Best Matthew Carland And Hamish White Podcasts (2025)

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Building code and building surveyor chats 59:19

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2d ago59:19

59:19

"Why is my building surveyor being so difficult?" Almost every builder has asked this question at some point, usually when facing another compliance issue or documentation request. But what if we've been looking at this relationship all wrong? We sat down with Dave from Permit Approvals Plus to understand why building surveyors might actually be bu…

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The future of training and education in the building industry 37:50

9d ago37:50

37:50

"We're training apprentices the same way we did 30 years ago." That stark observation from Trent McCarthy, Director of Clean Economy at Melbourne Polytechnic, captures a fundamental problem in Australian construction. While technology transforms how we build, our training methods remain stuck in the past. We sat down with Trent to understand why th…

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My body just failed on me 39:06

16d ago39:06

39:06

One back injury changed everything for Jake. After years perfecting his carpentry skills, a seemingly minor workplace injury ended his on-site career. What happened next challenges everything we think we know about career transitions in the trades. We sat down with Jake from Notorious Tools to understand how he rebuilt his professional life when hi…

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#17 - Insulation and Condensation with James Pinyon 42:43

16d ago42:43

42:43

Join Jess Kismet as she delves into the world of high-performance building envelopes with James Pinyon, Kingspan's Technical Services Manager. Discover the intricacies of insulation, thermal performance, and the evolving standards in sustainable building. From the challenges of condensation in modern constructions to the innovative solutions Kingsp…

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The crazy old guy pushing building boundaries 53:16

23d ago53:16

53:16

"You're the crazy guy who wants double glazing in everything." That's what Justin heard throughout his early career when he pushed for high-performance building standards that seemed unnecessary to most. Twenty years later, those "crazy" ideas have become industry benchmarks. We sat down with Justin to understand his journey from a 12-year-old work…

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Proving the three little pigs wrong 34:40

1M ago34:40

34:40

"Straw? You want to build with straw?" That's the reaction Derek Layfield from Durra Panel gets when he tells people his building material of choice. But before you dismiss this as another three little pigs scenario, consider this: Durra Panels have been protecting major Australian airports and surviving bushfire tests since the 1950s. We sat down …

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#16 - Nerding Out on Better Builds with Sean Buchanan 57:27

1M ago57:27

57:27

In this episode, I chat to Sean Buchanan, an incredible builder from Northern Tasmania, to explore his journey into the world of building science. Sean shares his insights on the importance of creating durable and healthy homes, the challenges faced in the industry, and his vision for the future. Tune in to learn how Sean is making a difference in …

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From consultant to interior designer 43:15

1M ago43:15

43:15

Twelve years in consulting, senior management track, solid income and Shivani walked away from it all. Why would someone leave a successful corporate career to start over in interior design? We sat down with Shivani, founder of Madison Interiors to understand her transition from consultant to founder of a sought-after interior design business. For …

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#15 - When You Know Better, You Build Better with Spencer Rosen 1:23:36

1M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

In this episode, I sit down with Spencer Rosen, the founder of Home Energy Academy, to talk about building science, electrification, and homeowner engagement. Spencer shares his journey into home energy education and why he’s so passionate about helping both homeowners and professionals better understand energy efficiency and sustainable living. We…

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Are SIPS the answer to building better homes 46:08

1M ago46:08

46:08

"SIPS will never work in Australia" - that's what many builders said about Structural Insulated Panels just a few years ago. Today, we're exploring why companies like Fenster & Panel are proving them wrong. We sit down with Dave to understand why SIPS are gaining traction in Australian construction. These engineered panels combine structural streng…

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Budget vs Brief: What It Really Costs to Build 25:36

2M ago25:36

25:36

"We love the design, but can you make it cheaper?" Every builder has heard this request, and it highlights one of the biggest challenges facing our industry today. The gap between what clients want and what they can afford is widening, leaving architects, builders, and clients frustrated. We need to talk about why this is happening and what we can …

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#14 - Mould, Misdiagnosis, and the Making of a Healthy Home with Jess Ward 52:43

2M ago52:43

52:43

In this conversation, I chat with Jess Ward, the founder of Mould Wise, about the vital intersection of health and home environments, particularly focusing on mould exposure and its health implications. Jess Ward shares her personal journey from experiencing severe health issues due to mould exposure to becoming a mould inspector. Our chat covers c…

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The Godfather of Passive House 32:45

