Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast How To Handyma’am | A Home Improvement Comedy Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Date with a Floor! 💘 How to Choose the RIGHT Flooring for Your Home | Ep 43 | 25 Sep 2026 | 00:42:58 | |
Welcome back to How to Handyma’am! 🎙️✨ In today’s episode, Samantha debuts her brand-new game show: "Blind Date with a Floor"—the only dating show where getting laid correctly is extremely important! 🪵💘 Choosing flooring based purely on appearance is like picking a life partner from a flattering profile picture—eventually, you have to live with it. Emily and Arly ask secret questions to figure out which floor is which, and we break down what flooring you should ACTUALLY put in your house based on dogs, basements, kids, and moisture. -------------------------------------------------- In This Episode: -------------------------------------------------- • 🌸 Shoutout to Shirley Bebo: Finding and being an "encourager" in your community. • 📺 3 Minutes of Chaos: Emily’s grievance over TV show recommendations (Hacks & Detroiters)! • 🚨 Airbnb Scam Warning: Why you should NEVER communicate off-platform (and how Gemini caught a sketchy host). • 🌻 Arly’s Garden Drama: Squirrel sunflower heists and a giant guard spider protecting bunny kale. • 💘 Game Show: Blind Date with a Floor! - Date #1: Gorgeous, timeless, and emotionally involved with dog nails (Hardwood). - Date #2: Looks fancy on a budget, but hates water (Laminate). - Date #3: Easygoing, practical, and unbothered by moisture (LVP). - Date #4: Extremely durable, cold, hard, and permanent (Tile). - Date #5: The underrated boomer classic for small bathrooms (Sheet Vinyl). - Date #6: Real wood, but structurally more stable (Engineered Hardwood). • 🏡 Flooring Matchmaking: The best floors for large dogs, flood-prone basements, 3-kid bathrooms, and historic homes[cite: 4]! -------------------------------------------------- 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY -------------------------------------------------- • 🧡 Become a Patron: Get monthly bonus episodes and unhinged behind-the-scenes chats at https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam • 💌 Newsletter Signup: Get 2-day early ticket access to future workshops at https://howtohandymaam.com/newsletter -------------------------------------------------- 🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS & STOREFRONTS -------------------------------------------------- • 🛒 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. Always check local building codes when necessary! | |||
| THE CASE OF THE MISSING SAMANTHA! (Buy, Borrow, or Build Tool Guide) | SideQuest 41 | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:24:10 | |
Welcome to another chaotic Side Quest episode of How to Handyma’am! 🎙️✨ Samantha is out taking care of business today, leaving Emily and Arly completely unsupervised in the studio to play a game of BUY, BORROW, OR BUILD! 🛠️ We’re breaking down 10 major homeowner tools and equipment to tell you what's worth building yourself, what you should rent or borrow, and what you should buy secondhand. -------------------------------------------------- In This Episode: -------------------------------------------------- • 🔍 The Case of the Missing Samantha: Emily steals Samantha's chair and Arly realizes Emily actually has legs! • 🪵 Workbenches & Tool Storage: Why reclaimed kitchen island tops make the best workbenches and why slatboard beats pegboard. • 😱 The $300 Sawhorse Horror Story: Why cheap plastic sawhorses collapsed and smashed a historic 16-lite crystal door. • 🪜 Ladders & Scaffolding: Proper 3-point contact safety and why you should NEVER try to DIY heavy climbing gear. • 🧰 The Only 2 Tools You ACTUALLY Need to Own: Why impact drivers and oscillating multi-tools beat traditional drills every time. • 🎨 Paint Sprayers & Face-Paint Accidents: Consumer Wagners vs. Pro Gracos (and the time Emily predicted getting sprayed in the face). • 🪚 Miter Saws, Tile Saws & Table Saws: How to navigate tool libraries, Home Depot rentals, and jam extension trim projects. -------------------------------------------------- 🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY -------------------------------------------------- • 🧡 Become a Patron: Get monthly bonus episodes and unhinged behind-the-scenes chats at https://www.patreon.com/c/HowtoHandymaam • 💌 Newsletter Signup: 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: For educational and entertainment purposes. Always check local building codes when necessary! | |||
| FIREWORKS IN THE BREAKER BOX! 💥 (Our 1st Live Podcast!) | Ep 42 | 18 Sep 2026 | 00:59:17 | |
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! | |||
| How to Become a Handywoman (And Why Your Cabinet Paint Chipped!) | SideQuest 40 | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:36:16 | |
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! | |||
| The 6-Day Kitchen Renovation: From Demo to Functional (Without Losing Your Mind) | Ep 41 | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:49:57 | |
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:
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! | |||
| Why Medieval Houses Were Made of POOP (vs. Modern DIY) | SideQuest 39 | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:29:13 | |
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 | |||
| Which Sheet Good Should You ACTUALLY Buy?! (Plywood vs OSB vs MDF) | Ep 40 | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:40:29 | |
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! 🛠️👇 | |||
| Dead Salmon or Divorced Dad Gray?! (We Guess Real vs Fake Paint Names) | SideQuest 38 | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:12:02 | |
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! | |||
| 5 Warning Signs Your House Is Trying to Tell You Something (Home Maintenance Part 2) | Episode 39 | 28 Aug 2026 | 00:28:31 | |
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! | |||
| Can You Guess These 11 Workshop Sounds? 🔊 (The Sound of DIY) | SideQuest 37 | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:12:13 | |
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! | |||
| 7 Costly Bathroom Remodel Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!) | Episode 38 | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:59:51 | |
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
🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS
🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!
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! | |||
| Do These Viral "Dad Hacks" ACTUALLY Work? 🛠️ | SideQuest 36 | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:20:32 | |
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! | |||
| 10 Flipper Red Flags Every Homebuyer Needs to Spot! 🚨 (Flipper Detection Agency) | Ep 37 | 14 Aug 2026 | 00:58:50 | |
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! | |||
| Kiss, Marry, Eliminate (Design Trends Edition!) | SideQuest 35 | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:22:03 | |
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:
--- 🎁 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
🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS
🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!
