This week on HGTV Obsessed, hosts Mike and Kat Stickler chat with the one and only Ty Pennington. He talks about his show, Ty Breaker, and getting to work with some of HGTV’s finest to convince families to renovate or move. Ty talks about his approach to finding solutions for homeowners and why he’s an advocate for renovating what you already have. We also hear about his experience hosting the upcoming show, Rock the Block, and working with so many interior designer MVPs. Kat shares her connection to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and she and Ty take a walk down memory lane and talk about the new reboot on HGTV. Then, Ty opens up about living with ADHD and how he went from taking night classes in college to becoming America’s favorite carpenter. Finally, Ty shares his thoughts on indoor murals, and Steve and Leanne Ford give advice on how to handle outgrowing your home.
This week on HGTV Obsessed, hosts Mike and Kat Stickler chat with the one and only Ty Pennington. He talks about his show, Ty Breaker, and getting to work with some of HGTV’s finest to convince families to renovate or move. Ty talks about his approach to finding solutions for homeowners and why he’s an advocate for renovating what you already have. We also hear about his experience hosting the upcoming show, Rock the Block, and working with so many interior designer MVPs. Kat shares her connection to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and she and Ty take a walk down memory lane and talk about the new reboot on HGTV. Then, Ty opens up about living with ADHD and how he went from taking night classes in college to becoming America’s favorite carpenter. Finally, Ty shares his thoughts on indoor murals, and Steve and Leanne Ford give advice on how to handle outgrowing your home.
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Learn More About Ty Breaker: https://www.hgtv.com/shows/ty-breaker
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Find episode transcript here: https://hgtv-obsessed.simplecast.com/episodes/ty-pennington-on-renovating-vs-moving-the-fords-on-location-location-location
[MUSIC PLAYING] KAT STICKLER: Hi, guys, and welcome. I'm Kat.
MIKE STICKLER: And I'm Mike.
KAT STICKLER: This is HGTV Obsessed. Hello, world, and welcome back to another episode of HGTV Obsessed.
MIKE STICKLER: The weekly podcast where we dive into all things HGTV for fans like you. I'm Mike.
KAT STICKLER: And I am Kat. And when we aren't watching HGTV, we make funny videos on TikTok-- I feel weird saying that I make funny videos but I do, I can't help it-- about marriage, parenting, and life.
MIKE STICKLER: You were a little too excited for our guests today.
KAT STICKLER: Oh my gosh, yeah.
MIKE STICKLER: You were bogging out.
KAT STICKLER: Are you kidding me? I was star struck right when I saw him.
MIKE STICKLER: But there's a legitimate reason, right. So we can't wait for the fans to hear that.
KAT STICKLER: It's Ty Pennington, like the Ty Pennington. I have watched him on TV since middle school. He did a home renovation. What's the word? Re--
MIKE STICKLER: You could say he did an extreme home makeover.
KAT STICKLER: Right. He did an extreme home makeover to someone that I knew, and I still see this house every week
MIKE STICKLER: Wild.
KAT STICKLER: It's amazing. It's amazing.
MIKE STICKLER: Wild connection, yeah.
KAT STICKLER: I was so excited. Ty Pennington, the Ty Pennington, he literally hasn't aged a day.
MIKE STICKLER: Not a day.
KAT STICKLER: Or it's like fine wine. I think he looks better than he did when I was in middle school.
MIKE STICKLER: He's a dime.
KAT STICKLER: He is a dime. We were looking at old modeling photos of him and he was talking about modeling in Japan and I was like, oh my goodness.
MIKE STICKLER: The one with seaweed?
KAT STICKLER: Yeah.
MIKE STICKLER: Oh, yeah.
KAT STICKLER: I've seen you shirtless, Ty.
[LAUGHTER]
MIKE STICKLER: Anyways. I mean, again, you definitely had a pretty legitimate reason to be hyped for Ty.
KAT STICKLER: I feel like he's been a part of my life for so long and it came full circle finally talking to him like a friend you haven't seen in a while that you've been kind of obsessed with--
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah.
KAT STICKLER: --that's how I felt.
MIKE STICKLER: I mean, I remember growing up, we would watch that every single week. We literally-- our family would tune into that every week, so it's so surreal to have been interviewing him today.
KAT STICKLER: And he's such a vibe. I feel weird saying that super out of my-- he's such a vibe but he really is. When he was on this Zoom, I was just like--
MIKE STICKLER: Vibe city.
KAT STICKLER: --infectious energy. I was like, I just want to work with him and be a designer too.
MIKE STICKLER: Can you say the vibes were immaculate?
KAT STICKLER: The vibes were immaculate.
[LAUGHTER]
It was the vibes for me.
MIKE STICKLER: Anyways, guys, you're going to love the episode today. We can't wait for you to hear it. Why don't we go ahead and jump in as Ty talks about his new show, Ty Breaker.
KAT STICKLER: For this show, he helps families decide whether to overhaul their current home or renovate a new one. And a top HGTV designer joins him in each episode to convince them to renovate a new property while Ty tries to entice them to stay in their existing home.
MIKE STICKLER: I mean, I love seeing the options, Ty, and the designers come up with to solve the family's problems.
