(Response to TV Show Viewers: Post 17 - March 2, 2026)
From the
start, some who’ve seen me on American Rehab Charleston or Restoring
Charleston have been curious to know if I’d steadily lobbied the television
networks, or rather was that the way for them to get on television themselves? Am
I an example of persistence and tenacity? Or did I know someone, did I have a
friend or relative in network TV or Hollywood or something, someone I could
refer them to so they could pitch their own ideas? I’ve always been sorry to
have to say that the answer to the first two questions is ‘no’ and proud, yet
less glad, to say that it’s the same for the third one.
Because
rehab addict Nicole Curtis commented on my blog, I started writing more prolifically
about HGTV/DIY and their shows, saying wonderfully supportive and enthusiastic
things about these home renovation programs. After a year and a half of this periodic
gushing, I received an email from a producer that tied back to that website. So,
my conclusion from the start of this TV chapter of my career has been that Blood,
Sweat, and Pig’s Ears was the foundation for this opportunity.
I realize
some think my connection of these dots—Ms. Curtis to my blog to a NYC TV
producer and then to me—is silly. And silliness may just be the case. However, I’ve
had no other answer. The shows are still on and people hold curiosity. So, for
those after added clarity or clues so they can make their own splash, I’ve
written this series of posts sorting through this history.
Back to my
retelling. I’d been delayed in actually finding the email from the HGTV/DIY producer
by about one week. I wanted to respond quickly, think, and then react fittingly.
I thanked the producer for reaching out with an assurance that I would circle
back shortly.
After the
second response I would be ready to get back to life; family, kids, and finding
my next project house. But I was truly excited to make the video and see if it
might lead to anything. And this opened up my next list of questions.
I really
wanted to be involved with the home improvement networks in some way. This had
become a tangible goal. Just to be in the mix in any capacity would be an
honor. Remote consulting or perhaps involvement on a Charleston project in the
works sounded amazing. My career was a diverse collection of many different
types of projects, and historic restoration or TV beach remodel was something
I’d be up for. Anything that would add experience and skills to my resume tool
bag appealed to me.
Around
this time, many networks were taking their own stabs at game show type
formatting that discovered new talent by featuring and eliminating contestants
after skill showcasing challenges. I had learned that The Food Network
did this regularly and friends had told me how the home improvement networks
had also aired shows like this. These folks had suggested in the past how they thought
I should consider submitting a video for these contest type programs. And although
these recommendations were flattering, I hadn’t taken any steps for that. After
seeing those shows, I just didn’t think I’d have a real shot.
So as much
as I was prepared for a chance to work behind the scenes—scheduling,
coordinating, and consulting with designers, architects, tradespeople and
vendors—I was also willing to see what it could feel like to be in front of
cameras if that’s what might be in store.
As I thought out what I wanted to say in the video going up to Manhattan, I made sure to be ready to mention how I’d love to be a part of anything they were doing. That was my original mission and how I genuinely felt. Now that a connection had been established, I just wanted a better view at what was behind the curtain.
(Response to TV Show Viewers: Post 19 - Coming Soon)
