About Your House Radio and Put Tools in Schools

Summer heat, humidity, and fast-moving thunderstorms can take a serious toll on your home if you’re not prepared. In this episode of About Your House , Ray Terry sits down with David Richardson to break down the most important summer homeowner maintenance tips and why preventative care can save you thousands in repairs. From HVAC condensate drain maintenance and attic ventilation to crawlspace moi...

Summer is here, and that means heat, humidity, thunderstorms, and potential home maintenance headaches. In this episode of About Your House, Ray Terry discusses essential summer homeowner tips, including HVAC condensate drain maintenance, attic ventilation, crawlspace moisture issues, energy efficiency improvements, and how to avoid costly repairs. Ray also shares a real-world example of critical...

In Hour 2 of About Your House , Ray Terry, David, and Roosevelt continue the conversation about the mission of Put Tools in Schools and the growing need to connect students with real-world career opportunities through skilled trades education. The discussion focuses on the challenges facing today's workforce, the disconnect between education and industry needs, and how apprenticeships, mentorships...

In this episode of About Your House , Ray Terry is joined by Put Tools in Schools board members David Richardson and Roosevelt Pitts for an important conversation about the future of skilled trades, workforce development, and critical thinking in today's world. The discussion explores the growing need to reconnect young people with hands-on learning, practical life skills, and career opportunities...

In Hour 2 of About Your House, host Ray Terry continues his conversation with Benjamin Prince of Freedom Longevity & Wellness in Mooresville, North Carolina. The discussion dives deeper into modern wellness and recovery solutions, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, PEMF therapy, vibration plate technology, red light therapy, hormone optimization, fasting, inflammation reduction, CBD products...

On this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry , Ray welcomes the team from ABS Insulating for an in-depth discussion about spray foam insulation, energy efficiency, moisture control, gutters, attic encapsulation, and how proper insulation can dramatically improve comfort and lower utility bills. The conversation explores how spray foam insulation works, the science behind attic encapsulation,...

In this episode of About Your House, Ray Terry sits down with the team from ABS Insulating to discuss how spray foam insulation can improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and create a healthier, more efficient home. The conversation covers attic encapsulation, energy savings, air sealing, moisture control, gutter systems, proper drainage, metal building insulation, and the importance of hiring expe...

Are we doing enough to prepare the next generation for skilled trades careers? In this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry , Ray discusses the growing need for trade education through Put Tools in Schools , exposing students to careers in HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, welding, cooking, leadership, and more. Joining the conversation is Kevin from Garden Nomad , who shares pract...

Ray Terry sits down with Kevin Garth, also known as the “Garden Nomad,” for a deep conversation about sustainable gardening, native plants, pollinators, rain barrels, meadow lawns, and creating harmony in your backyard ecosystem. From bird feeders and squirrels to bees, butterflies, carpenter bees, and natural landscaping, this episode explores how homeowners can work WITH nature instead of fighti...

In this episode of “About Your House,” we sit down with Garden Nomad to talk about gardening, healthy soil, landscaping, irrigation systems, composting, and sustainable living. We also discuss the growing need for trade education through Put Tools in Schools and why exposing young people to skilled trades is more important than ever. Topics include: Soil health & composting Gardening tips for...

In this episode of All About Your House , the conversation dives deep into crawl space encapsulation, moisture control, termite inspections, pest prevention, ventilation systems, and the hidden issues affecting modern home construction. Industry experts discuss why crawl space systems fail, the dangers of poor drainage and improper encapsulation, and how homeowners can better protect their homes f...

From fire ants and carpenter ants to roaches, mosquitoes, gutters, and pest prevention, this episode dives deep into the bug problems homeowners deal with every spring and summer in the Carolinas. 🐜🪳🦟 We sit down with pest control expert Les Grenda to talk about: Fire ant treatments & bait tips Why reading labels and instructions matters How pests spread through neighborhoods Roach activity...

