This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor talks about landing his job on the longest-running how-to show on TV, embedding with Team Rubicon for his Roku show, masculinity, and treating a razor wound. Banter about shaving mishaps and remedies included.
Highlighting experts and their knowledge is key to the success of shows like This Old House.
The decline in trade skills enrollment and devaluation of manual labor negatively affect young men's career opportunities.
Engaging in meaningful work, like supporting organizations such as Team Rubicon, can have a lasting impact on individuals' lives.
Deep dives
The Importance of Authenticity and Expert Advice
The host, Kevin O'Connor, discusses the value of authenticity and the role of experts on the show. He emphasizes the importance of having professional contractors as the cast of This Old House and allowing them to share their expertise. He believes that the show's success lies in highlighting the professionals and their knowledge, rather than trying to be the expert himself.
The Evolution of Hosting and Breaking Traditions
The conversation delves into the evolution of hosting styles, with Kevin O'Connor and the podcast host discussing how traditional hosting used to be about portraying authority and expertise. They note that This Old House, along with shows like Dirty Jobs, challenged this model and created a format where experts are highlighted and a relatable host acts as a viewer avatar. They celebrate the shift towards authenticity and the recognition of the value of experts in their respective fields.
The Importance of Trade Skills and Challenges for Boys Today
Kevin O'Connor and the podcast host talk about the decline in trade skills enrollment, highlighting the shift towards apprenticeships and the changing perception of these professions. They express concern about the elimination of shop classes and hands-on learning in schools, noting that it restricts opportunities for young men and affects their understanding of work and responsibility. They discuss the impact of societal stereotypes and the need to reevaluate the value placed on trade skills and vocational education.
Impact of Shop Class Removal from High Schools
The removal of shop class from high schools has had a significant impact on the skills gap and the changing definition of a good job. Shop class was not only a practical training ground for technical skills but also a source of important male role models. The decline in male teachers and the predominance of female teachers in schools may have contributed to a shift in perceptions of traditional masculine careers. This has led to a devaluation of manual labor and trade professions, negatively affecting the career choices and opportunities for young men. By recognizing the value of skilled trades and promoting the importance of hands-on work, we can address the skills gap and empower young men in their career paths.
The Role of Team Rubicon and the Importance of Meaningful Work
Team Rubicon is a volunteer organization made up of highly skilled individuals, both military veterans and civilians. These individuals are trained to respond to uncertain situations and provide vital assistance in disaster relief efforts. They exemplify the importance of meaningful work and the impact it has on individuals and communities. By engaging in work that is both fun and meaningful, such as supporting organizations like Team Rubicon, individuals can make a positive difference in the world. Being part of something bigger and greater than oneself, and having the opportunity to help others, is a fulfilling and empowering experience that can have a lasting impact on individuals' lives.
This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor talks about the serendipitous non-audition audition that landed him a job on the longest-running how-to show on TV, what it was like to embed with Team Rubicon to film his new Roku show, what masculinity really looks like, and how to treat a razor wound.
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