Behind the Scenes of HGTV’s Good Bones: A Look at Family Dynamics
HGTV’s Good Bones stands out in the network’s reality television lineup as it chronicles the real-life experiences of a mother-daughter team—Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak. This dynamic duo operates their renovation business, Two Chicks and a Hammer, tackling real estate projects throughout Indianapolis. Their success captured the attention of HGTV, leading to the creation of the series, which also included other family members. Despite the show’s strong ratings, it masked the underlying tensions in their personal relationship.
In 2023, the duo returned for a limited eighth and final season of Good Bones, although their personal struggles remained under the radar until discussed extensively on Starsiak’s podcast, Mina AF. The podcast has unveiled the complicated nature of their familial ties, filled with unexpected revelations about their history. During this same period, the spin-off series Good Bones: New Beginnings launched in August, showcasing their separate paths in different states, likely as a consequence of their ongoing feud.
Stemming from a Troubled Past
A Unique Upbringing
In an episode titled “What Is Normal Parenting?”from Mina AF, Starsiak’s husband, Steve, recalls visiting her childhood home early in their relationship. Allegedly, they resided in a makeshift dwelling adjacent to a warehouse that her father operated. Initially viewing the warehouse as a treasure trove, Starsiak has since recognized the impact of her unconventional living situation on her challenging upbringing. Her familial background is further complicated by numerous siblings and half-siblings from her father’s subsequent marriage, some of whom have appeared on Good Bones.
Additionally, Starsiak’s childhood was marred by exposure to substance abuse, as discussed in the “Why We Went Sober”episode of Mina AF. She described being surrounded by “functional alcoholics,”which influenced her choice, alongside her husband, to embrace a sober lifestyle.
Building an HGTV Career Together
Professional Collaboration’s Challenges
After successfully renovating properties through Two Chicks and a Hammer, Laine and Starsiak caught the attention of HGTV, which launched Good Bones. Over eight seasons, the show depicted their renovations of distressed homes in Indianapolis. While they portrayed a harmonious relationship on-screen, their actual dynamics were far more precarious.
Starsiak openly acknowledged the difficulty of working alongside family, expressing hopes that such collaboration would enhance rather than jeopardize their relationships. In a revealing podcast segment, Starsiak stated:
[I was] naive to think that these people who came along and were part of this with me and supported me while I gave them an opportunity along the way would always feel the value of that opportunity. It’s just really hard being on the other side and feeling like some of the people that have been part of this feel like they are where they are today, with the opportunities they have today, in spite of me, not, in part, because of an opportunity that was provided. And that’s just kind of hard.
Beyond her conflicts with Laine, Starsiak noted strained relationships with her brothers, Tad and William, mentioning that their connections were either “not in a great place” or “nonexistent.” Nevertheless, the siblings endeavor to maintain a semblance of normalcy, even vacationing together.
A Deepening Rift: Starsiak and Laine’s Feud
Claims of Imbalance in Contributions
Prior to the premiere of Good Bones, Starsiak admits that tensions existed between her and Laine, which intensified during the production phase. They soon discovered their different working styles and conflicting personalities. Particularly during the final season, shooting became fraught with conflict. Starsiak recounted a significant fight during a demolition scene in the season 8 premiere:
Much of the fueling conflict arose after Laine’s departure from Two Chicks and a Hammer in 2019 while continuing to appear on the show. Starsiak expressed frustration over assuming all financial responsibility for their business ventures following her mother’s exit. She claimed to cover costs such as liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and all property renovations without Laine’s support. This lead to her resentment, as she felt other cast members—including her mother—were compensated for merely “having fun”on set despite her bearing the financial brunt of the responsibilities.
A Formal Separation
Exclusion from Family Celebrations
Despite maintaining a courteous front during family gatherings, a significant rupture occurred in early 2023 when Starsiak did not invite Laine to her son Jack’s fifth birthday party. This moment drew feedback from podcast listeners who encouraged Starsiak to forgive her mother, citing the idiom “blood is thicker than water.” However, Starsiak maintained that her relationship with her mother and brothers remained complex and not in good standing. She has expressed ethical concerns about distancing her children from their extended family.
Exploring New Ventures: Good Bones Spin-Off
Diverging Paths in Real Estate
The spin-off series, Good Bones: New Beginnings, showcases the real estate adventures of Starsiak and Laine in distinctly different locales. Starsiak remains in Indiana, where she is currently renovating a spacious 5,000-square-foot family home, while Laine has shifted her focus to restoring a historic 120-year-old beach house in North Carolina as she prepares for retirement. Despite the existence of the spin-off series, Starsiak revealed that 2023 had seen little communication between her and Laine.
Nevertheless, there may still be hope for reconciliation. Starsiak disclosed on her podcast that Laine recently reached out via text, expressing a desire to reconnect. However, there have been no recent updates indicating any resolution has occurred, leaving the former Good Bones duo continuing their lives separately.
Leave a Reply