True Tales From Old Houses is a light-hearted, entertaining, and educational show for lovers of old houses and buildings, DIYers, history buffs, and restoration and preservation junkies. Available weekly, hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter share personal project updates, listener Q&A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.
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147: Stacy's Utah Quest and Daniel's Big Build
30:26
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30:26
In today's minisode, Stacy offers an update on her house search in Utah. She and Daniel discuss their current real estate situations and future plans. First, They begin by declaring their love for track shelving. They also recommend the podcast 'Beyond Reproach.' Then, Stacy reflects on the shock value of Utah's high real estate prices and acknowle…
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146: Kitchen Quirks and Detroit Duplex Dreams
53:45
53:45
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53:45
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy is wrapping things up at Silver Lake and getting ready for a new sleeping porch project. Meanwhile, Daniel is busy turning a dining room closet into a masterpiece—because even closets deserve a little love. Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy offers a happy follow-up from a previous question about e…
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145: Sleeping Porch Problems + Michigan Magic
30:17
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30:17
In this conversation, Stacy and Daniel discuss their ongoing renovation projects. First, Daniel talks about his plans to use beadboard in the guest room and the challenges of storing salvage materials. Then, Stacy shares her experience renovating her sleeping porch and the serious structural issues she encountered during deconstruction. Finally, th…
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144: Don't Rush the Rehab - Kate Wood Knows What's Worth Preserving
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55:44
This week's episode begins with the big announcement that Daniel is no longer the owner of Bluestone Cottage. The sale has been finalized. Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about career paths in historic preservation that don't require a master's degree. With the help of Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation with the Preservation…
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143: Mystical Misreads + New Project Plans
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30:54
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel discuss Daniel's recent visit to Lilydale, a spiritualist community in Western New York, and they go over some new project plans. First, Stacy offers a follow-up on the ivy discussion from episode #140. A landscape architect from Los Angeles reached out to provide another convincing argument in favor of removing iv…
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142: Choosing Relaxation over Renovation in France + Plumbing Materials Advice
57:36
57:36
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57:36
This week's episode begins with a quick cottage update from Daniel, including his plans to sell the leftover staging furniture and decor. Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about the best materials for repiping a house. They discuss the pros and cons of PVC, copper, and PEX pipes and provide tips for choosing the right material. Late…
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141: Unexpected Basement Floods and Weather Emergencies
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34:41
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34:41
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel revisit some previous conversations and swap stories about unexpected basement floods and a wild weather emergency. First, Daniel offers an update about a special Kingston City Land Bank house and shares a podcast episode about the Halifax explosion. Next, Stacy talks about a basement flood caused by a clogged sewe…
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140: Behind the Scenes at Taliesin West + The Impact of Ivy on Old Houses
57:02
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57:02
This week's episode begins with a book giveaway reminder and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel. Then, during Listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel address the impact of ivy on old houses. They discuss the different types of ivy and their potential impact on the house, including trapping moisture, damaging mortar, and providing a pathway for pest…
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139: Minisode - Navigating Home Projects & Real Estate Woes
33:05
33:05
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33:05
In this episode, Stacy explains how she is lightening her DIY load, and Daniel describes a frustrating week. The conversation highlights the low-key crazy of hyper-local Facebook groups, navigating real estate contracts, dealing with contractor bids, and the emotional impact of online relationships. First, Stacy shares how she hired someone to help…
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138: Woodward Throwbacks - Pioneering a Fresh Approach to Adaptive Reuse + Modern Linoleum Options
55:45
55:45
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55:45
This week's episode begins with several book giveaway announcements and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel. Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss traditional and modern linoleum flooring options. They touch on the history, manufacturing process, and benefits of linoleum and share their experiences using Marmoleum by Forbo. Fi…
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137: Minisode The Cottage Sale - It Ain't Over 'til It's Over
33:10
33:10
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33:10
In this week's episode, Stacy tangles with TSA, and Daniel inches closer to selling the cottage. First, Stacy and Daniel discuss Stacy's recent trip to Florida and her airport mishaps. Then, they move on to Daniel's cottage update, including the process of accepting an offer and the potential for the buyer to back out before signing the contract. T…
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136: A House Restored by Lee McColgan + A Kitchen Window Problem
54:35
54:35
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54:35
This week's episode begins with some quick updates about Daniel's cottage and an announcement from Stacy. Stacy and Scott Sidler are co-authoring a book about energy efficiency and old windows. With the first draft nearly finished, the book is moving right along. Stacy and Scott hope it will become a handy and trusted resource for anyone with a sta…
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135: Minisode Selling the Cottage + A Sad Update on the Aurora Restoration Project
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30:34
This week's minisode is an emotional roller coaster. First, Stacy and Daniel celebrate that the cottage is now for sale. Despite this exciting news, Daniel feels stressed about what comes next. He laments that while the cottage is now spotless, his own home is a mess in the aftermath. Daniel believes that the volume of his stuff is reaching an unco…
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134: You Can Go Home Again + DIY Exterior Painting Tips
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57:26
This week, a listener who owns a duplex wonders how to improve unsightly exterior paint issues while saving money to hire the pros. Stacy and Daniel offer DIY exterior painting tips and their thoughts on getting the job done safely and efficiently. Later, Stacy and Daniel chat with KariAnne Wood from the long-running Thistlewood Farms blog. KariAnn…
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133: Minisode Japan Highlights + The Cottage is Finished!
