Best Wordcrafters Podcasts (2025)

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Blurring the Edges Between Inside and Out

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29d ago

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Why do we design indoor spaces the way we do? What are the unseen socio-cultural impacts involved and how do they impact other aspects of the indoor environment that we can not see? Today, we're unpacking the idea that our indoor environments are not just passive shelters - they are complex, multifaceted situations with competing goals and perspect…

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Commissioning Matters 1:14:31

1M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Commissioning Matter - Establishing a Culture of Collaboration Who on the AEC team can deliver strategic guidance, direction, and leadership for the functional aspects of homes and buildings? This is the role of a Commissioning Agent (CxA) and it’s a role that matters now more than ever. The term "commissioning" itself means to "entrust into the sa…

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Architectural Epidemiology 1:17:23

2M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

How do we expand the positive impacts of our buildings? Now is the time. The building sector is looking at a once-in-a-generation opportunity to flip from being a major contributor to both chronic disease and climate disruption to becoming one of the primary solutions. The key is provide training and perspective to the professionals involved. Why i…

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Design Matters: Aesthetics, Ethics and Architectural Impact 1:04:26

4M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

“It’s time to rethink the idea that architecture does not sully itself with social or ecological ills.” Jonathan Feldman (in conversation w/ KI) The practice of architecture is a place where ethics and aesthetics converge. We make decisions and lead our lives based on ethics. As such ethics is concerned with what is good for individuals and society…

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Architecture of Risk: Managing Liability & Uncertainty in the AEC 1:06:41

5M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Risk is real in the AEC. True risk management isn't about avoidance, but about informed engagement. Homes and buildings today measure success in many ways, each of these represent a potential failure mode. Managing risk means recognizing and embracing it, this is a core message from our guest today. Joe Basham is a seasoned construction industry at…

1
Building the Movement 1:01:01

5M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

In this special episode of the Building Science Podcast Kristof is joined by Ilka Cassidy of Passive House at NESEA's BuildingEnergy Boston '25. Ilka and Kristof are joined by the following inspiring speakers and organizers of NESEA 25: Jacob Deva Racusin, New Frameworks Natural Design/Build Andrew Himes, Carbon Leadership Forum Laura Bailey, Vermo…

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Sustainability & Climate Wordcraft 1:28:32

6M ago1:28:32

1:28:32

Understanding climate action through the words we use Keep an ear out for an easter egg after the outro on this one. The words we use matter. Terms like "sustainability”, “net zero” and “resilience” signify our industry's evolving priorities and concerns. These “buzzwords” reflect current cultural circumstances within the AEC industry and larger so…

1
Telling Better Stories 1:15:55

7M ago1:15:55

1:15:55

“The world is not made of atoms, the world is made of stories” Muriel Rukeyser “Where do buildings come from?” is a question that comes with a story. Less often asked, “Where do buildings go?”. The evolving story human society tells itself in answer to those questions is worth unpacking thoughtfully. That’s what happens in this episode. Join Kristo…

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Architecture Out of Balance 1:15:01

9M ago1:15:01

1:15:01

The tension between aesthetics and performance in architecture is a critical and complex issue in contemporary design. Architects are increasingly and appropriately being tasked with designing buildings that are not only beautiful but also functional in terms of impacts on owners, occupants, resources, and planetary ecosystems. The contrasting view…

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An Architectural Optimist Wrote a Book - Part 3, Causing Good Design to Happen 1:14:58

10M ago1:14:58

1:14:58

Join Kristof and Corey Squire in this third and final installment of their interview series discussing Corey’s book People Planet Design. In Part 1, they opened the discussion at the logical starting place of the important Why questions. Why design matters to society and Why architecture is the place to address so many important issues we face toda…

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Designer Desiccants, Molecular Filters, and the Prospects of Dehumidification 1:06:03

11M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

What is the future of dehumidification? Turns out this simple question opens up an exciting view of the future of IAQ generally. The goal of a low energy method for removing water molecules from a flowing airstream boils down to some way of identifying, grabbing and holding onto them. Essentially we are talking about a designer desiccant or molecul…

1
Unlocking Electrification with Passive Buildings 1:14:49

11M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

Passive house has become synonymous with the rapidly arriving new normal for our homes and buildings and offers layers of positive outcomes. Thermal comfort, IAQ/IEQ, durability, and low energy use are typically the incentives for owners, architects, builders and trades. As it turns out, there may be broader societal benefits tied to thoughtfully m…

