In this week's episode, Joe Thordarson and Max the Producer look to the future of home improvement and address everything from "living paint" to how architecture MIGHT not look as different as we think! 

In this week's episode, Joe Thordarson and Max the Producer look to the future of home improvement and address everything from "living paint" to how architecture MIGHT not look as different as we think!&nbsp;

Hosted by Joe Thordarson.

DIY, on time, on budget & on point with a lot of laughs along the way. 

Content updated weekly

Hosted by Joe Thordarson.
DIY, on time, on budget &amp; on point with a lot of laughs along the way.&nbsp;
Content updated weekly

TOOL TALK

Hosted by Joe Thordarson.

DIY, on time, on budget & on point with a lot of laughs along the way. 

 

Hosted by Joe Thordarson.
DIY, on time, on budget &amp; on point with a lot of laughs along the way.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The Walls Are ALIVE??!!

What do an invasive species of carp and the crowning of a 150 year old basilica have to do with your home?! Listen to Tool Talk Radio to find out more! 

What do an invasive species of carp and the crowning of a 150 year old basilica have to do with your home?! Listen to Tool Talk Radio to find out more!&nbsp;

"Carping" & LARPing: When Nature Gets Ugly!!

Mother Nature is a rebel, one that Joe and Allan will expound upon in their own tales of woe from this week! 

Mother Nature is a rebel, one that Joe and Allan will expound upon in their own tales of woe from this week!&nbsp;

Why "Ostrich Rides" Are A Bad Idea!!

Nature can either be our Muse OR our worst nightmare when it comes to home improvement, find out how Nature was BOTH of these for Joe and Allan this week! 

Nature can either be our Muse OR our worst nightmare when it comes to home improvement, find out how Nature was BOTH of these for Joe and Allan this week!&nbsp;

Beetles, OBGYNs, & Chainsaws??

Joe and Allan discuss a little bit of "non-demolition renovation," as well as dive into the advanced plumbing and city planning behind the 4,500 year old civilization of Mohenjo-Daro during "Great Moments In Building History."

Joe and Allan discuss a little bit of "non-demolition renovation," as well as dive into the advanced plumbing and city planning behind the 4,500 year old civilization of Mohenjo-Daro during "Great Moments In Building History."

"The Only Thing Demolished Is Your Pride"

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There's an Arctic chill in the air, but Joe and Allan are here to offer solutions on how to keep you warm during the Winter, pulling lessons from Amish home construction, Viking long houses, and even igloos. 

There's an Arctic chill in the air, but Joe and Allan are here to offer solutions on how to keep you warm during the Winter, pulling lessons from Amish home construction, Viking long houses, and even igloos.&nbsp;

"Planned Points Of Power"

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a7b0bd27-d748-4fbe-ab3b-a6fa0049bcf6/clips/93fac58e-44c7-451a-95bd-b3e3012b8c35/transcript

From ancient colossal statues to moonshine to backsplashes gone right, this week's episode of Tool Talk Radio is quite literally all over the map. 

From ancient colossal statues to moonshine to backsplashes gone right, this week's episode of Tool Talk Radio is quite literally all over the map.&nbsp;

"Planned Points Of Failure"??

Joe and Allan wax philosophical as they ponder how we can incorporate the best of old AND new construction methods and technology into our homes during this week's "Cosmic Homeowner." 

Joe and Allan wax philosophical as they ponder how we can incorporate the best of old AND new construction methods and technology into our homes during this week's "Cosmic Homeowner."&nbsp;

"Hybrid Home Construction"

Joe and Allan explore how the Memphis Zoo translates to bold ideas for home improvement, as well as offer statistics on "cumulative waste consumption" to kick off the New Year right! 

Joe and Allan explore how the Memphis Zoo translates to bold ideas for home improvement, as well as offer statistics on "cumulative waste consumption" to kick off the New Year right!&nbsp;

"Projectile Fruitcakes"

Joe and Allan get a surprising amount of milage discussing Cathode Ray Tubes but also take a trip down south as they discuss the haunted history of the McRaven House in Vicksburg, Mississippi during "Great Moments In Building History." 

