Forest to Frame

About Forest to Frame

Forest to Frame is the podcast where forest restoration meets the future of sustainable building. Hosted by Russ Vaagen, this series uncovers how cutting-edge science, collaboration, and next-gen sawmilling are transforming the way we manage our forests—and how we build with wood. Each episode explores how the byproducts of forest restoration—often seen as waste—are fueling a new era of mass timber construction. Think cross-laminated timber, Glulam, and other innovative building materials that are not only strong and beautiful but reduce wildfire risk, support local economies, and redefine sustainability. You'll hear from the builders, land stewards, scientists, and innovators leading this movement—people who are reshaping the future of our forests, our communities, and the spaces we live in. This isn’t just a podcast about trees. It’s about what’s possible when restoration and construction work hand-in-hand. Subscribe now and join the movement—from Forest to Frame.

Publisher

Russ

Category

business · business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Apr 2025

Latest episode

4 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

22 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2025

   Big Changes at Vaagen Timbers

   Russ Vaagen reveals Vaagen Timbers' sale to Vaagen Brothers Lumber due to mass timber market challenges, offering insights into adapting to the evolving forest industry in this interview.

2. 

   7 Oct 2025

   A New Era for American Forests with Hilary Franz

   Russ Vaagen interviews Hilary Franz, CEO of American Forests, about her transition from public lands management to leading forest conservation efforts, highlighting insights into the future of American forests.

3. 

   30 Sept 2025

   What's Wrong with Our Firefighting

   Russ Vaagen examines the significant challenges of wildfires and firefighting in the Intermountain West, focusing on impacts to air quality and community health.

Who has been a guest on Forest to Frame

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Hilary Franz
• Brian Luoma
• Cooper Simson

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

70

Social presence

94

YouTube

0

Engagement

32