Speaking In Code

SN-ICC
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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. 5d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. Sep 6

    11.The Real Officer Behind “Officer Richard Teaches Code” | Richard Torres

    Meet the real code enforcement officer behind the cartoon. Richard Torres is a Code Enforcement Officer with 4LEAF and the face behind “Officer Richard Teaches Code,” an animated series designed to introduce children and younger audiences to code enforcement in a fun and approachable way. Recorded at the Code Comply Summit, Richard joins Nathan Ball to talk about becoming an animated character, getting recognized at an ICC conference as “the cartoon,” and working as a floating code enforcement officer across multiple California jurisdictions. Richard also discusses his philosophy toward enforcement and why he sees education and helping people achieve compliance as some of the most important parts of the job. From explaining code enforcement as “telling people to cut their grass in a very nice way” to encouraging a new generation to discover the profession, meet the real Officer Richard. 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

  5. Aug 30

    10. The One-Man Code Enforcement Department | Mike Bellamy

    What does code enforcement look like when you're the entire department? Mike Bellamy is the sole Code Enforcement Officer for Lamar, Colorado, serving a community of roughly 8,000 people. But his path to the profession was anything but typical. Recorded at the Code Comply Summit, Mike joins Nathan Ball to talk about his journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to working as a mechanic, owning a trucking company, serving on City Council, and eventually finding a new calling in code enforcement. Mike shares how those experiences changed the way he approaches compliance, including why listening, compassion, and understanding someone's circumstances can sometimes accomplish more than simply issuing a citation. He also tells the powerful story of an elderly fellow Marine he encountered during a code enforcement case, a moment that reminded him that behind every property and every violation is a person. After more than four decades spent in other careers, Mike says he may have finally found the profession he was meant to be in. 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

  6. Aug 24

    09.The “Cannabis Queen” of Code Enforcement | Yvette Portugal, City of Santa Ana

    What happens when code enforcement goes from shutting down illegal cannabis shops to helping build a legal, regulated industry? Nathan Ball sits down with Yvette Portugal, Code Enforcement Manager for the City of Santa Ana..also known by some as the “Cannabis Queen.” Yvette shares how Santa Ana confronted an estimated 150–200 illegal cannabis facilities, transitioned to a regulated market, and developed an approach that balances enforcement with helping legitimate businesses succeed. Yvette explains why she believes Santa Ana's cannabis program has worked... and why other jurisdictions have looked to the city as a model.

  7. Aug 24

    08. What Most People Get Wrong About Human Trafficking with Dan Nash

    Dan Nash spent 27 years as a state trooper before dedicating his work to fighting human trafficking. In this compelling conversation, he explains what most people misunderstand about trafficking, the encounter that changed the direction of his career, and why code enforcement professionals may be uniquely positioned to recognize victims others miss.

  8. Aug 9

    07. Inside ICC Credentialing: How Certification Exams Are Built | Autumn Saylor

    Autumn Saylor, Vice President of Credentialing for the International Code Council, joins Speaking in Code from the CodeComply Summit to take us behind the scenes of ICC certification exams. She explains how exams are developed, why industry subject matter experts are essential, and what’s ahead for ICC’s growing code enforcement credentialing program. Autumn also shares her 18-year journey at ICC, from administrative support to vice president.

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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
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © SN-ICC
  • Show Website
    Speaking In Code