LAist Studios and American Public Media (APM) today announced the launch of This Old House Radio Hour, an innovative new series from the creators of the beloved television series This Old House, currently available on The Roku Channel and PBS. The radio show is co-produced by LAist Studios,This Old House Productions and Ember20 and distributed to public radio stations nationwide by APM. The hour-long show begins airing March 22, and will bring the spirit of home improvement and do-it-yourself culture to radio audiences, inspiring people of all skill levels to take on projects big and small. The Home Depot is the presenting sponsor and launch partner of This Old House Radio Hour and podcast.
This Old House Radio Hour offers listeners a dispatch from the world of home renovation and maker culture, as well as classic “call-in” advice. The show balances practical suggestions with heartfelt storytelling, making it an entertaining must-listen for anyone with a passion for the place they call home. Weekly episodes will be offered to APM’s nationwide network of more than 850 stations and also be available on-demand as a podcast after the radio broadcast. Stations that have signed on include producing station LAist 89.3, the top public radio station in Los Angeles and second-largest market in the U.S.
Jenn Largesse, longtime This Old House personality and editor, will serve as host of This Old House Radio Hour. In addition, episodes will feature fan-favorite talent from This Old House, including General Contractor Zack Dettmore and Plumbing and Heating Expert Richard Trethewey as well as a new generation of craftspeople who have emerged from social media and other non-traditional outlets, blending traditional know-how with fresh, creative perspectives.
“For decades, This Old House has been the most trusted and most authentic source of home improvement information on television. Now, we’re excited to share the expertise and insights of our team with radio listeners as well,” says Chris Wolfe, executive producer of This Old House.
“Southern California is home to every type of dwelling and architecture, and the LAist audience has consistently identified housing issues as a top interest,” says Shana Naomi Krochmal, vice president of LAist Studios. “That was true for Angelenos even before the recent wildfires, and as so many in our community begin the long and difficult process to rebuild and resettle, we hope this show can be a familiar and helpful companion. We’re proud to partner with the experts at This Old House to bring this new show to our listeners at home and those across the country.”
This Old House Radio Hour was created by Ember20’s Jimmy Jellinek who will executive produce along with David Thwaites and Chris Wolfe. Show producers include Matt Bogart and Michelle Lanz with Jeremiah Zimmerman serving as the show’s editor and sound designer.
Recurring segments include:
Ask This Old House: Have a question about plumbing, electrical work, roofing, or landscaping? This Old House experts will tackle real listener queries, solving household mysteries and offering step-by-step advice.
My Old House: Prominent figures like American Pickers’ Mike Wolfe, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, musician Rosanne Cash, filmmaker Ken Burns, and actor Alessandro Nivola share heartfelt stories about the homes that shaped their lives.
Save This Old House: In collaboration with Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein, whose popular Cheap Old Houses social accounts boast over three million combined followers, listeners explore the potential of historic properties — some available for as little as $10 — and debate what it takes to bring them back to life.
What’s That Sound?: A fun, interactive game where listeners guess the sound of a tool or job site activity for a chance to win prizes.
A Simple Fix: Quick, simple, and actionable solutions for common household problems such as clogged drains, squeaky hinges and fridge odors.
Since 1979, This Old House has been a fixture on local PBS stations nationwide. Now in its 46th season, current and past episodes of the show are also available for free on The Roku Channel.