Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast

Ethan Waldman

Ethan Waldman from thetinyhouse.net gives you the chance to get inside the heads of tiny house luminaries and every day tiny house dwellers so you can plan, build and live the tiny house life you’ve been dreaming of. Discover how you can create a tiny lifestyle that includes owning your own home, whether it’s a tiny house on wheels, van, or camper that you can take with you, or just a sweet tiny cabin in the mountains. Ethan built his own tiny house on wheels in 2012 and has been educating other tiny house hopefuls ever since. His flagship resource, Tiny House Decisions has been widely recommended by tiny house experts as a must-read how to guide to planning a successful tiny house. From tiny house heating, plumbing, and composting toilets, to building a tiny house for cheap, DIY techniques and more. Subscribe if you are ready to start YOUR tiny house journey.

  • 45 minutes 46 seconds
    From Tiny Houses to Modular Homes: Finding Your Path to Small Living

    I am thrilled to welcome back a true advocate for the tiny house movement, Lindsay Wood. In this episode, we delve into the opportunities and challenges of living small in California compared to other states, exploring everything from zoning issues to the emerging interest in disaster relief applications for tiny homes. Lindsay shares her insights on finding and creating supportive communities, as well as the intrinsic flexibility and resale potential of tiny homes. We also discuss her project in Daly City aimed at providing urban experiences for potential tiny home enthusiasts. Join us as we uncover valuable tips, resources, and inspiration to help you navigate your own tiny living journey.

    In this episode:

    • 🏡 Legal Restrictions in Tiny Living: Tiny living enthusiasts can face legal challenges, necessitating alternatives like modular homes.
    • 🚧 Modular vs. Tiny Homes: Modular constructions, less restrictive legally, often require cranes for relocation.
    • 💸 Cost and Financing: Modular homes range $79K-$150K, with financing options like equity share.
    • 📏 Flexibility and Size: Modular homes offer larger sizes compared to tiny homes on wheels.
    • 🛠️ Panelized Systems: Systems like Studio Shed require more on-site labor, increasing costs.
    • 🏘️ Zoning Challenges: Navigating local zoning is crucial for setting up tiny/modular homes.
    • 🤝 Community and Connectivity: Emphasis on privacy, connection, and proximity within families and communities.
    • 🌎 Nationwide Services: Lindsay’s Go Tiny Academy offers services, focusing on California.
    • 🔀 Adaptability and Flexibility: Rotating living arrangements highlight modular homes' adaptability for changing needs.

    For complete show notes, transcript and images, visit the show notes page!


    Tiny House Decisions is the guide that I wish I had when I was building my tiny house. It comes in 3 different packages to help you on your unique tiny house journey. And if you're struggling to figure out the systems for your tiny house, like how you're going to heat it, how you're going to plumb it, what construction technique are you gonna use, like SIPs or stick framing or steel framing. Tiny House Decisions will take you through all these processes systematically and help you come up with a design that works for you. Right now, I'm offering 20% off any package of Tiny House Decisions. For listeners of the show, you can head over to thetinyhouse.net/thd to learn more, and use the coupon code "tiny" at checkout for 20% off any package. 

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    8 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 44 minutes 18 seconds
    Making Tiny House Parking Safer: How a 10-Year Tiny Dweller Built an App to Transform the Movement

    Today, I have a returning guest who continuously brings valuable insights into the tiny house movement, Jewel Pearson. Jewel is a tiny house educator, advocate, and community leader with nearly a decade of experience living in her self designed tiny home. She's back to talk about her latest venture, the Cooperative Communities app, which aims to make tiny house parking more accessible and safer, especially for black and brown tiny house owners. We'll delve into her motivation behind creating the app, its unique features, and how it can foster cooperative land purchasing and community building. Plus, you'll hear about the financial benefits for landowners and how this initiative could expand the tiny house movement's reach.

    In This Episode:

    • 🏡 Tiny House Directory: A platform for tiny house listings for sale or for rent.
    • 🤝 Community Focus: Promotes a welcoming and safe environment, especially for minorities.
    • 🌍 Cooperative Land Buying: Facilitates conversations and collaborations.
    • 🌱 Support for Black Farmers: Addresses land retention challenges, promotes tiny house collaborations.
    • 📈 Consultation Services: Offers setup resources, encourages independent arrangement management.
    • 🌐 Platform Features: Connects users for intentional communities, builders can showcase work.
    • 📍Parking Solutions: Aims to solve parking barriers, enhance legal acceptance.