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! | |||
| Buy, Borrow, or Bury: Which Measuring Tools Do You ACTUALLY Need? | Ep 36 | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:40:23 | |
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
🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS
🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!
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! | |||
| Impact Drivers vs. Hammer Drills & Giant TV Hacks (August Q&A) | SideQuest 34 | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:30:17 | |
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:
We also share some fun behind-the-scenes life updates, including a very exciting engagement! ✨ JOIN US IN PERSON
🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TOOLS
🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
📱 HANG OUT WITH US ON SOCIALS Catch our daily tool tutorials, project updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos!
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! | |||
| Nails, Screws, and a Screw Loose: Your Guide to Fasteners | Episode 35 | 31 Jul 2026 | 00:46:22 | |
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 | |||
| Why Home Improvement Marketing Fails Women (And Crazy DIY Stats!) | SideQuest 33 | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:19:45 | |
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:
✨ 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 | |||
| Home Inspection Red Flags: What to Fix and When to Walk Away | Episode 34 | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:47:17 | |
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! | |||
| The Handyma'am State of Mind (with Johanna Schuster-Craig, Smaller Scale LLC) | SideQuest 33 | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:46:00 | |
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! | |||
| PATREON TEASER: Rating Our Unhinged Hate Comments (1 to 5 Screws Loose) | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:14:23 | |
👉 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:
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 | |||
| How to Make Your Walls Fancy (And Fix the Chewed-Up Ones!) | Trim 101 | Ep 33 | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:57:14 | |
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:
✨ JOIN US IN PERSON
🤝 SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
🛠️ 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!
🎧 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!
👋 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! | |||
| Unearthing Spines, Mummified Mice, & Job Site Mysteries | Sidequest 32 | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:24:57 | |
Welcome to our Sidequest! This is our mini bonus episode where we take a break from the main educational content to go down some structured bunny trails. Today, Samantha, Arly, and Emily are leaning into their true crime era to share the absolute weirdest, spookiest, and most confusing things we have unearthed on construction sites over the last six years. Because sometimes, the only adequate payment for a handyman job is the wild story you get to tell afterward. In this episode, we cover:
Call to Action:Did your Uncle Jim Bob find something bizarre at a job site? Have you unearthed something weird during a renovation? We want to hear your listener tales!
If you love the show, please remember to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a 5-star review (or else we might haunt you)! Be kind to those around you, and we will see you on Friday. | |||
| The Holy Grail Tool Guide: 9 Tools We Can’t Live Without | Ep 32 | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:35:27 | |
We are turning the tables on each other today! 🪚🔥 Instead of choosing our own rants, we selected each other's "Three Minutes of Chaos" topics—covering everything from country Bologna picnics to horrifying Pop-Tart ant infestations and wild Amazonian otters. 🐜🥪Then, we transition into full salesman mode to give you an unfiltered, rapid-fire breakdown of the 9 tools we physically cannot live without. We cover exactly how to use them, crucial OSHA safety pro-tips, and whether you should buy the cheap version or invest in premium power tool platforms. 📌 EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Claudia: Celebrating our chosen family 1:30 - Three Minutes of Chaos: Samantha's peaceful country drives 🚗 2:45 - The Pantry Nightmare: Emily's off-brand Pop-Tart ant attack! 🐜 4:50 - Arlys animal rules: Why you shouldn't run from a bear (but run to an otter) 6:20 - Tool 1: The $14 Amazon magnetic ratcheting screwdriver 🪛 8:00 - Tool 2: Saving historic VFW oak trim with Nail Nippers 🪵 10:05 - Tool 3: The aesthetic power of a Sherwin-Williams color fan deck 🎨 11:30 - Tool 4: The "Hot Dog vs. Hamburger" Cat's Claw pry bar 🐈⬛ 13:50 - Tool 5: How an Impact Driver uses mechanical hammering to save your wrists 15:40 - The ultimate ear protection hack: AirPods + shooting earmuffs 🎧 17:00 - Tool 6: Ditching Citrus Strip for a single-sided razor blade scraper 🧼 19:10 - Tool 7: Why red mechanical carpentry lead beats regular pencils on a sunlit deck 21:00 - Tool 8: Samantha’s "Lord & Savior" traveling preacher speech on the Multi-Tool 🪵 22:30 - WARNING: Do not sit on hot oscillating saw blades! ❌👖 23:50 - Tool 9: Stripping complex colonial window doors with a Heat Gun 🌡️🛠️ WANT TO EMPOWER YOUR OWN BUILD SKILLS?Six years ago, Samantha and Emily didn't even know how to touch these tools. If we can build an independent trade media empire, you can handle your own home repairs! 📬 BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CLUBHOUSE: Catch our daily tutorials and behind-the-scenes chaos on Instagram & TikTok: @HowToHandymaam Unlock our loose, unfiltered, extra-sassy monthly bonus episodes on Patreon: patreon.com/HowtoHandymaam | |||
| Cat Urine Houses, Drywall Crackers, & The WD-40 Lie | SideQuest 30 | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:27:28 | |
Dog barking drama couldn't stop us! 🐶❌ We are back with another monthly SideQuest Q&A, answering your real-world home improvement questions straight from Instagram DMs and our website mail portal. 🛠️✨From structural drywall fixes to hazardous job site safety myths, we are breaking down the direct, data-backed truth about your homes. 🪚 THE DRYWALL & TOOL CLUBHOUSE:Our mission is to give women the empowering knowledge and tool competency to take care of their own homes without fear, high costs, or gatekeeping. 📬 SUBMIT YOUR WEIRD HOUSE QUESTIONS:Scroll to the bottom form at howtohandymaam.com to send us details, pictures, and project holdups! 💖 JOIN THE UNFILTERED CLUBHOUSE ON PATREON:Want our exclusive, completely loose, uncensored monthly bonus episodes? Support the movement for just $5/month at patreon.com/HowtoHandymaam FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS:Instagram & TikTok: @HowToHandymaam | |||
