In this CIRS Group Podcast episode, hosts Jacie and Barbara interview Brian Tinker, founder of Breathe Well Homes and a master builder with 30+ years of experience, whose work became personal after his wife’s CIRS diagnosis revealed their home’s role in her illness. Brian explains how moisture control is the core issue behind mold problems and why modern “tighter” energy codes can create sick homes without proper ventilation. He highlights common high-risk materials and methods (e.g., OSB, MDF, spray foam off-gassing, flex ducting, traditional grout), shares practical strategies for moisture management, wall assemblies that can dry, and using ERV/HRV systems to keep homes breathing. He discusses cost increases (about 35–45%), his course and consultations, remote build guidance, and his newer Breathe Well Vans concept, plus interest in manufactured homes for faster, lower-cost options. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com
Timestamps
00:00 Intro and disclaimer
02:00 Brian’s CIRS-aware home building journey
04:52 Why modern homes are so prone to getting mold
07:34 Common building materials that promote mold and trigger CIRS
10:58 Brian's opinion of the best era for older homes
13:14 Moisture management for the modern home
17:19 Is there a compromise between energy efficiency and clean air?
21:40 What is a passive house?
23:39 The cost of building a CIRS-aware home
28:32 The Breathe Well Homes mission, and vans!
35:05 Post-interview wrap up
For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Brian's website: https://breathewellhomes.com/
Breathe Well Vans: https://www.instagram.com/breathewellvans
Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs
The CIRS Group:
Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:
Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet! https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory
Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/
Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching:
Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara
Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.
