Content provided by David Doucette. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by David Doucette or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App Go offline with the Player FM app!
On June 25th 2025, in collaboration with Open Folk, we presented our first ever live interview event in Los Angeles. As Open Folk put it: "In These Lines is a live event where three artists each bring one song — not just to perform, but to explore. They sit down with Sofia Loporcaro, host of Before The Chorus, to talk about where the song came from, what it meant to write it, and what it still holds. Then they play it. Just the song, and the truth behind it." Find Open Folk on Instagram: @openfolkla Find Gaby on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0K9pSmFx0kWESA9jqx8aCW?si=Wz4RUP88Qlm_RKs7QTLvWQ On Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gaby-moreno/472697737 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaby_moreno/ Find Lily on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p0ksmwMDQlAM24TWKu4Ua?si=Bmdg-uIUTHu-zRUc_dqL3g On Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lily-kershaw/526884610 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilykershaw/ Find James on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3u50TPoLvMBXNT1KrLa3iT?si=OoLoq7ZTRZyUiytQcz0FsQ On Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/james-spaite/905076868 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesspaite/ Subscribe: https://beforethechorus.bio.to/listen Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.beforethechorus.com/ Follow on Instagram: @beforethechoruspodcast & @soundslikesofia About the podcast: Welcome to Before the Chorus , where we go beyond the sounds of our favourite songs to hear the stories of the artists who wrote them. Before a song is released, a record is produced, or a chorus is written, the musicians that write them think. A lot. They live. A lot. And they feel. A LOT. Hosted by award-winning interviewer Sofia Loporcaro, Before the Chorus explores the genuine human experiences behind the music. Sofia’s deep knowledge of music and personal journey with mental health help her connect with artists on a meaningful level. This is a space where fans connect with artists, and listeners from all walks of life feel seen through the stories that shape the music we love. About the host: Sofia Loporcaro is an award-winning interviewer and radio host who’s spent over 8 years helping musicians share their stories. She’s hosted shows for Amazing Radio, and Transmission Roundhouse. Now on Before the Chorus, she’s had the chance to host guests like Glass Animals, Feist, Madison Cunningham, Mick Jenkins, & Ru Paul's Drag Race winner Shea Couleé. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
Content provided by David Doucette. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by David Doucette or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Content provided by David Doucette. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by David Doucette or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Y ou’ve put it off long enough! It’s time to get serious and create goals to help you pass the California Supplemental Exam . Yes, You! Podcast Episode 070. In this episode, I discuss how you can set concrete goals to pass the CSE. It’s time you get motivated and take the Exam! Click to Listen Show Notes Distinguishing Between Goals and Practices/Habits Goals are milestones that you choose to achieve a desired result. Practices and habits are the tools you develop to achieve those goals A goal would be passing the CSE. A habit would be the study plan you create to help you pass CSE. Don’t get overwhelmed by too many goals Select 5-10 Goals at the beginning of the year. Becoming a Licensed Architect can be the Primary Goal Passing CSE can be the Secondary Goal that when achieved you achieve the Primary Goal of becoming a Licensed Architect Prioritizing Goals Once you have your list of goals, be sure to put them in order of importance as not all goals will be weighted equally or applicable in the very short term High Achievers Often don’t reach all their goals in any give year If I set 10 goals and only achieve 5 by the year’s end, that is still 5 goals achieved. If I didn’t set the goals, I may not have achieved any of them Reviewing and Adjusting Goals Goals are a living document and should be reviewed periodically. Some goals may no longer apply to your situation Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone Set goals that push you outside of your comfort zone, i.e. scheduling yourself to take the CSE exam in 2-3 months even though you haven’t started studying. Establishing Momentum Creating the Goal is easy Set easy habits and practices at the beginning of the study process to build momentum such as starting to listen to the audio companion, passive interaction Setting a Deadline Begin with the end in mind – selecting the exam date before you start studying Deadlines motivate Deadline should be