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32:13
In this week's minisode, Stacy offers a few stories from her trip to Japan, and Daniel reaches a huge milestone with the cottage. First, Stacy opens up about her connection to Japan and how seeing Mount Fuji nearly brought her to tears. After a funny interlude about Japanese snacks, Stacy brings it back to old houses by describing a visit to the Ed…
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132: Brooke Young Russell + A Canvas Ceiling Question
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52:17
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52:17
This week, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about the history of canvas ceilings and the feasibility of repairing them. Later, Brooke Young Russell from Evergreene Architectural Arts joins Stacy for a fascinating conversation about the technical aspects and limitations of architectural conservation and how her research relates to histo…
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131: Minisode Japanese Toilets and Mouse Mummies
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32:12
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32:12
This week's minisode is off to a wild start, with Stacy and Daniel discussing their unconventional "words of the year." Then, Stacy talks about her upcoming trip to Japan and shares a story about Google Translate and bidets. That segues unnaturally into a discussion about a common old house problem: animals that die in the walls. Daniel's house has…
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130: The Brownstone Boys + Public Art & Painted Brick
1:00:17
1:00:17
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True Tales From Old Houses is back! Season Eleven is off to a good start with a fresh, new logo and an episode packed with old-house fun. This week, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about public art and painted brick. Are public murals a good idea? How are neighborhoods affected? Is painting a giant orange wizard on a building ever a g…
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It's a bonus mini! In this minisode, Stacy and Daniel catch up after a three-month hiatus. First, Stacy offers an update about moving to Salt Lake City. Is that ever going to happen? Then, Daniel chats about his timeline for listing the cottage for sale. He follows up with updates about his vacation to Barbados (sun poisoning!), lake cottage ceilin…
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Tara Mangini & Percy Bright of Jersey Ice Cream Co Design
56:46
56:46
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56:46
In today's episode, the finale of Season 10, Stacy and Daniel discuss best practices for a clean, healthy, and mostly dry basement. Then, Stacy and Daniel welcome Tara Mangini and Percy Bright, the legendary design team behind Jersey Ice Cream Co. Tara and Percy have traded their nomadic lifestyle for an 1880s farmhouse in upstate NY and most recen…
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This week, during the last minisode of season ten, Stacy and Daniel offer plenty of edutainment as they chat about their current projects. Stacy recently wrapped up a hall painting project, so she asks Daniel how he chooses paint colors. Then, Stacy and Daniel talk about their color choices as children, and they agree that one of the perks of becom…
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Minisode: Tangents, Travel, and Trying New Things
26:01
26:01
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26:01
This week, Stacy is waylaid in Salt Lake City as back-to-back storms turned a long weekend into an 8-day trip. Soon after Stacy's travel update, Daniel apologizes for not correctly crediting architect Christopher Brandt for the information on Rochester Carpet we discussed during episode #108. Then, tangents abound during a conversation about enjoyi…
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A Cottage Built From Architectural Salvage + Smoothing Lumpy Plaster
48:52
48:52
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48:52
In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel answer a question about smoothing lumpy plaster in preparation for wallpaper. Later, they welcome Kylie McKay. Kylie is turning a 1940s garage into a cottage that blends well with the rest of the houses in her historic neighborhood. She is using architectural salvage for all of the windows, …
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This week, Stacy and Daniel usher in the new year by discussing how they wrapped up 2023. First, Stacy talks about her holiday trip to Palm Springs, California and Joshua Tree National Park. In true Daniel fashion, he explains how he once ended up in Palm Springs reassembling stage props from Mad Men, including Don Draper's credenza. Then, Daniel c…
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Training Future Preservation Tradespeople + One Tool We Can't Live Without
56:06
56:06
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56:06
In this episode, Daniel offers a fascinating follow-up on the thin wood flooring Brenden mentioned during episode #108. Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss the one tool they can't live without. Later, they welcome Chris Iannelli to the podcast. Chris heads up an inspiring program that trains 18-24-year-olds in preservation masonry w…
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This week, Daniel begins with a sad story about saying goodbye to his beloved dog, Mekko. Then, Stacy offers a positive update about her bathroom remodel, and Daniel explains the expensive boiler project going on at the cottage. Finally, Daniel talks about his last meeting as chairman of the board for the Kingston City Land Bank and the literal and…
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Hardwood Floor Talk with Brendan Brody of Queen City Restoration
55:42
55:42