    Watch the App Demo

    Visit the website for the full show notes, links and resources

    Tiny House Decisions is the guide that I wish I had when I was building my tiny house. It comes in 3 different packages to help you on your unique tiny house journey. And if you're struggling to figure out the systems for your tiny house, like how you're going to heat it, how you're going to plumb it, what construction technique are you gonna use, like SIPs or stick framing or steel framing. Tiny House Decisions will take you through all these processes systematically and help you come up with a design that works for you. Right now, I'm offering 20% off any package of Tiny House Decisions. For listeners of the show, you can head over to thetinyhouse.net/thd to learn more, and use the coupon code "tiny" at checkout for 20% off any package. 

    Send us a text

    Support the show

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    25 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 31 minutes 45 seconds
    How a Single Mom Found Financial Stability and Peace in a $42k Off-Grid Tiny Home (and Why She'd Do It Again)

    Tracey Dedicatoria’s journey into tiny living began after a 23 year marriage, and her tiny house has been a sanctuary of peace, healing, and financial stability for her over the past 8 years. In this episode, Tracey shares the transformative power of simplifying your life, the unique challenges and discoveries of living off grid, and her advice for those considering tiny living today. We also dive into the evolution of the tiny house market, including the rising costs and how to navigate the financing options. Join us as we explore Tracey's inspiring path to finding peace and strength through tiny living.

    In This Episode:

    • 🚽 Toilet Options: Challenges and solutions for compost and dry flush toilets.
    • 🛠️ Everyday Repairs: Deck building, pest control, and appliance compatibility issues.
    • 💧 Water Management: Reverse osmosis filter and efficient water tank refilling.
    • ⚡ Power Solutions: Large battery packs, mini-split systems, and a shift from generators.
    • 💲 Financial Insights: Costs, financing, and affordability changes in tiny house market.
    • 🏠 Design Considerations: Tiny house layouts, accessibility, and aesthetic preferences.
    • 📉 Simplified Living: Financial stress relief, easier maintenance, and reduced lifestyle complexity.
    • 💡 Practical Advice: Appliance selection, builder recommendations, and customization tips.

    For complete transcript, show notes, links and resources visit the website www.thetinyhouse.net/306.

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    11 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 53 minutes 56 seconds
    From Renovictions to Resilience: One Musician's Journey to Tiny House Living

    I am excited to welcome a guest with a powerful and eye opening story about the realities of tiny living. Cheryl, a musician and single mother, joins us to share her journey of creating a custom tiny home designed to support her musical career and her daughter's needs. However, Cheryl's story goes far beyond innovative design solutions.

    We'll dive deep into the legal challenges and zoning issues that have plagued Cheryl's tiny house journey, including a harrowing experience with eviction that exposes the vulnerabilities many tiny house dwellers face. Cheryl candidly discusses the shame and secrecy that often surround nontraditional housing choices and how these factors can leave individuals open to exploitation.

    Despite facing numerous setbacks, Cheryl's resilience shines as she advocates for the legalization and broader acceptance of tiny homes. Her story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for the tiny house community. Join us as we explore Cheryl's journey to find a supportive community, navigate complex legal landscapes, and ultimately transform her living situation.

    In This Episode:

    • 🚜 Land Stewardship: Cheryl advocates for a stewardship mentality in land management.
    • 🏘️ Community Search: She shares her struggle in finding a community that values land stewardship over mere ownership.
    • 🎨 Artist Community: Finds a suitable, supportive artistic and organic community.
    • 🏡 Tiny House Advocacy: Advocates for the legalization and acceptance of diverse housing options like tiny homes, yurts, and buses to provide affordable living solutions.
    • 📈 Housing Market: Highlights the high costs and unaffordability of housing in Toronto, rendering it unattainable for those like her with tiny homes.
    • 🎶 Custom Tiny House: Describes her well planned customized tiny home, including a unique hitch extension to create a cello practice room essential for her music career.
    • 📝 Ownership Rights: Stresses the importance of legal rights and protections for tiny homes to be considered viable investments for the future.
    • 💔 Personal Struggles: Opens up about facing multiple evictions, renovictions, and dealing with the loss of her brother, emphasizing the emotional toll of housing instability.
    • 🔍 Legal Battles: Discusses her intention to pursue legal action against an unjust eviction, highlighting the need for legal recourse for tiny home dwellers facing similar challenges.