Joe and Allan get a surprising amount of milage discussing Cathode Ray Tubes but also take a trip down south as they discuss the haunted history of the McRaven House in Vicksburg, Mississippi during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;

Demo By Cannonball

Joe and Allan are going to the dumps, which have surprising benefits to the environment at large, while also saluting a legendary Hollywood actor who's broken the century barrier. 

Joe and Allan are going to the dumps, which have surprising benefits to the environment at large, while also saluting a legendary Hollywood actor who's broken the century barrier.&nbsp;

Horses, Dumps, & Dick Van Dyke 

It's National Microwave Oven Day, much to Allan's chagrin? Also in store is being wary of every AI-generated video purporting to offer home improvement advice, as well as a salute to Detroit as they unveil their latest Robocop statue. Believe it or not, all of this ties into tools more than you think! 

It's National Microwave Oven Day, much to Allan's chagrin? Also in store is being wary of every AI-generated video purporting to offer home improvement advice, as well as a salute to Detroit as they unveil their latest Robocop statue. Believe it or not, all of this ties into tools more than you think!&nbsp;

A Vendetta Against Microwaves??

Joe and Allan are joined by Kurt Weir from Groundworks to share battle stories involving foundations, snakes, Poison Ivy, and felines. 

Joe and Allan are joined by Kurt Weir from Groundworks to share battle stories involving foundations, snakes, Poison Ivy, and felines.&nbsp;

Vengeance Against Dead Vines

WHAT is Allan's turkey defrosting "hack," and HOW did a cat get through drywall?! Listen to Tool Talk Radio to find out more! 

WHAT is Allan's turkey defrosting "hack," and HOW did a cat get through drywall?! Listen to Tool Talk Radio to find out more!&nbsp;

"Festive Emergencies"

It's World Octopus Day, and Joe and Allan cast a wide net for their topics, ranging from animal-shaped power lines to the world of competitive produce! 

It's World Octopus Day, and Joe and Allan cast a wide net for their topics, ranging from animal-shaped power lines to the world of competitive produce!&nbsp;

Unleash The Power Of The Cephalopod 

From crystals that guided Viking sailors to historical haunts in the Bluff City, you never know what Joe and Allan will discuss as the Season of Spooky draws nigh. 

From crystals that guided Viking sailors to historical haunts in the Bluff City, you never know what Joe and Allan will discuss as the Season of Spooky draws nigh.&nbsp;

"Living Your Best Afterlife"

From hearty Cypress to deadly mushrooms, Joe and Allan are exploring the blessings and curses of the great outdoors! 

From hearty Cypress to deadly mushrooms, Joe and Allan are exploring the blessings and curses of the great outdoors!&nbsp;

"Consult Your Local Mycologist" 

Joe and Allan open Pandora's Box as they try to find the funniest warning signs out there. How old do you want to guess the oldest warning sign is?! 

Joe and Allan open Pandora's Box as they try to find the funniest warning signs out there. How old do you want to guess the oldest warning sign is?!&nbsp;

Beware: Falling Cows

Joe and Allan lean heavily into how we're paying for the mistakes of previous homeowners from yesteryears who "buried their dead," while also highlighting the humble hummingbird on this National Hummingbird Day! 

Joe and Allan lean heavily into how we're paying for the mistakes of previous homeowners from yesteryears who "buried their dead," while also highlighting the humble hummingbird on this National Hummingbird Day!&nbsp;

Sins Of The Father & Hummingbirds

It's the start of Puffling Season in Iceland (as well as Mary Shelley's birthday), and who better to share the occasion with than Joe and Allan's good friend, Kurt Weir, from Groundworks as they recount the horrors lurking beneath your foundation and a foundational crisis averted as they discuss the renovations done to the Leaning Tower of Pisa during "Great Moments In Building History." 

It's the start of Puffling Season in Iceland (as well as Mary Shelley's birthday), and who better to share the occasion with than Joe and Allan's good friend, Kurt Weir, from Groundworks as they recount the horrors lurking beneath your foundation and a foundational crisis averted as they discuss the renovations done to the Leaning Tower of Pisa during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;

Pufflings & Pisa 

From marble lighting to atrium hotels to 14 year old chickens, you never know what Joe and Allan will discuss next on this week's episode! 

