Vacation-Proof Your Home + Italian Family Memories + Attic Renovation Secrets
From This Old House Radio Hour by American Public Media
May 19, 2026 · 50 min
About this episode
The episode covers home maintenance tips for vacation, reflections on Italian-American family life, and attic renovation insights.
Before you leave for vacation, your home might need a checklist of its own. Home maintenance expert Kyshawn Lane shares the simple steps that can help prevent leaks, odors, pests, and costly surprises while you’re away. Then, “Bare Feet” on PBS host Mickela Mallozzi reflects on growing up in a loud, loving Italian-American home in Stamford, Connecticut, where food, family, and constant renovations shaped her idea of home. Plus, builder Charlie Silva explains what it really takes to turn an attic into usable living space. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * Whether ventless all-in-one washer dryers are a smart choice for older homes * How to properly paint stucco without trapping moisture * What to do after discovering rodent nests inside bathroom walls * Why a UPS battery backup might warn you about “faulty wiring” All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
People in this episode
Guests: Mickela Mallozzi, Charlie Silva
Topics covered
- home maintenance
- Italian-American culture
- attic renovation
- family memories
- home improvement
Keywords
- home maintenance
- vacation checklist
- Italian family
- attic renovation
- home improvement questions
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: PBS
Places: Stamford, Connecticut
More episodes of This Old House Radio Hour
- Hard Water Woes + Ann Patchett’s Wild Childhood Home + Heat Pump Advantages · June 9, 2026 · 50 min
- No More Open Kitchens + Fab 5 Freddy’s Harlem Brownstone + Fence Building 101 · June 2, 2026 · 50 min
- Cleaning Dirty Ducts + Sheng Wang’s Bayou Childhood + Forced Air vs. Baseboard Heat · May 26, 2026 · 50 min
- Grow Better Tomatoes + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Chaos + The Shed Showdown · May 12, 2026 · 50 min
- Fire Safety 101 + Rob Corddry’s Childhood Home + Cut Renovation Costs · May 5, 2026 · 51 min
- Smart Home Security 101 + Alonzo Bodden’s Dream House + Hydrangea Grow Guide · April 28, 2026 · 51 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This Old House Radio Hour podcast page.