| DIY Forensic Files | The Ultimate Guide to IKEA Melamine, Brick, Tile, and Metal | Episode 31 | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:42:29 | |
Welcome to How to Handyma'am, the podcast where Samantha, Arly, and Emily put on their detective hats! In this episode, we investigate why good paint goes bad on weird surfaces, why it peels off in long sheets, and how to fix it. Before we jump into the case files, we kick things off with our signature segment: Three Minutes of Chaos. We throw a massive shoutout to one of our lovely support systems, Adriannah! She is super smart, kicked butt in high school to jump-start her college credits, and is going to be a badass lawyer someday. Right now, she is helping us get our poop in a group! We also celebrate a huge community milestone: doubling our original 2026 goal of hitting 1,000 Instagram followers, and we are currently skyrocketing past 3,300 followers! Plus, we recap our recent Saturday drywall repair prep class, where we literally took hammers and pickaxes to fake walls, learned about spackle and drywall tape, and mastered the "ugly mud" phase. Then, we dive into the DIY Forensic Files to solve four major paint crimes: * 🕵️♂️ Case File #1: The Peeling IKEA Desk – Why standard paint rolls off slick white laminate or melamine furniture like a bad sunburn , and why you need an enamel paint like Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane or Valspar furniture paint. * 🧱 Case File #2: Exploding Brick Fireplaces – Why sealing porous exterior brick or chimneys with latex paint traps moisture and causes catastrophic spalling. * 🚿 Case File #3: The Shower Sheet Peel – What happens when you use standard trim paint on shiny bathroom shower tile , and why you must use a two-part epoxy kit with proper respirator PPE instead. * 🔥 Case File #4: Blistering Radiators – The smelly disaster that happens when latex trim paint meets hot cast iron radiators , and how shellac acts as the ultimate mediator between old oil paint and new coats. 🚨 CALLING ALL MIDWEST VILLAGERS: We are planning a tour around the Midwest next year! If you or your employer have warehouse space and bathrooms we can use for zero dollars, let us know so we can roll out our portable training stations! * Support the Clubhouse on Patreon: Join for just $5 a month to directly support our mission of empowering women to learn the trades: patreon.com/HowtoHandymaam * Got a paint crime to report? Email us at: hthm@myhandymaam.com | |||
| SideQuest 29 | Weird Tool Origins Part 2! | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:21:26 | |
Welcome to the SideQuest! Today, we are taking a break from our regular instructional deep dives to bring you Team Chaos: Part Two of Weird Tool Origins! Samantha, Arly, and Emily are going head-to-head in a tool trivia battle to guess the bizarre, accidental, and sometimes bloody backstories of the items sitting inside your toolbox right now. Play along with us in the comments and keep track of your score to see if you can beat Arly (who is officially bringing the whimsy today). From medical throat sprayers to WWII wooden airplanes, you will never look at your workshop the same way again. 🕒 Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome to the SideQuest! * 01:50 – The Paint Spray Gun’s wild medical backstory 🩺 * 03:50 – Super Glue: The wartime mistake that saved lives in battle 🪖 * 06:45 – X-Acto Knives: Why surgeons rejected the ultimate craft tool 🩸 * 08:45 – Duct Tape: How a Navy mom changed military history by writing FDR 🦆 * 12:00 – Pneumatic Nail Guns: Howard Hughes and the "Spruce Goose" ✈️ * 14:15 – Word Origin Bonus: The literal footwear behind the word "Sabotage" 🪵 * 17:00 – We crown the trivia winner (and recommend our favorite podcasts!) 👑 🛠️ Bizarre Tool Facts From Today's Episode: * The Paint Spray Gun starts in 1888 as an ENT doctor's throat-spraying device for medicine before his son scales the pneumatic physics up for industrial paint in 1905. * Super Glue is a rejected plastic formulation for military gun sights that field medics later rediscover to instantly glue open wounds shut during the Vietnam War. * X-Acto Knives are originally designed as surgical scalpels, but hospitals reject them because bacteria gets trapped in the interchangeable blade crevices. * Duct Tape is invented by a military plant mom named Vesta Stout who gets tired of ammo box tabs ripping under enemy gunfire. She writes FDR directly to get it manufactured! * The Pneumatic Nail Gun is invented specifically to rapidly build Howard Hughes’ massive laminated birch wood cargo plane, the Spruce Goose. Play along, drop your trivia score in the comments, and tell us your favorite color at the end! Connect with us: * Website: howtohandymaam.com * Instagram: @HowToHandymaam * Q&A Submissions: hthm@myhandymaam.com | |||
| Ep 30: The Definitive Guide to Deck Refinishing (And Why Paint is a Sin!) | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:29:49 | |
Welcome back to How to Handyma'am! In Episode 30, we are tackling a massive project that every homeowner dreads but desperately needs: Deck Refinishing! Before we dive into our definitive 4-phase guide, we kick things off with literal, actual, certifiable studio chaos. We discuss why Emily’s "dead" backyard groundhog, Gerald, is actually alive and eating mulberries, how Emily blew $40 on car washes this week due to an aggressive pollen assault, and why Samantha is panic-recording because she's leaving for Europe for 12 days! Once the chaos settles, Emily metaphorically grabs your hand and walks you through the exact process to successfully shore up, clean, select, and apply stain to your deck. 🕒 Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome to Team Chaos! * 01:15 – The Legend of Maya Papaya & Cheesecake Bites 🍰 * 02:45 – Gerald the Groundhog Lives! 