Best UnBuild Podcasts (2025)

1
134 - Another Double Feature - SIPs vs Stick-Frame & Thermal Degradation of Rigid Insulation 34:59

12h ago34:59

34:59

Whole bunch of reasons to consider SIP building systems BUT switching from stick-framing is not a walk in the park. But UnBuild It has a ton of experience with SIPs. Next up: Just how stable are the R-values of rigid insulations (the plastic ones with blowing agents) over time? The boys spend just the right amount of time on this on...(just could n…

1
Santa Maria del Fiore - The Unbuildable Dome 14:29

2d ago14:29

14:29

Discover how Florence’s most iconic cathedral became the birthplace of Renaissance architecture, and how Filippo Brunelleschi solved a 45-meter-wide engineering mystery no one else could. This episode explores the political ambition, civic pride, and human genius behind the construction of the world’s largest masonry dome, completed in 1434. From m…

1
Parthenon – The Illusion of Perfection 17:42

9d ago17:42

17:42

Discover the secrets behind one of the most iconic buildings in history. This episode explores the Parthenon in Athens. Not just as a temple to the goddess Athena, but as a masterclass in political power, architectural illusion, and cultural identity. Learn how 5th-century BCE architects used subtle curves, tilted columns, and optical tricks to cre…

1
133 - Deep Dive on That Pesky Transition: Top-of-Foundation/Bottom-of-Above-Grade Wall 34:23

14d ago34:23

34:23

Should exterior above-grade wall sheathing or framing line up flush to the outside face of the foundation? Is sealing the bottom of the above-grade wall and foundation with a sill sealer product like Protecto Wrap Triple Guard a good idea? This sets off Jake, Steve, and Pete on balancing water protection, air sealing, and drying potential at this k…

1
Guggenheim Bilbao Museum – The Birth of the Bilbao Effect 16:57

16d ago16:57

16:57

The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum is more than an architectural icon and a turning point in the history of cities. In this episode, we explore how a daring political decision, a collapsing industrial economy, and a radical design by Frank Gehry came together to create what is now known as “The Bilbao Effect.” Learn how Bilbao, once a declining port city…

1
Empire State Building - The Making of an American Legend 16:12

23d ago16:12

16:12

Step into 1930s New York and discover the incredible story behind the Empire State Building, a skyscraper born from rivalry, built during the Great Depression, and crowned the tallest in the world for nearly 40 years. From secret spires and airship dreams to record-breaking construction and pop culture fame, this episode unpacks how the Empire Stat…

1
Neue Nationalgalerie - Mies van der Rohe’s Final Masterpiece 12:51

1M ago12:51

12:51

Step into 1960s Berlin with me as we uncover the story of the Neue Nationalgalerie, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s final masterpiece. Designed during the Cold War tensions and under the Berlin Wall’s shadow, this modernist icon redefined museum architecture with its minimalist steel-and-glass pavilion. Explore how Mies, returning to Germany after decad…

1
132 - The Pre-Construction Process? 36:27

1M ago36:27

36:27

Plenty of reasons for the question mark: Pete wondered what this term really meant; Jake points out that for most of his career, he was not involved in this process as a builder; Steve gets pretty heated when this process does not include budget (at least a realistic budget...). Gem here from Steve: "70% of a home's budget is hardwired into the num…

1
Taj Mahal – A Love Story Told in Architecture 12:43

1M ago12:43

12:43

Discover the story behind one of the most iconic buildings in the world: the Taj Mahal. More than a monument, this 17th-century masterpiece is a symbol of love, loss, power, and architectural brilliance.In this episode, we explore the history of the Taj Mahal, the relationship between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, and the cultural and politi…

1
Seattle Public Library – A Machine for Learning in the Digital Age 22:54

1M ago22:54

22:54

Discover how Seattle built one of the most radical libraries of the 21st century. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and OMA, the Seattle Central Library redefined what a public building could be. A twelve-story machine for learning, wrapped in glass and steel. From its book spiral to its bold design logic, this episode unpacks the architecture, ambition, an…

