Reflecting on the conclusion of “Good Bones,” Mina Starsiak Hawk delves into the reasons behind the show’s enduring success more than six months after announcing its final season. In a recent episode of her podcast, “Mina AF,” the HGTV personality engages in a conversation with sociologist Danielle Lindemann, sharing insights on viewers’ inquiries about the series’ longevity.
“I think for us, it really was because we had so many characters. You could relate to at least one of us,” she muses.
Starsiak Hawk traces the origins of her Indianapolis-based home renovation venture, Two Chicks and a Hammer, back to 2007 when she founded it alongside her mother, Karen E. Laine. Even after Laine’s retirement from the company in 2019, she continued to make appearances on the show, which also prominently featured Mina’s brother, Tad Starsiak.
“Whether it was my mom, myself, or my brother Tad, there was always someone viewers could connect with, whether they were navigating the challenges of being a young 20-something figuring things out or simply enjoying the chaos of breaking stuff,” Mina elaborates.
“And I think it’s been really strange or uncomfortable for many people when the show concluded the way it did, and that curtain was drawn back a little, revealing, ‘Oh, her and her mom don’t have a flawless relationship as it appears on the show,’” she elaborates. “Then you have people revisiting and saying, ‘You know what? I could actually perceive that. I could see moments of irritation between them.’”
Mina has been open about the strains within her family circle in previous discussions on her podcast, admitting she wasn’t “in a great place” with either Tad or her mom.
Later in this week’s episode, she underscores the necessity of ending the show due to financial considerations. “The finances weren’t adding up,” she reveals.
She highlights a common misunderstanding among viewers that everyone featured on Good Bones was employed by her company. Contrary to this assumption, she clarifies that her relatives and other co-stars haven’t been part of Two Chicks’ workforce “for the past handful of years.”
“There was also this underlying dynamic, because I was the sole owner of the company, where no one else really cared. They were all just there for the fun of it, which was great, but it became too much to sustain,” she explains.
Nonetheless, followers of Good Bones have expressed their disappointment openly on social media platforms.
“When the show concluded, it wasn’t just about disappointing those involved in the production, including the team working behind the scenes and my family members who were earning from it,” she reflects. “It felt like letting down an entire community of HGTV viewers, particularly women, who made it known to me that they were deeply upset by the decision.”
Mina Starsiak’s Apology to the fans
In this apology post, Mina Starsiak reflects on the realization of the profound impact that fame has on her personal and public life. She acknowledges the responsibility that comes with being a public figure and expresses regret for any disappointment or hurt her actions may have caused to her fans.
As she states in the post:
“Being in the public eye means that every aspect of my life, both personal and professional, is subject to scrutiny and discussion. While this is something I’ve always understood on a surface level, the depth of its impact became more apparent to me as I witnessed the disappointment and frustration expressed by many of you following the end of Good Bones.”
Mina acknowledges the privilege of sharing her life on television but also recognizes the weight of the responsibility that comes with it. She apologizes for any instances where she may have projected a negative persona or caused harm, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity and transparency in sharing her experiences. She wrote,
I want to acknowledge the valid concerns and sentiments that have been shared. It deeply saddens me to know that the conclusion of our show may have left some of you feeling let down or disillusioned. I recognize that as a public figure, my actions and decisions have a ripple effect that extends far beyond myself and my immediate circle.
In particular, I want to address any instances where I may have inadvertently projected a negative persona or caused harm through my words or actions. I understand that fame comes with a responsibility to be mindful of how my behavior impacts those who look up to me, and for any unintentional hurt that I may have caused, I am truly sorry.
Mina addresses the tensions within her family, expressing remorse for any pain caused:
“I also want to extend my heartfelt apologies for the family drama that unfolded in the public eye. I recognize that the dynamics within my family may have been a source of confusion or concern for some of you, and for any hurt this may have caused, I am deeply sorry.”
She concludes the post by expressing her dedication to listening to her fans and evolving as she moves forward: “Your voices matter, and I am dedicated to listening and evolving as we navigate this journey together.”