🦫 * 03:30 – Emily’s $40 Car Wash Tax 🚗💨 * 04:20 – Samantha’s Europe Trip Panic & Bad Accents ✈️ * 06:10 – THE GOLDEN RULE: Why You Absolutely Must NOT Paint a Deck 🛑 * 07:45 – Phase 1: Structural Integrity, The Flathead Test, and the "Grinch Run" 🦎 * 11:15 – Phase 2: Soft Washing vs. Power Washing (Avoiding Splinter City) 🧼 * 14:00 – Testing Wood Pores & The Taser-Like Moisture Meter ⚡ * 16:30 – Phase 3: Choosing Your Opacity (Transparent to Solid Stains) 🎨 * 19:15 – Pro Brands We Love (And the ONE Product to Avoid!) ❌ * 22:10 – Phase 4: The Foolproof Application Pattern & Curing Timelines ⏰ * 25:00 – CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Spontaneous Rag Combustion 🔥 🛠️ Key Takeaways From the Episode: * Do Not Paint: Paint traps moisture inside the wood, causing it to rot from the inside out and peel off in giant, ugly sheets. * The Screwdriver Test: Stab a weathered board with a flathead screwdriver. If it sinks in like mulch, it’s dry-rotted and needs to be cut out to the nearest joist. * Soft Wash Only: High-pressure power washing shreds wood fibers, turning your deck into "Splinter City". Use a 2-step cleaner and brightener process instead. * The 15% Rule: Your wood moisture must be below 15% before you can apply any stain. * Combustion Warning: Oil-based stains pose a severe spontaneous combustion hazard. Always drop your used stain rags into a bucket of water outside to dissipate safely. If you loved this tutorial, take a before-and-after photo of your deck project and tag us on Instagram at @HowToHandymaam! Have a question for our monthly Q&A SideQuest episode? Email us at hthm@handymaam.com! If you are looking to shop for the products we recommended this episode, check out our Lowe's Storefront with a page dedicated specifically to Deck Refinishing 101! | |||
| SideQuest 28 | How a Garbage Disposal ACTUALLY Works (And 2 Hidden Fixes!) | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:20:26 | |
Think your garbage disposal is just a blender with sharp blades waiting to destroy your silverware? Today we are completely busting the myths around sink maintenance! 🛑🌪️In this "Sidequest" bonus episode of the How to Handyma’am Podcast, Emily plays garbage disposal detective to explain why a recent plumbing class completely blew everyone's minds. We reveal the hidden reality of how these machines actually grind up food (clue: it works more like a cheese grater than a knife!), map out Emily's foolproof troubleshooting protocol, and give you the step-by-step guide to fixing a jammed or silent unit using a simple phone camera trick and a 1/4-inch Allen wrench. We also tackle the ultimate "Family Feud" style list of what NEVER to put down your drain—including the starchy culprits that turn into instant pipe glue and the starchy fibers that will wrap around your machine's internals. Real trade skills are for everyone. Let’s get building!🏡 CLAIM YOUR WORKBENCH SPOT! 🏡General Public Registration for our massive, all-day "Weekend Intensive" Workshop on Saturday, August 22nd is officially LIVE! Spend the day with 39 other incredible women at Acme Home Exteriors on the south side of Lansing (right by Hawk Island Park) learning hands-on plumbing, tool competency, and drywall repair. There are ONLY 40 slots total and tickets are moving fast. Grab yours here:👉 www.howtohandymaam.com📌 TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome to the Sidequest Bonus Episode!00:45 - The August 22nd Lansing Weekend Intensive Details02:15 - Garbage Disposals: Common Knowledge vs. Mind-Blown Moments03:45 - Myth Busting: It's Not a Blender (How the Outer Grind Ring Works)05:10 - The Phone Camera Hack & Underside Access06:00 - The Two Hidden Underside Fixes (Allen Wrench vs. Reset Button)07:30 - Emily's Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Protocol09:15 - The "Never Go Down the Drain" List: Pasta, Coffee Grounds, & Grease11:40 - Pro-Tip: Why You Should Always Use Cold Water🔨 FOLLOW THE CREW:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtohandymaam (Join the 10k+ family!)Email us: hthm@myhandymaam.comWebsite: howtohandymaam.comAll our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaamIf this bonus episode saved you from a midnight plumbing emergency, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment letting us know what crazy item has fallen down your sink, and share this with a friend! 👇#HowToHandymaam #GarbageDisposalFix #PlumbingForBeginners #HomeMaintenance101 #WomenInConstruction #LansingMI #DIYHouseHacks | |||
| Episode 29 | Fact or Fiction: The Outdoor Building Code Game Show! 🛠️ | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:37:00 | |
Welcome back to the studio! Today, we are putting our building knowledge to the ultimate test with Fact or Fiction: Outdoor Code Edition. Samantha steps up as our quizmaster and game show host while Emily and Arly battle it out to see who wins the Handyma'am Olympics of building code. Before we look at the rulebook, we dive into our mandatory 3 minutes of chaos to talk about Samantha's golden retriever, Winnie the Pearl—an Amish puppy with a serious case of FOMO who requires scheduled toddler naps to keep from losing her mind. We also have a very special joint dedication today for our incredible high school shop elf, Ellah, who keeps our world spinning! What we're breaking down today: • The frost line rule (and the floating deck loophole) • Why you can never attach a deck ledger directly to brick veneer • The 3/8-inch muscle memory rule for stair risers • The 4-inch "baby head" gap rule for guardrail spindles • Egress windows and avoiding "haunted basements" • The wild history of the Code of Hammurabi (where bad building meant the death penalty!) 🛠️ LANSING, MI IN-PERSON CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT! Our first-ever hands-on, all-day beginner workshop is officially hitting Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, August 22, 2026! You’ll walk away knowing how to do 12 practical home skills entirely on your own. Email list registration opens June 20, 2026, and public registration drops June 22, 2026. 👉 GRAB YOUR CLASS SPOT: https://www.howtohandymaam.com 👉 ALL OTHER RESOURCES & SOCIALS: https://linktr.ee/howtohandymaam 👉 SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/howtohandymaam Follow our daily shenanigans on socials: @howtohandymaam | |||
| SideQuest 27 | Kiss, Marry, Eliminate: POWER TOOL EDITION 🛠️ | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:11:37 | |
