How To Handyma’am | A Home Improvement Comedy Podcast

Welcome to a very special episode of How to Handyma’am—our FIRST EVER live podcast recording! 🎙️✨ We sat down in front of a room full of incredible women at our full-day hands-on DIY workshop to debrief the magic, tears, and toilet-on-wheels engineering of the event before diving into a rapid-fire Q&A session. -------------------------------------------------- In This Episode: -------------------------------------------------- • 🛠️ Workshop Event Debrief: 12-hour days, female-owned catering, mini tattoos, gumball machines, and Chief Vibe Officer duties. • 🏚️ Older Home Priorities: What to fix first when you buy a pre-war home (leaks, fires, and safety over aesthetics). • 🧱 Plaster vs. Drywall Breakdown: How plaster keys work, horsehair allergies, and the secret yellow-lid spackle for flexible stress cracks. • 🚿 Plumbing & Access Panels: Why you should do a "flush test" and why you should never drywall over your shower valves. • 📋 Codes, Permits & Red Flags: Why contractors must pull their own permits, using AI for code questions, and the truth about lead paint & asbestos. • ⚡ Knob & Tube Hazards: What happens when fireworks shoot out of a breaker box and how GFCI outlets keep old wiring safe. • 💡 How We Got Started: Biology degrees, delusional COVID confidence, and changing careers at 44. *(Note: Audio was recorded live in the event venue to prioritize the attendees in the room!)* -------------------------------------------------- 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY -------------------------------------------------- • 🧡 Become a Patron: Get monthly bonus episodes and support our mission at https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam • 💌 Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get 2-day early ticket access to future workshops at https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter -------------------------------------------------- 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS -------------------------------------------------- • 🛒 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam • 🛒 Lowe's Storefront: https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam -------------------------------------------------- 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST -------------------------------------------------- • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs -------------------------------------------------- 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS -------------------------------------------------- • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam • 🌐 All Links: https://howtohandymaam.com/links -------------------------------------------------- 👋 ABOUT US -------------------------------------------------- We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, MI to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes! Disclaimer: Educational & entertainment purposes only. Always check local building codes!

Welcome to another weekly Side Quest episode of How to Handyma’am! 🎙️✨ In this episode, we’re diving into porch-garden drama, real-life shop safety lessons, and an honest Q&A session unpacking everything from switching careers at 44 to busting major cabinet painting myths. -------------------------------------------------- In This Episode: -------------------------------------------------- • 🌻 Arly’s Porch Garden vs. Squirrel Heists: How local squirrels managed to haul off giant 8-inch sunflower heads right off the sidewalk. • 🪵 Table Saw Kickback & Childhood Myths: Samantha shares a recent table saw kickback story—why a 2x4 push stick saved her hands—and reframes a childhood fear about bandsaws vs. table saws. • 🛠️ Q&A: Pivoting into Trades Later in Life: • How Samantha switched careers at age 44 after 26 years in the professional world. • The "pursuer of joy" mindset and overcoming the fear of starting over. • Practical advice for women wanting to break into home improvement (painting, Habitat for Humanity, Home Builders Associations). • The reality check of working IN a business vs. working ON a business. • 🔩 Q&A: Trimming Cabinet Hardware Screws: • Why cutting break-off machine screws usually ruins the threads. • Simple hacks: Using washers for loose handles, buying Amazon hardware kits, or using a vise and hacksaw. • 🎨 Q&A: The Truth About Chipping Cabinet Paint & Contractor "Kickbacks": • Debunking the myth that contractors get kickbacks from paint brands. • Why Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane and Benjamin Moore Advance are both great—and why CHIPPING is a 100% preparation failure, not a paint failure. • The ultimate 6-step cabinet prep process (degreasing, washing, mechanical sanding, dust removal, chemical etching, and shellac primer). • Budget paint tips: Why you should never use flat paint on walls, buying un-tinted paint during 30–40% off sales, and Dutch Boy containers. -------------------------------------------------- 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY -------------------------------------------------- • 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam • 💌 Newsletter Signup: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter -------------------------------------------------- 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS -------------------------------------------------- • 🛒 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam • 🛒 Lowe's Storefront: https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam -------------------------------------------------- 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST -------------------------------------------------- • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs -------------------------------------------------- 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS -------------------------------------------------- • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam • 🌐 All Links: https://howtohandymaam.com/links -------------------------------------------------- 👋 ABOUT US -------------------------------------------------- We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, MI to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes! Disclaimer: For educational and entertainment purposes. Check local building codes when necessary!

