True Tales From Old Houses
130 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 173 ratingsTrue 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 weekly, hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter share personal project updates, listener Q&A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.
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Episodes
Rhonda's Colorful Life
April 27, 2020 13:05 - 51 minutes - 117 MBIn today's episode, Devyn and Stacy answer the listener question, "How do you choose a color scheme for a large house?" Continuing the color theme, today's guest is artisan, Rhonda Deeg, from RLD Glass Art and Restoration. Rhonda's life has been full of rich, cultural experiences as well as many practical life lessons she learned from her parents early-on. Rhonda's passion for glass and life-long learning shines brightly. This interview kicks off a two-episode series from Stacy's Februa...
A Different Kind of House Moving Story
April 13, 2020 14:41 - 43 minutes - 49.7 MBIn this episode, Devyn and Stacy answer the following question submitted by a listener: "How do you furnish your homes? What type of antiques?" Also, Today's guest is Paige. Paige and her husband Trevor have a house moving story--with a twist! After finding their dream fixer-upper in Seattle, Washington, Paige and Trevor made renovation plans. However, they soon discovered that the city's bureaucracy wouldn't budge an inch. For more information and transcripts, visit, TrueTalesFromOldH...
Window Restoration Q & A With Scott Sidler
March 30, 2020 15:21 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBIn this episode, Stacy spends a full hour with Scott Sidler from The Craftsman Blog. He answers all your window restoration questions in a fun game show format. Be sure to visit TrueTalesFromOldHouses.com linked below for the show notes, which include complete transcripts of this episode. Episode #27
Lead, Mold, and Asbestos, Oh my!
March 16, 2020 17:11 - 45 minutes - 46.2 MBDuring this episode, Stacy and Devyn revisit the listener question, "Have you ever lived in a newer construction home? If so, what did you like and dislike about it?" Today's guest, Tyler, is doing his best to make sound renovation and restoration decisions regarding lead, mold, and asbestos while living adjacent to a Superfund site. Complicating matters is that he and his wife are parents to a toddler and a tiny baby. With a background in construction, Tyler provides a clear snapshot of h...
The Greener Good and the Neighborhood - Part II
March 02, 2020 15:08 - 42 minutes - 52.8 MBIn this episode, after a long absence for medical treatment, Devyn is back! Stacy and Devyn answer a listener's question, "How do you heat and cool your houses?" Today's guest is Ashley Goldman, a serial researcher with a focus on sustainability and making our old houses as energy-efficient as possible. She also has insight into what it is like to live in a designated historic district. This episode of part two of two. (Listen to part one.)
The Greener Good and the Neighborhood - Part I
February 17, 2020 17:00 - 37 minutes - 43.4 MBIn this episode, Stacy brings you up to date on the restoration and renovation projects going on at Blake Hill House and Devyn's Philadelphia rowhouse. After, Stacy and Devyn answer a listener question, "How old is an old house?" Today's guest is Ashley Goldman, a serial researcher with a focus on sustainability and making our old houses as energy-efficient as possible. She also has insight into what it's like to live in a designated historic district. This episode of part one of two.
The Fine Line Between Hoarding and Collecting
February 03, 2020 15:41 - 36 minutes - 46.8 MBIn this episode, Stacy begins by answering the following question from a listener: "Have you ever lived in a new construction home? If so, what did you like and dislike about it?" Then, Stacy sits down with listener-turned-guest, David Stahl. Stacy and David discuss how he and his wife became the inadvertent owners of two building's worth of architectural salvage, their plans for it all, and that fine line between hoarding and collecting. Be sure to check out True Tales From Old Houses -...
Cathy and Garrett Poshusta: It's All in the Details
January 20, 2020 17:36 - 46 minutes - 56.8 MBNow that season three is underway, Stacy talks about how she started and almost quit producing True Tales From Old Houses. The learning curve was steep. Then, Stacy spends time with the very talented Cathy and Garrett Poshusta from The Grit and Polish blog and Instagram. They talk about design inspiration, fun old house finds, and what it's really like to film a pilot for HGTV. Be sure to check out truetalesfromoldhouses.com - 22 for notes, links, and photos from this episode.
Amy Sees Beauty in the Rubble
January 06, 2020 20:23 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBIt's officially Season 3! Struggling to get past a case of the neverending Mondays, Stacy talks about window restoration, The Year of the Window at Blake Hill House, and she offers an update on Devyn's health. During Segment II, Stacy welcomes guest, Amy Heavilin. Amy writes a blog at VivaciousVictorian.com, and she started the hashtag #52WeeksofHome on Instagram. As a woman with a clear sense of vision and purpose, Amy sees beauty where other people might only see rubble.