1
More Influence, More Impact, More Satisfaction 1:25:21

1y ago1:25:21

1:25:21

Empowering the practice of architecture to achieve consistent, predictable, positive impacts on human well-being and planetary health is perhaps one of the most pressing topics in the AEC today. Starting with a review of the history of the search for Bioclimatic Law, this conversation with Dr Bill Braham, FAIA is an invitation to architects to recl…

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Sue Sinclair: Place, Purpose, and Community for New Brunswick Poets. 19:10

1y ago19:10

19:10

Sue Sinclair and Jenna Morton discuss the art and practice of writing in New Brunswick, emphasising the importance of creating time and space for reflection upon life - and the unique way in which writing and reading can fulfil this need. They highlight the influence of place, purpose, and the vulnerability of putting one's work into the world. Sin…

1
Wordcraft Trailer 4:03

1y ago4:03

4:03

The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.Learn more about the WFNB at www.wfnb.caBy The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick

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Terry Armstrong: The Importance of Community, Global Reach, and Learning from Failure 35:05

1y ago35:05

35:05

Terry Armstrong discusses his diverse writing career, from songwriting to novel writing and scriptwriting. He shares his initial inspiration from a college professor and the importance of both positive and negative feedback in his development. Terry emphasises the value of alpha readers and the importance of writing for an audience, not just for on…

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Jennifer McGrath: Write, Read, and Listen to the Incredible Community of Writers Around You. 29:36

1y ago29:36

29:36

Jenna Morton and Jennifer McGrath discuss the importance of embracing creative flexibility in writing, encouraging listeners to explore different genres and styles of writing without feeling guilty and taking advantage of the generous writing community in our region.. Jen stresses the value of not letting ego get in the way of creativity and explor…

1
Tools For a Habitable Future 1:19:35

1y ago1:19:35

1:19:35

The work of the AEC is broader than buildings. On a daily basis we, collectively and individually, make decisions that have broad and lasting impacts on our lives, our health, and our world. These impacts can be either positive or negative; the choice is ours. This is the perspective of Gina Ciganik and her brilliant and motivated team at Habitable…

1
Len Falkenstein: Optimistic about playwriting in New Brunswick and the growth of our theatre scene 22:06

1y ago22:06

22:06

Guest, Len Falkenstein - Director of Drama at UNB and New Brunswick Playwright - discusses the importance of developing new plays by New Brunswick writers and the value of creating work rooted in the province's unique cultural and political environment. Falkenstein shares his insights on the future of playwriting in New Brunswick, expressing hope f…

1
Leo LaFleur: Mental health, writing, and the impact of supportive people. 30:34

1y ago30:34

30:34

Leo LaFleur discusses the intersections of creativity and mental health with host Jenna Morton, sharing personal experiences and perspectives from his life. He emphasises the importance of creative expression and support systems in overcoming mental health challenges, and in finding and developing your creative voice. In the second part of the conv…

1
Beth Powning: Writing, Publishing, and the Power of Words in New Brunswick. 27:56

1y ago27:56

27:56

Jenna Morton and Beth Powning discuss the writer's duty to the reader, emphasising honesty, empathy, and creating a satisfying reading experience. Beth shares her experiences as a writer from New Brunswick, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the writer and reader, the importance of observation in writing, and the power of words…

1
Rethinking The Wood Supply Chain 48:01

1y ago48:01

48:01

How can we build better supply chains for the built world? When it comes to the inconceivably vast amount of wood we use in our buildings, one “simple” way is to use less virgin material and use more wood that would otherwise not make it to market. Instead it would be destined to decompose and emit its carbon into the sky. What if, instead, the for…

1
Modular Part 2 - Working Skillfully Within Constraint 46:35

1y ago46:35

46:35

Today we’re continuing the conversation on modular construction w/ Rommel Sulit and Chris Krager. Buckle up for some quotable quotes and impactful ideas in this episode. A recurring theme from part 1 is present here. Could it be the case that because modular delivery must rethink basic assumptions, it may be the first area of the AEC to do what the…

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Modular Part 1 - It doesn't have to be so *$%! Hard! 52:24

1y ago52:24

52:24

How often do you think about modular construction? Is it an idea whose time has come? There are those who view it as the only path forward that realistically checks all the boxes - are they right? The potential is clear, modular project delivery can save time, save money, and positively impact our current and looming labor and skills crunch on the …

1
Pickleball Goes Passive 58:04

1+ y ago58:04

58:04

Who knew that an indoor pickleball facility could become a touchstone for high performance construction based on passive house principles? The backstory here is worth unpacking as it relates to a powerful force that is not often discussed - money. Return on investment is the aim of the game in the realm of real estate investment and this fact typic…