Can you turn a completely gutted kitchen into a fully functioning cooking space in just six days? In this episode, Samantha, Arly, and Emily break down the exact 3-phase framework used to renovate Samantha's daughter Hannah’s kitchen on a realistic budget and timeline. HGTV makes kitchen remodels look like magic, but real-life renovations require strategy, realistic scheduling, and knowing how to handle unexpected chaos. Whether you're working with $3,000 or $10,000, learn how to navigate demo day without ruining your plumbing, install cabinets like a pro, and avoid burning through your budget. What we cover in this episode: The 3-Phase Kitchen Framework: Why separating "functional" from "pretty finishes" saves your sanity. Cardboard Box Layouts: How simple planning beats expensive designer software. Cabinet & Countertop Secrets: Why MDF is a hard no, how RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) cabinets save thousands, and why saw blade tooth count matters for butcher block vs. laminate. Pro Installation Tricks: Using laser levels, support ledges, face-frame clamping, and pre-drilling to get seamless professional results. Contracting "The Dumb": Recognizing physical burn-out on job sites and knowing when to walk away for the night. Special shoutout to our August intensive attendee, Sandy from Florida! 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY • Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam • Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS • Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam 💙 Shop our Lowes Storefront: https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST • New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! 🌐 https://howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

The chickens have left the coop! 🐔 In this unusually chaotic SideQuest, Samantha, Emily, and Arly hop into a time machine to look at how medieval peasant houses were built compared to modern homes. From timber framing with puzzle-piece wooden pegs to walls literally made of animal poop (wattle and daub!), thatched roof fire hazards, and candles made of bacon grease—thank goodness for modern drywall and indoor plumbing! In this episode: • 🪵 Timber framing: Mortise & tenon joints vs. modern fasteners • 💩 Wattle & Daub: Why drywall mud is a massive upgrade over medieval walls • 🌾 Thatched Roofs: How they shed water (and why they constantly caught fire) • 💅 Iron Nails: Why medieval peasants sifted through ashes to find them • 🚽 Castle Garderobes vs. Chamber Pots: The stinky history of toilets • 🕯️ Rush Lights: Lighting your house with fat that smells like bacon Subscribe for more low-jargon DIY advice, tool breakdowns, and chaotic home improvement history! 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY • Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam • Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS • Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam 💙 Shop our Lowes Storefront: https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST • New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! 🌐 https://howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary! #HowToHandymaam #SideQuest #MedievalHistory #DIYBasics #HomeRepair

Welcome back to How to Handyma'am! 🛠️✨ Standing in the lumber aisle staring at 17 different types of panels and wondering what the heck to buy? In this episode, we give you the ultimate guide and ranking for the 4 main types of wooden sheet goods: Plywood, OSB, Particle Board, and MDF! We break down how each one is made, what they’re actually good for, and why MDF belongs straight in the trash (or on a bonfire). --- ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Shoutout to Grandma M'Lane & Log Cabins 🪵 01:45 - What counts as a "Sheet Good"? 📐 04:30 - Plywood 101: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, & Croissant Layers 🥐 10:15 - OSB (Oriented Strand Board): The Underrated Heavyweight 🌲 14:30 - MDF: Why "God Hates MDF" & Why You Should Avoid It 🚫 21:20 - Particle Board: IKEA Furniture & Puffy Water Rings 🛋️ 24:40 - The Campbell’s Soup of Wood: The Wood Hierarchy & Final Rankings! 📊 --- 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter --- 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam 🛒 Shop our Lowe's Storefront: https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam --- 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs --- 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! 🌐 https://howtohandymaam.com/links --- 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary! What is your favorite sheet good to work with (and do you agree with our hatred of MDF)? Let us know in the comments! 🛠️👇

Welcome back to the SideQuest! 🎨✨ This week, Emily puts Samantha and Arly to the test in a game of REAL vs. FAKE paint color names! From Farrow & Ball to Benjamin Moore, can you guess which ridiculous names are actual paint swatches and which ones Emily totally made up? (Looking at you, "Divorced Dad Gray" and "Unpaid Invoice"). Grab your paintbrush, play along, and see if you can beat Arly and Samantha's final score! ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & The Handyma'am "Cult" (Join our Newsletter!) 💌 01:30 - What color would Samantha, Arly, and Emily be? 🎨 03:10 - Round 1: Dead Salmon, Divorced Dad Gray & Elephant's Breath 🐘 04:30 - Round 2: Passive Aggressive Peach, Nacho Cheese & Sulking Room Pink 🧀 06:15 - Round 3: Smoked Trout, Unpaid Invoice & Cat's Meow 🐱 08:00 - Round 4: Grandma's Sweater, Arsenic & Lukewarm Oatmeal 🥣 09:20 - Round 5: Tomato Tango, Regretful Avocado & Final Scores! 🥑 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaamSubscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaamShop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaamLooking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome back to How to Handyma'am! 🛠️ Dr. Pearl and Dr. Streed are in the house today to diagnose your top home maintenance symptoms! 🩺 In Part 2 of our Homeowners Maintenance Guide, Emily, Arly, and Samantha break down 5 common home problems—from stinky washing machines to loud refrigerators and jammed garbage disposals—plus exact step-by-step treatments to fix them before calling a pro.We also share a mini recap of our inaugural August 22nd Weekend Intensive and give a special dedication to Asheville Handyma'am Tracy Germer!---⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & Special Dedication to Tracy Grammer!02:55 - 3 Minutes of Chaos: Inaugural Weekend Intensive Mini-Recap! 🛠️08:49 - Free 12-Month Maintenance Guide Announcement! 📋10:15 - Patient 1: Wet Dog Clothes & Washer Filter Clogs 🧼14:05 - Patient 2: Jet-Engine Refrigerator Noise & Dirty Coils 🧊15:45 - Patient 3: Basement Swimming Pools & Sump Pump Bucket Tests 🌧️22:00 - Patient 4: Humming Garbage Disposals & Stinky Splash Guards 🍋24:15 - Patient 5: Muddy Craters, Wet Basements & Foundation Grading If this episode helped you diagnose a home issue, don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a friend! 🛠️---🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS:📋 Download Your FREE 12-Month Home Maintenance Guide: http://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY* Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! * 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam* Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. * 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS* Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! * 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam * Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST* New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!* Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam* YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaamLooking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects.Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome back to another chaotic bonus episode of The Side Quest! 🎙️Today, Emily, Samantha, and Arly are playing "The Sound of DIY"—a trivia game where Emily plays mystery audio clips recorded right in the workshop, and the gals have to guess the tool or task! Powered by 7 PM work-night energy and "Crunchy Lemonade," things get loud, weird, and surprisingly competitive. Test your ears along with us and see if you can guess the sounds before Arly and Samantha do! ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Disclaimers: 7 PM Chaos & The Lemonade Clause 01:05 - How the Game Works 01:50 - Sound 1: The Snapping Tape Measure 02:20 - Sound 2: Battery Packs & Paint Can Lids 02:50 - Sound 3: Impact Drivers & Shaking Screws 03:35 - Sound 4: Mallets & Dremel Tools 04:15 - Sound 5: Sandpaper & The Ultimate Tape Sound Test 04:55 - Declaring a Winner & Wrapping Up! Did you guess any of the sounds before we did? Let us know in the comments below! 👇🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLSConstantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam* YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome to How to Handyman, the podcast where we empower women to take care of their homes! 🛠️ Planning a bathroom remodel or thinking about hiring a contractor? Welcome to Bathrooms 101! 🛁 In this episode, Emily, Samantha, and Arly walk you through the essential steps to consider BEFORE buying supplies, swinging a sledgehammer, or getting in over your head=dden plumbing costs to waterproofing myths and code upgrades, we’ve got you covered. --- ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome & Dedication to Mindy Wise! 01:45 - 3 Minutes of Chaos (Arly's wolf cut, fair lemonade & dismantling diet culture) 10:30 - Phase 1: Layout, Budgeting & The 20% "Uh-Oh" Fund 16:15 - Phase 2: Plumbing Gotchas (Tub-to-Shower Drains & Rough-In Valves) 22:00 - Venting, Air Pressure & Sewer Gas Realities 25:30 - Phase 3: Tile Myths & Waterproofing Systems 32:00 - Why Acrylic Tubs Need a Mortar Bed 35:30 - The 12x24 Shower Floor Hazard 38:15 - Phase 4: Comfort Height Toilets, Lighting Fails & GFCI Upgrades 42:30 - Toilet Spray, Custom Lead Times & Shut-Off Valve Rules 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome back to another bonus episode of The Side Quest! 🎙️Today, Emily, Samantha, and Arly are putting home improvement old wives' tales, viral "dad hacks," and common DIY myths to the test in an ultimate game of Fact or Fiction! Can a raw potato really unscrew a broken lightbulb? Does mayonnaise actually remove water rings from wood? Is bleach actually killing the mold on your drywall? We're separating home repair fact from absolute marketing fiction!---⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome to The Side Quest! (Clifton Strengths & 3 Minutes of Chaos)02:20 - Fact or Fiction: Dad Hacks & Old Wives' Tales02:40 - Raw Potatoes, Walnuts & Mayo on Wood04:20 - Does WD-40 Actually Fix Squeaky Hinges?05:00 - The Mold Myth: Bleach vs. Vinegar06:20 - Paint & Design Myths: Ceilings, Wallpaper & Drywall Cracks08:30 - HVAC & Appliance Myths: Vent Closing, Garbage Disposals & Flushable Wipes11:00 - Painting Hacks: Paint + Primer in One & Wet Roller Wraps12:15 - Thermostats, Vampire Power & Cleaning Stainless Steel13:30 - Announcing the Winner & 1,000 YouTube Sub Goal!Links🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY* Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! * 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam* Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. * 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS* Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! * 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam * Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST* New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!* Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam* YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaamLooking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects.Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome to How to Handyman, the podcast where we empower women to take care of their homes and investigate cheap flipper crimes! In today’s episode, Emily, Samantha, and Arley launch the Flipper Detection Agency to uncover the most common shortcuts flippers take to make a house look pretty while hiding massive structural, plumbing, and electrical red flags. We break down what the crime is, why it’s a hazard, and the realistic ways you can fix it!---⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & Weekly Dedication (Judy Young!)01:25 - Big Announcement: Submit Your Own Side Quest Dedications!02:15 - 3 Minutes of Chaos (Book, TV, & Skincare Recs)07:40 - Welcome to the Flipper Detection Agency09:10 - Crime 1: Bouncy "Trampoline" LVP Flooring14:35 - Crime 2: The "Landlord Special" Paint Job17:10 - Crime 3: The Faux Open Concept & Load-Bearing Wall Failures22:00 - Crime 4: Lipstick on a Pig Plumbing (Corroded Galvanized Steel)26:15 - Crime 5: Layer Cake Flooring & High Transitions30:45 - Crime 6: Fake Ground Outlets & Open Ground Hazards34:20 - Crime 7: Caulk Illusion Trim Work36:00 - Crime 8: The Shower "Sponge Bath" & Missing Waterproofing42:10 - Crime 9: Exhaust Fans Venting to "Nowhere"44:30 - Crime 10: Mulch Mountains & Hidden Foundation Issues✨ JOIN US IN PERSON* The August Intensive in Lansing, MI: Grab your ticket for our all-day, hands-on workshop! We are teaching you how to swap toilets, fix drywall, and conquer power tools. (Only 40 spots available!) * 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://howtohandymaam.com/class-registration 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY* Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! * 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam* Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. * 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS* Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! * 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam * Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST* New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!* Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam* YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaamLooking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects.Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome back to another chaotic bonus episode of The Side Quest! Today we are playing an unhinged game of Kiss, Marry, Eliminate—because last time we used the word "Kill" in our episode title, the platform flagged and removed it! We are tackling the best, the worst, and the downright heinous interior design trends, forcing ourselves to reach a consensus on what stays and what gets booted to the curb forever. On Today’s Episode: The Gross Bathroom Showdown: We debate carpeted bathrooms versus puke green walls and red granite countertops—and why carpet in a bathroom is a biohazard that must be eliminated immediately. The "Landlord Special": Boob flush lights vs. light switches painted shut vs. cheap vertical plastic window blinds that snap off if you look at them wrong. 2010s Time Capsules: Settling the score between barn doors on every single room, shiplap walls, and giant "Live, Laugh, Love" word art. Kitchen Trends: Open shelving vs. pot fillers vs. two-toned cabinets (and why upper open shelves are a trap for bad housekeepers). Emily’s Crusade Against Accent Walls: Color drenching vs. peel-and-stick tropical wallpaper vs. single dark accent walls. Hardware & Finishes: Unlacquered brass vs. matte black vs. 1990s shiny polished gold. DIY Disasters We Refuse to Fix: Why painting cabinets with cheap latex wall paint is a crime, and why burning MDF is the ultimate act of DIY feminism. --- 🎁 GRAB YOUR FREEBIE! Want to support the podcast and get free DIY guides? Head over to howtohandymaam.com and join our email community! As soon as you sign up, we’ll drop our FREE Garden Bed Guide straight into your inbox. 💬 SOUND OFF IN THE COMMENTS: Did we make the right calls, or are you defending carpeted bathrooms and vertical blinds? Drop a comment on Spotify, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or send us an email at hello@howtohandymaam.com! 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome back to How to Handyma'am, the podcast where we empower women to take care of their homes! It’s been way too long, but we are back and talking all things measuring tools[cite: 3]! Today, we are playing a game of "Buy, Borrow, or Bury" to tell you exactly which tools you actually need to own as a casual homeowner, which ones you can just borrow from a neighbor, and which ones you should completely ignore. We also kick things off with a highly chaotic round of "Three Minutes of Chaos" so you can get to know us a little better (spoiler alert: one of us gives off major fiercely protective orangutan energy)! If you are a beginner homeowner wanting to build your first tool kit, this episode is exactly what you need. 🕒 CHAPTERS:00:00 - Welcome & Episode Dedication01:15 - Three Minutes of Chaos: Rapid Fire Questions!05:30 - The Rules of "Buy, Borrow, or Bury"06:15 - The Essentials: Tape Measures & Torpedo Levels11:00 - Stud Finders & The "Tape Measure Wiggle" Explained15:45 - Carpenter Staples: Speed Squares, T-Squares & Straight Edges21:30 - Precision Tools: Contour Gauges & Chalk Lines25:00 - Digital Tools: Lasers, Calipers & Harbor Freight Tips31:00 - Flexible Tailor’s Tape & Final Thoughts ✨ JOIN US IN PERSON The August Intensive in Lansing, MI: Grab your ticket for our all-day, hands-on workshop! We are teaching you how to swap toilets, fix drywall, and conquer power tools. (Only 40 spots available!) 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://howtohandymaam.com/class-registration 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome to another How-To Handyma'am Side Quest! This time, Emily, Samantha, and Arly are diving into our August Q&A to answer your amazing DIY questions. You all have been sending in so many great messages to our inbox, and we are breaking down the answers so you don't have to learn the hard way. In this episode, we cover: How to safely mount a massive 77-inch TV using proper mounts, lag screws, and stud-finding techniques. Why you absolutely should not use nail nippers to remove screws, and what tools to use instead. A complete breakdown of the differences between a standard drill, an impact driver, and a hammer drill, plus when to use each one. The proper way to handle concrete and sidewalk pavers, including why staining might be a better option than painting. We also share some fun behind-the-scenes life updates, including a very exciting engagement! ✨ JOIN US IN PERSON The August Intensive in Lansing, MI: Grab your ticket for our all-day, hands-on workshop! We are teaching you how to swap toilets, fix drywall, and conquer power tools. (Only 40 spots available!) 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://howtohandymaam.com/class-registration 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

