New Year Reset, Mold Myths, and the Truth About Tung Oil

In the first full episode of 2026, Home in Progress host Dan Hansen takes a fresh look at New Year’s resolutions—why they so often fail, and how a small shift in thinking can make them far more sustainable. Drawing on personal experience, Dan shares a practical, realistic approach to setting goals that actually stick.From there, the episode pivots to a common winter home concern: mold and mildew. Dan breaks down what mold really is, when it’s a health concern, and when it’s more of a maintenance issue. You’ll hear clear, step-by-step guidance on safely cleaning mold, choosing the right products, and preventing it from returning—plus what to do after mold is removed so your repairs last.The episode wraps up with the launch of a new Winter Wood Shop series, starting with one of the most misunderstood finishing products out there: tung oil. Dan explains the differences between pure tung oil, tung oil/varnish blends, and products labeled “tung oil finish,” and compares their real-world performance to polyurethane so you can choose the right finish for the job.Episode Timeline00:00 — Welcome to Home in Progress00:24 — Why New Year’s Resolutions So Often Fail02:06 — A More Sustainable Approach to Goal-Setting07:31 — Introducing the Winter Wood Shop Series08:32 — Mold and Mildew: What Homeowners Should Know12:56 — Understanding Mold in the Home19:34 — Essential Safety Gear for Mold Cleanup20:21 — Effective Mold Cleaning Methods21:39 — How to Know When Mold Is Truly Gone23:01 — Priming and Painting After Mold Removal24:18 — Preventing Mold from Coming Back27:29 — What Tung Oil Really Is (and Isn’t)32:05 — The Three Types of “Tung Oil” Products35:22 — Where Tung Oil Works—and Where It Doesn’t38:25 — Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up