356 - I Can't Hear Myself
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “356 - I Can't Hear Myself” inside PodZeus.
In this candid and humorous episode of *We Built A Thing*, hosts dive into the messy, rewarding chaos of home renovation and DIY projects. The conversation begins with a lighthearted exchange about Crocs—ugly, uncomfortable, yet surprisingly functional for back pain—leading into a broader reflection on practicality versus aesthetics in everyday life. The core of the episode centers on the hosts' ongoing renovation of their laundry room and kitchen, including a major setback when a custom countertop didn’t fit due to a miscalculation in the template. Rather than panicking, they brainstorm a clever workaround using a custom trim panel to hide the gap, turning a potential disaster into a stylish solution. The hosts also share stories of garden projects, lawn mower malfunctions, and the surprising complexity of zero-turn mowers, all underscored by a theme of resilience and problem-solving. Throughout, they emphasize the value of preparation, learning from mistakes, and the joy found in building things—even when they don’t go as planned. The episode is rich with relatable, hands-on wisdom: from using cardboard templates to troubleshoot fit issues, to fixing a chainsaw by deep-cleaning it like a 'donut-addled' body. They reflect on the emotional weight of home projects—balancing personal satisfaction with the reality of not building for forever, but for future buyers. The sponsors, Gorilla Glue and Patreon, are seamlessly woven in, with the hosts highlighting the strength and reliability of the glue in their projects. Ultimately, the episode celebrates the imperfect, iterative nature of building—where the process is as valuable as the product.
Use cardboard templates to test fit complex projects before final installation.
Aesthetics can be hidden with clever design solutions—like a custom trim panel to disguise a countertop gap.
Mistakes are inevitable; the key is staying calm and finding creative fixes.
Regular maintenance and deep cleaning can revive old tools (like chainsaws and blowers) just like a healthy lifestyle revives your body.
Don’t over-engineer for the future—build for today’s needs and let future owners adapt.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Crocs, Lists, and the Psychology of Practicality
The hosts open with a humorous exchange about Crocs—ugly but functional footwear that surprisingly alleviates back pain. They contrast their own habits (like making simple, literal to-do lists) with the other’s more detailed planning, reflecting on how aging brains require more structure. The conversation touches on the absurdity of modern fashion trends and the survivalist mindset of always being prepared.
The Garden Experiment: From Hope to Reality
The hosts discuss their latest garden project—a raised bed built with a porous base of logs and branches to improve drainage. They reflect on past failed garden attempts and the reality that gardening is labor-intensive. The conversation shifts to the romanticism of self-sufficiency, questioning whether growing your own food is feasible in modern life, especially when considering meat production.
The Laundry Room Renovation: A Tale of Triumph and Tripping
The hosts detail the challenges of renovating their laundry room, including painting with an airless sprayer, dealing with streaks, and sourcing trim. They describe the emotional toll of working late into the night, only to not finish in time. The episode highlights the importance of patience, proper tools, and the value of a good HVLP sprayer for small jobs.
The Countertop Catastrophe and the Genius Fix
“I didn't even see in the picture you sent me, it looks like you don't even have a quarter inch. Yeah. I kind of fixed it by scribing it and using that track saw to cut it out.”
Lawnmower Mayhem and the Art of Zero-Turn Repair
“Their brand actually recommends on their YouTube channel to have the front about a quarter inch lower than the back. They said it creates a better vacuum and you'll get a better cut if you have it set that way.”
“It was just tired because it was so gummed up just like the rest of us when we eat too many donuts. Yeah. You couldn't breathe right?”
“I didn't even see in the picture you sent me, it looks like you don't even have a quarter inch. Yeah. I kind of fixed it by scribing it and using that track saw to cut it out.”
“Their brand actually recommends on their YouTube channel to have the front about a quarter inch lower than the back. They said it creates a better vacuum and you'll get a better cut if you have it set that way.”
Host
Crocs
product
Laundry Room
other
Zero Turn Mower
product
Countertop
other
Gorilla Glue
brand
Chainsaw
product
Rebecca
person
Alan
person
Raised Garden Bed
other
Airless Sprayer
product
350 - Cool Whip Containers & Basement Walls
We Built A Thing • 58m • 4/1/2026
351 - Plumbing in Slab & Shelf Install
We Built A Thing • 59m • 4/9/2026
352 - Baseball Card Stats But with Chicks
We Built A Thing • 1h 1m • 4/15/2026
353 - PEX A and a Monster Turkey
We Built A Thing • 1h 5m • 4/22/2026
354 - Passed Water Main Inspection & Fixed the Countertop Line
We Built A Thing • 1h 6m • 4/29/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “356 - I Can't Hear Myself” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime