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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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The instant reaction to the shows at Sky Wars!
In this special preview episode of Pyro Talk, I’m getting you fired up for Sky Wars 2025! From the friends we’ll reconnect with, to the jaw-dropping shows we’ll witness, Sky Wars is the ultimate gathering of the fireworks community. I’ll walk through some of the people you’ll want to meet, the competitions and displays you can’t miss, and a few cool things that are debuting this year. Come find Victor Diaz or me to find out about the new project that we're working on. You're gonna want to know about it! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, this is your all-in-one hype guide to the biggest fireworks battle in the country.
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In this episode of Pyro Talk, Jason Rude sits down with Danny Turner, creator of Fireworks Fallout Zone—an innovative online resource that serves as a one-stop shop for all your site layout and diagram needs. Whether you’re planning a small display or a massive show, Fireworks Fallout Zone makes it easier to design safe, compliant, and professional layouts. Danny shares the story behind the platform, how it helps shooters and operators save time, and why it’s becoming an essential tool in the fireworks industry.
Check it out for yourself at 👉 fireworksfallout.com
#PyroTalkPodcast #FireworksFalloutZone #FireworksIndustry #PyroProfessionals #FireworksSafety #Fireworks #SiteLayout #EventPlanning #ShowDesign #PyroLife
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In this episode of Pyro Talk, host Jason Rude sits down with Peter Rogoz of 76Proline to dive into the world of product development and innovation. From concept to launch, Peter shares how 76Proline approaches creating new effects that stand out in the marketplace. The spotlight is on smoke effects—how they’re designed, tested, and brought to life for both pros and enthusiasts. Whether you’re curious about the science behind the smoke or the challenges of developing something entirely new, this episode clears the air on what it takes to push pyrotechnic products forward. Oh...and there's a cool story about a certain "Golf" movie that you WON'T want to miss.
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The countdown is on! 🎆 In this episode of Pyro Talk, Jason sits down with Allison Cowgill from the National Fireworks Association to get the inside scoop on the upcoming NFA 2025 Convention. From the jam-packed schedule to the legendary evening demo shows, we cover everything you need to know before heading to the fireworks industry’s biggest event of the year. Plus—get ready for some fun as we talk about the 90s Night party, the convention center setup, and why the NFA Convention is truly the fireworks family reunion you can’t miss.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this episode will get you fired up for convention week!
#PyroTalkPodcast #FireworksIndustry #NFA2025 #Boomtown #FireworksFamily #NFATradeshows #90sNight #PyroLife
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In this episode of Pyro Talk, we dive into the explosive legacy behind Cincinnati’s most iconic celebration—Riverfest. Joe Rozzi takes us through the remarkable history of Rozzi Fireworks and his own journey as a pyrotechnician, sharing how his family’s artistry has lit up the skies for generations. We also hear from Brian Dunaway, who reveals how fans can enjoy the show from the best seats in town while making a real difference for a good cause. It’s fireworks, history, and community impact—all in one powerful conversation.
#PyroTalkPodcast #RozziFamousFireworks #CincinnatiRiverfest #FireworksHistory #BoomOnTheRiver #LightingUpCincinnati #FireworksWithPurpose #HistoryInTheSky
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Stop in for a quick update of what's going on in the world Pyro Talk! We'll talk about our thoughts of PGI and how much fun we had there. We'll also talk about how you can learn some new things on a new series called Pyro teach. We'll talk about my little spill. It will give you an idea what's coming up in the back end of the season all before we get set for Sky Wars in Missouri in September!
Remember to like and share post on our social media because it helps us grow the podcast!
#PyroTalk #Fireworks #PGI #SkyWars #Mishaps #LearningOpportunities #Preview
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My instant reaction to the shows I saw this week! Thank you 76 Pro Line for sponsoring instant reactions!
https://youtu.be/IpNQVH0G9gU?si=AF3HR66AArddcEEU
Here’s the instant reaction to the PGI competition shows and shells. Brought to you exclusively by 76 ProLine.
In this episode of Pyro Talk, we’re joined by fireworks designer Travis Kramer to dive deep into the behind-the-scenes story of his show, Take Flight. What was supposed to be a soaring pyromusical quickly turned into a logistical nightmare when relentless rain and flooding threatened to ground the entire production. Travis walks us through how he and his crew fought back against mud, water, and weather delays to bring the show to life.
We also explore his creative process—how he approaches designing pyromusicals, the story-driven philosophy behind his cue choices, and why emotion and structure matter just as much as shells and sparkle. It’s a masterclass in perseverance, creativity, and what it really takes to make a show fly.
Watch Take Flight here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx5XNPF2Zms
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In this episode of Pyro Talk, we’re joined by Gretchen Demko and Dan Muzzey to give you the ultimate insider's guide to PGI 2025! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned member, this episode covers everything you need to know before heading to Boone:
How to register (and what to bring when you pick it up)
Where things are located on-site
What food is available at the fairgrounds and in the area
Things to do when you're not lighting up the sky
And of course… why PGI is going to be an absolute blast this year 🔥
From logistics to leisure, we've got you covered so you can show up ready to enjoy the best fireworks week of the year.
🎆 See you in Boone!
#PyroTalk #PGI2025 #FireworksLife #PGIPreview #BoomInBoone #Pyrotechnics #PyroCommunity #PGIFamily #FireworksFestival #LightItUp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT8xQadaIfs&t=14s
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In this episode of Pyro Talk, we're joined by Dan Muzzey—PGI Seminar Chair and candidate for Vice President of Communications. Dan gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the educational side of PGI comes together, from lining up speakers to curating a diverse lineup of seminars for the upcoming convention in Boone. We also discuss his vision for the future of communication within PGI and why he's throwing his hat in the ring for VP. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned pyro pro, this episode sheds light on the planning, passion, and people behind the scenes that make PGI happen.
#PGI #Convention #BringTheBoom #PaintTheSky #Boone #Iowa
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In this highly engaging Independence Day episode of Pyro Talk, we sit down with Ocean Williams—an up-and-coming fireworks innovator whose passion for chemistry and storytelling is lighting up the industry. Ocean isn’t your typical young adult. While others were playing video games, he was buried in books, labs, and launch sites. His unique path led him to invent smokeless black powder—yes, you read that right—a new product that’s already caught the eye of major players in the industry.
We dive into the art of scripting a fireworks show through Ocean’s lens: how story drives the sequence, how emotion shapes the soundtrack, and how color, layering, and chemistry fuse into unforgettable displays. More than just shells and spark, this episode is about the fire inside—the story of a young person who turned “weird” into wonderful, and ideas into innovation.
Celebrate the Fourth with a fresh voice in pyro, and find out what the future of fireworks looks—and sounds—like.
#PyroTalk #FireworksLife #FourthOfJulyFireworks #IndependenceDayDisplay #BoomWithAStory #PyroArt #FutureOfFireworks #ComingOfAgeStory #PassionToProfession #LightYourPath
In this episode of Pyro Talk, we sit down with Iolaus Lee to hear the story of how he went from teaching in the classroom to lighting up the sky. Iolaus shares his journey of starting a display company, the challenges and rewards of turning fireworks into a full-time career, and his role as an instructor at the Cobra Con Pyro Bootcamp. From education to ignition, it’s a conversation about passion, risk, and building something big in the fireworks world.
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Before you light the fuse this Fourth of July, make sure you’re doing it right. In this episode of Pyro Talk, we sit down with Ty Kvasnicka to cover the essential safety fundamentals for backyard fireworks. From choosing the right setup and location to proper distancing and ignition sources, Ty shares practical tips to keep your show fun and safe. Whether you’re a first-time backyard shooter or a seasoned pyro, this conversation is packed with the do’s and don’ts you need to know before the boom.
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Rain in the forecast? No problem—for the pros, the show must go on. In this episode, we sit down with Jim Walter of the Fireball Dudes to talk all things wet weather and fireworks. From prepping gear before a storm, to firing in the middle of a downpour, to salvaging a soggy finale, Jim shares real-world stories, lessons learned, and practical tips for handling rain before, during, and after the show. If you’ve ever battled the elements in the name of boom, this one’s for you!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
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