1
131 - Two Q's: Isn't ZIP-R backwards? Shouldn't we rainscreen roofs as well as walls? 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

Two great questions on which the boys pontificate in fine form. Yes, ZIP-R is "backwards" (rigid insulation interior to structural sheathing) but that does not mean that it doesn't work; it does, just differently. So why don't we typically rain screen roof claddings? The short answer is it always costs more, regardless of the type of roof cladding.…

1
Golden Gate Bridge - The story behind the most iconic bridge ever built 17:55

2M ago17:55

17:55

In this episode of Architecture Topics we'll explore the full story behind the Golden Gate Bridge. From the geographic and economic factors that made it make sense, to the ambitious engineer who dared to imagine the impossible but didn't actually know how to build it, to the team behind the scenes that did... Discover how Joseph Strauss rallied pub…

1
Centre Pompidou Paris - The "inside-out" museum 12:24

2M ago12:24

12:24

Explore the story behind the Centre Pompidou in Paris, one of the most radical and controversial buildings in modern architecture. Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers in the 1970s, this iconic "inside-out" museum challenged everything Paris thought it knew about culture, design, and public space. In this episode we will talk about the politi…

1
130 - Two Qs: Job Site Safety & Garage Moisture Management 28:40

2M ago28:40

28:40

What could be more fun than yammering on about scary job site stories and just how confusing a space your garage can be? You listeners ask the damndest questions, so we just keep on cranking... Per usual, Steve closes us out with humor worthy of these two questions... PETE'S RESOURCES: - "Does Safety Affect Productivity in Construction?" - From our…

1
La Pedrera - The Gaudí Masterpiece Barcelona Once Mocked 18:46

2M ago18:46

18:46

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is one of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona and a landmark of Antoni Gaudí's architecture. Discover how this bold and controversial building was mocked when it was built in the early 20th century, and how it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of modernist innovation. Perfect for fans of Barcel…

1
NYC Guggenheim Museum – The Building That Refused to Fit In 12:54

2M ago12:54

12:54

The NYC Guggenheim Museum is a building that broke every rule of museum design, defied the city's building codes. It became Frank Lloyd Wright’s final, and most controversial masterpiece. Wright was in his late seventies when he took on the commission. He hated New York. He didn’t like museums. And yet, over sixteen turbulent years, he fought to br…

1
Sydney Opera House - Building the Impossible 13:33

2M ago13:33

13:33

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, but few know the dramatic story behind its creation. In this episode, we explore how Danish architect Jørn Utzon won an international design competition, solved an impossible engineering challenge, and then was forced to abandon the project before it was finished. Discov…

1
Welcome to Architecture Topics! Architecture History—One Story at a Time 1:01

2M ago1:01

1:01

Welcome to Architecture Topics, the podcast where we delve into the stories, ideas, and designs that shape the world around us. My name is Liam Caron, and in each episode, I’ll take you on a journey through the ideas, designs, and people that have shaped architectural history. From ancient monuments to modern skyscrapers, I’ll explore how architect…

1
129 - A Crazy Space - Decks Over Garages (or worse) & Living Spaces 32:17

3M ago32:17

32:17

The advice starts with "don't ever do this" and then dives into the details for doing it right: slope, overhangs, pedestal systems, step-down from house to deck, and truck liners. Wait, what? Jake describes a long-past project involving a spray-on truck bed liner protective coating (and there actually ARE spray-on residential roof systems for decks…

1
128 - Master Plumber Eric Aune Part III: Water Sources/Water Quality 31:46

3M ago31:46

31:46

Different water sources lead to different water quality issues. Eric walks us through: sources of tap water; testing water; appropriate water treatment systems responding to the testing results; and a new water frontier: PFAS in our tap water (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances). Yikes! PETE'S RESOURCES: - Eric Aune Mechanical Hub - Water testing …

