Free Daily Podcast Summary
True Tales From Old Houses: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Stacy Grinsfelder
True Tales From Old Houses is a light-hearted, entertaining, and educational show for lovers of old houses and buildings, DIYers, history buffs, and restoration and preservation junkies. Hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter share personal project updates, listener Q&A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago1h 3m
194: Ghost Tour Tales and a Spooky Side Trip
In this Spooky Season episode, Lauren Riensche shares how a fresh start during the pandemic inspired her to combine her love of history, ghost stories, and architecture into the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour. She explains how she tracks down the history behind local ghost stories and uses her tours to support the community. Lauren also shares some of her own spooky experiences, including a few from her ghost tours. Also, Stacy describes what happens when she makes an impromptu stop at the infamous Villisca Axe Murder House during a road trip with her mom. She goes in a skeptic and comes out...well, she comes out. Mentioned in This Episode: Join Stacy on Substack Photos from Episodes 193 & 194 on Substack Learn more about Cedar Falls Ghost Tours on Instagram Learn more about Cedar Falls Ghost Tours on Facebook Villisca Axe Murder House We Love our Sponsors! Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop on their websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26. Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity. Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more for free shipping. The Old House Shop – The store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order. Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX
- 1 weeks ago59 min
193: Ghost Stories From Reluctant Witnesses
Season 14 of True Tales From Old Houses kicks off with our annual Spooky Season stories! What happens when you're a skeptic but the ghosts don't care? Four listeners share their encounters with the unexplained, including mysterious figures, strange voices, and a possible brush with time travel. Their stories might make even the most committed doubter question what they believe. Plus, Stacy shares a few summer updates and big news about the future of True Tales From Old Houses. Mentioned in This Episode: Join Stacy on Substack Caitlin - The Preservation Peach (Instagram) Caitlin - Blue Dog Preservation (Instagram) Aimée Struble - Nola.Paint.Girl (Instagram) Jillian Pelkey - RoseHomesteadRehabCT (Instagram) We Love our Sponsors! Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26. Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity. Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more for free shipping. The Old House Shop – The store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order. Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX
- Jun 15, 20261h 3m
192: Robert Khederian & Old House Culture
In this week's episode, the season finale of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy welcomes Robert Khederian, a realtor, writer, and commentator on pre-war architecture, design, and old-house culture. Robert is known for his thoughtful observations about historic homes and the people who love them, making him the perfect guest to help close out the season. We discuss changing attitudes toward historic homes, what buyers are looking for today, timeless design, and how social media has influenced the way we think about owning old houses. Also in this episode, listener Peter Martin shares how he got the doors in his old house to latch properly. What sounds like a simple project turned out to be a series of different problems, each requiring its own solution. It's a practical conversation for anyone living with doors that stick, swing, sag, or simply refuse to cooperate. Mentioned in this Episode: Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop at Blake Hill House Join Stacy on Substack Bending Hinges - I'll put some links on Substack this week. I'm still looking for the most useful ones. Find Robert Khederian on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Buy Tala lightbulbs Buy GE Relax lightbulbs (affiliate link) WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26. Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. (Featured on ep. 164) Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity. Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free. Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order. Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX
- Jun 8, 202645 min
191: Dreams, Dust, & Due Diligence
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy talks with Ariana Makau, principal conservator and founder of Nzilani Glass Conservation, about her decision to purchase a long-neglected industrial building in Oakland, California. After hearing from so many listeners interested in historic commercial buildings, Stacy invited Ariana to share her experience taking on an old industrial property and turning it into a space that works for both her business and her broader mission. Ariana explains what drew her to the building, how she determined whether the project was realistic, and the vision she has for the property's future as a home for Nzilani Glass and her non-profit, The Fillet Foundation. Stacy and Ariana discuss adaptive reuse, balancing passion with practicality, and the importance of planning before taking on a major rehabilitation project. The conversation also explores the often-overlooked people behind preservation work. Ariana explains why she wants to recognize every craftsperson, contractor, and tradesperson who contributes to the building's transformation, and why their work deserves to be celebrated alongside the finished project. Mentioned in this Episode: Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop at Blake Hill House Join Stacy on Substack Nzilani Glass Conservation (website) The Fillet Foundation (website) Red Wing Wall of Honor (website) @Nzilani_Glass (Instagram) @the_fillet_foundation (Instagram) @aubadeproperty (Instagram) Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26. Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity. Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free. The Old House Shop – The store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order (excluding books). Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX
- Jun 1, 202655 min
190: Nova Scotia Solutions & New England Dreams
In this episode, Stacy explores both sides of old house life: making the most of the house you have and taking a leap toward the house you want. First, returning guest Rod Whale checks back in from the 200-year-old Bailey House Inn in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Rod recently wrote in with several excellent passive cooling ideas in response to the Good, Better, Best segment about hot rooms, so Stacy invited him back to continue the conversation. Then, Bari Ackerman joins Stacy to share her story of making a major life change to pursue an old house dream. After years of imagining a different kind of life, Bari and her husband decided to go for it, a little later in life than many people might expect. Mentioned in this Episode: Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop at Blake Hill House Join Stacy on Substack Episode 162: From Spreadsheets to Bed Sheets - An Innkeeper's Tale Episode 185: Hot Rooms & Higher Standards Product and video links for the perforated radiant barrier will be on Substack this week. Bailey House Inn (website) Follow Bari on Instagram @barij and @oursecondacthome Subscribe to Bari's Substack WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26. Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. (Featured on ep. 164) Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity. Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free. Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order. Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX
- May 25, 202628 min
189: What It Takes to Save a Building
In this Memorial Day episode, Stacy wraps up Preservation Month with listener follow-ups, one final round of State of Restoration conversations from Pine Mountain, and a practical look into the complicated realities behind rehabbing historic commercial buildings. After touring a long-empty downtown building, Stacy started asking a much bigger question: What does it realistically take to save a building like that and turn it into a financially viable project? The answer involves far more than passion and vision. From tax credits and tenants to deferred maintenance and demolition by neglect, this episode explores why bringing historic buildings back to life can be so difficult, even when people care deeply about saving them. Mentioned in this Episode: Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop at Blake Hill House Join Stacy on Substack Enter to win A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester Catalog Archive from Ken at OldHouseGuy.com Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26. Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity. Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free. The Old House Shop – The store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order (excluding books). Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX
- May 22, 202651 min
188: Live, Laugh, Lose Your Patience
In this episode, Preservation Month continues with another State of Restoration check-in, but this time, Stacy starts connecting some dots. After hearing more listener voicemails and Pine Mountain conversations, Stacy explores an idea she keeps coming back to: money, motive, and means. Could missing one of those help explain why some preservation communities seem to thrive while others struggle? Then, Stacy is joined by Carissa and Larry for a refreshingly honest conversation about old house life, DIY projects, and relationships. They talk about sharing a historic home when one person is a little (a lot!) more enthusiastic about it than the other, the realities of living through projects together, and why old house partnerships rarely look as polished online as they do in real life. Mentioned in this Episode: Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop at Blake Hill House Join Stacy on Substack Enter to win A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester Follow Carissa and Larry on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26. Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. (Featured on ep. 164) Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity. Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free. Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order. Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX
- May 18, 202650 min
187: Beyond Old Houses: Cemetery Preservation
In this episode, Preservation Month continues with another State of Restoration check-in and a look at one of the most overlooked forms of historic preservation: historic cemetery and headstone care. First, Stacy checks back in with the State of Restoration project, where one theme starting to emerge is that preservation often follows money. Then, she is joined by Justin Frost from Past Preservation to talk about historic cemetery preservation, headstone cleaning, and headstone repair. They discuss proper gravestone cleaning methods, common preservation mistakes, and the difference between helping and accidentally causing damage. Justin also shares what inspired him to begin this work and what continues to motivate him today. With Memorial Day approaching, this episode is especially helpful for anyone planning to visit family gravesites, volunteer in a historic cemetery, or learn more about proper cemetery preservation and respectful headstone care. Mentioned in this Episode: Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop at Blake Hill House Join Stacy on Substack Enter to win A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester Follow Justin/Past Preservation LLC on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26. Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity. Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free. The Old House Shop – The store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order (excluding books). Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX
Get True Tales From Old Houses summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
This Old House Radio Hour
Experts offer practical home improvement advice on renovations, repairs, and maintenance for homeowners and DIYers.
Twisted Tales with Heidi Wong
Heidi Wong explores the real horrors behind infamous legends and internet creepers every Monday.
Keeper of the Home Podcast
A podcast offering encouragement and practical insights for homemakers seeking purpose and joy in managing their homes and families.
Ghost Town: Strange History, True Crime, & the Paranormal
Explores haunted locations, true crimes, and bizarre historical events through detailed storytelling and investigation.
The Grave Talks | Haunted, Paranormal & Supernatural
Explores real-life paranormal encounters through firsthand accounts of ghosts, demonic possessions, and supernatural phenomena.
PropertyTales
Real estate stories and interviews from the American South, blending humor and insights into property investing.
Horror Stories
Spine-chilling tales of ghosts, legends, and the supernatural unfold in immersive audio episodes designed to terrify and suspense.
Murder: True Crime Stories
A deep dive into notorious murders, exploring the crimes and their lasting impact on the lives involved.
Let's Not Meet: A True Horror Podcast
First-person accounts of real-life horror experiences, narrated as weekly true crime and survival stories.
Kathleen Can Do It: DIY, Home Decor, and Interior Design
Kathleen Can Do It: DIY and Design
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
True stories of human error, disasters, and blunders that reveal the surprising lessons behind history’s worst mistakes.
House Rules with Myquillyn Smith, The Nester
Teaches timeless home decorating principles adaptable to any style, budget, or living space.
About True Tales From Old Houses
True Tales From Old Houses is a light-hearted, entertaining, and educational show for lovers of old houses and buildings, DIYers, history buffs, and restoration and preservation junkies. Hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter share personal project updates, listener Q&A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from True Tales From Old Houses in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's True Tales From Old Houses daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of True Tales From Old Houses as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the True Tales From Old Houses podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official True Tales From Old Houses product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Stacy Grinsfelder.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does True Tales From Old Houses release new episodes?
True Tales From Old Houses publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does True Tales From Old Houses cover?
True Tales From Old Houses covers topics including Leisure, Education, How To, Garden, Home & Garden. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting True Tales From Old Houses summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.