KAT STICKLER: And I feel like it's also relatable. And I love the idea of saving something like your home, where you grew up in. I'm thinking about my childhood home and just thinking of staying in that home but remodeling it into a space that's updated to this day and age and how we live now. It sounds so wholesome.
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah.
KAT STICKLER: It's like a marriage. Like, just don't leave your person, just try to renovate them.
MIKE STICKLER: Not try to renovate them. Let's try to renovate the marriage.
KAT STICKLER: Or yourself. Yes, right.
[LAUGHTER]
MIKE STICKLER: I love you. Anyways, awesome episode coming up, guys. Can't wait for you to hear it. Why don't we go ahead and jump into it? And I hope you enjoy it. Let's go.
KAT STICKLER: Let's move--
MIKE STICKLER: That bus.
KAT STICKLER: --that bus.
MIKE STICKLER: Move that bus seriously, though. Let's go.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
KAT STICKLER: Ty, welcome to HGTV Obsessed. We are so-- I'm so happy to have you here. Michael is happy to have you too.
MIKE STICKLER: So excited.
KAT STICKLER: But I'm very happy.
[LAUGHTER]
TY PENNINGTON: I'm really happy to be here, too. It's exciting.
MIKE STICKLER: We're excited to talk about a lot of things but first, we want to get into what most relevant, what's most important for you I'm sure right now your latest show Ty Breaker. And for those who have yet to watch, can you fill us in on what to expect? What is it about?
TY PENNINGTON: It's actually a show about mud wrestling where I mud wrestle my co-host and it's so exciting. No, honestly, it is a competitive show only because I'm super competitive. But really, the show is a lot of fun. It gets me back into my realm, which is helping people-- well, help them finally live the dream house they've always wanted and sometimes it's in the house that is no longer the space that they thought the one they bought was going to be and sometimes it's moving them to a whole new spot.
So, let's face it, my forte is really looking at where people have lived and finding a way to turn it into the dream home that they've always wanted. We all go through a lot of big changes. Families grow, they have kids. I mean, what we've gone through in the last year has changed the way you look at houses too.
And so it's really fun because we unlike just surprising somebody and giving them the gift of designing a room that you came up with all yourself and be like, hey, you had nothing before but now you've got this, I hope you like it, they don't really have a chance to have a say in it, but this is really about them putting skin in the game and saying, hey, this is what our budget is, and then working with a real clients budget to give them the most bank for their buck.
And it's a lot of fun because I wanted to make sure I had a co-host who, let's just say, is a little bit salty so that it feels more like family, so that everything's not really so sugar-coated. It's pretty real. And the real arguments we have over design are real, and the competitive side is absolutely real. But, yeah, it's so much fun. I cannot say enough about my co-host Alison Victoria from Windy City Rehab, Grace Mitchell from A Storied style, and then, of course, Sabrina Soto who I've known forever and is basically like the sister I never wanted. So-- but, yeah, it's a blast. It's a really fun show.
KAT STICKLER: I feel like you can definitely tell from what I've seen of the show that you really thrive when it's competition time, the best version of Ty comes out and all the creative juices start flowing. It's awesome to watch. But do you have a process for how you approach the pain points of some of these families are facing in their homes?
TY PENNINGTON: Well, I think I've always gone with what seems to me, the most important part. Like, what is the thing that needs the biggest change? And the interesting thing about Ty Breaker is-- the reason it's called Ty Breaker not only is it just a great name, but it's also there's usually one thing that sways their decision about whether or not they're going to stay in the house they've been in and fix it or move on to a new place. And so that deciding factor, that one design element usually is the tiebreaker.
And for me I've always found-- I mean, let's face it, I've done so many rooms for so many different families and a lot of times you guys didn't even see those rooms because they were my secret project. But I always try and not only design the entire furniture that's going to be in the room because I don't want to just put something you can find on sale in somebody's house.
I always try and put a lot of meaning behind it. But when you're also dealing with a client who only has so much of a budget, sometimes you have to focus on the things that they already have, but then showcase them in a way that they didn't think of, in a unique way that really means a lot to them.
And I think that's what the beauty of design really is is like, how do you become really resourceful and find the elements sometimes they're right in front of the people that didn't realize it was there and really shine a light on it and make it even more special? Because, let's face it, the things that we hold so dear are usually pretty close to us, and we've held on to them for a reason. The other stuff that you don't need, you get rid of. But those key elements really can have-- I mean, that's where your inspiration usually is in design choices.
MIKE STICKLER: I'm literally thinking of how I can redo my room.
TY PENNINGTON: You guys look-- you look like you're pretty safe in there with that beige. But who knows? Maybe we'll change it over some time here.
MIKE STICKLER: There you go.
TY PENNINGTON: Yeah.
MIKE STICKLER: Come out to Tampa. We'll do that. So how much of your process is creative versus problem solving when you're looking out a room?
TY PENNINGTON: Well, I mean, come on, let's be honest, it's kind of the same thing because usually-- well, I'll just answer it like this, I'm really good at big visual ideas. So I'm like, when you walk in the room, I want to see something that jaw drops. That I'm like I want the a moment like, damn, look at that wall because I've been designing on TV for over 20 years, and so I'm used to having that wow factor.
