Pyro Talk

Cobra firmware updates don't just happen overnight. Every new feature, bug fix, and improvement goes through a process that most users never get to see.

In this episode of Pyro Talk, Scott and Zach from Cobra join the show to pull back the curtain on the newly released 8.X firmware. We break down what's new, why certain features made the cut, how user feedback influences development, and what it takes to move an idea from a ...

Season 11 kicks off with a hot one. Tami and Kristy from Ryder Rosacker Insurance join Pyro Talk to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in the industry—fireworks insurance. We break down common myths, answer the questions operators and companies ask most, and explain what coverage really matters when things get loud. From liability and permits to misconceptions that could cost you big, this episode helps separate fact from ...

PGI Registration is officially OPEN—and if you’re planning to be part of the biggest week in fireworks, now’s the time to act.

In this episode, Gretchen from the Pyrotechnics Guild International joins me to break down everything you need to know as registration goes live. We talk about where to sign up (pgi.org/convention), what to expect when it comes to costs, and how to make sure you don’t miss your shot at being part of PGI Conv...

This wasn't at "instanty" as I normally would be, but it's been a busy weekend filled with a lot of great people and great moments. Here's a look back at the last three days that was Elevate!

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A brand-new competition is taking flight at this year’s Pyrotechnics Guild International convention—and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the week.

In this episode of Pyro Talk, I sit down with Aaron Enzor of Ace Pyro to break down Battle in the Sky, the new invitational fireworks contest happening Wednesday night at PGI. With support from Finale 3D, this event brings together top-tier talent, crea...

There’s a lot of noise in the fireworks world—and not all of it is coming from the shells.

In this episode of Pyro Talk, we’re cutting through the myths, marketing, and straight-up misunderstandings that continue to confuse shooters, hobbyists, and even seasoned pros. From the ever-controversial “1.4G Pro Use Only” label to the realities of wholesale pricing and the ongoing obsession with shell size, it’s time to separate what we th...

In this episode of Pyro Talk, we take you inside the show.

No guest this time—just a straight-up look at what’s happening behind the scenes, where Pyro Talk is headed, and how you can be part of it. We break down upcoming events, travel plans, and where you’ll be able to find us next as we hit the road and connect with the pyro community across the country.

We also talk sponsorships—what’s available, who we’re looking to partner with...

The Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention is headed to Kaukauna, Wisconsin this August, and the Midwest pyro community is getting ready to Ignite the Sky. In this episode of Pyro Talk, I sit down with PGI leadership to talk about what makes the PGI convention one of the most unique events in the fireworks world—and why 2026 is the year Midwest pyros have no excuse not to go.

We break down what attendees can expect at Ignite th...

What does it really take to run a professional fireworks show in the modern era? In this episode of Pyro Talk, host Jason Rude sits down with CJ Jurczak to go behind the fire button and explore the technology, planning, and people that make today’s fireworks displays possible.

CJ shares insights from the professional side of the pyrotechnics industry, including what it’s like working large-scale fireworks shows, coordinating crews, ...

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Daehler at the Iowa Pyrotechnics Association meeting for a deep dive into the fundamentals of pyrotechnics. We break down how black powder is made, how rockets are built, and why these core elements still matter in modern fireworks.

To close out the episode, I share an important industry update on the Supreme Court striking down the tariffs—what it means for fireworks professionals, suppliers, ...

In this episode of Pyro Talk, I’m joined by a very special guest—my son—for a conversation about what it’s like growing up around fireworks and developing a passion for pyrotechnics at a young age. We talk about how that interest starts, what draws kids to the art and science of fireworks, and the difference between curiosity and responsibility in a hobby that demands respect. From early memories and first experiences to learni...

Sky Wars season is officially underway. In this early-cycle conversation, we’re joined by Nathan Dexter, Jacob Pierce, and Chad Flanders, the three shooters selected for the Pro-Am competition, to talk about what it means to get the call and what’s already got them fired up.

This isn’t about predictions or pressure—yet. It’s about first reactions, excitement, expectations, and the mindset that comes with knowing your name is on the ...

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 ab...

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 rea...

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 ro...

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 e...

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, in...