Home Comfort Zone Podcast

As the number of unhoused individuals continues to grow in Madison, Wisconsin, so does the need for accessible healthcare.In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with Donna Maysak, Community Engagement Coordinator at Madison Street Medicine, a nonprofit delivering free medical care directly to people living outside.From shelter clinics to mobile outreach, their team meets people wherever they are, building trust, improving health outcomes, and helping bridge the gap between vulnerable populations and the healthcare system.You’ll hear how the program started, how it operates today, and the powerful impact it’s making in our community.If you’re in the Madison area, this is an important conversation about a growing need, and how you can help.Madison Street Medicine: https://www.madisonstreetmedicine.org/All Comfort Services is an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company in Madison, Wisconsin, with a community-minded vision.More episodes here: https://www.allcomfortservices.com/podcast/

The Inflation Reduction Act is bringing major energy rebates to Wisconsin homeowners — but many people don’t realize they qualify.In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with Dylan Crye, Inflation Reduction Act Program Manager at Focus on Energy, to explain how the new HOMES and HEAR programs work and how homeowners can access thousands of dollars in energy efficiency upgrades.They break down:• Who qualifies for IRA rebates in Wisconsin• How much homeowners can receive for heat pumps and upgrades• Why an energy assessment is the first step• What improvements provide the biggest savings• How insulation and air sealing can dramatically improve home efficiencyDylan also explains how homeowners can stack federal rebates, Focus on Energy incentives, and manufacturer discounts to make upgrades more affordable.If your home was built before the 1980s — or you’re thinking about upgrading your heating, cooling, or insulation — this episode will help you understand your options.http://www.focusonenergy.comAll Comfort Services is a trade ally and contractor for the IRA Focus On Energy Rebate Programs. http://www.allcomfortservices.com

What if a sewing machine could change someone’s life?In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with Margaret Jankowski, founder and director of The Sewing Machine Project, a Madison, Wisconsin-based nonprofit celebrating 20 years of impact.Margaret shares the powerful story that sparked the organization after the 2004 tsunami, how thousands of donated sewing machines have been distributed across the country, and how sewing builds more than skills — it builds confidence, income, creativity, and community.From refugee resettlement programs to women’s shelters and local library mending events, this episode highlights how one simple tool can create connection and opportunity.Learn how you can donate, volunteer, or get involved at thesewingmachineproject.org.All Comfort Services is an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company in Madison, Wisconsin, with a community-minded vision.More episodes here: https://www.allcomfortservices.com/podcast/

What really happens to everything we flush, rinse, and wash down the drain?In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone podcast, Theresa from All Comfort Services talks with Kathy Lake, Pollution Prevention Manager at the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, about how everyday household habits impact our wastewater system and the health of our local lakes and rivers.From “flushable” wipes and pet waste to water softeners, road salt, and personal care products, Kathy explains what wastewater treatment plants can handle, why salt is one of the biggest challenges they face, and why pollution prevention is far more effective than expensive treatment after the fact.You’ll learn:What should never go down your drains or toiletsHow salt from water softeners and roads affects freshwaterWhy small changes by homeowners and businesses matterSimple steps you can take today to help protect Wisconsin’s waterA practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone who uses water, which is all of us.All Comfort Services is an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company in Madison, Wisconsin, with a community-minded vision.More episodes here: https://www.allcomfortservices.com/podcast/

Wisconsin’s fresh water is one of our most valuable resources—and everyday choices inside our homes play a bigger role in protecting it than many of us realize.On this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, host Theresa sits down with Katherine Harris, Pollution Prevention Specialist at Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, to talk about salt reduction and the surprising impact water softeners have on our lakes, rivers, and drinking water.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why water softeners are the largest source of salt entering local waterwaysHow to tell if your softener is using too much saltSimple DIY ways to test where softened water is used in your homeWhy toilets and outdoor faucets don’t need softened waterWhat blending valves are and how they improve efficiencyHow small changes at home can make an immediate environmental impactThis practical, hopeful conversation shows how homeowners, plumbers, and communities can work together to protect Wisconsin’s fresh water—one small change at a time.🔗 Helpful LinksMadison Metropolitan Sewerage District: https://www.madsewer.orgWisconsin SaltWise: https://www.wisaltwise.comAll Comfort Services: https://www.allcomfortservices.com🎙️ Home Comfort Zone is hosted by Theresa, Marketing Manager at All Comfort Services.

