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Forest to Frame

Forest to Frame

By: Russ
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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.

© 2025 Forest to Frame
Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • It's Wildfire Season Again
    Jul 15 2025

    In 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 resilience. He emphasizes the need for proactive measures in the wildland-urban interface to protect homes and reduce the severity of wildfires.

    Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about the realities of wildfires and their effects on communities and the environment.


    TIMESTAMPS

    [00:01:12] Wildfires and their impact.

    [00:06:08] Forest management and wildfire.

    [00:09:20] Wildfire management infrastructure solutions.


    QUOTES

    • "The more we can focus on leaving the forest in a condition that will be very similar to what it would have been naturally and in a condition that can withstand wildfire, I think the more people that will be on board with it."
    • “Debris is out there that can burn, and how can we positively affect that by removing that debris and turning it into products and economic opportunities and reducing the smoke, turning it into beautiful buildings? I think that's something if we do it right, everybody can get behind.”


    SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

    Russ Vaagen

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/


    WEBSITE

    Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/




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    11 mins
  • AIA National Convention
    Jul 1 2025

    In 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 the exciting developments in mass timber construction.

    Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the future of the forest industry and the role of mass timber in sustainable building practices.


    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00:00 - Introduction to Forest to Frame Podcast

    00:00:27 - Russ's Trip to the AIA National Convention

    00:01:11 - Collaboration with Rockwool and Mass Timber Project

    00:02:08 - Presentation at the Convention

    00:02:52 - Award for Matz Place Foundation Project

    00:04:31 - Importance of Designing for ALS Patients and Families

    00:05:03 - Mass Timber's Growing Relevance in Architecture

    00:05:35 - Department of Defense and Mass Timber Initiatives

    00:06:20 - Reflections on Boston and the Conference Experience

    00:07:23 - Future Projects: Matz Place 2.0 and 3.0

    00:08:06 - Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments


    QUOTES

    • "We're looking forward to collaborating with folks on that to do some more projects with the Department of Defense and government contracting in general, because we think it's a great place for mass timber to be used, especially when we're using it from federal forests."
    • “It's gonna do more things to expand how we can build not only with mass timber, but also beyond just ADA and wheelchair accessible actually designed for the kind of life that somebody needs to live with whatever ailment they have.”


    SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

    Russ Vaagen

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/


    WEBSITE

    Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/




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    9 mins
  • Mass Timber and the Economy
    Jun 24 2025

    In 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 inflation and interest rates have impacted the building industry.

    Tune in for insights on how these trends are shaping the future of the forest industry.


    TIMESTAMPS

    [00:01:10] Real estate market shifts.

    [00:08:05] Interest rates and project growth.

    [00:09:32] Consistent growth in construction.


    QUOTES

    • "I'm hopeful that that inflationary pressure is coming off and that we can see interest rates come back down to a level that incites more activity and building in the marketplace."
    • "I think that size is moving up, which maybe means that people are getting ready to do more projects."


    SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

    Russ Vaagen

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/


    WEBSITE

    Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/



    Show More Show Less
    11 mins

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.