Gardening, Soil & Trades Talk with Garden Nomad | Put Tools in Schools

Summer Home Maintenance & The Future of Skilled Trades | About Your House – 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 moisture control and energy efficiency upgrades, this conversation covers the real-world issues homeowners face every summer in the Carolinas and beyond. But this episode goes deeper than home maintenance. Ray and David also explore the growing concerns around declining construction quality, the loss of critical thinking in today’s workforce, and why rebuilding a strong foundation in skilled trades education is more important than ever. The discussion ties directly into the mission of the Put Tools in Schools initiative, helping reconnect students with hands-on learning, safety culture, and real career pathways in the trades. Together, they break down how industry, education, and community partnerships can help close the skills gap—and why getting tools back into the hands of students early can change lives. Topics Covered: • HVAC condensate drain maintenance • Attic ventilation & energy efficiency • Crawlspace moisture and humidity issues • Summer storm readiness & lightning concerns • Construction quality and workforce challenges • Critical thinking and safety culture in the trades • Skilled trades education & career pathways • Put Tools in Schools initiative and outreach Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, educator, or policymaker, this episode connects practical summer home care with the bigger picture of building a stronger skilled workforce.

Summer Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Needs to Know | About Your House

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 thinking in the trades, discusses concerns about declining construction quality, and explains why skilled trades education remains so important through the Put Tools in Schools initiative. Topics Covered: • HVAC condensate drain maintenance • Attic ventilation and attic tents • Encapsulated attics and energy savings • Crawlspace moisture and humidity issues • Summer thunderstorms and lightning protection • Construction quality concerns • Skilled trades and workforce development • Homeowner maintenance tips for hot weather Learn how a few simple preventative measures can save you money, reduce stress, and keep your home comfortable all summer long. For more episodes of About Your House and information about Put Tools in Schools, be sure to subscribe and follow for future updates.

Put Tools in Schools: Building the Future Workforce Through Trades, Mentorship & Education Reform | Hour 2

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, and hands-on learning can help prepare students for successful careers. The team explores the importance of teaching practical skills, leadership, confidence, and workforce readiness while creating pathways into construction, plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing, transportation, and other essential industries. They also discuss plans to expand Put Tools in Schools through mobile training trailers, community partnerships, homeschool engagement, industry collaboration, and mentorship programs that help students discover career opportunities before they leave high school. Whether you're an educator, contractor, parent, business owner, or advocate for workforce development, this episode offers valuable insights into building the next generation of skilled professionals. Topics Covered: * Put Tools in Schools initiatives and future plans * Skilled trades workforce shortages * Apprenticeships and career pathways * Construction industry workforce development * Hands-on learning and practical education * Trade skills training in schools * Mentorship and leadership development * Industry and education partnerships * Workforce readiness and employability skills * Homeschool growth and alternative education * The future of skilled labor in America Listen every week to About Your House on Fox Sports Charlotte as Ray Terry and guests discuss home improvement, construction, education, workforce development, and building stronger communities.

Put Tools in Schools: Rebuilding Critical Thinking, Trades Education & Workforce Development | About Your House Hour 1

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 the trades. From construction and manufacturing to robotics and workforce education, the guests share why exposing students to real-world experiences can help build confidence, independence, and purpose. They also discuss the challenges facing modern education, the importance of career exploration, the impact of technology on critical thinking, and how community partnerships can help prepare the next generation for meaningful careers. Through stories from the Toolbox and Put Tools in Schools workshops, the conversation highlights how working with your hands can inspire creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong success. Whether you're a parent, educator, contractor, business owner, or someone passionate about helping young people succeed, this episode offers valuable insight into building a stronger future through skills, mentorship, and opportunity. Topics Covered: * Put Tools in Schools mission and vision * The skilled trades workforce shortage * Critical thinking and problem-solving skills * Career exploration for students * Workforce development and education * Hands-on learning opportunities * The importance of mentorship * Building confidence through trades * The future of construction, manufacturing, and technical careers * Community involvement and youth empowerment

Freedom Longevity & Wellness: Hyperbaric Therapy, Red Light Treatment, CBD, Recovery & Building Strong Communities | About Your House Hour 2

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, and strategies for improving overall health and longevity. Benjamin also shares how Freedom Longevity & Wellness is building community through local events, wellness education, veteran support initiatives, and partnerships with local businesses. The conversation expands into leadership, mentorship, life skills, trades education, and the importance of investing in future generations through programs like Put Tools in Schools. Topics Include: • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and recovery • PEMF therapy and inflammation reduction • Red light therapy benefits • Testosterone optimization and wellness • Intermittent fasting and nutrition • CBD and natural recovery options • PTSD support and veteran wellness • Community building and entrepreneurship • Skilled trades education and mentorship • Put Tools in Schools initiative • Freedom Longevity & Wellness Block Party Guest: Benjamin Prince Freedom Longevity & Wellness Mooresville, NC About Your House is Charlotte's trusted home improvement, construction, remodeling, and lifestyle radio show featuring industry experts, business leaders, and community advocates from across the Carolinas.