The Build Show Podcast

Energy Efficiency - I Do Not Think That Word Means What You Think It Does

Matt Risinger sits down with Kristof Irwin of Positive Energy to discuss how mechanical systems, enclosure design, and building science work together in high-performance homes. Irwin explains how HVAC design impacts comfort, humidity control, indoor air quality, and long-term durability, especially in challenging climates. The conversation explores right-sizing equipment, balancing ventilation with airtight construction, and using data-driven testing to verify performance. They also touch on homeowner expectations, evolving energy standards, and the importance of integrating architects, builders, and mechanical designers early in the process.  Huge thanks to our episode sponsor JELD-WEN. Learn more at: https://www.jeld-wen.com/en-us [https://www.jeld-wen.com/en-us]   Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.  https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork [https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=p85zv0QbIImAqwD7&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BQctGL1Ht%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/] https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger]   Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].

Rethinking Insulation for Modern Homes

Matt Risinger talks with Jason Todd of TimberHP about the growing role of wood fiber insulation in high-performance construction. Todd explains how wood-based insulation products fit into modern wall assemblies, offering vapor-open performance, thermal control, and compatibility with airtight building strategies. The discussion covers manufacturing, supply chain challenges, and how these materials compare to foam and mineral wool in durability and environmental impact. They also touch on prefabrication, evolving building codes, and the shift toward low-carbon materials in residential construction.  Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Huber Engineered Woods and Pella Windows.  Learn more at:  https://www.huberwood.com/ [https://www.huberwood.com/] https://www.pella.com/ [https://www.pella.com/]     Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.  https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork [https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=p85zv0QbIImAqwD7&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BQctGL1Ht%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/] https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger]   Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].

The Science Behind Air Leakage Testing

Matt Risinger sits down with Bill Graber and Steve Rogers of The Energy Conservatory to explore how diagnostic testing informs high-performance construction. The conversation centers on blower door testing, pressure mapping, and airflow measurement as tools to verify airtightness and identify leakage pathways. They discuss how builders and energy raters use data to refine building enclosures, improve indoor air quality, and coordinate HVAC system performance. The group also touches on evolving codes, training, and the growing expectation for measurable results in residential construction.  Huge thanks to our podcast episode Huber Engineered Woods.  Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com [https://www.huberwood.com] Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.  https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork [https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=p85zv0QbIImAqwD7&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BQctGL1Ht%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/] https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger]   Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].

The Tools Behind High-Performance Homes

Matt Risinger hosts a conversation with Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser of Tru Tech Tools, focusing on how testing and measurement shape modern building performance. The discussion centers on blower door testing, airflow diagnostics, and the growing role of data in verifying airtightness and system performance. They explore how builders and HVAC professionals use tools to identify leakage, improve indoor air quality, and fine-tune mechanical systems. The conversation also touches on training, evolving standards, and the shift toward performance-based construction, with practical insights into integrating diagnostics into everyday building workflows. Episode sponsor Pella is recognized for supporting the podcast. Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Pella.  Learn more at: https://www.pella.com/ [https://www.pella.com/] Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.  https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork [https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=p85zv0QbIImAqwD7&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BQctGL1Ht%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/] https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger]   Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].

Straw Bale Construction 101

Matt Risinger sits down with Jacob Racusin of New Frameworks to unpack how straw-based construction fits into modern high-performance building. Racusin reframes “straw bale” as a panelized wall system using straw and wood fiber as insulation within airtight assemblies, emphasizing durability, moisture management, and prefabrication. The conversation moves from the history of straw construction to its evolution into factory-built panels that meet passive house–level performance. They discuss cost, scalability, and shifting from custom design-build to standardized housing solutions, positioning bio-based materials as part of a broader strategy for energy efficiency, resilience, and streamlined construction.  A big thank you to episode sponsor Huber Engineered Woods for supporting the Build Show podcast.  Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com [https://www.huberwood.com] Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.  https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork [https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=p85zv0QbIImAqwD7&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BQctGL1Ht%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/] https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger]   Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].