Tool Bags Podcast

Mazz recently had his front walk re-done and now faces a common dilemma: what kind of ice melt should he use during the winter so he doesn't damage the new pavers that lead to his front door and driveway? Along with Dan O'Brien, the guys speak with Mike DiModica of the DiModica Excavating Company and snow removal, a family-owned company based in Sudbury. They discuss rock salt, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride as well as some newer, trendy products made from, among other things, barley, molasses and grape extract! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for a snow thrower? Ever thought about buying one? This is the podcast for you. We speaks with Jon Gamelin or Ariens to learn everything you could possibly want to know about snow blowers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes, we grill, too. (And eat.) And for this, we brought in Andy Husbands, owner of The Smoke Shop BBQ and griller extraordinaire. We talk charcoal vs. gas (Hint: he has a strong opinion) in addition to Thanksgiving, Big Green Eggs, the best places to buy meat and more. If you like to grill, you don't want to miss this one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony and Dan give some tips on prepping your home for Winter. Mazz breaks down all things related steam radiators including an interesting new option for radiator covers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After finally getting technical issues resolved, Dan and Mazz make their long-awaited return just in time for fall - and all that comes with it. Mazz shares his latest lawn and tips while Dan reveals that he had a near-death experience (OK, that's hyperbole) while trying to repair a pull-down ladder to his attic. The guys discuss their major projects during COVID and Mazz finally got his Mass Save insulation project completed.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mazz and Dan conduct their first virtual episode of the The Tool Bags! Joining again is Stephan Wollenburg of Mass Save to offer the latest deals and ideas for energy efficiency in what should be a hot summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Sports Hub Tool Bags, Mazz & Dan O'Brien install a divider  in the men's room at the Sports Hub studios. 

Mazz has been been waiting all year for this episode - the backyard hockey rink: is your yard flat enough? What's the best way to build it? Do I need lights? Mazz and Dan O'Brien try to answer all of these questions and more.

To plow or not to plow? Dan and Mazz examine the advantages and disadvantages of clearing your own driveway versus hiring a plow service. Also, what is the best approach to melting ice? We also talk specific snowblowers and Dan shares an embarrassing experience.

Dan and Mazz – mostly Dan - go over some final steps for winterizing your home in the coming days and weeks. Among the topics: door insulation and gap sealer, electrical outlets, ceiling fans, wrapping pipes and water heaters.

Dan and Mazz offer up more tips for winterizing and improving home efficiency. Stephan Wollenburg of Mass Save joined the guys in studio to talk about some of their incentive programs and ideas with windows, thermostats, heating options and insulation, among other things.

In the latest installment, Mazz and Dan O'Brien start talking about winterizing outside the home - bringing in those hoses, prepping your lawnmower and snowblower - and more!

It’s a good time to do last-minute painting - especially outdoors. Mazz talks about his recent project, and he and Dan discuss different tips for interior and exterior home paint projects, including power sprayers!

This week on the inaugural episode of Tool Bags, Tony Massarotti and Dan O'Brien talk with Dave Mellor, the Senior Director of Grounds for the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park and author of "The Lawn Bible: How to Keep It Green, Groomed, and Growing Every Season of the Year" on the secrets of a great lawn. Everything from seeding and aerating to watering and general grass care and maintenance.  Dave also talks about his latest book, "One Base at a Time: How I Survived PTSD and Found My Field of Dreams" and how his experience hopefully inspires other afflicted with PTSD to find the courage to ask for help and not give up.