MIKE STICKLER: Boom.
TY PENNINGTON: And it's funny because I've seen things evolve. And, yes, I also love the beauty of a white space with black accents and just a little bit of natural wood. Look, that's also beautiful. But I do come from that genre of something really unique and something that really stands out. That could also just be a really stunning fireplace. So it all depends.
But I love that one-- sometimes that one thing that you immediately go, wow, this is mind-blowing. I cannot believe you could use that on this. So I like using materials in different ways so people are like, are those cedar shake shingles that are on our fireplace walls? Well, yes, they are. So it's those kind of moments.
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah.
TY PENNINGTON: But at the same time, spatially, I think problem-solving is what a designer usually is best at because it's like, how do we change the space that we have and really, really make it work? And usually it's like, I don't want to lose the closet space because that's all we have. But how do we get a bigger bathroom even though there is no more room? And a lot of those challenges you see on Ty Breaker quite a bit, sometimes I was even planning on going up in a house because there was no way to go out.
MIKE STICKLER: So you and designers, you guys on the show you make great cases to the homeowners for moving or renovating. Are you typically an advocate for renovating what you already have then?
TY PENNINGTON: I think I've always been that way, here's why. I don't think-- I'm one of these people that if you chose a house for a reason, right, and then-- I think now parents are like, do I really want to uproot my kids? They've already joined a soccer team. I think it's not only familiar but sometimes in an area when someone's thriving, especially in school, the last thing you want to do, especially with an ADHD child, is pull them out when they're doing well. So I'm usually an advocate for just changing what you have.
But that being said, there's a lot of houses out there that are so old. They have these really tiny rooms and everybody wants that gigantic everything room that's got your kitchen and your dining room and your living room all on one and, let's just say, walls and roof structures weren't designed for that to do it later. But the crazy part is like on Ty Breaker we found a way to do that. So it's harder. It's a little bit expensive, but I think you can change anything that you're in.
And what I love about that is when you've lived in something so long, people have a really tough time envisioning what it could be because they've only seen it one way. But that's the beauty of having a designer or somebody who comes in and there's never seen the space before because they can immediately like, oh, no, yeah, that's got to go over here, that needs to-- and that is just not working.
And I love that because to watch somebody come back into a space that they've already known as one thing, and then see them completely flipped out and not even know who they are and they're like, you're standing in your house, that's amazing to me because we can always find something new. And I'm a big fan of change, I really am.
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah.
TY PENNINGTON: My parents moved me to new schools just to make sure my grades would actually go up. But-- But, yeah, I'm usually a stickler for like, let's make it work. It's work for you this way. There's a reason why-- especially if you see little height numbers where the kids have grown and all that, you don't want to uproot them. So, yeah, I think there's always a way to make it work, and I try and find that plan.
MIKE STICKLER: I feel like that's a great outlook for life even. You know what I mean?
TY PENNINGTON: Well, we've all had to make it work quite a bit this year, haven't we?
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah.
KAT STICKLER: So you got to work with-- like you said prior, you got to work with Alison Victoria, Sabrina Soto, Grace Mitchell.
TY PENNINGTON: Yeah.
KAT STICKLER: And how competitive does it get between you and the designers? And is there someone specifically that you work really well with? Give us the scoop.
TY PENNINGTON: Oh my God.
MIKE STICKLER: Oh, boy. Oh, boy. They're going to listen to this.
TY PENNINGTON: Oh, trust me. It's so interesting how competitive-- I mean, I have a brother, so I grew up playing sports with my brother, and we were always competing. I mean, to this day, sibling rivalry never goes away. I mean, it was like one of the things where we had one picture frame, and then my brother and I would have these high school photos, whatever, the only ones we would get because school took them. And my mom would switch them out on the fireplace depending on who is the good kid that month. Trust me, it was never me.
MIKE STICKLER: Oh.
TY PENNINGTON: So I never got to be on the mat until I made a name for myself then I'm like, oh, because I'm a model now. So competitiveness is all-- its like invained in my blood. But what I love about these co-hosts is they're all not only really talented, they're not afraid to voice their opinion, and they will tell me like, that idea sucks. And I'm like, wow, there's so many other ways you could have worded it, but I like the way you just came right out and said, you're not happy with that idea. And honestly, that's the way I like it. I like real banter. I don't want to be like, yeah, that could work or this.
I think what I love about the co-host is they know what they like, they know what works, and sometimes even they have a tough time accepting somebody else's idea. But what I've learned through this show is we all start out super competitive but in the end, we end up working together and get a hybrid, if you will, of both our ideas, and the rooms, I think, are better because of that.
And I think sometimes all of us need somebody else to say, look, your style is cool and that works for that, but these people are really going to love this. And so it's great that you work with other people. I just think you're going to-- you find the better you when you compromise. And I can't believe I just said that.
[LAUGHTER]
KAT STICKLER: That was good.
MIKE STICKLER: It's on record.
[LAUGHTER]
KAT STICKLER: Are there any other HGTV designers on your wish list that you want to work with in the future? Just curious.
