About Your House Radio and Put Tools in Schools

About Your House Radio and Put Tools in Schools

di Ray Terry

Stagione 1

About Your House: Andrew Vanderburg on Low Voltage, Robotics & Career Pathways

What can a career in the trades lead to? On this episode of About Your House, Ray Terry sits down with Andrew Vanderburg, a technology professional with 24 years of experience in the low-voltage industry. Andrew shares the story of how he got his start at just 19 years old as a low-voltage helper and installer, worked his way through the industry, and eventually transitioned into enterprise technology, robotics, and AI solutions. Andrew talks about his experience working on major low-voltage projects, including data centers and large-scale technology installations, and how the skills he developed in the trades continue to shape his career today. He also discusses his current work as a national enterprise solutions salesperson for robotic assistant devices and AI technology, including solutions designed for security, public safety, compliance, and automated verification. But this conversation is about more than technology. Andrew and Ray also talk about the importance of showing young people the career opportunities available through skilled trades and hands-on learning. Andrew recently toured the Put Tools in Schools Toolbox and shares why programs that expose students to real-world skills and career pathways can make such a difference. From low-voltage wiring to robotics and artificial intelligence, Andrew's story is a great example of how a hands-on career can evolve into opportunities you may never have expected. About Your House with Ray Terry is part of the Put Tools in Schools initiative, connecting students with tools, trades, technology, creativity, and career opportunities. Learn more about Put Tools in Schools and how you can support the mission at PutToolsInSchools.org. #AboutYourHouse #AndrewVanderburg #PutToolsInSchools #SkilledTrades #LowVoltage #Robotics #ArtificialIntelligence #CareerPathways #STEM #Technology

S1 · E59

25 set 2026

1:00:09

About Your House: Marcus Bailey Birch on Craftsmanship, Creativity & the Power of Hands-On Skills

Ray Terry welcomes longtime friend and craftsman Marcus Bailey Birch to the Toolbox Podcast Studio for a conversation about woodworking, custom furniture, craftsmanship, creativity, and the importance of hands-on learning. Marcus shares his journey as a custom furniture maker, cabinetmaker, fabricator, and craftsman, along with stories about his workshop, his family, and how creativity and exposure to tools have shaped his children's interests and careers. He also discusses his son Zane's experience appearing on Forged in Fire and the importance of giving young people opportunities to create and learn. Ray and Marcus also explore the mission behind Put Tools in Schools and the role that tools, trades, technology, and hands-on experiences can play in helping kids develop confidence, creativity, and practical skills. Connect with Marcus Bailey Birch at marcusbaileybirch.com. Learn more about the Toolbox and Put Tools in Schools at puttoolsinschools.org.

S1 · E58

25 set 2026

1:51:43

Health Is Wealth with Dr. Cami Benton | About Your House

What does it really mean to be healthy? On this episode of About Your House, Ray Terry sits down with Dr. Cami Benton for a wide-ranging conversation about health, mental health, family, children, nutrition, environmental factors, brain health, and the changing landscape of modern medicine. Ray and Dr. Benton discuss the pressures families face today, including the impact of busy schedules, youth sports, technology, and the loss of quality family time. They also explore how environmental factors, lifestyle, and other influences can affect children's development and overall well-being. The conversation expands into integrative and functional medicine, brain health, chronic illness, longevity, healthcare accessibility, and the importance of looking at the whole person rather than simply treating individual symptoms. Dr. Benton also shares how her practice is expanding its approach to helping people pursue better health, vitality, and quality of life. Plus, Ray shares the latest updates from Put Tools in Schools, including the mission to connect students with hands-on learning, skilled trades, critical thinking, and career opportunities. Topics include: • Mental health and children's well-being • Family time and the pressures of youth sports • Nutrition and environmental factors • Brain health and cognition • Integrative and functional medicine • Chronic illness and overall wellness • Healthcare, insurance and accessibility • Longevity and healthy aging • Finding purpose, vitality and happiness • Put Tools in Schools and opportunities for students About Your House is hosted by Ray Terry and focuses on homes, remodeling, the skilled trades, education, health, community and the issues affecting Charlotte-area families. Subscribe and join us every Tuesday for more conversations from About Your House and Put Tools in Schools.

S1 · E57

11 set 2026

2:22:39

About Your House: Financial Literacy, Life Skills & Building Better Futures with Matt Schwartz

On this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry, Ray sits down with Matt Schwartz of Lighthouse Legacy Advisors for a wide-ranging conversation about financial literacy, life skills, education, the trades, and helping young people build a stronger future. Ray and Matt discuss why financial education should start early, how young people can better understand money and prepare for the future, and why learning practical skills can be just as important as traditional classroom education. The conversation also explores foster care and adoption, mentoring, career exposure, and how programs like Put Tools in Schools can give young people opportunities they may never have been exposed to before. Ray also talks about the importance of teaching kids practical skills like reading a tape measure, critical thinking, craftsmanship, and understanding career pathways in the skilled trades. The goal is simple: give students the tools, knowledge, mentorship and opportunities they need to succeed. 📌 Topics include: • Financial literacy and planning for the future • Teaching kids about money and financial responsibility • Foster care, adoption and mentoring • Life skills and career education • Skilled trades and career pathways • Reading a tape measure and practical mathematics • Critical thinking and hands-on learning • Put Tools in Schools • Supporting students and connecting industry with education • Building stronger communities through collaboration ABOUT YOUR HOUSE WITH RAY TERRY A weekly conversation about homes, remodeling, the skilled trades, education, life skills and the people working to make our communities better. PUT TOOLS IN SCHOOLS Learn more, get involved, volunteer or support the mission of connecting students with tools, trades and career opportunities. Subscribe to the channel and follow along as Ray Terry continues working to connect students, professionals and the community. #AboutYourHouse #PutToolsInSchools #RayTerry #FinancialLiteracy #SkilledTrades #LifeSkills #CareerEducation #Trades #Education #Mentorship #FosterCare #Adoption #FinancialPlanning #CharlotteNC

S1 · E56

10 set 2026

59:24

About Your House with Ray Terry: The State of the Trades & Putting Tools Back in Schools

On this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry, Ray takes a hard look at the current state of the skilled trades and why hands-on education is more important than ever. Ray discusses the growing skills gap, the importance of knowing how to read a tape measure, blueprint reading, small-engine repair, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work and other essential trade skills that are becoming harder to find. The conversation also focuses on the mission behind Put Tools in Schools and the need to reconnect students with hands-on learning, tools and real-world career opportunities. Ray shares updates on the organization, including the addition of David Richardson as Executive Director, upcoming career days and efforts to bring industry professionals into schools and the classroom. The episode also explores the future of About Your House as the show transitions further into podcasting, expands its digital presence and begins developing more conversations directly with students, teachers and professionals in the trades. 🔨 Topics covered: • The current skilled-trades shortage • Why reading a tape measure still matters • Blueprint reading and hands-on education • Small-engine repair and disappearing trades • The importance of teaching kids how to use tools • The aging trades workforce • Career opportunities in the skilled trades • Put Tools in Schools updates • Upcoming trades career days • David Richardson joining Put Tools in Schools • The future of About Your House and podcasting • Why industry and education need to work together Learn more and support Put Tools in Schools: Put Tools in Schools is working to connect students with tools, trades education and career pathways while helping address the growing skilled-labor shortage. Subscribe to About Your House and Put Tools in Schools for more conversations about homes, trades, education and the future of the skilled workforce. #AboutYourHouse #PutToolsInSchools #SkilledTrades #TradesEducation #TradeCareers #CharlotteNC #RayTerry #VocationalEducation #HandsOnLearning #SkilledTradesShortage

S1 · E55

3 set 2026

1:13:07

About Your House: From Remodeling to Painting & Entrepreneurship with Sam | Put Tools in Schools

In this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry, Ray sits down with Sam of Accents Painting CLT to talk about his journey through the skilled trades — from remodeling and working in a lumber yard to building a career in painting and eventually becoming a part owner of a painting company. Sam shares how communication, customer service, construction knowledge, and hands-on experience helped shape his career and ultimately led him to entrepreneurship. The conversation also dives into what separates quality professional painting from rushed work, the importance of proper surface preparation, primers and paint, and why experience across multiple trades can make such a difference in home improvement. Ray and Sam also discuss the broader mission of Put Tools in Schools and the importance of exposing students to hands-on careers, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and alternative pathways beyond a traditional four-year college degree. The episode explores the growing shortage of skilled workers, the importance of craftsmanship and quality, and how learning a trade can create opportunities to build a career — and eventually become your own boss. Topics include: Sam's journey into the skilled trades Remodeling and construction experience Building a career through hands-on experience Painting industry insights Surface preparation and proper painting techniques Quality craftsmanship Customer service and communication Entrepreneurship and business ownership Skilled trades career opportunities The labor shortage Put Tools in Schools Connecting students with real-world career pathways Why hands-on education matters Learn more about Put Tools in Schools and help connect students with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed.

S1 · E54

3 set 2026

1:39:10

Summer Home Maintenance Tips: HVAC, Crawlspaces, Attic Ventilation & Construction Quality | About Your House

Summer heat brings more than high temperatures—it brings hidden home maintenance issues that every homeowner should know about. In this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry, Ray shares practical advice to help homeowners prepare for the hottest months of the year. Learn why clogged HVAC condensate drains can cause expensive water damage, how attic ventilation and insulation affect your energy bills, and why crawlspace moisture becomes a major issue during humid weather. Ray also discusses lightning protection, common construction quality concerns found in newer homes, and why skilled trades education through Put Tools in Schools remains more important than ever. Plus, he shares simple preventative maintenance tips that can save homeowners thousands of dollars while improving comfort and efficiency. Topics Covered: Summer HVAC maintenance Condensate drain cleaning and prevention Preventing water damage from air conditioning systems Attic ventilation and attic tents Encapsulated attics and crawlspaces Humidity control and energy efficiency Whole-home surge protection for lightning storms Construction quality concerns in newer homes Critical thinking in the skilled trades The importance of Put Tools in Schools Preventative home maintenance tips Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or simply want to protect your investment, this episode is packed with practical advice to keep your home running efficiently throughout the summer. Listen to more episodes of About Your House with Ray Terry for trusted home improvement advice, construction education, and homeowner tips.

