Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast

Mike Farley
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

Dive into the world of pools and outdoor living bliss with ’Luxury Outdoor Living’ the podcast designed exclusively for homeowners eager to transform their outdoor spaces into havens of relaxation and entertainment. Join us weekly with hosts Mike & Trey from Farley Pool Designs as they embark on an exciting journey to help you make the most informed decisions when it comes to buying a pool, spa, or enhancing your overall backyard living experience. Our expert hosts, each have more than 30 years of industry experience, will demystify the process, offering invaluable tips on selecting the perfect pool or spa, navigating design and landscaping choices, understanding maintenance, and even optimising your backyard for year-round enjoyment. Each episode they’ll answer your questions, which you can submit at www.poolsideperspectives.com, and discuss a vocabulary word in the pool industry. Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned backyard enthusiast, ’Poolside Perspectives Podcast’ is your go-to source for inspiration, advice, and insider knowledge to create the backyard paradise you’ve always dreamed of. Tune in to unlock the secrets of outdoor relaxation and entertainment, and turn your backyard into an oasis you’ll cherish for years to come. Subscribe today and start your journey towards backyard bliss!”

  1. 12h ago

    E 150 Engineering Paradise: How Lucas Lagoons Builds Million-Dollar Waterfalls

    Organic, natural pools with boulders and waterfalls can create a true outdoor retreat, but they demand serious artistry and engineering to be safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Mike and Trey Farley host Lucas Congdon of Lucas Lagoons, who recounts growing up in Vermont doing stonework, leaving Montana State to build hands-on, and moving to Florida where a first pool remodel led him to start Lucas Lagoons. Lucas explains learning engineering the hard way after a rock-heavy project failed, why he uses site-specific engineering and geotechnical reports, and how soils, drainage, plumbing efficiency, and equipment sizing shape complex builds. He details natural vs artificial rock risks, manifold and pump setups for grottos, and a notable speakeasy pool with 48 tons of ceiling rock pinned into a post-tension slab and X-rayed. He also discusses his contractor programs, the realities of reality TV production, and travel inspirations.   Discover more and connect with us: https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   Watch episodes with stunning visuals on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns/podcasts   Discover more about Lucas Lagoons: https://lucaslagoons.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasLagoons https://www.instagram.com/lucaslagoons/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet Lucas Congdon 01:47 Vermont Roots 03:33 Stonework Lessons 05:45 Montana State Detour 07:04 Finding Pools in Florida 11:12 Engineering Excellence 17:48 Geotech and Site Plans 21:33 Mastering Rockwork 28:23 Grotto Plumbing Setup 35:00 Speakeasy Pool Story 37:46 X-Rayed Rock Reinforcement 38:30 Hand Placed Boulders 39:03 Born Talent Or Trained 42:51 Hillside Pool Engineering 46:04 Texas Soil And Clay 47:59 Travel Inspiration And History 50:11 Design Changes And 3D 54:16 Insane Pools Cast Update 56:28 Scaling Signature Series 58:24 Reality TV Behind Scenes 01:02:35 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:05:13 Closing Thanks And Mission

    E 150 Engineering Paradise: How Lucas Lagoons Builds Million-Dollar Waterfalls

  2. Sep 8

    Ep 149 Smart Shade: Cantilevers & The Future of Architectural Aluminum with Umbra Solace

    Discovering next level shade in luxury outdoor living, Mike Farley hosts the Luxury Outdoor Living podcast (without co-host Trey, who is sick) and interviews Derek of Umbra Solace about engineered, contractor-supplied aluminum shade structures. Derek shares his path from storm restoration (2001) to founding and selling Hamilton Steele (2008), starting Outdoor Elements, shifting toward commercial multifamily renovations, then focusing on Umbra Solace to bring commercial-grade systems to homeowners. Umbra Solace sells wholesale to contractors and provides general engineering and training, not direct pricing or DIY kits. They discuss product options beyond louvers—arbors/pergolas, cabanas with walls, solid-roof “Perfect Panel” polyurethane/galvalume panels with wood-sublimated tongue-and-groove ceilings, and cantilever/double cantilever designs up to 14x16 and 18x16. Topics include footing tables, hidden fasteners, maintenance vs. wood, coastal corrosivity, integrated low-voltage lighting with built-in conduit, screen/fan accommodations, hail resilience, and an upcoming gable-roof configuration.   Discover more and connect: https://umbrasolace.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/ Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns/podcasts

    Ep 149 Smart Shade: Cantilevers & The Future of Architectural Aluminum with Umbra Solace

