About Your House Radio and Put Tools in Schools

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.

Spray Foam Insulation, Gutters & Energy Savings | ABS Insulating Explains Home Comfort, Moisture Control & Building Efficiency

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, why installation experience matters, and how temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions affect insulation performance. The team also explains why metal buildings, garages, workshops, and storage spaces are increasingly being insulated with spray foam for year-round comfort. Ray and the ABS team discuss one of the biggest enemies of every home—water. From proper gutter sizing and maintenance to downspout design and moisture management, they explain why moving water away from your home is critical to protecting your investment. The discussion also touches on workforce development, opportunities in the skilled trades, Charlotte's continued growth, the build-to-rent housing market, energy rebate programs, and the importance of supporting future generations through the Put Tools In Schools initiative. Topics Covered: * Spray foam insulation vs. traditional insulation * Attic encapsulation and energy efficiency * Understanding R-values and insulation performance * Why experience matters in spray foam installation * Insulating metal buildings, garages, and workshops * Moisture control and protecting your home * Gutter systems, downspouts, and drainage solutions * Duke Energy rebate opportunities * Skilled trades careers and workforce development * Charlotte's housing growth and build-to-rent communities * Put Tools In Schools updates and future plans For more information about Put Tools In Schools and About Your House, stay connected and subscribe for future episodes.