

The Build Show Podcast
Matt Risinger
Follow Matt Risinger on the Build Show Podcast as he discusses Building Science, Craftsmanship, & Best Practices for Building & Remodeling.
Matt is a Builder who specializes in Architect Driven & Fine Craftsmanship Work.
Matt is a Builder who specializes in Architect Driven & Fine Craftsmanship Work.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 5, 2024 • 47min
Building Healthy Homes: Navigating Mold, Risks, and Solutions
This week on The Build Show Podcast, Matt revisits the reason he grew so passionate about building science: mold. Guest Cristina Greenfield recounts her family's ordeal with mold and its impact on their health, shedding light on the need for awareness and preventive measures. They delve into the specifics of mold proliferation, emphasizing the role of HVAC systems and proper insulation.Cristina underscores the importance of education and proactive measures in maintaining a healthy home environment, advocating for effective communication and risk management in construction projects. They discuss practical advice for consumers and builders alike, stressing the significance of aligning goals and understanding risk profiles.Both Cristina and Matt highlight the value of continuous learning and transparent sharing of information to ensure the creation of practical, durable, and healthy homes. Check out the resources below:Resources:Build Science 101Building Science Fight Club: https://www.buildingsciencefightclub.com/Building Biology Institute: https://buildingbiologyinstitute.org/Healthy Home: Prescriptions for a Healthy House by Paula Baker-LaporteBuild Show LIVEFind Cristina on the web:Instagram: @conscioushealthyhomeTikTok: @conscioushealthyhomeFacebook: Conscious Healthy HomeWebsite: https://www.conscioushealthyhome.com/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Join us at Build Show LIVE this November 7-9 in Austin, TX. Click here to stay in the know.
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Apr 4, 2024 • 41min
Restoring the Past, Building the Future
This week, Matt welcomes Mark Bowe (Host of Barnwood Builders), particularly known for his expertise in revitalizing centuries-old buildings while preserving their historical essence. Mark shares his journey from disassembling barns to founding his own business, overcoming hurdles like finding buyers and navigating the industry's intricacies. Since he founded his company in 1995, Mark and his crew have reclaimed more than 500 pioneer-era structures.They dive into the fine balance between traditional and modern construction methods, and Mark highlights the challenges in meeting evolving building codes and regulations. The conversation shifts to the development of a revolutionary house prototype with an R200 insulation rating achieved through unconventional vacuum-sealed wall construction. (Mark and his team just received a patent on the project). Matt and Mark discuss potential benefits of such a design, including enhanced energy efficiency and durability in extreme weather conditions.Tune in to get to know Mark Bowe and learn his favorite species of wood to reuse in his restoration projects (spoiler: it’s not what you’d expect).Find Mark Bowe on the web:Instagram: @mark_bowe and @barnwood_buildersX (formerly known as Twitter): @MarkBoweFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkBoweTV/Website: https://www.markbowe.com/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Mar 22, 2024 • 33min
Navigating Builder-Subcontractor Relationships
Eric Aune (@mechanicalhub) and Matt discuss builder-subcontractor relationships. They highlight the value of long-term partnerships, job site regulations, and professionalism. The importance of clear contracts, job rules, and advocating for trade careers is emphasized. Insights on improving relationships, efficiency, and collaboration in the construction industry are shared.

