Explore every episode of the podcast Garage Sales Unhinged

Jake shares his experience thrifting movie and TV items to help decorate his daughter's new college apartment. Julie starts off the episode with a warning: she's running on fume so watch out! She then recalls getting a guy friend to pay for a date so she could see Black Hawk Down, later naming Scary Movie as an uncomfortable theater experience with church friends. Jake says his worst theater movie was The Waterboy after being denied entry to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and jokes about asking for a refund because it was “offensive.” Jake describes shopping vintage/thrift stores near his daughter's university with movie-themed merchandise, including a shop called It’s a Wrap that sells items used in productions. They discuss desired movie memorabilia: Julie wants Audrey Hepburn’s My Fair Lady diamond necklace, while Jake wants Rocketeer/Flash Gordon items, and they note thrifting as a less wasteful, more unique way to furnish dorms.

Hosts Julie and Jake riff on PBS’s UK show “Celebrity Antiques Road Trip,” where celebrity teams shop secondhand, haggle, and auction items to see who profits most. Julie detours into a London New Year’s trip: VIP parade seating with dignitaries, unlimited food trucks (notably cookies and champagne), and a boutique hotel bath with a TV showing “The Great British Bake Off”. The conversation returns to secondhand selling with a discussion of the Whatnot app, a 24/7 live-stream auction platform with chat, gamified points, fast countdown bidding, and tools that handle shipping and sales tax. They note it can help resellers and stores move inventory quickly but feels overstimulating, production-heavy for sellers, and risky for anyone prone to gambling addiction.

Julie and Jake discuss recent estate-sale experiences. Jake attends a presale at the property behind his home, where an out-of-state heir hires an estate-sale company; with few shoppers, Jake photographs rooms to shop on behalf of Julie and their mother, creating a frantic, competitive remote-buying process. Julie recounts another estate sale in an affluent neighborhood on the 50%-off final day, describing the adrenaline of arriving to heavy crowds.

Julie and Jake banter about art, including nudity in French films and public arts funding, then shift to what makes art “nice,” emphasizing subjectivity, decor, sentiment, and stories behind pieces. Julie describes art in her home ranging from big-box decor to a honeymoon vase, an Instagram print, a signed and numbered Jacques Pépin piece sold to support his cooking school, a dentist teeth model she considers art, and a framed handwritten birthday letter from Jake. They discuss how resellers authenticate and price items through research, provenance, and storytelling, noting that “nice” often equals resale value. Jake recounts buying two huge framed abstract works at auction for $10, identifying them as Jennifer Hollack pieces and debating prints versus originals.

Hosts Julie and Jake of “Garage Sales Unhinged” share a gossipy story about Painted Tree, a vendor-mall operator where vendors rented booth space while store employees handled sales for a cut. After the company was sold to new ownership in September 2025, vendors and local managers were abruptly notified around April 12, 2026 that all stores were shutting down immediately, with some vendors given only that day or until Friday to retrieve inventory. Many vendors reportedly received no rent refunds, no sales payouts, and some lost inventory if they couldn’t pick it up; managers were left without guidance and some worked unpaid. Painted Tree reportedly hadn’t paid taxes for months and planned to file bankruptcy, leaving vendors to seek recourse through courts.

Julie explains a Wall Street Journal article about pawn shop chains serving the K-shaped economy, where higher-income consumers remain comfortable while lower-income individuals struggle with essentials. Jake and Julie then discuss how pawn shops buy and resell luxury goods like Hermès Birkin bags and how pawn loans work, including typical loan sizes, collateral value offered (about 10–60%), and an example yielding a 121% APR. They compare pawn loans with payday loans and credit cards, noting pawn loans don’t require bank access and can be used by people without credit.

Julie and Jake riff on buying restaurant polos at Goodwill to sneak into places like Applebee’s for appetizers, noting the security issues of employee apparel being resold. Jake discusses regularly checking an online auction site where he buys cheap essentials like unopened toilet paper, alongside impractical temptations like samurai swords, prompting a conversation about self-awareness and why people buy things. Julie, a minimalist, admits to impulse buys like a large dentist mouth model meant to be funny, framing purchases as aspirational or identity-shaping.

Hosts Julie and Jake discuss unexpected “extras” found in secondhand purchases, focusing on books with notes in the margins (“marginalia”). Julie shares a Nashville-area news story about a woman who bought a suitcase at a yard sale for $5–$10 and later found jewelry inside—an engagement ring soldered to a wedding ring, David Yurman pieces, and more—possibly worth tens of thousands of dollars. They debate what someone should do in that situation and the ethics of underpriced secondhand finds.

