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This Old House Radio Hour

This Old House Radio Hour

American Public Media 66 Episodes Jul 25, 2026

This Old House Radio Hour is a weekly home improvement podcast hosted by This Old House editor Jenn Largesse. Featuring experts like general contractor Zack Dettmore, plumbing and HVAC specialist Richard Trethewey, and landscape designer Jenn Nawada, the show offers practical, step-by-step solutions to real home improvement problems. Episodes cover topics such as plumbing, electrical upgrades, bathroom remodels, basement waterproofing, HVAC maintenance, flooring installation, window repair, and insulation tips. The podcast answers listener questions and provides actionable advice for DIYers and homeowners.

Episodes

The Right Way to Load Your Dishwasher + Colson Whitehead’s Family Retreat + Grow Backyard Fruit
The Right Way to Load Your Dishwasher + Colson Whitehead’s Family Retreat + Grow Backyard Fruit Jul 25, 2026 00:50:46 Is there really a right way to load a dishwasher? Technology expert Alec Watson explains the science behind cleaner dishes, why you should stop pre-rinsing, and how a few simple changes can improve your dishwasher's performance. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead reflects on the modest Sag Harbor cottage that has been at the heart of his family's summers for generations. In Th
The Right Way to Load Your Washing Machine + Mary H.K. Choi's Texas Home + Contractor Truths
The Right Way to Load Your Washing Machine + Mary H.K. Choi's Texas Home + Contractor Truths Jul 17, 2026 00:50:47 The debate over front-load versus top-load washing machines has homeowners fiercely divided, but laundry expert Zach Pozniak says the science points to one clear winner. Then, bestselling author Mary H. K. Choi reflects on moving from a tiny Hong Kong apartment to an enormous Texas house that never quite felt like home. Plus, This Old House’s Zack Dettmore pulls back the curtain on why so
Avoid Locksmith Scams + Adam Rehmeier’s Hollywood Hideaway + Carpet Buying 101
Avoid Locksmith Scams + Adam Rehmeier’s Hollywood Hideaway + Carpet Buying 101 Jul 14, 2026 00:49:52 Getting locked out of your house is stressful enough, but choosing the wrong locksmith could turn it into a $1,000-dollar mistake. Locksmith Phil Mortillaro reveals the biggest red flags of a locksmith scam and how to make sure you're hiring someone you can trust. Then, filmmaker Adam Rehmeier looks back on the ramshackle Hollywood Hills cabin where he chased his dream of becoming a direc
Color Therapy at Home  + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Paradise + Fenway Park Lawn Secrets
Color Therapy at Home + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Paradise + Fenway Park Lawn Secrets Jul 7, 2026 00:49:52 Can the color of your walls actually affect your mood? Therapist-turned-designer Anita Yokota explains the science behind color and how to use it to create calmer, more productive spaces. Comedian Tom Papa takes us inside the beloved Jersey Shore beach house that became the heart of his family's summers. Former Red Sox groundskeeper David Miller shares the secrets behind Fenway Park's ico
Unclog Any Drain + David Sedaris’ N.C. Retreat + Contractor Installation Red Flags
Unclog Any Drain + David Sedaris’ N.C. Retreat + Contractor Installation Red Flags Jun 30, 2026 00:50:08 A stubborn clog doesn't always require harsh chemicals. Chicago plumber Benjamin Vance explains how a wet/dry vacuum, a towel, and a few simple tools can clear drains throughout your home. Author David Sedaris shares the story of finally buying the North Carolina beach house his family had dreamed about for decades, and why it remains deeply connected to memories of his mother. Plus, Cont
Air Conditioning Myths + Ben Gleib's Mid-Century Studio + The Garage Conversion Guide
Air Conditioning Myths + Ben Gleib's Mid-Century Studio + The Garage Conversion Guide Jun 23, 2026 00:49:50 Every dad seems to have a theory about the thermostat, but does turning off your AC, closing vents, or buying a bigger unit actually save money? Building science expert Allison Bailes shares the smartest ways to stay cool without driving up your energy bill. Then, comedian Ben Gleib takes us inside his San Fernando Valley home, a modest mid-century house transformed into a late-night tele
Hantavirus Warning Signs +  Annabelle Gurwitch’s Healing Wallpaper + Backyard Water Features
Hantavirus Warning Signs + Annabelle Gurwitch’s Healing Wallpaper + Backyard Water Features Jun 16, 2026 00:49:51 Hantavirus may be rare, but it can pose a serious risk to homeowners dealing with rodent infestations. Dr. Zachary Rubin explains where the virus hides, how to safely clean up droppings, and the warning signs every homeowner should know. Then, writer Annabelle Gurwitch shares how a roll of vintage wallpaper helped transform a room filled with painful memories into a place of healing and h
Hard Water Woes + Ann Patchett’s Wild Childhood Home + Heat Pump Advantages
Hard Water Woes + Ann Patchett’s Wild Childhood Home + Heat Pump Advantages Jun 9, 2026 00:49:52 Hard water is quietly damaging your pipes, appliances, hair, and skin. Plumbing expert Tucker Yarbrough explains what causes it, how to spot it, and the best solutions for every budget. Then, bestselling author Ann Patchett takes us back to the wild Tennessee farm of her childhood. Plus, building engineer Ross Trethewey explains why understanding your home as a system can save you thousan
No More Open Kitchens + Fab 5 Freddy’s Harlem Brownstone + Fence Building 101
No More Open Kitchens + Fab 5 Freddy’s Harlem Brownstone + Fence Building 101 Jun 2, 2026 00:49:51 Open floor plans promised connection and convenience, but more homeowners are starting to want their walls back. Architect Alexander Dahlgren-Jawad explains why separate rooms may actually make homes more functional, private, and comfortable. Then, hip hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy takes us inside his historic Harlem brownstone filled with jazz history, original woodwork, and stories from the
Cleaning Dirty Ducts + Sheng Wang’s Bayou Childhood + Forced Air vs. Baseboard Heat
Cleaning Dirty Ducts + Sheng Wang’s Bayou Childhood + Forced Air vs. Baseboard Heat May 26, 2026 00:49:56 A five-foot snake inside the ductwork?! This week on Radio Hour, we uncover the strange, dusty, and sometimes creepy world hiding inside your vents — and what actually happens during a duct cleaning. Comedian Sheng Wang takes us back to his packed suburban Houston childhood home, where 12 relatives shared one house and the neighborhood bayou became an endless adventure. Plus, House Therap
Vacation-Proof Your Home + Italian Family Memories + Attic Renovation Secrets
Vacation-Proof Your Home + Italian Family Memories + Attic Renovation Secrets May 19, 2026 00:50:21 Before you leave for vacation, your home might need a checklist of its own. Home maintenance expert Kyshawn Lane shares the simple steps that can help prevent leaks, odors, pests, and costly surprises while you’re away. Then, “Bare Feet” on PBS host Mickela Mallozzi reflects on growing up in a loud, loving Italian-American home in Stamford, Connecticut, where food, family, and constant re
Grow Better Tomatoes + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Chaos + The Shed Showdown
Grow Better Tomatoes + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Chaos + The Shed Showdown May 12, 2026 00:50:20 Tomatoes are the holy grail of the home garden, but getting them right isn’t always easy. This week, Farmer Dean shares a simple, surprisingly effective way to grow thriving plants almost anywhere, no backyard required. Then, comedian Tom Papa takes us back to his childhood beach house on the Jersey Shore, where 17 people, one bathroom, and endless pasta dinners somehow added up to pure m

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