From Runway To Renovation: Joanie Sprague's Life After America's Next Top Model

For fans who remember the fierce competition and iconic photo shoots of America's Next Top Model Cycle 6, runner-up Joanie Dodds was a standout talent whose modeling portfolio remains one of the show's strongest. But nearly two decades after her time on the runway, Joanie’s career has taken a fascinating and highly successful pivot, transitioning from high fashion to power tools. As of late 2025, the woman now known as Joanie Sprague has firmly established herself as an expert in the home improvement world, leveraging her original background as a licensed contractor to become a respected television personality and media host.

The journey from being one of Tyra Banks' top models to becoming a "handy ma'am" on a major home renovation show is a testament to her versatility and business acumen. Joanie Sprague's current life is a blend of media work, carpentry, and sharing personal insights, proving that the skills learned in the intense environment of reality television can be successfully applied to entirely new industries. Her story is a fresh, unique update for anyone curious about what happened to the ANTM star who nearly won Cycle 6.

Joanie Sprague: Complete Biography and Profile

Before her time on America's Next Top Model, Joanie Dodds already possessed a unique background that set her apart from other contestants. She was a licensed contractor and sales associate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a skillset she would later lean into for her major career pivot. Her modeling career was launched into the stratosphere after her impressive performance on the show, which led to international work before her eventual move to television hosting and carpentry.

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• Full Name: Joane Ann Dodds
• Current Married Name: Joanie Sprague
• Date of Birth: September 20, 1981
• Age (as of late 2025): 44
• Hometown/Origin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• ANTM Cycle: Cycle 6 (Runner-Up)
• Husband: Chris Sprague
• Marital Status: Married (since approximately 2016)
• Current Residence: Southern California
• Primary Careers: Fashion Model, Television Host, Carpenter, Podcast Host, DIY Educator
• Notable TV Appearances: America's Next Top Model (Cycle 6), Trading Spaces (Carpenter), Run My Renovation (Co-Host)
• Podcast: The Little Bit Podcast

The Unexpected Pivot: From High Fashion to Home Improvement

Joanie’s career trajectory is one of the most interesting among America's Next Top Model alumni. While many models continue solely in fashion, Joanie made a deliberate and highly successful transition back to her roots in construction and design. This pivot showcases her incredible versatility, transforming her from a runway model into a trusted home renovation expert.

Becoming a Carpenter on Trading Spaces

The biggest and most current chapter of Joanie Sprague's professional life is her role as a carpenter on the reboot of the iconic TLC/HGTV series, Trading Spaces. This position perfectly blends her reality TV experience with her practical construction skills. She is part of the all-star cast, working alongside designers like Kahi Lee and carpenters like Brett Tutor.

Her role on Trading Spaces is not just a side gig; it is her primary professional identity today. She is often seen providing tutorials on essential DIY skills, such as sanding and staining, and working on complex home renovation projects. This shift has allowed her to connect with a completely new audience—the home improvement community—while retaining the star power she gained from ANTM. She has also been a co-host on the DIY Network show Run My Renovation, further solidifying her status as a "handy ma'am" and home improvement personality.

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The Little Bit Podcast: Discussing ANTM, DIY, and Current Events

In addition to her television work, Joanie Sprague hosts her own successful media platform, The Little Bit Podcast. This is where fans can find some of the freshest and most personal updates from her. The podcast is a reflection of her diverse interests, covering a wide range of topics that give her topical authority in multiple niches.

The show’s segments often include:

• ANTM Deep Dives: Joanie frequently dishes on her experiences, backstage stories, and insights from her time on America's Next Top Model Cycle 6, satisfying the curiosity of her original fan base.
• DIY and Lifestyle: She provides practical advice on home renovation, power tool basics, and general lifestyle tips, drawing on her carpentry expertise.
• Relationships and Self-Help: The podcast often delves into personal topics, including relationships, intimacy, and self-improvement, offering a more vulnerable and relatable side of the former model.
• Hot Topics: Joanie and her co-hosts discuss current events and news stories, keeping the content fresh and relevant to 2025’s cultural landscape.

This podcast is the definitive source for her most recent thoughts and activities, making her a multi-platform media personality who has successfully adapted to the modern content creation environment.

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Personal Life and Current Focus in Southern California

After her reality television fame, Joanie Dodds married her husband, Chris Sprague, and took his last name, which is why she is now widely known as Joanie Sprague. The couple has been married for approximately nine years, a period that coincides with her major shift into the home improvement industry.

Today, Joanie and her husband live in Southern California, a location that serves as a base for her various professional endeavors, from TV filming to podcast production. Her focus remains on empowering others, particularly women, to embrace DIY and carpentry. She is an active member of the "handy ma'am" community, often collaborating with groups like Matriarchy Build, which aims to encourage more women to take on home renovation projects.

Joanie Sprague's journey is a powerful example of an individual who did not let a single career define her. She took the name recognition and platform from America's Next Top Model and skillfully transitioned it into a long-term, sustainable, and respected career in the world of home design and construction. Her ongoing work on Trading Spaces and her engaging podcast ensure that she remains a relevant and highly visible personality in late 2025 and beyond.