Home In Progress

Dan Hansen/RepcoLite Paints
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Welcome to Home in Progress—the weekly show from RepcoLite Paints where we dig into the projects and little fixes that make home life better. Paint colors, design tricks, flooring, plumbing, yard work—you name it. If it happens at home, we’ll talk about it. Think of it as helpful advice with a sense of humor, always leaving you with something useful and a smile.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Winter Home Projects: Beating the Blues and Organizing Memories

    In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, the conversation continues around organizing memories—this time shifting from digital clutter to physical photographs, with practical advice on how to curate, preserve, and store them without feeling overwhelmed. The show also explores the very real impact of the winter blues and why colder months can actually be an ideal time to tackle small home projects. We dig into the psychology behind why getting things done—especially around the home—can help improve mood, motivation, and a sense of control during the winter season. You’ll also hear practical tips for building a simple but smart emergency kit for an older vehicle, along with guidance on interior painting during winter. From managing humidity and temperature to working around forced-air heat and ventilation, the episode breaks down how to get professional-level results indoors—even in the middle of winter. Episode Timeline00:00 Introduction & episode overview00:47 Building a simple emergency car kit08:20 Understanding and coping with the winter blues12:09 Why home projects help your mental health16:13 Small projects with surprisingly big impact18:16 Behavioral activation: doing first, feeling better later19:17 Interior painting in winter—what really matters20:17 Common winter painting concerns (and why they’re manageable)20:33 Why winter is actually a great time for indoor projects21:17 Easier access to pros and resources in winter22:12 Humidity, dry time, and paint performance23:38 Temperature considerations when painting indoors25:16 Forced-air heat and ceiling painting tips26:41 Ventilation concerns and simple solutions27:35 Winter painting tips recap28:37 Organizing physical photographs31:29 Step-by-step photo organization and digitizing35:03 Creating a “greatest hits” photo collection36:15 Long-term storage and backup strategies38:26 Next week: organizing kids’ artwork

    39 min

  2. 24 JAN

    Conquering Digital Photo Clutter & Understanding Polyurethane

    In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan kicks things off with a lighthearted winter story before diving into two practical, surprisingly connected topics: organizing digital memories and choosing the right wood finish. The first half of the show tackles the growing stress of digital photo overload. Dan breaks down why our phones feel so cluttered, explains the critical difference between syncing and backing up photos, and outlines simple, realistic steps for freeing up storage while keeping important memories safe. Along the way, he introduces the “paradox of plenty” — why having fewer, more meaningful photos can actually help us enjoy our memories more. In the second half, the focus shifts back to the Winter Wood Shop with a deep but accessible look at lacquer and polyurethane. Dan explains how modern wood finishes evolved, the practical differences between oil-based and water-based polyurethane, and how recent VOC regulations have changed what’s available today. He also shares application tips, common mistakes to avoid, and why polyurethane remains one of the most versatile finishes for real-world woodworking projects. The episode wraps up by connecting good materials, good habits, and good outcomes — whether you’re protecting wood or preserving memories. RECOMMENDED READING & RESOURCESIf you want to go deeper, these articles and guides are clear and practical: Practical Guides for Photo Organization & BackupHow to Organize and Protect Digital Photos (The Photo Managers) — A professional’s guide to consolidating, organizing, and backing up your entire library. How to Organize and Protect Digital PhotosHow To Organize And Back Up Digital Photos and Videos (DIY Playbook) — Practical steps for creating a “photo hub,” removing duplicates, and backing up to a cloud or hard drive. How to Organize and Back Up Digital Photos and VideosStep-by-Step Photo Storage Guide (Eyes The Limit) — A straightforward walk through sorting, backing up, and deleting unwanted photos, including folder and tagging tips. How to Organize Your Photo Storage: Step‑by‑Step GuideApple Support — iCloud Photos & Optimize Storage — Official Apple instructions so you can see exactly how iCloud sync, optimize storage, and deletions work (and why synced photos are everywhere). Set up and Use iCloud Photos (Apple Support) Cloud & Phone Backup BasicsGoogle Photos Help — Manage Storage & Cleanup — Official support from Google on how to manage storage, clean up large files, and understand what counting against storage means in Google Photos. Manage Your Storage (Google Photos Help)li...

