Episodes

Oct. 9, 2023

Episode #103: The Family Ghost + Wood Floor Finishes and Dogs

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...

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Oct. 2, 2023

Minisode #8: Unexpected Demo + Behind the Scenes of In With the Old

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...

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Sept. 25, 2023

Episode #102: Refinishing Wood Floors with Tung Oil + Designer Reagan…

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...

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Sept. 18, 2023

Minisode #7: Cottage Updates + Daniel's Deportation Story

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...

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Sept. 11, 2023

Episode #101: Season Ten Begins

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...

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Sept. 7, 2023

Bonus Minisode: How We Spent Our Summer Vacations

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...

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July 17, 2023

Episode #100: One Hundred Episodes and Counting - A Celebration!

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...

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July 11, 2023

Minisode #5: More About Lustron Homes and an Emotional Land Bank Story

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...

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July 3, 2023

Bonus Episode: Post-War Housing Solutions & Levittown

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...

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June 26, 2023

Minisode #4: Lizards, Preservation Awards, and Tall Person Jobs

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel briefly discuss lizards in Santa costumes. (Be sure to check out the show notes for photos: ) Then, Daniel shares that the Kingston City Land Bank (KCLB) is in the running for a preservation award. Daniel talks about...

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June 19, 2023

Episode #99: Rebecca Hunter: Sears Homes and Other Kit Houses

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...

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June 5, 2023

Episode #98: Preservation Hero and Legend Bob Yapp Part II

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. ...

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May 30, 2023

Minisode #3: Our Early DIY Influences

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...

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May 22, 2023

Episode #97: Preservation Hero and Legend Bob Yapp - Part I

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...

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May 16, 2023

Minisode #2: Breaking Up (With Contractors) is Hard to Do

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...

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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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May 2, 2023

Minisode #1: Chatty Chat Chat

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...

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April 24, 2023

Episode #95: Selling Historic Real Estate in Los Angeles + Prioritizi…

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...

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April 10, 2023

Episode #94: Creating a Home in the Catskills + How to Handle Unsolic…

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...

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March 27, 2023

Episode #93: Grassroots Building Preservation in Murray, Utah + The M…

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...

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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 in her...

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Feb. 27, 2023

Episode #91: The Aurora Restoration Project + Tips for Wallpapering C…

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...

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Jan. 16, 2023

Episode #90: History Attic Research + Making Steel Casement Windows E…

In today’s episode, Scott Sidler joins Stacy for listener Q&A. Scott explains how to use Low-e glass to improve the energy efficiency of steel casement windows. And later, Stacy chats with sisters Linda McManus and Chris Wysocki, who own a...

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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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