From marble lighting to atrium hotels to 14 year old chickens, you never know what Joe and Allan will discuss next on this week's episode!&nbsp;

Atriums & Aging Poultry

It's all pests as Joe and Allan discuss invasive insect species to the MidSouth that're coming after your home! 

It's all pests as Joe and Allan discuss invasive insect species to the MidSouth that're coming after your home!&nbsp;

The KING & The Animal KINGdom 

Certain weeks take on a theme, and Joe and Allan share their encounters this week with the Animal Kingdom. 

Certain weeks take on a theme, and Joe and Allan share their encounters this week with the Animal Kingdom.&nbsp;

The Animal Kingdom Comes

It's National Sandwich Month, and to kick off the festivities, Joe and Allan are joined by Jay Hill from Big M Roofing & Remodeling to discuss everything from roofing footwear to the logistics of a revolving restaurant as they salute 100 N Main during "Great Moments In Building History." 

It's National Sandwich Month, and to kick off the festivities, Joe and Allan are joined by Jay Hill from Big M Roofing &amp; Remodeling to discuss everything from roofing footwear to the logistics of a revolving restaurant as they salute 100 N Main during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;

Roofing, Timber, & "Miss Information"

Joe and Allan are joined by their good friend Kurt Wier from Groundworks to help listeners get to the heart of their foundation issues. 

Joe and Allan are joined by their good friend Kurt Wier from Groundworks to help listeners get to the heart of their foundation issues.&nbsp;

Building Banes & Foundational Issues

Joe and Allan not only engage in a little "potty talk" as they bring their beefs with bidets, but also attend to more "pressing" matters as they discuss the old Commercial Appeal Building on Union Ave during "Great Moments In Building History." 

Joe and Allan not only engage in a little "potty talk" as they bring their beefs with bidets, but also attend to more "pressing" matters as they discuss the old Commercial Appeal Building on Union Ave during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;

"The Great Bidet Debate"

It's National Simplicity Day, and the simpletons Joe and Allan are here to cut the inefficiency and waste from your next home improvement project. 

It's National Simplicity Day, and the simpletons Joe and Allan are here to cut the inefficiency and waste from your next home improvement project.&nbsp;

Keep It Simple, Stupid!!

Happy birthday to this great nation AND Tool Talk Radio! It's all patriotism and home improvement disasters galore on today's episode! 

Happy birthday to this great nation AND Tool Talk Radio! It's all patriotism and home improvement disasters galore on today's episode!&nbsp;

Sound Or Unsound??

From automotive repairs, to business mavericks, to dancing plagues, with Joe, Allan, and guest Jay Hill from Big M Roofing & Remodeling, all bets are off when it comes to predicting where this show will go! 

From automotive repairs, to business mavericks, to dancing plagues, with Joe, Allan, and guest Jay Hill from Big M Roofing &amp; Remodeling, all bets are off when it comes to predicting where this show will go!&nbsp;

"The Will To Act"

On this World Music Day, Joe and Allan not only highlight the importance of music on the jobsite but also salute the Red Rocks Amphitheater during "Great Moments In Building History." 

On this World Music Day, Joe and Allan not only highlight the importance of music on the jobsite but also salute the Red Rocks Amphitheater during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;

"Getting Existential About Gutters"

It's Father's Day, and so Joe and Allan pose the question of the most memorable projects you've built with your dad (or vice versa). Max the Producer also pontificates about sawdust! 

It's Father's Day, and so Joe and Allan pose the question of the most memorable projects you've built with your dad (or vice versa). Max the Producer also pontificates about sawdust!&nbsp;

"Getting Philosophical About Sawdust"

Joe and Allan are joined by their old friend Jay Hill from Big M Roofing & Remodeling to discuss everything from ridge vents to heroic animals on this the 81st anniversary weekend of the D-Day invasion. 

