023 -  How have the devastating Los Angeles fires reshaped the future of home construction? Join us as we sit down with Joan Barton, founder of Dirty Girl Construction and a respected general contractor in LA, to explore the profound impact of these fires on the construction industry.  

With 85 lives lost and nearly 20,000 structures destroyed, the ripple effect on building practices and community resilience cannot be ignored. Joan shares her firsthand experiences, insights on where the industry stands today, and what the future may hold for designing and constructing homes in fire-prone areas.  

Whether you're in the construction field, a homeowner, or simply curious about the intersection of climate and infrastructure, this episode is packed with vital insights you won’t want to miss.  

Joan Barton, Dirty Girl Construction

Joan's Recommendations:

Fire resistant exterior product line for siding, decks, trim: https://azekco.com/

Class A rated materials for roofs https://www.gaf.com/en-us/residential

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022 - Winter has officially arrived, and in this episode of Her House, Her Home, host Amy Wicker and her guest Beth Allen of DIY HipChicks are here to help you prepare! From tips to protect your home from winter chills to must-have last-minute gift ideas, we’ve got you covered.

• Amy's Holiday Mishap: Hear about Amy’s flooded basement and learn how you can avoid the same.  
• Winterize Your Home: Beth shares practical advice on keeping your water running, lights on, and home cozy during the cold months. Find out why weather stripping could be your new best friend.  
• Last-Minute Gifts: Need gift ideas ASAP? We’re serving up recommendations that are budget-friendly and guaranteed to impress.  
• Exclusive Offer: Beth has a special deal just for our listeners—it’s the perfect way to wrap up the year!  

This episode is a must-listen for all homeowners looking to keep their homes safe, warm, and holiday-ready. Don’t miss out! 

Helpful Links:
DIY Hipchicks
Frost King Weather Stripping
Frost King Rubber Premium Weather Seal
2024 Gift List
Water Alarms

For a limited time only, Beth's online class "Home Hacks" is 50% off, just use  the following code:  HERHOUSEHERHOME for a price of $49.  
The link to the course is https://www.diyhipchicks.com/home-hacks 

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021 - In today’s fast paced news and digital landscape, we often find ourselves in information overload.  How do we sift through the vast sea of information and misinformation flooding into our homes every day? How do we critically assess the news sources we trust and their inherent biases?  Attorney Vanessa Otero, the founder of Ad Fontes Media, is here to help.  Get ready for an enlightening conversation that challenges the way you engage with the media—because informed citizens make empowered decisions.

Click on the links below for additional information:
Ad Fontes Media
Media Bias Chart

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020 -  As a single mom, you may often feel isolated and overwhelmed by the challenges of raising children on your own. However, having a strong support network and a sense of community can make all the difference in navigating through these difficulties.  In today's episode, we'll introduce you to CoAbode, an online platform that's helping moms connect. 

For additional information on CoAbode, click here.
Our guest, Tonya Riney, COO of CoAbode, can be reached at [email protected].

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019 - More than 3,500 people die every year in the US due to fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.  More than 100,000 are injured and end up in the ER.   It’s crucial for homeowners to be aware of these statistics and take proactive measures to ensure their safety.  Safety guru and appliance repairman John Shoemaker from Papa Joe’s Appliance joins us to share his valuable insights such as:  

• The importance of fire extinguishers and where to place them in your home.
• Ensuring your smoke detectors are properly installed and maintained.  
• Understanding the critical role of carbon monoxide detectors in protecting your family and more.

Take a listen to see how you can better prepare yourself as we enter the new season!

Click here to reach John Shoemaker at Papa Joe's Appliance.

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018 - Art is more than just a form of expression.  It's a powerful tool that fosters unity, peace and brings people together in a singular experience of beauty and understanding.  Today, we are incredibly excited to be in conversation with one of the Midwest's top artists - Nina Weiss.  We're eager to delve into her world, to discover where she finds inspiration, to understand her creative process and to unearth success secrets that can pave the way for other creatives.  This is a conversation you won't want to miss.

To contact Nina, or to see her work, click here

To see additional work, please click on the following:
Saatchi Art
J Peter Galleries
Alma Art and Interiors

Check out Nina's YouTube Channel here 

If you wish to comment on today's show or you have ideas for a topic that you would like to learn more about, feel free to contact us by either emailing us at [email protected], or clicking here to leave a comment.

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017 - Financial stress can often lead to bankruptcy and foreclosure, but with a little bit of guidance and planning, we hope to help you steer clear of them.  On today’s podcast, bankruptcy attorney and mortgage broker Eric Mulka explains how we can navigate financial hardship to find stability and peace of mind.  

To contact Eric, you can email him at the following:
[email protected]

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016 - Today we celebrate the art of reinvention.   Joining me is Los Angeles-based general contractor and the Founder of Dirty Girl Construction Joan Barton.  Joan found a way to combine her innate artistic skills and knowledge of math and sciences  into a career that has elevated home building to an art form.   Listen in to hear how she made the pivot, the latest design trends, home value enhancement, the impact of climate change on home building, and sustainability. 

You can check out Joan's article on eco friendly building practices at Remodelista. 

Other useful links mentioned during the interview:
Unbuilt
Habitat for Humanity

A favorite paint/wall finish supplier
https://portolapaints.com/

A favorite flooring resource (and other goodies): https://designhardware.com/hardwood-flooring-los-angeles/

You can contact Joan by emailing her at [email protected]

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015 - Have you ever imagined living in a home that not only offers shelter and comfort, but also treads lightly on the planet?  Today, we’re exploring the concept of net zero homes - structures that are designed to produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a year.  Architect Marlene Imirzian joins us to talk about her award winning home design. 

City of Phoenix - Net Zero Home Design
Imirzian Architects

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014 -  Today we're diving into a topic that might not always be top of mind but is crucial for the safety of your home -  dryer vent safety and maintenance.   In part two of this interview we'll be discussing  ventless and spray mist dryers, laundry room remodels and other essential do's and don'ts when it comes to maintaining your equipment.

Guests:  John Shoemaker and Sandra Frederick, Papa's Joe's Appliance Repair
Email:  [email protected]
Phone:   (810) 360-2876

Recommended Product:
Speed Queen

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