Welcome back to another chaotic How to Handyma'am Sidequest! Today, we are playing a legendary game with a workshop twist: Kiss, Marry, Kill: Power Tool Edition. The rules are simple: Emily gives us three common tools, and as a crew, we HAVE to agree on which one we’d marry, which one we’d give a quick kiss to, and which one is getting permanently thrown into the dumpster. Warning: Things get incredibly heated. Arly fights for her life as the only one still working daily in the field, Samantha claims she can use her bare teeth as a utility knife, and we completely roast the adjustable crescent wrench. Let us know in the comments who you think won these debates! ✨ JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE MISSION: 👉 Grab all our resources in one place: https://linktr.ee/howtohandymaam 👉 Visit our website: https://www.howtohandymaam.com 👉 Support our mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/howtohandymaam 👉 Join our free Facebook support group: Search "How to Handyma'am" on FB! #HowToHandymaam #KissMarryKill #PowerTools #WomenInTrades #DIYComedy #WorkshopChaos #MilwaukeeFastback #ToolReview | |||
| Saws 101 | Episode 28 | 12 Jun 2026 | 01:01:47 | |
Welcome to Episode 28 of How to Handyma'am, the podcast where we are all up in your business! This week we are tackling Saws 101—breaking down the 6 best saws for your DIY arsenal, what they actually do, and how to use them without a trip to the emergency room. But first, we’ve got some serious field chaos to catch up on. The Chaos Before the Tools:The Maddie Fan Club: This episode is dedicated to Arly's brother's girlfriend, Maddie, whom we love so much we are keeping her and ditching him if they ever break up. The Left Ass-Cheek Sandwich: Samantha’s ongoing war with Panera over a flat, greasy breakfast sandwich that definitely had a left butt cheek imprint on it. A $20,000 Fix for $70: How Arly used a patent number and Google Reverse Image Search to save a client from replacing a whole French door system. The 100mg Zoloft Club: Normalizing store-bought serotonin, the gene mutation that keeps us from processing folic acid, and why SSRIs give you terrible heat intolerance on the job site. Saws 101: The Breakdown Circular Saw ("Cucumber Slaw"): Best for straight cuts on big plywood sheets. Watch out for blade binding and kickback. Miter Saw ("Chop Saw"): Perfect for accurate, repeatable angle cuts. Do not wear gloves around this spinning blade. Table Saw: Built for long "hot dog" cuts down a board. Always stand to the side and use a push stick so you don't lose a thumb. Jigsaw ("The Sewing Machine"): Great for curves, circles, and cutting sinkholes into countertops. Just don't cut things on your lap! Reciprocating Saw ("Sawzall"): Pure demolition. Great for slicing tree roots, but check inside your walls for wires before you go wild. Multi-Tool ("The Oscillator"): The absolute hero for precise flush cuts and slicing hidden nails. Watch out, the blades get burning hot. 💖 Support the Show on Patreon!Join us at patreon.com/howtohandymaam $5 Level: Extra content, deep dives, and unedited chaos. $25 Level: Directly sponsors a spot for someone who can't afford our in-person training classes. 📬 Connect with the Crew:Email: hthm@myhandymaam.comSocials/Website: @HowToHandymaam / howtohandymaam.com | |||
| Sidequest 26 | We Placed a Bet on Our Worst Construction Habits 🛑 | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:23:59 | |
Welcome to another unhinged edition of the How to Handyma’am Sidequest! 📻🧰 Friday to Friday is just way too long to wait, so we are back for our weekly halfway point bonus episode. We decided to give you a normal, well-organized main episode followed by complete, coo-coo-bananas chaos on the sidequest. We kick things off with a highly relatable discussion about a viral video featuring a chicken wearing a bra, which transitions seamlessly into Samantha’s wild medical stress test story. Find out why you can't wear an underwire bra on a cardiology treadmill, and how two nurses used two entire rolls of 8-inch self-adhering tape to manually construct an emergency sports bra. Plus, Arly recounts the traumatic childhood moment when she was shot off the back of a fast treadmill and got road rash on her face. Then, the girls jump into a high-stakes round of "Who Is Most Likely To... (Job-Site & Shop Edition)" to settle their worst workspace habits once and for all. ⏱️ The Chaos Goblin Docket: The Pencil Vanishing Act: Who loses their pencil 5 seconds after putting it behind their ear? (Samantha Pearl takes the win, even though she hides them in her hair bun). Tool Carnage: Who is most likely to accidentally slice right through a live extension cord? (Emily owns this one completely). And who drops brand-new impact drivers off 10-foot ladders? The Meat Tenderizer: Why Arly's confident new framing hammer swing results in broken fingernails, blood blisters, and bruises from her textured waffle-head hammer. The Nail Gun Hoard: How the team accidentally ended up owning four separate nail guns simply because they keep burying them in the truck and buying replacements. Workspace Disasters: Ripping into who leaves the workbench a complete disaster zone on Friday afternoons, plus a translation of why an Arly "nudge" means exactly 1/8 of an inch in the field. Drywall Dust & Power Turns: The time Arly sanded a bathroom ceiling looking like a sweaty, red-faced monster, and why Samantha is legally a hazard when navigating construction zones in the company vehicle. 👩🔧 JOIN THE HANDYMA'AM MOVEMENT: Contributing to our Patreon allows us to bring trade, tool safety, and home maintenance education directly to women! Join our $5 Apprentice Tier to support our mission and unlock our super mega, totally uncut, and highly unhinged monthly bonus episodes! ✨ Sign up for the newsletter, and check upcoming class registration at: HowToHandymaam.com 📩 Email us your burning trade questions directly at: hthm@handyman.comPatreon: patreon.com/howtohandymaam Check out our Blog! | |||
| Episode 27 | DIY Judgment Day: The Internet Hacks That Are Accidentally Ruining Your House | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:54:10 | |
Welcome to Episode 27 of How to Handyma’am! ☀️🪚 We missed you all so much, and today the trio is back with an incredibly packed episode dedicated to one of our day-one supporters, Pam! We kick things off with a chaotic late-night studio session featuring emergency mac and cheese, blue slushies, and a complete breakdown of our very first in-person workshop class. We also celebrate a massive milestone—hitting 1,000 Instagram followers!—and dive into a necessary soapbox moment about local elections and why exercising your right to vote shapes your day-to-day community safety and zoning laws. Then, it’s time for the main event: DIY Judgment Day. Samantha, Arly, and Emily act as judge and jury for 11 common internet home improvement trends, sorting the brilliant budget-savers from the absolute house-destroying crimes.
