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This Old House Radio Hour: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago50 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.
- 1 weeks ago50 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.
- 2 weeks ago49 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 paintingAll of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
- 3 weeks ago49 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.
- 4 weeks ago50 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.
- Jun 23, 202649 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.
- Jun 16, 202649 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.
- Jun 9, 202649 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 replacementAll of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
About This Old House Radio Hour
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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This Old House Radio Hour covers topics including Leisure, Garden, Home & Garden. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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