1
127 - Master Plumber Eric Aune Part II: How NOT to wait for hot water! 29:40

4M ago29:40

29:40

Eric Aune would make the perfect Marvel Superhero Plumber. With tank versus Tankless water heaters, multiple small tanks, and on-demand recirc systems, Eric brings real-world insight to all sorts of plumbing technologies and techniques. And of course, Steve closes the episode with a special look to his future. Pete's Resources: Eric Aune Gary Klein…

1
126 - All Things Water Heating with Eric Aune 52:07

4M ago52:07

52:07

Eric provides Steve and Jake with a plumber's perspective on almost every residential, domestic hot water system available in the US. Stick around for terms like "cold water sandwich," "air-to-water," "CO2 refrigerant," and "recirc." It's absolutely gripping! Pete's Resources: Eric Aune - Mechanical Hub Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heater Demand Hot…

1
125 - Christine Williamson: From training building practitioners to teaching the next generation of architects 33:26

4M ago33:26

33:26

Jake spends time at Virginia Tech with Christine Williamson, a leading building professional who integrates building science and architecture. In her first year as an Assistant Professor of Architecture, Christine applies building science to architecture courses such as Environment and Building Systems I and II. In her own words about her new posit…

1
124 - "Post-Frame" Buildings & Rim Joist Riddles 28:16

5M ago28:16

28:16

You say Post-Frame, I say Pole Barn or Barndominium...Yikes. The boys beat up on this topic when we move utility-grade agricultural weather-sheltering buildings (pole barns) to fully-conditioned homes. Aesthetic questions aside, there is solid building science to consider here. And speaking of building science, how do we insulate and air seal rim j…

1
123 - Chelsea Scharbach, AKA Rosy the Riveter! 44:07

6M ago44:07

44:07

From metal worker to Director of Architecture Risinger Build to home remodeler, Chelsea is all about working on buildings. Instead of a working-man's Architect like our buddy Steve, Chelsea is the quintessential working-woman's Architect. And get this: Steve & Chelsea are about to team-up on a Risinger Build project! Pete's Resources: - GBA Retrofi…

1
122 - Regionality rules us but so now does the internet & social media... 25:58

6M ago25:58

25:58

Since the internet makes us all so cozy from LA to Louisiana, it comes as a surprise to even hard-core building pros that many materials and systems simply don't translate from region to region. Local context simply interferes: price, local expertise, local building codes, availability of materials, even just "no one has done it that way here..." B…

1
121 - "It's All About STEVE" 32:57

7M ago32:57

32:57

When Steve doesn't show up on time for the podcast, Jake and Pete jump all over the idea of roasting him. But the podcast is mainly about why we love working with the "jamoke." It is about a half-hour of stories about the consummate job-site architect, Steve Baczek, the guy we "can't live with; can't live without him." NOTE: Pete incorrectly calls …

1
120 - Santa-Fe Dehumidification Deva Nikki Krueger Round 2 40:19

7M ago40:19

40:19

Jake & Pete get schooled again on dehumidification by Nikki. - Nikki introduces the acronym HVACD to make dehumidification in equal standing with heating, air conditioning and ventilation. - Great discussion of the differences between portable ("big box") and whole house dehumidifiers. - Importance of the change in measurement standards for DEHUs f…

1
119 - A Riff on Measure Twice, Cut Once... 36:32

8M ago36:32

36:32

Jake and Pete host good friend Matt Risinger (pretty sure he is “part” of the Build Show...). It starts simple with pre-drywall checklists (you know, like blocking for toilet paper holders...). But boy, it quickly blossoms into a wonderful, wandering discussion of everything from sequencing to quality control to a scopes of work program. Terrific l…

1
118 - Special Guest Nikki Krueger of Santa Fe Dehumidifiers with her remarkably "dry" sense of humor... 37:26

8M ago37:26

37:26

Many of us in the building industry turn to Nikki for all questions dehumidification (certainly including this weeks hosts, Jake & Pete). Nikki goes toe to toe with HVAC techs with a degree in communications and that is because she understands that you have to go tech if you are representing technical products such as dehumidifiers. She connects in…

