This Old House Radio Hour: Home Improvement Tips, Expert Advice

This Old House Radio Hour: Your Trusted Source for Home Improvement Expertise

For over four decades, This Old House has been America’s most trusted source for home improvement, craftsmanship, and restoration guidance. Now, that same expertise is available in a new format: This Old House Radio Hour, a weekly podcast and radio program designed to help homeowners, renters, and DIY enthusiasts tackle their home improvement challenges with confidence. Hosted by This Old House editor Jenn Largesse and featuring fan-favorite experts from the beloved television series, the show brings practical advice, inspiring stories, and proven solutions directly to your ears.

What Is This Old House Radio Hour?

This Old House Radio Hour is your new destination for all things home improvement, DIY, and restoration. Each week, the program delivers a unique blend of practical advice with rich storytelling, celebrating the art of doing things right—whether you’re tackling a simple DIY project, renovating a historic home, or simply fascinated by the way we shape and are shaped by the spaces we live in.

Produced in partnership with LAist-89.3 and distributed by American Public Media (APM), the show airs weekends on public radio and is available on-demand across major podcast platforms. Listeners can tune in to their local public radio affiliate for current broadcast times or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms to access episodes anytime.

Meet Your Host: Jenn Largesse

Hosting the program is Jenn Largesse, the editor of This Old House magazine and an accomplished writer and producer with deep roots in both building and storytelling. As the daughter of a carpenter and an English teacher, Jenn has spent her entire life honing her passion for woodworking and writing. In 2001, she relocated from Michigan to New York City to combine these interests into a career with This Old House, where she has worked for nearly a decade.

During her tenure, Jenn has produced and written numerous columns and features, including Weekend Remodel, Homecenter Project with Tom Silva, Starter Kit, and Build It or Buy It. Her extensive work with the This Old House staff and cast, along with her own on-camera appearances, has strengthened her passion for sharing knowledge and teaching others how to approach home improvement with confidence and expertise.

Expert Contributors and Cast Members

What sets This Old House Radio Hour apart is access to the show’s roster of trusted experts and beloved cast members, each bringing specialized knowledge to address listener questions and concerns. Regular contributors include:

Zack Dettmore – General Contractor

Zack provides comprehensive guidance on general construction matters, helping listeners understand the broader context of their renovation projects and how different components work together.

Richard Trethewey – Plumbing and HVAC Specialist

Richard shares his extensive expertise in plumbing systems and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), offering practical solutions to some of the most complex home systems homeowners encounter.

Jenn Nawada – Landscape Designer

Jenn brings outdoor design expertise to the show, helping listeners understand how to enhance their exterior spaces through thoughtful landscaping and outdoor improvements.

What You’ll Learn Each Episode

Each episode of This Old House Radio Hour tackles real home improvement problems with step-by-step solutions and actionable advice. The program covers an extensive range of topics relevant to homeowners and renters, including:

Core Topics Covered

– Plumbing repairs and upgrades- Electrical system improvements- HVAC maintenance and optimization- Bathroom remodels and upgrades- Basement waterproofing solutions- Flooring installation and repair- Window repair and replacement- Insulation techniques and improvements- Framing and structural considerations- Finishing and trim work- Interior design and aesthetic improvements- Historic home restoration techniques- Seasonal home maintenance checklists

Format and Structure of Episodes

Each episode is thoughtfully structured to provide maximum value to listeners. The show combines several key elements:

Listener Question Segments

The foundation of each episode is answering real questions from listeners who are facing genuine home improvement challenges. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned weekend warrior, your questions are welcome and will receive expert guidance from the show’s specialized hosts.

Expert Advice and Guidance

Beyond answering specific questions, the show’s experts share broader insights about home improvement best practices, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies for achieving professional-quality results.

Renovation Technique Breakdowns

Complex renovation techniques are broken down into understandable components, helping listeners grasp not just the “how” but also the “why” behind proper home improvement methodology.

Smart Fixes for Everyday Challenges

The show highlights practical, cost-effective solutions to common household problems, helping listeners maximize their budgets while achieving lasting results.

Inspiring Restoration Stories

Beyond technical advice, This Old House Radio Hour celebrates the people behind home improvement projects. The show highlights powerful stories of artisans, builders, and visionaries, showcasing the craftsmanship and passion that goes into creating beautiful, functional homes. From historic restorations to complete transformations, these stories demonstrate the art of doing things right.