Joe and Allan are joined by their old friend Jay Hill from Big M Roofing &amp; Remodeling to discuss everything from ridge vents to heroic animals on this the 81st anniversary weekend of the D-Day invasion.&nbsp;

"Pre-Programmed For Destruction" 

From foul-mouthed, decrepit cockatoos to balsa wood rafts that wade across the Pacific Ocean, Joe and Allan have much to discuss on this World Parrot Day edition of "Tool Talk Radio!" 

From foul-mouthed, decrepit cockatoos to balsa wood rafts that wade across the Pacific Ocean, Joe and Allan have much to discuss on this World Parrot Day edition of "Tool Talk Radio!"&nbsp;

Balsa Wood's Redemption Arc

From pests to patriotic pentagons, Joe and Allan paint with quite the broad brush on this Memorial Day episode of "Tool Talk Radio." 

From pests to patriotic pentagons, Joe and Allan paint with quite the broad brush on this Memorial Day episode of "Tool Talk Radio."&nbsp;

"Oh Say Can You See..."

Joe and Allan highlight the contributions of their old tools, versus their new ones, and are joined by their new friend Jon Baughfrom Groundworks to talk about the importance of a healthy foundation. 

Joe and Allan highlight the contributions of their old tools, versus their new ones, and are joined by their new friend Jon Baugh from Groundworks to talk about the importance of a healthy foundation.&nbsp;

Foundation Horror Stories

It's "divide and conquer" on this critter-heavy episode as Joe is comfortably back in the studio, while Allan is on-site at the Bartlett Animal Shelter for their chipping and vaccination extravaganza!  

It's "divide and conquer" on this critter-heavy episode as Joe is comfortably back in the studio, while Allan is on-site at the Bartlett Animal Shelter for their chipping and vaccination extravaganza!&nbsp;&nbsp;

"So Bambi's Mom Had It Comin?!" 

Joe and Allan pay tribute to a fallen comrade- a fuzzy squirrel who met his furry reward after becoming a "short circuit" - by highlighting the Nutty Narrows Bridge in Longview, Washington during "Great Moments In Building History." 

Joe and Allan pay tribute to a fallen comrade- a fuzzy squirrel who met his furry reward after becoming a "short circuit" - by highlighting the Nutty Narrows Bridge in Longview, Washington during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;

Squirrel Is Grilled But Not On The Menu

In honor of the Easter holiday weekend, Joe and Allan are saluting the epic construction projects of Cecil B DeMille's "Ten Commandments" films during "Great Moments In Building History." Also, Max poses a philosophical question: What is Nature doing right that we are doing wrong?

In honor of the Easter holiday weekend, Joe and Allan are saluting the epic construction projects of Cecil B DeMille's "Ten Commandments" films during "Great Moments In Building History." Also, Max poses a philosophical question: What is Nature doing right that we are doing wrong?

Where Did We Go Wrong?!

In honor of a belated International Beaver Day (Joe's spirit animal), Joe and Allan discuss the world's oldest functioning dam- the Lake Homs Dam in Syria- during "Great Moments In Building History." 

In honor of a belated International Beaver Day (Joe's spirit animal), Joe and Allan discuss the world's oldest functioning dam- the Lake Homs Dam in Syria- during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;

"When Dams Go Wrong"!!

Joe, Allan, and Max tackle a deep, philosophical quandary: Can we, in fact, "partner with our pests," rather than exterminate them? The answer may surprise you! 

Joe, Allan, and Max tackle a deep, philosophical quandary: Can we, in fact, "partner with our pests," rather than exterminate them? The answer may surprise you!&nbsp;

A "Détente" With Your Pests??

Joe and Allan are joined, after a three-week hiatus, by their good buddy Jay Hill from Big M Roofing & Remodeling as they tackle everything from questionable cornice patching methods to why Jay does NOT do kitchen remodels. 

Joe and Allan are joined, after a three-week hiatus, by their good buddy Jay Hill from Big M Roofing &amp; Remodeling as they tackle everything from questionable cornice patching methods to why Jay does NOT do kitchen remodels.&nbsp;

A Tale Of 3 Kitchen Remodels

Joe and Allan discuss both proper and improper ways to keep the outside out, as well as salute the versatility and chemical properties of wood, which extends to more than just the home! 

