Around the House® Home Improvement: A Deep Dive into Your Home

• From GFCIs to Giant Snowmen: Your Guide to Holiday Decorating Failures

  Eric G and John Dudley are diving deep into the festive chaos of holiday decorating, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. They kick things off with some golden nuggets of wisdom about electrical safety – because nothing says "Merry Christmas" like blowing a fuse while trying to light up your house like a runway. Seriously, they’ve seen it all, from GFCI outlets hiding in bizarre places to the age-old struggle of untangling Christmas lights that seem to have a vendetta against you. As they dish out tips on how to avoid turning your home into a fire hazard (because no one wants to roast marshmallows on their living room floor), they also chat about the aesthetics of holiday decor, from tasteful to downright ridiculous. And trust me, they’ve got opinions on inflatable Santas and how not to terrorize the neighbors with your overzealous decorations. So, grab a cup of cocoa, sit back, and get ready for some laughs and a few eye-rolls as we navigate the absurdity of holiday decorating together!As the holiday season rolls in like a freight train, Eric G and John Dudley dive headfirst into the chaos of holiday decorating, sharing their hard-won wisdom and a few hilarious misadventures. Kicking off the second hour, Eric reveals his secret strategy for when to turn on the Christmas lights—right after Thanksgiving dinner, because why not keep the turkey vibes going just a tad longer? But the real fun begins as they dissect the absurdity of holiday decorations, from the neighbor who goes all Clark Griswold with their light displays to the subtle art of avoiding an electrical disaster while hanging those twinkling bulbs. Eric's expertise shines when he breaks down the essential safety tips that every homeowner should know, like the importance of GFCI outlets and not pinching power cords under the garage door—because nobody wants to set their house on fire while trying to spread holiday cheer. These guys are not just about safety; they’re also all about the aesthetics. Tune in as they discuss finding that perfect balance between classy and crazy in your holiday decor, making sure your house looks like a festive wonderland rather than a haphazard yard sale. As they sprinkle in some laughs—like Eric's cheeky idea of putting a giant inflatable snowman in the front yard (much to his girlfriend's dismay)—you'll find yourself chuckling along while taking notes on how to up your holiday decorating game this season.Takeaways: Getting your Christmas lights up right after Thanksgiving dinner is the way to go; it keeps the holiday spirit rolling without jumping the gun on Christmas. Be cautious with those outdoor outlets; GFCI outlets wear out over time, and you don't want to be left in the dark as you try to impress the neighbors. Never run extension cords under your garage door, unless you want to win the award for 'Most Likely to Burn Down Your House' during the holidays. Consider a theme for your decorations; a cohesive color scheme can elevate your holiday decor from 'meh' to 'whoa, look at that!'. Invest in a solid ladder or even a rental lift for holiday decorating; because safety first, and you want to avoid becoming a viral fail video on social media. If you're going to use space heaters, for the love of all that is holy, do not plug them into extension cords; your home isn’t a science experiment waiting to happen. Companies mentioned in this episode: Parkrose Hardware Milwaukee Mentioned in this episode:Its time to upgrade your website with Site Hype Designs! Be one of the first to grab the 10 spots available for Site Hype Designs special holiday sale! Message John at [email protected] and use promo code Johnny Claus in the subject line and see if you qualify! Site Hype Designs...

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• Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Avoiding Family Feuds and Kitchen Catastrophes

  Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us faster than Aunt Judy can bring up that one family feud, and trust me, we’re here to help you avoid a holiday disaster. In this hour, Eric G and John Dudley are dishing out the ultimate last-minute tips to get your home ready for the big feast. We’re talking everything from decluttering those countertops (because, really, who needs that collection of weird knick-knacks out when the whole clan’s rolling in?) to prepping your oven so it doesn’t turn into a fiery pit of despair. We’ll even tackle the age-old dilemma of ensuring your plumbing is ready for the inevitable Thanksgiving toilet drama—because nothing says "Happy Thanksgiving" like a clogged toilet when Uncle Bob decides to unleash his famous post-dinner bomb. So grab that turkey baster and let’s get your home holiday-ready, folks!Thanksgiving is creeping up faster than we can say 'stuffing', and in this episode, we dive deep into the chaotic world of getting your home ready for the big family gathering. Eric G and John Dudley tackle the top 10 things you should do (and maybe a few you shouldn’t) before the turkey hits the table. From decluttering countertops to ensuring that your kitchen is prepped for all the culinary madness that comes with feeding a small army, they’ve got you covered. They humorously navigate through the typical Thanksgiving drama, from the inevitable family arguments to the horror stories of kitchen disasters, all while providing practical tips that might just save you from a meltdown before your guests arrive. Plus, they share the importance of prepping your home for the influx of relatives and how to avoid being the host with the most 'oops' moments. If you're feeling that pre-holiday panic, tune in for a dose of laughter and sanity as you gear up for this year's Thanksgiving festivities.Takeaways: Deep cleaning and decluttering your kitchen counters is essential for Thanksgiving prep, trust me, your sanity depends on it! Creating designated areas for food prep can prevent turkey juice disasters, because nobody wants a Salmonella surprise at dinner! Sharp knives are your best friends in the kitchen—don't ruin your expensive cutlery with dull blades, get them sharpened, it's worth it! Be mindful of air quality—open windows and turn on fans to avoid post-dinner comas from carbon dioxide overload, or your guests will be napping through the football game! Checking your oven's accuracy before Thanksgiving is a must; a miscalibrated oven can ruin your turkey and your holiday spirit, so do it now! And remember, inviting lonely neighbors over for Thanksgiving can turn a mundane holiday into a heartwarming event, plus it gives you extra people to blame during family arguments! Companies mentioned in this episode: Insinkerator LG Gerber Mentioned in this episode:Its time to upgrade your website with Site Hype Designs! Be one of the first to grab the 10 spots available for Site Hype Designs special holiday sale! Message John at [email protected] and use promo code Johnny Claus in the subject line and see if you qualify! Site Hype Designs Its time to upgrade your website with Site Hype Designs! Be one of the first to grab the 10 spots available for Site Hype Designs special holiday sale! Message John at [email protected] and use promo code Johnny Claus in the subject line and see if you qualify! Site Hype Designs Suscribe to our YouTube Channel Want even more home improvement tips, tricks, and insider advice? Subscribe to my YouTube channel @AroundTheHouseEricG for project guides, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes...