1
Is There a Passive House Aesthetic? 1:07:08

1+ y ago1:07:08

1:07:08

At a fundamental level, passive house practitioners are engaged in a rebellion against poor quality design and construction. It’s becoming quite clear that this rebellion has legs and will endure. Given this, a question worth unpacking is whether the durability of the passive house movement is emerging as an architectural style. What are the defini…

1
Our First PSA, Humid Climate Conference in Austin, May 6-7! 11:19

1+ y ago11:19

11:19

Big news! The Humid Climate Conference is coming back to ATX and it’s time for some appropriate FOMO. We’re just two weeks out. You will be so glad you made the decision to come to HCC in ATX. Both the technical knowledge and perspectives you’ll hear, as well as the realization and experience of the power, vitality and unstoppability of the growing…

1
Ultrasonics Comes to Market 1:06:59

1+ y ago1:06:59

1:06:59

Today’s episode opens up the system of systems that delivers the materials, equipment and tools we use to deliver high quality homes and buildings to ourselves. The focus is on an novel ultrasonic leak detection system. This is potentially game-changing technology that impacts the ability to confidently deliver Passive House quality air control lay…

1
Next Level Leverage 58:50

1+ y ago58:50

58:50

What if it’s true that “We can not solve our problems using the same level of thinking that created them”? - Attributed to Albert Einstein Could it be that our building science understanding is limited? Could it be that even the clarity of understanding we gain by viewing homes and buildings as a systems of systems, assemblies, materials and produc…

1
Houses are Made of Stories 1:17:04

1+ y ago1:17:04

1:17:04

Josh Salinger Joshua Salinger is CEO and Founder of Birdsmouth Design Build, a residential Design Build company located in Portland OR. In 1999 Josh graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double major in Zoology and Conservation. In 2007 he started Birdsmouth Design Build with the goal of designing and building beautiful, high pe…

1
Entropy, Insight and Our Time to Shine 1:14:17

1+ y ago1:14:17

1:14:17

Luke Leung Luke is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Fellow; He is also a Centennial Fellow from The Pennsylvania State University Architectural Engineering Department; Board of Directors for USGBC (United State Green Building Council), Illinois; Chairman of the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditi…

1
Wood is Good? 1:25:27

1+ y ago1:25:27

1:25:27

Chris Magwood Chris works with the Embodied Carbon Team in the Carbon Free Buildings Program. He brings focus on carbon-storing material and the residential sector to the team, using his experience with LCA studies and policy development to support the team’s work. Chris has been designing and building zero-carbon buildings throughout his 25-year c…

1
Circles All the Way Down 1:17:04

1+ y ago1:17:04

1:17:04

How do we design and build affordable net-zero, carbon-negative homes? That important goal is the subject of today’s episode and is the focus of a multidisciplinary team that includes PNNL, Virginia Tech, and Green Canopy NODE. On the podcast today you’ll hear from Patti Gunderson with PNNL who is working with a talented team who are taking a thoug…

1
Air-To-Water: Hydronic Hype or the Future? 1:19:24

1+ y ago1:19:24

1:19:24

You don’t have to be a building nerd or an engineer for a question like this to be relevant and important to consider. There are many reasons why AWHP systems make an attractive alternative to our batch of current “normal” heat pumps that rely on refrigerant for thermal distribution. Some of the reasons AWHP are appealing include: (1) reduced refri…

1
Not Your Grandpa's Home Improvement Show 51:18

1+ y ago51:18

51:18

We spend the vast majority of our time inside yet we actually know very little about what it means to live indoors. This is the case even though what happens indoors impacts us in nearly every way. Our comfort, health and overall well-being all are deeply impacted by what's in the air we breathe and what’s happening in and on the surfaces all aroun…

1
Excuse Me, Your Coil is Leaking 1:19:41

1+ y ago1:19:41

1:19:41

Moving heat with a heat pump is an unsung superhero in the global energy transition. Chances are nearly 100% that you’re using a heat pump right now - to heat or cool yourself, refrigerate your food, or keep your car comfortable while you drive. The vapor compression process may be the thermodynamic engine of a heat pump, but where the rubber meets…

1
Healthy Home Revolution 1:03:46

2y ago1:03:46

1:03:46

As a society we are learning, slowly but surely, how to design and build healthy indoor spaces for ourselves and our loved ones. Seeing the need to both guide and accelerate this learning process, Paula Baker LaPorte and her wingman John Banta and Erica Elliot MD dedicated themselves to write a book. This happened 35 years ago with the 1st Edition …