TY PENNINGTON: I mean, look, I'd love to work with so many people. What's fun is I got to work with a lot of the talent on Rock the Block because I'm hosting it this year. And the amount of talent that is on that show is incredible. And so, I mean, it's interesting. So just working with different people and seeing how they work and how they problem solve and what their passion is for detail it's awesome because you get to see that process, how people have a different way of going about things. And how some people get stressed, some people don't get stressed. And now sometimes being stressed ends up creating the best works of art.
And so I would work for everybody. I hope I work with everybody. I literally want to work with everybody. But, yeah, there's some really good talent out there. I mean, let's face it, Leanne Ford is incredibly talented. So just watching her and her brother do their thing too I'm just like, wow, now that's a good budget. But, yeah, there's just a lot of talent.
I've worked with Tiffany Brooks who's also on Rock the Block. It's just a blast too because he's super creative and we've been working together on that. So I'm spreading my wings and working on a bunch of different projects with other designers already. So hopefully we'll continue that.
MIKE STICKLER: So circling back to Rock the Block specifically and for those who will be listening to this, this is where eight of HGTV's best home renovation and design experts pair up and completely transform identical three storey suburban properties which is really cool. What was it like filming this show with so much talent on set? When I think about it, I'm almost imagining in the sports world where you get these super teams of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
TY PENNINGTON: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
MIKE STICKLER: What is that like?
TY PENNINGTON: I mean, it is definitely without a doubt a dream team of designers. And I hate to say this because everybody is going to hate me for even saying this, but I witnessed it and this is the first time they've ever doubled up and they've actually had teams. Last year's Rock the Block there were single designers. But because of that dual, because of that team spirit, it's almost like the competitiveness has been doubled. It's been amplified.
And, I mean, I've seen some of the greatest go down without a win in one competition, one week and see them just absolutely wrecked and wonder like, are we as good as we thought we were? I don't understand. It's amazing to see the mental fatigue. At the same time, the surprise design that you just would not expect and being blown away.
And, let's face it, I've seen a lot of good design in my day, but this is some of the best I've ever seen. And everything from the designs of the exteriors to the interiors are flawless. And it is a roller coaster of emotion. I mean, it's-- I'm going to say that this is probably-- no slight on the previous contestants or any of that or the other show-- this is just a whole new animal. I don't know if-- this is the biggest Rock the Block show I've ever seen.
And you're going to see so many promos and so many commercials for this because they know they've got a juggernaut. This show is so good. They send another crew to start shooting the behind the scenes of this show because they realized there's no way to squeeze all of it in. That's how good it is. Yeah.
MIKE STICKLER: That's incredible.
KAT STICKLER: I love that. [INAUDIBLE]. So we do-- we obviously have to talk about Extreme Makeover.
TY PENNINGTON: OK, yes.
KAT STICKLER: Yes.
MIKE STICKLER: Is this where you can fit your story in?
KAT STICKLER: Stop, you weren't supposed to say it. I was just supposed to--
TY PENNINGTON: Stop it. We have to have an emotional moment first then we'll get to that, right. Yes.
KAT STICKLER: Yes, exactly. So you were the host for 10 seasons. You led a group of eight designers, and you guys renovated a home for deserving families in need. And I don't know if you remember this. When I was in middle school, I had a friend. She lived by an airport and one of the planes crashed into her house.
TY PENNINGTON: Oh, in Tampa, yeah.
MIKE STICKLER: Tampa, Florida, yeah.
KAT STICKLER: Yeah.
TY PENNINGTON: Yeah, and I did the Florida Gators bedroom for the kid, yes.
KAT STICKLER: Yes.
MIKE STICKLER: That was her friend in middle school.
KAT STICKLER: And you did such a beautiful job. I remember-- and for her room, you did a mirror with show lights like a vanity thing.
TY PENNINGTON: Yeah.
KAT STICKLER: It was beautiful. And I drive by that house every week, and I always think of you when I drive by. It it's still stands, still so beautiful and--
TY PENNINGTON: Oh my God.
KAT STICKLER: --it's awesome.
TY PENNINGTON: What's crazy is I never forget a show. I don't even forget not only the family story, but I also don't forget exactly what I designed in each room that I've done. And I remember getting to Tampa and going, wait a minute, like, so a plane crashed into this house? I was like, how much jet fuel did we have to clean up?
So one of the things that had to happen before we even built that house, we had to not only take away the old house, but we had to take 68 feet of dirt out and then bring new dirt in because, let's face it, it was so toxic because a plane crash. And so literally from the ground up, that was a whole new house.
But one of the funniest things that happened on that show, so every time we would do demo in the house, it was one of the things where we had to come up with a funny or creative way to do demo. And in the beginning, we would have excavators pulling cables, dragging it down. One point we had ATVs and big foot trucks running over the house.
But I said, OK, producers, what is it going to be this week? And they were like, oh, you're going to love this week. I'm like, am I? I was like, oh. And sure enough, I turn around and I'm like-- so I'm holding the camera and the family is like, guys, and guess who's going to help us tear down your house? And look back and I'm like, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And I'm like-- and everyone's thinking, oh, the football team and I'm like, no, a bunch of pirates that have been up drinking for three days. And I'm like, this is going to go well. But it was so much fun. It was so awesome.