Mar 15, 2024 • 32min
Insider Tips for High-Performance Home Construction
This week, Matt is joined by Chris Conway, a Virginia-based Veteran who found his post-service passion in making buildings better. Chris specializes in high-performance buildings, including multifamily and low-income sectors.Delving deep into energy efficiency, Matt and Chris discuss ventilation, insulation, and dehumidification, offering invaluable insights for builders and homeowners alike. They explore key strategies such as monopoly framing and the “Perfect Wall", drawing from the expertise of industry leaders like Joe Lstiburek. The discussion underscores the crucial role of local energy efficiency experts (Raters), who perform tests (such as a blower door test or using infrared cameras to pinpoint air leaks, etc.) to evaluate and verify energy efficiency. By collaborating closely with these specialists, builders can optimize their projects for maximum energy efficiency and comfort.Don't miss out on this essential advice for creating high-performance homes that save money and reduce environmental impact. Resources:ResNet: https://www.resnet.us/Building Performance Institute (BPI): https://www.bpi.org/Find Chris Conway on the web:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegreengobbler/Website: https://conwayenergyexperts.com/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Mar 8, 2024 • 21min
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
Matt sits down with Tae Kang to talk about Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, delving into their efforts to enhance skilled trades education. The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence awards $1.5 million to 25 outstanding skilled trades teachers and programs in U.S. public high schools. Matt and Tae highlight inspiring stories of teachers like Keith Baker and Mark Simmons, who utilize their backgrounds to make a significant impact in the lives of students. They discuss the importance of encouraging young people to pursue careers in the trades and explore avenues for industry professionals to support trade programs, such as mentorship and involvement with organizations like SkillsUSA.Applications for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence open on March 12th, 2024. To apply, submit your application at https://hftforschoolsprize.org/ by May 3, 2024.Resources:Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence Application: https://hftforschoolsprize.org/Find Harbor Freight Tools for Schools on the Web:Instagram: @hftforschoolsFacebook: @HFTforSchoolsTwitter: @HFTforSchoolsYoutube: @HarborFreightToolsforSchoolsFind Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Mar 1, 2024 • 46min
The Wingnut Test Facility with Peter Yost
In this week’s episode, Matt talks to Peter Yost, an expert in testing construction materials in real-world conditions, also known as the "Wingnut Testing Facility". Peter shares that he started the Wingnut initiative after receiving a question about material longevity. He emphasizes the importance of field testing over standardized lab tests, highlighting the complexity of material performance under various conditions like UV exposure, temperature, and moisture. Matt and Peter discuss the challenges and insights gained from his testing experiences, advocating for a network of builders, remodelers, and architects to share findings and learn collectively. Both Builders emphasize the importance of diverse resources for learning building science, including podcasts, videos, and professional groups; there is value in learning from others' mistakes. ResourcesListen to the UnBuild It Podcast on The Build Show Podcast page, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsPeter’s blogs on Green Building AdvisorShocking Truth About Tapes Emerges from Wingnut Test FacilityFind Peter Yost on the WebPodcast: UnBuild It PodcastYouTube: @peteryost7876 Website: https://building-wright.com/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Don't miss a single Build Show video; sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter here.
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Feb 23, 2024 • 41min
The OGs of Building Science
This week, Matt is joined by Kohta Ueno, Principal at Building Science Corporation. They delve into Kohta’s serendipitous journey – from kitchen remodels to joining Building Science Corporation in 1998 after seeing Joe Lstiburek on a PBS episode. They discuss the company's focus on building failures and consulting services, explaining complex building science concepts to the public.Matt and Kohta “nerd out” about the tools they use to ensure they stick to top tier building science principles. Also, they highlight the educational resources provided by Building Science Corporation (buildingscience.com), including seminars, online content (videos, white papers, and more), and the Building Science Summer Camp.Matt expresses gratitude for the company's contributions to the industry, acknowledging their role in educating builders and improving building standards. ResourcesThe Perfect Wall by Joseph Lstiburek https://buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-001-the-perfect-wallJoseph Haydn Does The Perfect Wall by Joseph Lstiburek https://buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights-newsletters/bsi-090-joseph-haydn-does-perfect-wallhttps://buildingscience.com/documents/enclosures-that-work/high-r-value-wall-assemblies/high-r-foundation-xps-exterior-wallFind Building Science Corporation on the WebYouTube: @buildingsciencecorporation8434Website: https://buildingscience.com/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Don't miss a single Build Show video; sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter here.
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Feb 16, 2024 • 37min
The Intersection of Building Science and Data Science
Exploring the intersection of building science and data science for decarbonizing buildings, focusing on MUSH commercial buildings. Benefits of Passive House construction, efficient building design, and the importance of measuring building performance. Discussion on transforming existing buildings, smart building solutions, indoor air quality sensors, and the emergence of carbon markets.

Feb 9, 2024 • 40min
How Hybrid Building can Shave Weeks off your Build Time
In this week's episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt goes deep into integrating offsite and onsite construction, focusing on prefabs, with Edie Dillman of B.Public Prefab.They discuss how B.Public integrates air barriers and insulation and how these products are tools for a building team rather than replacements. They look at some of B.Public's R-values (ranging from 35 to 89), how they work with project needs, and the benefits of using these materials. They also talk about B.Public's status as a B-Corp and how important these businesses are for the industry.Listen to the benefits of hybrid building and learn how to take weeks off your build time.What's a B Corp?To watch Talking Trades, visit The Build Show's website here.Find B.Public on the WebInstagram: @bpublicprefabYouTube: @bpublicprefabWebsite: https://bpublicprefab.com/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Feb 2, 2024 • 28min
The Most Important Tool in Your Toolbox: You
Find Travis on the web:Travis' Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtInstagram: @catalystbuiltWebsite: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Find Matt on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/Don't miss a single Build Show video; sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter here.
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.