
Advertise on podcast: Pyro Talk
Rating
4.2from
This podcast has
136 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
HistoryBridge ProductionsExplicit
No
Date created
2021/09/14
Latest episode
2026/02/02
Average duration
42 min.
Release period
9 days
Description
A podcast made by pyros, for pyros. We’ll discuss fireworks best practices, safety, history, and much more!
Unlock Pyro Talk podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details
Email contact information
Direct podcast contact details

Listeners
Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details
Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Pyro Talk podcast
S10:E4 The Rules We Break
2026/02/02
In this episode of Pyro Talk, we take an honest look at the rules we’re taught, the best practices we preach, and the safety standards we quietly let slide once show day pressure kicks in.
From hazard mitigation shortcuts to “it’ll be fine” decisions, we break down the big rules everyone knows—and why they’re the first ones to get bent when timelines get tight, crews get tired, and experience starts replacing procedure.
This isn’t about calling people out. It’s about calling ourselves in.
We talk through common safety compromises, how small deviations stack into real risk, and why best practices only matter if we actually follow them. If you’ve ever said “just this once,” this episode is for you.
Because in fireworks, the rules we break don’t usually bite right away—but they always remember.
DEALS
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S10:Ep3 Precision Over Power: The Art of Explosive Demolition
2026/01/26
What does it take to drop a massive bridge safely, cleanly, and exactly the way you planned it?
In this episode of Pyro Talk, I’m joined by Ryan Olson and Shannon North from Veit USA for a behind-the-scenes conversation on the explosive demolition of the Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing. We break down what goes into a successful bridge blast—from planning, engineering, and timing, to coordination with agencies, safety zones, and the real-world pressure of getting it right on the first try.
We also dive into the explosive demolition industry as a whole, including how crews approach different structures, what the public doesn’t see on demo day, and why the best demolition work isn’t about the biggest boom—it’s about precision over power.
DEALS
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S10:E2 Precision Over Power: Coordinating an Explosive Bridge Demolition
2026/01/19
Precision Over Power: Coordinating an Explosive Bridge Demolition
The explosive demolition of the Black Hawk Bridge wasn’t about spectacle—it was about precision, planning, and coordination on a massive scale. In this episode, we’re joined by Clayton Burke, the DOT project lead, to take listeners inside what it really takes to bring down a major river crossing safely and successfully.
We touch briefly on the use of explosives—what role they played and why controlled demolition was the right tool for the job—but the heart of the conversation is everything that happens before the blast. From coordinating multiple state agencies across Iowa and Wisconsin to aligning engineers, demolition crews, environmental regulators, river traffic authorities, emergency services, and the public, this was a project where timing, communication, and trust mattered as much as the charges themselves.
Clayton walks us through the months (and years) of planning, the sequencing decisions, safety considerations, and contingency planning that ensured the demolition went exactly as intended. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at how large-scale explosive work is managed when there is no margin for error.
If you think explosive demolition is about raw power, this episode shows why it’s really about discipline, coordination, and precision—and why the biggest boom is only possible because of the quiet work done long before the countdown starts.
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S10:E1 Why Everyone’s Talking About Elevate 2026 w/ the Cobra Crew!
2026/01/12
Everyone’s talking about Elevate Expo 2026, and for good reason. This episode of Pyro Talk sits down with Scott Smith, Cobra Zach, and Jonathan McCormick to break down what’s coming next—and why Elevate is quickly becoming a must-attend event in the fireworks and special effects world.
We dig into the name change from Cobra Con to Elevate, what that shift really means, and how the show has expanded with new elements, more hands-on experiences, and a stronger industry-wide focus. The crew also talks about year two of the Elevate competition, what they learned from year one, and how it’s evolving to better challenge and showcase shooters, designers, and technicians.
Plus, we get into some tech talk—including an update about what’s coming with the 18R3 remote and how it fits into the broader vision for firing systems and show control moving forward.
If you’re wondering why everyone’s talking about Elevate 2026, this episode lays it all out—straight from the people building it.
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S9:E11 - Building Smarter Shows: Inside the Pyro Vault Platform
2025/12/15
Fireworks design has come a long way from notebooks, guesswork, and scattered video files—and Pyro Vault is pushing the industry into its next era.
In this episode, Jason sits down with Ty Kvasnicka, the creator of Pyro Vault, a powerful new platform built specifically for fireworks professionals. Pyro Vault brings everything into one place: on-demand fireworks video for testing and timing, full show planning and scripting tools, inventory management, and a smarter way to organize and execute displays from start to finish.
