Episode #170: Borrowed Time Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the middle of retail week and the guys take some time to report on fireworks industry trends in real time. There’s some talk about the China tariffs, fireworks safety and what would you do to stay 18 years old! If you like our podcast, you’ll love our Youtube channel! Some topics covered in this epis...
Jul 03, 2025•44 min•Ep. 170
Episode #169: The Deeper I Go; The More I Cry Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the start of retail week and the guys are getting ready for the 4th of July. There’s some talk about the China tariffs and fireworks safety. They also talk about quiet quitting and Rob Berk’s pinball shipping problems. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel! Some t...
Jun 28, 2025•57 min•Ep. 168
Episode #168: Now I Got a Fivehead Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The season is approaching fast, the dealer show is in the rear view mirror and Johnny is gearing up for the sales season. To make things even more interesting, the fireworks industry is facing a significant challenge due to the tariffs currently imposed on our products. Ron and John take some time to talk about what we’ve learned and what’s expected as we head into June and July. Some of the Topics Discussed Dealer Show Re...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 168
Episode #167: Starr Fireworks Dealer Show - Pre Show Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker John and Ron hosted a Starr Fireworks Dealer Show - Pre-Show, live from the Starr Fireworks showroom in Fargo, North Dakota. John has just returned from China, and after the serious talk about the recent China tariffs, the guys talk about their surroundings. After a showroom artwork tour, they discuss some of the fireworks showcased at the dealer show. If you’ve never been to Starr Fireworks or have never...
May 13, 2025•54 min•Ep. 167
Episode #166: China Tariffs Threaten America’s Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Guests: Stacy Schneitter Blake, President of the National Fireworks Association | Steve Houser, Past President of the National Fireworks Association The fireworks industry is facing a significant challenge due to the tariffs currently imposed on our products. These tariffs threaten our businesses, livelihoods, and the long-standing traditions we work hard to uphold. To ensure the future of our industr...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 166
Episode #165: Give Them All Corned Beef Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Guest: Hello Louie It’s St. Patrick’s Day and the guys are in Chicago. The fireworks business is starting to heat up. The 4th of July is a few short months away and it’s starting to get exciting. As discussed many times, the fireworks industry is slow to move so it’s not often that there’s a new product to premiere! John and Ron do their best to explain preloaded canister shells. If you like the podcasts, please subsc...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 165
Episode #164: Loteria Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s Super Bowl weekend and the guys are back in Cabo San Lucas Mexico for some much needed rest & relaxation. Louie joins Ron and John at the Casa Starr table for some fireworks discussion. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe and check out our YouTube channel. Some topics covered in this episode are: Some of the Topics Discussed Fireworks Update Super Bowl Half Time Talk How to Play Loteria Fireworks News Pyro Market Purge ...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 164
Episode #163: We All Have to Have an Expert Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s January and the inauguration is over. President Trump is in office and Ron and John get together to recap recent events and discuss what this means to the industry of fireworks. This episode was recorded at the Pyro Podcast studios in suburban Illinois. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe and check out our YouTube channel. Some topics covered in this episode are: Some of the Topics Discussed Pyro Purge...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 163
NOEL NOAB Episode #10: Surprise! Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for others, this is a firs...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 10
NOEL NOAB Episode #09: Ed Vasel, Dominator Fireworks & Vice President of the NFA Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for ot...
Dec 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 9
NOEL NOAB Episode #08: Steve Houser, Red Rhino Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for others, this is a first. Enjoy...
Dec 23, 2024•21 min•Ep. 8
NOEL NOAB Episode #07: Darci Hoesley, Maximum Load Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for others, this is a first. E...
Dec 22, 2024•16 min•Ep. 7
NOEL NOAB Episode #06: Wilson, Chili / Black Scorpion Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for others, this is a first...
Dec 21, 2024•18 min•Ep. 6
NOEL NOAB Episode #05: Matt Roach, Pyro Buy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for others, this is a first. Enjoy day 5 of thi...
