Catalyst Conversations

Hosted by Catalyst Acoustics Group

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

The Catalyst Conversations podcast features industry experts from an elite group of acoustic, seismic, vibration, and noise control companies and world-renowned testing laboratories for lively discussions intended to engage and inform. Tune in and enjoy talks on trending topics, challenges, and how to overcome them. If you are an emerging or seasoned professional in construction, design, engineering, or architecture, we hope you will enjoy the insights our guests bring to this podcast.

Listen to episodes

27 recent

May 13, 202611 min

What Can Go Wrong? Acoustic Door Installation Lessons from the Field

Part 3 in our acoustic door series continues the conversation between Grace Jacob of IAC Acoustics and Mike Sirna of Hensel Diversified Construction, and takes it a step further to look at what happens during installation because even the best designed acoustic door can run into problems if the installation isn't done correctly.Whether you’re an architect writing specs or a contractor installing in the field, this episode offers practical insight into how your door selection can directly impact performance, reliability, and project outcomes.To learn more about IAC's acoustic doors, visit: https://www.iacacoustics.com/specialty-solutions-systems/architectural-doors

May 13, 202611 min

Acoustic Doors Don’t Work Alone: What Really Impacts Performance

Part 2 in our acoustic door series continues the conversation between Grace Jacob of IAC Acoustics and Mike Sirna of Hensel Diversified Construction, digging deeper into something that surprises a lot of people: the door itself is only part of the acoustic performance equation.Whether you’re an architect writing specs or a contractor installing in the field, this episode offers practical insight into how your door selection can directly impact performance, reliability, and project outcomes.To learn more about IAC's acoustic doors, visit: https://www.iacacoustics.com/specialty-solutions-systems/architectural-doors

February 24, 202636 min

How Engineering Services Turn The Unknown Into Certainty

Listen in as we focus on engineering services for noise control solutions, not as a product, but as a decision-making tool. We discuss why acoustical, noise, vibration, and seismic decisions are often unclear early in a project, what risks those unknowns create, and how engineering analysis helps teams reduce rework, improve accuracy, and meet demanding schedules, especially in high-stakes environments like data centers.We are joined by Thomas Yuschak, who is the Vice President of Engineering at Kinetics Noise Control, Joe Florer, the General Manager of Air Solutions at McMillan James, and Logan Herkomer, Director of Sales, HVAC Market at Kinetics. And now, let's get started with today's conversation.

February 17, 202611 min

Kit vs. Pre-Hung: Choosing the Right Acoustic Door

Kit door or factory pre-hung? It’s a question that surfaces on nearly every project where sound control matters. In this episode of Catalyst Conversations, Grace Jacob of IAC Acoustics and Mike Sirna of Hensel Diversified Construction discuss the differences between the two. Whether you’re an architect writing specs or a contractor installing in the field, this episode offers practical insight into how your door selection can directly impact performance, reliability, and project outcomes. To learn more about IAC's acoustic doors, visit: https://www.iacacoustics.com/specialty-solutions-systems/architectural-doors

December 11, 202538 min

The Evolution of Acoustical Testing & Product Innovation

In this episode, we explore how acoustical products are conceived, tested, and refined through the lens of Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories and one of the most forward-thinking voices in acoustic design. We discuss how product aesthetics have evolved, how testing methodologies shape product outcomes, and what the future holds for acoustic innovation across industries. We are joined by Eric Wolfram, from Riverbank, and Zackery Belanger, principal of Umbel, a Detroit-based studio specializing in shaping objects, surfaces, and rooms for acoustic performance in any material. Zackery brings deep experience across the built environment, from products to concert hall design, and is widely recognized for his research, teaching, and his influential essay, ‘Acoustic Ornament.’

November 11, 202517 min

Building Better Roof Curbs: Kinetics & CurbTech Collaboration

In this episode, we focus on the synergy between Kinetics Noise Control and CurbTech. We explore Kinetics’ history in the roof curb market, the recent Catalyst acquisition of CurbTech, and how these two businesses are partnering to deliver the industry’s best curb solutions, while driving growth and innovation for their customers.We are joined by Joe VanHoorn from Kinetics and Trent Globetti from CurbTech.To learn more about Kinetics, visit https://kineticsnoise.com/To learn more about CurbTech, visit https://www.curbtech.net/

August 25, 202519 min

Acoustic Essentials For Architects | A Discussion With Michael Fay

In this episode, hear about a topic that quietly impacts our daily lives yet is often overlooked in the early stages of design: acoustics. Michael Fay, a 45-year veteran AV and acoustical design engineer, former editor of Recording Engineer/Producer magazine, and author of Acoustic Essentials for Architects, has a gift for breaking down complex concepts into practical, no-nonsense guidance—making the science of sound not only accessible but fascinating. In this conversation, we’ll explore key principles from his book, uncover why acoustics often get sidelined in architectural projects, and learn how asking four simple questions can make the difference between a space that just looks good and one that sounds as good as it looks. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or just someone curious about how sound shapes our world, this episode will change the way you think about the spaces you create and inhabit. Purchase Michael's book here: Acoustic Essentials for Architects: The Primer Many Architects Wish They Were Offered in School

July 15, 202532 min

Sound & Spectacle: Engineering The Discoshow Experience in Las Vegas

This episode takes you behind the scenes of a Discoshow project in Las Vegas, where we explore the unique acoustical challenges of transforming a former sports betting room into a dynamic space featuring an LED dance floor, towering video walls, and an interactive crowd experience. You’ll hear how the expert collaboration between Kinetics Noise Control, Acousthetics, and Schwob Acoustics delivered innovative solutions to create an unforgettable sensory experience without disrupting the world around it. Our guests are Ben Vause, Building Acoustics Sales Manager at Kinetics; Tyler Adams, Principal at Acousthetics; Michael Schwob, President at Schwob Acoustics; and Mike Bauder, Senior Vice President of Production, Design, and Development at Spiegelworld.To learn more about each company, please visit their websites here:Kinetics Noise Control: https://kineticsnoise.com/Acousthetics: https://www.acousthetics.com/Shwob Acoustics: https://schwobacoustics.com/Spiegelworld: https://spiegelworld.com/

June 17, 202522 min

Improving School Acoustics: Why, How and What - A Discussion With Sound Seal

Tune in to hear Mark Rich and Aaron Duncan of Sound Seal delve into the critical role of acoustics in educational environments and how proper sound management can enhance learning experiences for students and teachers alike. Our guests will provide an overview of industrial and architectural solutions offered by Sound Seal, discuss seasonal trends, and introduce a new fabric line. If your acoustics aren't making the grade, this is one podcast you won't want to miss.For information about Sound Seal's Education solutions, please visit: https://www.soundseal.com/architectural-interiors/solutions/education

April 24, 202522 min

Data Center World Recap With Kinetics And Noise Barriers

This episode recaps the Data Center World tradeshow in Washington, DC., where Kinetics Noise Control and Noise Barriers exhibited. We are joined by John Sofra and Jerry Davis from Kinetics, and James Thomas and Austin Rupp from Noise Barriers.To learn more about Kinetics, please visit https://kineticsnoise.com/To learn more about Noise Barriers, please visit https://www.noisebarriers.com/

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