Why This Old House Radio Hour Matters

In an era when housing and home improvement are top concerns for many Americans, This Old House Radio Hour provides accessible, trustworthy guidance. The show is particularly significant given the ongoing challenges many communities face with housing issues and the need for quality renovation expertise.

As noted by Shana Naomi Krochmal, VP of LAist Studios, “Southern California is home to every type of dwelling and architecture, and the LAist audience has consistently identified housing issues as a top interest. As so many in our community begin the long and difficult process to rebuild and resettle, we hope this show can be a familiar and helpful companion.” This sentiment applies broadly across the country, making the show a valuable resource during times of both planned renovations and urgent rebuilding efforts.

Who Should Listen?

This Old House Radio Hour serves a diverse audience, including:

– First-time homeowners navigating their first renovation projects- DIY enthusiasts seeking to expand their skills and tackle new challenges- Experienced renovators looking for professional-level guidance on complex projects- Historic home owners committed to preserving and restoring older properties- Renters interested in understanding home systems and maintenance- Property managers and landlords seeking reliable advice on maintenance and repairs- Students and apprentices interested in building trades and craftsmanship- Architecture and design enthusiasts fascinated by how buildings are constructed and improved

From Television to Radio: Expanding Access

This Old House has successfully translated its television format to radio and podcasting, making expert home improvement guidance available in a format that fits modern lifestyles. Whether you’re commuting to work, doing household chores, or simply prefer audio content, the radio hour brings the same trusted expertise that has made the television show beloved for decades.

The weekly schedule allows listeners to anticipate new episodes and develop a routine around learning about home improvement. The on-demand podcast format ensures you can catch up on episodes at your own pace, reviewing specific topics as needed for your projects.

How to Access This Old House Radio Hour

Radio Broadcast

The show airs weekends on participating public radio stations. Check your local public radio affiliate for specific broadcast times and frequencies in your area.

Podcast Platforms

Subscribe on major podcast platforms including:

– Apple Podcasts- Spotify- Google Podcasts- Other podcast aggregators and streaming services

On-Demand Access

Episodes are available on-demand through the official This Old House website and through American Public Media’s distribution network, allowing you to access content whenever it works for your schedule.

The Philosophy Behind This Old House Radio Hour

At its core, This Old House Radio Hour is built on the principle that homes matter. The spaces we live in shape our lives, and taking care of those spaces with knowledge, skill, and intention creates lasting value—both practical and emotional. The show celebrates the art of doing things right, whether that means using proper techniques, selecting quality materials, or respecting the architectural heritage of older homes.

The combination of practical expertise and storytelling reflects This Old House’s broader mission: to empower people to take control of their living spaces and to honor the craftsmanship that goes into building and maintaining homes.

Building a Better Home, One Episode at a Time

Whether you’re planning a major renovation, tackling regular maintenance, or simply want to better understand the systems that keep your home functioning, This Old House Radio Hour offers the guidance you need. With weekly episodes packed with actionable advice from trusted experts, inspiring stories from real renovation projects, and practical solutions to common challenges, the show delivers value that listeners can immediately apply to their own homes.

Start building a better home today by subscribing to This Old House Radio Hour on your favorite podcast platform or tuning in to your local public radio station. Each episode brings you closer to the knowledge and confidence needed to approach home improvement with the same expertise and dedication that have made This Old House America’s most trusted home improvement resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does This Old House Radio Hour air?

A: The show airs weekends on participating public radio stations beginning March 22nd, with on-demand episodes available starting March 25th. Check your local public radio affiliate for specific times.

Q: Can I listen to episodes after they air?

A: Yes, all episodes are available on-demand through major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as through the This Old House website and American Public Media’s distribution network.

Q: How can I submit a question for the show?

A: You can submit home improvement questions to be answered on the show through the This Old House website or through the podcast platforms where episodes are distributed. Check the show’s official channels for current submission guidelines.

Q: Who are the main experts on the show?

A: Host Jenn Largesse is joined by This Old House’s trusted experts including Zack Dettmore (general contractor), Richard Trethewey (plumbing and HVAC specialist), Jenn Nawada (landscape designer), and other featured TOH cast members.

Q: Is the show suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, This Old House Radio Hour is designed for listeners at all skill levels, from first-time DIYers to experienced renovators. Each episode covers topics with varying complexity levels.

Q: Does the show cover historic home restoration?

A: Yes, the show regularly features stories and advice related to historic home restoration, celebrating the craftsmanship and special considerations involved in preserving older homes.