Explore every episode of the podcast Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–50 of 325
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Identifying Red Flags in the Tiny Home Industry
31 Jan 2025
00:39:16
In this episode, I'm joined by Mic of Mic Talks Tiny, an expert in vetting companies, especially within the tiny house industry, to help us make more informed decisions. Mic shares invaluable insights on recognizing red flags, avoiding scams, and the importance of due diligence when choosing a builder. We dive into the transition of the tiny home market from DIY to professionally built spaces and the challenges around affordability and luxury. Mic also discusses their plans for a community focused tiny home development and the necessity of honest consumer education in this ever evolving industry. Stay tuned for an eye opening conversation that will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the tiny home world more confidently going forward.
In This Episode:
🏠 Tiny House Market Scams: Mic explains how some builders use fake images and testimonials.
📋 Due Diligence Importance: Mic emphasizes the need for thorough vetting when choosing builders.
💸 Unrealistic Price Expectations: Discussion on how unrealistic tiny home prices fuel scam risks.
🌍 Tiny House Communities: Exploration of current trends and variations in tiny home communities.
💼 Transition to Professional Builds: Shift from DIY tiny houses to professional builds discussed.
🚛 Wheels vs. Fixed Structures: Debate on the viability of tiny homes on wheels versus fixed prefab homes.
🛁 Luxury vs. Affordability: The impact of luxury features on the affordability of tiny homes examined.
🌐 Future of Tiny Homes: Speculations on the industry's direction and consumer expectations discussed.
A Special Announcement:
This will be the last regular episode of the Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast. After more than 300 episodes, I'm evolving my focus to help businesses grow through email marketing and podcasting, taking the skills and expertise I've developed here to serve others in new ways. While I may return with occasional episodes, the costs and time required for regular production no longer align with my current direction. I want to thank all of you who've been a part of this journey. Your support and encouragement have meant the world to me.
Surviving Hurricanes and Building Sustainable Tiny House Communities
17 Jan 2025
00:32:14
I'm thrilled to welcome Betsy Barbour back to the show. Betsy has been living in a 200 square foot tiny house since early 2019, navigating the challenges and joys that living tiny presents. Over the past few years, she's moved her home between various locations in Florida and Pennsylvania, even enduring back to back hurricanes. Betsy has also worked in the tiny house industry as a community facilitator and lifestyle consultant, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to our conversation. We'll be diving into her unique lifestyle insights on building resilient tiny homes and the potential for tiny house communities. Stick around. This episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone curious about tiny Living.
In This Episode:
Betsy shares her personal experience of what it’s like living in a tiny home during a hurricane including what steps she took to prepare and just how well her tiny house held up.
The importance of creating and ensuring tiny home communities remain affordable housing options despite the rise in luxury communities.
Betsy shares her vision of sustainable tiny home communities, including hybrid options that provide options for 55+, families and luxury resort areas that provide multigenerational living.
Facing challenges of developing properties and rising infrastructure costs, Betsy sees this a good opportunity to repurpose land that has already been developed, creating more sustainable and affordable options.
How Betsy’s personal experiences as a tiny home dweller has shaped how much she values creating and being part of a true community.
Current roadblocks in the tiny house industry, including infrastructure and development, along with concerns about housing affordability.
Designing and planning your tiny home to be supportive through, injury, illness, and retirement, leaving room for future adaptability and accessibility
The future of tiny homes and tiny communities, including more widely accepted and normalized, zoning restrictions and code ordinances.
From Bankrupt to 160 Acres: How Two Brothers Are Using Creative Financing to Build a Tiny Empire
27 Dec 2024
00:48:28
Today, I'll be talking to Jaymie, a visionary who transformed his life and business during the pandemic. From bankruptcy to building a thriving tiny home community on 160 acres, Jaymie's journey is nothing short of inspirational. He co-founded Living the Off Grid Dream, a program with 9,000 students worldwide and shares practical strategies for creative real estate and business acquisition. Jaymie will share several methods and frameworks for innovative financing and his plans for a sustainable future at his homestead. Whether you're looking to live off grid, start a tiny home community or simply get inspired by an incredible story of resilience, you won't want to miss this conversation.
💡 Creative Financing Strategies: Using the BRRRR method (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) this traditionally urban real estate strategy was creatively applied to rural land acquisition, enabling them to overcome credit and funding challenges despite a past bankruptcy.
🚀 Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): Streamlining team meetings to reduce workload, the EOS methodology has helped Jaymie cut his management time to about two hours a week, enhancing efficiency and team alignment.
🌍 Intentional Tiny Home Communities: Jaymie envisions communities that go beyond traditional RV parks, providing co-working spaces, event areas, and commercial spaces for tiny home owners.
💵 Property Investment & Financial Self-Sufficiency: This strategy not only offers financial resilience but also supports the goal of achieving early retirement and self-sufficient living.
🐔 Alternative Farming Activities: Diversifying activities around the farm helps meet various needs and supports the overall sustainable lifestyle.
👩🏫 Teaching & Workshops: Educating over 9,000 students on off-grid living, Jaymie and his brother's knowledge-sharing initiative has grown into a comprehensive educational platform.
🛠 Business Acquisition Strategy: Their approach allowed them to expand quickly and effectively without initial capital outlay, leveraging investor partnerships for shared ownership.
A Professional Organizer's 4-Step Process for Decluttering Any Space with Shira Gill
06 Dec 2024
00:37:08
Today's episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights on decluttering and organizing your home. Joining me is renowned home organizing expert and bestselling author, Shira Gill. With 15 years of experience, Shira has developed a straightforward 4-step organizing process that can transform any space, no matter its size. In our conversation, we delve into the importance of reducing volume before organizing and how to tackle even the tiniest of spaces without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, Shira shares her wisdom on leading a minimalist lifestyle and how intentional living can create freedom and simplicity in all areas of your life. Stick around to learn Shira's proven 4-step process that you can start using today to declutter and organize your space like a professional.
In This Episode:
🛒 Ease of Shopping & Psychology: The simplicity of online shopping as temporary relief for anxiety.
📚 New Book Preview: Shira’s book "Lifestyle" expands minimalism across life areas.
✨ Personal Experience & Approach: Simplifying life; focus on quality projects and relationships.
🔍 Life Audit Process: Evaluating life satisfaction, setting priorities, minimum standards.
❌ Saying No & Minimalist Mindset: Declining opportunities to maintain key goals and focus.
📋 Organizational Tools: Batching tasks to increase efficiency and free time.
❤️ Dealing with People-Pleasing: Scripts for saying no, maintaining relationships.
🏡 Clutter & Organization: Shira's four-step process for decluttering and organizing spaces.
🌍 Cultural Differences: Less clutter and consumption observed outside Western cultures.
From Corporate Law to Tiny House Communities: Dedria Kolb's Journey to Poplar Creek
22 Nov 2024
00:37:26
Dedria Kolb is a developer who's making waves in the housing industry with her innovative, community-focused projects. Dedria is the owner and cofounder of Ideal Ridge Ventures, and her latest endeavor, Poplar Creek, is the first tiny home development in Rutherford County, North Carolina. We'll be diving into how she's tackling affordable housing through sustainability, community interaction, and tiny homes. If you're considering a midlife career change or interested in real estate development for tiny homes, you won't want to miss Dedria's valuable insights and advice. Tune in to hear how Deidra left her 14-year corporate law career without a plan and transformed herself into a successful tiny house community developer.
In This Episode:
🌳 Intentional Community Living: Dedria supports communal engagement through sustainable activities like gardening.
💬 Community Communication: Residents have access to a private Facebook group to keep in touch with each other.
🤝 Community Facilitation: Dedria assists residents' ideas for the community without imposing rules.
🏡 Ideal Ridge Ventures' Mission: Focus on community, sustainability, affordability.
🌿 Sustainability Principles: Emphasize eco-friendly, cost-effective tiny home living.
🏗 Phase 2 Development: The next phase is planned for 2025; adding 20 home sites and a dog park.
📜 Important Certifications: NOAH and RVIA for tiny home zoning and insurance.
⚖ Midlife Career Change: Dedria advocates embracing new career opportunities.
From Tiny Houses to Modular Homes: Finding Your Path to Small Living
08 Nov 2024
00:45:46
I am thrilled to welcome back a true advocate for the tiny house movement, Lindsay Wood. In this episode, we delve into the opportunities and challenges of living small in California compared to other states, exploring everything from zoning issues to the emerging interest in disaster relief applications for tiny homes. Lindsay shares her insights on finding and creating supportive communities, as well as the intrinsic flexibility and resale potential of tiny homes. We also discuss her project in Daly City aimed at providing urban experiences for potential tiny home enthusiasts. Join us as we uncover valuable tips, resources, and inspiration to help you navigate your own tiny living journey.
In this episode:
🏡 Legal Restrictions in Tiny Living: Tiny living enthusiasts can face legal challenges, necessitating alternatives like modular homes.
🚧 Modular vs. Tiny Homes: Modular constructions, less restrictive legally, often require cranes for relocation.
💸 Cost and Financing: Modular homes range $79K-$150K, with financing options like equity share.
📏 Flexibility and Size: Modular homes offer larger sizes compared to tiny homes on wheels.
🛠️ Panelized Systems: Systems like Studio Shed require more on-site labor, increasing costs.
🏘️ Zoning Challenges: Navigating local zoning is crucial for setting up tiny/modular homes.
🤝 Community and Connectivity: Emphasis on privacy, connection, and proximity within families and communities.
🌎 Nationwide Services: Lindsay’s Go Tiny Academy offers services, focusing on California.
🔀 Adaptability and Flexibility: Rotating living arrangements highlight modular homes' adaptability for changing needs.