Ty breaks down why Pyro Vault was needed, how it was built by listening to real-world pain points from pyros, and how it’s already changing the way shows are designed, sold, and shot. Whether you’re a one-truck operation or a large-scale company managing multiple crews and shows, this platform is designed to save time, reduce mistakes, and help you build better, more confident displays.
Special offer for Pyro Talk listeners:Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—and the first 100 users get 50% off full access, making this the best time to jump in. Learn more and explore the platform at https://pyrovaultapp.com
🎧 Make sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations shaping the fireworks industry.
LuxeSFX.com
Pyrotool.com
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S9:E10 Changing Everything: LuxeSFX Is Here!!
2025/12/09
In this milestone episode, Victor Diaz joins Jason to unveil LuxeSFX—a brand-new force in the American effects market that’s about to change how shows are built, lit, and experienced. From LuxeStix and fully RF-synced wearables, to cold spark machines, DMX lighting, and more, Victor lays out the incredible lineup arriving just in time for show season.
But that's not all—this episode also breaks two major announcements for the pyro community:• The upcoming DB25 slat for COBRA, bringing new levels of flexibility and power to your firing system.• A brand-new sequencer coming soon from Pyrotool.com, built to streamline your workflow and elevate your creative control.
Whether you're planning your next display or hunting for the perfect pyro-themed Christmas gifts, this episode is packed with can’t-miss info, surprises, and innovation.
Get ready—LuxeSFX is here, and it’s changing everything.
LuxeSFX.com
Pyrotool.com
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S9:E9 Your Agent in China: Terry Winkle on Fireworks Past, Present, and Next
2025/12/01
Jason sits down with one of the industry’s most fascinating behind-the-scenes figures: Terry Winkle. From his unforgettable role in the making of Passfire to his hands-on work shaping the evolution of consumer fireworks, Terry has seen—and influenced—it all.
Together, they dig into how innovations like 9-on-a-boards came to life, how new colors made their way into the U.S. market, and how international manufacturing has shifted over the years. Terry shares candid insights, hard-earned lessons, and some absolutely incredible stories from his decades working directly inside China’s fireworks industry.
If you love fireworks, filmmaking, or the people who quietly push the entire hobby forward, this episode is packed with can’t-miss history, humor, and insider perspective.
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S9:E8 Rogoz Unfiltered: The Truth About 1.4G Pro Use
2025/11/24
In this episode Jason sits down with one of the most knowledgeable — and candid — voices in the pyrotechnics world: Peter Rogoz. Together, they dig deep into the origins of 1.4G Professional Use Only fireworks, tracing how a niche category born from the 1984 Consumer Fireworks Protection Act evolved into a vital tool for today’s display operators, small companies, and passionate hobbyists.
Peter sheds light on the industry shifts, fire code changes, and political forces that shaped access to 1.4G devices — and he doesn’t hold back. From the early days of pro-line shells to the rise of pyromusicals, from regulatory battles to the current challenges facing operators in states like Ohio, this conversation cuts through rumor and gets straight to the facts.
But most importantly, Jason and Peter look forward. What will the future of 1.4G Professional Use Only look like? Should it be regulated more, protected fiercely, or reinvented entirely? How do we safeguard the category without shutting out the next generation of shooters?
Unfiltered, honest, and absolutely packed with insight.
76proline.com
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S9:E7- Conversations of Opportunity: Going From Wet Behind the Ears to Industry Insider
2025/11/17
In this reflective solo episode, I trace the unlikely path from my first day as a completely green 1.3G crew member—wet behind the ears, overwhelmed, and instantly hooked—to becoming a podcaster trusted by voices from every corner of the fireworks world. What started as lugging racks and learning safety basics became a journey fueled by curiosity, connection, and the simple power of saying “yes” when opportunities appeared.
You’ll hear how conversations on show sites turned into friendships, how friendships turned into interviews, and how those interviews opened doors I never imagined I’d walk through. From mentors and industry legends to innovators, hobbyists, and regulators, every person I met became a guidepost on the road from rookie to insider.
This episode is a reminder that in fireworks—and in life—the biggest sparks often come from the smallest conversations. And sometimes, all it takes is being willing to listen, ask questions, and step into the opportunities that find you.
Check out Russ Koehler's store: https://platteriverfireworks.com/
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S:9E6- Regulate or Eliminate? The Future of 1.4g Professional Use Only
2025/11/10
This week on Pyro Talk, we dig deep into the debate surrounding 1.4g “Professional Use Only” fireworks. What’s the real difference between a code and a law, and how does legislation like this actually move from an idea to enforcement? Jason breaks down who should have access to 1.4g pro-use materials, what it truly means to be a “professional” in the fireworks industry, and why training and certification matter more than ever. Plus, a timely shoutout to the Edmund Fitzgerald—because some things deserve to be remembered with respect and a spark of reflection.