And I remember too doing one of the rooms for the family members, think it was the boy because he loved the Florida Gators. And so I did like this campbell wallpaper that was created to have a little gators in it. And then I created this metal bed. Anyway, I remember everything about everything, which is crazy. And so you were friends with a girl? That's amazing. What a connection.
KAT STICKLER: You lifted everyone's spirits. I remember when it happened, we were just like-- it was just horrible. But then you just-- your energy and you flipped it around it just-- it still stands. I just wanted you to know that. And it's been like over 10 years.
TY PENNINGTON: The incredible thing about Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is it's interesting because we really did change so many lives. But we say that term so incredibly lightly like, oh, you change our lives. But the credible part is we build a house in seven days. By the way, no one's ever been able to do that on any show after that, including the reboot. It's just impossible. I don't even know how we did it.
But I think what's really amazing about what we did is like, look, just giving somebody a new home doesn't change their life but sometimes when you've been through something really horrible like a death or fighting something as horrible as cancer, just being able to turn the page and giving somebody a new start is so huge, it's so important and a home can really do that. It can give you a new beginning, a new start.
And so I just love how our show inspired so many people across America to start volunteering and doing other projects like building ramps for veterans and all the above. So, yeah, it's one of those shows that I think will live on as one of the greatest ever to be on a TV screen.
MIKE STICKLER: Well, so what was your role in the reboot? And how does it feel to be helping families again?
TY PENNINGTON: Oh, it was awesome. It was interesting because-- I mean, when I first heard the news they were like bringing it back, of course, I was like, yes. But then I was like, wow, is it going to be the same show? And so I was curious because I want to just make sure that the integrity of the show stays the same because it's like who I am and all the above.
But I met with the people that were doing it and they're the same people who also, as you know, they brought back queer eye but they brought a whole new cast in and it really worked. And so I think that's what they're trying with the reboot as well. And so I was like, oh my God, wow, so like none of the originals are going to be there. I was like, OK. But then I realized it's such a great show. It doesn't matter who's hosting it because to be honest with you, that wonderful feeling you get from helping deserving families, it shouldn't just be one group of people that get to experience it. They really should let others.
And so I was stoked to just be part of it and just to try and get that show to do well again because, look, that's one of those shows that you want to stay on the air because so many people are going to benefit from having volunteers show up and so many military vets that don't even have homes that come back from battling. And so just any of that good vibe, good humans doing good things, I'll always say yes to.
KAT STICKLER: I think you're so right. That show is super, super timeless and will be forever that. So when you were saying that you built the home in seven days, I heard you wrote your book, Life to the Extreme How a Chaotic Kid Became America's Favorite Carpenter, in seven days. And this book is about your journey as a kid with "too much energy," quote, unquote.
TY PENNINGTON: Yeah.
KAT STICKLER: And how you eventually were diagnosed with ADHD in college. And you've been super open about living with ADHD. And we were wondering if you had any advice for others who might be struggling with it.
TY PENNINGTON: Oh my God, I have so many parents that come to me and be like, I just want to say thank you for just letting everyone know that you've got ADHD. We have a child with ADHD and it's just quite a challenge and I'm like, yeah, my mom knows how you feel. But I think, in all honesty, one of the biggest challenges you have with ADHD is-- to be honest with you, there's a lot of different forms of ADHD and sometimes when people are seeking attention or they're distracted--
I would be a class clown. And I was just doing that so that everybody else was distracted, which means nobody would be getting ahead of me in learning. It was what I was doing. I was keeping everybody behind while I entertain them so that I could catch up on my studying. But the truth of it is nothing was sinking in because you know what it's like when you read a chapter in a book and you're like, I don't remember a word of what I just read. I'm like--
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah, yeah
TY PENNINGTON: --that's ADHD in a nutshell every single day. But what ADHD really is this, it's trying to recite the alphabet backwards while playing ping pong. And so to get-- and try that some time. It's like because you're juggling all these different things in your mind and you can't actually get one task done. But it was a challenge.
And I guess for me, the fact that I've been doing carpentry and building things for over 40 years and I still have all my phalanges in my digits means, oh my God, the kid that my parents used to be like, he's mowing the lawn because they thought it would cut my foot off. But I was like, the biggest challenge with ADHD is lack of confidence because you're so used to failing that you start believing that you will always fail. But sometimes all it takes is one person seeing that you are talented.
And for me it was an art instructor and a graphic design partner that said like, do you realize how talented you are? And I was like, no, but you seem to think I am. And then once somebody sees that, and then he convince you that you are talented, just like that I believed in myself and next thing I know I'm leading hundreds of people toward a house to demolish it, which is a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it.
MIKE STICKLER: That's so great, man. I love that. So we need to love and lean into our ADHD children is what you're saying, right.
TY PENNINGTON: Well, sometimes they just need a little time out. And my mom would just make me run around the house 10 times until I was out of breath, and then she's like you could do one more.
[LAUGHTER]
KAT STICKLER: My little brother has severe ADHD.