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    20 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 35 minutes 4 seconds
    Essential Tiny House Organization Tips from a Pro Organizer

    Louise Scott is a multifaceted professional organizer, designer and travel enthusiast. She has not only embraced tiny living, but has also helped many transition to a more minimalistic lifestyle through her business, All Things French. We'll dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of living small, the positive impact it has on finances and quality of life and her unique organizational tips to apply to the spaces in your life of all sizes. Plus, we'll explore her passion for French culture and how that's shaping her future business endeavors. Stay tuned as we uncover how tiny house living can truly transform your life.

    In This Episode:

    • 🏡 Minimalism in Tiny House Living: Insights into decluttering and minimalism benefits.
    • 🧹 Organizational Skills: Tips on maintaining order in small spaces.
    • 🌿 Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Design elements for seamless outdoor views.
    • 💲 Cost-Efficiency: Tiny house costs and financial benefits.
    • 📦 Decluttering Tips: Strategies for dealing with memorabilia and sentimental items.
    • 💡 Resource-Conscious Living: Growing interest in eco-friendly, low-cost living solutions.
    • 🛠 Client Assistance: Providing various organizational services for client needs.
    • ⛴ Travel Influence: Traveling with a minimalist lifestyle.
    • 📉 Reduced Utility Bills: Financial savings from lower utility costs.
    • 🛏 Aging Challenges: Anticipated need for accessibility to loft beds and composting toilets.

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    6 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 38 minutes 35 seconds
    Breaking Free from Consumerism: Tiny Living and Big Ideas with Nate Murphy

    Today, we have a thought-provoking episode featuring Nate Murphy. Nate is an advocate for minimalism, environmental consciousness, and co-living, and he's here to share his insights on how these concepts intersect with van life and tiny house living. We’ll also explore his book "The Ideas That Rule Us," which dives deep into the ideologies shaping our lives and how embracing minimalism can lead to more fulfilling choices. Nate's personal journey and the practical steps he offers for aligning your life with your values are truly inspiring. So, if you've ever felt weighed down by consumerism or are curious about making radical lifestyle changes, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned as we uncover the benefits of eco-villages, the freedom of van life, and pathways to a more self-aware and community-focused existence.

    In This Episode:

    • 🚐 Van Life Simplicity: Highlighting the affordability, simplicity, and freedom compared to traditional city living.
    • 🏞️ Digital Nomadism: The shift towards remote work, allowing people to live and work in rural areas with access to high-speed internet.
    • 🏡 Property Appreciation: Unlike vans that depreciate, tiny houses can appreciate over time with proper care and maintenance.
    • 💸 Unsustainable Property Prices: A critique on the excessive property prices and the notion that houses should serve as living tools, not just financial investments.
    • 🌳 Sustainable Living: Nate’s approach to buying a house in Catalonia focuses on long-term sustainable living rather than financial profit.
    • 🌐 Contributionism vs. Consumerism: Community and contribution are valued more over ownership and consumerism, promoting a richer sense of worth.
    • 🏘️ Eco Villages/Co-Living: Eco villages and co-living spaces enhance the sense of community and mutual dependency, fostering tangible value exchange and improved living environments.
    • 💡 Self-Awareness: Nate advises evaluating one’s behavior and time use to align actions with true values, thereby increasing self-awareness and openness.
    • 🌍 Capitalism and Sustainability: A call for a shift towards a sustainable version of capitalism that includes fairness and care.

    This Week's Sponsor:
    This Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast is sponsored by PrecisionTemp hot water heaters. Right now, PrecisionTemp is offering $50 off their amazing hot water heaters if you use the code THLP at checkout. Head over to PrecisionTemp at precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP for $50 off. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.