    40 min

  3. 17 JAN

    From Pink Walls to Bug Juice: Real Painting Advice & the Wild Truth About Shellac

    In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, the conversation starts with a teaser from the Winter Wood Shop series—then takes a sharp turn into one of the most unexpected topics we’ve covered yet. The show opens with real-world painting questions from new homeowners, including whether dark paint really covers bright pink walls better, how to temporarily paint a tile kitchen backsplash, and what to consider when tackling large trim projects in older homes where lead paint may be present. Along the way, we break down how paint bases and primers actually work, why the order you choose colors matters, and when extra caution is required for health and safety. From there, the episode pivots into a surprisingly fascinating deep dive on shellac—what it is, how it’s used, and why it’s still relevant today. We explore both clear shellac and white pigmented shellac, its role in woodworking and finishing, and its long, strange history. That includes the origin story most people never hear: shellac’s connection to the lac bug, how it shows up in everyday products, and why it sometimes sparks debate in the vegan world. It’s a practical, informative episode with a twist—grounded in real home improvement advice, but ending with a topic you probably didn’t expect to hear on a painting show. ResourcesMake Your Own Shellac (Video) Episode Timeline00:00 — Introduction & Winter Wood Shop Teaser 00:41 — Painting Questions from New Homeowners 02:08 — Paint Coverage, Bases, and Primers Explained 05:56 — Can You Paint a Tile Backsplash? 08:31 — Lead Paint Concerns in Older Homes 13:26 — Choosing Paint Colors in the Right Order 17:49 — How RepcoLite Helps Homeowners Get It Right 18:29 — Meet the Lac Bug 19:18 — The Secret Life of Lac Bugs 21:28 — Lac Bugs in Everyday Products 24:49 — The Vegan Debate 25:56 — From Bug Secretions to Shellac 27:04 — Shellac in Woodworking 32:15 — Shellac’s Historical Role 35:58 — Modern Uses (and Limits) of Shellac 39:04 — Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    40 min

  4. 10 JAN

    New Year Reset, Mold Myths, and the Truth About Tung Oil

    In the first full episode of 2026, Home in Progress host Dan Hansen takes a fresh look at New Year’s resolutions—why they so often fail, and how a small shift in thinking can make them far more sustainable. Drawing on personal experience, Dan shares a practical, realistic approach to setting goals that actually stick. From there, the episode pivots to a common winter home concern: mold and mildew. Dan breaks down what mold really is, when it’s a health concern, and when it’s more of a maintenance issue. You’ll hear clear, step-by-step guidance on safely cleaning mold, choosing the right products, and preventing it from returning—plus what to do after mold is removed so your repairs last. The episode wraps up with the launch of a new Winter Wood Shop series, starting with one of the most misunderstood finishing products out there: tung oil. Dan explains the differences between pure tung oil, tung oil/varnish blends, and products labeled “tung oil finish,” and compares their real-world performance to polyurethane so you can choose the right finish for the job. Episode Timeline00:00 — Welcome to Home in Progress 00:24 — Why New Year’s Resolutions So Often Fail 02:06 — A More Sustainable Approach to Goal-Setting 07:31 — Introducing the Winter Wood Shop Series 08:32 — Mold and Mildew: What Homeowners Should Know 12:56 — Understanding Mold in the Home 19:34 — Essential Safety Gear for Mold Cleanup 20:21 — Effective Mold Cleaning Methods 21:39 — How to Know When Mold Is Truly Gone 23:01 — Priming and Painting After Mold Removal 24:18 — Preventing Mold from Coming Back 27:29 — What Tung Oil Really Is (and Isn’t) 32:05 — The Three Types of “Tung Oil” Products 35:22 — Where Tung Oil Works—and Where It Doesn’t 38:25 — Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    40 min

  5. 3 JAN

    Best of Home in Progress: Historical Insights & Practical Home Improvement Tips

    In this special Best Of episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen blends craftsmanship, practical paint advice, and motivation to kick off your next project with momentum. First, he dives into the story of the legendary H.O. Studley Tool Chest, exploring its remarkable construction and what it can teach us about quality work, organization, and efficiency. From there, Dan shifts into paint know-how—breaking down why dedicated primers still matter, when “paint-and-primer-in-one” products fall short, and how the right prep steps can save time and frustration. The episode wraps with a practical, encouraging segment on setting goals and actually sticking with them long after the initial New Year’s motivation fades. Episode Timeline00:00 — Introduction and 400th Episode Announcement 00:32 — Reflecting on 400 Episodes 02:56 — Today’s Historical Focus 03:37 — The Story of the Studley Tool Chest 13:07 — Lessons from the Studley Tool Chest 18:59 — Why Primer Still Matters 20:24 — Paint + Primer Combo Products: What They Really Do 23:23 — The Truth About “Paint and Primer in One” 24:20 — When You Need a Dedicated Primer 27:02 — Special Offer on Quicksand Primer 29:44 — Setting Goals That Actually Stick 38:08 — Maintaining Long-Term Success with Goals

