Welcome back to The Safety Knights Podcast — the roundtable for protectors of the industry.
In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Baronner, CSP, for one of the most real and insightful conversations we’ve ever had about safety, leadership, culture, and the future of the profession.
From military service in Afghanistan…
to landing a safety job in a bar during a Penguins vs. Capitals game…
to leading high-risk programs and shaping culture across major organizations—
Brandon’s story is the perfect example of how no one chooses safety… safety chooses you.
🔥 What we cover in this episode:
How Brandon got pulled into safety (the real story)
Why traditional education and third-party certifications both matter
How to build trust with the field & overcome “safety cop” stereotypes
The moment he realized safety wasn’t just a job — it was a calling
Why EMR & TRIR are overrated (and what leaders should measure instead)
How great leaders pre-plan safety into the work
The true role of mental health in preventing incidents
Why AI + tech will help, not replace, safety pros
Advice for new safety professionals entering the field
🔥 Most powerful message in this episode:
“Safety isn’t a secret. It’s not proprietary. Share what you know.”
Every week, we sit down with elite safety leaders to explore the mindset, frameworks, battle scars, and breakthroughs shaping the EHS profession.
If you’re a safety pro — this is your new home.
🛡️ Join the community: https://SafetyKnights.com/join-us
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations from the frontlines of safety
⚙️ About the Safety Knights PodcastEvery week, we sit down with elite safety leaders to explore the mindset, frameworks, battle scars, and breakthroughs shaping the EHS profession.If you’re a safety pro — this is your new home.
🛡️ Join the community: https://SafetyKnights.com/join-us🎧
Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts🔔 Subscribe for more conversations from the frontlines of safety
In this debut episode of The Safety Knights Podcast, hosts Branden Raczkowski and Zach Johnston set out on their quest to bring the safety community together.
From humble beginnings to one of the most active online safety hubs in the world, this episode shares the story behind Safety Knights — how it started, why it matters, and what’s next.
⚔️ Follow the journey, join the community, and become part of the movement at SafetyKnights.com/join-us