How To Handyma’am | A Home Improvement Comedy Podcast

Welcome back to How-To Handyma’am! This week, Samantha, Arly, and Emily are stepping away from our standard workshop schedules to take you on a wild, chaotic deep dive into the completely bizarre history of the everyday tools sitting in your garage . Emily is feeling sneaky and sharing her inner history nerd as we play a guessing game with the unsettling origins of modern trade tools : 🩸 The Childbirth Chainsaw: Discover why the modern chainsaw was originally engineered in the late 1700s by two Scottish surgeons to cut through pelvic bones during high-risk deliveries long before wood loggers ever touched it . 👗 The Corset Tape Measure: How the flexible, spring-loaded tape measure in your tool belt owes its mechanics to Victorian-era hoop skirts , plus the hidden reason why snapping a 90s snap bracelet might feel painfully familiar . 🔫 The Colt .45 Power Drill: Why your modern cordless drill moved away from painful chest-pressed "breast drills" to a design explicitly modeled after a semi-automatic handgun to maximize manual control . ⚔️ The Battlefield Screwdriver: For over three centuries, the humble flathead screwdriver wasn't a woodworker's tool at all—it was a specialized military weapon maintenance tool engineered to hold plate armor and muskets together . 🛠️ The Truth About Stripping Screws: Why standard Phillips head screws were actually engineered to "cam out" and strip on purpose to preserve armor plating , plus Arly's recent "come to Jesus" love affair with the chunky Phillips 3 (P3) driver bit . We wrap up the episode with some surprising bonus facts about sharkskin sandpaper , the evolutionary perfection of crabs , and our definitive rankings of the best animals on the planet (spicy black bears included). 🔗 Join our $5 Apprentice Patreon Tier to grab exclusive monthly bonus episodes and support our mission to bring more women into the trades: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam Connect with us! Drop your favorite animal in the comments of our social channels so we can tell you their weird evolutionary traits . Find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @howtohandymaam (remember, it's ma'am, not man!). You can also share your latest DIY workspace projects directly by emailing hth@myhandyman.com. #HowToHandymaam #ToolHistory #ChainsawOrigin #PistolGripDrill #PhillipsHead #WomenInTrades #HistoryHacks #PatreonApprentice

Grab your respirators, folks. In this Sidequest, Samantha, Arly, and Emily officially open the doors to the MDF Hate Club . While medium density fiberboard looks uniform and beautiful on the store shelf, we are here to expose the pros, the cons, and the absolute lies surrounding this compressed wood fluff .In this Sidequest, we break down:What is MDF anyway?: A mid-20th-century invention made from leftover wood chips and sawdust ground into fluff, mixed with wax and resin under intense heat and pressure .The Pros (The Short List): It’s perfectly smooth, doesn't warp or crown in perfect conditions, and cuts cleanly on a table saw—making it the "hot dog of wood products" with one single consistency all the way through .The "Stupid Sponge" Reality: Why making kitchen and bathroom cabinets out of a material that turns completely to mush when exposed to water makes zero sense .Samantha & Emily’s Horror Story: The nightmare of refinishing 35 factory-painted cabinet doors, scraping out wet mush with utility knives, and using Bondo to manually sculpt cabinet profiles back together .The Fastener Fail: Why driving a screw into MDF is exactly like putting a screw into a piece of Smartie candy, and why you only get "one shot" before the hole strips completely .The "Finest Toxin": Why you must wear a respirator when cutting MDF, plus a technical cleanup hack using vinegar to break the static cling of the powder .Don't Hate OSB: Why Oriented Strand Board is layered like a phone book and is actually an incredibly strong, great product, unlike the trap of MDF .Handyma’am Verdict: If you are new to woodworking, do not start your hobby with MDF or you will want to quit . If you must build a heavy-load project (like Samantha and Emily's budget vinyl record bookshelves), skip the MDF and buy cabinet-grade plywood—or be prepared to install a 1x2 wooden skeleton just to keep it from failing .Disagree with our anti-MDF manifesto? Let us know at howtohandymaam.com or find us on socials @howtohandymaam!Find all our links! linktr.ee/howtohandymaam#HowToHandymaam #MDFHateClub #WoodworkingFails #ShopTalk #DIYTraps #WomenInTrades

