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April 11, 2023

80. Rebuilding Lives Hurricane Michael Recovery Updates

In Episode 80 of the Tell Us How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal sits down with Category 5 Hurricane Michael survivor Kimberly Smith. Kimberly shares her harrowing experience when the catastrophic storm struck her home and community in Panama City Florida, causing widespread destruction, power outages, and significant structural damage to buildings. In this candid conversation, Kimberly and George dive into the challenges individuals face rebuilding their lives after such a disaster. They also discuss the importance of community support in recovery efforts and the resilience exhibited by those affected. Don't miss this compelling episode that'll leave you with the realization that the road to recovery after a major disaster is long. 

Topics Discussed:

- Category 5 Hurricane Michael's impact on Kimberly Smith

- Rebuilding challenges, including drywall issues and scams

- Navigating insurance claims and financial assistance

- Community recovery and support

- Emergency preparedness and building resilience

- Trauma and personal life impacts of weather catastrophes

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

April 4, 2023

79. Building Your Dreamhouse, Things you need to know with Dennis from Builder Brigade

In this engaging episode of "Tell Us How to Make It Better," host George Siegal speaks with Dennis, the man behind the wildly popular Builder Brigade videos. They share expert insights and first-hand stories to guide you through the process of building or buying a new home. Dive into the importance of early decision-making, how communication between homeowners and builders can make or break the project and learn the concept of using a checklist to avoid issues and save money. Dennis also shares his experiences transitioning from a construction and Army background to helping people navigate the overwhelming world of DIY projects.

Discover why it's crucial to address concerns right away, discussing communication expectations, and being present during construction. Learn about unique features and insulation types, as well as important factors to consider when customizing your dream home. Listen to practical advice on prioritizing your vision and preparing for resale value while avoiding the potential dangers of improper construction.

Topics discussed:

- Overwhelming experience of building/buying a new home

- Importance of early decision making

- Communication between homeowners and builders

- Using a checklist to avoid problems and save money

- Unique home features and insulation types

- Resale considerations

- Addressing issues and potential dangers of improper construction

Here are some ways to follow and contact or follow Dennis:

Social Media:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/builder_brigade/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuilderBrigade

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

March 28, 2023

78. Being Prepared Doesn't Have to Cost Any Money with Jeff Donaldson

In this compelling new episode of the Tell Us How to Make It Better Podcast, host George Siegal sits down with Jeff Donaldson, a principal researcher at Preparedness Labs and author of the upcoming ebook "Preparedness Simplified." Together, they explore the critical issue of emergency preparedness and the need for both individual and collective responsibility in the face of ever-increasing natural disasters.

Engaging in a thought-provoking discussion to challenge our dependence on government aid, Donaldson and Siegal delve deep into the question of how we can collectively shift back towards community-centric problem-solving in both preemptive and reactive contexts. Touching on topics such as the rise of transient communities, fostering community development, and the very real, life-altering ripple effects of natural disasters, our host and his guest shed light on the importance of individual and collective responsibility.

Topics Discussed:

- Emergency Preparedness

- Individual and collective responsibility in disaster recovery

- Government dependency vs. community problem-solving

- Successful community comeback examples

- Building in disaster-prone areas

- Fostering community development and strengthening social capital

- The impact of transient communities on disaster recovery

- The importance of having an evacuation plan in place

- Repercussions of disasters on individuals and communities

Here are some ways to follow and contact or follow Jeff:

Websites:

https://insidemycanoehead.ca

Social Media:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidemycanoehead/

 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-donaldson-phd-46710473/

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

March 21, 2023

77. Are You Prepared? Disaster Management Strategies for Homeowners with John Scardena

Are you prepared for a disaster? Each year, communities around the country face major catastrophes, and the road to recovery is often long and difficult. In this episode, disaster management expert John Scardena shares crucial insights and tips on how you can better prepare for disasters.  From choosing where to live to shoring up your home, taking preventive measures can help reduce the impact of a disaster. Building to code and understanding your insurance policy are also key steps to protecting your home and your family.  Don't miss out on this informative episode and share your own disaster stories or become a subscriber to help spread the word.

Topics Discussed:

- Disaster preparedness

- Preventive measures for homeowners

- Building codes and safety measures

- Insurance policies

- Evacuation plans

- Defensible spaces and vegetation

- Water and wind-related disasters

- Human error in disasters

- High building codes and corruption

- Murphy's Law

- The importance of listening to experts

 Entities Mentioned:

- John Scardena

- Disaster Tough Podcast

- Readiness Lab

- The Salvation Army

- SBA loans

- Government grants

- Insurance policies

- Linemen

Here are some ways to follow and contact or follow John Scardena:

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/doberman-emergency-management-group/mycompany

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DobermanEMG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dobermanemg/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Doberman_EMG 

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

March 14, 2023
76.  How to Bring New Life to an Old House with Katherine MacPhail

In this episode of Tell Us How to Make It Better, host George Siegal sits down with Katherine MacPhail, an old house architect from Eastern Massachusetts. Katherine is a specialist in finding environmentally friendly solutions to old-house problems, which is important given that the construction industry produces a lot of greenhouse gases. She emphasizes the importance of considering the carbon footprint of the materials used to build or repair old homes. Katharine shares insights on upgrading electrical systems, retrofitting older homes, the importance of reusing high-quality wood to repair old windows, and the challenges of renovating older homes. 