1
117 - What Should Pre-Construction Look Like? 43:23

9M ago43:23

43:23

After the boys were done taking jabs at each other, they each take this question and apply it to their fields: building (Jake), designing (Steve), and enclosure review (Pete). Much of the discussion centers on the cost and expectations that both building professionals and clients have or should set with each other. Another central theme is that pul…

1
116 - Special Guest: Daniel Glauser--Phius Core Revive Remodeler Extraordinaire 28:36

9M ago28:36

28:36

Daniel Glauser is the Executive Project Manager for Risinger Build in Austin, TX. And he really puts his money where his mouth is. This episode focuses on his deep energy retrofit of a 1977 home in Austin, TX, which will be certified per the Phius Core Revive program. And get this: this soup-to-nuts retrofit is being done while he, his wife, 3 kids…

1
115 - Innovative or Alternative Foundation Materials & Systems 35:40

10M ago35:40

35:40

This week's podcast is a discussion about slab-less slabs AND some new projects in which Steve & Jake use alternative or innovative foundation materials or systems. The three boys get off on substantial tangents regarding the environmental profile of foundation materials and construction waste management but hold on: there are great resources below…

1
114 - Getting Personal: Career-Defining Stories from Jake, Steve, and Pete 34:46

10M ago34:46

34:46

Steve and his "jamokes" (Jake & Pete) share moments that changed their careers. Especially interesting is that the term jamoke that Steve uses is most often associated with CarTalk host Ray Magliozzi in this quote: "If my brother and I proved one thing, it's that just about any jamoke can host a radio show." Wow, does that nail the three of us and …

1
112 - Confused spaces? Garages 28:10

11M ago28:10

28:10

Pete, confused? Pete takes the lead on garages and tries hard not to confuse Steve and Jake (not very successfully...). It's all about how garages are "conditioned" (heated, cooled, dehumidified, ventilated, and filtered) and just what uses the garage is designed for in comparison to the expectations homeowners have in terms of their use(s). Pete's…

1
111 - Sills - Where Windows Meet Walls & Walls Meet Foundations 36:12

12M ago36:12

36:12

Listeners picked up on two places where perhaps Steve and Jake do not agree (can you imagine....?): Face-seal vs. Drained-rough-opening window/door installations and details at sill plates. After considerable "silliness" (that would be Steve's not Pete's pun...), Jake & Steve reconcile these apparent disagreements with lots of UnBuild It love for e…

1
110 - Deciding Insulation Levels & Structural Implications of Floor Sheathing Fastener Type & Schedule 26:25

1y ago26:25

26:25

Great questions from our listeners! How do you determine the best insulation levels by climate (with the best being the greatest value)? Does adding screws (at some point during construction) make sense when using Advantech floor sheathing, adhesive, and ring shank nails? Pete's Resource(s): BSI-081: "Zeroing In" - https://www.buildinggreen.com/blo…

1
109 - Clients - Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em... 40:22

1y ago40:22

40:22

Client involvement is critical in any building project, but this can be a double-edged sword. We need our clients engaged and to manage their expectations, particularly given how much information/stuff is available online. The boys each give their perspective on the importance and the corralling required for client involvement. Pete's Resource(s): …

1
108 - Basements as Living Conditioned Space 33:49

1y ago33:49

33:49

How do you transform below-grade full foundations (also variously called pits, cellars, or basements and historically meant to be or tolerated as damp and cool and dark) into true living-conditioned spaces? We say add four continuous control layers, access to daylight and egress, thermal comfort, and good acoustics—make it a place to thrive as well…

1
107 - Steve's Mantras: Go Slow to Go Fast & Identify Problems BEFORE Moving to Solutions 31:41

1y ago31:41

31:41

It's funny that Steve, a very nuts-n-bolts guy, hosts this largely philosophical episode. But all three of us agree: Separate symptoms from causes—It's easy to get distracted or engrossed in symptoms, but the causes lead to solutions. Solutions come much easier if you first identify the problem(s). Step back to move forward. It's always tempting to…