We’ve officially survived the "22-episode failure zone," and with over 43 total uploads including our Sidequests, we’re just getting started! This week, the studio door is open, and Winnie the dog joins Emily, Arly, and Samantha as we tackle a themed Q&A all about your home's exterior. In this Sidequest, we answer:Staining a Weathered Deck: Is it ever too late to stain a graying deck? Soft Washing 101: Why chemicals, not high-force power washing, are the secret to a clean wood deck. The Wood Filler Trap: Why we suggest avoiding "Deck Correct" and standard wood fillers or Bondo for outdoor projects. Patio Permit Truths: When you need a permit for pavers and why you MUST call MISS DIG before digging. Vinyl Siding Deep Clean: The best solutions for getting rid of algae and mold on your siding. Handyma’am Golden Rule: Before you soft wash your siding, soak your foundation and nearby plants with clean water to protect them from chemical runoff! Check out our Linktree for all our resources, socials, and more:👉 linktr.ee/howtohandymaam#HowToHandymaam #DeckMaintenance #DIYHomeRepair #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement

Grab your concert tees and get ready to rock, because this is the Sidequest of the 90s! This week, Emily went rogue in the basement office and dug into the depths of Reddit to find some truly unhinged contractor horror stories. Samantha, Arly, and Emily read through four different nightmares and provide their professional commentary on the massive red flags these homeowners missed. In this Sidequest, we react to:A custom window disaster where 3.5-meter tall glass panels were secured with small screws and blew right into the house. A $9,999 defamation lawsuit over a bad review. The all-too-common "Materials Scam," where sketchy crews over-order insulation and lumber to stash for their side gigs. A "somewhat simple" kitchen and double-bathroom remodel that was handed off to an unlicensed subcontractor from Lowe's. Plus, we share essential Handyma'am advice:The Box Store Secret: Why you should never assume a contractor referred by Lowe's, Menards, or Home Depot is vetted or qualified. (Home Depot literally ranks their Pros by how much money they spend on materials! ). License Verification: Step-by-step instructions on how to look up your contractor's license through your state's regulatory affairs website (like LARA in Michigan). The Discount Red Flag: Why a legit business with workers comp and overhead cannot afford to offer you a $5,000 "act today" discount. Did you love this Reddit episode? Search for the How To Handyma'am group on Facebook and let us know if we should make this a regular series!

Welcome to another Side Quest! ⚔️ Today, Samantha, Arley, and Emily are tackling your listener questions. We’re covering everything from the legalities of deck building to why poorly installed safety equipment is the absolute worst. In this episode, we answer:Do you need a permit to replace your deck boards? (And why you should never pull a permit for your contractor!) . Can you put mulch over a weed barrier, or will it invite a swarm of cockroaches? 🪳. How to fix a stair handrail that ripped right out of the drywall. Is pressure-treated lumber poisoning your vegetable garden? 🍅. Plus, a terrifying tale from the field involving tick-infested mulch, and a mind-blowing realization about where the word "windmill" comes from. Got a question for us? We want to hear it! Email us at hthm@myhandymaam.com.

If you are planning on building, replacing, or resurfacing a deck this summer, you cannot afford to skip this episode! Today, we are starting from the ground up to give you the ultimate Deck 101 survival guide.We talk through the dreaded permitting process and explain exactly when you can legally skip the paperwork. Then, we break down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of the three most common decking materials: pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and composite. Whether you want the cheapest option or a deck that will outlive you, we have the installation secrets you need to know.In this episode, we cover:Why your deck's substructure must always be ground-contact pressure-treated lumber.The 6-to-12-month waiting rule for sealing a pressure-treated deck.Why you need to wear a mask when cutting cedar.The hidden costs of composite decking, including special fasteners and structural framing requirements.A major safety warning about modern cable railings.Connect with us!Got a question or a "Tale from the Field"? Email us at hthm@myhandymaam.com!🔗 All our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam🏡 Check out our website: howtohandymaam.com