Salt is a normal part of winter in Wisconsin—but it doesn’t just disappear when the snow melts.In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, host Theresa sits down with Allison Madison, Program Manager at Wisconsin Salt Wise, to talk about how salt pollution impacts drinking water, human health, and freshwater ecosystems across the state.Allison explains how road salt and water softeners contribute to rising sodium and chloride levels, why that matters for people on low-sodium diets, and how increased salt can cause other contaminants—like manganese, arsenic, and radium—to enter drinking water. They also discuss the effects on lakes, fish, and algae, and share real-world solutions that communities are using to dramatically reduce salt use while keeping roads safe.You’ll learn:Why nearly 40% of Wisconsin public wells exceed recommended sodium levelsHow salt affects lakes, fish, and water qualityThe role water softeners play in salt pollutionWhat municipalities are doing differently to reduce salt usePractical steps homeowners can take to make a difference🎧 Learn more about Wisconsin SaltWise: https://wisaltwise.com🌊 Learn more about All Comfort Services: https://www.allcomfortservices.com

What does it really mean to “buy local” in 2025? In this episode of the All Comfort Services Home Comfort Zone, host Theresa sits down with Meghan Stern, Interim Executive Director of Dane Buy Local, to unpack how the organization has evolved from a “shop local” campaign into a purpose-driven connector for locally owned businesses across Dane County Wisconsin and beyond.You’ll hear how Dane Buy Local helps members make meaningful connections with decision-makers, supports workforce and trades initiatives, and tackles big-picture “systems work” like strengthening local food infrastructure (including cold storage solutions) and expanding access to shared resources. Meghan also shares practical ways consumers and business owners can get involved—and why telling your story about great local service matters more than you think.

In this episode, host Theresa sits down with Lisa Reihl, Director of Brand Strategy at AprilAire, to explore what really goes into creating healthy indoor air. From whole-home filtration and humidity control to fresh air ventilation, Lisa explains the surprising truth about indoor air quality and what homeowners can do to improve it.Listeners will learn:• How AprilAire’s history shaped modern IAQ solutions• The difference between MERV 16 and MERV 13 filtration• Why the 40–60% humidity range is considered healthiest• Why today’s tightly built homes need ventilation• Key questions to ask your HVAC contractor🔗All Comfort Services🔗 AprilAire

Making holiday giving more accessible, connected, and community-driven.In this episode of The Home Comfort Zone, Theresa interviews Hannah Stowell, Director of Corporate & Community Engagement at United Way of Dane County, to break down how Toys for Tots truly works behind the scenes—and how it has evolved to better serve families across the county.Hannah shares how United Way partners with the U.S. Marine Corps, school districts, nonprofits, and over 1,000 volunteers to ensure kids ages 0–14 receive meaningful gifts during the holidays. No long drives. No long lines. Just community, connection, and care.🎁 You’ll learn:How the Toys for Tots partnership began in Dane CountyWhy accessibility and trusted community partners make a huge differenceWhat gifts are most needed—especially for ages 9–14How local schools and nonprofits help identify families in needWays to support the program through donations or volunteeringIf you’d like to donate toys, drop them off at All Comfort Services or find one of 100+ drop-off sites across Dane County.🎁 Toy drop-off: At All Comfort Services at 5245 Voges Road, Madison, Wisconsin or more than 100 locations across Dane County. 🔗http://www.allcomfortservices.com🧸 Amazon wishlist: Available at 🔗 http://www.unitedwayofdanecounty.org🙋‍♀️ Volunteer opportunities: 🔗 http://www.volunteertime.org Together, we can make the holidays brighter for local families. ❤️

