The Build Show Podcast

Jacob Racusin, co-founder of New Frameworks and pioneer of prefab straw-and-wood-fiber panels, explains modern straw-based wall systems. He discusses panelized fabrication, moisture management, airtight assemblies, and scaling from custom builds to predesigned, high-performance homes. The conversation highlights durability, faster enclosure, and training pathways for wider adoption.

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   Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

A candid look at why difficult clients create the most stress in custom home building. Stories of takeover projects and portfolio failures highlight early warning signs. Practical tactics for pre‑qualifying prospects, tough in‑person questions, and using contracts as a vetting tool are discussed. Emphasis on setting expectations, documenting processes, and treating client relationships as long‑term partnerships.

Bernie Calcote, president and CEO of Meldy Construction who rose from carpenter to owner, shares his culture-first leadership and mentorship journey. He talks about Meldy’s role as an architect’s builder in Austin. He recalls starting as a musician-turned-carpenter and learning on the job. He outlines spin-off businesses that support trades and the company’s data-driven, collaborative approach.

Brian Long, a veteran custom home builder and master carpenter who founded Brian Long Custom Homes, recounts his rise from cabinetmaker to high-end builder. He discusses pioneering spray foam in Austin. Short takes cover vetting subcontractors, staying hands-on to catch performance and waterproofing details, the value of veteran trades and mentorship, and surviving slow markets with remodels and concierge service.

Chris Christal, Aquaria regional VP and head of marketing, explains atmospheric water generation in plain terms. He covers how condensation-based units make potable water, compact residential systems and modular scaling. They discuss climate limits, filtration and taste, typical costs and maintenance, plus use cases from tiny houses to neighborhood and emergency installations.

A builder breaks down five major risks in construction and how they start: design and defect liability, especially flat roofs and exterior plumbing. Materials, installation quality, and envelope testing get attention. Financial pitfalls like cash flow and contract clarity are highlighted. Labor reliability, market diversification, and preventing personal burnout are also covered.

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/ Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

On this episode of the Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with longtime friend Branson Fustes, founder of Pilgrim Building Company and Enabler LLC in Austin, Texas. Branson traces his path from Colorado carpentry and cabinet work to running three companies — a custom high-end general contracting firm, an in-house labor/carpentry company that spun off partly for insurance reasons, and a newer service company. The conversation covers building reputation through architect relationships, the economics of self-performing labor, raising the bar on craftsman wages and benefits, and the ongoing challenge of attracting the next generation to the trades. A special thank you to today's sponsors, Pella Windows and Doors and Huber Engineered Woods.Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Huber Engineered Woods and Pella. Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com/https://www.pella.com/  Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Discover the inspiring origin story of Shoberg Homes, a premier luxury custom home builder in Austin, Texas, featured on the Build Show Podcast. In this episode, Matthew Shoberg, founder of Shoberg Homes, shares how passion, craftsmanship, and integrity shaped one of the most respected high-end residential construction companies in the region. From building bespoke architectural homes with top Austin architects to expanding into expert millwork and finished carpentry, Shoberg Homes delivers unmatched quality and attention to detail. Learn valuable insights on building a successful construction business, hiring with character, and creating exceptional client experiences. Perfect for homeowners, architects, and builders seeking inspiration in custom home design, luxury building, and professional construction excellence. Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Huber Engineered Woods and Pella. Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com/https://www.pella.com/ Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.