pests, and costly surprises while you’re away. Then, “Bare Feet” on PBS host Mickela Mallozzi reflects on growing up in a loud, loving Italian-American home in Stamford, Connecticut, where food, family, and constant renovations shaped her idea of home. Plus, builder Charlie Silva explains what it really takes to turn an attic into usable living space. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * Whether ventless all-in-one washer dryers are a smart choice for older homes * How to properly paint stucco without trapping moisture * What to do after discovering rodent nests inside bathroom walls * Why a UPS battery backup might warn you about “faulty wiring” All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
May 12 · 50 min
Grow Better Tomatoes + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Chaos + The Shed Showdown
Tomatoes are the holy grail of the home garden, but getting them right isn’t always easy. This week, Farmer Dean shares a simple, surprisingly effective way to grow thriving plants almost anywhere, no backyard required. Then, comedian Tom Papa takes us back to his childhood beach house on the Jersey Shore, where 17 people, one bathroom, and endless pasta dinners somehow added up to pure magic. Plus, House Therapy returns with a couple at a crossroads: rebuild a rotting pool shed piece by piece, or start fresh with something new. And as always, we’re taking your calls and tackling real home dilemmas. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to remove deep, dark water stains from wood flooring. (7:38) * What to look for when comparing contractor bids for foundation repair. (14:02) * Whether ice dams are still a threat after installing a new roof. (19:07) * How to diagnose and fix high indoor humidity in an older home. (24:52) All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
May 5 · 50 min
Fire Safety 101 + Rob Corddry’s Childhood Home + Cut Renovation Costs
A house fire can start in seconds. This week, a firefighter breaks down the simple two-minute plan that could save your life and the most common mistakes people make in an emergency. Then, comedian Rob Corddry returns to his childhood home in Massachusetts, reflecting on the place that shaped him and the moment everything changed. Plus, how to handle renovation sticker shock, what contractors wish homeowners knew, and your home improvement questions answered. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to fix a countertop gap caused by an out-of-square wall. * Whether a standard water heater can replace a boiler in a radiant heating system. * How to think about moisture and vapor barriers when re-siding a home in a humid climate. * Why caulk keeps cracking and how to fix it so it actually lasts. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

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