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone podcast, Theresa sits down with Kristi GoForth, Executive Director of Bikes for Kids Wisconsin, for a powerful conversation about bikes, transportation equity, and the life-changing impact of a simple bicycle.Kristi shares:Why she says to skip the training wheels and start kids on balance bikesHow Bikes for Kids Wisconsin grew from a seasonal bike giveaway to a statewide transportation equity nonprofitThe emotional story of a young girl from Honduras getting her first bike in MadisonHow donated bikes are collected, refurbished, and matched with people facing financial instabilityThe real costs behind giving away a safe, high-quality bike (and why parts like grips and tubes matter so much)Creative ways they source parts and bikes, from community donations to circular economy partnershipsThe organization’s dream of building a permanent warehouse and educational center on a bike pathYou’ll also hear how public schools, nonprofits, tribes, and job centers can apply for bikes, and how families, kids, and volunteers of all ages can get involved.🔧 Learn more, donate, or apply for bikes: http://www.bikesforkidswi.org📍 Madison-based, serving communities throughout WisconsinHosted by Theresa, Marketing Manager at All Comfort Services. http://www.allcomfortservices.com

Transformational coach and yoga teacher Zach Ketterhagen joins Teresa on the Home Comfort Zone Podcast to talk about mindfulness, stress, and how we can all “come home” to ourselves — no matter what life throws our way.Learn how breath, awareness, and simple mindfulness practices can help you feel more grounded, whether you’re dealing with a home repair, workplace stress, or just a busy day.🌐 Learn more about Zach: ZachKetterhagen.com🎧 Presented by All Comfort Services — heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and sewer & drain experts serving Madison, Wisconsin#HomeComfortZone #Mindfulness #MadisonWI #Breathwork #AllComfortServices

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa from All Comfort Services sits down with Ben Stanger, founder of Green Box Compost, to talk about turning food waste into a local sustainability success story.Since launching in 2022, Green Box Compost has diverted more than 2.4 million pounds of food scraps from Dane County landfills—transforming waste into nutrient-rich compost that supports gardens, schools, and community projects.Ben shares how the company started from scratch, the science behind composting everything from fruit peels to bones, and how homeowners and businesses can join the movement toward a more sustainable future.👉 Learn more or sign up at withgreenbox.com

Sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this Home Comfort Zone episode, Theresa (Marketing Manager at All Comfort Services) sits down with Claire Oleksiak, Executive Director of Sustain Dane, to unpack what sustainability really means for Dane County—from energy efficiency in affordable housing to food-scrap drop-offs, youth green-jobs pathways, and how employee green teams drive change inside local businesses.Claire shares practical examples (hello, LED retrofits and smarter lab freezer settings), funding realities, and simple ways anyone can get involved—whether you’re a homeowner, renter, student, or business leader.You’ll learn:A clear, useful definition of sustainability (planet, people, prosperity)Where Sustain Dane focuses its efforts (education, efficiency, food waste, youth)How green teams work—and why employees are powerful catalystsReal local success stories you can copy todayEasy first steps to plug into the movementSustain Dane – newsletter & programs: https://sustaindane.org/Accelerate Sustainability Workshop (businesses): https://sustaindane.org/?s=accelerateRecycle Better: https://sustaindane.org/better/Food Scrap Drop Offs: https://sustaindane.org/farmers-market-food-scrap-drop-off/All Comfort Services (HVAC • Plumbing • Electrical • Drain Cleaning Madison, WI): http://www.allcomfortservices.com

Discover the story behind Bucky Book, Wisconsin’s favorite coupon and fundraising book, now in its 33rd year! Host Theresa from All Comfort Services. sits down with Austin Palm, President of Bucky Book, to talk about how this community-driven product helps families save money, supports local businesses, and raises funds for schools, sports teams, nonprofits, and even families in need.

