The Thrift Diving Podcast

Latest Episodes:

10 Lessons for Taking Creative Classes Online! - Episode #154 Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

In a recent blog post and podcast episode, I confessed that I had been experiencing creative burnout, but I think I was just...bored. I needed to learn something new, challenge myself, and add new skills to my "DIY toolbox." I realized that I have actually learned a lot by taking creative online classes. So in this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 lessons and tips on how to take creative online courses (so that you actually learn something!). Have a listen!

Got a question? Send me an email.

READ THIS ON THE BLOG:

10 Lessons for Taking Creative Online Classes (So You Actually Learn Something!) - Blog post

CREATIVE RESOURCES:

REFERENCED

Building a Custom Closet - Blog Post
Jigsaw - Home Depot

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WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools
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STOP Creating Only When You "Feel" Like It - #153 Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

This episode is a heart-to-heart about creative burnout and showing up for your creativity even on the days when you’d rather do anything else. I’m sharing the epiphany I had while making my bed (yes… really), what Michael Jordan and Stephen King taught me about discipline, and why I’m done letting my mood decide whether I create. If you’re rebuilding your spark, feeling stuck, or searching for permission to start again — listen in.

Got a question? Send me an email.

READ THIS ON THE BLOG:

STOP Creating Only When You "Feel" Like It - Blog post

CREATIVE RESOURCES:

REFERENCED

Excited reel I posted about my upcoming project - YouTube short
xTool Reel on making wooden earrings - YouTube short
Stephen King Interview
Michael Jordon reference
Stephen King Book - 11/22/63 (Amazon)

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Join My 30-Day DIY Challenge and Win $1,000! - #152 Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Do you need a kick in the DIY pants? Then you should join my 30-Day DIY Challenge! Recently I shared with you the "BEFORE" and "AFTER" of my friend's home office makeover that I did for her. (If you haven't seen it, you can read the blog post HERE and watch the video tutorial HERE).

I also told you about the $1,000 giveaway I'm doing in partnership with Arrow Tool Group. Did you enter yet?! (ENTER HERE!)

(If not, you should, because there are only 216 people entered at the time of this publishing, so your odds are better than Power Ball! HA! You'll win a $500 AMEX gift card and a $500 ArrowToolGroup.com gift card. Free money for your next project!)

But did you know we're also doing a 30-day DIY challenge to give you a kick in the DIY pants during the month of September? SIGN UP HERE!

MENTIONED:

BEFORE & AFTER: My Pretty Laundry Room Makeover! (Blog post)
Home Office Makeover (Blog Post)

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10 Tips for Your Next Room Makeover! - #151 Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Don't forget to enter my $1,000 giveaway with Arrow Tool Group! ENTER HERE!

Be sure to sign up for the 30-Day DIY Challenge, too! JOIN HERE!

I just got done doing and epic home office makeover with my best girlfriend in her home! What started as a disorganized, uninspiring "catch all" room, became a colorful, layered room full of second-hand furniture and DIY projects that turned it into a room she loves!

In this episode, I'm sharing with you 10 tips on doing your own room makeover on budget--what to expect, what to do, what NOT to do, and some behind-the-scenes chit-chat about working on this room!

Got a question? Send me an email.

MENTIONED:

BEFORE & AFTER: Colorful Home Office Makeover! (YouTube)
Home Office Makeover (Blog Post)

Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!

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Women Can Repair Appliances, Too! (And This Woman Is Teaching Them How) - #150 Apr 13, 2025

Show notes

Did you know that women make up only about 3% of the home appliance repairers, but they excel in this field? In this episode, I sit down with Mona Sims, the inspiring owner of SSG Appliance Academy. She shares her journey of starting and growing a business that empowers individuals (with a focus on women women re-entering society from incarceration or being victims of domestic abuse and sex trafficking) to learn how to repair appliances and start their own appliance repair businesses.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a DIY enthusiast, or someone curious about exploring a new industry, Mona’s story is full of valuable insights and encouragement. Got a question?? Send me an email.

MENTIONED:

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How to Sell Refinished Furniture on Facebook Marketplace - #149 Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

I don't know about you...but in this economy, I need a side gig! Have you ever considered selling your refinished furniture on Facebook Marketplace? I've started dipping my toe into selling furniture online, and although it hasn't been very long, I've learned a few important things that you've got to keep in mind before you start selling on Facebook Marketplace! It's a great way to bring in another stream of income in this tough economy, while allowing you to exercise your creative muscle. Let's talk about how to do it right! Have you ever sold your refinished pieces of furniture on FB Marketplace? I'd love to hear your how it's going for you! Send me an email.

MENTIONED:

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Social Media is KILLING Our Creativity! - #148 Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m sharing my recent struggles with feeling uninspired and disconnected from the projects that used to spark joy for me. Life has been “lifin’,” and honestly, social media hasn’t helped.

I’ll talk about how anxiety that social media creates shuts down creativity, why taking a step back from social media might be exactly what you need, and the small changes I’m making to protect my creative spark. Let’s take back our creativity, ditch the pressure to "measure up", and create for the love of creating again.

Don’t forget to check out the blog post! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

MENTIONED & RESOURCES

Why We Lose Our Creative Spark - Episode #147
Join the WAIT LIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!

RESOURCES

Beyond Anxiety - Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose by Martha Beck (Buy on Amazon)

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

Subscribe to my YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving

Let’s Connect!

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Why We Lose Our Creative Spark (And How to Get It Back!) - #147 Sep 22, 2024

Show notes

I have a confession: I haven't been feeling very creative lately. I've been working on projects behind-the-scenes, but I haven't felt that same creative spark and excitement. I've felt stuck and absorbed in other things, particularly family matters. It made me wonder if you've felt this way at times, too? What can we do to reignite our creativity? Listen in as I share personal stories on why I think we temporarily lose our creativity and how we can try to bring it back.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

MENTIONED & RESOURCES

Console Table I Built with a Friend! (YouTube)
My Son Left for College (blog post)
BEFORE & AFTER: Hakimah's Bathroom Makeover (blog post)
Workbench Makeover (Youtube)
Wiring the Electricity in My "She Shed" (Video)

RESOURCES

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

Subscribe to my YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving

Let’s Connect!

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The 46 Top Hand Tools For Your DIY Toolbox! - #146 Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

I talk a lot about power tools, but I often don't mention all the hand tools that are most important for your DIY toolbox! Join me and listener, Elizabeth, who is a former shop teacher, as we talk about all the hand tools that you should put on your list to invest in for your workshop!
Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question we didn't answer? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

MENTIONED & RESOURCES

BEFOER & AFTER Bathroom Makeover! (YouTube)
Watch all of Bathroom Week! (YouTube)
Woodpecker Tools
Festool Tools (affiliate link)
Rust-Oleum rust remover
Back saw
Nail set
Tape measure with auto-lock and fractions

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

Subscribe to my YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving

Let’s Connect!

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How Thrift Diving Went from a Hobby to a Business! - #145 Jun 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, my friend and I discuss how I got started with Thrift Diving, the evolution of my brand, and the challenges and rewards of running a DIY blog and YouTube channel. From thrift store finds to major brand partnerships, we cover it all. I'm chatting in this episode with Laura Rudder, a loyal Thrift Diving reader turned dear friend. Laura originally interviewed me about personal topics in Episodes #113 and #114, and now she's back to dive deep into the business side of Thrift Diving.
We discuss Tune in to learn more about my journey, get inspired, and hear some behind-the-scenes stories that shaped Thrift Diving. Don't miss this insightful and fun conversation!
Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question we didn't answer? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

PODCAST EPISODES MENTIONED

MENTIONED & RESOURCES

Building a Floating Deck - YouTube
How to Insulate Your Windows with Plastic - YouTube
Diary of a CEO Podcast with Stephen Bartlett
Diary of a CEO: 33 Laws of Business and Life - Amazon
Haven Conference
Workbench Con
Brianna Shelko on Instagram
How to Use a Jigsaw - YouTube

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

Subscribe to my YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving

Let’s Connect!

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