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55:42
In today's episode, Daniel shares some good news about his work with the Kingston City Land Bank. Then, Stacy and Daniel wrap up their deep dive into floor restoration and the Young Tradesperson Series by welcoming floor restoration pro, Brendan Brody of Queen City Restoration. Brendon shares the story of his path to the trades and offers excellent…
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Minisode: Our Plumber is a Saint + Cute Dog Antics
28:15
28:15
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28:15
This week, Stacy's husband Andy fills in as co-host during Daniel's absence. First, Stacy discusses Millie's trip to the vet, and she explains the crafty way Millie managed to gain nine pounds even though she is on a carefully balanced eating and exercise schedule. Then, Andy and Stacy talk about the upstairs bathroom remodeling project. Stacy expr…
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Passive Floor Restoration + Matthew Reibs
54:40
54:40
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54:40
In today’s episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss the passive refinishing method for wood floors. Later, as part of the ongoing young tradesperson series, Stacy and Daniel chat with Matt Riebs from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Matt does a little bit of everything related to old houses. He began dabbling in the trades as a child, and a chanc…
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Minisode: Daniel's Mom Sets the Record Straight
40:38
40:38
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40:38
In today's very special "Momisode," Stacy and Daniel welcome Daniel's mom, Ricki. First, Stacy chats a little about a very confusing experience at the opera. Then, Daniel's mom joins them to set the record straight about one of Daniel's first sewing projects what really happened to Fidget the chinchilla the traits that make Daniel good at DIY the p…
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In today's very special "Momisode," Stacy and Daniel welcome Stacy's mom, Vera. First, Daniel talks a bit about how his idea to bring volunteer designers to the Kingston City Land Bank has not gone according to plan. Then, Stacy's mom joins them to share more information about her than you ever wanted to know, including but not limited to: the cond…
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Andrew Wing + Tips for Choosing New Flooring for Your Old House
49:35
49:35
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49:35
In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel offer tips for choosing new wood flooring for your old house. And later, as part of the Young Tradesperson Series, they chat with window restorer and all-around nice guy Andrew Wing. Many people first became acquainted with Andrew three years ago through Laine and Kevin Berry of Our Restorat…
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This week, Stacy and Daniel revisit the topic of burnout. Stacy is feeling better, but Daniel is still struggling to push through the overwhelm to complete the duplex and the cottage. Then, because bad tangents happen to good minisodes, they discuss their thoughts about life after death. Finally, Stacy and Daniel read leftover ghost stories submitt…
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In today's podcast, Stacy and Daniel devote the entire episode to spooky old house tales. First, Joe Peterson is back with a wild story about a photo missing from his home in New Brunswick. Later, a special guest reveals some Blake Hill House family secrets. In between, Stacy and Daniel read plenty more ghost stories submitted by the Instagram audi…
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Minisode: On the Fast Track Toward Burnout
31:45
31:45
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31:45
This week, Stacy and Daniel start with an update about their accountability partnership and the state of their current projects. Then, Daniel shares his feelings about training for a 5k and running in general. Later, Stacy and Daniel get brutally honest about how unrelenting deadlines and house projects have been leading them both toward the fast t…
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The Family Ghost + Wood Floor Finishes and Dogs
47:14
47:14
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47:14
In this episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss the best hardwood floor finishes for dog owners. Not all types of wood and floor finishes hold up well against scratches from dog claws. Stacy and Daniel share their experiences to help homeowners make a floor finish choice that is right for them. Later, homeowner Amanda kicks off spook…
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Minisode: Unexpected Demo + Behind the Scenes of In With the Old
33:57
33:57
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33:57
Oops! They did it again. In today's episode, Stacy and Daniel discuss some recently planned simple maintenance tasks that turned into near-total demolition and deconstruction projects. Stacy discovered catastrophic rot on her sleeping porch while Daniel pulled off an alarming amount of ceiling layers in the duplex. Then, Stacy and Daniel offer a hu…
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Refinishing Wood Floors with Tung Oil + Designer Reagan Leslie
56:22
56:22
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56:22
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel continue their deep dive into floor restoration by chatting with Rob Cagnetta from Sutherland Welles. Rob explains why tung oil is a good choice for floor refinishing, how it is made, and how Sutherland Welles makes their products smell so good. Later, Stacy and Daniel have a conversation with designer and preserva…
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Minisode: Cottage Updates + Daniel's Deportation Story
28:31
28:31
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28:31
This week, Stacy clarifies how Canadian citizens were blinded during the Halifax explosion. Next, Daniel is bummed about the state of the hardwood floors in Bluestone Cottage. Despite hiring out the job of floor refinishing to a pro, the results were disappointing. Then, on a cheerier note, Stacy and Daniel chat about the heartwarming show, The Wiz…
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Welcome to season ten of True Tales From Old Houses! In today's episode, during Q&A, Stacy and Daniel kick off a deep dive into wood floor restoration by discussing floor coating products they have used in their homes. Later, Stacy chats with Caitlyn of Restoration West. Stacy's conversation with Caitlyn is the first of the young tradesperson serie…
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Minisode: How We Spent Our Summer Vacations
33:19
33:19
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33:19
In this bonus minisode, Stacy and Daniel talk about how they spent their time this summer. First, they chat about the successful window workshop at Silver Lake, and Daniel's alter ego, Dan Kamder. Then, Daniel and Stacy share the exciting news that they are in episode #4 of In With The Old on the Magnolia Network. The episode features Daniel and Br…
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One Hundred Episodes and Counting: A Celebration!
1:18:57
1:18:57
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It's celebration time! We are incredibly grateful for your support, feedback, and engagement throughout the past one hundred episodes. It is your deep and abiding love of old homes and their stories that keeps us motivated to deliver True Tales From Old Houses each season. We are so excited to celebrate this incredible milestone with you. Cheers to…
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Minisode: More About Lustron Homes and an Emotional Land Bank Story
26:07
26:07
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26:07
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel briefly discuss their local 4th of July traditions. Then, much to Stacy's delight, Daniel offers his opinion on Hee Haw and a couple of other television shows from his childhood. Next, Stacy shares listener feedback about Lustron Homes and summarizes some of the more interesting facts she learned about these fascin…
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Bonus: Post-war Housing Solutions and Levittown
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47:31
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47:31
In today's bonus episode, Stacy and Daniel discuss post-war housing solutions, including Daniel's weird teenage fascination with Levittown, New York. From Lustron homes to planned communities, some of the most creative architects and designers put their collective heads together to solve the looming American housing shortage post-WWII. Most of the …
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Minisode: Lizards, Preservation Awards, and Tall Person Jobs
26:21
26:21
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In this episode, Stacy and Daniel briefly discuss lizards in Santa costumes. (Be sure to check out the show notes for photos: Minisode #4 Show Notes) Then, Daniel shares that the Kingston City Land Bank (KCLB) is in the running for a preservation award. Daniel talks about how rewarding it has been to volunteer for the organization and his passion f…
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Rebecca Hunter: Sears Homes and Other Kit Houses
1:00:25
1:00:25
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In today's episode, Stacy talks about her experience at the Missouri Preservation Conference, and Daniel gives a lake cottage update. Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel answer whether mid-century house enthusiasts can be members of the (figurative) old house club. And finally, they are excited to chat with one of the foremost experts on ma…
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Preservation Hero and Legend Bob Yapp Part II
54:46
54:46
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54:46
In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel answer a question from the archives. They discuss how they decorate their historic houses. Neither is into time capsule decorating, but both love incorporating antiques into the mix. And later, preservation hero and legend Bob Yapp is back for the second conversation in this two-part series.…
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In this episode, Stacy and Daniel talk about their early DIY influences. From PBS to TLC, the age gap between them has never been more apparent. Both learn that some of the early This Old House episodes don't hold up. Oh, Bob Vila, what were you thinking? Then, Stacy is appalled that Daniel has never heard of Hee Haw, so she gives him a homework as…
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In today's episode, Stacy and Daniel talk to preservation legend, Bob Yapp. Bob Yapp is the president of the national historic preservation consulting firm, Preservation Resources, Inc., and he conducts hands-on preservation events in cities and towns across America. Additionally, Bob founded and teaches at his school in Hannibal, Missouri, The Bel…
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Minisode: Breaking Up (With Contractors) is Hard to Do
28:18
28:18
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28:18
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel describe their survival of the fittest approach to gardening. Stacy also discusses her upcoming surgery and how the long recovery will affect her summer projects and plans. Then, Daniel explains the sad breakup with his long-time contractor and the frustration of continuing to pay people who do sloppy work. And Fin…
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