Handy Ma'am Hotline

Handy Ma'am Hotline

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Handy Ma'am Hotline episodes

  • Painting, Cold Showers, Renter's Walls, and Broken Door Frames

    This week on the Handy Ma'am Hotline Mercury tackles how to repaint a wall that was previously painted poorly, going into great details to remove the lines you often get with a roller, and cutting in around trim, ceilings, etc. She also teaches how to fix a floor transition strip that's broken, troubleshooting a shower that won't get hot, how renter's can hang things without holes or peeling drywall, and how to get a strike plate to stay on a broken door frame.


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    1 hr
  • Bidets, Lights, Mold, and Hanging Plants

    Welcome to the Handy Ma'am Hotline! This week Mercury reflects on raising $2 million dollars for trans healthcare with Point of Pride.


    She also answers questions from a newbie DIYer who wonders if a bidet install is easy enough for them to do, she helps with a light that seemingly has no screws in order to replace the lightbulb, she helps a tenant who has a moldy smell coming from their vents and is unsure of when to involve the landlord, and she offers help to someone who wants to hang plants from the ceiling safely!


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    1 hr 2 min
  • The Best of the After-Show Pre-Show Volume I

    Did you know we have an After-Show Pre-Show on Patreon? Every week we before we record an episode, Mercury and Maggie chat about life, politics, the trans experience, mom-hood, and so much more. It's truly the unfiltered Mercury Half Hour! It plays each week after the full episode on Patreon. Hence, the After-Show Pre-Show!


    In honor of our $2 Million fundraiser, Mercury is taking this week off and sharing with you the best of our Pre-Show After-Show You'll get to hear our favorite snippets:


    • Mercury After Hours ASMR
    • Wearing Women's pants in high school
    • Oranges go bad?
    • Mercury collects lead cups
    • "Everything has my name on it."
    • Salt on a cookie?!
    • TikTok video theory
    • Hiring Philosophy
    • Mercury's E.T.C. stories


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    58 min
  • Electrical, Safety, Flooding, and Caring for Yourself

    This week Mercury got a call that she just had to help, so she got the caller on the phone directly to ask them questions and see if she could help them! She also covered feeling safe as a trans person in your home, what to do with a basement that keeps flooding, how to make your home more accessible, and how to care for yourself as a trans person in modern America.


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Snug Plug is the latest and greatest solution to a very common household problem many people face, having your wall plugs fall out of loose wall outlets. Now with Snug Plug there will be no more frustration losing connection while using your vacuum, hair dryer or not having your phone charge overnight. No need to call your landlord or spend money on an electrician. Just insert Snug Plug into any loose wall outlet and your plugs will be snug! https://bit.ly/snugplug


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    Join Mercury in raising $1 MILLION for Trans Healthcare! http://www.pointofpride.org/mercury

    Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust

    NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw


    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    1 hr 6 min
  • Raccoons, Soundproofing, Drywall, and Toilets

    This week on the Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury tackles one of the most unusual questions she's gotten so far: a landlord who refuses to evict raccoons from the attic!


    She also talks about how to soundproof a townhome that is sandwiched in between two noisy neighbors, commiserates with a caller who has a bathroom that needs a total renovation due to improper installation and using the wrong materials in the bathroom, she helps a homeowner re-texture her 1930's walls, and a troubleshoots toilet that won't flush all the way.


    NEXT WEEK: Join Mercury in raising $1 MILLION for Trans Healthcare! http://www.pointofpride.org/mercury


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Snug Plug is the latest and greatest solution to a very common household problem many people face, having your wall plugs fall out of loose wall outlets. Now with Snug Plug there will be no more frustration losing connection while using your vacuum, hair dryer or not having your phone charge overnight. No need to call your landlord or spend money on an electrician. Just insert Snug Plug into any loose wall outlet and your plugs will be snug! https://bit.ly/snugplug


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    46 min
  • Caulking, Contractors, and Leaking Showers

    This week on the Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury talks all about caulk. You know, the silicone kind. That goes on your bathroom fixtures and tubs! Get your mind out of the gutter, haha!


