Pyro Unleashed Podcast
The sparks are flying for this illuminating podcast that pulls back the curtain on the explosive fireworks industry. From fuses to firepower, the show lights up the behind-the-scenes world of pyrotechnics. The Pyro Unleashed Podcast is a podcast about the people behind fireworks. We interview importers, manufacturers, retailers, scripters, and industry professionals. This podcast is for anyone who loves fireworks, so join us to unleash your inner pyro!
Episodes
52 episodes
S3E15: Stacy Schneitter Blake - NFA President and Co-Owner Schneitters Fireworks
Donnie and David continue their Women in Pyro mini-series for Season 3. This week, Stacy Schneitter, Blake President of NFA and Co-Owner of Schneitters Fireworks in St. Joseph, Missouri, joins the podcast to discuss the family business and its ...
•
1:22:45
E3E14: AJ Burns from NCI, APSEF, APA, NFA, PGI
In Episode 14 of Season 3, Donnie and David engage in a conversation with AJ Burns, a multifaceted figure in the pyrotechnics industry. AJ holds various positions, including North Regional Sales Rep for NCI, 1st VP of PGI, APA Board Members, NF...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 14
•
1:33:15
S3E13: Brandon Schmidt aka Firecat8
Brandon Schmidt, also known as @Firecat8 from YouTube, joins Donnie and David to talk about Brandon's journey in pyro. As with most pyro's, he started as a kid and as he got older the passion grew. When he started attending demo's h...
•
1:29:18
S3E12: Donnie and David - Cobra-Con Recap
Donnie and David returned from Cobra-Con with a fresh perspective on the overall event. They dive into how the event itself went and go into discussion around all of the shows. They even talk about some of the issue that came up dur...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 12
•
1:26:07
S3E11: Cobra Con ProAm Competitors
Cobra Con 2025 Week is here! In this episode, all three Cobra Con ProAm competitors join the podcast to share their journey and the reasons behind their participation in the inaugural Cobra Con ProAm Competition.Listen in as Michael Karr...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 11
•
1:41:24
S3E10: SO76 Missouri Showdown KCAP vs MoPyro
In Episode 10, the Pyro Unleashed Crew talks to the KCAP and MoPyro competitors in this year’s Spirit of 76 Missouri Showdown on April 26th. Curtis Bertolde from KCAP and David Thompson from MoPyro join the podcast to talk about how they...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 10
•
1:20:08
S3E9: Cobra-Con with Jonathan McCormick
Jonathan McCormick, a prominent figure from Cobra-Con, joins Donnie and David to discuss all aspects of the event. The trio delves into the intricate details of the show, providing a daily breakdown of activities. They cover various sessions an...
•
1:41:30
S3E8: Sabrina Nickels - American Wholesale Fireworks
Donnie and David continue their Women in Pyro mini-series for Season 3. This week, Sabrina Nickels, a talented Sales Manager from American Wholesale Fireworks, joins the podcast for our second Women in Pyro episode. Sabrina shares her heartfelt...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 8
•
1:16:57
S3E7: Discord and AI Take Over Episode
In this episode, Donnie and David invite Miles from Precision Pyro and several Discord followers to join them for a chat about AI Scripting, tariffs, and PyroJam entries.Travis, Zach, and Curtis from KCAP also joined the conversation to...
•
1:49:23
S3E6: Sean Philpot - Balistic Fireworks
In Episode 6, Sean Philpot, the owner of Balistic Fireworks in Adelaide, Australia, joins the show to discuss the differences in fireworks regulations between Australia and the United States. They reveal that consumer fireworks are essentially ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 6
•
1:17:09
S3E5: Tim Traphagan from Casabella Pyrotechnics
In Episode 5 of Season 3, Tim Traphagan from Casabella Pyrotechnics joins Donnie and David to talk about his time at Casabella . The trio reunites for a discussion about fireworks, and the 2023 Skywars Pro Division competitions. They delve into...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 5
•
1:39:36
S3E4: Sam Christensen - Women in Pyro Series
Donnie and David launch a brand-new mini-series for Season 3 titled “Women in Pyro”. Joining the podcast to discuss all things pyro is Sam Christensen, most renowned for her role in Spirit of 76. The guys delve into her role in Spirit of 76 and...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 4
•
1:42:21
S3E3: Neil Butcher - Finale3D Discussion
Neil Butcher joins the Pyro Unleashed Podcast to discuss his role at Finale Fireworks and share some life experiences. The guys also make a significant announcement about their partnership with Finale3D and reveal that they’re working on a new ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 3
•
1:16:44
S3E2: Tim Jameson - PyroJam and all things pyro!
