ICC Pulse Podcast

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we gathered key experts to discuss the Lahaina fire and Hawaii wildfires, emphasizing building safety and codes — how they shaped the disaster, what they reveal about vulnerabilities, what could change going forward, and more.

Guests on the show:

• Derek Alkonis, Senior Research Program Manager, Fire Safety Research Institute

• Dori Booth, State Fire Marshal, State of Hawaii

• Ka`āina Hull, Director of Planning, County of Kauai

• Justice Jones, Fire and Disaster Mitigation Program Manager, ICC

• Elizabeth Pickett, Co-Executive Director, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization

Links to related and/or referenced topics in this episode:

• ICC Fire and Disaster Mitigation webpage

• 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)

• Information on FEMA's post-disaster recovery resources for code officials

• Donate Funds – Maui City Council

• Fire Safety Research Institute

• Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization | Protect Hawaiʻi

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we explore building science in the International Residential Code® and the need for collaboration between builders and code officials – emphasizing the importance of smarter building practices.

Host Beau Hanson sits down with home builder Matt Risinger, host of the The Build Show and founding partner of Risinger Build, who discusses how evolving codes, construction and architectural trends impact the sustainability and resiliency of the industry.

Guests on the show:

• Matt Risinger, Founding Partner of Risinger Build

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

• Learn more about the different career options within the building safety industry

• View the International Code Council's International Codes®

• Catch up on The Build Show content

• Learn more about The Build Show Network

• Learn more about Glenn Mathewson's BuildingCodeCollege.com

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we build on our previous episode, How to Participate in the Code Development Process, by diving deeper into real-world experiences from those who've actively contributed to shaping the codes we use today.

Featuring familiar voices from the Code Council's code development process, our expert guests share personal stories from their time working in the code development cycles, offering valuable insights into how code updates and proposals come to life. They also discuss effective ways to get involved in the process, the power of collaboration and offer practical advice for anyone looking to take their first steps into the code development world.

Get involved in the Code Council's 2025 Committee Action Hearings, here.

Guests on the show:

• Michael O'Brian, Fire Chief for the Brighton Area Fire Authority in Michigan

• Jeffrey M. Shapiro, P.E., FSFPE, President of International Code Consultants, Executive Director of the Texas Fire Protection Association and works with Lake Travis Fire Rescue.

• John Terry, Retired, Assistant Director of Codes and Standards, State of New Jersey

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

• Learn more and register for the 2025 Committee Action Hearings.

• Learn more about Code Council's code development process.

• Read about the benefits of participating in the code development process.

• Learn about the current code development cycle.

• View the Code Council's codes and standards.

Season 7 of the ICC Pulse Podcast is here, and to kick things off we're exploring the ins and outs of the International Code Council's code development process – just in time for the 2025 Committee Action Hearings (April 27 - May 6, 2025)! Learn what the process entails, how it shapes the building safety codes we rely on and discover how you can get directly involved.

Our expert guests, including our very own Russ Manning and Beth Tubbs from the Code Council's Technical Services team, discuss the structure of a typical code cycle, where to access proposed code changes and why your participation in this process is so important.

Guests on the show:

• Russ Manning, PhD, LEED AP, CRL, CEFP, Senior Vice President (SVP), Technical Services, International Code Council

• Beth Tubbs, PE, FSFPE, Vice President of Codes, Technical Services, International Code Council

• Jeffrey M. Shapiro, P.E., FSFPE, President of International Code Consultants, Executive Director of the Texas Fire Protection Association and works with Lake Travis Fire Rescue

• John Terry, Retired, Assistant Director of Codes and Standards, State of New Jersey

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

• Learn more and register for the 2025 Committee Action Hearings.

• Learn more about Code Council's code development process.

• Read about the benefits of participating in the code development process.

• Learn about the current code development cycle.

• View the Code Council's codes and standards.

• Learn more about the Master Code Professional Designation

• View more of the Code Council's credentialing resources

Episodes of the ICC Pulse Podcast feature interviews with leading industry experts discussing a wide range of topics including current events and new technologies. Click here to see our entire archive of past episodes.