In this episode of How to Handyma'am, Emily, Samantha, and Arly are covering the absolute essentials of household fasteners! 🔩 Before diving into the hardware, we have six minutes of chaos catching up on Samantha’s European Viking cruise and Arlie’s 4th of July engagement! 💍 Then, we play a rapid-fire scenario game to determine the exact right fastener for your DIY jobs—from hanging heavy TVs and installing trim to fixing those annoying half-broken outlet covers. Thank you so much to our community for helping us hit 10,000 downloads! This episode is dedicated to Eunice—thank you for being such an incredible villager in our construction classes! 🛠️ TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: •Hanging a picture on plaster vs. drywall •Building plywood shelves (Deck screws & Torx heads) •Fixing cabinet knobs (Decoding machine screws) •Trim carpentry & hiding nail holes with wood putty •How to safely hang a heavy TV (Lag screws explained) •Anchoring into concrete & cement block •Why you should NEVER use drywall anchors for coat hooks •Hanging upper kitchen cabinets •The easiest $1 electrical upgrade ✨ JOIN US IN PERSON The August Intensive in Lansing, MI: Grab your ticket for our all-day, hands-on workshop! We are teaching you how to swap toilets, fix drywall, and conquer power tools. (Only 40 spots available!) * 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://howtohandymaam.com/class-registration 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! * 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaamLooking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!#HowToHandymaam #DIYBasics #WomenInTrades #HomeMaintenance #Fasteners101 #WoodworkingForBeginners #FirstTimeHomeBuyer

Welcome back to Sidequest Tuesday! Today, Emily, Arly, and Samantha are competing in a trivia game all about the statistics that matter most in homeownership and construction. In this episode, we break down the numbers that radicalized our mission for women's home education, including why traditional marketing fails female homeowners and the reality of how many women live alone. Then, we dive into the frustrating stats that make builders cry—from ignored routine maintenance to the reason flexible dryer vents are causing preventable house fires. Finally, we share the one crucial piece of advice we would tattoo on every homeowner's forehead: when it comes to house problems, it never gets better with time! IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome & The Stats Competition 00:01:21 Section 1: The Stats That Radicalized Us 00:04:45 Section 2: The Stats That Make Builders Cry 00:08:42 Section 3: The Ultimate Homeowner Rule KEY TAKEAWAYS & SHOCKING STATS: ​ 30% to 35% of U.S. homes are owned by women living on their own. ​ 77% of single female homeowners report not knowing basic home maintenance and feeling afraid to try. ​ Women outlive their partners by an average of 5 to 6 years, leaving them vulnerable if they haven't been involved in home maintenance. ​ 70% to 85% of all consumer purchasing decisions are made by women, yet construction marketing routinely ignores them or assumes a male level of knowledge. ​ Only 29% of homeowners self-identify as proactively handling maintenance before something breaks. ​ 60% to 71% of homeowners actively admit that they just wait until something breaks before addressing it. ​ Dryer vents account for 4% of all house fires (1 in 25), making them a massive, 100% preventable danger caused by flammable lint buildup in flexible accordion-style ducts. ​ The average homeowner spends only 1 to 2 hours researching a contractor for projects up to $10,000—less time than they spend researching a new TV. ​ The Golden Rule: "It never gets better with time"—ignoring a small issue like a running toilet can eventually cause major structural damage like rotting through your subfloor. ✨ JOIN US IN PERSON * The August Intensive in Lansing, MI: Grab your ticket for our all-day, hands-on workshop! We are teaching you how to swap toilets, fix drywall, and conquer power tools. (Only 40 spots available!) * 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://howtohandymaam.com/class-registration 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY * Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! * 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam * Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. * 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS * Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! * 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam * Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST * New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! * Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam * YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links

