{Brief}ly Speaking Podcast

 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 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.

 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

 What Actually Makes Bike Lanes Safer? With Ken Brubaker

{Brief}ly Speaking about what actually makes bike lanes safer. SEH’s Ken Brubaker, PE, breaks down the differences between painted, buffered, and protected bike lanes, explaining how each design influences safety, rider comfort, and driver behavior. From balancing cost and risk to prioritizing investments where they matter most, this episode explores how communities can move beyond simply adding bike lanes and focus on creating infrastructure that delivers meaningful safety benefits.

 *Registered Professional Engineer in CO, MI, MN

How Drones Are Changing Project Delivery with Bailey Nelson

{Brief}ly Speaking about how drone technology is helping infrastructure teams see projects differently. SEH’s Bailey Nelson shares how drones are improving safety, capturing more accurate site data, and helping agencies make faster, more informed decisions from planning through construction. From lidar mapping and inspections to operating near active airports, this episode explores how drone technology is giving engineers and communities a clearer view of infrastructure while reducing risk and saving time.

Minnesota’s Infrastructure Report Card Is Out. Now What? With Ariel Christenson

{Brief}ly Speaking about what infrastructure grades really mean for communities and what should happen after the headlines fade. SEH structural engineer Ariel Christenson shares how communities can use Minnesota’s latest infrastructure report card as a practical tool for planning, prioritization, and long-term investment. From aging water and wastewater systems to structural and transportation assets, this episode explores where progress is happening, where opportunities remain, and how communities can turn infrastructure challenges into actionable next steps.

 *Registered Professional Engineer in IN, MN, NC, TX, VA, WI