B&W Insights
The Baxter & Woodman Insights Podcast is brought to you by Baxter & Woodman, a forward-thinking civil engineering firm committed to shaping resilient and sustainable communities. In each episode, we dive deep into key aspects of infrastructure, design, and construction, showcasing innovative solutions that address today’s most pressing challenges. Our expert guests discuss topics ranging from water resources and stormwater management to cutting-edge engineering technologies, all with the goal of enhancing community value and improving quality of life.
Learn more at baxterwoodman.com.
This has been a Baxter & Woodman production, 2026
Episodes
25 episodes
B&W Insights: Beyond the Sidewalk: The Real Challenges of ADA Compliance
Host Mark Siefert sits down with transportation engineer Ryan Wallace to explore where communities stand on ADA and PROWAG compliance. From sidewalk and curb ramp design to transition planning, enforcement risks, and emerging technology, they u...
B&W Insights: Still Time to Get the Lead Out
Host Mark Siefert and returning guest Kaitlin Wright explore where communities stand in the nationwide push to replace lead service lines. From new regulations to funding challenges and lessons learned in the field, they highlight why there’s s...
From Flooding to the Future: How Western Springs Built a Community‑Backed Infrastructure Plan
Kicking off Season 2 of B&W Insights, host Mark Siefert sits down with Village of Western Springs Deputy Village Manager Casey Biernacki and the Baxter & Woodman project team to explore how severe storms and resident concerns led to a v...
B&W Insights: 2025 Year in Review
In this season finale episode of B&W Insights, host Mark Siefert sits down with Michael Fontanez to talk about the podcast’s journey—why it started, what’s been covered so far, and what’s coming next. They revisit highlights from previous e...
B&W Insights: Inspiring the Next Generation of Water Leaders with Alex Han
In this episode of B&W Insights, we sit down with Alex Han, the inspiring high school student and host of the H2O and Beyond podcast. Alex shares how a ninth-grade chemistry class sparked his passion for water and sustainability, leading hi...
B&W Insights: Live from WIAWWA's 104th Annual Conference
🎙️ Live from the Wisconsin Section AWWA’s 104th Annual Conference!This special episode features five dynamic voices from Wisconsin’s water industry, recorded live at the 104th annual conference. We dive into the challenges, inno...
B&W Insights: Germany on Tap - Global Insights for Local Water
In this episode of B&W Insights, Melissa Olenick and Carolyn Grieves share highlights from their trip to Germany, where they toured cutting-edge water and wastewater facilities as part of a transatlantic delegation. Supported by ISAWWA and ...
B&W Insights: Love ‘em or Hate ‘em: Roundabouts
In this episode, we sit down with Jason, a transportation expert from Baxter & Woodman, to uncover the truth about roundabouts. Jason debunks common myths and explains why roundabouts are a proven safer alternative to traditional intersecti...
B&W Insights: Stormwater & Sea Level Rise: Engineering the Solutions
In this episode, we dive into the realities of sea level rise, stormwater management, and the evolving challenges facing coastal communities—especially in Florida. From the science behind king tides and groundwater shifts to innovative engineer...
B&W Insights: Shaping Tomorrow - Community Planning in Action
How do cities plan for growth and sustainability? In this episode of B&W Insights, we explore the essentials of municipal planning. Our expert Cristin Emshoff discusses how comprehensive plans integrate transportation, utilities, infrastruc...
B&W Insights: LIVE FROM WATERCON 2025- A Discussion with Heather Collins
Join us for a special live episode of the podcast recorded at ISAWWA WATERCON 2025, featuring an exclusive conversation with the AWWA President-Elect Heather Collins. In this candid and timely discussion, we dive into her unique perspe...
B&W Insights: WATERCON 2025 LIVE!
This special episode was recorded live at WATERCON 2025, the Illinois Section American Water Works Association annual conference. We talked with seven guests from the Illinois water industry, discussing their perspective on challen...
B&W Insights: The Dollars and Sense of Rate Studies
How do communities set fair and sustainable utility rates? In this episode of B&W Insights, we discuss the need for rate studies to support infrastructure funding, public services, and long-term financial planning. Join our expert ...
B&W Insights: MS4 Unfiltered
Stormwater regulations can be complex, but MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) compliance is essential for protecting our natural resources. Our conversation with Dan Bounds breaks down what municipalities need to know—covering coordina...
B&W Insights: Natural Resources - A Lasting Impact
In this episode of B&W Insights, we dive into the importance of natural resources stewardship for municipalities. From sustainable stormwater management to habitat restoration, we’ll explore strategies that help communities improve environm...
B&W Insights: Forever Chemicals – PFAS in Water
In this episode, explore the impacts of PFAS in drinking water and innovative solutions to tackle this pressing issue. Join our discussion with Megan Fox for insights on regulations, treatment technologies, and safeguarding public health.
B&W Insights: Forever Chemicals - PFAS in Wastewater
In this episode, discover how wastewater treatment facilities are addressing PFAS, the "forever chemicals" impacting the environment. Join us as we talk with Nichie Schaeffer and discuss removal technologies, regulatory updates, and strategies ...
B&W Insights: Design Build – Built Together
Join our conversation with Mark Siefert and Jason Ruffatti as we explore how design and construction teams collaborate to bring projects to life faster and more efficiently. Design Build is an integrated project delivery approach that turn visi...
B&W Bites: Design Build – Built Together 5-in-5
Join our 5 minute conversation with Mark Siefert and Jason Ruffatti as we explore how design and construction teams collaborate to bring projects to life faster and more efficiently. Design Build is an integrated project delivery approach that ...
B&W Insights: Spatial Tech Today
A conversation with Andy Zaletel where he provide an overview of GIS and spatial technology tools that can benefit a municipality and their data management.For the quick 5-minute version of this topic, check out the B&W ...
B&W Bites: Spatial Tech Today 5-in-5
Five questions in under five minutes answering questions about GIS and spatial technology tools that can benefit a municipality and their data management.For the full version of this topic, check out the B&W Insights episode!
B&W Insights: Cybersecurity - Safeguarding Infrastructure
Cybersecurity – Protecting Your Infrastructure, we dive deep into the vital world of protecting critical digital municipal infrastructure This podcast offers expert insights into the evolving cybersecurity threats facing local government...
B&W Bites: Cybersecurity - Safeguarding Infrastructure 5-in-5
Cybersecurity – Protecting Your Infrastructure, we dive deep into the vital world of protecting critical digital municipal infrastructure. Join Mark and Doug as they discuss five questions in five minutes focusing on the practical soluti...