Tiny House Decisions is the guide that I wish I had when I was building my tiny house. It comes in 3 different packages to help you on your unique tiny house journey. And if you're struggling to figure out the systems for your tiny house, like how you're going to heat it, how you're going to plumb it, what construction technique are you gonna use, like SIPs or stick framing or steel framing. Tiny House Decisions will take you through all these processes systematically and help you come up with a design that works for you. Right now, I'm offering 20% off any package of Tiny House Decisions. For listeners of the show, you can head over to thetinyhouse.net/thd to learn more, and use the coupon code "tiny" at checkout for 20% off any package.
Making Tiny House Parking Safer: How a 10-Year Tiny Dweller Built an App to Transform the Movement
25 Oct 2024
00:44:18
Today, I have a returning guest who continuously brings valuable insights into the tiny house movement, Jewel Pearson. Jewel is a tiny house educator, advocate, and community leader with nearly a decade of experience living in her self designed tiny home. She's back to talk about her latest venture, the Cooperative Communities app, which aims to make tiny house parking more accessible and safer, especially for black and brown tiny house owners. We'll delve into her motivation behind creating the app, its unique features, and how it can foster cooperative land purchasing and community building. Plus, you'll hear about the financial benefits for landowners and how this initiative could expand the tiny house movement's reach.
In This Episode:
🏡 Tiny House Directory: A platform for tiny house listings for sale or for rent.
🤝 Community Focus: Promotes a welcoming and safe environment, especially for minorities.
🌍 Cooperative Land Buying: Facilitates conversations and collaborations.
🌱 Support for Black Farmers: Addresses land retention challenges, promotes tiny house collaborations.
Tiny House Decisions is the guide that I wish I had when I was building my tiny house. It comes in 3 different packages to help you on your unique tiny house journey. And if you're struggling to figure out the systems for your tiny house, like how you're going to heat it, how you're going to plumb it, what construction technique are you gonna use, like SIPs or stick framing or steel framing. Tiny House Decisions will take you through all these processes systematically and help you come up with a design that works for you. Right now, I'm offering 20% off any package of Tiny House Decisions. For listeners of the show, you can head over to thetinyhouse.net/thd to learn more, and use the coupon code "tiny" at checkout for 20% off any package.
How a Single Mom Found Financial Stability and Peace in a $42k Off-Grid Tiny Home (and Why She'd Do It Again)
11 Oct 2024
00:31:45
Tracey Dedicatoria’s journey into tiny living began after a 23 year marriage, and her tiny house has been a sanctuary of peace, healing, and financial stability for her over the past 8 years. In this episode, Tracey shares the transformative power of simplifying your life, the unique challenges and discoveries of living off grid, and her advice for those considering tiny living today. We also dive into the evolution of the tiny house market, including the rising costs and how to navigate the financing options. Join us as we explore Tracey's inspiring path to finding peace and strength through tiny living.
In This Episode:
🚽 Toilet Options: Challenges and solutions for compost and dry flush toilets.
🛠️ Everyday Repairs: Deck building, pest control, and appliance compatibility issues.
💧 Water Management: Reverse osmosis filter and efficient water tank refilling.
⚡ Power Solutions: Large battery packs, mini-split systems, and a shift from generators.
💲 Financial Insights: Costs, financing, and affordability changes in tiny house market.
🏠 Design Considerations: Tiny house layouts, accessibility, and aesthetic preferences.
From Renovictions to Resilience: One Musician's Journey to Tiny House Living
20 Sep 2024
00:53:56
I am excited to welcome a guest with a powerful and eye opening story about the realities of tiny living. Cheryl, a musician and single mother, joins us to share her journey of creating a custom tiny home designed to support her musical career and her daughter's needs. However, Cheryl's story goes far beyond innovative design solutions.
We'll dive deep into the legal challenges and zoning issues that have plagued Cheryl's tiny house journey, including a harrowing experience with eviction that exposes the vulnerabilities many tiny house dwellers face. Cheryl candidly discusses the shame and secrecy that often surround nontraditional housing choices and how these factors can leave individuals open to exploitation.
Despite facing numerous setbacks, Cheryl's resilience shines as she advocates for the legalization and broader acceptance of tiny homes. Her story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for the tiny house community. Join us as we explore Cheryl's journey to find a supportive community, navigate complex legal landscapes, and ultimately transform her living situation.
In This Episode:
🚜 Land Stewardship: Cheryl advocates for a stewardship mentality in land management.
🏘️ Community Search: She shares her struggle in finding a community that values land stewardship over mere ownership.
🎨 Artist Community: Finds a suitable, supportive artistic and organic community.
🏡 Tiny House Advocacy: Advocates for the legalization and acceptance of diverse housing options like tiny homes, yurts, and buses to provide affordable living solutions.
📈 Housing Market: Highlights the high costs and unaffordability of housing in Toronto, rendering it unattainable for those like her with tiny homes.
🎶 Custom Tiny House: Describes her well planned customized tiny home, including a unique hitch extension to create a cello practice room essential for her music career.
📝 Ownership Rights: Stresses the importance of legal rights and protections for tiny homes to be considered viable investments for the future.
💔 Personal Struggles: Opens up about facing multiple evictions, renovictions, and dealing with the loss of her brother, emphasizing the emotional toll of housing instability.
🔍 Legal Battles: Discusses her intention to pursue legal action against an unjust eviction, highlighting the need for legal recourse for tiny home dwellers facing similar challenges.
Essential Tiny House Organization Tips from a Pro Organizer
06 Sep 2024
00:35:04
Louise Scott is a multifaceted professional organizer, designer and travel enthusiast. She has not only embraced tiny living, but has also helped many transition to a more minimalistic lifestyle through her business, All Things French. We'll dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of living small, the positive impact it has on finances and quality of life and her unique organizational tips to apply to the spaces in your life of all sizes. Plus, we'll explore her passion for French culture and how that's shaping her future business endeavors. Stay tuned as we uncover how tiny house living can truly transform your life.
In This Episode:
🏡 Minimalism in Tiny House Living: Insights into decluttering and minimalism benefits.
🧹 Organizational Skills: Tips on maintaining order in small spaces.
🌿 Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Design elements for seamless outdoor views.
💲 Cost-Efficiency: Tiny house costs and financial benefits.
📦 Decluttering Tips: Strategies for dealing with memorabilia and sentimental items.
💡 Resource-Conscious Living: Growing interest in eco-friendly, low-cost living solutions.
🛠 Client Assistance: Providing various organizational services for client needs.
⛴ Travel Influence: Traveling with a minimalist lifestyle.
📉 Reduced Utility Bills: Financial savings from lower utility costs.
🛏 Aging Challenges: Anticipated need for accessibility to loft beds and composting toilets.
Breaking Free from Consumerism: Tiny Living and Big Ideas with Nate Murphy
02 Aug 2024
00:38:35
Today, we have a thought-provoking episode featuring Nate Murphy. Nate is an advocate for minimalism, environmental consciousness, and co-living, and he's here to share his insights on how these concepts intersect with van life and tiny house living. We’ll also explore his book "The Ideas That Rule Us," which dives deep into the ideologies shaping our lives and how embracing minimalism can lead to more fulfilling choices. Nate's personal journey and the practical steps he offers for aligning your life with your values are truly inspiring. So, if you've ever felt weighed down by consumerism or are curious about making radical lifestyle changes, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned as we uncover the benefits of eco-villages, the freedom of van life, and pathways to a more self-aware and community-focused existence.
In This Episode:
🚐 Van Life Simplicity: Highlighting the affordability, simplicity, and freedom compared to traditional city living.
🏞️ Digital Nomadism: The shift towards remote work, allowing people to live and work in rural areas with access to high-speed internet.
🏡 Property Appreciation: Unlike vans that depreciate, tiny houses can appreciate over time with proper care and maintenance.
💸 Unsustainable Property Prices: A critique on the excessive property prices and the notion that houses should serve as living tools, not just financial investments.
🌳 Sustainable Living: Nate’s approach to buying a house in Catalonia focuses on long-term sustainable living rather than financial profit.
🌐 Contributionism vs. Consumerism: Community and contribution are valued more over ownership and consumerism, promoting a richer sense of worth.
🏘️ Eco Villages/Co-Living: Eco villages and co-living spaces enhance the sense of community and mutual dependency, fostering tangible value exchange and improved living environments.
💡 Self-Awareness: Nate advises evaluating one’s behavior and time use to align actions with true values, thereby increasing self-awareness and openness.
🌍 Capitalism and Sustainability: A call for a shift towards a sustainable version of capitalism that includes fairness and care.
This Week's Sponsor: This Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast is sponsored by PrecisionTemp hot water heaters. Right now, PrecisionTemp is offering $50 off their amazing hot water heaters if you use the code THLP at checkout. Head over to PrecisionTemp at precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP for $50 off. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
From NYC to 128 Sq Ft: How John Wells Escaped $12K Taxes for a $400/Year Tiny Paradise
12 Jul 2024
00:41:54
Today's episode is a special one, several years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing John Wells, a true pioneer in the tiny house movement. John first caught my attention through his insightful comments on my Facebook posts about building my own tiny house. As I dug deeper into his profile, I realized he was the real deal - someone who had fully embraced the off-grid, minimalist lifestyle.
While we initially decided not to release our conversation, recent events have changed my perspective. Sadly, I learned of John's passing through this month's Tiny House Magazine, where he was mentioned as an early influence for Andrew and Laura Lavoie. This news prompted me to revisit our interview, and I was struck by how valuable and inspiring our discussion truly was.
In this episode, we'll explore John's remarkable journey from living in a 2800 square foot house to embracing life in a 128 square foot tiny home on the remote Terlingua Ranch in Southwest Texas. John shares practical steps he took to make this dramatic transformation, offering a wealth of tips for anyone interested in off-grid living.
Throughout our conversation, John's unique approach to simple living and his authentic personality shine through, providing invaluable insights for those considering a similar lifestyle change. Though recorded a while ago, John's wisdom remains as relevant and thought-provoking as ever.
