Speaking In Code

SN-ICC
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business

Speaking in Code is a podcast about building safety, development, and the people behind the work that shapes our communities. Hosted by Nathan Ball, with producers Topher Barnes and John Blomquist, the show features conversations with building officials, industry professionals, thought leaders, notable personalities and public sector leaders on codes, permitting, inspections, construction, leadership, and community impact.

  1. 8h ago

    19. The Future of ICC: AI, Leadership & Building Safety | Andre Jaen

    Andre Jaen, newly reelected ICC Section C Director, joins Nathan Ball from the 2026 International Code Council Conference + Expo in Nashville for a conversation about leadership, technology and the future of the building safety profession. Andre shares the unconventional path that took him from studying political science at the University of Colorado Boulder to performing temporary building inspections after a hailstorm, earning ICC certifications, managing a permit counter, serving as an interim building official and eventually joining the ICC Board of Directors. The conversation explores proposed changes to ICC’s governance structure, the organization’s strategic direction, and new technology such as ICC’s AI Navigator and other tools designed to help code professionals navigate increasingly complex requirements. Andre and Nathan also discuss the importance of chapters, conferences and events like EduCode in creating the professional relationships and exchange of ideas that cannot be replicated through a screen. And from Nashville, the conversation naturally turns to music as Andre shares his history with violin, cello and guitar — and the friendships that began in a high-school band. Speaking in Code is produced with support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. Host: Nathan BallExecutive Producer: Topher Barnes Senior Producer: John Blomquist Theme song was performed by the band, Outskirtz This episode of Speaking In Code was recorded in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Resort during the 2026 ICC Annual Business Meeting.

  2. 2d ago

    18. Certification, Careers & the Future of Code Enforcement | Ken Eckman

    Ken Eckman, Code Enforcement Manager with 4LEAF, joins Nathan Ball at the Code Comply Summit for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of code enforcement as a profession. Drawing on a career that includes 40 years with the City of Orange, California, Ken discusses the importance of customer service, professional education and collaboration across building, planning, police and code enforcement. Ken also shares his perspective on ICC’s growing role in standardizing code enforcement credentials and what that could mean for career mobility, professional development and the next generation entering the field. The conversation also looks at a new training concept focused on preparing code enforcement cases for court and understanding what judges expect from enforcement professionals. And no code enforcement career is complete without a memorable field story. Ken delivers one involving a multimillion-dollar home, a lawyer — and approximately 200 Shih Tzus. The episode closes with Ken’s lifelong interest in motocross and Supercross. Speaking in Code is produced with support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. Host: Nathan BallExecutive Producer: Topher Barnes

  3. Oct 13

    17. Nevada’s Data Center Boom: Water, Power & Infrastructure | Eric Henzl

    Data centers are becoming a major part of Nevada’s infrastructure landscape, bringing new questions about electricity demand, water consumption, cooling technology and grid capacity. Eric Henzl, Research Scientist and Environmental Economist with the Desert Research Institute, joins Nathan Ball to discuss DRI research examining the water and electricity demands associated with Nevada data centers. Eric explains projected energy growth, how data center demand compares with major generation assets such as Hoover Dam, and why the indirect water required to generate electricity can sometimes exceed the water consumed directly for cooling. The conversation also explores the dramatic differences between evaporative cooling and newer direct-to-chip and immersion systems, the impact of AI on data center growth, renewable energy, reclaimed water, battery storage, grid interconnection challenges and the technologies that may make future facilities more efficient. The episode closes with a lighter conversation about hiking, Northern Nevada, Donner Lake and Eric’s bucket-list trek to Machu Picchu. Speaking in Code is produced with support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. Host: Nathan BallExecutive Producer: Topher Barnes