MIKE STICKLER: And he's brilliant.
KAT STICKLER: He's so brilliant. And what you said is so true. Like, when you make them shift how they see themselves, he's so talented and amazing but lacks that confidence.
MIKE STICKLER: It's the confidence.
KAT STICKLER: And when someone believes in him, he really lives up to that.
MIKE STICKLER: Oh my gosh.
KAT STICKLER: I think it's a game changer for anybody. I just absolutely love it when you believe in someone. It makes them want to live up to that.
TY PENNINGTON: And when they finally see it for themselves, that look in themselves like, oh my God, I am talented. I am good at something, that's the thing is like there's just so much pressure on everybody these days. So what are you going to do? So after college, what is your plan? And I'm like, it's like, I was going to just maybe take some pictures on Instagram and see where that leads.
MIKE STICKLER: Right, right.
[LAUGHTER]
So I read that you were raised in Atlanta, and you ended up getting your bachelor's in graphic design from Art Institute of Atlanta, which--
TY PENNINGTON: I went to a couple of schools but they still don't know I went there, but that's a different story.
[LAUGHTER]
MIKE STICKLER: And I read that-- so you paid for your classes by doing landscaping and carpentry.
TY PENNINGTON: Well, and painting houses, yeah. I did all of-- my first job was landscaping, which I started from the hardest and the hardest, and then worked my way up till I learned just about everything.
MIKE STICKLER: You worked your way into the house, into the--
TY PENNINGTON: Yeah, inside to the [INAUDIBLE], yeah.
MIKE STICKLER: So how did you take your hands-on skills from doing that and apply that into your passion for design into the entertainment industry?
TY PENNINGTON: I'm going to try and shorten this as quickly as I can. Here's what I did, I went through every door of opportunity that was presented to me. So I went to design school while I was working on houses. I got my degree. I ended up working in graphic design. And then somebody saw me skateboarding on the street and handed me this card and said, I think I can make you some money and I was like, doing what? They're like, taking pictures. And I was like, oh, yeah, I don't want to do that. And so I was like, this could lead down a really bad road.
So then I went to this agency this guy worked out or whatever. I walked in, and then there's this Japanese guy who started pointing at me and laughing and I was like, what is his problem? And the lady was like, what are you doing here? And I was like, this guy said I should come here. I was trying to make some money to pay for college, right. And so they're like, look, I don't know what to tell you. Do you have any pictures yourself? I'm like, no. And they're like, are you aware of the fact that you have a rat tail hanging off the back of your head? I'm like, I do. And so you can tell what year that was.
So then this guy says, you should come to Japan. I was like, really? What would I do? And he's like, take pictures. And I was like, why? He goes, to make money. And I go, when do we leave? And so I went over there not knowing-- here's my point, just by going on to a completely different culture in the middle of-- I was working at graphic design, and I already knew what I wanted to be. I was going to designer. But after sitting at a desk every day for like six months, I realized so this is it. I'll be at a desk for the rest of my life.
So I took this opportunity to go do something I'd never done. I was exposed to this crazy culture. But while I was over there, I learned how to be comfortable on camera. I went back-- I came back to Atlanta. I moved to New York and ended up landed six commercials on going on auditions.
And the reason I was getting hired is I kept asking people, why do you guys keep hiring me? What is it about me? And they're like, well, you make the other people look really good. I go, what? I think honestly you see how they light up when you walk in? I was like, oh my God. They're like, you make them feel comfortable. And I was like, oh my God, so it's not good about me. I'm just here to make them look good. And he goes, yeah, pretty much.
So then I realize that maybe my gift is making other people comfortable on camera. So I wouldn't have figured all these different backgrounds would lead to anything until I went on an audition for trading spaces and they were looking for a carpenter who knew what he was doing. And so once I got on camera, I just started producing my own segments and just being me. And somebody really close to me, a friend of mine said, how did you get a job being you? And I go, I guess I was qualified. And so that was sort of the beginning of my journey on television.
MIKE STICKLER: That's so-- that's inspiring.
KAT STICKLER: It is. I am so inspired. I am hyped up right now. But it makes a lot of sense because you have been a part of countless home improvement shows, huge teams, and now you have your own show and how does that feel like? It's so cool.
TY PENNINGTON: No, it's-- honestly it's great. I just love-- I love creating. And what I mean is like, yes, I love creating art. I love creating rooms. I love creating-- to be honest with you, I love creating television. Like, I love creating good television that's not only informative where you can learn how to do something but also that you just have a natural fun ability to communicate with human beings.
And I also love giving the gift of ideas and inspiration to people. And that's what Ty Breaker is all about. But I'm also super competitive, and I love to watch my co-hosts not only do. I love to watch them lose and realize they somebody went with my plan. But I also love to watch them realize maybe I had a good idea because usually they're like, that's a horrible idea and I'm like, is it? And honestly, it's just so much fun and it's also really cool to be honest with you.
I don't know of any other show where the host name is in the title. And I'm like, wow, you guys you really are letting me get away with that? Thank you. That's a win. So, no, it's a lot of fun. I can't wait for you guys to see it.