In This Episode:
🏠 The specifics of John's off-grid home, including portable AC, propane cooking, and preference for solar power over wind energy.
🌞 Details of John's solar power system, with 1200 watts providing electricity and the benefits it brings to his off-grid living.
🚑 A recount of his compound fracture, hospital stay, and long recovery period in a wheelchair that interrupted his off-grid activities.
💡 Tips for living off-grid, such as experimenting with modular systems and the importance of self-sufficiency.
🐕 John's preference for animal interactions over human companionship and his hermit lifestyle, despite being active online.
✉️ Various income sources like odd jobs, selling merchandise, and custom silver items; his grassland and minimal cost living.
🏚️ John's process in building a tiny house for himself and for a friend, utilizing his carpentry skills and past experiences.
🍽️ Using a solar oven, shopping at remote grocery stores, and experimenting with food delivery during recovery.
💰 Monthly expenses, property taxes, and how moving to Texas drastically reduced his living costs.
🎥 Insights into his blog, YouTube channel, and why he shares his off-grid lifestyle online, turning his experiences into engaging content.
The Versatility and Challenges of Living a Tiny Lifestyle
28 Jun 2024
00:36:04
Over the past decade, Jenna has expanded her influence through her amazingly popular YouTube channel, Tiny House Giant Journey, which showcases unique tiny house tours and stories. We'll discuss the challenges of maintaining and repairing a tiny house, especially when it's used primarily as a vacation rental, but it wasn't built as one initially. Jenna will also share the incredible stories behind some of the most remarkable tiny houses she has encountered, including one nestled in an animal sanctuary. Whether you're a tiny house veteran or just curious, you'll find plenty of inspiration and practical insights in today's episode.
In This Episode:
🏡 Tiny House Maintenance: Jenna shares challenges, including moving and flooring issues.
🚗 Tiny House Transportation: Costs and difficulties of moving and parking tiny homes.
👪 Minimalism with Family: Struggling to accommodate a growing family and maintain minimalism.
🚚 Trends in Tiny Homes: Larger homes and rise of tiny house villages.
🎥 Tiny House Stories: Jenna's YouTube content and focus on personal stories.
✨ Unique Living Spaces: Her interest in unique tiny homes like Vardo wagon.
📈 Popularity of Tiny Houses: Increased acceptance and legal parking options.
This Week's Sponsor: This Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast is sponsored by PrecisionTemp hot water heaters. Right now, PrecisionTemp is offering $50 off their amazing hot water heaters if you use the code THLP at checkout. Head over to PrecisionTemp at precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP for $50 off. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Candace and her husband have a unique story, having coordinated their tiny house build in the United States while still living in South Africa entirely via WhatsApp video calls. With a background as a declutter coach, life coach, retreat leader, and yoga teacher, Candace brings us insights on how to create a life filled with intentionality and joy. We'll dive into her journey from South Africa to the United States, explore the impact of decluttering on mental and emotional well-being, and get inspired by her advice for those considering the tiny house lifestyle. Stay tuned as we learn from Candace's experience and enthusiasm for creating a life you'll love.
In This Episode:
🌱 Minimalism and Decluttering: Candace emphasizes the personal growth she experienced from shedding material possessions.
🏡 Tiny House Living: She shares about transitioning to a tiny home and its benefits.
🌍 Traveling Lifestyle: Traveling with their tiny house across the US and finding parking.
💪 Personal Growth: Candace talks about the challenges and mindset shifts that came along with the move from South Africa to the US.
✨ Intentional Living: She discusses how embracing new experiences lead to a fulfilling life.
🔄 Simplification Process: The feeling of lightness she achieved through decluttering.
🛠️ Building Challenges: How she managed to coordinate their entire tiny house build remotely via WhatsApp.
🧘 Holistic Wellness: Focusing on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
This Week's Sponsor: This Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast is sponsored by PrecisionTemp hot water heaters. Right now, PrecisionTemp is offering $50 off their amazing hot water heaters if you use the code THLP at checkout. Head over to PrecisionTemp, that's precisiontemp.com, and use the coupon code THLP for $50 off. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
011. Living the Minimalist Family Life: 3 People, 3 Cats, and a Dog in a 325sf Tiny House On Wheels
31 May 2024
00:35:46
Emily Gerde and her husband Justin, son Wyatt, three cats and one dog live in a 325 square foot tiny house on wheels. Emily is the author of Minimalist Living for a Maximum Life, which provides insight on their tiny house journey and how a minimalist, organic, holistic, mindful lifestyle led to a life of their dreams.
What's it like raising a minimalist family with plans to grow in tiny house? How do you keep the intake of stuff to a minimum while creating an enriching experience for your children? I'll ask Emily those questions and more.
In this episode:
Why did Emily settle on relatively large (325sf) tiny house on wheels?
What’s it like to move a 20,000lb tiny house?
Why Emily and her family started living in a camper but have decided to abandon that project?
How to deal with the judgement you receive from choosing to live in a tiny house as a family?
Emily’s efforts to legalize tiny house communities in Colorado
What will you do when your young children approach teen age?
Do you have to live in a tiny house to be a minimalist?
How do you control the space (toys, play area, etc.) associated with kids in your tiny house?
How do you deal with receiving gifts when most people tend to give children toys?
How have you dealt with the need for an address to enroll your son in school?
081. The Allure of the Roadtrip: Building Towable Tiny Houses
24 May 2024
00:36:32
Lil Wing is a metal triangle on wheels with a putting green grass landing, and it was the most unique tiny house I saw at Big Mass Festival. The builder, Chris Schapdick of Tiny Industrial, specializes in smaller tiny homes that are easy to tow. In addition, he is the author of two books about tiny house living. In this conversation, we’ll cover the ins and outs of building towable tiny houses, why Chris decided to share his process on Instructables, and what we can look forward to in his book release.
In This Episode:
From NYC suburbia to living tiny in upstate New York: Chris’s tiny house journey
How Chris started building other tiny houses
The challenge of sealing plywood
Tiny House Industrial has offerings for every budget level
She’s Building Her Tiny House Dream Against All Odds
17 May 2024
00:41:12
I am excited to introduce you to Kaylee, a passionate advocate for the tiny house movement and a biology teacher with a deep interest in sustainable living. Kaylee will share the inspiring saga of her journey building her own tiny house and how it reshaped her perspective on simple, ecological living. We'll dig into the challenges she faced from zoning laws to financial hurdles and how these experiences fueled her advocacy for tiny house legalization. Kaylee's story is not just about building a small home, but about building a life aligned with values of minimalism and sustainability. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of tiny house living and learn from Kaylee’s relentless pursuit of her dreams against all odds.
In This Episode:
🏡 Tiny House Lifestyle Challenges: Kaylee shares the immense difficulties in transitioning to tiny home living, including legal hurdles.
🌿 Environmental Passion: As a biology teacher, she highlights her commitment to eco-friendly living and how it integrates with her tiny house journey.
📜 Advocating for Legal Change: Her involvement in pushing for legislative changes to accommodate tiny house living, reflecting on her work with bill S 897.
🧰 Building Struggles: Kaylee narrates the practical challenges faced while building her tiny home, including weather setbacks and zoning conflicts.
💑 Relationship Dynamics: Kaylee's relationship plays a crucial role in her tiny house adventure, providing both support and a backup housing option.
📚 Education Evaluation: How her personal experiences have changed the way she views education and priorities.
🚀 Movie Inspiration: "Gattaca" acts as a motivational tool for her, symbolizing overcoming imposed limitations, similar to her struggles with tiny house living.
💸 Financial Struggles: Discusses the financial stress of building and maintaining a tiny house, including renting out spaces to fund her project.
⚖️ Navigating Local Politics: Kaylee describes contrasting interactions at state and local levels, highlighting more receptive planning board meetings.
🤔 Reflection on Life Choices: Despite challenges, Kaylee wouldn't change her journey, embracing her natural tendency to challenge authority and societal norms.
How to Transform Tiny Homes into Profitable Rental Ventures
10 May 2024
00:55:20
MJ Boyle is a mastermind in the tiny house community and the founder of several successful tiny house businesses, including My Tiny House Village and Oregon Teardrop Rentals. MJ has not only built and rented out nine unique tiny homes but has just embarked on transforming a construction trailer into an alluring tiny home called “My Tiny Bunkhouse.”
In today's episode, MJ will share her innovative approach to waterless and odorless toilet systems that enhance both guest and staff experiences. We'll also delve into the art of rehabilitating and renovating tiny structures, a skill MJ has honed over years of experience, turning dilapidated shells into dream homes with sustainable practices. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on maintaining high occupancy rates, exceptional guest satisfaction, and the strategic intricacies of managing multiple tiny house locations efficiently. It’s a packed interview you won't want to miss!
In This Episode:
Pet-Friendly Policies 🐾: MJ allows pets but requires a deposit and adherence to specific rules to grant a free stay, addressing the challenge of finding pet-friendly rentals.
Flooring Choices 🏡: Luxury vinyl flooring is highlighted due to its scratch and water resistance, plus its ability to make spaces appear larger.
Built-In Furniture 🔨: Stability and practicality are achieved through built-ins instead of traditional furniture, tailored to renter needs.
Profitable Rentals 💸: MJ shares a success story where investing in tiny homes yielded substantial profit and emphasizes the importance of long-term planning.
Laundry Logistics 🧺: Discusses the high costs and logistical challenges of laundry management across multiple rental properties in different states.
DIY Composting Toilet 🚽: MJ designed a cost-effective, odorless composting toilet system using buckets, wood pellets, and cedar shavings, enhancing guest experience.
Property Rehabilitation 🛠️: MJ transformed a dilapidated trailer into a functional and inviting tiny home, showcasing her talent in renovation.
Business Growth During COVID 📈: The pandemic brought high demand, with rentals fully booked for an extended period, demonstrating business resilience.
