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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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  • 33 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 51 min
  • English

Episodes 33

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  • October 24 · 1 hr 2 min

    Work in Progress: Make $90K Without College + Haunt Your House + Bruce Campbell's Horror Origins

    In our series, Work In Progress, This Old House's Kevin O'Connor talks with HII CEO Chris Kastner about America's manufacturing renaissance and how paid apprenticeships are creating lucrative careers without the burden of college debt. Then, how far is too far when it comes to Halloween decorations? A professional haunted house designer shares his secrets for creating a truly terrifying yard. And an energetic strategist explains how to banish unwanted spirits from your home. “Evil Dead” star Bruce Campbell takes us back to his childhood home, where backyard forts and homemade horror movies helped launch his career. Plus, we uncover the wild history of Halloween pranks, from stolen gates to the invention of trick-or-treating, and learn how to create the ultimate listening room at home. In This Episode You'll Learn: * How to protect and refinish expensive mahogany garage doors without having to redo them every year. * Whether gaps around your front door could be a warning sign of foundation problems. * What to do if your electrical panel is missing a protective cover and if you need to replace the entire panel. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

  • October 20 · 51 min

    Is Your Fridge Spying on You? + Billy West’s Haunted Bungalow + How Blenders Changed History

    Is your smart home spying on you? Patricia Egger, head of security at Proton, reveals what your connected appliances know about you and how to protect your privacy. Then, Futurama voice actor Billy West takes us inside his haunted 1926 Hollywood bungalow, where mysterious ghosts and old Hollywood history collide. Plus, uncover the surprising history of the blender, from frozen daiquiris to groundbreaking DNA research. And in House Therapy, a couple battles over whether to turn their unfinished attic into a home office or a kids' playroom. In This Episode You'll Learn: * How to tell whether an oversized HVAC system or undersized ductwork is causing heating problems. * When a leaking shower can be repaired and when it's time to tear it out and start over. * How to deal with an unexpected three-inch difference in floor height during a basement renovation. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

  • October 13 · 1 hr 2 min

    Who Will Build America's Future? + The Bedroom TV Debate + Roof Repair Secrets

    In the first of a series called Work In Progress, This Old House's Kevin O'Connor sits down with Business Roundtable President and COO Kristen Silverberg to explore America's skilled labor shortage and how workforce training could help. Then, is having a TV in your bedroom ruining your sleep? A sleep expert weighs in on the debate and explains why breaking the habit can be harder than you think. Then, bestselling author Robert Kolker takes us inside his unconventional childhood home in a 1970s utopian community, complete with orange shag carpeting, unusual angles, and a ladder connecting his bedroom to a playroom. Plus, uncover the surprising history of the Lazy Susan, from a Victorian-era solution to the servant problem to its unlikely role in Chinese restaurants. And roofing expert Travis Jones reveals the warning signs your roof may be failing and when it's time to repair or replace it. In This Episode You'll Learn: * How to get started in the electrical trade when you're considering a career change as an adult. * Whether a sagging drywall ceiling is at risk of collapsing and how to repair it. * Which walls actually need washing before repainting your home's interior. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

  • October 6 · 51 min

    Should You Talk to Your Plants? + Barbara Kingsolver’s Farmhouse + DIY Reality Checks

    Should you be talking to your houseplants? Plant stylist Hilton Carter explains why forming a relationship with your plants might actually help you become a better plant parent. Then, Barbara Kingsolver takes us inside her 120-year-old Appalachian farmhouse, where generations of stories are embedded in everything from the kitchen cabinets to the handmade stone porch. Plus, we uncover the surprising history of the burglar alarm, from ancient Roman guard geese to the Queen's nurse. And general contractor Zack Dettmore explains how to know when a DIY project is worth tackling yourself and when it’s time to call in a pro. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to troubleshoot a shower with stubbornly low water pressure, even after replacing the showerhead and cartridge. * What to do when the built-in box gutters on an 1880s home begin to fail. * Why marble floor tiles might suddenly crack and lift near an exterior patio. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

  • September 29 · 51 min

    Stop Wasting Electricity + Ryan Hamilton’s Humble Childhood Home + Home Elevators Go Mainstream

    Why does your electric bill keep going up and what can you actually do about it? Consumer reporter Jeff Rossen shares simple ways to cut your energy costs. Comedian Ryan Hamilton returns to the tiny Idaho house where he grew up and reflects on how its simplicity and spectacular views shaped his idea of what makes a home feel comfortable. Plus, we dive into the strange rise and fall of the waterbed, then accessibility specialist Blake Watson explains how a new generation of residential elevators and stair lifts is making it easier to age in place. On this episode you’ll learn: * Why underwater lights that repeatedly trip a GFCI breaker could point to water intrusion, damaged wiring, or a failing fixture. * How to securely mount a freestanding projector screen in a finished basement without tearing into your floors or ceiling. * How to clean and re-stain weathered cedar shingles when you don’t know what finish was previously used. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

  • September 22 · 50 min

    Designer Dorm Rooms + John Wilson’s Century-Old House + A DIY Toilet Dispute

    Dorm rooms have come a long way from cinderblock walls and milk-crate storage. Designer Shelly Gates explains why some families are spending thousands to transform college dorms into picture-perfect spaces and shares the tricks that make tiny rooms work harder. “History of Concrete” filmmaker John Wilson takes us inside the century-old Queens house that became both his first real home and an unlikely inspiration for his work. We uncover the secret history of microwave and House Therapy returns to settle a marital dispute over a sinking toilet and whether this repair is really DIY-able. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * If a 110-year-old home with an unreinforced brick foundation needs an expensive foundation replacement. * How to repair a chipped cast-iron tub when rust keeps returning. * What could be causing a furnace humidifier to repeatedly clog and leak. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

  • September 15 · 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.

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