In this episode of ThriveCAST, Shannon Singler sits down with Daniel Durham, founding partner and head of construction at Daniel Durham Construction based out of Portland, Oregon to talk about building more than just beautiful spaces. Daniel shares how a hammer, some early lessons from his dad, and a deep respect for design-first thinking led him to launch one of Portland's standout construction firms.

From forging strong relationships with clients and trade partners to bringing a much-needed sense of calm to job sites (yes, it's possible), Daniel breaks down what it really takes to run a modern construction business — without losing your soul in the process.

Plus, he shares how a trip to Japan reshaped his design perspective, why personal growth isn't just self-help fluff, and the daily habits that keep him (and his business) thriving.

Key takeaways:

• Great craftsmanship starts with great relationships - and a calming job site presence clients actually appreciate
  
  
• Inspiration doesn’t happen by accident: travel, design exploration, and Japanese techniques fuel Daniel’s creativity
  
  
• Business success is tied directly to personal growth, smart financial decisions, and keeping your learning game strong

If you’re building a trade business, or just looking for a better way to work, Daniel’s approach will make you rethink what’s possible. Tune in for a fresh take on craftsmanship, mindset, and modern construction done right.

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What happens when a building starts leaking, cracking, or needs to be evacuated? Forensic architect Michael Fiebig of Fiebig Architecture knows the answer, and it’s usually not pretty. In this episode of ThriveCAST, we dig into the world of forensic architecture, where construction defects turn into legal disputes and the blueprints becomes evidence.

Michael breaks down how and why buildings fail - from water intrusion nightmares to structural oversights - and how his work connects architecture, building codes, fire safety, and the courtroom. Whether he’s flying drones to uncover hidden damage, decoding outdated regulations, or squaring off with opposing counsel, forensic architecture isn’t just technical, it’s a full-blown construction Crime Scene Investigation.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why water damage is a top offender in construction defect claims, and how to spot the warning signs
• How regulatory gaps and outdated building codes can set the stage for disaster
• What it's really like to serve as an expert witness in a high-stake legal battle
• The role of tech tools like drones and thermal cameras in modern forensic investigations

Whether you're in construction, architecture design, or just fascinated by what happens after the ribbon cutting, this episode gives a rare look into the high-pressure world of forensic architecture, where the smallest design flaws can lead to million-dollar consequences.

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We’re going underground—in the best way possible. In this episode of ThriveCAST, we dig deep with Roberto Zolante and Thomas Egan from Phoenix Boring, a company making underground infrastructure smarter, faster, and less disruptive through trenchless technology. (Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.)

We get into the good, the gritty, and the innovative world of trenchless technology, and why this method of installation should be the norm, not the niche for policy makers, city planners, and civil engineers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why critical conversion depth is the not-so-secret key to trenchless adoption
  
  
• How trenchless solutions slash long-term costs for cities and municipalities
  
  
• What’s holding back adoption (hint: outdated data and lowest-bid mentalities)
  
  
• How Phoenix Boring plans to scale smarter and dig cleaner in the years ahead

If you've ever wondered if there's a way to improve underground infrastructure, there is! And it starts underground.

🚧 No trenches were dug in the making of this episode.

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