Are you getting ready to buy a house, or currently staring down a lengthy home inspection report in a panic? In this episode, Samantha, Emily, and Arly play a game of "Deal or No Deal: Home Inspection Edition" to help you understand what is fixable, what requires negotiation, and what is an absolute dealbreaker! We break down what is an approachable DIY repair for beginners, what you should ask the seller to handle, and what should make you run away from a real estate deal!From dirty gutters and old Pushmatic electrical panels to horizontal foundation cracks, basement mold, and failing septic systems, we share honest advice and real-world stories from our own homes and job site clients! Plus, we break down the three non-negotiable inspections every homebuyer needs to pay for before closing!EPISODE CHAPTERS & TOPICS:• 00:00 Welcome & Episode Dedication: Why we are channeling Jasmine's radical honesty today!• 02:00 3 Minutes of Chaos: Our current TV recommendations, including The Other Bennet Sister, The Boys, and Hacks.• 05:30 Warm-Up Round: Why dirty gutters and minor pests are deals, why aging water heaters are yellow lights, and why failing septic systems are no-gos.• 09:30 Main Game - The Surface Issues: What to do about missing tub caulk, older roofs with 3–5 years remaining, and vintage electrical panels.• 13:00 The Structural & Water Hazards: Why active basement water intrusion, horizontal foundation cracks, bowing walls, and mold are major red flags.• 19:30 Plumbing & Floors: How to handle broken outlet covers, leaky faucets, and why a sagging floor system is usually a dealbreaker.• 23:00 Bonus Round - Weirdest Things We've Seen: Navigating hoarder homes, standing water on tour day, smelling natural gas, and finding a pine coffin in a closet!• 26:00 The 3 Must-Have Inspections: Why you should never skip a standard home inspection, a sewer/septic line inspection, and a pest/termite inspection.• 28:30 Final Takeaways: Why no house is perfect, and how to put out little fires one step at a time without feeling overwhelmed.✨ JOIN US IN PERSON* The August Intensive in Lansing, MI: Grab your ticket for our all-day, hands-on workshop! We are teaching you how to swap toilets, fix drywall, and conquer power tools. (Only 40 spots available!) * 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://howtohandymaam.com/class-registration 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY* Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! * 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS* Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! * 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam * Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST* New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!* Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam]https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam* YouTube: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaamLooking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects.Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

Welcome to the Sidequest! 🗺️ On Tuesdays, we detour from our regular Friday format to bring you something a little different. Today, we’re sitting down with an incredible human being to celebrate courage, community, and what it really means to have a "handyma'am state of mind". We are so honored to introduce you to Johanna Schuster Craig, owner of Smaller Scale LLC, based in the Lansing area. Johanna shares the inspiring story of leaving a career in academia to seek out a life filled with more autonomy, joy, and hands-on problem-solving. What we're covering in this Sidequest: •The Handyma'am State of Mind: Why being a handy person is really about having the courage to leave your comfort zone in pursuit of something better. •From Academia to the Trades: How a simple driveway shed build sparked a full-fledged contracting company.•Joy as Resistance: Why building a healthy, supportive company culture and finding joy in your daily work is the ultimate act of citizenship and resistance. •Setting Boundaries: How to handle client feedback with grace while protecting your team's energy. •Career Change Advice: Johanna’s highly practical, step-by-step advice for making a massive life transition (with or without a safety net). Johanna's Info Smaller Scale Website: https://smallerscalelansing.com/ Smaller Scale Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallerscalelansing Smaller Scale Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallerscale ✨ JOIN US IN PERSON The August Intensive in Lansing, MI: Grab your ticket for our all-day, hands-on workshop! We are teaching you how to swap toilets, fix drywall, and conquer power tools. (Only 40 spots available!) 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://howtohandymaam.com/class-registration 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam Shop our Lowes Storefront https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS: Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!* Instagram: [@HowToHandymaam] https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out all our links in one place! Howtohandymaam.com/links 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!

👉 Click here to subscribe to the Patreon for full, uncensored episodes: ⁠https://patreon.com/howtohandymaam⁠ Welcome to the chaos, friends! 🌪️ Today we are dropping a special, uncensored sneak peek of our Patreon-exclusive content right here on the main feed. Normally, we are here to calmly help you not burn your house down. But on our Patreon, there is absolutely no filter, and we are completely unhinged. In this teaser episode, we are pulling up the wildest hate comments we’ve received lately and rating them on a scale of "one screw loose" up to "five screws loose". Here is a taste of the madness we are covering: Fence Gate: We dive into the absolute meltdown people had over us suggesting you give your neighbor the "pretty side" of the fence. Our #1 Fan: We give a special shoutout to Mike, the dedicated troll who single-handedly heated up our algorithm by hate-commenting on 12 different videos. The Receipts: Samantha brutally shuts down a Louisiana troll by listing off the exact parishes that require the pretty side of the fence by law. The Voting Comment: We address the guy who questioned our right to vote... all because of a fence tutorial. If you want to hear the rest of this episode—and get regular, unfiltered Handyma'am chaos in your ear holes—we would love for you to join us! 👉 Click here to subscribe to the Patreon for full, uncensored episodes: https://patreon.com/howtohandymaam

Welcome back! Today, Samantha, Emily, and Arly are diving into Arly's absolute favorite topic: making your walls fancy with trim and molding! Whether your house is a historic Craftsman, a detailed Victorian, or just has walls that look like a dog chewed them up, we have a solution for you. We break down the different styles of trim, the functional (and purely decorative) purposes of wainscoting and crown molding, and the best ways to cut and install them. We debate mitering versus coping, the magic of scarf joints, and why you should absolutely never use MDF if you have pets or kids. Before we get to the tools, we kick things off with our signature Three Minutes of Chaos , covering terrifying closets, a Father's Day porch demolition gone horribly wrong, and the trauma of watching Jessica Jones . ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro & a dedication to badass women raising badass women 01:20 - Three Minutes of Chaos: Scary closets & a porch demo disaster 05:45 - How to match your trim style to your home’s architecture 07:30 - Decorative trim: Wainscoting, Chair Rail, Crown Molding, and Judges Paneling 10:15 - Functional trim: Baseboards, Shoe Molding, and Casing 13:00 - Mitering vs. Coping and terminating trim with returns 15:40 - The magic of Scarf Joints, CA glue, and minimizing shadows 22:00 - Solutions for ugly walls: Board and Batten to the rescue 25:30 - Painted vs. Stained trim: Wood filler vs. wood putty 27:45 - The MDF Warning: Why you should NEVER use it around pets or kids 29:30 - Quick fixes for cracked wall corners and beginner practice tips ✨ JOIN US IN PERSON The August Intensive in Lansing, MI: Grab your ticket for our all-day, hands-on workshop! We are teaching you how to swap toilets, fix drywall, and conquer power tools. (Only 40 spots available!) 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://howtohandymaam.com/class-registration 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY Join our Patreon: Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to tickets, and a way to directly support the pod? Join the crew! 🧡 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get DIY tips, project updates, and first dibs on our live events sent straight to your inbox. 💌 Sign up here: https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS Constantly wondering what drill, saw, or safety glasses we are using? We put all our tried-and-true favorites in one place! 🛒 Shop our Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/howtohandymaam 🛒 Shop our Lowe's Storefront: https://www.lowes.com/l/creator/howtohandymaam 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST New episodes drop every week! If you loved this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-handymaam-a-home-improvement-comedy-podcast/id1858097879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJ623LRS6Dluzpkiv45Xs 📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohandymaam YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoHandymaam Looking for something else? Check out our LinkTree: www.linktr.ee/howtohandymaam 👋 ABOUT US We are Samantha, Emily, and Arly—the crew behind How to Handyma'am. We didn't go to trade school; we just fell in love with this work and started a licensed handyman business in Lansing, Michigan. Now, our mission is to give women the agency, skills, and confidence to fix their own homes and tackle those terrifying DIY projects. Disclaimer: Our videos and podcasts are for educational and entertainment purposes. Always check your local building codes and consult with a licensed professional when necessary!