🗳️ LINKS & RESOURCES: Want early bird access to our highly anticipated August workshop classes? Head over to howtohandymaam.com and sign up for our newsletter to get a 2-day head start on registration before slots open to the public! You can also email us your burning trade questions directly at hthm@myhandymaam.com to be featured on next month’s Q&A sidequest. And don't forget to check out our Blog! | |||
| SideQuest 25: The Bondo Debate, Ceiling Fan Struggles, & Legal Fence Drama | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:20:04 | |
Welcome back to the How to Handyma’am Sidequest! 📻🧰 We are switching things up and moving to a once-a-month, rapid-fire Q&A format so we can dive deep into your burning home improvement questions . Recording late on a Tuesday night from Samantha’s house (aka Emily’s mom!)—complete with an angry, trapped dog downstairs acting like a disgruntled Pixar character—the trio gets straight to the point . In this sidequest, Samantha, Emily, and Arly tackle everything from cosmetic fixes to serious structural liabilities. They break down the legalities of property lines, walk you through the literal colors of electrical wiring, and save you from making a massive material mistake on your outdoor deck. 🛠️ Questions Answered in This Sidequest:
💜 JOIN OUR PATREON & NEWSLETTER:Want a super mega, totally uncut, and highly unhinged bonus episode every single month? Join our $5 Apprentice Tier on Patreon to support our mission of making the trades accessible to women ! Plus, our Patreon crew and newsletter subscribers get absolute first dibs on registration for our upcoming summer classes. Check out our Blog! linktr.ee/howtohandymaam | |||
| Ep 26: The Outdoor Independence Audit: 10 Exterior Accessibility Upgrades | 29 May 2026 | 00:44:16 | |
Welcome back to How to Handyma'am! ☀️🪚 In this episode, Samantha, Emily, and Arly are breaking down Part 2 of their "Aging in Place" series—this time, taking the conversation completely outside for an Outdoor Independence Audit. As licensed builders running their construction company, MyHandyma'am, the crew dives into 10 practical ways to modify your home’s exterior so that you and your loved ones can enjoy the sunshine with zero barriers to entry. From understanding the exact mathematical ratio of a safe ramp to the hidden emergency safety benefits of smart keypad door locks, this episode is packed with lesser-known adjustments that make properties safer for everyone. Plus, the girls share hilarious updates from their first adult education class, debate the reality of terrible city drivers, and recount some legendary smart-home broadcast pranks. 🛠️ Inside This Episode:* The 1:12 rule for building safe, non-slip ramps.* Why contrast matters way more than brightness in outdoor lighting.* The difference between standard wood deck rails and a truly "graspable" handrail.* Ergonomic advantages of table-height gardening and strategic seating.* How a smart video doorbell eliminates the dangerous "rush to the door". 💜 SUPPORT THE SHOW:Want to help us continue providing education and making the trades more accessible without any mansplaining? Join our $5 Apprentice Tier on Patreon to unlock exclusive monthly bonus episodes and peek behind the curtain of our chaotic antics!