1
Green Glop & Hair Shirts - Perspectives on Client Communication 1:05:02

2y ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Designing and building a sustainable passive house is a powerful moment for all involved - the client, the architect, and the planet. For the owners the process is deeply personal and emotional, with layers of financial impacts and the significant time investment involved. For architects the key is to talk in a way that clients can hear them, and l…

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An Architectural Optimist Wrote a Book Part 2 - Design Excellence through Practice 1:19:59

2y ago1:19:59

1:19:59

Stated another way: Why is it that some firms produce a consistent stream of high-performing buildings, while others have trouble crafting a single project that moves beyond traditional practice? The answer is Practice; the environment and practices within which each particular firm carries out or exercises its professional role in the society. Joi…

1
Filter Feast Part 2 54:44

2y ago54:44

54:44

Topics include the basics of particulate capture, the tradeoffs between filtration efficiency, clean air delivery rate, and energy use, filter media types, and electret degradation. If you want to learn about the role of filtration in delivering clean indoor air for your self, or if your role in society has agency in making sure your clients are br…

1
Filter Feast Part 1 54:44

2y ago54:44

54:44

Topics include the basics of particulate capture, the tradeoffs between filtration efficiency, clean air delivery rate, and energy use, filter media types, and electret degradation. If you want to learn about the role of filtration in delivering clean indoor air for your self, or if your role in society has agency in making sure your clients are br…

1
The “Roaring 20s” for IAQ 1:14:39

2y ago1:14:39

1:14:39

The 2020’s have so far been a decade of abundance and progress for society’s awareness and understanding of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Beyond and before the pandemic put IAQ on everyone's mind, researchers have been enjoying well funded support from various organizations, both public and private, to better understand the impacts of indoor air on our…

1
An Architectural Optimist Wrote a Book 1:06:56

2y ago1:06:56

1:06:56

There are few roles in society with the broad and lasting power of Architecture. Architecture both reflects and directs the story of a civilization and its cultural milieu by signaling what’s important, who has value, and how society functions. Recognition of the power of architecture in society sets the stage for today’s discussion with Corey Squi…

1
Making Quality Homes A(a)ffordable? 53:08

2y ago53:08

53:08

In a Seattle neighborhood, close to public transportation, Dan Whitmore and his associates are putting the money where their ideals are and making affordable housing happen. Not just affordable but high-performance Passive House affordable per the Phius standards, plus they have an onsite PV array that unlocks the benefits of onsite power generatio…

1
The Future of Homes 1:18:18

2y ago1:18:18

1:18:18

Today we are going to dig into The Future of Homes with two home builders intent on delivering that future in the present. How do we make truly healthy, exceptionally durable homes that also respect the environment, the new normal? What are we doing in residential construction today that we’ll look back on and say “Remember when we used to do that?…

1
Hempcrete Homes: A Growing Industry 1:15:29

2y ago1:15:29

1:15:29

Why is the AEC industry still mostly ignoring hempcrete? There are a host of good reasons to use this renewable and low environmental impact material in homes and buildings - including indoor air quality, acoustics, thermal comfort, and energy performance - yet the mainstream market is still largely uninformed and continues to deliver today’s house…

1
Architectural Solar: A New Normal 1:08:10

2y ago1:08:10

1:08:10

The best place to generate electrical power is where it’s used. We all know that solar PV adds value for both owners and society by improving resilience, reducing energy costs and decreasing carbon emissions and climate impact. Yet traditional design practices and compressed schedules make it challenging for project teams to include integrated sola…

1
Build. Not too much. Mostly with plants. 1:22:24

2y ago1:22:24

1:22:24

There has never been a better time or opportunity to completely rethink the way we approach the practice of architecture and construction. With climate change looming over us, becoming more visible by the day, a critical look at the materials we use and their impacts on emissions is needed. Enter natural building materials. Which ones are legit? Ho…

1
Building Science Journalism 1:28:53

2y ago1:28:53

1:28:53

We live in the information age. The quality of the information we receive determines the quality of our decisions and the effectiveness of our actions. It is also no secret that money holds influence, and the methods through which we obtain information, as well as the economic dynamics of the building science and construction industry, are undergoi…

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Low Carbon Buildings - What’s Next? Wow. Just Wow 56:13

2y ago56:13

56:13

You’re in for a feast of ideas here. Join us as Kristof talks with Bruce King about his work as a stubborn optimist and powerful motive force in the realm of low carbon buildings. Bruce joins a wise heart with a clever mind and a deep understanding of the technical aspects and implications of the role of energy and carbon in how we, as a society, d…