What’s happening to Charlotte, NC? In this powerful conversation on the “About Your House” radio show, the hosts and guest Mark Sprinkle dive deep into the city’s rapid growth, rising taxes, housing concerns, construction quality, infrastructure issues, education, homelessness, and the future of the skilled trades. From tiny homes and affordable housing to skyrocketing property taxes and declining...

Ray and Mark dive deep into Charlotte history, skilled trades, construction careers, and why hands-on learning matters more than ever. From growing up in Charlotte neighborhoods to discussing the disappearance of shop classes, apprenticeship programs, and the future of construction careers, this episode is packed with real talk and valuable life lessons. The conversation also covers: Why skilled t...

In this insightful gardening discussion from the “Back to Your House” show, the conversation dives deep into the hidden world beneath our feet — soil health, microbes, insects, and how nature truly balances itself. Instead of reaching for chemicals, the guests explore how ecosystems naturally regulate pests, why diversity in planting matters, and how “dirt vs soil” is more than just a phrase — it’...

In the second half of Hour 1, the conversation continues with master gardener insights on growing healthier food at home in the Charlotte area. The panel dives deeper into companion planting methods like the traditional “Three Sisters” (corn, beans, and squash), seasonal planting strategies for tomatoes, peppers, okra, and cucumbers, and how soil health and sunlight impact garden success. The disc...

In this segment from Back to Your House , we dive deep into the latest in home innovation—from cutting-edge induction cooktops and kitchen ventilation systems to modern TV technology and outdoor entertainment setups. Ray and Rod break down how induction cooking is changing the game with faster heating, precise temperature control, and energy efficiency. They also discuss real-world electrical requ...

In this episode of About Your House , host Tony talks with Roddy Player of Queen City Home Store about the evolving world of home improvement, retail, and the trades in a post-COVID economy. They dive into how urgency and work habits have shifted across industries, and why speed, service, and culture matter more than ever in business today. The conversation also explores a growing national concern...

In this powerful discussion, we dive into the growing gap between education and the skilled trades — and why it could shape the future of our workforce. From plumbing and electrical work to carpentry, welding, and HVAC, the trades are facing a serious labor shortage while schools continue to move away from hands-on career training. We also explore the “Tools in Schools” initiative — a movement des...

Planning a bathroom remodel? You might be setting yourself up for costly mistakes without even realizing it. In this episode, we break down why proper planning is EVERYTHING —from plumbing layouts and fixture selection to tile installation and ventilation. Learn why rushing a remodel leads to expensive callbacks, water damage, and failed installations. We also dive into: Why you should choose appl...

In Part 2, we dive deeper into the real-world side of garage doors—what actually goes wrong, how much it costs, and what homeowners can fix themselves. From emergency calls and off-track doors to misaligned safety sensors and rising service costs, this episode breaks down what you NEED to know before calling a technician. We also cover: The difference between chain vs. belt drive openers Why garag...

Part 1 continues with an incredible journey from economics and law to entrepreneurship in the garage door industry. In this episode, we dive into: Transitioning from law school during the 2009 recession Working in real estate, banking, and development Taking a leap into business ownership in Charlotte Turning around a struggling garage door company Building a strong team and improving customer rep...

In Part 2 of this conversation, we take a deeper look into the realities of owning and maintaining a vehicle in today’s world. From rising repair costs to the increasing role of technology in modern cars, this episode breaks down why fixing vehicles has become more complex—and more expensive—than ever before. We discuss the pros and cons of sourcing parts online, the importance of warranties and s...

In this episode of About Your House , host Ray Terry sits down with Todd Compton of Compton’s Automotive to explore the roots of a lifelong passion for cars. From growing up around racing in Charlotte to taking apart go-karts as a kid, Todd shares how curiosity, hands-on learning, and even early failures helped shape his career in the automotive industry. He dives into his experiences with vocatio...

In this episode, we explore how modern surface materials are transforming kitchens and homes. From ultra-light porcelain slabs to hidden induction cooktops and built-in wireless charging, the technology behind today’s countertops is evolving fast. We also discuss practical considerations like weight, durability, maintenance, and how to choose the right material for your lifestyle. Whether you're a...