S1 · E53

4 ago 2026

1:16:39

Summer Home Maintenance Tips, HVAC Humidity Problems & Why Construction Quality Matters | About Your House with Ray Terry

Summer in the Carolinas brings heat, humidity, afternoon storms, and hidden home maintenance issues that can become expensive if ignored. In this episode of About Your House, Ray Terry shares practical advice every homeowner should know before the hottest months arrive. Ray explains why condensate drains are one of the most overlooked parts of an HVAC system, how attic ventilation and insulation affect energy bills, why crawlspace moisture can damage your home, and what to watch for during summer thunderstorms. He also discusses encapsulated attics, lightning protection, HVAC service upselling, and simple maintenance steps that can save homeowners thousands of dollars. Beyond home maintenance, Ray shares a real-world example of solving a difficult installation challenge through experience and critical thinking, leading into a larger conversation about declining construction quality and why rebuilding the skilled trades pipeline through Put Tools in Schools is more important than ever. In this episode: Summer HVAC maintenance tips Why condensate drains clog and how to prevent water damage Understanding humidity and home comfort Attic ventilation and attic tents explained Encapsulated attics vs. traditional ventilation Crawlspace moisture and duct condensation Common HVAC repair upsells homeowners should know about Lightning protection for your home Summer storm preparation Construction quality concerns Why skilled trades education matters Put Tools in Schools mission Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or simply looking to better understand how your home works, this episode offers practical advice that can help improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and avoid expensive repairs. Learn more about Put Tools in Schools and the skilled trades movement by visiting: https://puttoolsinschools.org

S1 · E52

24 lug 2026

59:45

Summer Home Maintenance, HVAC Tips, Humidity Problems & Why Construction Quality Matters | About Your House with Ray Terry

Summer heat brings more than uncomfortable temperatures—it can also lead to expensive home repairs if you're not prepared. In this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry, Ray discusses essential summer homeowner maintenance, including how your air conditioning system removes humidity, why condensate drains clog, attic ventilation, crawlspace moisture problems, and practical ways to improve your home's energy efficiency before the hottest months arrive. Ray also shares a real-world example of solving a difficult vent hood installation using experience and critical thinking, highlighting why craftsmanship and skilled trades education are becoming increasingly important. The conversation expands into the growing concerns surrounding construction quality, fear-driven media, and the importance of teaching practical problem-solving through the Put Tools in Schools initiative. In this episode: Summer HVAC maintenance tips Why condensate drains clog Preventing costly water damage Attic ventilation and attic tents explained Encapsulated attics and energy savings Crawlspace moisture and humidity problems Air leaks that increase cooling costs Common HVAC repair upsells homeowners should understand Lightning protection and whole-home surge protection Construction quality concerns in modern homes Critical thinking in the skilled trades Fear, social media, and maintaining perspective The mission behind Put Tools in Schools Whether you're a homeowner looking to lower your energy bills or someone passionate about skilled trades and home construction, this episode offers practical advice that can save money and prevent future headaches.

S1 · E51

24 lug 2026

59:44

Summer Homeowner Checklist: HVAC Maintenance, Condensation Drains, Attic Ventilation & Energy Savings

Summer is here, and that means heat, humidity, afternoon storms, and potential home maintenance headaches. In this episode of About Your House, Ray Terry shares practical advice every homeowner should know before temperatures climb even higher. From preventing expensive HVAC failures to reducing energy bills and avoiding moisture problems, this episode is packed with real-world tips backed by decades of hands-on experience. Ray also discusses why critical thinking and craftsmanship matter in today's construction industry, shares a real-life service call that demonstrates the importance of trade skills, and explains how the mission of Put Tools in Schools continues to address the growing skilled trades shortage. Topics include: • Summer HVAC maintenance • How condensate drains work—and why homeowners should inspect them • Preventing costly water damage from clogged AC drains • Crawlspace humidity and moisture control • Attic ventilation and attic tents • Spray foam attic encapsulation • Lowering cooling costs during hot weather • Lightning protection and whole-house surge protection • Afternoon thunderstorms and summer weather preparation • Construction quality and critical thinking in the skilled trades • Why Put Tools in Schools is helping inspire the next generation of tradespeople Whether you're a homeowner looking to save money, improve comfort, or prevent expensive repairs, this episode offers practical advice you can use right away. Learn more about Put Tools in Schools and helping connect students with careers in the skilled trades. Subscribe for more homeowner tips, construction education, and skilled trades conversations from About Your House with Ray Terry.

S1 · E50

17 lug 2026

59:44

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