Best Do It Yourself Podcasts (2024)

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Philly hosts the presidential debate, Mayor Parker speaks on the 76ers arena, and another car drives into the Schuylkill River 38:45

1h ago38:45

38:45

All eyes were on Philadelphia Tuesday night as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris met on the debate stage for the first time at the National Constitution Center. We recap the highlights and examine how race and gender played a role. A police officer who was shot in the line of duty died after nearly three months on life …

1
454: Getting Dressed With A Door Open 1:07:06

34m ago1:07:06

1:07:06

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about doing a podcast FOR 10 YEARS What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Building a giant cabinet using the CNC David Picciuto Working on the calculator and a beefy bed Bob Clagett FINALLY working on the Ghia front end What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: The Bucket Shot 2 / Adventu…

1
#649: Sealed Crawlspaces, Problem Porches, and AC in Attics 49:59

1h ago49:59

49:59

Listeners write in about trade work and deck longevity and ask questions about sealing crawlspaces, transitions where masonry meets framing, and vented attics with AC ductwork.

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Bonus: Expert previews Philly presidential debate 19:59

6d ago19:59

19:59

The National Constitution Center serving as the site for a pivotal presidential debate? Sounds fitting. Why was Philadelphia chosen as the host city? How much do debates move the needle? Which candidate has more at stake? Ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump’s September 10th showdown, Swarthmore University Associa…

1
Philly presidential debate preview, the South Jersey Sixers?!?!, and fake Eagles campaign ads 39:25

7d ago39:25

39:25

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have been trading barbs through the media and an onslaught of campaign ads. What will happen when they stand side-by-side on the same stage in Philadelphia? A political expert weighs in on the stakes of the September 10th presidential debate. We’ll also dive into the latest developments…

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#648: Vent-Free Dryers, Retaining Walls, and Energy Use in a Pretty Good House 48:23

8d ago48:23

48:23

Listeners write in about English spray foam and wonky doors and ask questions about vent-free dryers, retaining walls, and home energy use.

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453: Half Made Zippy-Something 1:01:55

7d ago1:01:55

1:01:55

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about inspiration. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Just got back from a inspiration/vacation David Picciuto Finishing up the wooden calculator Bob Clagett Made a pole storage system for spray cans What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Stand Up Maths Jimmy’s Pick of the Week: Pr…

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76ers arena impact, increasing Regional Rail trains, and Temple’s marching band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 38:42

14d ago38:42

38:42

A new report details the impact that the proposed 76ers arena on Market East could have on the neighborhood. Fishtown’s beloved Harriett’s Bookshop enters a new era. And, it’s Black Breastfeeding Week. Matt Leon and KYW Newsradio’s reporters break down these stories and more of the top news of the week in the Philadelphia region. 00:00 Intro 02:07 …

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#647: Sealing Can Lights, Porch Conversions, and Redwood Siding 42:39

14d ago42:39

42:39

Listeners write in about opera and keeping young by building and ask questions about leaky light fixtures, porch conversions, and installing wood siding.

1
PA in the DNC spotlight, UArts students get a new start, and busing problems in New Jersey 38:45

21d ago38:45

38:45

After a whirlwind month or so, Democrats were united and ready to celebrate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago - including Pennsylvania politicians, who got some significant stage time. It’s back-to-school time again! We check in on what’s ahead for the Philadelphia School District and how University of the Arts students who transferr…

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Bonus: On the ground at the Democratic National Convention 12:01

22d ago12:01

12:01

KYW Newsradio’s City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb spent the week in Chicago, seeing the big speeches and big energy at the Democratic National Convention first-hand. In this extended segment, she sits down with Matt Leon to talk about the highlights - from Vice President Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech to Pennsylvania’s moments in the spotlight. Li…

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#646: Missing Band Joist, Sustainable Building, and Bath Fans 45:47

22d ago45:47

45:47

Listeners write in about building on a mesas and their experience with pin foundations and ask questions about a missing band joist, sustainable building, and bath ventilation

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452: I Wish I'd Thought of That 1:07:42

