{Brief}ly Speaking Podcast

Not all Wetlands Look Wet with Ashley Mack

{Brief}ly Speaking about why wetlands don’t always look wet. SEH’s Ashley Mack breaks down what actually defines a wetland, how scientists identify them, and why seasonal conditions can make them easy to overlook. From avoiding project surprises to navigating permitting and minimizing impacts, this episode explores what developers, municipalities, and property owners should know before making assumptions about what’s happening on a site.

Cul-de-Sacs, Connectivity, and the Hidden Cost of Street Design with Randy Jenniges

{Brief}ly Speaking about how the streets we live on shape the way we move, connect, and experience our communities. SEH’s Randy Jenniges explores why cul-de-sacs and disconnected street networks are being reconsidered and what better connectivity can mean for walkability, emergency access, development, and long-term infrastructure. From balancing quieter neighborhoods with more connected communities to planning for changing resident expectations, this episode explores how thoughtful street design can create neighborhoods that work better for everyone.

PFAS Is Here. What Should Utilities Do Next? With Brad Weiss.

{Brief}ly Speaking about how communities can move from PFAS uncertainty to a practical plan forward. SEH’s Brad Weiss breaks down what utilities need to know as regulations tighten, from evaluating treatment options and managing costs to preparing for infrastructure, operational, and communication challenges. This episode explores how early planning can help communities make informed decisions and prepare for long-term compliance.

*Registered Professional Engineer in VA, TX, CO, IA<

What Clients Get Wrong About Reality Capture with Josh McDonald

{Brief}ly Speaking about the real value of reality capture beyond drones, laser scanners, and digital twins. SEH's Josh McDonald explains how reality capture helps project teams reduce risk, improve decision-making, and avoid costly surprises by creating a more accurate understanding of existing conditions. From avoiding unnecessary data collection to improving collaboration and delivering better project outcomes, this episode explores how reality capture is helping owners, engineers, and contractors make smarter decisions with greater confidence.

The Airport Balancing Act: Capital Planning, Capacity, and Hangar Demand with Joel Martinez

{Brief}ly Speaking about the long-term planning that keeps airports moving. SEH's Joel Martinez explains how airport managers prioritize capital projects, navigate funding challenges, and prepare for future growth while balancing daily operations. From infrastructure investments and FAA priorities to increasing demand for hangar space, this episode looks at what it takes to build airports that are ready for what's next.

 How vialytics Is Changing Roadway Asset Management with Jen Desrude

{Brief}ly Speaking about how artificial intelligence is helping agencies take a smarter approach to roadway asset management. SEH’s Jen Desrude explains how vialytics combines roadway video and AI to identify infrastructure conditions, prioritize maintenance, and support better investment decisions. From capital improvement planning and funding applications to proactive maintenance strategies, this episode explores how better data helps communities extend the life of their transportation assets and make every infrastructure dollar go further.

*Registered Professional Engineer in MN

Why Some Greenspaces Thrive and Others Struggle with Karl Weissenborn

{Brief}ly Speaking about what happens after the ribbon cutting. SEH senior landscape architect Karl Weissenborn shares how communities can create greenspaces that remain beautiful, functional, and sustainable long after opening day. From maintenance planning and staffing realities to irrigation, native plantings, and long-term stewardship, this episode explores how thoughtful design decisions today can help communities reduce costs, improve resilience, and protect their investment for decades to come.

*Registered Professional Landscape Architect in MN, IA, KS, MI, ND, SD