Paige is a DIY Dynamo
November 25, 2019 17:42 - 49 minutes - 43.7 MBTo celebrate the end of season two, today's show is a special double-length episode. During Part I, you'll be happy to hear a familiar voice. Devyn is on a break between chemo & radiation and surgery. He felt well enough to chat about his treatment and our house plans moving into 2020. During Part II, we wrap up the season with a passionate and engaging guest. It was my pleasure to chat with Paige Sander, best known on Instagram as Farmhouse Vernacular.
The Gift and Curse of DIY Perfectionism
November 11, 2019 19:57 - 33 minutes - 37.8 MBIn today's episode, my guest, Jason Lamb, is involved in a long-term restoration and renovation project with no end in sight. He and I sat down to talk about the benefit and curse of perfectionism, burnout, buying an old house, and whether or not he would do it all over again.
Bad News, Natalie, You've Got Haints! and Other Stories
October 31, 2019 16:49 - 38 minutes - 32.9 MBDuring October, we received so many spooky old house stories that we put three of them together for this bonus Halloween episode. From the Catskills of New York to small-town Georgia, our guests report unexplained sounds, smells, and songs. Story #1: Casey and the Shadow People Story #2: Charlie Hears a Whisper Story #3: Bad News Natalie, You've Got Haints!
Ghost Story: This Is Not a Dad Joke
October 21, 2019 19:38 - 26 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, Stacy, acting as a field reporter, walks a very short distance to interview guest, Andy Grinsfelder. When Andy was a kid, he had three unexplained brushes with possible paranormal activity. Knowing that Andy is a lifelong skeptic, Stacy is shocked to hear these stories for the first time. Although there is plenty of laughter throughout the episode, there is no punchline because this is not a Dad Joke. Side note: This episode gets a little creepy, so it may not be suitable...
Ghost Story: The Party Don't Stop Just 'Cause You're Dead
October 07, 2019 15:55 - 32 minutes - 31.1 MBThis episode kicks off an entire month of Ghost Stories on True Tales From Old Houses. In this episode, first-time homebuyers, Susan and Will Brinson of House of Brinson, tell Stacy how they ended up with their giant fixer-upper. Once a hot spot for selling horses and entertaining, Stony Ford Estate has confirmed to Susan and Will that "the party don't stop just 'cause you're dead."
Ron's Retirement Project Isn't Golfing
September 23, 2019 16:54 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode, Stacy starts off with some difficult news about Devyn's health. Next, when many people retire, they look forward to days of leisure at home or traveling. Today's guest, Ron and his wife, who he affectionately refers to as "upper management," bought a 4000 square foot Gothic Victorian instead. Nine years into their long-term restoration, Ron is full of humor and insight.
Fan Favorite Ash Dump Archaeology
September 09, 2019 16:02 - 27 minutes - 20.2 MBThis week, Devyn and Stacy both had to take an unexpected leave of absence. So, today's episode is a repeat of a fan favorite--the one that started it all, Ash Dump Archeology with special guest, Donn Grenda. The original air date was September 9, 2018. In this episode, Stacy explains how she and Andy ended up buying Blake Hill House. Also, archaeologist Donn Grenda discovers 60 year's worth of artifacts from the clogged fireplaces in his craftsman style home. Donn's discovery sparked his ...
Catherine Brooks Speedheater Superhero
August 26, 2019 19:43 - 33 minutes - 32 MBIn this episode, Stacy first recaps her traveling adventures and observations about beautiful Japan. During segment two, Devyn and Stacy welcome Catherine Brooks from Eco-Strip--the sole distributor of Speedheater™ infrared paint strippers and tools. Catherine's passion for infrared technology and lead-safety education makes her the superhero we need in the old house community.
What Would Devyn and Stacy Do?
August 12, 2019 10:00 - 14 minutes - 15.3 MBIn today's mini-episode, Devyn and Stacy discuss restoration and renovation conundrums--Q&A style. Find out the answers to these burning questions: What would compel Devyn to paint woodwork? How does Stacy feel about vintage toilets? Will Devyn ever commit to installing the recessed lighting in his parlor? Can vegans even use shellac?
Take Me To Church
July 29, 2019 17:58 - 38 minutes - 49.7 MBAt the beginning of this episode, Devyn and Stacy discuss their summer vacations and Stacy's weird hobby. No matter where they go, old houses and old buildings make their way onto the travel agenda. During segment two, Devyn and Stacy welcome Gunther and Anastasiia, a Husband and Wife duo living in a converted Gothic Revival Episcopal church. This charming duo is known as All Saints House on Instagram. They share the ups and downs of going to church every single day, lost in trans...
Everyone Loves Cheap Old Houses and Elizabeth Finkelstein
July 15, 2019 13:10 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBSeason Two Begins! In this episode, Stacy and Devyn welcome Elizabeth Finkelstein, a preservationist, writer, and owner of Cheap Old Houses and Circa Houses, both wildly successful Instagram accounts. Elizabeth also writes the monthly real estate column for Country Living magazine. Through her work, Elizabeth tirelessly champions the preservation of old houses, and she has connected countless people with the fixer-upper of their dreams.