Infrastructure Challenges 🔌: MJ recounts the technical and regulatory hurdles in establishing a new site for her tiny house village.
Today, we have a very special guest, Lucy Lich, joining us from the South Coast of New South Wales Australia. Lucy is not only a dedicated tiny house dweller, but also a teacher, wellness enthusiast, and the host of the Tiny House Conversations podcast. Over the next hour, we'll dive into how living tiny has profoundly integrated with her values of minimalism, health and environmental consciousness. Lucy will share her personal journey into tiny living, her insights on designing for health and minimizing environmental impacts, and how her experiences have shaped her podcast. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and joys of tiny living with an expert who lives and breathes this lifestyle every day.
In This Episode:
🏡 Tiny House Customization: Lucy hired builders open to unique material customization, accommodating her health-centric needs in tiny house construction.
💡 Health-Oriented Lighting: The story behind trading standard bulbs with amber and red to mimic natural sunlight, promoting better sleep and relaxation.
🌿 Electromagnetic Sensitivity: Extra measures like non-wireless tech and special electrical wiring incorporated into the design to reduce electromagnetic fields.
💧 Natural Living Approach: Features like a composting toilet, rainwater tank, and solar setup installed to enhance sustainable living.
🤍 Mindfulness and Intentionality: Lucy's philosophy of intentionality and mindfulness permeates her tiny house living approach, focusing on eco-friendliness and connection with nature.
Inside the Effort to Develop a Tiny House Standard for the Entire World
26 Apr 2024
00:39:38
Janet Thome is deeply involved in the tiny house movement, leading the Tiny House Alliance USA and serving as the membership secretary of the ASTM International Tiny House Subcommittee. In this episode, Janet will share insights into the current state of the tiny house market, the impact of recent economic shifts, and the ongoing efforts to develop standards that ensure safety, affordability, and compliance in the industry. She’ll also discuss the importance of certification for owner-builders and the essential role of inclusive regulations. Join us as we dive deep into these topics and explore the future potential of tiny house living with Janet Thome.
In This Episode:
🌍 Global Standardization: Janet discusses efforts with ASTM International to create a worldwide tiny house standard, streamlining safety, affordability, and compliance across different countries.
👷 Safety and Compliance: Emphasis on the importance of adopting ASTM standards to ensure that tiny houses are built safely and adhere to recognized industry benchmarks.
🏠 Affordable Housing: Keeping the tiny house industry affordable is a primary concern, facilitating support for small manufacturers and DIY builders.
🚚 Local vs. Transport Costs: The cost benefits of selecting local builders to prevent high transportation costs of materials and completed homes.
📋 Certification Needs: Highlighting the importance of certification to streamline and ensure consistency in the building and approval processes across states.
🛑 Fraud Alert: Warnings about the prevalence of scams within the tiny house industry, urging potential buyers to thoroughly research and verify builders' credentials.
🤝 Industry Collaboration: Collaboration with various stakeholders like manufacturers, engineers, and architects to create comprehensive and inclusive standards.
🔍 Future Trends: Emerging trends, including a push towards creating new classifications of housing to keep up with societal and economic changes.
How a Military Family Found Connection and Serenity in Tiny House Living
19 Apr 2024
00:42:12
Today we delve into the story of a listener turned tiny home owner, Maegan Bell. Maegan is an active duty Army logistics officer who's going to share with us how she exchanged the blueprints of a traditional house for the compact efficiency of a custom-built tiny home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. We'll explore the challenges of setting up utilities, the joys of bringing family closer together, and how tiny homes can offer a unique solution for military families on the move. Maegan's journey is filled with insights and practical advice for anyone considering this lifestyle. So if you're curious about the tiny house movement or looking for tips on how to make it work for your family, stay tuned for this fascinating conversation.
In This Episode:
🏡 Embracing Tiny House Living: Maegan and her husband discovered the comfort and functionality of a tiny house.
💵 Military Financial Strategy: How living in an RV or a tiny house can be a clever financial decision for military families due to housing allowances.
🏞️ Wildlife and Remote Habitats: Maegan shares stories of wildlife encounters and her expertise in making remote locations livable from her military logistics background.
🔨 Smart Contractor Selection: The need to carefully vet contractors by checking credentials and reviews for building or developing a tiny house.
🕒 Land Development Patience: She advises taking time to understand the land before rushing into development.
🌄 Vacation Home to Tiny House: Faced with high building costs, Maegan chose to build a custom tiny house on her Virginia property as a nature-connected family retreat.
🛠️ Design Choices and Regrets: Maegan discusses aspects that worked out really well, but also shared certain regrets.
🛖 Multi-Use Property Planning: With the flexibility tiny houses offer, her family enjoys a stable vacation home that could also be rented out or moved if needed.
🌞 Off-Grid Living Exploration: Due to the high cost of setting up grid electricity, she considered off-grid solutions, such as solar panels, for their tiny house.
Introduction to the Park Model Tiny House Lifestyle
12 Apr 2024
00:29:30
Today we're exploring the cozy nooks of park model tiny homes with Cindy Ballaro. Cindy is not only a resident of a charming tiny home, but also a multipreneur who wears many hats including that of a publisher and marketer. Living in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina, Cindy has turned her sunflower-themed tiny house into a haven for both living and Airbnb guests. She's going to share with us the unique benefits and challenges of choosing a park model over a traditional towable tiny house, and how this lifestyle complements her entrepreneurial endeavors. So if you're intrigued by the community living aspect of tiny houses or are considering a park model for your own downsized life, this episode is for you.
In This Episode:
🏡 Park Model Tiny Homes: The differentiation between park models and towable tiny homes, including key factors that were important to Cindy when selecting her park model home.
🌐 Tiny House Communities: Cindy shares what it’s like to live in her tiny home community
🛠 Customization and Choice: Insight into the process of customization when purchasing a new build.
💲 Financial Aspects: Conversation on costs, value appreciation, and the advantage of selling property to finance the tiny house without needing a loan.
🌦️ Climate Management: The unexpected challenge of moisture control in a tiny house.
🛏️ Airbnb Hosting: Benefits of renting out the tiny home, managing personal space, and creating an additional income stream.
💵 Cost of Living: Sharing the expense of renting a lot in the tiny house community and how it supports her entrepreneurial lifestyle.
Transforming a Semi-Trailer into a Stylish Tiny Home
05 Apr 2024
00:38:52
I am thrilled to introduce our guest, Mike Crowhurst, a seasoned tiny house dweller and the creative mind behind one of the most unique tiny homes I’ve seen in a while! Mike and his wife Heidi spent three years crafting a 45-foot ex-refrigerated semi-trailer into a gorgeous tiny home. Throughout this episode, we'll dive into Mike's journey of tiny house living, exploring not just the practical aspects like custom cabinetry and space-saving features like an innovative elevator bed, but also the sustainable lifestyle that drives him. We'll also get into the nitty-gritty of converting a semi-trailer into a comfortable and functional living space, addressing the challenges and rewards such a project brings. So buckle up as we get a tour of Mike’s impressive tiny house and learn how he has optimized every inch of his home for maximum living.
In This Episode:
🚚 Tiny House Towing Challenges: The intricacies involved in transporting a tiny house safely, including the type of vehicle required and the importance of professional trucking expertise to avoid potential hazards.
🏠 Semi-Trailer Conversion Journey: Mike's personal adventure of converting a 45-foot refrigerated semi-trailer into a sustainable and innovative tiny home.
❄️☀️ Insulation and Climate Adaptation: The insulation options used in the semi-trailer, Mike's additional insulation efforts, and adaptation to the Adelaide climate.
💡 Procuring a Trailer: Insight into the process of acquiring a semi-trailer, highlighting considerations like checking for rust, maintenance history, and tips on where to find decommissioned trailers.
🗄️ Tiny House Storage Solutions: Mike outlines the storage enhancements in his tiny home, describing various built-in options that maximize space without creating a cramped feeling.
🛏️ Elevator Bed Innovation: The unique design and functionality of the elevator bed in the tiny house are explained, showcasing how space-saving features contribute to the minimalist lifestyle.
🤝 Online and Real-Life Communities: Encouragement for listeners to seek advice and share experiences within the tiny house community, both in-person and online, to foster collective wisdom and support.
Judy comes to us with 36 years of experience as a custom builder and remodeler, with a passion for well-appointed, smaller living spaces. We'll dive into her expert advice on maximizing functionality without sacrificing style and comfort, and explore her journey from a 4,000 square foot dwelling to her favorite 1,100 square foot home. From Murphy beds to curated maximalism, Judy is here to share her wealth of knowledge on living intentionally within our means. So get ready to learn from Judy's inspiring experiences and practical tips on downsizing your space, but not your life.
In This Episode:
🏡 Judy shares her journey of downsizing and creating a simplified lifestyle by decluttering and being intentional about possessions.
📏 Designing small living spaces that are functional without sacrificing style or comfort.
🗑️ The negative effects of clutter on well-being and relationships, providing strategies for effective decluttering.
🤏 The distinction between minimalism and living small, stressing on the value of personal preference in arranging living spaces.
🛋️ Judy highlights the importance and benefits of furniture that serves multiple purposes in tiny homes.
💌 Advice on managing sentimental items, encouraging repurposing, donating, or letting go rather than keeping out of obligation.
📊 Tackling one space at a time and organizing one zone at a time instead of trying to do it all at once.
🚀 Judy introduces "resizing" as a way to reassess and clear out home spaces, making room for what truly matters.
⛓️ The common mistake of buying organizing tools before actually decluttering.
📚 Judy recommends books for design inspiration and discusses her own book, "Bigger Living, Smaller Space."