21d ago1:07:42

1:07:42

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about pivoting on the fly. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Made giant doors for his barn, we love Dave Gagné David Picciuto Remaking an old calculator, GOT COVID Bob Clagett Made a camera stand for quick camera movements What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: 8-bit guy Jimmy’s P…

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Farewell to Gillian’s Pier, a change to Philly’s school admissions, and new energy for the DNC 38:42

28d ago38:42

38:42

Representatives from the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania head to the Democratic National Convention next week. We find out what they’re expecting and what the DNC could tell us about the future of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. Philadelphia has been a cultural hub for break dancing, but what do local breakers think of the sport’s Olym…

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#645: Suspect Chimneys, Black Windows, and Worries about Rot 43:57

29d ago43:57

43:57

Listeners write in about condensing dryers, giant gears, and saggy doors. They ask questions about chimney safety, longevity of black windows, and rot-resistant assemblies.

1
Presidential campaign rallies, storm preparedness, and competitive dodgeball 39:47

1M ago39:47

39:47

It’s been a big week in the presidential race, with both campaigns kicking off tours of battleground states - starting here in Philadelphia. We hear how those rallies went and learn more about Vice President Kamala Harris’s new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. As the region recovers from Tropical Storm Debby, FEMA is preparing for a rough…

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#644: High Indoor Humidity, Underfloor HVAC Returns, and Textured Ceilings 49:32

1M ago49:32

49:32

Listeners write in about changing careers and organizing volunteer builders and ask questions about high humidity, underfloor cooling, and removing ceiling texture.

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451: I Never Put a Quarter In Ms. Pacman 1:00:44

1M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about compromise. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Woke up late, making progress on the graveyard house David Picciuto Making countertops for a coffee station Bob Clagett Made an inflatable hotdog What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Prince’s Work Ethic / Postcard Printing Pres…

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Bike safety in Philadelphia, Josh Shapiro’s viability as VP, and a local archer at the Olympics. 38:27

1M ago38:27

38:27

More than a week after a drunk driver killed Dr. Barbara Friedes while she was biking in Philadelphia, local officials, community activists, and Friedes’ family continue to sort through the aftermath of the accident. Will the tragic incident lead to change? We also break down a new study released by the University of Pennsylvania that digs deep int…

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#643: Roof Outsulation, Budgeting Mistakes, and How Much Designer Do You Need 53:34

1M ago53:34

53:34

Listeners write in about tightening a Cape and ask questions about roof insulation, budget busters and how much designer is enough for a basic kitchen remodel.

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Bonus: Harris-Shapiro 2024? How the election game has changed in Pennsylvania. 16:24

2M ago16:24

16:24

The biggest news of the past week, of course, was that President Biden is stepping out of the presidential race, and he’s endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee. We spoke about this historic decision with Dr. John Kennedy, a political science professor at West Chester University, and wanted to share the full conversatio…

1
Pennsylvania and the new presidential race, Eagles training camp impressions, and commuter woes 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

While the ripple effects of Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election are only beginning to play out, which way Pennsylvania ultimately swings - Democrat or Republican - will be one of the biggest dominoes to drop. How will Vice President Kamala Harris being thrust into the race impact voting in the state, and what could …

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450: Sabbati-cool 1:06:17

2M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about taking a sabbatical. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Commercial shoot is finished David Picciuto Made a cool keyboard tray Bob Clagett Working on scanning parts of his Land Cruiser What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: When America Broke The Olympics Jimmy’s Pick of the W…

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#642: Truss Uplift, Wet Ceilings, and Second-Time Siding 49:23

2M ago49:23

49:23

Listeners write in about insulating attics, foundations for additions, and dodgy electrical devices. They ask questions about truss uplift, wet ceilings and siding a second time.

