About this podcast
Forest to Frame is the podcast where forest restoration meets the future of sustainable building.
Hosted by Russ Vaagen, this series uncovers how cutting-edge science, collaboration, and next-gen sawmilling are transforming the way we manage our forests—and how we build with wood.
Each episode explores how the byproducts of forest restoration—often seen as waste—are fueling a new era of mass timber construction. Think cross-laminated timber, Glulam, and other innovative building materials that are not only strong and beautiful but reduce wildfire risk, support local economies, and redefine sustainability.
You'll hear from the builders, land stewards, scientists, and innovators leading this movement—people who are reshaping the future of our forests, our communities, and the spaces we live in.
This isn’t just a podcast about trees. It’s about what’s possible when restoration and construction work hand-in-hand.
Subscribe now and join the movement—from Forest to Frame.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 22 episodes
- Big Changes at Vaagen Timbers · 10 min · Episode 21In Episode 21 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen shares some significant updates regarding the future of Bog and Timbers. Facing a challenging market for mass timber and…
- A New Era for American Forests with Hilary Franz · 55 min · Episode 20In Episode 20 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Hilary Franz, former Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands and now CEO of American Forests, as she shares her…
- What's Wrong with Our Firefighting · 18 min · Episode 19In Episode 19 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding wildfires and firefighting in the Intermountain West. As we transition into the fall…
- Forests, Commerce, and Conservation · 29 min · Episode 18In Episode 18 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Brian Luoma, former CEO of the Westervelt Company. With over 30 years of experience in the forest industry, Brian shares…
- Softwood Lumber Promotion · 16 min · Episode 17Episode 17 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen explores the vital role of the wood industry in sustainable building, highlighting his partnership with WoodWorks to educate architects…
- Mass Timber Schools · 15 min · Episode 16In episode 16 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen dives into the world of mass timber schools, with a special focus on Washington State. Discover the benefits of using locally…
- Canadian Tarrifs · 13 min · Episode 15In episode 14 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen highlights the challenges U.S. companies face, including unfair competition due to Canadian government support and the complexities…
- AI with Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures · 29 min · Episode 14In episode 14 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Cooper Simson, the portfolio manager for Dan Martell's AI Venture Studio, Martell Ventures as he shares insights on…
- Finding the Right Accountant · 12 min · Episode 13In episode 13 of Forest to Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the impact of the post-COVID job market, the importance of aligning risk tolerance between business leaders and…
- It's Wildfire Season Again · 11 min · Episode 12In episode 12 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the impact of wildfires on communities, the importance of forest management, and the role of various tree species in fire…
- AIA National Convention · 9 min · Episode 11In episode 11 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen shares his recent experience at the AIA National Convention in Boston, where he engaged with over 10,000 architects and discussed…
- Mass Timber and the Economy · 11 min · Episode 10In episode 10 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the significant shifts that have occurred over the past few years, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and how rising…
- Public Land Sales · 21 min · Episode 9In episode 9 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen delves into the recent discussions surrounding the potential sale of public lands, including Forest Service and BLM properties. He…
- Mass Timber Planning · 12 min · Episode 8In episode 8 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the innovative advancements at Vaagen Timbers, particularly focusing on their unique software, Timber Sequence Pro…
- A to Z Forest Restoration Projects · 19 min · Episode 7In episode 7 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the importance of large-scale contracts, improved dispute resolution systems, and the need for community involvement in…
- Green Energy with Biomass · 14 min · Episode 6In episode 6 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the environmental concerns surrounding biomass energy and presents a compelling case for its role as a green energy source…
- Glulam · 12 min · Episode 5In episode 5 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen provides insights into the manufacturing process of glulam, highlighting its finger-jointed construction that allows for the…
- Lumber Drying · 14 min · Episode 4In episode 4 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen emphasizes the importance of using high-quality lumber with the correct moisture levels, explaining the significance of the KDHT…
- What is Mass Timber · 13 min · Episode 3In episode 3 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen explains the various methods of timber harvesting, the benefits of mass timber in construction, and how it allows for a more visible…
- What is Forest Restoration? · 8 min · Episode 2In episode 2 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the historical context of wildfires in the Intermountain West, the consequences of fire suppression, and the importance of…