    40 min

  6. 27/12/2025

    Best of Home in Progress: Small-Room Paint Tricks; and the Story of Window Glass

    In this special Best Of episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan Hansen shares a handful of favorite segments from the past year—perfect for the holiday stretch when you’re tackling projects, relaxing at home, or doing a little of both. The show opens with some weekend chatter (including a nostalgic roller-skating detour sparked by Back to the Future), then into a paint-heavy segment aimed at a classic homeowner problem: how to make a small room feel bigger without remodeling. He breaks down five practical paint strategies, including smart color choices, monochromatic palettes, and “color drenching,” plus a couple of visual tricks that add height and depth. The second half of the show takes a surprisingly fascinating turn into the history of glass—from natural obsidian to early glassmaking legends, Roman breakthroughs like glass blowing and early window panes, and the evolution to modern insulated windows. Dan wraps the episode with a rapid-fire guide to common window issues—drafts, condensation, fog between panes, and windows that won’t operate smoothly—along with realistic fixes and when it’s time to call in a pro. Episode Summary00:00 — Best Of kickoff + holiday-week programming 00:16 — Weekend plans and roller-skating nostalgia 02:09 — New Year’s resolutions, “Quitter’s Day,” and the mindset reset 03:32 — A funny “height hack” detour (and why it secretly sets up the paint point) 12:45 — Paint Point: 5 ways to make a small room feel larger 17:39 — Two-toned walls and eye-trick design strategies 18:30 — Listener emails + how to send topic ideas 18:56 — The history of glass: discovery, invention, and innovation 20:25 — From early glassmaking to Roman windows 26:09 — Industrial-era improvements and modern window evolution 30:38 — Window problems homeowners actually deal with (and what to do) 39:36 — Wrap-up, where to find the episode, and next week’s preview

    40 min

  7. 20/12/2025

    Home in Progress: The Christmas Extravaganza 2025

    In this special annual Christmas episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan Hansen steps away from the usual home improvement topics to celebrate the season—and give back to listeners. This year’s Extravaganza includes a festive giveaway: ten $100 gift certificates, awarded to listeners who share their favorite Christmas songs, memories, or traditions via email. Dan opens the show with a humorous and heartfelt story about a long-ago family Christmas card featuring a screaming toddler—an unexpected reminder of how the most genuine moments often become the most meaningful memories. From there, the episode dives into the fascinating history behind familiar holiday traditions. You’ll hear how Christmas cards originated in Victorian England, why they were once criticized as cold and impersonal, and how they eventually became a beloved seasonal ritual. Dan also explores the birth of Christmas music on the radio, beginning with the groundbreaking Christmas Eve broadcast of 1906, and how radio forever changed the way the holiday is shared and experienced. The episode wraps up with the story of Christmas lights—from the risky early days of candle-lit trees to the invention and widespread adoption of electric lights that transformed holiday decorating. The show closes with warm Christmas wishes and a reminder to enter the holiday giveaway. Reproduction of the First Radio Broadcast Episode Timeline00:00 — Welcome to the Annual Christmas Extravaganza 01:49 — Christmas Card Chaos: A Family Story 04:37 — The Controversial Origins of Christmas Cards 09:58 — How Christmas Communication Evolved 11:25 — The Birth of Christmas on the Radio 18:25 — The First Christmas Eve Broadcast (1906) 22:32 — Radio’s Impact on Holiday Traditions 24:46 — The History of Christmas Lights 28:40 — Candles, Symbolism, and Seasonal Danger 32:23 — The Rise of Electric Christmas Lights 35:16 — Modern Christmas Light Displays 35:33 — Final Thoughts, Christmas Wishes, and the Giveaway

    37 min

  8. 13/12/2025

    Embracing Creativity: Lessons from Frank Gehry

    In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, we take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Frank Gehry—the visionary architect behind landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Gehry passed away at 96, leaving behind a body of work that continues to reshape how we think about buildings, space, and the creative process itself. Host Dan Hansen reflects on Gehry’s impact and unpacks what made his approach to creativity so powerful. From embracing the unknown to challenging long-held assumptions, Gehry’s mindset offers practical lessons for anyone looking to bring more originality, curiosity, and play into their own projects—whether you're designing a home, solving a problem, or simply trying something new. This episode explores how stepping into uncertainty, allowing yourself to experiment (and even fail), and pushing past convention can unlock refreshing and unexpected possibilities. Along the way, Dan shares examples from Gehry’s career and applies those principles to everyday spaces homeowners often struggle with. Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Frank Gehry 01:14 The Importance of Creativity 04:59 Frank Gehry's Early Life and Influences 09:11 The Turning Point: The Santa Monica House 12:41 The Bilbao Effect and Gehry's Global Legacy 14:12 Unleashing Creativity: What Gehry Teaches Us 18:50 Embracing the Unknown and Staying Curious 21:10 Applying Design Principles to Everyday Rooms 22:15 Challenging Assumptions in Small Spaces 23:39 Reimagining the Living Room 26:21 Experimenting with Kitchen Cabinets 29:00 Learning from Failure and Criticism 33:57 Discovering Your Own Creative Signature 37:33 How Architecture Shapes Community 39:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    40 min
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About

Welcome to Home in Progress—the weekly show from RepcoLite Paints where we dig into the projects and little fixes that make home life better. Paint colors, design tricks, flooring, plumbing, yard work—you name it. If it happens at home, we’ll talk about it. Think of it as helpful advice with a sense of humor, always leaving you with something useful and a smile.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Hansen/RepcoLite Paints
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ℗ & © 2025 Dan Hansen
  • Show Website
    Home In Progress

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