Old House Love Moves A Bungalow Part 2
May 27, 2019 18:02 - 28 minutes - 32.9 MBIn this episode, Stacy's long-time dream of talking to someone who has moved an old house comes true. Larissa and Kris Munsch moved a bungalow, affectionately titled, "The Governor" from Ness City Kansas to their farm 71 miles away. The process was just as exciting and nervewracking as you can imagine. Thousands of people became acquainted with the Governor's journey first via Larissa's wildly popular Instagram account, Old House Love. With over 100k followers, Larissa never set out to be...
Old House Love Moves A Bungalow Part 1
May 13, 2019 20:44 - 30 minutes - 32.1 MBIn this episode, Stacy's long-time dream of talking to someone who has moved an old house comes true. Larissa and Kris Munsch moved a bungalow, affectionately titled, "The Governor" from Ness City Kansas to their farm 71 miles away. The process was just as exciting and nervewracking as you can imagine. Thousands of people became acquainted with the Governor's journey first via Larissa's wildly popular Instagram account, Old House Love. With over 100k followers, Larissa never set out to be...
Devyn Knows a Thing or Two About Light Bulbs
April 22, 2019 22:08 - 38 minutes - 46.9 MBKelvins, watts, CRI, CFLs, LEDs. What does it all mean? In this episode, Devyn gives a history of the light bulb starting with the incandescent and ending up with his beloved LEDs. (It's true!) Memory lane is real, and we go there. Later in the episode, Devyn completely demystifies the overwhelming light bulb aisle for Stacy and anyone else who can't figure out which bulb to buy for their antique fixtures.
Scott Sidler Dances His Way into Historic Preservation
April 08, 2019 18:23 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBIn this Episode, Devyn and Stacy have a blast interviewing Scott Sidler from Austin Historical and The Craftsman Blog. Learn about Scott's unique path into historic preservation, his favorite kind of restoration work, and what in the world is a house sandwich? Tangents include Disney World, NPR, and the pole in the middle of the stripping room at Scott's workshop. It's not what you think! (This episode is rated PG for one suggestive comment.)
Lead Safety And Regional Differences in Old Windows
March 25, 2019 20:09 - 30 minutes - 34.2 MBIn This episode, Devyn and I chat briefly about the Historic Homes Workshop. Then, Joe Hayes, from Hayes Window Restoration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I discuss lead-safe practices for homeowners and regional differences in old windows. Do we do a lot of episodes about window restoration? Yes, we do. Is this episode different than the rest? Yes, it is. Grab a pen and paper. There's some good information here.
Stacy and Devyn Talk About Hardwood Floors
March 11, 2019 20:04 - 31 minutes - 44.7 MBIn this episode, meet Stacy's new co-host, Devyn Caldwell from OurPhillyRow.com. Devyn and Stacy discuss a brief history of hardwood floors and review three modern, but historically respectful floor refinishing products.
Steve Quillian's Artisan Army
February 07, 2019 18:54 - 36 minutes - 28 MBIn this episode, Steve Quillian, CEO, Craftsman and Historic Preservationist visits with me about his mission to spread joy and reverence for Historic Preservation and restoring old windows. Inspired by his ancestors and a love for community and helping others, Steve started something called the Artisan Army. He knows that as one person he can only accomplish so much, but an army of trained artisans will fan out across the USA and beyond to save historic windows and the preservation trades.
Debbie's Little Piece of History is Haunted
October 27, 2018 15:59 - 27 minutes - 18.1 MBEver since Debbie was eight years old, she has been passionate about Civil War History. So, imagine how happy it made her to buy a documented safe house on one of the routes of the Underground Railroad. Debbie was not in her dream house for long before unusual incidents began. Many people dismiss the unexplained, but she knew exactly what was happening. It turns out that Debbie's little piece of history is haunted.
Blake Hill House - Old Windows: Restore or Replace?
September 27, 2018 18:33 - 30 minutes - 20.4 MBRepair or replace those old windows? Which side of the debate do you land on? In this episode, Stacy talks about all the window work in BHH, and common sense rules she follows for restoration. Also, How many windows are there in her big old house? (It's a shocking amount!) The special guest on episode #2 is Ty McBride, CEO of Wood Window Rescue, in Oklahoma City. Ty discusses how he got started in the preservation trade, why he wants us all to restore instead of replace original windows, a...
Blake Hill House - Ash Dump Archaeology
September 04, 2018 18:26 - 27 minutes - 20 MBIn this episode, Stacy explains how she and Andy ended up buying Blake Hill House. Also, archaeologist Donn Grenda discovers 60 year's worth of artifacts from the clogged fireplaces in his craftsman style home. Donn's discovery sparked his interest in researching the history and folklore of the times. That led to some bizarre findings and a couple of nearly famous people.