History Episodes

Feb. 3, 2025

153: Crafting Timeless Homes with Brent Hull

In this episode of True Tales from Old Houses, Contractor and preservationist Brent Hull joins hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter to talk craftsmanship, good design, and why historic homes deserve better. Plus, learn how psychic realtor...

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Oct. 28, 2024

151: Spooky Stories From Old Houses Part II

In this special October episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel return with Part II of their spooky stories compilation. Following the eerie encounters shared in Part I, this episode brings even more spine-tingling yet light-hearted...

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May 8, 2023

Episode #96: "Big Fancy Houses are a Gateway Drug": Caitlin Mee Kicks…

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...

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March 13, 2023

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

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 …

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Jan. 2, 2023

Episode #89: Laine Berry Shares Apocryphal Stories + Our Moving Plans

In today's episode, Laine Berry from Our Restoration Nation shares apocryphal stories. Apocryphal stories have a dubious origin, but they have been told so often that they are accepted as fact. Many of these tales are rooted in religion and...

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Nov. 21, 2022

Episode #86: Architectural Salvage Stories + The Best Reference Books…

In today’s episode, Stacy is back in the Hudson Valley for the first of two shows recorded in front of a live audience. Stacy talks to Reggie Young from Hudson Valley House Parts. Reggie explains the logistics of the architectural …

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Dec. 6, 2021

Episode #66: House of Brinson

On today's show, recorded in front of a live audience in Hudson Valley, New York, Stacy chats with Susan and William Brinson from House of Brinson. Eight years ago, Susan and Will left New York City and bought Stony Ford, …

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Oct. 25, 2021

Episode #63: Are You Responsible for Your Ghost?

In this episode, Stacy wonders, If you inherit a ghost, do you have to keep it? Guests Denise, Molly, and Brianna, share three different paranormal experiences that pique Stacy's curiosity about that moral conundrum. October is ghost story month, so...

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Oct. 11, 2021

Episode #62: Home Sweet Funeral Home: Keith Stachowiak

In this episode, Stacy welcomes Architect Keith Stachowiak from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Three years ago, Keith and his wife Elisa bought a former funeral home to convert into their primary residence. Keith's story is the first of two spooky, fun October...

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Sept. 27, 2021

Episode #61: Everyone Still Loves Cheap Old Houses

In today’s episode, Stacy is thrilled to welcome back Elizabeth Finkelstein from the wildly popular Instagram Account and recent HGTV and Discovery+ TV Series, Cheap Old Houses. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy...

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Sept. 13, 2021

Episode #60: Man with A Hammer

On today's episode, Stacy enjoys a conversation with Greg, a fun-loving Brit best known as Man with a Hammer, on Instagram. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy and John discuss ways to find a good contractor.

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June 7, 2021

Episode #55: House Crashing in Historic St. Joseph, Missouri

For today's special field trip episode, Stacy travels to historic St. Joseph, Missouri, to visit John Rodgers of Phoenix Preservation. Stacy and John chat about his path to the trades, what he wishes old house owners would stop doing, and …

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May 10, 2021

Episode #53: The Oldest Street in the US: Elfreth's Alley

In this episode, Stacy learns about Elfreth's Alley. Located in Philadelphia, Elfreth's Alley is the nation's oldest residential street. Stacy chats with Ted Maust, director of the Elfreth's Alley Museum, and long-time residents of the alley, Rob and Sue...

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March 29, 2021

Episode #50: Town Historian Robert Goller

In this, the 50th episode, Stacy is on location visiting Robert Goller, historian for the town of Aurora and village of East Aurora, New York. Stacy and Robert discuss methods for researching the history of an old house and how …

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March 1, 2021

Episode #48: On Location at The Tool Library, Buffalo, New York

In this episode, Stacy and Bill from Enon Hall discuss momentum and maintaining enthusiasm for long-term projects. Later, Stacy is on location at The Tool Library in Buffalo, New York. The city of Buffalo is comprised of around 90% old …

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