Welcome back to How to Handyma'am! It is finally spring, and we are kicking off a four-part series dedicated to all things spring maintenance and landscaping.But first, 3 Minutes of Chaos! We also take a moment to talk about leaning into who you really are and accepting your unique quirks. We also give a shoutout to our favorite med student, Hannah MacArthur!Then, we dive into the Spring Handyma'am Showdown! We go head-to-head to list the top 10 things you need to check outside your house as the weather warms up.Our top 10 spring maintenance tips include:Check doors and windows: Ensure they open, close, and seal properly, and watch for sticky spots.Turn on the power: Find your breaker box and flip the switch to test your outdoor outlets.Test smoke detectors: Make sure you have working batteries (and a carbon monoxide detector!).Change your furnace filter: Get ready for AC season.Inspect the siding: Look for holes, damage, or missing pieces, and fill any gaps.Check for water leaks: Check under sinks, around toilets, and make sure your sump pump is working.Inspect your porch/deck: Look for rotting wood, peeling paint, or loose boards.Check the mailbox: Ensure it's secure, not rotting, and firmly attached to the post.Examine exterior trim: Look for peeling paint or wood rot, which can lead to water and pest issues.Test the outdoor spigot: Turn the water on, attach a hose, and check for leaks.We've got you covered with tips, tricks, and a little bit of chaos along the way. Be sure to check out our website for a printable spring checklist!Join The Community!•Sign up for the newsletter & submit listener questions: howtohandymaam.com•Follow us on social media: @howtohandymaam•All our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam

Welcome back to How to Handyma'am! We are kicking off today's episode with 3 Minutes of Chaos, featuring Samantha's Victorian romance tv show recommendations, a quick menopause update, and the hilarious story of her cartoon-style wipeout on a loose rug while chasing Winnie the Golden Retriever. (Spoiler: Winnie's response was to sit directly on Samantha to tell her to calm down!)But we're also getting down to business for all of our new homeowners out there! If you just got the keys to your new house, do not move in yet. We are playing a game of "Must Do, Should Do, Nice To Do" to help you prioritize the most important tasks before you start unpacking boxes.We explain why you must change your locks and test your smoke detectors, why you should figure out where your main water shut-off valve is, and why deep-cleaning the fridge is a nice to do before you move your stuff in. We also share a sweet client story featuring Hellboy the rescue Greyhound, and give you professional advice on how to deal with contractors who charge too much (and why it's totally okay to ghost them).Join The Community!Sign up for the newsletter & submit listener questions: howtohandymaam.comFollow us on social media: @howtohandymaam

Welcome to How to Handyma'am! We are kicking off Episode 16 with a little singing, a sweet dedication to Samantha's sister, Sandy, and a recap of our live TV debut on New Day Cleveland! Fun fact: Samantha and Sandy both have golden retrievers (including Samantha's dog, Winnie the Pearl) and the dogs are actually sisters! We also got to teach an amazing troop of Girl Scouts how to build their own toolboxes this week.For our main topic, we are talking about exactly what to expect when you take on a new DIY project. Whether you are a "Type A" planner who maps out every single screw, or a "Type B" chaos gremlin who just starts ripping things apart (looking at you, Arly), we are sharing our professional process for getting things done. We cover how to define your project scope, why you need to watch tutorial videos just to build your materials list, and why you should always add a buffer to your budget.Plus, we answer a listener question about how to properly repair torn drywall paper from a Command Strip!Join The Community!Sign up for early event access & submit listener questions: howtohandymaam.comAll our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam

Welcome to How to Handyma'am! This week, we are consulting Shakespeare for our home repairs and asking the ultimate DIY question: To fix, or not to fix? But first, we kick things off with a sweet dedication to Arly's grandma, the "OG Handyma'am," and spill the tea on the products we are absolutely loving right now.From navigating the tragedy of dragging a refrigerator across your sheet vinyl floor, to deciding whether you should repair a hollow-core door or just buy a new one, we are giving you the ultimate cost-benefit analysis on common home damage.Episode Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome back! A dedication to Grandma Arlene.3:55 - Product Reviews! We are fangirling over RTA Wholesalers out of Carson, California.9:30 - Our review of Gorilla Glue Two-Part Epoxy (and why you shouldn't set construction adhesive on fire).11:20 - Go-to bonding primer: Valspar Signature.13:00 - The Main Event: To Fix or Not To Fix?15:00 - Ripped linoleum/sheet vinyl floors.21:50 - Punching a hole in a hollow core door.26:00 - Sputtering sinks and cleaning your faucet aerator.28:40 - Broken window panes (Single pane vs. Double pane).31:20 - Broken PVC plumbing pipes.34:30 - Splintered door jambs.Products Mentioned in this Episode:Heads up! Some of the product links below are affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to support the podcast!RTA Wholesalers: https://rtawholesalers.comGorilla Glue Two-Part Epoxy: https://shoplowes.me/4lqUmoMValspar Signature: https://shoplowes.me/4bi1C1KJoin The Community!Submit a Listener Question: howtohandymaam.comAll our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam

Welcome back to How to Handymaam! 🛠️ This week, we are introducing a brand new segment called "Three Minutes of Chaos" before diving into a highly practical checklist for securing your home. Whether you live alone or just want some extra peace of mind, we are breaking down the easiest, most effective security upgrades you can tackle this weekend.In this episode, we cover:Three Minutes of Chaos: Arly rants about period products, Emily gets excited for spring and the Lansing Home & Garden Show, and Samantha talks about her favorite heavy-duty outdoor builds.Listener Question: Marybeth asks how to paint baseboards without ruining her wood floors. We explain why painter's tape is actually a terrible idea for old hardwood, and share the "plastic sleeve" trick instead.Practical Home Security Checklist: * Doors: Why you need to swap out your tiny latch plate screws for 3-inch screws immediately, and how to reinforce your deadbolts.Windows & Sliders: The simple "dowel in the track" trick for sliding doors, and using privacy window film to keep out prying eyes without losing natural light.Tech & Tools: Integrating motion-sensor floodlights, basic cameras, and exactly what tools you need to get the job done (plus how to borrow them if you don't have a drill!).Big Announcements: Come see us at the Lansing Home & Garden Show, and get ready for our upcoming weekend intensive workshops in June, August, and October!Join The Village!All our links in one place: linktr.ee/howtohandymaam

Welcome back to How to Handyma'am! This week, we are dedicating the episode to the ultimate hype-woman: Grandma Chris. She embodies the true Handyma'am spirit of loving support and "of course you can do that" energy.Before we get into the heavy lifting, we have a very chaotic catch-up session. We’re talking about a "menty b" over a DoorDash order missing its emotional support tater tots, and we reveal our go-to karaoke anthems (from Queen to Hamilton).Then, it’s time for the main event: Drywall 101. Are you committing drywall crimes in your home? We break down the most common drywall issues, how to diagnose the underlying problems, and the exact steps to fix them the right way.In this episode, we cover:Soft Spots & Bubbling Paint: Why this is almost always a water leak, and why you must fix the leak before you fix the wall.Cracks by Doors & Windows: Why caulking or spackling a crack won't work, and how to properly use drywall tape and mud to handle house settling.Nail Pops: The structural reason your drywall screws are popping out, and the simple trick of driving a new screw an inch away to re-secure the board.Peeling Drywall Paper: The absolute golden rule of sealing torn brown drywall paper with a shellac or oil-based primer before applying water-based mud.Patching Holes: From tiny nail holes to the "California Patch" for doorknobs, all the way up to cutting out sections and adding wood backing for massive holes.Join The Village!We are licensed builders teaching you everything we learned the hard way so you don't have to.Visit our new website: howtohandymaam.comFind our socials on our linktree! Linktr.ee/howtohandymaamEmail us your stories and questions: hthm@myhandymaam.com

In this milestone 10th SideQuest, Samantha, Emily, and Arly discuss why the "why" is just as important as the "how." From Emily’s late-night war against a neighborhood skunk to a listener’s four-year battle with a mysterious sewer smell, we’re breaking down how to diagnose the root cause of your home’s biggest headaches.Inside the Episode:The "Moby Dick" Moment: Emily recounts her descent into madness trying to outsmart a skunk living under her porch and the low-tech lightbulb solution that finally won the war.The $6,000 Smell: We walk through a FaceTime consultation with a listener who spent thousands on professionals who couldn’t find the source of a sewer smell. Spoiler: Nobody thought to use a camera.Sewer Scope 101: Why you should always ask for the video proof (and a thumb drive) when a contractor scopes your lines. If they won't show you the crack, don't pay for the fix.Settling Houses & Sinkholes: A fascinating (and slightly terrifying) look at how a house settling near an active sinkhole can create a "stinky burger" situation for your next backyard BBQ.The "Handyma’am" Mindset: Why looking at a diagram and understanding how a system should work is the first step to figuring out why it isn’t.The Village ResourcesGot a question? Email us at hthm@myhandymam.com or find us on social media linktr.ee/howtohandymaamJoin the Community: We are nearly at 800 members in our private Facebook group! Join the "Village" to get advice from Samantha, Emily, Arly, and hundreds of other DIY-capable women.​Community: Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ How to Handyma’am Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to ask questions and post your project pics.Products We Love: Find the tools mentioned in this episode at our storefront:​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Handyma'am Favorites on Lowe's⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the Journey: Catch our older SideQuests now moving to YouTube with full video!