  3. Sep 1

    Ep 148 The Secret to High-End Naturalistic OutdoorDesigns: Fontana Ponds & Water Features

    Ponds, fountains and natural pools can transform luxury outdoor living into a daily retreat, and in this Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast episode, Mike and Trey Farley of Farley Pool Designs interview Diego of Fontana Ponds & Water Features, an Aquascape Master Certified contractor and Aquascape Artist of the Year. Diego shares his path from landscaping to specializing in ecosystem ponds and water features, explains his client-first process (aligning goals, discussing budgets early, marking layouts with spray paint, detailed drawings, and adapting designs during installation), and contrasts pond types including pondless waterfalls, koi ponds, and recreation swim ponds (which require increased biological filtration such as constructed wetlands). He discusses local stone sourcing, misconceptions like mosquitoes and required pond depth, maintenance offerings (bi-weekly to quarterly plus annual clean-outs), notable large projects including a retirement facility rebuild, and collaborations such as work in Africa and upcoming builds in Utah.   Discover more and connect: https://fontanawaterfeatures.ca/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/ Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns/podcasts   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:42 Meet Diego Fontana 02:29 From Landscaping to Ponds 04:46 Where to See Work 06:42 Design Process Explained 12:09 Artist of the Year 14:08 Aquascape System Basics 17:23 Feature Types Overview 23:08 Pondless Waterfalls 24:40 Biggest Builds Stories 32:34 Small Spaces Big Impact 34:11 Sound Versus Visuals 34:43 Design From Indoors 36:49 Landscaping Makes Ponds 38:28 Choosing Local Stone 41:25 Pond Maintenance Plans 44:07 Ponds Improve With Age 45:57 Common Pond Misconceptions 48:42 Future Goals And Growth 51:10 Big Collaborations And Travel 54:27 Resale Value And Repeat Clients 59:53 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:02:29 Inspiration And Family Wrap 01:04:09 Podcast Mission Outro

    Ep 148 The Secret to High-End Naturalistic OutdoorDesigns: Fontana Ponds & Water Features

  4. Aug 25

    Ep 147 Form, Function, & Fire: Emberhaus on the Ferrari of Outdoor Cooking

    Luxury outdoor cooking is evolving beyond gas grills and ceramic kamados into architectural live-fire ovens designed for performance, aesthetics, and experience. Mike and Trey Farley host Bobby Brennan, former co-founder of Kamado Joe and founder of Emberhaus, who explains how his corporate exit led to building Kamado Joe and later creating Emberhaus to bring restaurant-style charcoal ovens into luxury residential outdoor kitchens. Brennan describes Emberhaus as a versatile charcoal oven (200–900°F) that grills, smokes, and bakes with faster cook times, high capacity, precise airflow control, easy ash removal, dishwasher-safe cooking surfaces, and a more intimate “fire” experience. The oven is American-made in Athens, Georgia, uses 316 marine-grade stainless and high-temp Cerakote coatings, offers 16 standard colors plus custom options, and targets designers, architects, and builders through showrooms.   Discover more and connect with us: https://www.emberhaus.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns/podcasts   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet The Guest 02:06 From Corporate To Startup 05:29 Building Kamado Joe 07:37 Scaling And Selling 09:47 What Is Emberhaus 12:15 Cooking Experience And Personas 15:02 First Cook Tips 16:58 Kamado Joe Improvements 19:55 Designing For Luxury Homes 24:19 User Friendly Innovations 26:50 Efficiency And Outdoor Kitchens 28:46 Replacing Other Appliances 30:42 Marine Grade Materials 31:52 Maintenance And Longevity 32:59 Install Height And Cutout 34:00 Vent Hood And Pricing 35:53 Brand Strategy And Showrooms 38:12 Awareness And Safety Insulation 40:15 Versus The Green Egg 43:01 Kitchen Layout And Cart 46:32 Colors Trim And Customization 48:06 Why Rectangular Design 50:32 Ten Year Vision 52:27 Rapid Fire Questions 56:06 Show Wrap And Mission