Today, I'll be talking with Elizabeth, one of the team members behind a new and innovative entry into the world of compost toilets, the Throne Composting Toilet. Throne offers both a ready made AND DIY solution to the traditional compost toilet that promises ease and simplicity. We'll delve into the nuts and bolts of building your own compost toilet using Throne’s DIY kit, tackle common problems with existing designs, and explore the benefits and drawbacks of different styles of compost toilet. Our guest Elizabeth lived full time with her family in their self-built skoolie, and went through three different compost toilet designs before finally settling on the Throne. Whether or not you’re currently in the market for a compost toilet, Stay tuned as Elizabeth shares wisdom from life on the road, and the do’s and don’ts for successful compost toilet in your home.
In This Episode:
🚽 Maintaining the right level of contents in the compost toilet is crucial to prevent overflow and the need to interrupt a good night's sleep.
💚 Elizabeth's innovative approach for urine showcases a creative way to recycle waste products sustainably.
🌾 Her personal trial and error with using hay and eventually sawdust in her compost pile, highlighting the necessity of finding the right balance.
🏡 Elizabeth's experience designing a timber frame home that included a creatively signed compost toilet offers insights on how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into residential architecture.
🎨 The exciting launch of Throne compost toilets, their pre-order specials, and how customers can personalize their purchases with special color options.
✂️ Elizabeth addresses common compost toilet complications through simplicity with a straightforward, cleanable design.
I'm thrilled to have you join us for another adventure into the fascinating world of compact and conscious living. Today we're venturing off the beaten path and into the realm of off-grid living with our inspiring guest, Reesa, who has carved out her own piece of paradise on a multi-generational homestead. Throughout our conversation, we'll uncover the nuts and bolts of Reesa's journey, from the inspirations that sparked her transition to a scaled-down, sustainable lifestyle, to the practicalities of building an affordable tiny home from an Amish-built shed shell. We'll dive into her low-tech solutions for heating, water storage, and even delve into the world of humanure composting. Get ready to be enlightened and maybe even a bit envious of the simplicity and beauty that off-grid living can offer, as we explore how Reesa and her son make the most out of their tiny house and the land they call home.
In This Episode:
🌞 Innovative Lighting Solutions: Reesa describes the practicality of solar lights in an off-grid setting and offers insight into her personal lighting setup with multiple charging methods.
💧 Water Collection and Usage: An important aspect of self-sufficient living, Reesa shares future plans for a 250-gallon water tank to aid in watering her garden and livestock, demonstrating resourceful strategies for managing water resources in an off-grid lifestyle.
🔥 Wood Heating and Lifestyle: She speaks to the benefits of traditional heat sources and how they support her simpler off-grid lifestyle.
🐝 Self-Sustainable Food Sources: Reesa highlights beekeeping and gardening as integral parts of their food source, emphasizing the benefits of self-sustainability.
🏡 Home Design Inspiration: Reesa shares where she finds inspiration for her home's aesthetic and functionality for off-grid living
.🛠️ Affordable and Resourceful Construction: Reesa discusses the costs associated with installing her off-grid system, while also highlighting her thriftiness when it comes to home furnishings.
🚿 Innovative Water Systems: Discussing water collection and usage methods, Reesa gives a perspective on managing necessities without modern plumbing.
🍂 Natural Waste Management: She provides a detailed insight into her humanure composting system, reflecting an eco-friendly approach to sanitation.
Breaking Barriers in Affordable Housing with Tiny Home Communities
08 Mar 2024
00:31:08
Over the past five years, Kim DeLaney has made strides in transforming the traditional housing model by utilizing her business savvy and passion for sustainability to champion tiny home communities. Kim DeLaney is the Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of HaZi Enterprises and the Executive Director of Tiny House Big Movement.
From changing municipal ordinances to negotiating real estate development deals, she's on the forefront of creating affordable equitable housing solutions. We're going to dive into her journey exploring how a crisis during the pandemic turned into an innovative approach to housing and her ambitious plans for the future, including her work with sustainable materials like hemp and bamboo, and the upcoming Carolina Tiny House Festival, which is April 12 through 14th that Kim is organizing.
In This Episode:
🏘️ Affordable Housing Solutions: Kim’s inspiration and efforts to create equitable tiny home communities aim to address the high cost of traditional housing models.
📜 Policy Change Triumphs: Successful ordinance amendment in Concord, NC, spotlighting the potential for reform in local housing policies.
🏡 Tiny Home Community Impact: Discussion on how these communities benefit various demographics and the local housing market, enhancing diversity and inclusivity in living options.
🎉 Festive Funding: Preview of the Carolina Tiny House Festival as a means to promote, educate, and fundraise for the tiny house movement.
🌱 Sustainable Building Practices: Emphasis on environmental consciousness in these innovative tiny home communities and exploring alternative building materials such as hemp and bamboo.
👩💼 Women in Development: Kim's proactive stance and advice for women, especially women of color in real estate development and entrepreneurship.
🛠️ Home Building Affordability: A focus on cost-efficient home building through wholesale purchasing knowledge and partnerships.
💼 Community Networking: The importance of local connections, events, and programs to propel the initiative.
📣 Calling All Participants: An invitation for dwellers, builders, and volunteers to contribute to the festival and movement, showcasing a collaborative community ethos.
📚 Education and Outreach: Kim discusses the need for educating officials and the public about tiny house livability and sustainability, aiming to mainstream tiny living.
Sophia and Henry self-designed and built their 28′ THOW in Northern Minnesota, where they experience a full range of seasons, including a very cold and long winter. We start with an in-depth discussion of how they are staying warm in their tiny house and preventing their water from freezing on the way in and the way out. If you're thinking of living in a cold climate, this is not to be missed. From there, we turn to rethinking the American dream and a discussion about values, lifestyles, and where a tiny house fits in for a young couple. Don't miss this interview with Sophia and Henry Jungbauer!
In This Episode:
The first winter in the Jungbauer tiny house
How to keep water from freezing in the Minnesota winter
Legality in MN
How the Jungbauers decided to live tiny and their goals for the future
The Jungbauers' response to criticism of the tiny house movemen
Tips for examining cultural influences
Plans vs Reality: working on the tiny house in the winter and the dark
Erin Maile O'Keefe is a talented designer who designed and built the Paper Boat tiny house for herself and her husband, where they live in the backyard of a house that they own. In this conversation we'll break down the Paper Boat design and share some of the ways that Erin thinks about designing tiny spaces so that they work for the occupants in the process.
In This Episode:
A brief history of Yestermorrow and teaching the class
The Paper Boat house: how it got its name and the way that function inspired design.
Erin’s design approach that allowed her to fit everything she needs into her space
How custom cabinetry stores things with beauty and function
Erin’s journey into the tiny house movement
What’s Tiny House Fest Vermont all about and how is it unique?
Erin discusses Creative Placemaking and how she uses her Master Certificate
038. The 99% Repurposed Tiny Homestead in Orlando: Extreme Lifestyle Design
16 Feb 2024
00:46:40
Get inspired to build with repurposed materials and introduce yourself to the world of food freedom. Rob Greenfield is not a conventional kind of guy. He’s currently living in a tiny house that he built with 99% repurposed materials. He doesn’t have running water in the house and his current project is called food freedom. He’s growing and foraging for 100% of his food for an entire year.
Even if you don’t plan on living off grid or foraging for your own food, this is a really unique and interesting interview. Rob’s mindset, enthusiasm, and positivity is much needed and will inspire you on whatever tiny house journey you are planning to embark on.
In This Episode:
What is the story of your first tiny house?
What it was like living in a 50sf tiny house? 📦
What’s the connection between bicycle travel and tiny houses 🚴🏼♂️ ➡️ 🏡
How Rob found a place to “park” his tiny house in the city of Orlando 🌴
How and WHY to build a nearly 100% repurposed tiny house 💯
How to bust through the excuses so that you can make REAL change in your life.
About Rob’s food freedom project 🍽️
What are the utilities like (water, power, etc.) at Rob’s off grid tiny house? 🚰🔌
About Rob’s sawdust/bucket composting toilet system 🚽
098. How a Tiny House can Support a Growing Family
09 Feb 2024
00:43:41
Malissa and Chris Tack did one of the first tiny house builds to be fully documented in photographs every day. I remember poring through their daily time-lapses to figure out how they did certain things. Their beautiful design included dormers in the loft, which inspired my tiny house and countless others. Malissa is here to tell us the story of her tiny house journey and how the house has continued to support their family as it has grown.
009. How to Rightsize Your Life and Retire to a Tiny House
02 Feb 2024
00:37:47
This episode features Jody Brady. In 2014, after living in a series of traditionally scaled houses, Jody and her husband Bill decided it was time to "right-size" their living space. They designed and built their tiny home in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, and they've been living tiny for two and a half years.
In this interview, we get into what it’s like to go tiny as a couple at retirement age, but who certainly aren’t “retired” in the traditional sense. We’ll talk about what “rightsizing” is and how you can get rid of things that you no longer need that are standing in your way.
014. How Tiny House Living can Shape Your Relationships, Career, and Life
26 Jan 2024
00:33:10
It’s not just about finances. Though many people are drawn to tiny house living for the financial benefits, living tiny has a way of changing the way you look at everything in your life.
Living tiny for 3.5 years has had a lasting impact on my guest, Alek Lisefski. In this conversation, we’ll talk about those changes, plus what Alek learned from having two significant relationships in a tiny house.
DIY Living Spaces: Exploring the Creativity and Challenges of House Truck Living
05 Jan 2024
00:43:42
This episode features an incredible guest. Joining me is Kai, who's not only living in a house truck but has a wealth of knowledge about the ins and outs of this unique lifestyle. We'll explore Kai's journey, from finding and customizing a commercial truck to navigating the practical challenges of living in her unique tiny home. Kai will share their experiences with insulation, maintenance, and the daily joys and hardships of the tiny life. Get ready to be inspired and informed by Kai's fascinating insights into the world of house trucks and the tiny house movement.