MIKE STICKLER: Now it's time for a special segment, OK. So this is defend the trend. OK, so basically we're going to give you a design trend and you give us your thoughts. You let us know if you're for it, if you're against it, OK. So Kat's going to give it to you here and you let us know.
TY PENNINGTON: All right.
KAT STICKLER: So in the first episode of Ty Breaker, you helped a young homeowner level up her current home after buying it five years prior, and you created a stunning mural in her home that really it brought a lot of color and life into the space. And I feel like I'm seeing this mural trend everywhere now, and we want to know what you have to say. Should we start bringing the murals indoors?
[LAUGHTER]
TY PENNINGTON: OK, so the answer, in my opinion, is yes with a dot, dot, dot. Sometimes a room just needs something. It needs something to give a little weight, to give a little base, to put a bed against the wall. A white wall just isn't enough sometimes in a bedroom to say, wow, this is fancy.
And what I mean is if you don't have in the budget to put gold or silver leaf like pressed against the wall to make this wall really stunning, if you don't have a way to really add some definition and some oomph and you don't have the money to spend thousands of dollars on European wallpaper, a quick fix is to draw something on the wall.
Now, that being said, you said in color, but if you look closely at the mural I did, it's actually just two tone. It's like grays and it's darker versions of gray, so it's almost black and white. But there's something so soft and relaxing about just using one color. It's almost like doing an artistic sketch of something on a wall that looks like it's just a big piece of paper.
So I'm a fan always of people trying to do something because here's the thing, it's just paint. If you want to paint over it and start over, right. So, yes, I think we should try it. I think everybody should.
KAT STICKLER: So, yes, OK, [INAUDIBLE].
TY PENNINGTON: Yeah.
KAT STICKLER: So, Ty, thank you so much for joining us on the show. Before you go, can you tell us where we can watch Ty Breaker and where we can find you on social media?
TY PENNINGTON: OK, so I am thetypennington on Instagram and Facebook. Ty Breaker is on HGTV Mondays at 9 o'clock. And then I'm also going to be hosting Rock the Block, which I believe premieres March 8. But look to me, I'm going to be on a couple of shows on HGTV. I'm their new stepchild. They're like, let's get you on everything.
But do watch Ty Breaker. It's so good. If you get a chance, watch them back to back because then you can really see the competition and the, let's just say, the competitive spirit and full mode. So-- but, no, it's great show, please watch. And thanks for having me.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
KAT STICKLER: Well, I love, love talking to Ty.
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah, that was such a good interview. Really, we got along so well with him.
KAT STICKLER: Honestly, if I was looking at homes and they had this stunning mural, I love it when the seller-- I mean, I haven't even bought my first home. I don't know why I'm speaking like I know what I'm talking about.
MIKE STICKLER: Oh, yeah.
KAT STICKLER: But I do love it when they put their own taste on it because I feel like I can visualize myself living there since my design level isn't really all there yet.
MIKE STICKLER: When Ty was talking about the murals, I literally started thinking about having a Kobe Bryant mural in this room to be honest.
KAT STICKLER: That'd be cool.
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah. Or a Michael Jordan, like, the classic MJ dunk.
KAT STICKLER: Yeah.
MIKE STICKLER: Right. I think that would go really-- can I do that?
KAT STICKLER: Yeah, it's your room.
MIKE STICKLER: No, I'm serious. Can I do that?
KAT STICKLER: Yes.
MIKE STICKLER: Oh, cool.
KAT STICKLER: I'm seriously saying yes.
MIKE STICKLER: Hey, everyone on the podcast, you heard it here first. I just got approval. You can't go back on that.
KAT STICKLER: I don't care. This is your office. You do whatever you want here.
MIKE STICKLER: Oh my gosh.
KAT STICKLER: So if I did a mural, it would probably be-- I would do Michael and just paint abs on there.
MIKE STICKLER: Wow. I just got thrown heavy under the bus. I'm not coming back from that one. There's no regain here.
KAT STICKLER: You remember Michael actually asked me once like, do you think I could ever like get abs?
[LAUGHTER]
I was like, yeah, you just have to stop eating the way you do. He's like, that would work. And I'm like, yeah. He's like, I guess we'll never know that.
MIKE STICKLER: Listen, Chipotle and chick-fil-a, it's just too good. I'm too deep in that rabbit hole.
KAT STICKLER: This is how Michael does, I'm going to stop eating sugar for a month, and then day two it's like, does this ice cream have sugar if it's made with real fruit?
MIKE STICKLER: I pretend that I don't know, and then I eat it.
KAT STICKLER: I really had no idea that the peanut butter jelly had sugar. It's fine.
MIKE STICKLER: Wait, peanut butter has sugar in it? Anyways.
KAT STICKLER: I think you know what time it is.
MIKE STICKLER: What time is it?
KAT STICKLER: I'm starting to sit a little taller and get my vocal chords ready to go.
MIKE STICKLER: I feel your vocal chords resonating in the room. They're there. They're ready.
KAT STICKLER: I was waiting for you to notice.
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah.