specific, i.e May 28 is more specific than last week in May. Should Goals Be Public or Private No need to tell everyone Tell people close to you, who will be supportive of you No reason to share with people who won’t be supportive Maintaining Focus Chinese Proverb – “A man who chases two rabbits, catches none” Keep your eye on the Goal, the final outcome Ask yourself “why is this goal important?” Ask yourself “what is at stake?” Dealing With Fear What if I don’t reach my goal? We think we are the only ones struggling Fear is just an emotion Courage is moving forward in spite of fear Remy’s snowboarding story about overcoming fear Reviewing and Assessing Your Goals Set aside time each month to review and assess your progress on your goals. High achievers often don’t like to do this Celebrate Achieving Your Goals Acknowledge achieving your goal by going to a nice dinner, day at the spa or some other special way to celebrate Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Click here to subscribe via YouTube Channel…
A battle between giants! The California Building Code goes head to head with the California Building Standards Code . The fans are on their feet. Who shall prevail? Podcast Episode 069. In this episode, I put the California Building Code and the California Building Standards Code head to head in a battle royale to see who will come out as victor. I also discuss the recent website redesign, my goals for content creation, and the recent guest posts from the new series, “Success Stories.” Click to Listen Battle Royale: California Building Code vs. California Building Standards Code The first round in this battle is to understand the California Building Code. This is the code we use most of the time as architects. It contains topics such as occupancy type, construction type, building or floor area, building height, exits and egress, building separation and shaft enclosures, fire protection, fire extinguishing systems, accessibility requirements, engineering requirements. and structural provisions. This is the primary code the local plan checker will be referencing when reviewing our plans for compliance. The California Building Standards Code is Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. It consists of 12 parts including; Part 1 Administrative Code Part 2 California Building Code Part 2.5 California Residential Building Code Part 3 California Electrical Code Part 4 California Mechanical Code Part 5 California Plumbing Code Part 6 California Energy Code Part 7 (Elevator Safety Code has been removed Part 8 California Historical Building Code Part 9 California Fire Code Part 10 California Existing Buildings Code Part 11 California Green Building Code Part 12 California Referenced Standards Code. Once you understand these two codes, it’s easy to see that the California Building Standards Code is giant, when compared to the California Building Code. The California Building Code is only one part of the California Building Standards Code. A simple, but important distinction. Website Redesign CSEprep.com has a fresh new look with a more modern and cleaner design! One of the main reasons for the redesign is to put more of an emphasis on the podcast + blog page. You can now see 30 posts per page and each post has a feature box with a picture about the theme of the post. This makes the posts more visually interesting which will attract more readers and result in more comments from candidates and other viewers. Also be sure to check out the new Podcast Archive page. Content Creation I’ve had a busy April. I’ve put out 6 pieces of content this month. I’ve put out two video tips, Desperation or Determination and Application and Certificate For Payment and also started a new series “Success Stories.” Success Stories I’ve also started a new series for guest posts on the CSE Blog called “Success Stories” in which candidates share their preparation and exam taking experience with others. I published Alberto’s “My Heart Sank To My Stomach” , Becca’s “I Completely Panicked At The Beginning. I Started To Hyperventilate.” and Joe’s “I’m Sorry, but the Testing Center Cannot Provide You With Your Score” . These are wonderful stories so please check them out and leave a comment at the bottom of the articles to show your appreciation to the authors for taking the time to write their stories. Enforcement Actions There are no enforcement actions to discuss this week as CAB has not released a new newsletter since last fall. Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Click here to subscribe via YouTube Channel…
