The Junk Refund Show is a weekly radio show where we teach you not only how to get the junk out of your garages and living rooms, but also how to get the junk out of your lives! Listen to our weekly shows here on our new podcast!
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May 14, 2026Episode 411 hr 1 min
Season 2, Episode 41: Celebrate Your Birthday! 🎂
Send us Fan MailJoin me as I broadcast from the Wendy’s parking lot and tell you about my joyous birthday celebration last week in Europe!I turned 68 and this will be a birthday. I will always remember!Listen to my adventures in England, the Netherlands, and Germany! Hear me talk about my new friend Andre in the Netherlands and my new friend in the temple presidency of the Hague Netherlands Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Kindness works around the world in any language!Also, be grateful for technology, recognize it’s a small world 🌎, and take advantage of the opportunities that come to you!I hope you enjoy this 68th birthday podcast as much as I did creating the stories behind it!
April 30, 20261 hr 0 min
Season 2, Episode 39: If You Fall Down, Get Back Up!
Send us Fan MailLessons from the Field, Trust and CommunityIn this episode, Alan J. Cook, founder of 1-800-JUNK REFUND, discusses the expansion of his "next generation" junk removal business, which focuses on returning value to customers. He shares remarkable stories from the field—including a "fake bed" discovery and a high-stakes fall—while reflecting on the importance of trust, community service, and his upcoming 68th birthday promotion.Business Expansion and Strategic LogisticsThe 1-800-JUNK REFUND network has grown to 63 affiliates nationwide, with the most recent addition being "All Out Junk Removal" in West Palm Beach, Florida. Alan highlights a unique operational model that keeps costs low: by utilizing the Frontier "Go Wild Pass" for $30 flights and leveraging Wyndham Diamond status for free hotel stays, the team can handle large-scale cleanouts across the country without charging customers for travel expenses. They typically rent Enterprise trucks locally to execute these jobs efficiently.Field Discoveries and Safety LessonsA recent job for realtor Karen Rawlings revealed the creative lengths of home stagers: a "full-sized bed" was discovered to be nothing more than a dozen Home Depot boxes covered in quilts. While the job was a success, it led to a dangerous incident where Alan fell 4-5 feet off the back of a stake body truck after grabbing a loose gate panel. Despite a scraped elbow and a strained ankle, he used the experience to emphasize the importance of using hydraulic lifts and ensuring equipment is properly secured.The Resale Success: The Persian Rug StoryOne of the show's core philosophies is that "not all junk is junk." Alan recounts selling an 11x14 handwoven Persian rug for an 80-year-old couple moving to San Diego. Originally priced at over 3,200, the rug was sold on Facebook Marketplace for 500 to a buyer named Lane in West Virginia. The transaction was a "triple win": the original owners received a 35% cut ($175), the buyer secured a beautiful birthday gift for his wife, and the item was saved from a landfill.Trust and Community ServiceAlan reflects on the friction of modern transactions, noting a decline in inherent trust during a furniture delivery to a skeptical buyer. He contrasts this with his personal commitment to community service, such as delivering large quantities of food to church members in need. He concludes that focusing on gratitude and helping others is the ultimate way to "get the junk out of your life."This episode serves as a testament to the "Junk Refund" philosophy: business is not just about moving objects, but about managing relationships, maintaining integrity, and finding value where others see waste. Despite physical setbacks and the complexities of the second-hand market, Alan J. Cook remains focused on growth and community impact as he approaches his 68th year.
April 30, 2026Episode 381 hr 0 min
Season 2, Episode 38: The Persian Rug Story
Send us Fan MailLessons from the Field, Trust and CommunityIn this episode, Alan J. Cook, founder of 1-800-JUNK REFUND, discusses the expansion of his "next generation" junk removal business, which focuses on returning value to customers. He shares remarkable stories from the field—including a "fake bed" discovery and a high-stakes fall—while reflecting on the importance of trust, community service, and his upcoming 68th birthday promotion.Business Expansion and Strategic LogisticsThe 1-800-JUNK REFUND network has grown to 63 affiliates nationwide, with the most recent addition being "All Out Junk Removal" in West Palm Beach, Florida. Alan highlights a unique operational model that keeps costs low: by utilizing the Frontier "Go Wild Pass" for $30 flights and leveraging Wyndham Diamond status for free hotel stays, the team can handle large-scale cleanouts across the country without charging customers for travel expenses. They typically rent Enterprise trucks locally to execute these jobs efficiently.Field Discoveries and Safety LessonsA recent job for realtor Karen Rawlings revealed the creative lengths of home stagers: a "full-sized bed" was discovered to be nothing more than a dozen Home Depot boxes covered in quilts. While the job was a success, it led to a dangerous incident where Alan fell 4-5 feet off the back of a stake body truck after grabbing a loose gate panel. Despite a scraped elbow and a strained ankle, he used the experience to emphasize the importance of using hydraulic lifts and ensuring equipment is properly secured.The Resale Success: The Persian Rug StoryOne of the show's core philosophies is that "not all junk is junk." Alan recounts selling an 11x14 handwoven Persian rug for an 80-year-old couple moving to San Diego. Originally priced at over 3,200, the rug was sold on Facebook Marketplace for 500 to a buyer named Lane in West Virginia. The transaction was a "triple win": the original owners received a 35% cut ($175), the buyer secured a beautiful birthday gift for his wife, and the item was saved from a landfill.Trust and Community ServiceAlan reflects on the friction of modern transactions, noting a decline in inherent trust during a furniture delivery to a skeptical buyer. He contrasts this with his personal commitment to community service, such as delivering large quantities of food to church members in need. He concludes that focusing on gratitude and helping others is the ultimate way to "get the junk out of your life."This episode serves as a testament to the "Junk Refund" philosophy: business is not just about moving objects, but about managing relationships, maintaining integrity, and finding value where others see waste. Despite physical setbacks and the complexities of the second-hand market, Alan J. Cook remains focused on growth and community impact as he approaches his 68th year.