If you care about the future of the fireworks hobby and profession, this episode is another must-listen.
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S9:E5 The Ohio Problem-1.4g Professional Use Under Attack
2025/11/03
In this episode of Pyro Talk, host Jason Rude sits down with Tony Kilgore from the Northeast Ohio Pyrotechnics Group (NEOPG) to break down the latest — and extremely controversial — change to Ohio’s fireworks code. A new rule threatens to severely restrict access to 1.4G “Professional Use Only” fireworks, impacting hobbyists, professionals, and small display operators across the state.
Jason and Tony unpack what happened, why it matters, and how these changes could ripple through the pyrotechnics community. More importantly, they share what you can do right now to make your voice heard and protect the future of the craft.
If you care about the freedom to light up the sky — this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S9:E4 Introducing Elevate: The Next Chapter After Cobra Con
2025/10/27
This week on Pyro Talk, Jason sits down with Scott Smith to discuss the next evolution of professional fireworks training — Elevate. Formerly known as Cobra Con, Elevate is more than just a new name — it’s a complete reimagining of the firework shooter’s learning experience. Scott breaks down what’s changing, what’s coming next with the all-new Elevate Platform, and why this year’s event is set to be the can’t-miss opportunity for anyone serious about advancing their pyro game.
expo.elevatepyro.com
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S9:E3 Victor at Pyrotool.com - The Guy Who Put Electricity in Pyro Pokes
2025/10/20
This week on Pyro Talk, Jason sits down with Victor Diaz, the innovative mind behind PyroTool.com . — the guy who literally put electricity in pyro pokes.
Victor shares his journey into the fireworks world, the spark that led to creating PyroTool.com, and how he’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in pyrotechnic tools and tech. From hobbyist beginnings to running a full-fledged innovation hub for pyros, this episode dives deep into how creativity and engineering collide in fireworks.
🎇 Special Offer: Get 15% off orders over $100 at PyroTool.com through October 31st — perfect time to stock up on tools that make your pyro life easier and a lot more fun.
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
podscan_OcJFQw1H0J8BGhNR1FPZ5gCGyl65eb99
S9:E2 The Way Too Early Preview of PGI 2026 w/ Craig Hetherington
2025/10/13
We might be a year out, but it’s never too early to start talking PGI! In this episode, Jason sits down with Craig Hetherington to take a way too early look ahead at PGI 2026 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin — from where to stay and what to eat, to what makes this location unique. The guys also look back at PGI 2025, recap highlights from the NFA Convention, and share some thoughts on Sky Wars. Whether you’re a pyro veteran or planning your first convention, this episode will get you fired up for next year’s big events!
PGI.ORG
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
S1:Ep1 From Spark to Show: The Struggles of Building a Fireworks Business
2025/10/06
Starting a fireworks display company sounds like a dream—but the reality is far from easy. In this episode of Pyro Talk, I sit down with Devin Vargas of Deep South Fireworks to unpack what it really takes to build a display company from the ground up. We’ll dispel the common myths, including why it’s not as simple as grabbing some 1.4g fireworks and shooting them off. From navigating regulations and finding clients, to financial hurdles, staffing challenges, and those unexpected pitfalls that can make or break a business, Devin shares the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own fireworks company—or just want to hear the gritty truth behind the beauty of the boom—this episode lights the fuse.
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Check out our merch store to pick up a t-shirt, mug, hat, flag, and much more. New items added all the time! https://historybridgeproductions-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/pyro-talk
Podcast reviews
Read Pyro Talk podcast reviews
jpglyde 2024/02/05
Well done!
Jason gets to the point and stays on topic… the way a good podcast should be done.
IzzyTheEditor 2022/09/11
Best pyro podcast out there!!
I Download the show every time I see it available! Thank you for keeping it entertaining and more importantly educational! When friends ask me to desc...
Essenm21 2023/11/09
Host is arrogant and biased against 1.4Pro
I hate having to leave a negative review on a podcast about a topic I am passionate about. The host does well connecting with people in the industry b...
Podcast sponsorship advertising
Start advertising on Pyro Talk relevant audience podcasts
You may also like to advertise on these Podcasts

4.4150117
Hyperallergic
Hyperallergic

4.5194744
Pod Maverick: A Dallas Mavericks podcast
Audacy

4.8301364
POSH DJs Podcast
POSH DJs

4.9195115
Southern Bramble: a Podcast of Crooked Ways
Austin & Marshall

4.3112117
پادکست باضیا - Ba Ziya Podcast
Ali Ziya

4.9343901
The Luke and Pete Show
Stak

4.8173796
Embodied CEO
Emily Hirsh

4.997541
Thrive Solo
Lucy Meggeson

4.99623380
The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler
The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

4.8294989
Critically Acclaimed Network
William Bibbiani