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• Get Off the Couch: Why 7 Million Men Aren't Working

  Eric G is diving into the whirlwind of chaos this week, and trust me, it’s a doozy! We're talking about trades, YouTube influencers getting tangled in legal messes, and some serious recalls that might just make you reconsider your latest home improvement project. Seriously, if you thought your week was rough, wait until you hear about the YouTuber who decided to play fast and loose with tax laws—spoiler alert: it didn't end well. Plus, we've got some hot takes on the skilled trades shortage that’s got 7 million prime-age men sitting on their couches instead of getting their hands dirty. So buckle up, grab your tool belt (or maybe just a snack), and let’s unpack this wild ride of a mid-week update!What a wild ride this mid-week update turned out to be! Eric G dives into the chaos going on in the world of home improvement, and boy, does he have some tales to tell. First up, he shares a personal saga about a nagging shoulder injury that has him facing surgery. It’s not just any injury, folks; we’re talking about the remnants of a mountain biking accident from two decades ago. Who knew that trying to relive your glory days would lead to a torn rotator cuff and a rendezvous with a surgeon? Eric’s humor shines through as he jokes about how we might soon see him in a sling while filming his next DIY video. As if that wasn’t enough, he passionately advocates for the trades, calling out the shocking stats about able-bodied men not seeking work. With a mix of sarcasm and encouragement, he challenges everyone to get off the couch and into the workforce, especially given the plethora of job openings in skilled trades. It’s like a motivational speech wrapped in a DIY podcast—who could ask for more?But wait, there’s more! Eric also tackles the recent drama surrounding YouTube influencer Cody Dewiller, aka Whistling Diesel, who found himself in hot water for tax evasion. It’s a classic case of “you can’t hide behind a camera” as Eric breaks down the absurdity of trying to dodge taxes while flaunting a flashy supercar on social media. He raises an eyebrow at the irony of getting caught while broadcasting your life to millions. As if that wasn’t enough, he rounds off the episode with a slew of product recalls, including Tesla’s Powerwall and some alarming baby products. There’s a lot going on in the world, and Eric is here to keep us informed while keeping it real—because who doesn’t love a good rant mixed with a bit of home improvement wisdom?Takeaways: Eric G is dealing with an impending shoulder surgery, so don’t be surprised if he’s rocking the one-arm sling look in future videos. The podcast dives into the absurd reality that 7 million able-bodied men are not in the labor force, which is just a wild stat that needs addressing. We discussed the drama surrounding a YouTube influencer who got busted for tax evasion, proving that sometimes, fame doesn’t come without a side of legal trouble. Eric passionately rants about the education system pushing kids towards college instead of the trades, because honestly, who needs practical skills, right? A major recall has hit Tesla's Powerwall 2 systems, reminding us that even high-tech gadgets aren't immune to the occasional hiccup—like catching fire. We also cover numerous recalls on baby products and tech, because safety should always come first, even if it means returning that adorable stuffed bear. Companies mentioned in this episode: Ford Tesla Belkin Great Lakes Wholesale International Trek Steel To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get

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• Coming up Saturday on Around the House Show!