O ut of state candidates often email me with questions and concerns about feeling at a disadvantage when preparing for the Exam. Well, California is not as different as you might think. Yup, I just said that. Podcast Episode 066. I believe this feeling comes about because out of state candidates may feel they “aren’t as familiar with California laws, rules, and regulations” as candidates working in California. So today, I’m very excited to share Victoria’s email, an out of state candidate who recently passed the Exam. Her email is SO insightful and full of great nuggets of information including to preparing for the exam, the importance of making a study plan, relaxing before the exam, establishing confidence and more. I read her email then give my thoughts on her insights. This is a MUST listen to episode if you are struggling to begin your studies or having trouble focusing on the material. Click to Listen Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Click here to subscribe via YouTube Channel…
O n July 1, 2012, the Design Professionals Lien Law was repealed in California, leaving many of us to wonder if it just disappeared altogether. Podcast Episode 065. The AIA California Council published a great article titled “Design Professional Liens: Gone But Not Forgotten” and described how the law was repealed, but for the most part, was folded into mechanics lien law. So the question is, do we still need to know it? The Design Professionals Lien Law is still on CAB’s List of Reference Materials. I share my thoughts on the subject in this episode. Click to Listen Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Click here to subscribe via YouTube Channel…
I ssuing the Certificate of Substantial Completion is an important milestone in the contract administration process. It’s important to know the significance. Podcast Episode 064. I discuss the importance of Substantial Completion and take a look at the A201 General Conditions, Article 9.8 and how it impacts on certain milestones. This is an important concept for preparing for the California Supplemental Exam as well as our education in becoming a responsible and competent architect. Click to Listen Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Click here to subscribe via YouTube Channel…
T here is talk about a new cut score of 73 but it is only a rumor, and we know what rumors can lead to, don’t we? Podcast Episode 063. I released CSE Video Tip #9 and in it, i discussed this rumored 73 cut score. A representative from CAB contacted me with a concern about misleading candidates and wanted to make it clear that the historical pass rate of the Exam in no way factors in to how the Exam is administered by CAB. I amended my video at the request of CAB. Click to Listen Here’s What the Owner Pays For This is a topic that is a continual source of confusion for candidates. I exam the A201 General Conditions and review the specific articles that help clarify what the Owner pays for. I take a look at Articles 2.2 Information and Services Required of the Owner (2.2.2), 3.7 Permits, Fees, Notices, and Compliance with Laws (3.7.1 ), 10.3 Hazardous Materials (10.3.2), 12.1 Uncovering of Work ((12.1.2), and 13.5 Tests and Inspections (13.5.1) as well as the California Building Code Section 1704.1 Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Click here to subscribe via YouTube Channel…
I t appears 70% is the minimum score required to pass the California Supplemental Exam . It’s important to realize sometimes, good enough is…well, good enough. Podcast Episode 061. I discuss the 70% minimum score required to pass the California Supplemental Exam. Although, you will need to satisfy minimums in each of the five Categories, the minimum overall score is 70%. You don’t need to know everything about CEQA or the Architects Practice Act, to name a few, you just need to know the most important elements and how to apply them to the Exam. This is not a test about memorization or a test in which you can simply “phone it in.” You need to study and prepare, but it’s important your desire to feel like you need to have a command of all the subject matter is unrealistic and could be hindering your studying preparation. Click to Listen CAB Pass Rates Released Heather, a candidate currently preparing for the Exam, posted the CAB pass rates that she found in CAB’s June meeting minutes . Since the multiple choice Exam began on February 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012, 1,390 candidates have taken the Exam, of which 56% passed. This is inline with the percentage of candidates who passed when the Exam was administered in the Oral format. While, the percentage of pass rate may seem discouraging, I offer insight and my thoughts on why it’s not as bad as it appears. Enforcement Actions In this new segment, I turn to CAB’s recent newsletters and discuss an individual who has been found to violate the Architects Practice Act and how that applies to what we need to know so we don’t make the same mistakes. In this week’s installment, I discuss an enforcement action from CAB’s Spring Newsletter in which a licensed architect who violated Business and Professions Code section 5536.22(a), Written Contract. The individual failed to include all of the required 5 items that must be in a contract with a client. Yes, this stuff really does happen. Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Click here to subscribe via YouTube Channel…
Welcome to Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.