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Notes from the RNC, Senator Menendez found guilty, and a scathing SEPTA safety report 36:48

2M ago36:48

36:48

Coming out of the Republican National Convention, what can we expect for Donald Trump’s campaign and big races in Pennsylvania? We recap the week in Milwaukee and find out how important the commonwealth is to national politics in 2024. Here in Philadelphia, all city workers officially returned to the office full-time, a Malvern school district is f…

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449: Like Walking Through A Room In The Dark 1:02:00

2M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about the unexpected. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Track day went well, made a Double H grill David Picciuto Making a design video, using a cutting board Bob Clagett Not getting a lot done, but getting a lot done What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Matthew Encina Jimmy’s P…

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#641: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 7 46:33

2M ago46:33

46:33

In this best-of episode the FHBcrew discuss windows that open onto decks, keeping kitchen remodels affordable, painting stucco, and more.

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What's next for Johnny Doc, the Phillies' phenomenal first half, and the story behind Blobfest 36:28

2M ago36:28

36:28

Former labor union leader John Dougherty wielded immense power in Philadelphia, but, in the end, he flexed his capital with too much force. We put his federal prison sentence in perspective. Speaking of a flex, the Phillies put together a memorable first half of the season before the break. What else do they need for the stretch run? We also ask ke…

1
448: There's No Slow Piano 1:13:02

2M ago1:13:02

1:13:02

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about being allowed to change. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Modified a go kart for July 13 David Picciuto Making pet urns Bob Clagett Got back from vacation What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Big Time Jimmy’s Pick of the Week: Morley Kurt – Round Chair Bob’s Pick of the W…

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#640: Heating a Shop, Hardwood over Crawlspaces, and Living in a Pretty Good House 59:34

2M ago59:34

59:34

Listeners write in about kiln-dried pressure treated lumber and bad deck details. They ask questions about conditioning a shop, installing hardwood, and building a pretty good house.

1
Kensington cleanup progress, the 76ers sign Paul George, and the Philly Zoo turns 150! 35:42

2M ago35:42

35:42

Philadelphia mayor Charelle Parker vowed change for the city's downtrodden Kensington neighborhood. Find out why, so far, the cleanup results have been mixed. Wonder what Philly has in store for America's birthday two years from now, when the country turns 250? And how does signing NBA free agent Paul George change the 76ers' title fortunes? Matt L…

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Home: On #158 – Smarthome Quibbles with Allison Sheridan 47:50

2M ago47:50

47:50

Allison Sheridan from Podfeet Podcasts joins us to discuss the more problematic side of home automation—when things don’t work as expected or desired. What’s annoying us in our respective smart homes and how do we deal with problems when they arise? Why do we even put ourselves through all this? We also touch on a few interesting smart home stories…

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#639: Affordable High-Performance, Protecting Slab-Edge Insulation, and Sinking Foundations 53:19

2M ago53:19

53:19

Listeners write in about water treatment, masonry heaters, and leak detectors. They ask questions about finding builders for high-performance homes, foundation insulation, and foundation settlement.

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Police officer shot, return-to-office drama, a spelling error on I-95 37:20

3M ago37:20

37:20

A police officer who was shot at a traffic stop is on life support - what happened? Why was there a raucous crowd at a City Council hearing? And why is everyone so worked up over a highway sign? Matt Leon and KYW Newsradio reporters break down the biggest news in Philadelphia this week. 0:00 Intro 2:07 Police officer shot in Kensington 7:39 Philade…

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#638: Moldy Houses, Picking a Construction Path, and Building on a Mesa 53:36

3M ago53:36

53:36

Listeners write in about changing careers, rain screen raised beds, and introducing people to trade work. They ask questions about buying a moldy house, choosing construction as a career, and building on a sandstone mesa.

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447: Summer Camp 1:10:27

3M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about going to camp, as an adult. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Went to Camp Arrowhead In North Carolina, making a go kart David Picciuto Making a Super Weird Picture Frame Bob Clagett Been camping/building What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: David Choe – Embrace Fearlessne…

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Making sense of gun violence data, OG trolleys return, more heat on the horizon? 37:22

3M ago37:22

37:22

Why is longtime Democratic Party mover and shaker George Norcross so confident the racketeering charges brought against him won’t hold up in court? What should we make of new gun violence data released by the FBI and what the numbers say about Philadelphia? How can you beat the intense heat? Matt Leon and KYW Newsradio reporters get you caught up o…

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#637: Questions and Conversation with Bill Grande 47:34

3M ago47:34

47:34

A conversation with Bill Grande , Vice President: Codes, Standards and Compliance at electrical device manufacturer Leviton.