It's PyroJam competition time!! in Episode 2, Tim Jameson joins Pyro Unleashed to talk about the PyroJam competition. If you are entering this years competition, this is a must watch episode to ensure your entry has the best chance ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 2
•
1:44:05
S3E1: Ellery Ho - Single Shot Racks
Ellery Ho aka Tong Po Pyro joined Donnie and David for the Season 3 opener. They discuss the use of various types of single shot racks and the pros and cons of each one. Ellery also shared information regarding his 202...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 1
•
1:41:56
Season 3 Teaser
Season 3 is upon us. Join Donnie and David for a sneak peak into what they have been up to and what is in store for Season 3!
•
Season 3
•
24:05
S2E18: SEASON FINALE! Donnie and David talk to Shaun Hauter
This is it! The season finale! We sit down and chat with the one and only Shaun Hauter! We talk about how he got into fireworks, why he still does pyro, and where he is going in the pyro industry. We chat about everything from PGI, to Sky Wars,...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 18
•
1:37:37
S2E17: Donnie and David talk to Patrick Sheeder
In Season 2 Episode 17, Donnie and David are joined by Patrick Sheeder a 2-time PyroJam Competitor and 2024 1st Place People's Choice Winner. Patrick touches breifly on his current role with Disney and his experiences with PyroJam. ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 17
•
58:36
S2E16: Donnie and David Season Recap
As Season 2 starts to wind down and nearing the finale episode, Donnie and David look back over Season 2 and talk about the highs and lows. They discuss CobraCon 2025 and Cobra's Black Friday sale. If you're think about getting into...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 16
•
52:06
S2E15: Donnie and David talk to Craig Hetherington and the new PGI site
Take a listen as Donnie and David talk to three time guest Craig Hetherington about the new PGI site. We talk about how the new site came about, and why we are going to be at the new site. We chat about field layout, camping, hotels, public nig...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 15
•
56:55
S2E14: Donnie and David talk to Nick Archer from the UK
David and Donnie got the chance to sit down and chat with Nick Archer from the UK on Bonfire Night out of all days! They talked about how the firework rules and regulations in the UK differ from our rules here is the USA. They also chat about t...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 14
•
39:01
S2E13: Donnie and David talk to Jonathan McCormick about Cobra Con 2025
We know you have been waiting, so here it is!!! This episode dropped at Midnight, the same time you could purchase your early-bird tickets for Cobra Con at https://www.cobra-con.com/We talk all things Cobra Con, from tradeshow, classes,...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 13
•
1:26:10
S2E12: Donnie and David talk to Danny Bonanno with Sooner SkyFire Showdown
Take a listen as Donnie and David talk to Danny Bonanno with Sooner SkyFire Showdown. We talk about how the idea came about only 1 month before the first competition last year! Danny doesn't stop, and is even competing at Lone Star Fireworks Fe...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 12
•
48:21
S2E11: Donnie and David talk Sky Wars follow up, APA follow up, and chatter about Cobra Con
Donnie and David talk about Sky Wars and how that evolved into a good time of fellowship, APA follow up with new rule changes, and some chatter about Cobra Con, as well as talking to Jonathan about new things in the works on November 1st.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 11
•
47:04
S2E10: Chris and Beth Stasey - Lonestar Fireworks
Donnie and David met up with Chris and Beth Stasey during some downtime at Innsbrook, MO. Chris and Beth dive into the originals and purpose of the Lonestar Fireworks Festival. They talk about how it got started, where it is today,...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 10
•
43:07