Hosts Julie and Jake, co-hosts of Garage Sales Unhinged, chat about their weekends: Julie attended a duo birthday/pool party and Jake, who usually sticks to online auctions, detours to a nearby first-day estate sale. They discuss some of the estate sale items, including a tall Art Nouveau-style floor vase, an immaculate baby grand piano, elephant figurines, an electric organ, and a butter-colored Bach bust.

Hosts Julie and Jake introduce “Garage Sales Unhinged” and banter about music’s effect on shopping behavior and how garage, yard, and estate sale hosts can use it to shape atmosphere and encourage buying. Julie cites research showing slower-tempo music increased sales by 38% by making shoppers slow down and linger, and shares that 59% of younger customers stay longer in stores when they enjoy the music. They discuss Muzak’s origins and its non-confrontational, lyric-light style, plus copyright limits for businesses versus personal yard sales. They cover genres that promote purchasing (pop, rock, alternative, classical) and match music to sale themes.

Julie and Jake discuss the World’s Longest Garage Sale, a nearly 700-mile event through Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, happening August 6–9. Julie recounts an article about a vendor preparing for the sale who, while sorting long-stored boxes, got derailed by “side quests,” found help from neighbors, and faced rain that reduced traffic. The hosts reflect on clutter, moving, and how objects trigger memories, arguing for more mindful keeping and decluttering.

Podcast hosts Julie and Jake describe a field report from Texoma Trade Days, held at a run-down, mostly abandoned “ghost mall” with an eerie backrooms vibe. They recount meeting a wide variety of vendors—from casual yard-sale style setups to curated booths—and talking with longtime resellers and people who transitioned from corporate careers, emphasizing how secondhand markets help reconnect with community. Julie buys three items: an oversized dental model mouth she plans to turn into wall art (possibly with a gold tooth and tongue), a D.A.R.E. button that sparks memories of the school anti-drug program and its officer-led presentations, and a dozen unwashed farm-fresh eggs, prompting an explanation of why unwashed eggs can sit out and how refrigeration helps for poaching. They also note vintage childhood items, old tech like an eight-inch floppy disk and a Nokia brick phone, Star Wars-themed suit, and unsettling war memorabilia.

Julie shares a print newspaper she found in Colorado: The Mountain States Collector, covering antiques and the secondhand market. She highlights an article by DeDe Horan on unusual postcard categories collectors seek (e.g., stilts, rolling pins, hot dogs, lawn mowers, tarpon fish) and encourages subscribing and using it as a local events resource.

The Mountain States Collector online = https://mountainstatescollector.com/

Julie and Jake discuss a real yard-sale dilemma: what to do when you urgently need the bathroom while shopping at someone’s home. Jake says he’d leave to find a nearby public restroom rather than ask the homeowner. Julie describes planning ahead by using restrooms between stops, notes differences for women, mentions adult briefs as an option, and recommends Home Depot and Lowe’s for cleaner bathrooms. They discuss whether sale hosts should allow restroom use (generally no, except possibly for kids), and the etiquette of asking sellers to hold items briefly while you run to the restroom.

Jake brings up an Edmonton man running a garage sale for three consecutive months that neighbors call an eyesore and are complaining about, prompting a discussion of rules around sale duration and permits. Julie explains that in Texas, even without municipal permitting, state law limits homeowners to no more than three sales in a 12-month cycle or they may be treated as a business, and notes a weekend sale counts as one. They share practical garage-sale tactics, end-of-day discounting, using a free box, donating leftovers, and briefly discuss haggling at local shops.

Julie tells Jake about spotting a sign for five coordinated garage sales on a nearby cul-de-sac and visiting three of them, meeting neighbors and hearing about a massive ornate hutch left by previous owners. For $8 total, she buys a hand-painted piggy bank, an unopened 500-piece Dowdle downtown Nashville puzzle, the book “My Best Friend’s Exorcism”, and three half-moon wicker wall decor pieces to use outdoors.

Julie announces the season four finale of “Garage Sales Unhinged,” noting she and Jake will take a few weeks off and return in May.