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Suspected terrorist arrests, stadium worker protests, giant flying spiders 36:36

3M ago36:36

36:36

How are recent FBI arrests in Philadelphia possibly connected to ISIS? What’s behind the abrupt closure of OCF Coffee House? Could rowdy teens ruin your summer on the Jersey Shore? Matt Leon and KYW reporters catch you up on all that and more of what happened in Philly this week. 2:07 Alleged terrorists arrested in Philadelphia 7:17 OCF Coffee Hous…

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#636: Attic Insulation, Slab Additions, and Code-Compliant Decks 59:06

3M ago59:06

59:06

Listeners write in about wonky doors and hacking water heaters and ask questions about insulating a four square’s attic, adding on to an existing foundation, and deck construction.

1
446: Nixon Riding A Unicorn 1:12:54

3M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about life rhythms and AI, AGAIN. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Finishing up a graveyard house video David Picciuto Had an A-HA moment about the bench project Bob Clagett Camped, prepping for travel, worked on the Ghia Links: What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Patreon CEO …

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445: Look For The Lightning Bolt 1:15:36

3M ago1:15:36

1:15:36

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about rules for the shop. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Finished up the Johnny Walker cart, it’s gone David Picciuto Making a keyboard stand Bob Clagett Prepping for summer What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Brian Hendricks Jimmy’s Pick of the Week: DiesInEveryFilm Bob’s P…

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UArts closes, drama at the Free Library, Dawn Staley visits her hometown 37:03

3M ago37:03

37:03

Rage, confusion, grief - saddled with heavy emotions, where do University of the Arts students and staff go now? What steps are being taken to ensure the stories of local Holocaust survivors get passed down to future generations? Why did the Free Library of Philadelphia send out an email saying their beloved Author Events series was cancelled...and…

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#635: Installing T&G Siding, Mass Timber, and Moldy Minisplits 51:19

3M ago51:19

51:19

Listeners write in about keeping pipes from freezing, and wood species for porch railings. They ask questions about tongue-and-groove siding, mass timber construction, and moldy minisplits.

1
444: Folding Time Back On Itself 1:08:38

3M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about doubling up tasks, and wrestling with finding contentment. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Hangin out with friends, painting things yellow David Picciuto Been on vacation, saw LCD Soundsystem Bob Clagett Cleaning What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Make With Miles Jimmy…

1
#634: Natural Ventilation, Attic Conversions, and Insulating Girder Trusses 52:40

4M ago52:40

52:40

Listeners write in about endangered overhangs, mass timber, and DIY sawmills. They ask questions about opening windows in a Pretty Good House, insulating 2x6 rafters, and insulating trusses.

1
#633: Window Leaks, Heated Footings, and Minimalist Builds 1:02:37

4M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Listeners write in about skinny houses, green-building upgrades, and leak detectors. They ask questions about flashing windows, protecting footings from frost, and back-to-basics home builds.

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443: Challenge My Skeleton 1:10:43

4M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about if we’re progressing as makers, or not. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Putting together his 48″ bandsaw David Picciuto Making coasters Bob Clagett Finishing up the “clean room” What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Paul ET – Zooming In Movies / Yard Act Jimmy’s Pick of t…

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442: Pigs and AI 1:13:17

4M ago1:13:17

1:13:17

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about AI, somehow. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Dumping dirt on his neighbors yard David Picciuto Making a new case for a Bluetooth radio Bob Clagett Working on the clean room design and lights What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Max Joseph – Happiness Jimmy’s Pick of the …

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#632: DIY Dense-Pack, Wonky Doors, and Airtight Envelope Penetrations 57:37

4M ago57:37

57:37

Listeners write in about landscape lighting, airsealing porch ceilings, and foregoing inspections, and ask questions about DIY dense-pack insulation, fixing a wonky door, and detailing envelope penetrations.

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