    Ep 147 Form, Function, & Fire: Emberhaus on the Ferrari of Outdoor Cooking

  5. Aug 18

    Ep 146 Desert Steel Art Upgrading The Outdoor Oasis

    How can maintenance-free plants help you create a realistic, low-effort outdoor oasis? Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Jason, president and co-owner of Desert Steel in Wichita, Kansas, about the company’s handcrafted steel desert plants used as realistic, maintenance-free landscape accents. Jason shares Desert Steel’s origins from artist Eric Carroll making steel saguaros for art shows and how the business evolved into durable landscaping replacements made from galvanized steel with a patina oxidation process (no paint) to prevent fading and minimize rust, with guidance to avoid moisture-holding mulch at the base. They discuss popular products (saguaros, agaves), internal lighting options and torch features, shipping and easy assembly, wind resistance with recommended concrete pads, indoor/commercial uses, slight patina variation, and a free design service creating digital renderings. Jason notes increased demand tied to wildfire “Zone Zero” rules, mentions limited customization, upcoming foxtail agave launch in October, and ordering via desertsteel.net.   Discover more and connect: https://desertsteel.net/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet The Hosts 01:46 Guest Introduction 02:21 Jason’s Origin Story 04:48 Desert Steel Beginnings 07:43 Maintenance Free Concept 09:47 Materials And Patina 10:55 Best Sellers And Use Cases 14:43 Installation And Base Tips 16:21 Indoor Design Ideas 20:03 Shipping And Storm Proofing 24:35 Safety And Realism Details 29:11 Lighting And Torch Features 32:08 Finish Care And Salt Air 34:20 Sprinkler Mineral Stains 34:41 Choosing The Right Sizes 36:57 Patina Color Variations 38:27 Steel Origami Process 40:05 Design Service Renderings 43:24 Lighting And Planter Hacks 49:48 Wildfire Zone Zero Demand 54:24 Custom Projects And Odd Requests 57:38 Why Buy Desert Steel 01:01:23 How To Order And Wrap Up

    Ep 146 Desert Steel Art Upgrading The Outdoor Oasis

  6. Aug 11

    Ep 145 Pool Hydraulics: Could Save You Thousands or Cost You Thousands with H2Outdoor Living

    On today's episode Mike Farley is joined by guest Hunter Gary of H2 Outdoor Living from Middle Tennessee, to discuss how Hunter entered pool design and launched his design firm three years ago and a newer build/GC arm. They focus on why detailed construction and hydraulic plans matter to prevent costly, hard-to-fix underground plumbing problems and to ensure apples-to-apples bidding. The epsiode outline homeowner red flags and checkpoints, including clean, well-laid-out equipment pads, photo documentation, flow meters, and builders who can explain pump curves and turnover rates. They emphasize larger plumbing, variable-speed pumps, cartridge filters, proper circulation, quieter systems, safety/entrapment avoidance, Venturi skimmers, in-floor returns/cleaning, and correct design of perimeter overflows and vanishing-edge basins, including surge capacity and filtration/sanitation.   Discover more and connect: https://h2outdoorliving.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns/podcasts   00:00 Podcast intro 01:17 Meet Hunter Gary 02:07 How He Started 03:44 From Service to Design 07:41 Million Dollar Challenge 08:43 Launching His Company 10:20 Design Process Explained 12:41 Why Working Drawings Matter 15:41 Hydraulics Intro 17:54 Equipment Pad Clues 20:14 Photos and Hydraulic Plans 24:40 Circulation and Filtration 29:23 Pipe Sizing and Efficiency 34:15 Noise and Suction Lines 36:58 Pumps for Water Features 39:58 Turnover and Flow Meters 41:11 Flow Meters and Turnover 42:35 Venturi Skimmers Explained 43:49 Main Drains vs Skimmers 44:51 Service Knowledge Pitfalls 48:12 Hydraulics Are Just Math 50:22 Perimeter Overflow Returns 52:51 In Floor Circulation Systems 54:31 Vanishing Edge Basin Design 58:17 Equipment Pad and Expansion 59:40 Elevation and Split Equipment 01:01:29 Entrapment Safety and Drains 01:04:20 Budgeting and Spare Lines 01:08:27 Personal Q and A Wrap Up 01:12:06 Final Thanks and Mission

    Ep 145 Pool Hydraulics: Could Save You Thousands or Cost You Thousands with H2Outdoor Living