2M ago32:45

32:45

In this episode, we sit down with Harley Truong, the godfather of Passive Houses in Australia, to explore his incredible journey from public servant to sustainability pioneer. Twelve years ago, Harley was working at the Department of Defence in Canberra when he decided he'd had enough of Australia's zero-star energy efficiency housing and drafty ho…

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Building Answers: Ask Us Anything 49:50

2M ago49:50

49:50

"What happens if I make my house airtight but have no mechanical ventilation?" This question comes up more often than you'd think, and the answer might surprise you. We sat down with Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics and Brad McEwan from Sanford BuildCo to tackle this and other building questions from our social media following that every builde…

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Navigating the winter blues as a builder 40:48

2M ago40:48

40:48

Winter hits different when you're working outdoors. The sun disappears by 4 pm, the cold seeps into your bones, and suddenly that motivation you had in summer feels like a distant memory. If you've noticed your mood dropping with the temperature, you're not imagining things. We sat down with our good friend and psychologist, Julie to understand why…

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#13 - Passivhaus, Performance & the Power of Building Science with Hamish White and Matthew Carland 59:37

2M ago59:37

59:37

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I have a rambunctious chat with high-performance builders Hamish White and Matt Carland to discuss the intricacies of constructing sustainable homes in Australia. We delve into the challenges faced in the residential construction industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the need for bette…

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Perfecting window installation details 29:25

3M ago29:25

29:25

Window installation may not instantly grab your attention, but for anyone involved in building or renovating, it's a critical aspect that cannot be neglected. Think about why we have windows: they connect our living spaces with the outside world, offering natural light, beautiful views, and essential ventilation. However, beyond these obvious reaso…

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Build Science Expert - Windows and Insulation Part 2 33:26

3M ago33:26

33:26

This is part 2 of our conversation with Cameron Munro about insulation. We recommend listening to part 1 first before listening to this episode. — When it comes to building or renovating a home, insulation is one of those topics that seems simple on the surface, but quickly gets complicated. That’s why we brought in Cameron Munro from Passive Analy…

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#12 - Condensation, Roof Ventilation and Building Science with Clarence Macalister 1:35:38

3M ago1:35:38

1:35:38

This is the longest episode yet, but it’s worth every minute! In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I interview Clarence Macalister, a builder and scientist with extensive experience in remediation and condensation management. In our chat we go deep into problems created by moisture and also into roof ventilation, finally an explanation!…

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Build Science Expert - Windows and Insulation Part 1 34:23

3M ago34:23

34:23

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics to really dig into the world of insulation. If you’ve ever wondered why your house feels too hot or too cold, or if you’re curious about how the colour of your roof actually affects your comfort, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways Insulation is a…

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Why doing push ups helps you build mental fitness 37:06

3M ago37:06

37:06

3,214 Australians. That's how many lives were lost to suicide in 2023. As builders, we're experts at measuring, calculating, and fixing physical problems - but when it comes to mental health, many of us struggle to even start the conversation. That's why when Matt and I met Nick Hudson, founder of the Pushup Challenge, we knew his story needed shar…

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#11 - Responsibility, Energy Efficiency & Purpose with Clare Conroy 40:48

3M ago40:48

40:48

In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, I chat with Clare Conroy, who shares her unique journey from homeowner to project manager at 35 South Building Co. Clare opens up about entering the construction industry, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of relationships and trust in building. The conversation explores the responsibi…

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Trade chats - solving the apprenticeship problem 46:37

4M ago46:37

46:37

"Nobody wants to be a carpenter anymore." It feels like this rings true in the building industry today. We’re seeing a shift in Australia’s trades landscape, and it’s time to talk about it. We’re exploring why carpentry apprenticeships - once highly sought after - are now struggling to attract and retain talent. Whether you're in the industry or co…

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The science of building better homes 19:48

4M ago19:48

19:48

We’ve all dreamt of that perfect home - something warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing. But, how often do we consider the science behind construction that makes a house not only a thing of beauty but also a safe and comfortable haven? We recently sat down with Jess Kismet, a building science consultant who opened our eyes to the hidden factor…

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#10 - WUFI, Walls, and Weatherproofing with Villy Yordanov 1:03:00

4M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

In this episode, I interview Villy Yordanov, a mechanical engineer and innovation engineer at Pro Clima. We discuss the importance of building science, sustainability, and moisture management in construction. Villy shares his journey into the field, the role of WUFI in hygrothermal modeling, and the significant challenges associated with managing m…