Julie recaps how the podcast was started and wanted a show celebrating the secondhand sales market. The episode focuses on “The PriceMaster,” a viral Denton, Texas performance-art yard sale from about 25 years ago in which a costumed “mystic” amplified with reverb shouted absurd prices, frustrating or amusing unsuspecting serious shoppers. They discuss reflections on how secondhand markets expose the arbitrariness of value.

Julie shares that National Garage Sale Day is observed on the second Saturday in August (August 8, 2026), sometimes allowing permit-free sales in certain municipalities and encouraging coordinated neighborhood sales. Julie explains it began in 2001, created by C. Daniel Rhodes of Alabama, who also founded other unofficial holidays, and notes that people can check local rules for permit waivers and plan to shop. Julie and Jake also discuss National Thrift Shop Day on August 17, when thrift stores may offer deals.

Julie and Jake chat about an online auction site (TexasOnlineAuctionHouse.com), how bidding works (waiting until near closing and the timer resetting), and the logistics of local pickup. They describe the mix of lots—contractor supplies, storage-unit finds, estate sales—and mention preview (“purview”) hours. Julie shares she’s watching/bidding on a mini projector for mural tracing, a telescope kit to leave at friends’ dark-sky property, and a button maker for conference swag. Jake jokes about bidding on items like a collapsible baton, a Chinese meat cleaver, and a katana.

Hosts Julie and Jake discuss “arbitrage” as it applies to reselling items from estate sales, thrift stores, and garage sales for profit. Julie shares research from Reddit suggesting many part-time resellers average about $12,000 a year, while experienced sellers with a following can reach six figures, but only after building systems and community. They break down why profits are less straightforward than they seem, factoring in purchase price targets (often 10–20% of resale value), shipping, storage, platform fees, laundering/repairs, and the time it takes to sell. They note that lack of expertise can lead to losses or hoarding, using examples like mispricing Pokémon cards or buying replica collectibles such as milk glass. Julie explains book reselling via Amazon, including scanning ISBNs to check market value and how shipping can erase margins, and recommends mentorship, niche specialization, and leveraging existing knowledge. They reference First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas (started in 1850; over 100 acres; up to 6,000 vendors) as an example of specialized vendor niches.

Hosts Julie and Jake discuss an ethical question: what to do when you find items in your possession that belong to someone else and might have resale or emotional value. Jake reveals he has Julie’s vintage metal Disney lunchbox from elementary school, complete with her name on it, displayed in his house; they discuss whether value changes the obligation to return it. Julie shares similar situations, including a communal nacho cheese machine and movie-theater popcorn machine stored in her attic from her husband’s old parties. They conclude that if you discover something that isn’t yours while preparing for a garage/estate sale, it’s best to contact the owner before getting rid of it, especially if it may have sentimental attachment.

Julie and Jake joke about "treasure hunting" as piracy, including pirate gear and the chaos of parrots, before Julie shares a college experience working with macaws at a local zoo and describes their size, aggression, and enrichment activities. The conversation shifts to practical tools for secondhand treasure hunting, including two types of tape measures (construction and flexible fashion), magnets and a jeweler’s loupe for identifying metals and jewelry markings, assorted batteries for testing electronics, a screwdriver for accessing compartments or inspecting items like lamps, latex gloves for dust and germs, and a UV light for checking clothing and identifying uranium glass that glows green. They conclude that the right tools depend on what you’re shopping for.

In this episode of Garage Sales Unhinged, Julie recounts her recent estate sale exploration, where she found vintage scarves, an essential curling iron, and a vintage fur coat for her mother. She also describes her strategy for navigating estate sales and hunting for unique items.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake share humorous and heartwarming stories, including a fascinating tale about a high school letter jacket found in a Japanese vintage store. The duo delves into the emotional impact of rediscovering personal items from the past and discusses the quirks of international vintage markets.

Julie and Jake, hosts of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' examine items that have surprisingly retained their value over time, including comic books, toys, trading cards, and sports memorabilia. Julie shares her minimalist view, expressing disbelief at the value placed on such items, while Jake provides insight into the psychology and cultural significance behind collecting. They conclude by questioning the future value of these items as generational interests shift.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' Julie and Jake take listeners on an entertaining game of 'Would You Rather' questions centered on secondhand sales. Scenarios include choosing between selling used underwear on live TV, buying a puzzle with missing pieces, and deciding between digging through tangled cables or damp clothes. The episode combines humor with insights into garage sale culture, making for an engaging and lighthearted listen.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts and siblings Julie and Jake explore the idea of nostalgia, comparing original storytelling and the appeal of simpler, earlier forms of entertainment such as retro gaming. They touch on the differences between being connected digitally and fostering in-person community experiences. Julie talks about the authenticity and allure of past experiences, while Jake reflects on whether younger generations' interest in retro items stems from true nostalgia or a desire for authenticity.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake debate about where to find specific items like dinner plates, waffle irons, tuxedos, and lawnmowers at the best prices. They delve into the pros and cons of various secondhand outlets such as Goodwill, Facebook Marketplace, and specialty thrift shops. Jake and Julie also touch upon the cultural shift away from traditional wedding china and discuss their personal experiences with secondhand purchases. Despite intending to debate, the duo finds themselves largely in agreement, making for an informative and entertaining discussion on thrifty shopping.