KAT STICKLER: It is time for HGTV to the rescue.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
All right, everybody, here, here, here, here we go. It's HGTV to the rescue. Pum, pum, pum, pum. So it's time for one of our favorite segments. We take your burning questions and get legit HGTV stars and experts to answer them. This week we've got a really great question from Natalie for Steve and Leanne Ford.
Hi, Steve and Leanne, we live in a teeny tiny house in a great area that has really ballooned in popularity and property value over the years. We have had two kids since buying and are starting to burst at the seams. What we can't decide is whether to try and add onto this tiny house on a tiny lot so we can stay in our great neighborhood or whether we should move further away so we can afford more space. What are your thoughts?
LEANNE FORD: Wow,
STEVE: We say bunk beds.
[LAUGHTER]
And paint those bunk beds white.
KAT STICKLER: They will be timeless bunk beds.
STEVE: Seems good.
LEANNE FORD: Bunk beds will last all for the rest of your life, kids.
MIKE STICKLER: It's funny.
KAT STICKLER: Your kids are never moving out.
LEANNE FORD: Honestly, this is-- we are the wrong people to ask this question too because we are not real estate people. We are design people. And so design wise quality of life, I say stay and make your place work. If you already love it, you love the charm, you love the neighborhood, I think make it work or add to it and stay there and relax.
STEVE: I agree with Leanne. We're not the financial--
LEANNE FORD: No, we're the wall.
STEVE: --and real estate people but we do-- I think we're smart, Leanne. My opinion--
LEANNE FORD: We're not [INAUDIBLE].
STEVE: --would be you already got the house that you like. Unless there's something better out there that you want to get, stay put. Make the best of it.
LEANNE FORD: Don't give up and move to the suburbs unless you want to move to the suburbs.
STEVE: Not to mention, if you bought a place and the real estate value went up, that's exactly what you probably were hoping for to begin with.
MIKE STICKLER: Oh, it's a great answer. Very wise of you.
STEVE: I mean, I see all my friends dealing with this now and it's always about a school district.
LEANNE FORD: Like, [INAUDIBLE] Maddie says that. It's all about the school district.
STEVE: It really is.
LEANNE FORD: Yeah, Steve, it actually really is.
KAT STICKLER: Well, we moved into a great school district and she can't even go to school for life. This is probably a good move even though she's not going to be going to school.
LEANNE FORD: Now would be a great time to live on like a beach in Mexico and not worry about a school district.
MIKE STICKLER: Because most kids are home schooling now.
STEVE: And you better hire someone to homeschool your child.
LEANNE FORD: I'm smart. S-M-A-T, smart.
MIKE STICKLER: That was smart. You took out a letter and saved some time.
KAT STICKLER: We wanted to thank you guys for joining us on HGTV Obsessed and wish you good luck on your new show. I really loved it, very nostalgic.
LEANNE FORD: Thank you, guys. It's so much fun.
STEVE: Thank you, guys.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MIKE STICKLER: Wow, that was a good response. I'm so glad we're not stuck in our tiny little bachelor pad, 600 square feet--
KAT STICKLER: With our floor mattress.
MIKE STICKLER: That floor mattress was so great, though, sometimes. It was good while it lasted, right.
[LAUGHTER]
KAT STICKLER: Your sister actually sent me a video of us dancing in that room and I am walking out of the bathroom, I'm very big and pregnant, and my pants don't button and all you see is me with a hair turban coming out with my pants unbuttoned and my belly out being like, do I look OK?
MIKE STICKLER: And that's why we need a-- we needed a bigger space. That's why we need a bigger space.
KAT STICKLER: That's not why. That's not why. We had a baby. That's why we needed a bigger space.
MIKE STICKLER: True, true, true. Oh my gosh.
KAT STICKLER: I still am flowed. I cannot believe we just interviewed Ty Pennington. And I didn't even get emotional. I did in the beginning a little bit before we started but I kept it together. So if you want to know more about Ty and his show, head on over to hgtv.com/podcast to check out the show notes. And don't forget to tune into the Ty Breaker finale Monday, March 1 at 9:00/8:00 Central on HGTV. And keep an eye out for Rock the Block. It premieres March 8 on HGTV and Discovery Plus.
MIKE STICKLER: Yeah, and big thanks to our friends Steve and Leanne Ford for answering today's HGTV to the rescue question. If you want to ask HGTV stars your own question, hit us up on the HGTV Instagram account. Just look for our post on Thursdays.
KAT STICKLER: And as usual, if you like what you're listening to, please head over to Apple Podcasts to rate and review HGTV Obsessed. I love reading your reviews. I love reading what you guys have to say, all the feedback you give. Do not forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode. And head over to hgtv.com/podcast for the show notes on today's episode.
MIKE STICKLER: Lastly, if you want even more of us, follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @mikeandkat. See you next Thursday.
KAT STICKLER: Bye, guys.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MIKE STICKLER: I mean, some of your content is really empowering like a TikTok Oprah.
KAT STICKLER: Oh my God, tell me that every day please.
MIKE STICKLER: You said okra?
KAT STICKLER: That wasn't funny. I love you though.
MIKE STICKLER: I know. I heard you. Kat, you're like okra.
KAT STICKLER: Healthy but disgusting.
[CHUCKLES]