In This Episode:
DIY Living 🛠️: Living sustainably in a self-built, off-grid house truck
Tiny House Insulation 🏠: Tales of insulating a homemade house truck
Off-Grid Heating 🔥: Using diesel and wood for sustainable heat
Legalities of Mobile Living 🚚: Navigating RV insurance and vehicle classification
DIY Business 💼: Earning income through social media and sponsorships
Life in Rural Canada 🌲: Living off-grid and the challenges it brings
Tiny House Mobility 🚛: The advantages and challenges of moving a tiny house
Retro Living Inspiration 📚: Drawing inspiration from vintage house truck designs
Building a DIY Tiny House for Under $20k While Still in High School
22 Dec 2023
00:27:52
Tiffany DaSilva is a passionate real estate investor and loan officer with a love for tiny living. She's here to share her incredible journey of building her own twenty by eight and a half foot handcrafted tiny house while she was still in high school. Tiffany's story is truly inspiring from learning carpentry, plumbing and electrical work to overcoming challenges and societal prejudice as a young female builder. Her perseverance and dedication to tiny living are sure to inspire and educate us all.
In This Episode:
🏡 Tiffany discusses the benefits of tiny living such as custom builds, lower mortgage payments, and the freedom to relocate.
🛠️ She learned valuable skills through her experience: carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and problem-solving.
💸 Through using a variety of materials, DIY projects, and budget-conscious choices Tiffany's tiny home build was very cost-effective.
👩👧 She hopes to inspire more young women to take on similar projects, proving skeptics wrong.
🤝 Tiffany highlights the importance of accepting help and support and the role of online tutorials throughout her building process.
🌿 Tiffany discusses living a more sustainable lifestyle through downsizing, living with less, highlighting the importance of affordable housing.
🌟 She shares her persistence and dedication, juggling multiple jobs, investing in real estate, and managing a lengthy build.
I’m sharing my own captivating [and slightly humorous] tale of dealing with unexpected visitors in my tiny house. It all starting with light scratching sounds, which led to the shocking discovery of these unexpected guests. In this episode, I am walking you through the entire process of diagnosing, cleaning, and ultimately sealing off the entry points for these tiny intruders. With valuable lessons and practical advice for both builders and current tiny house dwellers, let’s explore the importance of preemptive measures and the necessity of addressing pest issues promptly. Stay tuned for helpful insights and a real-life tale of tiny house pest control adventure.
In This Episode:
House maintenance: 🏠 Ethan's experience emphasizes the importance of inspecting and maintaining tiny houses to prevent critters from entering and causing issues.
DIY building tips: 🔨 For DIY builders, it's essential to prioritize properly constructing soffits and fascia to ensure they are effective barriers against critters.
Early pest control: ⏱️ Being proactive when signs of critters are noticed can prevent a minor issue from escalating into a major infestation.
Infestation aftermath: 🐭 Even after addressing the initial infestation, hidden traps are an additional precaution.
Prevention as a priority: 🚪 Highlighting the need for immediate action and the importance of not delaying pest control measures.
The Effort to Legalize Tiny Homes and Create a National Standard
17 Nov 2023
00:35:38
As the president of THIA and the director of Government relations for the American Tiny House Association, Dan Fitzpatrick is at the forefront of the movement to legalize tiny homes as a viable housing option in the United States. In this episode, we'll dive into the progress being made in legalizing tiny homes, the collaboration between Tiny Home Industry Association and the International Code Council, and the challenges faced in navigating zoning constraints for placing tiny houses. We'll also discuss the importance of working with local leaders to bring about change, as well as Dan's work with Vera Struck and the introduction of a bill to legalize tiny homes in Massachusetts. Whether you're a tiny house enthusiast or simply curious about the movement, this episode will provide valuable insights into the future of legal tiny homes.
In This Episode:
🏠 Legalizing Tiny Homes: Dan has been working with state and municipalities to legalize tiny homes
💡 Collaboration and Advocacy: The episode highlights the importance of working with local organizations and leaders to drive change in building and zoning laws.
📈 Scaling Up: Scaling up in the tiny home industry is crucial to meet the growing demand and drive down costs.
🏢 Building Codes: Dan discusses the collaboration between the Tiny Home Industry Association and the ICC, including the creation of a handbook called "The Tiny House Building It Right".
🏘️ Zoning Constraints: Zoning regulations are currently a major constraint for the tiny home industry.
💼 Government Relations: Dan highlights the importance of connecting with officials as peers and actively engaging with elected officials at the local level.
🌍 National Impact: The significance of a national standard for tiny homes in driving industry growth and helping municipalities legalize tiny homes.
This Week's Sponsor: PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Investing in Your DIY Skills: Turning Van Life into a Profitable Venture
03 Nov 2023
00:50:06
Nate Murphy is an adventurous builder and filmmaker who has taken on not just one, but countless incredible projects, converting several vans into cozy living spaces and renovating a centuries old house in the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains. In our conversation, Nate shares his experience of building a van from scratch, documenting every step of the process with over 100 hours of footage. Nate also opens up about the intense filming process, and the unique aspects of van conversion that make it both intimidating and incredibly cool. But that's not all, Nate goes beyond the van, sharing the captivating story of renovating a 250 year old house in the scenic Pyrenees, we'll hear about the demanding and rewarding journey of bringing new life to this historical gem. Whether you're curious about van conversions, tiny house living, or the challenges of renovating an old house, this episode has something for everyone.
In This Episode:
🏡 Customization and enjoyment: The value of a van conversion lies in the personalization and satisfaction of the build.
🌍 Van life vs. tiny houses: Younger people prefer the flexibility of van life, while older individuals are drawn to tiny houses for retirement and cost-cutting.
🏢 Housing affordability crisis: Limited options in the UK and high prices in areas with economic opportunity.
⚖️ Laws and restrictions: Living in a van is tolerated in many countries, but regulations vary.
🛠️ DIY resources: How Nate unexpectedly turned into a van conversion educator.
🕑 Time commitment: Building a van or a house takes time and dedication.
🔌 Learning new skills: DIYing a van conversion involves mastering electrical, plumbing, gas line hookups, carpentry, and more.
🏠 Renovating old houses: Nate Murphy shares his experience and challenges of renovating a 250-year-old house in Spain.
This Week's Sponsor: PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Tiny House Dweller Reluctantly Becomes Lobbyist to Legalize Movable Tiny Houses
20 Oct 2023
00:35:46
I met Vera a decade ago and we were both invited to speak at Deek Diedrickson's Tiny House workshop in Connecticut. She explained that my first pictures of my tiny house that I built in 2012 with rain screen inspired her to deep dive into everything from thermal bridging to mold mitigation for the build of her silver bullet tiny house.
When Vera takes on a project or issue you can bet she's thorough, persistent, and resilient. Vera has been on our podcast twice before, last time she discussed pandemic tiny house living at the very beginning of 2020. Today, she will help us learn about her process of becoming an active participant in democracy to legalize the very housing product she's lived in for over a decade in Massachusetts.
In This Episode:
🔎 Advocacy in the democratic process: Vera shares her her process of becoming a lobbyist, advocating for tiny houses and engaging with legislators.
📋 Forming a task force: It takes a time and a team to advocate for and develop tiny house building code.
💰 Affordable housing solutions: The important role of tiny houses as a response to the growing housing crisis.
🌍 Sustainability and environmental advocacy: Vera’s commitment to a sustainable lifestyle through her tiny house lifestyle.
📰 Media engagement: Vera explains her strategy for making progress now and handling press later.
🧩 Standards and certifications: The debate within the tiny house community and the benefits of the Massachusetts bill.
🏡 Tiny house maintenance: How does a tiny house hold up a decade after going tiny? Vera discusses her silver bullet tiny house and the maintenance requirements she has encountered over the years.
This Week's Sponsor: PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Discovering the Joys and Challenges of Living on a Tugboat
06 Oct 2023
00:46:24
Pamela has a fascinating story to share about her life aboard a 100 year old tugboat called the Zenia Sophia. From the day before she got married, Pamela and her husband Ulrich have made this boat their home, raising their two daughters on board, creating a unique and adventurous lifestyle. We'll dive into their journey from the challenges of finding moorage for their 65 foot long boat, to the exhilaration of a rocky crossing. We'll also learn about the importance of supervising children around bodies of water and get a glimpse into the vibrant liveaboard community on the Pacific Northwest Coast.
In This Episode:
Living on a boat ⛵️: Pamela and her family have lived a unique and vibrant liveaboard lifestyle for more than 30 years.
Challenges of finding moorage 🚢: The difficulties of finding a place to dock their 65-foot long boat.
Raising children around water 🚸: Pamela reflects on the responsibility of supervising kids on a liveaboard.
Community and support 🤝: The liveaboard community is close-knit, looking out for one another.
Challenges of boat maintenance and repairs 🛠️: Pamela discusses the work involved in maintaining a 100-year-old boat, including unexpected repairs and highlighting the complexities of working on a wooden vessel.
Unique experiences and interests 🌍: Pamela shares the unique experiences that living on a boat brings, including a rocky crossing.
Importance of air circulation and temperature control 🌬️: Pamela shares how they maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity levels onboard.
Port Townsend as a hub for wooden boats 🌲: The speaker discusses Port Townsend's reputation as a dreamland for wooden boat owners.
This Week's Sponsor: You might be looking for more support, more information, and more interaction on your tiny house journey. My online community called Tiny House Engage is going to be opening for registration for the first time since June. That is coming Tuesday, October 10. Inside of the community, I am there answering questions, there are people living in tiny houses answering questions, people who are currently building or buying tiny houses, and tiny dreamers who are just starting their journeys. All getting together, supporting each other, talking tiny and hanging out at some really cool weekly live events that we host inside the community. If you think this might be of interest to you, you can head over to thetinyhouse.net/engage to get on the waitlist and I will send you an email as soon as everything opens up again. I'm looking forward to meeting you inside of the community.