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    2 August 2024, 10:00 am
  • 41 minutes 54 seconds
    From NYC to 128 Sq Ft: How John Wells Escaped $12K Taxes for a $400/Year Tiny Paradise

    Today's episode is a special one, several years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing John Wells, a true pioneer in the tiny house movement. John first caught my attention through his insightful comments on my Facebook posts about building my own tiny house. As I dug deeper into his profile, I realized he was the real deal - someone who had fully embraced the off-grid, minimalist lifestyle.

    While we initially decided not to release our conversation, recent events have changed my perspective. Sadly, I learned of John's passing through this month's Tiny House Magazine, where he was mentioned as an early influence for Andrew and Laura Lavoie. This news prompted me to revisit our interview, and I was struck by how valuable and inspiring our discussion truly was.

    In this episode, we'll explore John's remarkable journey from living in a 2800 square foot house to embracing life in a 128 square foot tiny home on the remote Terlingua Ranch in Southwest Texas. John shares practical steps he took to make this dramatic transformation, offering a wealth of tips for anyone interested in off-grid living. 

    Throughout our conversation, John's unique approach to simple living and his authentic personality shine through, providing invaluable insights for those considering a similar lifestyle change. Though recorded a while ago, John's wisdom remains as relevant and thought-provoking as ever.

    In This Episode:

    • 🏠 The specifics of John's off-grid home, including portable AC, propane cooking, and preference for solar power over wind energy.
    • 🌞 Details of John's solar power system, with 1200 watts providing electricity and the benefits it brings to his off-grid living.
    • 🚑  A recount of his compound fracture, hospital stay, and long recovery period in a wheelchair that interrupted his off-grid activities.
    • 💡 Tips for living off-grid, such as experimenting with modular systems and the importance of self-sufficiency.
    • 🐕 John's preference for animal interactions over human companionship and his hermit lifestyle, despite being active online.
    • ✉️ Various income sources like odd jobs, selling merchandise, and custom silver items; his grassland and minimal cost living.
    • 🏚️ John's process in building a tiny house for himself and for a friend, utilizing his carpentry skills and past experiences.
    • 🍽️ Using a solar oven, shopping at remote grocery stores, and experimenting with food delivery during recovery.
    • 💰 Monthly expenses, property taxes, and how moving to Texas drastically reduced his living costs.
    • 🎥 Insights into his blog, YouTube channel, and why he shares his off-grid lifestyle online, turning his experiences into engaging content.

    Visit the website for full show notes, photos, links and resources.

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    12 July 2024, 10:00 am
  • 36 minutes 4 seconds
    The Versatility and Challenges of Living a Tiny Lifestyle

    Over the past decade, Jenna has expanded her influence through her amazingly popular YouTube channel, Tiny House Giant Journey, which showcases unique tiny house tours and stories. We'll discuss the challenges of maintaining and repairing a tiny house, especially when it's used primarily as a vacation rental, but it wasn't built as one initially. Jenna will also share the incredible stories behind some of the most remarkable tiny houses she has encountered, including one nestled in an animal sanctuary. Whether you're a tiny house veteran or just curious, you'll find plenty of inspiration and practical insights in today's episode.

    In This Episode:

    • 🏡 Tiny House Maintenance: Jenna shares challenges, including moving and flooring issues.
    • 🚗 Tiny House Transportation: Costs and difficulties of moving and parking tiny homes.
    • 👪 Minimalism with Family: Struggling to accommodate a growing family and maintain minimalism.
    • 🚚 Trends in Tiny Homes: Larger homes and rise of tiny house villages.
    • 🎥 Tiny House Stories: Jenna's YouTube content and focus on personal stories.
    • ✨ Unique Living Spaces: Her interest in unique tiny homes like Vardo wagon.
    • 📈 Popularity of Tiny Houses: Increased acceptance and legal parking options.

    This Week's Sponsor:
    This Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast is sponsored by PrecisionTemp hot water heaters. Right now, PrecisionTemp is offering $50 off their amazing hot water heaters if you use the code THLP at checkout. Head over to PrecisionTemp at precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP for $50 off. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.

    Visit the website for full transcript, photos, links and resources from this episode.

