The Building Sciology Poddie

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.⁠⁠
Thank you to our sponsors⁠ ⁠Enduro Builders⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠Climasure⁠⁠
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Ben Walsham (founder of Arkata) returns to the show to unpack the chaotic rollout of NCC 2025, the reality of high-performance design in volume building, and why building physics hit differently in tropical climates. From AI-driven workflow automation to deep-dive window frame science, this episode cuts through regulatory confusion to focus on building healthier, higher-performing homes. 

What We Cover in This Episode
The NCC 2025 Maze & State Rollouts: Decoding the staggered adoption timelines across Australia, the logic behind the national pause leading into 2029, and why jumping straight to NCC 2025 makes strategic sense for Class 1 residential builds over NCC 2022.

Passive House Goes Mainstream: Insights from the Thrive Passive House conference, including how major volume builders are finding the ~2 ACH airtightness sweet spot and proving that solar orientation beats expensive product specs every time.

Tropical Building Physics & Mass Traps: Calling in from Malaysia, Ben breaks down how heavy uninsulated blockwork converts homes into thermal batteries that radiate heat all night, and what modern construction must relearn from traditional vernacular architecture.

AI Beyond the Chatbot: Moving past conversational AI and using code-executing agents (like Claude Code) to automate tedious design workflows—turning a 30-minute window schedule task into a 5-minute background execution.

The Math of Window Frame Fractions: Why dividing windows into small sections with extra mullions tanks your U-values, and how minimalist picture-frame layouts dramatically improve real-world energy ratings.

Find the show notes on the ⁠website.⁠
Thank you to our sponsors ⁠Enduro Builders⁠ and ⁠Climasure⁠
Join the mailing list ⁠here⁠!

In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, host Jess Kismet sits down with Bryan Jepsen - Indoor Environmental Consultant, President of the Indoor Air Quality Association of Australia (IAQAA), and founder of Keystone Environmental and Oceanic Laboratory Initiative.
Together, they pull back the plasterboard to expose what’s really making our buildings - and the people inside them - unwell. From operating rooms to modern home builds, Bryan shares science-backed insights into fungal biology, architectural traps, and what true remediation actually looks like.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The "Mould Triangle": The 3 essential elements mould needs to survive—and how breaking just one starves it of opportunity.

Architectural Traps & Slab Moisture: How modern design choices, sealed wall systems, and rushed builds inadvertently trap water.

Mould vs. Bacteria: Understanding the indoor microbiome and why mould is tougher (and more resilient) than you think.

The Fogging Myth Exposed: Why aerosol "quick fixes" rarely solve surface mould—and the safety risks involved.

Testing & Standards: The truth about DIY test kits (ERMI/HERTSMI), laboratory testing, and the rollout of Australia's new AS-IICRC S500 & S520 remediation standards.

Episode Takeaway: You can't eradicate mould from the planet, but you can control the environment. Learn how to rob mould of its opportunity and create healthier spaces to live and breathe in.

Find the full show notes including links on the ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠

Thank you to our sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠End⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠uro Builders⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Climasure⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Why do we expect our cars to have perfect temperature control, yet tolerate drafty, mould-prone homes that cost ten times as much?
In this episode, host Jess Kismet sits down with world-renowned building science expert Dr. John Straube to demystify climate-responsive construction. From the extreme winters of Canada to the humid tropics of Australia, John breaks down why our buildings fail, how terminology confusion is causing massive jobsite errors, and what it actually takes to build durable, comfortable, and healthy homes.

Find the full show notes including links on the ⁠⁠website⁠⁠

Thank you to our sponsors⁠⁠⁠ ⁠End⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠uro Builders⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Climasure⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Jess here:
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In this episode, Jess Kismet interviews Mitch Chan, founder of Agathe Builders, who shares his journey in the building industry, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and the integration of healthy building practices.
Mitch discusses his commitment to building biology, the challenges of educating clients about building standards, and the significance of using high-performing materials. The conversation also touches on the risks associated with traditional building practices, the necessity of pre-construction processes, and the future of building standards in Australia.

Find the full show notes including links on the ⁠website⁠

Thank you to our sponsors⁠⁠ ⁠End⁠⁠⁠⁠uro Builders⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ ⁠Climasure⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Jess here:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to follow the show wherever you get your podcasts!