Best Do It Yourself Podcasts (2024)

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

17m 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…

1
#644: High Indoor Humidity, Underfloor HVAC Returns, and Textured Ceilings 49:32

1h 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.

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

20m 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…

1
Bike safety in Philadelphia, Josh Shapiro’s viability as VP, and a local archer at the Olympics. 38:27

1h 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…

1
#643: Roof Outsulation, Budgeting Mistakes, and How Much Designer Do You Need 53:34

43m 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.

1
Bonus: Harris-Shapiro 2024? How the election game has changed in Pennsylvania. 16:24

19m 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

43m 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 …

1
450: Sabbati-cool 1:06:17

15m 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…

1
#642: Truss Uplift, Wet Ceilings, and Second-Time Siding 49:23

20m 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.

1
Notes from the RNC, Senator Menendez found guilty, and a scathing SEPTA safety report 36:48

5d 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…

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

13m 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…

1
#641: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 7 46:33

15d 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.

1
What's next for Johnny Doc, the Phillies' phenomenal first half, and the story behind Blobfest 36:28

26d 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

7d 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…

1
#640: Heating a Shop, Hardwood over Crawlspaces, and Living in a Pretty Good House 59:34

1d 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

8d 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…

1
Home: On #158 – Smarthome Quibbles with Allison Sheridan 47:50

8d 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…

1
#639: Affordable High-Performance, Protecting Slab-Edge Insulation, and Sinking Foundations 53:19

8d 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.

1
Police officer shot, return-to-office drama, a spelling error on I-95 37:20

1M 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…

1
#638: Moldy Houses, Picking a Construction Path, and Building on a Mesa 53:36

1M 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.

1
447: Summer Camp 1:10:27

15d 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…

1
Making sense of gun violence data, OG trolleys return, more heat on the horizon? 37:22

1M 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…

1
#637: Questions and Conversation with Bill Grande 47:34

1M ago47:34

47:34

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

1
Suspected terrorist arrests, stadium worker protests, giant flying spiders 36:36

2M 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…

1
#636: Attic Insulation, Slab Additions, and Code-Compliant Decks 59:06

2M 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

2M 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 …

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

2M 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…

1
UArts closes, drama at the Free Library, Dawn Staley visits her hometown 37:03

2M 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…

1
#635: Installing T&G Siding, Mass Timber, and Moldy Minisplits 51:19

2M 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

1M 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

2M 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

3M 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.

1
443: Challenge My Skeleton 1:10:43

2M 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…

1
442: Pigs and AI 1:13:17

2M 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 …

1
#632: DIY Dense-Pack, Wonky Doors, and Airtight Envelope Penetrations 57:37

3M 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.

1
441: Wooden Shoes For A King 1:12:09

2M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about avoiding and todo lists. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Made a Maloof style stool, working on a bar cart with pressurized drink system David Picciuto Starting an acoustic guitar build Bob Clagett Building out the new “clean room” What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: Des…

1
#631: HVAC Systems, Foundation Footings, and Sinking Garages 1:06:40

3M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Listeners write in about ADUs, data-hogging washers, and foregoing inspections. They ask questions about replacing functioning HVAC systems, reinforcement for footings, and repairing a garage built on fill.

1
Could ranked choice voting help strengthen democracy? 30:34

3M ago30:34

30:34

We live in an age where polarization and extremism are two significant qualities of our politics. It isn’t healthy, so how can it be addressed? Ranked choice voting is one potential tool that's already being used in some places. We caught up with Dr. Ben Berger, associate professor of political science at Swarthmore College and Executive Director o…

1
Why do we focus so much on standardized tests in schools? 17:10

3M ago17:10

17:10

Standardized tests have played a key role in our educational system for a long time. But over the years, it seems that role has only grown, and now they are used to judge a lot about how a school and its students are performing. Is this a good thing? We spoke with Dr. Mary Williams, Professor of Education at La Salle University, to find out. To lea…

1
440: Big Wheels for Humans 1:00:37

2M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about feeling bad because of comparison. Your worth has nothing to do with your accomplishments. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Making a trailer bar for a golf cart David Picciuto Taking a maintenance week to catch up Bob Clagett Finishing up his “clean room” in the shop Links: Survi…

1
#630: Conversation with HVAC experts Eric Weiss and Cristi Pedotto 55:11

3M ago55:11

55:11

The FHB Podcast discusses refrigerants, the HVAC industry, and HVAC worker training.

1
Why can't we make school funding equitable? 26:21

3M ago26:21

26:21

In a perfect world, every school would have all the money it needs, but that is clearly not the case now. In her new book, "Designed to Fail: Why Racial Equity in School Funding Is So Hard to Achieve", Dr. Roseann Liu, visiting assistant professor at Swarthmore College, digs into school funding and why it is almost always children of color that get…

1
Are bees making a comeback? 20:31

3M ago20:31

20:31

You may have heard that the bee population is under threat in recent years. Bees are critical for our environment and food production - a dwindling population could affect our ability to grow fruits and vegetables. But The Washington Post recently reported that America’s honeybee population is at an all-time high. So, what’s going on with the bees?…

1
439: The Right Side Of The Grass 1:20:21

3M ago1:20:21

1:20:21

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about titles, thumbnails, coasting and a LOT more. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Released his wooden bucket video David Picciuto Made a video about comparing big & budget shop Bob Clagett Working on a clean room for the shop Links: New YouTube Thumbnail Style Taking Over YouTube Wha…

1
#629: With Building Scientist Monica Rokicki 1:01:01

3M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Listeners write in about outdoor showers, a Philadelphia carpentry teacher, and the science of hail damage. We ask building scientist Monica Rokicki-Guajardo questions about building performance, HVAC systems, and indoor air quality.

1
Staying safe from violence and recognizing red flags 15:27

3M ago15:27

15:27

Millions of women are the victims of violence every year. This includes random attacks out in public, but also violence instigated by someone a woman knows or even an intimate partner. Barbara Jordan is a personal safety expert and the founder of the organization Always BEV. We spoke with Jordan about her organization and the tragedy that led to it…

1
438: It Feels Like a Big Boy Saw 56:08

3M ago56:08

56:08

This week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about how to interact with people at an event. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Made a tapered wooden bucket David Picciuto Made a table saw station Bob Clagett Totally changed his shop What we’re watching: David Pick of the Week: TenHundred Jimmy’s Pick of the Week: Drew Witt Bob’s Pi…

1
#628: Porch Railings, Porch Flooring, and Japanese Footings 57:27

3M ago57:27

57:27

Listeners write in about shade structures, metaphors for air-sealing, and the HVAC industry and ask questions about porch railings, porch flooring, and Japanese footings.

1
Mental health check-in - when, why, and how to seek treatment 20:15

4M ago20:15

20:15

Talking about one’s mental health has become much more common, as has seeking treatment for mental health issues. A lot of progress has been made, but there is still a long way to go, and allowing mental health issues to go untreated can lead to a lot of problems. We caught up with Dr. Christopher Pagnani, the founder and medical director of Ritten…

1
“Judge shopping” - how our court system gets manipulated 21:16

4M ago21:16

21:16

In certain situations, plaintiffs in federal court are able to basically pick which judge hears their case by choosing which district and division they file in. Critics of this “judge shopping” say it has led to cases that overturned government policies, like the Texas case that suspended FDA approval of the abortion drug mifepristone before it was…

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Do It Yourself Podcasts

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