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Eternally curious and staying hungry with Chin Chin's executive chef 40:25

4M ago40:25

40:25

There's something exhilarating about diving into a pool of unknowns. Whether we're reviewing plans for a new project or Ben Cooper is creating a new dish, the thrill of creation emerges from the same curiosity that pushes us beyond what we already know. In our latest conversation with Ben, the executive chef at Melbourne's iconic Chin Chin restaura…

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A personal story about loss 29:58

4M ago29:58

29:58

We've all had those moments in life that change us forever, moments where time seems to halt and priorities shift entirely. In our podcast, we found ourselves diverging from our usual discussions to talk through a very personal experience - one filled with loss, love, and resilience. This journey revolved around child loss, a topic not openly discu…

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#9 - Health, Energy Efficiency & Building What Matters with Cindy Angel 1:02:57

4M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

In this episode, Cindy Angel shares her journey of building a sustainable home with her husband Shane in Lake Caddai. As a thermal performance assessor, Cindy discusses the challenges and triumphs of designing their home, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency, healthy building principles, and collaboration with builders. She reflects on h…

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Not all developers are bad people 50:31

5M ago50:31

50:31

When you think of developers, what are the descriptive words that come to mind? For so many of us, developers are synonymous with greed and arrogance. It’s an unfortunate stereotype that the construction industry is rife with. And although developers have earned this reputation, not all are created equal. There are some diamonds in the rough and Li…

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#8 - Learning, Leading, and Healthy Homes with Luke Callery 1:01:59

5M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I chat with Luke Callery, the founder of Callery Building, an Adelaide-based construction company, increasingly known for its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and energy-efficient building practices. Luke shares his journey from a traditional carpentry apprenticeship to embracing high-perform…

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Scratching the surface of culture in construction 40:14

5M ago40:14

40:14

Let's face it—the stereotypical image of builders often conjures up thoughts of a rugged, all-male group clocking off early to down a few pints at the local pub. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with bonding over drinks, this old paradigm doesn't necessarily cater to everyone's needs in today's society. It’s an image that fails to encapsulate…

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The HRV Guy - Why air quality matters 44:19

5M ago44:19

44:19

Have you ever walked into a room that feels stuffy, oppressive even, and thought, "Something doesn't feel right in here"? It's a sensation many of us experience but tend to dismiss. What if we told you that sensation might not only be an inconvenience but a potential health risk? Today we’re discussing air quality and ventilation, topics that are o…

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Owner Builders: Yes or No? 25:54

5M ago25:54

25:54

Would you let someone who is unqualified perform surgery on you? Of course not. Similarly, building a home without the proper credentials can be daunting and lead to catastrophic failures. However, when done correctly, it is a viable option for many. The key here is understanding the role and embracing the learning curve. The owner-builder path is …

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#7 - How Do We Make Thermal Bridging Sexy with Ken Long 1:01:57

5M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I have a chat with Ken Long, the Regional Sustainability Manager at LendLease and chairperson of the Adelaide Sustainable Building Network. We discuss Ken's journey into sustainability, the role of the ASBN in promoting sustainable practices, and the importance of community engagement. Ken shares ins…

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Mini Series - First-Time Dad & Building with Ned (NW Build) 19:55

5M ago19:55

19:55

Matt begins a mini-series, "Nailing Fatherhood," documenting his journey to becoming a first-time dad while managing his construction company. In this episode, he speaks with Ned from NW Build, a close friend and fellow builder whose baby is due imminently. They delve into the emotional rollercoaster of impending fatherhood, discussing the mix of e…

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Tender vs Negotiated Tender 37:12

5M ago37:12

37:12

As builders in the Australian market, there's one recurring theme that keeps rearing its head in our conversations, and that's the tender process. It's akin to a race to the bottom, a mad dash where numbers are thrown around like confetti, and every party involved is crossing fingers, hoping all that time they invested in the tender results in actu…

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Girls Only Chat 57:48

6M ago57:48

57:48

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a woman in the building and construction industry? As more and more women enter the trades, it’s being proved that this isn’t just men’s work - in fact, women are bringing unique perspectives and strengths that are only improving the worksite. This week’s episode is hosted by some incredible woman in building: Bet…

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#6 - Blower Door Testing & The Future of Aussie Homes with Sean Maxwell 46:23

6M ago46:23

46:23

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I speak with Sean Maxwell, the ATTMA Scheme Manager for Australia and New Zealand, about the importance of airtightness testing in building science. We chat about the role of blower door testing, the regulatory landscape surrounding airtightness, and the significance of the NatHERS star rating system…

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Learning How To Give Feedback 37:45

6M ago37:45

37:45

Ever wondered how the best leaders deliver feedback that empowers their teams rather than crushes them? We had a fantastic unscripted chat with our amazing friend and psychologist, Julie where we ventured into the territory of delivering constructive feedback in the workplace. Julie guided us through understanding the nuances of communication, how …

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Passive House Secrets Part 2 33:38

6M ago33:38

33:38

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Damien, a listener of ours we brought on to answer some of the questions he had around passive house building. There was so much to cover during our chat, we knew we had to break it up into two valuable episodes for you. Last week, we got into the nitty gritty of the cost of passive house building vs …

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#5 - Building Science Myths Debunked with Dr. Joe Lstiburek 49:53

6M ago49:53

49:53

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I was incredibly privileged to have a private conversation with Dr. Joe Lstiburek, a leading figure in building science, to discuss critical issues surrounding building design, energy efficiency, and moisture management. We explored common myths in the industry, the importance of proper insulation an…

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Passive House Secrets Part 1 56:40

6M ago56:40

56:40

Passive houses - they’re both exciting and undeniably complex. Recently, we had the opportunity to bring Damien onto our podcast, a builder with three decades of experience who’s now facing the intricacies of passive house construction and wanting to learn more. A new listener of the podcast, he had reached out to us with a couple of questions and …

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What is the goal of building? 44:26

7M ago44:26

44:26

This week, we had a chat with two incredible builders, Jake and Brad, about building science, sustainable housing, and the challenges we all face in our field. We start off by talking to Jake about his journey from an arts degree into a successful building career. He talked about how his education in art taught him to think outside the box, a skill…

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#4 - Building Biology: How Your Home Affects Your Health with Dr Nicole Bijlsma 52:26

7M ago52:26

52:26

In this conversation, I interview Dr Nicole Bijslma about her extensive 30+year journey in building biology and her personal experiences with environmental health issues. Nicole shares how her struggles with miscarriages led her to explore the impact of homes on health, sparking a deep dive into environmental exposures, geopathic stress, and the co…

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My Super Power is Passion 38:36

7M ago38:36

38:36

Welcome back! This week we’re Joined by the incredible Talina Edward, an architect with a strong commitment to eco-friendly building solutions! We started off by getting Talina to break down biophilic design, a term many may have heard but not fully understood. Talina explained that it’s all about our innate connection to nature. She explained how …

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#3 - From Minimum to Masterpiece: Elevating Australian Building Standards with Dr Sarah Feiss - Architect 37:57

7M ago37:57

37:57

In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Feiss shares her journey in building a passive house, discussing the principles of passive house design, the importance of energy efficiency in building codes, and the challenges faced in the Australian construction industry. She emphasises the need for better education and training for builders and designers, as wel…

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Building Better: Passive Houses and Sustainable Construction with Josh Atkins 42:47

7M ago42:47

42:47

We recently sat down with our very first international guest Josh Atkins from New Zealand. Of course one of the big things we wanted to know is how construction methods vary between New Zealand and Australia. We discuss the different challenges in climate, legislation and more, that builders face in each country. Josh shared the infamous water dama…

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Prefabrication in construction 49:07

7M ago49:07

49:07

Prefabrication can get a bad wrap in the sustainable building world but when used in the right way, it can be a powerful tool for building sustainable and affordable homes. We recently sat down with prefabrication pioneers Chris Gilbert and Kaia McCarty Smith to discuss how it can support a better building future. Chris is the co-founder of Candour…

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Architecture is a design weapon for good 34:10

8M ago34:10

34:10

That’s the world architect Jeremy McLeod is fighting for, and he joins us today to share the how and the why behind this dream. Jeremy is the co founder of both Breathe Architecture and Nightingale Housing, where he works to bring sustainability, community, and innovation to the forefront of the building industry. A big focus in our conversation wa…

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#2 - The Human Element in Energy Efficiency with Ben Walsham 44:12

8M ago44:12

44:12

In this conversation, I interview Ben Walsham, an energy efficiency consultant, about his journey from architecture to energy consulting. We discuss the importance of sustainable building practices, the impact of evolving building codes, and the need for collaboration between architects and energy consultants. Ben emphasises a human-centered approa…