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| Sidequest 24| The Shocking Medical & Military Origins of Your Tools! | 26 May 2026 | 00:21:36 | |
Welcome back to How-To Handyma’am! This week, Samantha, Arly, and Emily are stepping away from our standard workshop schedules to take you on a wild, chaotic deep dive into the completely bizarre history of the everyday tools sitting in your garage . Emily is feeling sneaky and sharing her inner history nerd as we play a guessing game with the unsettling origins of modern trade tools :
We wrap up the episode with some surprising bonus facts about sharkskin sandpaper , the evolutionary perfection of crabs , and our definitive rankings of the best animals on the planet (spicy black bears included). 🔗 Join our $5 Apprentice Patreon Tier to grab exclusive monthly bonus episodes and support our mission to bring more women into the trades: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam Check out our blog post! Connect with us! Drop your favorite animal in the comments of our social channels so we can tell you their weird evolutionary traits . Find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @howtohandymaam (remember, it's ma'am, not man!). You can also share your latest DIY workspace projects directly by emailing hth@myhandyman.com. #HowToHandymaam #ToolHistory #ChainsawOrigin #PistolGripDrill #PhillipsHead #WomenInTrades #HistoryHacks #PatreonApprentice | |||
| Ep 25: Summer Hosting Hacks & Ladder Safety | 22 May 2026 | 00:57:05 | |
Welcome back to How-To Handyma’am, the podcast where we put the handyman in the hosting ! This week, Samantha, Arly, and Emily are bringing you part two of our ultimate summer hosting guide, packed with genius backyard hacks and tactical entertaining blueprints to put even your most introverted guests completely at ease . Before we hit the backyard, we kick off with our Three Minutes of Chaos segment . Emily reminisces about using actual gas leaf blowers to clean movie theater aisles in high school , we launch into the highly controversial French Fry Wars , and Arly recaps her recent Amazon sunscreen crisis . We also break down a terrifying "Field Tale" of a classic mid-century ranch house that was criminally forced into a black-and-white modern farmhouse aesthetic . On a serious note, Emily shares some heavy-hitting safety takeaways from her recent builder’s license continuing education classes . We discuss the critical 3-rung extension ladder rule , why a post-fall rescue plan is just as vital as your harness , and how a simple DIY ratchet strap trick can completely eliminate a terrifying ladder wobble . In the main segment, we map out Emily's Summer Hosting Blueprint :
🔗 Grab all our resources and full build guides here: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam 🔗 Check out our blog HERE! Connect with us! Tag us in your project photos on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @howtohandymaam (remember, it's ma'am, not man!) . You can also send your latest DIY project triumph photos directly to hthm@myhandymaam.com | |||
| Sidequest 23: Welcome to the MDF Hate Club: Sponge Wood, Toxic Dust, and "Smartie Candy" Screws 🪵❌ | 19 May 2026 | 00:20:05 | |
Grab your respirators, folks. In this Sidequest, Samantha, Arly, and Emily officially open the doors to the MDF Hate Club . While medium density fiberboard looks uniform and beautiful on the store shelf, we are here to expose the pros, the cons, and the absolute lies surrounding this compressed wood fluff . In this Sidequest, we break down:
Handyma’am Verdict: If you are new to woodworking, do not start your hobby with MDF or you will want to quit . If you must build a heavy-load project (like Samantha and Emily's budget vinyl record bookshelves), skip the MDF and buy cabinet-grade plywood—or be prepared to install a 1x2 wooden skeleton just to keep it from failing . Disagree with our anti-MDF manifesto? Let us know at howtohandymaam.com or find us on socials @howtohandymaam! Check out our Blog HERE! Find all our links! linktr.ee/howtohandymaam #HowToHandymaam #MDFHateClub #WoodworkingFails #ShopTalk #DIYTraps #WomenInTrades | |||
| Episode 24: Fence 101: Digging Deep, Neighbor Etiquette, and Beating the Frost Line 🪵🏗️ | 15 May 2026 | 00:37:01 | |
We’ve officially hit Episode 24! This week, Samantha, Arly, and Emily are breaking down the essential steps to building a fence that stays level, plumb, and square for years to come. Samantha kicks things off with a heartfelt dedication to her Aunt Annie—the original "master of the chaos" who taught her that getting older means finally being exactly who you are. In this episode, we discuss:
Handyma’am Tip: Don't just eyeball your property line. Verify your survey stakes or you might find yourself moving a whole fence later! Check out our Blog HERE! Find all our links, resources, and more here:👉 linktr.ee/howtohandymaam #HowToHandymaam #FenceBuilding #DIYHomeRepair #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement #WomenInTrades | |||
| Sidequest 22: Deck Staining Secrets, Patio Permits, & Why We Hate Wood Filler 🪵🛠️ | 12 May 2026 | 00:18:32 | |
We’ve officially survived the "22-episode failure zone," and with over 43 total uploads including our Sidequests, we’re just getting started! This week, the studio door is open, and Winnie the dog joins Emily, Arly, and Samantha as we tackle a themed Q&A all about your home's exterior. In this Sidequest, we answer:
Handyma’am Golden Rule: Before you soft wash your siding, soak your foundation and nearby plants with clean water to protect them from chemical runoff! Check out our Blog HERE! Check out our Linktree for all our resources, socials, and more: #HowToHandymaam #DeckMaintenance #DIYHomeRepair #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement | |||
| Ep 23: Summer Hosting Part 1 — Fire Pits, Lighting, & How Not to Burn a Hole in Your Deck 🪵🔥 | 08 May 2026 | 00:39:02 | |
Winter is finally over in Michigan, and the Handyma’ams are ready to head outside! This episode kicks off a two-part summer hosting series designed to help you get your home party-ready and, most importantly, safe for your guests. In this episode, we cover:
Handyma’am Pro-Tip: Always put a plunger in the guest bathroom so nobody has to die of embarrassment. Check out our Blog HERE! Check out all our links at linktr.ee/howtohandymaam | |||
| Sidequest 21: Reddit Contractor Nightmares, The "Materials Scam," & Unpermitted Disasters 🚩 | 05 May 2026 | 00:34:12 | |
Grab your concert tees and get ready to rock, because this is the Sidequest of the 90s! This week, Emily went rogue in the basement office and dug into the depths of Reddit to find some truly unhinged contractor horror stories. Samantha, Arly, and Emily read through four different nightmares and provide their professional commentary on the massive red flags these homeowners missed. In this Sidequest, we react to:
Plus, we share essential Handyma'am advice:
Did you love this Reddit episode? Search for the How To Handyma'am group on Facebook and let us know if we should make this a regular series! Check out the Blog! | |||
| Ep 22: The Price is Right: Hardware Store Edition, Body Positivity, & A Milwaukee Giveaway! 💸🛠️ | 01 May 2026 | 00:51:32 | |