In this episode, we visit Vitruvian Farms, a thriving local organic CSA and farm store committed to sustainable agriculture, community nourishment, and regenerative practices.Join us as we sit down with the founders to explore:What it takes to run a modern organic farmThe power of local food systemsHow Vitruvian Farms supports the community through their CSA program and farm storeInsights for anyone interested in ethical farming, food justice, and land stewardshipWhether you're a seasoned gardener, curious consumer, or aspiring farmer, this episode brings inspiration from the ground up. 🌾📍 Learn more about Vitruvian Farms: https://www.vitruvianfarms.com/

💡 In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa from All Comfort Services talks with Emma from the American Red Cross about the impact the organization makes locally and nationwide.They cover:✅ How the Red Cross helps families after disasters✅ The “Sound the Alarm” program and installing free smoke alarms✅ Blood donation shortages and how you can help✅ Ways to get involved as a volunteer or donor in your own community👉 Tune in to hear how small actions—like giving blood or volunteering your time—can make a life-saving difference.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa from All Comfort Services talks with Dan Lutz, Development Director at United Way of Dane County, about LINC (Lead, Impact, Network, Change)—a volunteer and networking group connecting people through service, leadership, and fun.You’ll hear about:What LINC is and why it’s more than just a young professionals’ groupFun and impactful events like blanket-making, backpack drives, and trivia nightsUnited Way’s 100+ years of service in Dane CountyHow 82,000+ people were helped in just one yearWays individuals and businesses can get involvedWhether you want to give back, grow professionally, or connect with others in the community, this episode will inspire you to take the first step.📍 Learn more: unitedwaydanecounty.org📍 Volunteer opportunities: volunteeryourtime.org#UnitedWay #LINC #Volunteer #CommunityImpact #HomeComfortZonePodcast #AllComfortServices

How do we get young people excited about careers in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing? In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone podcast, Theresa sits down with Troy Schaefer, a Lennox Territory Manager, to talk about Lennox VisionTECH—a hands-on high school program that introduces students to the trades.Troy shares how Lennox VisionTECH is connecting students with contractors, building real-world skills, and helping address the trades labor shortage from the ground up.Whether you're a contractor, educator, or parent, this episode will give you insight into how the trades are being reintroduced to a new generation.👉 Learn more at AllComfortServices.comLinks mentioned in the podcast: Lennox VisionTech Wisconsinhttp://www.lennoxvision.comImpact Foundationhttps://impactfoundationmw.org/

Cybersecurity isn’t just for big tech firms—it’s essential for every home and small business. In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, host Theresa talks with Dan Vieth, owner of Vieth Consulting, about the biggest threats facing us in 2025.Dan breaks down what ransomware really is, how phishing scams work, and the often-overlooked dangers of browser token hijacking—even with two-factor authentication.🔍 Topics covered:What ransomware looks like in real lifeWhy phishing emails are still so dangerousHow EDR and MDR work to keep your systems safeThe one thing every homeowner should do today (freeze your credit!)Are AI tools like ChatGPT safe to use?Dan also explains how Vieth Consulting helps businesses protect their systems and train employees to spot threats before it’s too late.📍 Based in Madison and Brookfield, Wisconsin, Vieth Consulting provides full-service IT support across southern Wisconsin.💻 Learn more: https://www.viethconsulting.com🎙️ Brought to you by: https://www.allcomfortservices.com#Cybersecurity #ViethConsulting #HomeComfortZonePodcast #Ransomware #Phishing #MadisonWI #SmallBusinessSecurity #EDR #MDR #TokenHijacking #AllComfortServices #MadisonWI #MadisonWisconsin #Wisconsin

In this special episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with John Vardalas, a recipient of the Lennox Feel the Love program. John and his wife Barb have spent decades volunteering in Madison, Wisconsin—through their church, neighborhood association, and causes close to their hearts like Alzheimer’s awareness.Through Lennox’s Feel the Love program, All Comfort Services was honored to provide the Vardalis family with a new furnace and air conditioner at no cost, in recognition of their extraordinary community service.🎉 Want to nominate a deserving person in your life? Visit 👉 https://feelthelove.com🔧 Learn more about how All Comfort Services supports the community: https://allcomfortservices.comSubscribe for more local stories, HVAC tips, and comfort-focused conversations.