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True Tales From Old Houses

Podcasts

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 bi-weekly, host Stacy Grinsfelder shares personal project updates, listener Q & A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.

Location:

United States

Genres:

Podcasts

Description:

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 bi-weekly, host Stacy Grinsfelder shares personal project updates, listener Q & A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.

Language:

English


Episodes

Refinishing Wood Floors with Tung Oil + Designer Reagan Leslie

9/25/2023
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 preservationist Reagan Leslie. Reagan is taking Peoria, Illinois, by storm with her unstoppable drive to improve housing within her community and preserve old homes. Reagan was also part of season one of Cheap Old Houses on HGTV, and she recently bought a house from the newly formed Peoria land bank. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Duration:00:56:22

Minisode: Cottage Updates + Daniel's Deportation Story

9/18/2023
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 Wizard of Paws, because what's cuter than a mini horse frolicking in a paddock? Finally, Daniel gives the audience what they want by explaining why he once got deported from Canada. WE LOVE OUR SPONSOR Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

Duration:00:28:31

Season Ten Begins

9/11/2023
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 series that will take place this season. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Duration:00:50:47

Minisode: How We Spent Our Summer Vacations

9/7/2023
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 Brad rehabbing Brad's lake cottage, while Stacy plays a small role teaching window restoration. Next, Daniel explains why he chose bright yellow paint for one of the bedrooms in his cottage in Kingston, and he and Stacy realize they are starting to share a brain. Finally, Stacy discusses her recent trip to Canada, including how much she enjoyed riding the train across New Brunswick in a sleeper car. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

Duration:00:33:19

One Hundred Episodes and Counting: A Celebration!

7/17/2023
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 one hundred more! -Stacy and Daniel In today's show, Stacy and Daniel mark the 100th episode by chatting with four previous guests to see what they are up to now. Get ready to be inspired by their remarkable stories all over again. Between each interview, Stacy and Daniel also announce the winners of the 100th episode giveaways, generously offered by the season nine sponsors linked below. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until the end of September, use the summer coupon code FIXIT10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order.

Duration:01:18:57

Minisode: More About Lustron Homes and an Emotional Land Bank Story

7/11/2023
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 fascinating metal houses. Finally, Daniel describes a potentially awkward encounter at a Kingston City Land Bank home that turned into a sweet and emotional reconciliation of the past and present. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

Duration:00:26:07

Bonus: Post-war Housing Solutions and Levittown

7/3/2023
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 ideas failed spectacularly, but it was a time like no other for innovation and problem-solving. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until July 7, use the coupon code WORK10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order.

Duration:00:47:31

Minisode: Lizards, Preservation Awards, and Tall Person Jobs

6/26/2023
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 for rehabbing the land bank homes from a preservation mindset. Daniel also describes the process of matching families with KCLB homes and how emotional it is to be a part of changing families' lives. Finally, Stacy puffs up to her full five feet four inches tall and explains how it feels to be the tall person in her mother's house. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

Duration:00:26:21

Rebecca Hunter: Sears Homes and Other Kit Houses

6/19/2023
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 mail-order houses, Rebecca Hunter. Rebecca clarifies the difference between Sears Homes and other kit houses. She also explains the fascinating details of ordering and building a house that arrived in the mail. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until June 30, use the coupon code REVIVE10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order.

Duration:01:00:25

Preservation Hero and Legend Bob Yapp Part II

6/5/2023
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. Recently, Bob made the difficult decision to tear down an old house vs. restoring it. He breaks down the reason for that heartwrenching choice and offers details about the historically sympathetic infill house he is building in its place. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until June 16, use the coupon code WINDOW10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order.

Duration:00:54:46

Minisode: Our Early DIY Influences

5/30/2023
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 assignment to learn more about it and report back. Next, Daniel discusses his brief stint as a high school jock and how that led him to the theatre department almost immediately. Finally, Stacy and Daniel talk about the classes they wish they could have taken in high school and how those classes might have benefitted them today. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

Duration:00:31:48

Preservation Hero and Legend Bob Yapp

5/22/2023
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 Belvedere School for Hands-On Preservation. Also, Wendi Pettett from the Demolished Salt Lake Podcast offers a happy update on the historic building that Stacy stumbled upon during one of her visits to Salt Lake City. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until June 3, use the coupon code WOOD10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order.