  7. Aug 4

    Ep 144 The Backyard Butler Blueprint: Smart Materials & Easy Care

    In this episode we interview Jon Driscoll, founder of Backyard Butler (launched 2018), which provides recurring “white glove” cleaning and maintenance for luxury outdoor living spaces in Dallas–Fort Worth—filling a gap not covered by gardeners, pool cleaners, or housekeepers. Jon explains service frequency options, party-prep cleanings, and a detailed checklist covering patios, furniture, outdoor kitchens, grills, heaters, and more, aiming to deliver a “Four Seasons” experience at home. The episode covers materials and maintenance insights: Sunbrella fabrics clean best; porcelain paving is easiest while exposed aggregate and some stones are difficult; efflorescence can be treated but plant-pot mineral stains can be nearly impossible; turf is maintained via power-brooming and deodorizing; granite counters and non-porous backsplashes clean best; drains, hose bibs, outlets, sealed lighting, and easy-clean materials improve long-term upkeep. Jon discusses seasonality, common stains (notably crape myrtle), a sealing mishap that ended their sealing services, notable transformations, and Backyard Butler’s plans to franchise.   Discover more and connect: https://www.backyardbutler.net/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet the Hosts 01:37 Guest Intro Backyard Butler 02:05 Why Outdoor Cleaning Matters 03:52 Recurring vs Event Cleanings 05:55 White Glove Standard 06:37 Best Fabrics Sunbrella 08:22 Post Build Priorities 10:19 Pavers and Surface Choices 12:04 Efflorescence and Stains 14:58 Synthetic Turf Maintenance 18:38 Heaters and Outdoor Fixtures 20:02 Cleaning Without Damage 22:34 Stainless and Cabinet Care 26:05 Outdoor Countertop Materials 28:02 Granite vs Dekton 28:53 Backsplash Grease Fixes 30:32 Seasonal Demand Shifts 31:51 Decking and Wood Limits 34:23 Design for Easy Upkeep 36:55 Sealer Nightmare Story 40:46 Wild Backyard Features 44:55 Pollen and Storm Cleanup 46:42 Worst Stains and Trees 48:03 Contact and Wrap Up

    Ep 144 The Backyard Butler Blueprint: Smart Materials & Easy Care

  8. Jul 28

    Ep 143 Design Outdoor Luxury :The Southern Komfort Swing podcast

    Welcome to another episode of the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast. Today Mike and Trey Farley interview Ryan Walta of Southern Comfort Bed Swings, who describes starting the business 16 years ago after building a better-looking bed swing for his wife and then receiving orders from guests at their rented lake house. Ryan explains how early demand grew quickly through magazine ads, leading from basement production to a showroom and a high-end custom brand using teak, powder-coated aluminum, and handwoven resin wicker, with hidden hardware and stainless fasteners to improve durability and deter copying. They discuss sizing options, custom projects (including hotels and international work), rope vs chain (using synthetic polypropylene Manila rope), quick-dry Dry Fast foam with Sunbrella fabrics, replacement parts, installation guidance and safety, popular models like the Conroy and Emerson, new products like the backless Chloe, and expanding into matching sofas and lounge chairs.   Discover more and connect with us: https://www.southernkomfortbedswings.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet The Guest 01:41 How It All Started 03:23 From Basement To Showroom 05:59 Beating The Copycats 08:29 Why Bed Swings 12:38 Sizing And Space Planning 14:39 Rope Versus Chain 16:54 Outdoor Cushions That Dry 19:58 Custom Fabrics And Layouts 21:55 Repairs And Replacements 25:24 Custom Builds And Safety 29:54 Why People Love Swings 32:17 COVID Photo Challenges 33:22 Renderings Over Photos 33:43 Comfort Creates Memories 34:33 Quality Materials Choices 36:26 Designing For Wellness 40:33 Models And Best Sellers 41:24 Emerson Storm Ready Design 43:15 Handwoven Craft Process 45:03 Knockoffs And Safety Risks 47:55 Installation And Hardware Tips 50:44 New Designs And Furniture Line 54:26 Trade Program Workflow 56:22 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:00:17 Inspiration Travel Ideas 01:01:49 Closing And Contact Info 01:02:24 Show Mission Wrap Up

    Ep 143 Design Outdoor Luxury :The Southern Komfort Swing podcast
See All (150)

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Dive into the world of pools and outdoor living bliss with ’Luxury Outdoor Living’ the podcast designed exclusively for homeowners eager to transform their outdoor spaces into havens of relaxation and entertainment. Join us weekly with hosts Mike & Trey from Farley Pool Designs as they embark on an exciting journey to help you make the most informed decisions when it comes to buying a pool, spa, or enhancing your overall backyard living experience. Our expert hosts, each have more than 30 years of industry experience, will demystify the process, offering invaluable tips on selecting the perfect pool or spa, navigating design and landscaping choices, understanding maintenance, and even optimising your backyard for year-round enjoyment. Each episode they’ll answer your questions, which you can submit at www.poolsideperspectives.com, and discuss a vocabulary word in the pool industry. Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned backyard enthusiast, ’Poolside Perspectives Podcast’ is your go-to source for inspiration, advice, and insider knowledge to create the backyard paradise you’ve always dreamed of. Tune in to unlock the secrets of outdoor relaxation and entertainment, and turn your backyard into an oasis you’ll cherish for years to come. Subscribe today and start your journey towards backyard bliss!”

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Farley
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast

You Might Also Like