Welcome back to How To Handyma'am! This week, Arly survived a brutal bout of food poisoning to bring you an episode packed with chaotic energy, essential life advice, and a hardware store game show. Before we talk tools, Samantha celebrates finding a great new therapist , and then Emily takes the mic for an important soapbox moment about body neutrality, diet culture, and dealing with internet trolls. The ethos of How To Handyma'am is simple: come exactly as you are. Your body is the least interesting thing about you, and we are here to build cool things, not conform to impossible standards! Then, it is time to play The Price is Right: Big Box Store Edition! Arly quizzes Emily and Samantha on the retail prices of everyday DIY materials. We are covering everything from LVP flooring and exterior doors to why a gallon of Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane will cause some serious sticker shock. 🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉We are giving away a Milwaukee Drill Kit (M18 Drill, two batteries, a charger, and a bag)! To enter, follow us on Instagram (@howtohandymaam) and join our email list before May 8th, 2026 at 12:00 AM. Check out our BLOG! Got a question? Want to join the community? Search for the "How To Handyma'am" group on Facebook, visit howtohandymaam.com, or email us at hthm@myhandymaam.com! | |||
| SideQuest 20: Deck Permits, Ripped-Out Handrails, & Toxic Lumber 🛠️ | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:14:10 | |
Welcome to another Side Quest! ⚔️ Today, Samantha, Arley, and Emily are tackling your listener questions. We’re covering everything from the legalities of deck building to why poorly installed safety equipment is the absolute worst. In this episode, we answer:
Plus, a terrifying tale from the field involving tick-infested mulch, and a mind-blowing realization about where the word "windmill" comes from. Check out the Blog! Got a question for us? We want to hear it! Email us at hthm@myhandymaam.com. | |||
| Ep 21: 48-Hour Curb Appeal, Shutter Crimes, & Neglect-Proof Plants | 24 Apr 2026 | 01:01:11 | |
Welcome back to How to Handyma'am, besties! We missed you. In this episode, we are wrapping up our four-part "Spring is Sprung" series with the ultimate guide to beautifying the outside of your home in 48 hours or less. We are giving you beginner-friendly DIY tips for:
This episode is proudly dedicated to Emily’s fierce, intelligent, and effervescent cousin-in-law, LaTonya! Be like LaTonya. Plus, we have your three (nine?) minutes of controlled chaos, featuring:
Links & Resources:
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| Sidequest 19: The Ultimate Job Interview Guide (Tips from an HR Pro!) | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:26:37 | |
This week on the Side Quest, we are putting down the power tools and picking up our resumes! If you are job hunting, switching careers, or just struggling to land an offer, this is the episode for you. Before we started How to Handyma'am, our very own Samantha Pearl had a long career in Human Resources and conducted hundreds of interviews. Inspired by the absolute trauma of some recent chaotic interviews we have held, we are sharing the ultimate guide to getting hired. In this episode, we cover: Resume Red Flags: Why you aren't getting callbacks, how to fix your AI-generated resume, and why your voicemail greeting might be costing you the job. The Do's of Interviewing: How to prep behavioral stories, what to research before you arrive, and why you should bring a pen and paper. The Absolute Don't: Why you should never ask about pay in the first interview, why badmouthing your toxic ex-boss makes you look bad, and the "Forbidden Three" topics you can never bring up. The Handyma'am Reality Check: Why not getting hired is actually a "you" problem—and how to fix it by treating your interview like an audition! As always, join the Handyma'am Community: Have a wild interview story or a DIY question for us? Email us at hthm@myhandymaam.com! Check out our BLOG: https://howtohandymaam.com/blog/sidequest-19-the-ultimate-job-interview-guide-tips-from-an-hr-pro ! Sign up for our newsletter: https://howtohandymaam.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">howtohandymaam.com. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @howtohandymaam | |||
| Episode 20: Decks 101 (Permits, Materials & Building It Right) | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:56:17 | |
If you are planning on building, replacing, or resurfacing a deck this summer, you cannot afford to skip this episode! Today, we are starting from the ground up to give you the ultimate Deck 101 survival guide. We talk through the dreaded permitting process and explain exactly when you can legally skip the paperwork. Then, we break down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of the three most common decking materials: pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and composite. Whether you want the cheapest option or a deck that will outlive you, we have the installation secrets you need to know. In this episode, we cover:
Connect with us! Got a question or a "Tale from the Field"? Email us at hthm@myhandymaam.com! Check out our blog at https://howtohandymaam.com/blog/episode-20-decks-101-permits-materials-amp-building-it-right 🔗 All our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam 🏡 Check out our website: howtohandymaam.com | |||
| SideQuest 18: Deck Stain vs. Paint, Removing Cabinets, & Please Don't Touch That Wire! | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:18:08 | |
Welcome back to the Sidequest! This is where we drop the script, embrace the chaos, and answer your emails. Today, we are tackling three listener questions that cover everything from electrical safety to heavy lifting in the kitchen. In this episode, we answer questions from:
Plus, Minutes of Chaos: We're talking about whispering toddlers, horrifying OSHA training videos, and the slippery dangers of using the wrong water seal on your walking paths. Got a question for the Handyma'ams? Email us at hth@howtohandymaam.com! Check out our blog from this week HERE! 🔗 All our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam🏡 Check out our website: howtohandymaam.com | |||
| Ep 19: Spring Landscaping 101 | Garden Beds, Yard Grading & Keeping Critters Out | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:56:56 | |
Welcome back to How to Handyma'am! In this episode, we are continuing our Spring Series by teaching you everything you need to know to grow things outside your house this spring. We are also dedicating this episode to Arly's mother-in-law, Johanna, who is retiring after 20 years of working night shifts—congratulations! In this episode, we cover the Do's and Don'ts of:
Plus, Minutes of Chaos: We're talking about eating Mr. Leslie's Cheesecake, Samantha getting her lizard-on in the Florida sun, happy sci-fi movies, and doing an ASMR review of the Enviro Brush (a reusable paintbrush helping reduce construction waste!). 🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: In-Person Training! 🚨We are hosting our first in-person training this June! Head to our website and put your email in on the events page to get registration access two days earlier than everyone else. 🔗 All our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam 🏡 Check out our website: howtohandymaam.com Check out our Blog: https://howtohandymaam.com/blog/ep-19-spring-landscaping-101-garden-beds-yard-grading-amp-keeping-critters-out | |||