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    28 June 2024, 10:00 am
  • 40 minutes 43 seconds
    Secrets to a Fulfilling Tiny House Lifestyle

    Candace and her husband have a unique story, having coordinated their tiny house build in the United States while still living in South Africa entirely via WhatsApp video calls. With a background as a declutter coach, life coach, retreat leader, and yoga teacher, Candace brings us insights on how to create a life filled with intentionality and joy. We'll dive into her journey from South Africa to the United States, explore the impact of decluttering on mental and emotional well-being, and get inspired by her advice for those considering the tiny house lifestyle. Stay tuned as we learn from Candace's experience and enthusiasm for creating a life you'll love.

    In This Episode:

    • 🌱 Minimalism and Decluttering: Candace emphasizes the personal growth she experienced from shedding material possessions.
    • 🏡 Tiny House Living: She shares about transitioning to a tiny home and its benefits.
    • 🌍 Traveling Lifestyle: Traveling with their tiny house across the US and finding parking.
    • 💪 Personal Growth: Candace talks about the challenges and mindset shifts that came along with the move from South Africa to the US.
    • ✨ Intentional Living: She discusses how embracing new experiences lead to a fulfilling life.
    • 🔄 Simplification Process: The feeling of lightness she achieved through decluttering.
    • 🛠️ Building Challenges: How she managed to coordinate their entire tiny house build remotely via WhatsApp.
    • 🧘 Holistic Wellness: Focusing on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

    Visit the website for full transcript, photos, links and resources from this episode.

    This Week's Sponsor:
    This Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast is sponsored by PrecisionTemp hot water heaters. Right now, PrecisionTemp is offering $50 off their amazing hot water heaters if you use the code THLP at checkout. Head over to PrecisionTemp, that's precisiontemp.com, and use the coupon code THLP for $50 off. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.

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    14 June 2024, 10:00 am
  • 35 minutes 46 seconds
    011. Living the Minimalist Family Life: 3 People, 3 Cats, and a Dog in a 325sf Tiny House On Wheels

    Emily Gerde and her husband Justin, son Wyatt, three cats and one dog live in a 325 square foot tiny house on wheels. Emily is the author of Minimalist Living for a Maximum Life, which provides insight on their tiny house journey and how a minimalist, organic, holistic, mindful lifestyle led to a life of their dreams.

    What's it like raising a minimalist family with plans to grow in tiny house? How do you keep the intake of stuff to a minimum while creating an enriching experience for your children? I'll ask Emily those questions and more.

    In this episode:

    • Why did Emily settle on relatively large (325sf) tiny house on wheels?
    • What’s it like to move a 20,000lb tiny house?
    • Why Emily and her family started living in a camper but have decided to abandon that project?
    • How to deal with the judgement you receive from choosing to live in a tiny house as a family?
    • Emily’s efforts to legalize tiny house communities in Colorado
    • What will you do when your young children approach teen age?
    • Do you have to live in a tiny house to be a minimalist?
    • How do you control the space (toys, play area, etc.) associated with kids in your tiny house?
    • How do you deal with receiving gifts when most people tend to give children toys?
    • How have you dealt with the need for an address to enroll your son in school?

    Find the full show notes, transcript, links and resources on the website.

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    31 May 2024, 10:00 am
  • 36 minutes 32 seconds
    081. The Allure of the Roadtrip: Building Towable Tiny Houses

    Lil Wing is a metal triangle on wheels with a putting green grass landing, and it was the most unique tiny house I saw at Big Mass Festival. The builder, Chris Schapdick of Tiny Industrial, specializes in smaller tiny homes that are easy to tow. In addition, he is the author of two books about tiny house living. In this conversation, we’ll cover the ins and outs of building towable tiny houses, why Chris decided to share his process on Instructables, and what we can look forward to in his book release.

    In This Episode:

    • From NYC suburbia to living tiny in upstate New York: Chris’s tiny house journey
    • How Chris started building other tiny houses
    • The challenge of sealing plywood
    • Tiny House Industrial has offerings for every budget level
    • Lil Wing design inspiration
    • Why are the smaller tiny houses so appealing?
    • The Oculus North tiny house
    • Why Chris wrote The Joy of Tiny House Living

    Visit the show notes page for more photos, links, and resources.

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    24 May 2024, 10:00 am
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