Duration:00:56:05

Minisode: Breaking Up (With Contractors) is Hard to Do

5/16/2023
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 Finally, Stacy and Daniel make a pact to practice self-control when it comes to micromanaging designers and contractors. Wish them luck. They're going to need it. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

Duration:00:28:18

"Big Fancy Houses are a Gateway Drug": Caitlin Mee Kicks off Historic Preservation Month

5/8/2023
In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss which inspection professionals to call during the old home buying process. And later, Georgia-based preservationist Caitlin Mee kicks off National Historic Preservation Month on True Tales From Old Houses. Caitlin, also known as The Preservation Peach on Instagram, shares her path to the academic side of preservation. She also explains her passion for moving the focus away from big fancy houses in favor of celebrating the architectural relevance of modest historic homes and the cultural contributions of the people who lived there then and now. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until May 19, use the coupon code FIX10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order.

Duration:00:58:42

Minisode: Chatty Chat Chat

5/2/2023
In this episode, the very first minisode, Stacy and Daniel explain why they are adding minisodes and how they differ from the typical format of True Tales From Old Houses. Stacy also discusses the stress and emotion of getting Blake Hill House ready for sale and the bleak Salt Lake City real estate market where house flipping is the norm. Daniel tries to convince Stacy that his nine-year Blue Stone Cottage house project is a slow flip, and both Stacy and Daniel get vulnerable about what it's really like to work on old houses when their partners aren't into it. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

Duration:00:27:15

Selling Historic Real Estate in Los Angeles + Prioritizing Old House Projects

4/24/2023
In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss how to prioritize old house projects when you're short on time. And later, they chat with Erin Keegan. Erin loves old houses, and she and her business partner, Ben, have made it their brand to match buyers with historic properties in the crazy real estate market of Los Angeles, California. This episode is marked explicit because the phrase "resting b***h face" was used lightheartedly during the interview. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until May 5, use the coupon code SPRING10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order. TRAVEL: Read all the details and book the True Tales From Old Houses 2023 Canadian Adventure Call Holiday Vacations to travel to Canada with Stacy - 888-867-2190

Duration:00:51:58

Creating a Home in the Catskills + How to Handle Unsolicited Advice

4/10/2023
In today's episode, Stacy and Daniel talk about handling unsolicited advice on social media and from friends and family in real life. And later, you'll meet architectural designer Christienne Dobson. Christienne and her husband and baby moved from Harlem to the Catskills full-time during the pandemic. They are building a home and community in rural New York and couldn't be happier. Christienne uses her training and talent to bring life to their vernacular farmhouse. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until May 5, use the coupon code SPRING10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order. TRAVEL: Read all the details and book the True Tales From Old Houses 2023 Canadian Adventure

Duration:00:53:09

Grassroots Building Preservation in Murray, Utah + The Merits of Lead Safety Certification

3/27/2023
In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss the merits of lead safety training and certification for old house owners. And later, Stacy talks to Amy and Rachel from the Historic Murray First Foundation in Murray, Utah. In an area of the United States where historic buildings are being destroyed routinely in the name of progress, the Historic Murray First Foundation is fighting to save Murray's built environment and its history as a vibrant and cosmopolitan western town. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until April 7, use the coupon code REPAIR10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order. TRAVEL: Read all the details and book the True Tales From Old Houses 2023 Canadian Adventure

Duration:00:55:42

A Victorian by the Bay + Stacy and Daniel Play Floor Plan Detective

3/13/2023
In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss ways to determine the original floor plan of an old house. And later, they chat with Gina Bellous. Gina's dream of owning a Victorian Bed and Breakfast is coming true in her little cottage nestled near the bay of San Pedro, California. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until March 24, use the coupon code EPOXY10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order. TRAVEL: Read all the details and book the True Tales From Old Houses 2023 Canadian Adventure

Duration:00:54:27

The Aurora Restoration Project + Tips for Wallpapering Crooked Plaster Walls

2/27/2023
In today's episode, the first of season nine, Stacy welcomes a new co-host, Daniel Kanter. During listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss special considerations for wallpapering crooked plaster walls. And later, Stacy and Daniel chat with Christopher Wilson, owner of the Aurora, a 1955 cruise ship he is restoring in Stockton, California. Christopher bought the Aurora off of Craigslist, and since the purchase, he's been living on the boat and working with a steady stream of volunteers to bring the ship back to life. Subscribe to the Aurora Restoration YouTube Channel. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Preservan - A unique preservation franchise opportunity developed by long-time window restoration pro, Ty McBride - Learn more about becoming a part of the Preservan family and mission: PreservanFranchise.com/truetales. Abatron: A division of U-C Coatings - Abatron manufactures two of Stacy's favorite products, LiquidWood, and WoodEpox. From now until March 10, use the coupon code RESTORE10 at Abatron.com for 10% off your order. TRAVEL: Read all the details and book the True Tales From Old Houses 2023 Canadian Adventure

Duration:00:52:41