The type of toilet you choose to install in your tiny home will definitely affect things like your budget, your other systems, and your ability to travel. It's a question that I get from time to time, so I thought I would share this short and informational session with you. I am talking through what I chose for my tiny house, the different types of toilets that exist, how they work, and the pros and cons of each.
In This Episode:
Water usage and flush toilets in a tiny home environment
Waste water tanks and weight impacts
Alternative solutions to flush and compost toilets
Breaking down the pros and cons of commercial compost toilets
This Week's Sponsor: Tiny House Engage brings together tiny house hopefuls and DIYers to share plans and resources, learn from each other’s challenges and mistakes, and celebrate our successes so that we can feel less alone while we build faster, safer, smarter, cheaper homes and embrace the tiny house lifestyle. Whether you’re a tiny house dreamer who is still figuring out all the systems, plans, and everything you need to go into your tiny house, or if you’re actively building, Tiny House Engage has the resources for you. There are professional contractors in the community here to answer your questions about plumbing, electricity, and ventilation, and there’s also plenty of interaction between members. If you need some encouragement or just need to know how someone else solved a problem, you’ll get those answers in Tiny House Engage. I’m also very active in the community, answering questions and keeping an eye on things, so if you want to interact with me, this is a great way to do it. To learn more and register for Tiny House Engage, go to thetinyhouse.net/engage.
On Demand Hot Water for Tiny Homes: Discovering PrecisionTemp's Innovative Solutions
15 Sep 2023
00:42:46
Gerry Wolter is an inventor and entrepreneur who has revolutionized tankless hot water systems for small and tiny houses. His company, PrecisionTemp, offers innovative and American made water heating solutions for both heat and hot water. From onboard hot water for sailors to portable heaters for firefighters and tiny house tankless heaters, Gerry has done it all. Today, he's here to share his expertise on compact cutting-edge heating solutions for the tiny house movement. We’ll talk through the different models that PrecisionTemp offers and discuss why you might choose one over the other. Plus, we discuss hydronic heat and why it’s an option more people should consider. If you're planning to build a tiny home you won't want to miss this episode. So, let's dive in and learn from Gerry Wolter.
In This Episode:
💡 Innovation in tankless hot water systems: How Gerry revolutionized tankless hot water systems for small and tiny houses.
🏡 Hydronic heat for tiny houses: The advantages of hydronic heating, including comfort, energy efficiency, and noise reduction.
🔥 Safety considerations: The importance of electronic ignition and flame proofing for pilot lights to prevent dangerous situations.
🚿 Continuous hot water supply: PrecisionTemp's on-demand hot water heaters provide a continuous and stable hot water supply.
🌬️ Cold weather protection: PrecisionTemp's heaters have protective measures to prevent damage from cold temperatures, including additional heating elements and freeze protection settings.
⚒️ Proper placement and planning: The importance of properly placing water heaters in a floor plan to optimize accessibility and minimize water usage.
💪 PrecisionTemp's commitment to quality and service: PrecisionTemp is known for its innovative, American made products and dedication to providing excellent customer service.
⏳ Planning takes time: The importance of planning and designing properly to avoid additional work and complications during installation.
This Week's Sponsor: PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Full show notes at www.thetinyhouse.net/gerry-wolter
Creating Financial Security in a Tiny House: Insights from a Certified Financial Planner
08 Sep 2023
00:34:44
Laura Lynch is a certified financial planner who specializes in helping people financially execute their plans to go tiny. Laura shares her insights on the unique aspects of tiny living, including the financial considerations and the importance of creating a supportive community for the longterm. She also opens up about her own journey towards embracing the tiny lifestyle and aligning all aspects of her life to her authentic self. We'll discuss the financial questions and challenges that arise when it comes to tiny houses, such as loans, and prioritizing sweat equity. It's going to be an eye-opening conversation, so let's dive in and explore the world of Less House, More Moolah, with Laura Lynch.
In This Episode:
📈 Rising Costs: Laura emphasizes the need for legalizing tiny home communities to combat rising prices and build sustainable communities.
🏡 Building Community: Laura advocates for connecting with others, legalizing tiny home communities, and fostering relationships within a supportive network.
💰 Financial Decision-Making: Why you might consider testing out the desired lifestyle before committing to it.
⚒️ Sweat Equity: Building things yourself not only saves money, but also leads to personal growth and the acquisition of valuable skills.
🔄 Reassessing Life: Uncertainty can lead to reevaluating one's life and making significant changes, requiring bravery and the willingness to step outside of societal expectations.
🤝 Community Advocacy: Raising awareness about the challenges and obstacles faced by people pursuing alternative housing options, such as tiny living, is essential.
💡 Financial Security: Reducing living costs through tiny living, creating financial security within the lifestyle.
This Week's Sponsor: PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
The Journey to Building an Affordable Tiny House Community
01 Sep 2023
00:46:56
Jinkie Echols is an incredible advocate for affordable housing and the founder of Peace Wind, a successful tiny house community in Cocoa Florida. Jinkie shares her remarkable journey and the lessons she's learned along the way, from buying raw land, to getting codes and zoning changed, all the way to developing the houses and opening for business. With her experience as a builder, developer, and landlord of her own tiny house community, Jinkie has firsthand insights into the challenges and rewards of creating an affordable and diverse community. Jinkie's passion for community building and the unique perspective she brings to this male dominated field make this episode a must listen. Sit back and prepare to be inspired as we explore the world of affordable housing and tiny house communities with Jinkie Echols.
In This Episode:
🏡 Out of control housing costs and land development are driving affordable housing projects towards tiny houses for cost efficiency and long-term maintenance.
👩🔧 Jinkie discusses the challenges of being a woman in the builder, developer, and government entities sectors.
💡 Benefits of living tiny such as low electric bills, spending more time outside, and intentional decision-making.
👥 Building close-knit relationships, fostering organic, holistic living, and shared amenities within a tiny community.
💪 How Jinkie advocated for the community, through pitching ideas to county officials and leveraging local authorities' motivations.
🌎 The importance of diversity in housing options and income groups within a tiny house community.
⏰ Jinkie's dedication to finding a property, going through planning and zoning processes, and dealing with infrastructure tasks.
📝 As the "Queen of loopholes," Jinkie immersed herself in codes and regulations to find ways to implement plans.
✨ Jinkie emphasizes the importance of having passion and determination in overcoming obstacles in community development.
This Week's Sponsor: PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Creating the Perfect Tiny Kitchen: FOTILE’s Micro Appliances for the Tiny House Lifestyle
25 Aug 2023
00:31:39
This episode features special guest, Jason Gastman, the new business development manager for FOTILE America. We discuss Jason's role in bringing FOTILE appliances into the mainstream markets, making them a premier choice for appliances with premium retailers, architects, and builders. Jason has been focusing on providing high quality appliances such as hoods, ovens, and cooktops to the tiny house community and upscale compact living spaces. One of their standout products is the in-sink dishwasher, which has gained popularity in the tiny home and ADU builder markets due to its compact, ergonomic, and energy efficient design. We'll be talking about the challenges of promoting these products and how FOTILE sets itself apart from other brands in terms of quality, design, and innovative features.
In This Episode:
🔍 Research and Development: FOTILE’s innovative approach to appliances, focusing on solving kitchen problems and investing in unique product features.
🏠 Tiny Home Market: High-quality compact appliances designed specifically for small living spaces.
🌍 Global Success: Over 30 million families worldwide enjoying their range of appliances, including the revolutionary in-sink dishwasher.
📈 Brand Competition: FOTILE aims to overcome challenges in a competitive market by providing superior products.
💡 Unique Features: FOTILE offers innovative features not found in basic competitor models.
🚿 Compact Dishwashing: The in-sink dishwasher offers quick, energy-efficient wash cycles, saving space and time in compact kitchens.
🗽 Expanding Presence: FOTILE is expanding its presence with a focus on mainstream retailers.
🔬 Quality and Design: FOTILE differentiates itself through a commitment to high-quality manufacturing and design.
This Week's Sponsor:
FOLTILE:
FOTILE’s new two-in-one in-sink dishwasher is bringing convenience back into your tiny lifestyle. It's a dishwasher built into a sink and perfect for tiny house living. The efficient design saves cabinet space and fits perfectly into a standard 36 inch cabinet base, making it ideal for tiny homes. But it's not just about saving space, it is also about saving time and water with a quick twenty minute wash cycle, saving nearly 50% of the water a regular dishwasher would consume. FOTILE is offering Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast listeners a special extended five year limited warranty. Visit us.fotileglobal.com/thlp to learn more and purchase your FOTILE two-in-one in-sink dishwasher today.
Disclaimer: 5-Year warranty is exclusive for THLP listeners. To register, customer must register their product warranty on FOTILE website, and enter "thlp" as purchase channel to be eligible.
The 3 Keys to Parking Your Tiny House Legally in Colorado
18 Aug 2023
00:45:04
Tracy Manchego-Baker, is the co-founder of Tiny Building Experts based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Tracy and her husband Austin have built a reputation as experienced ethical and high quality tiny home builders, with Austin leading the way by being part of almost 500 Tiny House builds since 2014. They also serve as industry consultants and subject matter experts supporting tiny home initiatives both locally and nationally for building code standards and navigating the placement of tiny homes legally. If you've heard the recent news out of Colorado regarding new Tiny House regulations, you'll be happy to know that Tracy served on the committee to help create them and she'll walk us through exactly what the new law does and doesn't do. Stay tuned to discover more insights from Tracy Manchego-Baker of Tiny Building Experts.
In This Episode:
Challenges and Goals of the Tiny House Movement in Colorado 🏠: Initial challenges of the tiny house movement in Colorado and the goal of providing affordable housing and addressing homelessness.
Collaboration and Cooperation are Key 🤝: The need for collaboration between local jurisdictions, the state, and builders to make progress.
The Importance of Legalization and Certification 📝: Highlighting the significance of legalizing tiny houses and obtaining certifications to ensure compliance with codes and regulations.
Added Costs and Changes 💰: Tracy addresses the frustrations and added costs that builders have to pass on to customers due to the new regulations.
Land Zoning and Placement Regulations 🗺️: The role of zoning and land regulations in determining where tiny houses can be legally placed in Colorado.
The Impact of the New Laws on Tiny House Living 📜: Implications of the new laws, including the ability to pay real property taxes and the distinction between tiny houses on wheels and other types of housing.
Changing Attitudes in Zoning Laws 🏛️: Evolving attitude towards tiny houses in zoning laws and efforts to make zoning regulations more friendly towards tiny houses.
Advocacy and Education 📣: Tracy emphasizes the importance of advocacy and education in the tiny house movement to promote understanding and compliance with regulations.
Misinformation and Doing Things Correctly 🚫🚧: Tracy discusses the importance of doing things correctly to avoid negative consequences for builders and homeowners.
Find the full episode show notes, photos, and links at thetinyhouse.net/276
Tiny Dreams on a Budget: Navigating Construction as Your Own Contractor
11 Aug 2023
00:34:54
Laura Kuntz is an elementary school teacher and a mother of three grown daughters. She's here to share her journey of building her own tiny house. Since high school Laura has been obsessed with the idea of living in a small home and now as an empty nester, she finally had the perfect opportunity to make her dream a reality. In this episode, Laura walks us through the steps she took to go from being a tiny house enthusiast to a proud homeowner. She shares insights about finding the right location, navigating building codes and permits in the strict state of Massachusetts, and her unique choice of building her tiny house on a foundation instead of on wheels and acting as her own contractor. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with Laura about turning a lifelong dream into a tangible, beautiful home.
In This Episode:
Researching Resources 📚: Importance of finding books and online information for guidance.
Timing and Scheduling 🗓️: Coordinating schedules and jobs between contractors.
Delays and Patience ⏳: Experienced delays due to contractors' availability.
Finding the Right Location 📍: The process of finding the perfect location for her tiny house.
Navigating Building Codes 🏗️: Challenges of adhering to building codes and obtaining permits.
Building on a Foundation 🏡: Unique choice to build the tiny house on a foundation.
Learning During Construction 🏗️: Gained knowledge despite lacking construction experience and how a good support system makes a difference.
Communication Challenges 📞: Difficulties in a small town with communication and finding the right people.
Tailoring to Personal Needs ✂️: Designing and building a tiny house that is tailored to individual needs.
This week's sponsors:
FOTILE: FOTILE’s new two in one in-sink dishwasher is bringing convenience back into your tiny lifestyle. It's a dishwasher built into a sink and perfect for tiny house living. The efficient design saves cabinet space and fits perfectly into a standard 36 inch cabinet base, making it ideal for tiny homes. But it's not just about saving space, it is also about saving time and water with a quick 20 minute wash cycle, saving nearly 50% of the water a regular dishwasher would consume. FOTILE is offering Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast listeners a special extended five year limited warranty. Visit us.fotileglobal.com/thlp to learn more and purchase your FOTILE two in one in-sink dishwasher today.
Disclaimer: 5-Year warranty is exclusive for THLP listeners. To register, customer must register their product warranty on FOTILE website, and enter "thlp" as purchase channel to be eligible
From North Dallas to Homesteading Paradise: The Story of One Family's Tiny Transition
04 Aug 2023
00:49:42
Beau and Kelly are a full time family building a Texas homestead. They are living in a tiny house that is just over 800 square feet with five kids and we just scratched the surface of their really cool lifestyle in this interview. If you are interested in homesteading, buying raw land, or a shed to tiny house conversion, this episode is for you. Beau has so much info to share. In this conversation we dive into the start of their project, what the land was like when they first bought it, what they had to do and why they chose a shed conversion.
In This Episode:
🏡 Discussing housing options for Beau’s growing family
🏘️ The journey of finding and converting a shed to a home
🌱 Embracing a simpler, self-sufficient lifestyle on a homestead
💼 Turning their homesteading experiences into a source of income
💰 Exploring the costs and budgeting for a homestead project
🛠️ Reflecting on mistakes made and lessons learned during building
🌍 Encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams and passions now
🎥 Finding opportunities to share experiences through YouTube and podcasts
🔌 Dreaming of a sustainable, solar-powered future on the homestead
This week's sponsors:
PrecisionTemp: We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp on demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of hot water that seems to last forever. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle, even if you are on the go. PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping with the coupon code THLP at precisiontemp.com. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
FOTILE: FOTILE’s new two in one in-sink dishwasher is bringing convenience back into your tiny lifestyle. It's a dishwasher built into a sink and perfect for tiny house living. The efficient design saves cabinet space and fits perfectly into a standard 36 inch cabinet base, making it ideal for tiny homes. But it's not just about saving space, it is also about saving time and water with a quick 20 minute wash cycle, saving nearly 50% of the water a regular dishwasher would consume. FOTILE is offering Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast listeners a special extended five year limited warranty. Visit us.fotileglobal.com/thlp to learn more and purchase your FOTILE two in one in-sink dishwasher today.
Disclaimer: 5-Year warranty is exclusive for THLP listeners. To register, customer must register their product warranty on FOTILE website, and enter "thlp" as purchase channel to be eligible.
Exploring Mal's Mushroom House: A Fairy Tale-Styled Tiny Home with Innovative Renovations
28 Jul 2023
00:28:38
Mallory is a tiny house dweller who lives in a stationary tiny house that she calls Mal's mushroom house. The house is beautifully renovated with a fairy tale like theme and feel to it. In this conversation, we'll learn about the history of Mal's mushroom house and the interior renovations that Mallory did to the house. We discuss the creative and inexpensive renovations she did, using things like countertop wrapping, cabinet wraps, and creating an accent wall using trim board. Plus, I get Mallory to spill her secrets about where she actually stores her stuff and the challenges of living tiny.
In This Episode:
🍄 Mallory's unique stationary tiny house with a fairy tale theme
🏠 Inexpensive interior renovations
📦 Creative strategies for organizing and storing belongings in limited space
♻️ Embracing a simpler lifestyle and being less attached to material possessions.
🍳 Cooking challenges in a tiny kitchen
📚 Adjusting to and finding fulfillment in the solitude of tiny house living
🏰 Fascinating history of Mal's mushroom house
🗣️ Mallory's renovations, storage solutions, and the challenges and joys of tiny house living
This week's sponsors:
PrecisionTemp: We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp on demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of hot water that seems to last forever. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle, even if you are on the go. PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping with the coupon code THLP at precisiontemp.com. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
FOTILE: FOTILE’s new two in one in-sink dishwasher is bringing convenience back into your tiny lifestyle. It's a dishwasher built into a sink and perfect for tiny house living. The efficient design saves cabinet space and fits perfectly into a standard 36 inch cabinet base, making it ideal for tiny homes. But it's not just about saving space, it is also about saving time and water with a quick 20 minute wash cycle, saving nearly 50% of the water a regular dishwasher would consume. FOTILE is offering Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast listeners a special extended five year limited warranty. Visit us.fotileglobal.com/thlp to learn more and purchase your FOTILE two in one in-sink dishwasher today.
Disclaimer: 5-Year warranty is exclusive for THLP listeners. To register, customer must register their product warranty on FOTILE website, and enter "thlp" as purchase channel to be eligible.
Treehouses and Funky Shelter: Exploring the Work and Workshops of Derek ‘Deek’ Diedricksen
21 Jul 2023
00:32:44
Today’s episode is with fan favorite Derek "Deek" Diedricksen. Deek has been on the show several times, but I invited him back because it is the 10th anniversary of his super fun and unique signature tiny house building workshop, called Tiny House Summer Camp. In this interview, we'll talk about Deek’s hands on approach to workshops and how he structures these events so you can get your hands on power tools and build, to really get a sense of what it's like to build a small home. It wouldn't be an interview with Deek without lots of fun stories. We talk about how he has built small homes on public land that are completely hidden from view, how to start small, and other workshops and writing projects he has on his plate. Deek is always cooking up lots of interesting things, tune into this really fun conversation.
In This Episode:
Workshop Reflections 🎉 Celebrating 10 years of Tiny House Summer Camp workshops
Woodworking Tips 🪚 Start small and gain experience
Importance of Patience in Woodworking ⌛️ The importance of patience, taking time, and selecting the right tools
Tiny House Summer Camp Workshop 🏡 Insight into the hands-on Tiny House Summer Camp workshop
Building Outside the Box: Unique Creations 🏗️ The focus on making building and construction projects stand out from others in the field
Hands-On Learning vs. Traditional Presentations 👐 Effectiveness of hands-on learning versus traditional talk-based presentations
Eclectic Band and New Album 🎶 The band, their upcoming album, the eclectic nature of their music, and their influences
Workshops and Events 🌲 Live hands on workshops in Vermont and California
This Week's Sponsor:
FOTILE: FOTILE’s new two in one in-sink dishwasher is bringing convenience back into your tiny lifestyle. It's a dishwasher built into a sink and perfect for tiny house living. The efficient design saves cabinet space and fits perfectly into a standard 36 inch cabinet base, making it ideal for tiny homes. But it's not just about saving space, it is also about saving time and water with a quick 20 minute wash cycle, saving nearly 50% of the water a regular dishwasher would consume. FOTILE is offering Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast listeners a special extended five year limited warranty. Visit us.fotileglobal.com/thlp to learn more and purchase your FOTILE two in one in-sink dishwasher today.
Disclaimer: 5-Year warranty is exclusive for THLP listeners. To register, customer must register their product warranty on FOTILE website, and enter "thlp" as purchase channel to be eligible.