Dialects of Code: Solving the Building Inspector and Plans Examiner Shortage David Basinger
Share this episode of Takis Talk Building codes may be printed in one language, but anyone who has spent time in a building department knows the profession speaks in several different dialects. The architect says, “It meets the intent of the code.” The plans examiner responds, “Please identify the applicable code section.” The contractor says, “We have always built it this way.” Then the inspector arrives and says, “That may be what the plans show, but that is not what you installed.” Those ...
17 Jul 2026
Takis Talk Episode 14 - The Clock Is Coming for the Counter: Six California Permit Bills Every Building Official Should Watch
Share this episode of Takis Talk Picture a typical Tuesday morning in a California building department. Your plan-check queue is three weeks deep. One reviewer is on leave, another employee has just given notice, and the inspection calendar is already full. Then an applicant walks up to the counter and says the state has placed your department on a deadline. If you miss it, the applicant plans to hire a private professional to review the plans—and your department will have only a matter of d...
17 Jun 2026
Building Safety Leadership with Robert Gary: ICC, IAPMO, Los Gatos, Code Development, Housing, and the Future of Building Officials
Share this episode of Takis Talk In this episode, we sit down with Robert Gray, Building Official for the Town of Los Gatos, for a wide-ranging conversation about building safety leadership, code development, local government, housing challenges, professional service, and the importance of getting involved in the organizations that shape our industry. Robert is one of those people who seems to be everywhere that matters. Whether it is local ICC chapter work, IAPMO involvement, code hearings, ...
18 May 2026
In California a boiler room can be an ADU. No that's not a typo.
Share this episode of Takis Talk California’s 2026 ADU rules make it easier than ever to add a backyard home, garage conversion, or in‑home unit, and smart SEO can help your “California ADU 2026” content get found by the right homeowners, investors, and local officials. This post walks through what changed, why ADUs matter, and how to position your site to capture growing search traffic around California ADUs in 2026. Why California ADUs Matter In 2026 Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and juni...
17 Apr 2026
Mike Savage on Building Safety, ICC Leadership, and Willdan’s Impact - Takis Talk Episode 11
Share this episode of Takis Talk Takis Talk episode 11 dives into the life, leadership, and legacy of Mike Savage, a nationally respected building official, ICC executive board member, master electrician, and former military servicemember whose career has helped shape the modern building safety profession. In this in-depth conversation, Mike shares how a family construction legacy, frontline inspection work, and decades of code development experience have all fueled his mission to protect li...
17 Mar 2026
The Future of Building Departments: Leadership, AI, and the Rise of Jose Ibarra Geniz
Share this episode of Takis Talk What does it take to rise from code enforcement officer to Chief Building Official in just over a decade? In this episode of Takis Talk, host Greg Diktakis sits down with Jose Ibarra Geniz, the newly appointed Building and Safety Manager for Buena Park, California, to unpack the mindset, discipline, and leadership philosophy that helped accelerate his career in public service. Jose’s journey is anything but conventional. Unlike many building officials who come...
17 Feb 2026
David Spencer - ICC Past President - Servant leadership matters — Humility and a service mindset build trust and stronger professional communities.
Share this episode of Takis Talk What happens when a kid who grows up lining up nails on a jobsite decides to read the International Residential Code cover to cover — just to understand the “why”? In this episode of Takis Talk, that curiosity story comes full circle with David Spencer, Immediate Past President of the International Code Council and Director of Operations at SafeBuilt, whose career spans the trades, public service, executive leadership, and private sector collaboration. ...
3 Feb 2026
Kara Roberson - Government Communications That Work: Strategy, Psychology, and Public Trust
Share this episode of Takis Talk Government communications is at the heart of this episode, as you sit down with Kara Roberson, Strategic Communications Officer for the City of Wentzville, Missouri, to unpack how a fast‑growing community uses smart messaging, data, and creativity to truly connect with residents. From managing 29 different communication channels to doubling down on branding and social media strategy, this conversation gives practical, real‑world insight into what modern govern...
2 Dec 2025
City Management Lessons - Franc Moufarrej a blueprint for leading with humility and heart
Share this episode of Takis Talk A childhood spent dodging sniper fire is a brutal teacher, but it forged one of the calmest leaders we know. Chief Building Official Frank Bufarish joins us to share how growing up in Lebanon’s civil war shaped a perspective that now powers Livermore, California’s forward-looking building division—where empathy, clear thinking, and relentless coordination turn complex projects into community wins. We dive into the real work behind a modern city: early alignme...
18 Nov 2025
Breaking the Mold in California Housing – A Conversation with Lee Butler, Director of Planning & Community Development for the City of Santa Cruz
This episode of Takis Talk delivers a compelling interview with Lee Butler, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Santa Cruz—a pivotal figure propelling one of California’s most dramatic housing turnarounds. Immerse yourself as our host Butler in a vibrant, candid conversation about the tough realities, surprising wins, and visionary leadership shaping one of the nation’s least affordable yet most innovative coastal cities. About the Guest: Lee Butler Lee Butler’s bac...
5 Nov 2025
Recruiting the Right Way: Insights from Christine Martin, Director at Tripepi Smith
In this episode of Takis Talk, host Greg Diktakis sits down with Christine Martin, Director and Executive Recruiter at Tripepi Smith, to discuss what it really takes to attract and retain top talent in local government. Christine shares her journey from city planner to assistant city manager to recruiting expert, offering candid insights into career growth, leadership skills, and hiring best practices for today’s city and county agencies. Whether you’re an HR professional, department head, or...
21 Oct 2025
Wayne Snell - Leadership Rarely Asks Permission When A City Needs You & It Depends
Building Resilient Communities: A Conversation with Wayne Snell of the City of Irving, Texas Episode guest: Wayne Snell, Director of Inspections, City of Irving, Texas Host: Greg Diktakis, Takis Talk Podcast Introduction When it comes to shaping safe, thriving cities, few voices are as insightful as Wayne Snell’s. As the Director of Inspections for the City of Irving, Texas, Wayne combines decades of field experience with a forward-thinking approach to leadership and innovation. In th...
7 Oct 2025
Jose Madrigal The Art of Intentional Leadership: Lessons from Durango’s City Manager
When José Madrigal became City Manager of Durango, Colorado in the middle of a pandemic and following a financial scandal, he faced a mountain of challenges — and not just the literal ones surrounding Durango. In this episode, José shares how he rebuilt trust through transparency, empowered his team with autonomy, and created a culture rooted in authenticity and family-first values. From implementing open financial reporting systems to leading with empathy and intent, José offers a masterclas...
23 Sept 2025
Code Compliance with Compassion: Ceci Muela on Leading with Heart
Takis Talk – Episode with Ceci Muela In this episode of Takis Talk, host Greg Diktakis sits down with Ceci Muela, Interim Deputy Director and Chief Building Official for the City of Oakland, to explore the balance between leadership, community service, and resilience. Ceci shares her journey from single mom to respected leader, drawing inspiration from The Alchemist and Queen Elizabeth I. Together, Greg and Ceci dive into the human side of code enforcement, the art vs. graffiti debate, and t...
7 Jun 2025
The Launch Episode
The launch episode introduces Takis Talk and previews upcoming content, offering listeners a glimpse into future discussions.
20 Feb 2025
About to Launch
Connect at TakisTalk.com
17 Jul 2024
The Trailer Episode
This is the introduction and trailer episode.Connect at TakisTalk.com
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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 1 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
3
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
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