She delves into the impact of the built environment on neighborhoods and how builders, architects, and government regulations can make buildings safer and more eco-friendly. Katharine’s Talking Home Renovations podcast is a helpful and friendly community for homeowners to learn more about renovating homes. Listen to this episode of Tell Us How to Make It Better for more on how to make sustainable choices when renovating old homes.

"As an architect who specializes in restoring old houses, I've realized that finding local materials isn't easy. I wish there was a one-stop shop of sorts for all of us to access, that would help easily source what's available as well as offer recommendations for what materials are most suitable. As individuals, there's so much we can do to create a positive impact on the environment." - Katharine MacPhail, on the challenges of sourcing local materials while retaining a sustainable approach to restoration.

Here’s how you can follow Katharine:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkinghomerenovations/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHomeRenovations 

TitTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehousemaven 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkinghomereno 

Website: https://www.talkinghomerenovations.com 

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

March 7, 2023
75.  The Long Road to Recovery After a Fire with Jefferson Wagner

In this episode, George Siegal invites Jefferson Wagner (aka Zuma Jay) to share his experience of rebuilding his home after losing it in the Woolsey wildfire in 2018. Wagner was denied insurance by his insurance carrier, Allstate, and he had to fight hard to get his insurance money without having a mortgage company to support him. Wagner stresses the importance of knowing your policy and having documentation after a disaster happens. Furthermore, they discuss Malibu’s precautions against future disasters, such as hardening homes and fuel modifications, and Malibu's 2018 fire that wiped out many communities due to a lack of disaster preparedness. They also touch on topics such as insurance policies, earthquake mitigation, and the impact of disasters on mental health. Siegal and Wagner offer insight on how to not become a victim of natural disasters, giving homeowners a few preventative remedies to avoid a catastrophic loss.

In this episode, you will learn the following: 

 1. What is the best way to ensure that you don't get caught in an insurance dispute like Jefferson did? 

 2. How are Californians adapting their homes to better survive fires?

 3. Mistakes you can avoid from hearing Jefferson’s struggles.

Important quotes from the podcast by Jefferson Wagner:

"Knowing your policy and actually just not signing the document, but actually reading the document, tell yourself, I am going to read my policy and pick out five or six spots in the policy that you don't understand and get clarity prior to sending them the check. That's the best remedy I can help you with as a policyholder." 

"Don't be a victim and a victim. If you're a victim of a natural disaster, there's nothing we can do about it. But don't be a paperwork victim as well."

"If you're not prepared and don't think about that between the months of September and January, then you're naive and shame on you."

 Here’s how you can follow Jefferson Wagner:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zuma.jays/ 

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

Former Malibu Mayor Jefferson Wagner shares his road to recovery after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, as his insurance company didn’t pay his claim, and he works to rebuild his home lost in the disaster. You will learn what you need to do to prepare your family for a disaster, coming up in our next episode. 

You can subscribe to listen on all podcast platforms.

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

February 28, 2023

74. Blowing Leaves and Not Bagging Causes Problems with Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson

Grass clippings and yard waste blown into the street are causing damage to Tampa Bay, and it’s likely causing problems where you live. This episode of George Siegal's podcast features Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson, and Chris Pratt, from the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, as they discuss illegal dumping, environmental protection, grass clippings on yards, fines for offenders, and more.

During their discussion, they provide insightful suggestions such as contacting the mayor's office for better code enforcement and neighborhood associations for newsletters that remind people of the fines involved. They also encourage residents to reach out to their neighbors, watch out for each other, and build a sense of community. Tune in now to learn more about why it is important to keep Tampa clean and safe! 

Topics Discussed: 

- Illegal Dumping 

- Environmental Protection Issues 

- Grass Clippings Left on Yards 

- Fines For Offenders 

- Suggestions For Residents to Keep Tampa Clean & Safe

Entities Mentioned: 

- Bill Carlson (Guest) 

- George Siegal (Host) 

- Chris Pratt (Guest) 

- Mayor's Office 

- Neighborhood Associations

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

February 21, 2023
73. Could You Save Your Family from a House Fire with Aaron Mezei?

If a fire starts in your house, do you have a plan to get your family out? Aaron Mezei has a product that will be there when you need it most, without changing the look of your house.

Here are some important moments with Aaron from the podcast: 

At 3:23 Aaron talks about the peace of mind his product gives a homeowner compared to the type that you have to lower out the window.

At 6:57 Aaron talks about the price of his fire ladder.

At 16:56 How important is it for people to do fire drills to prepare for a potential fire?

Here are some ways to follow Aaron:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmezei/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saferescape

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saferescape/ 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/saferescapeladders

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

February 14, 2023

72. How You Get to Work Needs to Change with Rudy Salo

If you commute to work, you know how miserable and time-consuming it is to sit in traffic. Rudy Salo wants to change that, doing critical rethinking of our infrastructure to accommodate the advanced technology currently available to make our commutes more tolerable, safer, and productive. 

Here are some important moments with Rudy from the podcast: 

At 4:43 Rudy answers the question how do you succeed with mass transportation in a city like Los Angeles when everyone lives so far apart?

At 8:06 Is it realistic to put a hard date on when gas vehicles should be eliminated?

At 16:10 With so many pieces and moving parts it seems like a daunting task for you to be successful with what you are trying to do?

Here are some ways to follow Rudy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudysalo/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rudyss77/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodisinthedetailspod/ 

Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:

Here are ways you can follow me on-line:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/   
 
Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/   

 
If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form:
 
https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the trailer for the documentary film I'm making:  Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and help spread the knowledge. Remember to hit the like button, subscribe for more insightful content, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts. Your support means the world to us! 🌟
 
Thanks for listening!