1
106 - WTF: Off-Site Building & Owner-GC? 33:21

1y ago33:21

33:21

Who would have thought that our buddy Steve would be more than OK with both off-site building and the homeowner acting as their own General Contractor? But combining Superior Walls for the foundation with Harvest Homes for all of the framing means the GC homeowner is dealing with far fewer trade contractors. Steve, Jake, and Pete walk through the a…

1
105 - Q&A: 2024 #4 - Ventilation Systems & Liquid Sealants 32:15

1y ago32:15

32:15

1. What about whole-house ventilation systems (balanced, exhaust only, supply only) and their impact on pressure balance in homes? And do ERVs/HRVs accommodate pressure imbalances created by things like exhaust fans, stack effect, etc.? 2. Per Steve: to butyl or not to butyl...For areas such as door sills, use butyl sealant or maybe acoustical seal…

1
104 - High Performance Homebuilding in Austin TX with Risinger BUILD's Tim Hill 33:36

1+ y ago33:36

33:36

Tim Hill of Risinger build--Austin homebuilder for over 40 years--teamed up with Matt some 10+ years ago. Tim details his company's approach to architects, customers, and trades, including featuring building science in ALL aspects of their building company. The conversation aptly starts with the job site trailer carrying a Goodman mobile dehumidifi…

1
103 - Pre-cast Foundations 35:08

1+ y ago35:08

35:08

One of the most interesting ways to accomplish a high-performance below-grade wall is with Precast Concrete panels. Both Steve and Pete have worked on projects using Superior Walls, the leading US manufacturer of these panels. Certainly, it is not the least expensive way to do a foundation, but this system has a ton of advantages: it is completely …

1
102 - Q&A: 2024 #3 - A funky Arkansas roof & a heat pump water heater install in Montana 33:05

1+ y ago33:05

33:05

1. Actually 3 questions--can you/how do you/should you vent a pyramidal roof with dormers? (PS - I just had to look up the pronunciation of "pyramidal"--I found both pronunciations...). 2. How do I configure for adequate air supply and noise control for a heat pump water heater (HPWH) in a 1400 square foot, tight home in Montana? And then, I would …

1
101 - Q&A - 2024 #2 - Open Joint Claddings 36:39

1+ y ago36:39

36:39

The boys INTEND to tackle TWO submitted questions but only manage one: Are open-joint claddings better moisture-managed better than traditional lap claddings? This episode is quite the mix of banter, building science, and building history. And note that the last resource in the list below is a great short video with Joe Lstiburek of Building Scienc…

1
100 - Q&A - 2024 #1 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Listener Bill B poses this question and the boys run with it for the whole podcast: "Can you share the details and the reasons for installing flangeless windows in different planes of deep wall assemblies?" Lots to consider here in terms of ALL of the control layers and their continuity. Pete's Resource(s): - BSC Window Installation Sequence: https…

1
99 - Site Hydrology? Steve puts on his hydrologic engineer hat; Jake & Pete add their thinking caps... 32:38

1+ y ago32:38

32:38

You know the boys get weepy over water pretty easily, but Steve's focus on starting with the site drives this podcast. The site is the context for the building, and broadening to site water management can really take the load off of building assembly water management. This podcast is all about digging deeper into building (sorry, just could not res…

1
98 - A very special Matt Risinger throw back episode and Special Announcement 1:08:15

1+ y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

We have a big announcement this week as we return to our first time having Matt Risinger on the podcast.By Unbuild It Podcast

1
97 - Custom Builder Round Table - "Subcontractors: Vetting, Getting, Keeping and even Honing Your Build Team" 38:02

1+ y ago38:02

38:02

Jake and his builder team--Luke Mann, (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design)--work through all sorts of cool, key approaches to consider with your trades: · Paying subs in 21 days · Scheduling a site visit for a new potential sub · Pulling subs into the bidding proce…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

UnBuild Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen