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.

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Matt Risinger centers the conversation on blower door testing with Building Scientist Sam Myers from RetroTec, exploring how it functions as a practical tool for measuring and improving air tightness in residential construction. Myers outlines design choices that influence results, including keeping mechanical systems inside the conditioned envelope and minimizing major air leakage pathways. The discussion covers blower door equipment, typical costs, and training options, while emphasizing the value of builders owning and operating their own systems. Risinger frames testing as a hands-on method to diagnose air leakage, compare performance across projects, and refine construction practices in real time. This Build Podcast Episode is sponsored by Enerlux Windows & Doors. Learn more at: https://enerluxwindows.com

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Matt Risinger reflects on the stress that difficult clients bring to custom home building, sharing early-career assumptions that other builders had it easier before realizing challenging projects are common across the industry. He frames client relationships as central to project success, emphasizing the importance of pre-qualifying prospects, aligning on budget, and identifying decision-makers early. Risinger outlines how clear communication, documented processes, and upfront expectations—especially around contracts and pricing models—help avoid conflict. He also underscores recognizing red flags, from resistance to fees to excessive contract changes, and treating the builder-client relationship as a long-term partnership built on trust, respect, and shared expectations. Thank you to this Build Show episode sponsor – Bosch.

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On the Build Show podcast's Origin Series, host Matt Risinger sits down with Bernie Calcote, president and CEO of Melde Construction — a nearly 46-year-old Austin firm known for architecturally significant custom homes and high-end remodels. Bernie's path into construction is anything but conventional: he arrived in Austin as a musician and art substitute teacher before answering a Craigslist ad for a carpenter's helper at Melde, eventually working his way to the top. The conversation covers Melde's culture-first approach, Austin's collaborative building community, and the value of long-term mentorship in developing strong project managers and tradespeople.

Thanks to today's sponsor, Rings End — a premium specialty building materials supplier based in Connecticut, with a focus on building science and long-term performance. Visit ringsend.com to learn more.

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Matt Risinger sits down with veteran custom builder Brian Long of Brian Long Custom Homes for a candid “Origin Series” conversation packed with real-world construction industry lessons—from Brian’s early days as a master carpenter and cabinet maker to building high-end custom homes in Dallas and eventually helping pioneer spray foam insulation in Austin. They break down what it really takes to succeed as a builder: developing relentless work ethic, building trust through integrity and service, finding elite subcontractors through references and jobsite quality checks, and staying hands-on to catch the details that protect performance, durability, and waterproofing. The episode also tackles the realities of building in Texas without a builder licensing requirement, why mentorship and trade education matter, how to survive market slowdowns with remodel work, and why “doing it right the first time” is the best marketing in custom home building.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Huber Engineered Woods. Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com

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Matt Risinger welcomes Aquaria’s Chris Christal to the Build Show Podcast to explore how atmospheric water generation works—turning humidity in the air into clean, potable drinking water. They dive into the technology behind the systems, real-world residential and commercial use cases, water quality benefits, costs, maintenance, and why this solution is especially compelling for builders, developers, and homeowners looking for water independence and resilience.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Arclin. Learn more at: https://www.Firepoint.Arclin.com

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In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger breaks down the top five risks custom builders face and how to mitigate them before they turn into costly mistakes. From construction defect liability and cash flow challenges to contract issues, labor risk, and personal burnout, this episode offers real-world insight every builder should hear.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, North Atlantic Corp.

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In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek record live from the Milwaukee Tool booth at World of Concrete. They break down the most innovative concrete products, new construction tools, and cutting-edge building materials they discovered at the industry’s largest trade show. From advanced concrete technology to smarter jobsite solutions, this episode covers the trends shaping residential and commercial construction in 2026. If you’re a builder, contractor, architect, or serious DIYer looking for the latest in building science and construction innovation, this one’s for you.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Sugatsune. Learn more at: https://www.sugatsune.com/

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