  This weekend on the Around the House Show, we’re diving into the delightful chaos of keeping our aging adults comfortably at home without the whole house flipping extravaganza. Because let’s be real, nobody wants to deal with a major remodel unless you’re really trying to get that mother-in-law to move out—yikes! We’ve got some solid tips that don’t involve turning your living room into a construction zone. Then, in the second hour, we’re tackling everything from the joys of 50-year mortgages (yes, really) to the ever-dreaded HOA lurking in the shadows, just waiting to spring some building defects on you. Plus, we’ll spill the tea on which outdated design trends are officially getting the boot by 2025. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this wild ride of home maintenance mayhem and questionable DIY decisions!Get ready to buckle up, because this weekend, we’re diving headfirst into the world of home improvement — and trust me, it’s going to be a wild ride! Eric G and John Dudley are serving up some serious wisdom on how to keep our aging adults cozy and safe in their homes without turning their living rooms into a construction zone. I mean, who wants to deal with all that drywall dust and the chaos of a remodel when there are perfectly good alternatives? We’ll be chatting about practical solutions that’ll ensure your loved ones can age gracefully at home without that dreaded ‘move out’ conversation looming over your heads. Unless, of course, you’re looking for a reason to kick out your in-laws — in which case, this episode might not be for you! But wait, there’s more! We’re also shining a spotlight on a fantastic nonprofit that’s like a thrift store for home improvement — think Habitat for Humanity but with a twist. You’ve got those odd leftover tiles and that mysterious cabinet door you’ll never use? Don’t just toss them; donate them! Plus, this place runs workshops that teach everything from fixing a toaster to tackling basic electrical issues. So if you’re the DIY-challenged type or just want to learn how to not electrocute yourself while changing a light fixture, we’ve got you covered. And hold onto your hats, because in the second hour, we’re getting into some juicy topics like 50-year mortgages, sneaky HOAs hiding building defects, and the design trends that are about to be kicked to the curb. Spoiler alert: your beloved color palette from 2020 might be on its last legs — who knew comfort food could come in paint colors? So whether you’re ready to embrace the minimalist movement or just want to know what’s trending (or not trending) in your kitchen, we’ve got all the insider info you need. Tune in for a blend of laughs, practical advice, and maybe a few questionable DIY decisions. So mark your calendars, set those reminders, and prepare for a weekend filled with home improvement shenanigans. We promise it’ll be a blast, and who knows, you might even learn something new — or at least have a good chuckle at our expense!Takeaways: This weekend's episode dives into how to keep aging adults at home without turning their lives into a construction zone. We'll be discussing a unique non-profit that takes your unwanted remodel bits and turns them into community treasures. Who knew cleaning out the garage could be so charitable? Get ready for a reality check as we explore outdated design trends that are totally ghosting by 2025. Spoiler: your favorite trend might be on the chopping block! If you're clueless about home improvement, don't fret – we're breaking down everything from mortgages to the latest in minimalist kitchen styles. Join us as we tackle the absurdities of HOA regulations hiding sneaky building defects. Because who doesn't love a surprise? And remember, folks, it's always a wild ride with us – so keep that hammer swinging and hold onto your sanity! Mentioned in this...

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• 50-Year Mortgages: A Dream or a Nightmare?

  Today, we dive into the wild world of 50-year mortgages—yes, you heard that right! Just when you thought home loans couldn't get any longer, the Trump administration decided to throw a 50-year option into the mix. Eric G and John Dudley break down the absurdities of this idea, weighing potential benefits, like lower monthly payments, against the ridiculous long-term interest costs that could turn your dream home into a financial nightmare. It's a rollercoaster of math and sarcasm as they discuss whether this trend is a blessing or just a really bad joke. Plus, stick around for some rants on home improvement trends that are already on their way out—who knew shiplap would go the way of the dodo? Buckle up, because it’s about to get real in the realm of home finance and decor!Get ready for a wild ride through the world of home financing and what the heck is happening with 50-year mortgages! Eric G and John Dudley kick things off with a hearty debate about the recent buzz around these long-term loans. You know, the kind that makes you question if homeownership is a marathon or a never-ending treadmill session. They dive into the pros and cons, looking at how these mortgages could potentially help first-time buyers squeeze into the housing market while also raising eyebrows about the implications of being shackled to a mortgage for half a century. Spoiler alert: the math isn't pretty if you look too closely! They also touch on the discipline needed to manage such a long-term loan without getting distracted by shiny objects like new guitars or that sweet catamaran you’ve always wanted. And just like that, they give you a crash course on how to navigate this mortgage minefield, which could either save you cash or have you singing the blues decades down the line. Buckle up, folks, because Eric and John are here to guide you through the absurdities of long-term home loans, and trust me, it's a rollercoaster!Takeaways: The idea of a 50-year mortgage might sound like a sweet deal, but let’s be real—who wants to still be paying off that house when their grandkids are moving in? While a 50-year mortgage lowers monthly payments by stretching out the debt, it also means you’ll be handing over a mortgage payment longer than most people keep cars! You might think you’re saving money with a longer mortgage, but don’t forget about the big bad wolf of interest rates lurking in the shadows—your total interest paid could skyrocket! If you think a 50-year mortgage will make you financially savvy, just remember—it's like deciding to take a leisurely stroll through debt instead of running a marathon! Homeowners associations are basically like the high school hall monitors of the housing world—always watching and ready to write you up for the tiniest infractions, even if it’s a city street! The latest trends in home design are moving away from the cold, stark whites and grays that scream 'just moved in' and heading towards warm, inviting hues that say 'come, sit, and stay awhile'! Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Boeing Credit Union Dave Ramsey To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog,...

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