Julie and Jake discuss their personal experiences with affordable and unique secondhand finds, highlighting the growing trend of gifting thrifted items. Referencing an article from ModernRetail.co titled 'The Year of Thriftmas', they explore how economic pressures and changing attitudes towards secondhand shopping have led to a surge in its popularity. The discussion covers the meaningfulness and value of thrifted gifts, supported by examples and market statistics, including the growth of platforms like TheRealReal and ThreadUp. They advocate for the thoughtful, economical, and unique nature of secondhand gifts while sharing amusing personal anecdotes.

Read the entire article referenced in the episode here = https://www.modernretail.co/tariffs/the-year-of-thriftmas-why-secondhand-gifts-could-finally-go-mainstream-this-holiday-season/?mod=djemCMOToday

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake dive into the concept of blind purchases, such as buying items sight unseen, including liquidation pallets. The hosts recount a Wirecutter article where a 450-pound pallet was purchased for $2,000, revealing the mixed results of such ventures. They suggest leveraging the allure of the unknown by creating 'mystery boxes' for garage sales to gamify the experience and entice buyers. The episode also touches on potential uses for damaged items and how to engage community or educational projects with these concepts.

Julie and Jake, hosts of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' conduct their second annual gift gifting episode where they have a limit of $10 for secondhand finds. Highlights include Jake gifting Julie a frog statue sourced from a neighbor's yard and Julie giving Jake an interactive piece of artwork with chalk pens. The episode wraps up with a humorous reflection on gift-giving and the joys of finding hidden treasures at garage sales. Listeners are invited to follow their adventures and tips on their Instagram page @garagesalesunhinged.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' Jake shares the peculiar story of a neighboring house located in a state of probate limbo. The property has been vacant since the passing of its elderly owner, leaving behind vast collections of vintage items and even a Cadillac. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the property's issues, including a failing shared fence and overgrown yard, no one has claimed ownership, making the house effectively ownerless. Along the way, they discuss the implications of property intestacy and the conundrums faced when estates remain unresolved.

Hosts Julie and Jake of 'Garage Sales Unhinged' explore the peculiar and often bizarre world of garage sales, yard sales, and estate sales. This episode dives into the true crime associated with secondhand sales, discussing three unusual stories: a drug-influenced theft at a yard sale, an estate sale scammer cheating clients, and a burglar hosting yard sales to sell stolen items. They emphasize that these instances highlight the darker side of an otherwise community-oriented activity, underscoring the need for integrity and trust in secondhand sale environments.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake explore the fascinating and often bizarre items one can find, such as medical devices and outdated fashion trends. The hosts also engage in a lively conversation about 1990s fashion, including Starter jackets, overalls, and the unique 'jelly' shoes, reflecting on how these items reveal much about a person’s past and cultural identity.

In this episode of Garage Sales Unhinged, hosts Julie and Jake discuss Macklemore's hit song 'Thrift Shop,' highlighting its cultural impact and unique message about the value of secondhand shopping. They dive into the song's lyrics, music video, and its significance in contrasting the opulence often depicted in rap music with the creativity and individuality found in thrift store finds.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' host Jake recounts finding a peculiar article from MSN, which was actually an AI-generated piece based on a Reddit thread. This discovery prompts a discussion about the proliferation of AI-generated content in journalism, comparing it to cheaply made, mass-produced goods versus durable, secondhand items. They also touch on the ethics and implications of AI in media, challenging the authenticity behind online content. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of quality and genuineness in both media and consumer products.