    Learn how to remove caulking, apply it so it will actually stay on and look professional, and troubleshoot when your caulking cracks or gaps. You'll also learn about tips and tricks for hiring a contractor, as well as troubleshooting the leak coming from your shower arm when replacing the showerhead in your bathroom.


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Snug Plug is the latest and greatest solution to a very common household problem many people face, having your wall plugs fall out of loose wall outlets. Now with Snug Plug there will be no more frustration losing connection while using your vacuum, hair dryer or not having your phone charge overnight. No need to call your landlord or spend money on an electrician. Just insert Snug Plug into any loose wall outlet and your plugs will be snug! https://bit.ly/snugplug



    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Join Mercury in raising $1 MILLION for Trans Healthcare! http://www.pointofpride.org/mercury
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw


    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    1 hr 2 min
  • Garbage Disposals, Ceilings, and Mobile Homes

    Here at the Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury takes your questions submitted to 608-205-8768 via voicemail and text messages. This week she answers questions about a sink backing up into a garbage disposal, fixing cracked ceilings in a condo, how to prioritize projects as a new homeowner, removing popcorn ceilings, and how to talk to your landlord about a damaged counter that can't be repaired.


    Want your questions answered too? Give us a call! And text us a picture of your kitty cats for an extra bonus, haha!


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Snug Plug is the latest and greatest solution to a very common household problem many people face, having your wall plugs fall out of loose wall outlets. Now with Snug Plug there will be no more frustration losing connection while using your vacuum, hair dryer or not having your phone charge overnight. No need to call your landlord or spend money on an electrician. Just insert Snug Plug into any loose wall outlet and your plugs will be snug! https://bit.ly/snugplug



    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    57 min
  • Apartment Hunting, Painting, and Plumbing

    Welcome back to the Handy Ma'am Hotline! This week Mercury helps someone who's cats knocked down a fireplace mantel, a homeowner who wants to paint their kitchen cabinets, a first time renter who's on the hunt for an apartment, a brand new homeowner who's plumbing was done...a little wonky...and a tile renovation that is a bit outside of her wheelhouse!


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Snug Plug is the latest and greatest solution to a very common household problem many people face, having your wall plugs fall out of loose wall outlets. Now with Snug Plug there will be no more frustration losing connection while using your vacuum, hair dryer or not having your phone charge overnight. No need to call your landlord or spend money on an electrician. Just insert Snug Plug into any loose wall outlet and your plugs will be snug! https://bit.ly/snugplug



    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw


    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    1 hr 2 min
  • Scratched Floors, Flooded Carpets, and Safety Checks

    This week Mercury teaches how to find out what's behind a wall so you can hang a TV, covering up an exposed ceiling in the basement, fixing scratched hardwood floors so you can get your deposit back, remedying flooded carpets, and helping a mom keep her home safe for her and her son.


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    It’s Fixit Feb! And iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing with #FixitFeb. Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.



    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw



    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    51 min
  • Dryer Vents, Window Cranks, Drywall, and Outlets

    This week on Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury tackles questions from renters and homeowners, and each of those have their own unique set of problems and solutions! She answers questions about cleaning a dryer vent that's on a second story, fixing old window cranks that's aren't opening windows anymore, safely removing mounting tape & fixing the drywall when it doesn't come off properly, remounting a loose outlet box, and creating a kit of tools and materials that you may need to keep on hand as a homeowner for quick fixes.


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    It’s Fixit Feb! And iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing with #FixitFeb. Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. 


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • NOW OUT - Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    49 min

About Handy Ma'am Hotline

From the publisher's feed

Mercury is a #1 NY Times Bestselling author (Safe & Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair). Known widely as The Trans Handy Ma'am, Mercury shares information geared towards renters who need help fixing their homes, moving into their first apartments, and navigating the complexities of dealing with landlords. With over 2 million followers on TikTok and 1 million followers on Instagram, Mercury's brand of compassionate education has warmed hearts across the globe. Her expertise includes rental maintenance, landlord negotiations, clogs, drywall, painting, minor electrical repairs, caulking, and more.