The Building Sciology Poddie

About The Building Sciology Poddie

I help builders, architects and home owners create the most comfortable, healthy buildings possible. When you know better, you can do better.

Publisher

Jess Kismet

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Dec 2024

Latest episode

27 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

52 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Sept 2026

   #50 | Outdoor Air Isn't Fresh Air: AIRAH IAQ 2026 Wrap Up with Sean Maxwell

   Fresh off the AIRAH Indoor Air Quality Conference in Cairns, host Jess Kismet sits down with building science expert Sean Maxwell to unpack essential insights on ventilation, enclosure physics, and moisture control. Together, they discuss wisdom from industry legend Joe Lstiburek, why immediate regulatory action on continuous apartment ventilation beats waiting for perfection, and the necessity of external continuous insulation to protect building envelopes. The conversation challenges traditional HVAC design habits by demonstrating why outdoor air isn't always clean air and advocating for mechanical systems engineered around dew point targets rather than temperature alone. Find the show notes on the ⁠website.⁠ (https://www.podpage.com/the-building-sciology-poddie/) Thank you to our sponsors ⁠Enduro Builders⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/endurobuilders/) and ⁠Climasure⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/climasuresa/) Join the mailing list ⁠here⁠ (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1175293/137147665837196912/share)!

2. 

   13 Sept 2026

   #49 | Dew Points, Tropical Climates and Mould with Sonia Holzheimer

   Mechanical engineer Sonia Holzheimer joins host Jess Kismet to explore why designing HVAC systems for tropical climates like Far North Queensland requires a completely different playbook than standard southern building codes. Sonia breaks down the crucial differences between air conditioning and true dehumidification, revealing how modern inverter technology and energy-efficiency measures can inadvertently lead to severe indoor moisture traps and mould. From advocating for indoor dew point regulation over dry bulb temperature to inspiring the next generation through her project Cool Engineers, this episode offers a vital deep dive into the realities of tropical building science. What We Cover in This Episode Tropical vs. Southern Building Codes: Why extreme moisture loads in regions like Far North Queensland break standard Australian design rules. Air Conditioners vs. Dehumidifiers: How energy-efficient inverter split systems fail to manage humidity, and why dedicated dehumidification is necessary. Dew Point vs. Relative Humidity: Why relative humidity is a misleading metric for indoor air quality, and why regulating dew point prevents mould growth. Envelope and HVAC Integration: How early collaboration between designers and mechanical engineers secures vapor barrier placement, roof space sealing, and positive building pressurization. Elevating the Engineering Profession: Sonia Holzheimer’s Cool Engineers initiative to demystify engineering, inspire local talent, and drive higher building performance standards. Find the show notes on the⁠⁠ ⁠website.⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.podpage.com/the-building-sciology-poddie/) Thank you to our sponsors⁠⁠ ⁠Enduro Builders⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/endurobuilders/) and⁠⁠ ⁠Climasure⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/climasuresa/) Join the mailing list⁠⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠⁠ (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1175293/137147665837196912/share)!

3. 

   30 Aug 2026

   #48 | Air Purifiers and the Science of Healthy Indoor Air with Alex Kessler

   In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, host Jess Kismet sits down with Alex Kessler, translational scientist and founder of The Healthy Home Guide. After developing severe Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) from toxic mould exposure in his own home, Alex turned his scientific background toward environmental consulting to help others navigate complex chronic illnesses, allergies, and indoor air pollution. Alex breaks down common misconceptions around standard HEPA filtration, explains why high clean air delivery rates (CADR) matter more than standard efficiency percentages, and introduces the benefits of MERV-13 filtration. The conversation covers how to accurately monitor indoor air quality, affordable DIY fresh-air ventilation options for renters, and proper small particle cleaning techniques that avoid triggering toxic mould defenses. What we cover in this episode: Prioritize CADR over HEPA ratings: High-airflow MERV-13 filters drop room particle levels faster, quieter, and with less energy than restrictive H13 HEPA units. Track particle counts, not mass: Standard PM2.5 mass monitors miss lightweight mould fragments and toxins - use a particle counter for an accurate picture of indoor air. Dilute indoor air with fresh air: Purifiers trap particles, but continuous fresh air dilutes toxins. Renters can build a simple DIY window-mounted ERV to bring in filtered, tempered air. Remove mould, don't try to kill it: Bleach, vinegar, and essential oils stress mold, causing it to release defensive mycotoxins. Physically lift particles using plain soap, water, and microfiber. Air quality is one piece of the puzzle: Full recovery requires pairing clean air with nervous system regulation, circadian alignment, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and zero alcohol. Find the show notes on the⁠ ⁠website.⁠⁠ (https://www.podpage.com/the-building-sciology-poddie/) Thank you to our sponsors⁠ ⁠Enduro Builders⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/endurobuilders/) and⁠ ⁠Climasure⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/climasuresa/) Join the mailing list⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠ (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1175293/137147665837196912/share)!

Who has been a guest on The Building Sciology Poddie

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

• Jess Ward
• Hamish White
• Matthew Carland
• Clarence Macalister
• Clare Conroy

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

83,409

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

21 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100

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

Quality

49

Social presence

91

YouTube

85

Engagement

51

Contact The Building Sciology Poddie

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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