Julie and Jake of 'Garage Sales Unhinged' bring a bonus story from Season One, highlighting a humorous story about Jake's attempt to borrow their older brother's 'hammer pants'. It was almost the perfect sibling crime.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake talk about Halloween costumes; past and present. Jake highlights Spirit Halloween stores, their overstock issues, popular and predicted costumes, and fun personal costume memories from their past. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of secondhand shopping for potential Halloween costumes, emphasizing creativity and budget-friendliness.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' host Julie introduces her guest, Guy, a dad in Arkansas known for his funny Facebook Marketplace posts. Guy talks about his journey of selling his children's outgrown clothes and toys with humorous captions. He discusses how he leverages his marketing background and creative writing skills to make mundane items appealing. The conversation covers the dynamics of selling secondhand items, the challenges of balancing creativity with a busy family life, and the humorous aspects of turning children's clothes into engaging content. Guy provides insights into making an impact on social media through originality and connecting with people in unexpected ways.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake explore the eccentric, bizarre, and downright hilarious items found at garage sales, yard sales, and estate sales. They discuss quirky finds like a 747 cockpit, a taxidermied frog in a rocking chair, and even conversations about fart jars. Adding to the fun, Julie and Jake share their thoughts on peculiar secondhand items, the thrill of these treasure hunts, and the weird joys of secondhand shopping. The episode closes with a call to listeners to share their strangest finds and invites them to connect via Instagram (@garagesalesunhinged) and email (garagesalesunhinged@gmail.com).

Julie and Jake take listeners through the emotionally charged process of decluttering personal and family possessions. They discuss the sentimental challenges of letting go of items, especially after significant life changes such as moving, divorce, or the death of a loved one. The hosts share practical tips, including utilizing estate sale companies, local resources, and social worker help, to alleviate the burden. They emphasize that decluttering is not just a physical act but an emotional journey, and highlight the importance of seeking assistance to make the process more manageable.

Julie and Jake discuss career experiences, touching on the transient nature of modern employment, including a detailed account of Julie's tenure at Cheesecake Factory. The hosts delve into the peculiarities of wearing and disposing of company-branded apparel, considering how they'd use or donate corporate swag.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake discuss the deceptive practices of Value Village, a for-profit thrift store chain owned by Savers that has marketed itself with a charity-like image. Julie details how Value Village misleads donors into believing they are supporting charities when, in fact, the items donated often result in minimal contributions to charitable organizations.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake reminisce about 'The Drew Carey Show' and delve into Cleveland's quirky attractions, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Haunt Club. The episode highlights the Haunt Club's annual event, the Haunted Garage Sale and Hearse Cruise-in, where enthusiasts gather to celebrate haunt-themed vendors, food trucks, and music.

Hosts Julie and Jake share personal experiences about fitting in during high school, particularly focusing on the pressure to wear branded clothing in the 90s and how Jake chose to avoid it. Julie highlights an innovative concept at East Forsyth High's Bronco Market, a thrift store run by the school which provides necessities to students, reduces stigma with anonymous shopping via QR codes, and gives students work experience.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' Julie and Jake discuss the recent Larry King estate auction, highlighting the eclectic mix of memorabilia and quirky items like a jellybean portrait of King. As they explore the auction's offerings, they reflect on what their own estate sales might reveal about them, with Julie's travels and minimalistic souvenirs contrasted against Jake's sticky note abundance.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake talk about an innovative date night idea where couples buy outfits for each other from thrift stores within a set budget and wear them on the same night. Their discussion is interlaced with personal anecdotes, including Julie's trip to Australia and humorous stories about their family. They also highlight the social and economic benefits of thrift shopping and suggest it as a budget-friendly, entertaining activity for couples.

Julie and Jake focus on the ethics and feasibility of hosting a 'pay what you think it's worth' yard sale, inspired by a lively Reddit thread. They debate the pros and cons, potential issues with honesty, and alternative solutions like using Venmo for payments.

In this episode of Garage Sales Unhinged, hosts Julie and Jake take a deep dive into their personal musical journeys. Julie discusses her extensive classical piano training and her aspiration to play jazz piano, while Jake reminisces about his foray into guitar playing and his experience with secondhand instruments. They share humorous anecdotes about their childhood, their parents' quirky behaviors, and the various musical instruments they've tried.

In this episode of 'Garage Sales Unhinged,' hosts Julie and Jake share personal anecdotes about vacations they took during their childhood and delve into Julie's recent trip to Hawaii, where she explored how the island community handles the secondhand market. Julie visited Goodwill and a boutique thrift store on Oahu, noting the unique challenges and opportunities in the local resale market.