April 23, 2026Episode 4058 min
Season 2, Episode 40: “90% Junk Removal, 10% Psychologist”
Send us Fan MailThe Psychology of DeclutteringAlan Cook describes his role as "90% junk removal and 10% psychologist." He highlights the "Might Trap," where homeowners hold onto items because they "might" need them someday. He argues that if an item has no immediate use, it likely never will, citing examples of people hoarding spare siding, tiles, or scrap wood that eventually goes forgotten or becomes obsolete. The recommendation is to only keep items if you know exactly what project they are for and when you will use them.Treasure Hunting and Scrap MetalThe show recounts several "treasure hunt" successes, such as finding $1,800 in cash hidden in books and shoes and discovering gold coins in a Wisconsin storage unit that sold for $650. Beyond collectibles, the business leverages the scrap metal market. By running 5 Craigslist ads for free metal pick up the company generated significant revenue from materials like copper (valued at $4/lb.) and aluminum.
February 26, 2026Episode 3735 min
Season 2, Episode 37: “Go for the Gold—He Found It!” Mike Parent, Weichert Realtors
Send us Fan MailJoin me in this episode as I interview my good friend Mike Parent of Weichert Realtors. Among other things, you’ll learn the following:How Mike turned a 50-year hospitality career into a successful real estate career.How he takes a client’s wish list and then finds the perfect home for them.How he found some coins in a client’s house and converted them into a cash bonus of $16,000 for his client!Why Mike uses 1-800-Junk-Refund to clean out his properties!Three things anyone can do to get their house fixed up and ready to sell!Success stories about clients he’s recently helped, even from across the country!Thank you Mike for being my guest on today’s show!
February 19, 2026Episode 361 hr 0 min
Season 2, Episode 36: “Birthdays, Brazil & Beechcraft!”
Send us Fan MailJoin me this week as I discuss 1) A special birthday (Abe Lincoln’s), 2) A special girl in Brazil (Karina) and 3) A special Beechcraft Queen Air airplane we’re dismantling in Virginia!Other show highlights include taking responsibility for your finances, the incredible ROI on Craigslist ads, and nearing $1,000 cash back in my Upside account!And of course my thanks to Matt Damon for his ongoing support, my apologies to Jimmy Kimmel for not having time to get him on the show, and shoutouts to Wendy’s and Rockville Metals!Enjoy this fun episode!
February 12, 2026Episode 351 hr 0 min
Season 2: Episode 35: Happy birthday Abraham Lincoln!
Send us Fan MailJoin me in this special episode of the Junk Refund Show as I pay tribute to President Abraham Lincoln on his 217th birthday! I included five things I would do if I was made President of the United States tomorrow: I would apologize to the city of Portland.I would call the mayor of Minneapolis and encourage him not to use the F bomb in his press conferences.I would encourage our citizens to make time for God.I would encourage our citizens to find someone to forgive and then do it!I would encourage people to find someone else you could provide an act of service for.I also publicly honored Donny Osmond for his brilliant use of AI in his show at Harrah’s in Las Vegas. I discuss how a discarded hospital chair became a brilliant four-wheel dolly for us as we cleaned out a condo in Leisure World. And…I take on a Beechcraft Queen Air aircraft as I dismantle it for scrap metal. Enjoy this fun episode as we celebrate President’s Day and Abraham Lincoln’s 217th birthday!
December 2, 2025Episode 2957 min
Season 2: Episode 29–Grab a Fanta in Atlanta!
Send us Fan MailJoin me as I take a quick early morning trip to Atlanta to help out a friend and recount a number of jobs we’ve done recently. They include:Removing 6 tons of scrap metal from Herndon, Va.Doing an estimate in Leisure World for a hoarder.Following a pickup truck of sodas driven by a hoarder.Establishing a monthly contract with our first apartment complex in Alexandria, Va. How to fly from Washington DC to Atlanta for only $15!
September 25, 2025Episode 281 hr 1 min
Season 2, Episode 28: Helping Grampuh in Tampa!
Send us Fan MailJoin me as I travel to Tampa, Florida to clean out a large warehouse owned by an older gentleman and his wife. They had rented it out to a man from Connecticut who stopped paying his rent about 18 months ago. Now they want to get the leftover items out of there so they can re-rent the building.Learn how to save money on a rental truck at the airport. Learn how we did a landscaping job that was successful! Learn how to be persistent to find what you need. Learn where the best coastal beach in the United States is! And learn how to relax on that beach to help get the Junk out of your life!A great opportunity to help this wonderful older couple!
September 12, 2025Episode 2758 min
Season 2: Episode 27–Greetings from Bern, Switzerland!
Send us Fan MailJoin me this week as I broadcast from the lobby of the Hotel Ambassador in Bern, Switzerland! Hear about my trip to France and Switzerland with a new and good friend of mine who had never been to Switzerland!One of the best ways to get some of the junk out of your life is to travel. I was in Bern, Switzerland in 1979. What a joy to return some 46 years later!Shout outs include the Norse Airlines 787 jet, Cane’s restaurant in Times Square, and the Eurailpass! The trains in Europe are fascinating!I left Washington DC Tuesday afternoon at 4 PM, went to Times Square, Paris, Bern and Geneva, Switzerland, then back to Paris and back to Newark New Jersey plus a final Amtrak train back to Washington. I was back in Washington at 12 o’clock on Saturday and was back to work at 2 PM! It’s amazing what you can do with travel in the world today!Enjoy this adventure hopefully as much as I did!
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