  4. Oct 5

    16. From Reactive to Proactive Code Enforcement | Andrew Kieve, Tolemi

    Andrew Kieve, Co-Founder and CEO of Tolemi, joins Nathan Ball at the Code Comply Summit to discuss how municipal data can change the way cities approach code enforcement. Tolemi connects information across otherwise separate city systems, from permitting and code enforcement to police, fire, utilities, animal control and property data, and brings that information together so departments can identify patterns, prioritize high-risk properties and move beyond a purely complaint-driven approach. Andrew explains why data integration is much more complicated than simply putting information on a map, how cities can connect existing software without replacing everything they already use, and how Tolemi turns large amounts of municipal information into actionable insights. The conversation also moves beyond technology as Andrew talks about the World Cup, growing up in Washington, D.C., his Red Sox fandom and a memorable family trip to Fenway Park. Speaking in Code is produced with support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. Host: Nathan BallExecutive Producer: Topher Barnes\

  5. Sep 27

    15. Building WICED California: Education, Mentorship & Women in Code Enforcement | Annie Swaim

    Annie Swaim, Code Enforcement Supervisor for the City of Stockton and a board member of WICED California, joins Nathan Ball at the Code Comply Summit to discuss the growing California chapter of Women in Code Enforcement and Development. Annie talks about why California needed its own WICED network, connecting professionals from Northern and Southern California, and providing affordable education and mentorship across code enforcement, permitting, planning, building inspections and fire. She also shares her own path into code enforcement and one of the most memorable hoarding cases of her career — a reminder of the complicated human situations code professionals encounter behind the properties they inspect. Plus, Annie and Nathan close things out with country music, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and the next generation of country fans. Speaking in Code is produced with support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. Host: Nathan BallExecutive Producer: Topher Barnes

  6. Sep 20

    14. Anaheim Code Enforcement: Fireworks, Growth & the Olympics | Marc Archibald

    Marc Archibald, Community Preservation and Licensing Manager for the City of Anaheim, joins Nathan Ball at the Code Comply Summit for a look inside code enforcement in one of Southern California’s largest and most recognizable cities. Marc discusses Anaheim’s expanded illegal fireworks enforcement efforts, including the use of drones, helicopters, ground teams and the city’s social host ordinance. The conversation also looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games, when indoor volleyball comes to the Honda Center, as well as the continued development of OC Vibe and other major projects reshaping Anaheim. Marc also shares his path from the U.S. Marine Corps and police administration into municipal leadership and explains why Anaheim places such a strong emphasis on education and professional development for its code enforcement team. Speaking in Code is produced with support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. Host: Nathan Ball Executive Producer: Topher Barnes

  7. Sep 13

    13. Staying Mission Ready: Burnout, Conflict & Mental Health | Ian Hill

    What happens when the conflict load becomes greater than our capacity to carry it? Ian Hill, founder of Empowering Minds, joins Nathan Ball at the Code Comply Summit for a candid conversation about burnout, mental health and the cumulative effects of working in professions where conflict is part of the job. Ian challenges the traditional “cowboy up” approach by reframing wellness as mission readiness. Departments maintain their vehicles and equipment so they're ready when needed. Why wouldn't we create preventative maintenance systems for the most important asset we have — our people? Ian discusses practical ways professionals can recharge, establish boundaries, recognize changes in coworkers and create workplaces where people feel seen and heard. Although the conversation begins with code enforcement, its message applies to inspectors, permit professionals, managers, first responders and anyone carrying the cumulative weight of a demanding career and life outside of work. Sometimes supporting someone doesn't require solving their problem. Sometimes it starts with simply asking: “You good?” Speaking in Code is brought to you through support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. Host: Nathan BallExecutive Producer: Topher Barnes

  8. Sep 9

    12. Technology Spotlight: City Detect | Gavin Baum-Blake

    Gavin Baum-Blake, Co-Founder and CEO of City Detect, joins Speaking in Code to explain how AI-powered computer vision is helping cities identify graffiti, litter, illegal dumping, vacant properties, and other community issues using cameras mounted on vehicles already traveling the streets. Gavin also discusses privacy, implementation, and his journey from Army intelligence and law school to building a civic technology company.

See All (19)

About

Speaking in Code is a podcast about building safety, development, and the people behind the work that shapes our communities. Hosted by Nathan Ball, with producers Topher Barnes and John Blomquist, the show features conversations with building officials, industry professionals, thought leaders, notable personalities and public sector leaders on codes, permitting, inspections, construction, leadership, and community impact.

Information

  • Creator
    SN-ICC
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © SN-ICC
  • Show Website
    Speaking In Code