Joe and Allan discuss both proper and improper ways to keep the outside out, as well as salute the versatility and chemical properties of wood, which extends to more than just the home!&nbsp;

Pests & Temperamental Timber

Joe and Allan receive a follow-up report from one of their loyal listeners as she shares her Pyrrhic Victory over her cracked toilet!

Joe and Allan receive a follow-up report from one of their loyal listeners as she shares her Pyrrhic Victory over her cracked toilet!

Toilet Woes #2: The Saga Continues!!

Cracks in your "porcelain throne" can be quite the shocker, so Joe and Allan help calm a caller's nerves as they share their toilet woes. Marble is on the chopping block during "Great Moments In Building History," as this week we celebrate the 550th birthday of the legendary Michelangelo.  

Cracks in your "porcelain throne" can be quite the shocker, so Joe and Allan help calm a caller's nerves as they share their toilet woes. Marble is on the chopping block during "Great Moments In Building History," as this week we celebrate the 550th birthday of the legendary Michelangelo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Toilet Woes & The Marble Cinematic Universe

It's the start of International Ideas Month, and Max the Producer has thrown down the gauntlet! Joe and Allan offer insight on everything from protecting your home against gas leaks to the history of I-beams and tempered glass. 

It's the start of International Ideas Month, and Max the Producer has thrown down the gauntlet! Joe and Allan offer insight on everything from protecting your home against gas leaks to the history of I-beams and tempered glass.&nbsp;

The Power Of An Idea

From poisonous paint to frogs in milk, Joe and Allan cover a wide variety of topics on this George Washington's birthday, including a salute Fraunces Tavern in New York, which our first POTUS used to frequent, during "Great Moments In Building History."  

From poisonous paint to frogs in milk, Joe and Allan cover a wide variety of topics on this George Washington's birthday, including a salute Fraunces Tavern in New York, which our first POTUS used to frequent, during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Where Everybody Knows Your Name"

"Fatbergs" have arrived to the MidSouth, and Joe and Allan have the scoop, as well as salute a proactive group of Czech citizens who took a dam project into their own paws during "Great Moments in Building History." 

"Fatbergs" have arrived to the MidSouth, and Joe and Allan have the scoop, as well as salute a proactive group of Czech citizens who took a dam project into their own paws during "Great Moments in Building History."&nbsp;

"Frankly My Dear,..." & Fatberg's Revenge

From sheets of methane in the ocean to toxic gases in coal mines and houses, Joe and Allan highlight all the different things out there that are competing to give you your ticket to the great beyond, as well as highlight an unlikely ally as they discuss the origins of modern sewer systems during "Great Moments In Building History." 

From sheets of methane in the ocean to toxic gases in coal mines and houses, Joe and Allan highlight all the different things out there that are competing to give you your ticket to the great beyond, as well as highlight an unlikely ally as they discuss the origins of modern sewer systems during "Great Moments In Building History."&nbsp;

"How Are We Not Dead?!"

Joe and Allan join listeners from the 2025 Homeshow of the Mid-South, where they are joined by their buddy Jay Hill from Big M Roofing & Remodeling to discuss everything from filing home improvement claims with your insurance agency to questionable marketing tactics (like wearing a gorilla suit?)!  

Joe and Allan join listeners from the 2025 Homeshow of the Mid-South, where they are joined by their buddy Jay Hill from Big M Roofing &amp; Remodeling to discuss everything from filing home improvement claims with your insurance agency to questionable marketing tactics (like wearing a gorilla suit?)!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monkey Business @ The Homeshow!!

Happy belated National Squirrel Appreciation Day! Gritting their teeth, Joe and Allan attempt to celebrate the holiday appropriately. This week's "Great Moments In Building History" is full of UNTAPPED potential as Joe and Allan discuss Memphis' immaculate aquafer. 

Happy belated National Squirrel Appreciation Day! Gritting their teeth, Joe and Allan attempt to celebrate the holiday appropriately. This week's "Great Moments In Building History" is full of UNTAPPED potential as Joe and Allan discuss Memphis' immaculate aquafer.&nbsp;

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