Dec 20, 2024•19 min•Ep. 5
NOEL NOAB Episode #04: John Jersey, Red Rooster Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for others, this is a first. Enjo...
Dec 19, 2024•13 min•Ep. 4
NOEL NOAB Episode #03: Tom Wilson, Black Market Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for others, this is a first. Enjo...
Dec 18, 2024•18 min•Ep. 3
NOEL NOAB Episode #02: Amy Liu, Happy Family / Riakeo Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, and it’s wired for ignition and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know nine important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some of the guests have been on our show before, and for other...
Dec 17, 2024•15 min•Ep. 2
NOEL NOAB Episode #01: Paul Smith, President of the PGI Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 important and influential people in the fireworks industry. Some guests have been on our show before, and for others, this is a first. Enjoy ...
Dec 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1
Episode #152: OnceAgain I Sound Like a Narcissist Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The guys have been apart for over a month and there’s much to discuss. The bulk of the episode is a recap of John’s annual buying trip in China and what the wholesalers can expect for next year. This episode was recorded at the Pyropodcast studios in suburban Illinois. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe and check out our YouTube channel. Some of the Topics Discussed Bedazzled Picture Frames China Buy...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 152
Episode #151: Pyro Sex Party! Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The night before John leaves for his annual China buying trip, Ron and John get together to recap recent events at NFA and discuss future plans. This annual Halloween episode was recorded at the Pyropodcast studios in suburban Illinois. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe and check out our YouTube channel. Some topics covered in this episode are: Some of the Topics Discussed Pyro Purge What does a PyroSlut do for the Sem...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 151
Episode #150: Larry Lomaz Roundtable - Live From NFA Fall Expo Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Kozar and Robert Burke This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded in Erie, Pennsylvania during the NFA’s annual Fall Expo. There’s always some great fun and fascinating stories when the name Larry Lomaz is spoken. Considering that they were all in Erie, Pennsylvania. and so close to Larry’s home of Deerfield Ohio, the guys decided to gather some of ...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 152
Episode #149: Pro Line Product Discussion - Live From NFA Fall Expo Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Hauser, Past President NFA & Ed Vasel, Vice President NFA This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded in Erie Pennsylvania during the NFA’s annual Fall Expo. There was a noticeable increase in “Pro Line” product being displayed during the Expo and John and Ron wanted to discuss the product in depth with the experts. Also the guys get an upda...
Sep 24, 2024•41 min•Ep. 149
Episode #148: Bum Bum Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the Fireworks Brigade Studios in suburban Illinois. The selling season and the Independence Day Holiday are now over. John and Ron are in Chicago to wrap up the season and look forward to the NFA Expo. They take some time to interview the organizer of the British Fireworks Championships to discuss the recent judging drama. Also, John’s just had a Tiramisu and there’...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 148
Episode #147: I Thought These Were Fake Handcuffs Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the 4th of July and the guys are prepared for the Final Countdown. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel. Some topics covered in this episode are: Some of the Topics Discussed Intro Final Countdown Long Hours & Little Pay At What Age is it Appropriate to Y...
Aug 05, 2024•38 min•Ep. 147
Episode #146: She Thinks My Pyro’s Sexy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the middle of retail week and the guys are getting somewhat “loopy”. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel. Some topics covered in this episode are: Some of the Topics Discussed Intro Vendor Spotlight Update Pyro Purge Fireworks Stats Starr Sales Figures A Pyro Parody “...
Jul 02, 2024•51 min•Ep. 146
Episode #145: 360 Shots of Pure Pleasure Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the start of retail week and the guys are moving out of their comfort zones. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Some topics covered in this episode are: Some of the Topics Discussed Intro Pyro Purge N...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 145
Episode #144: A Decade of Discord Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Dino & Mad Ox Bob It’s been 10 years since the very first episode of Fireworks Brigade was uploaded to the internet. Since that time, we’ve made it our mission to always inform and entertain our listeners while entertaining each other. For most of this episode, we entertain ourselves and “draft” a fantasy fireworks team. Mad Ox Bob and Dino join us in the draft. Be sure to send us a message and let us kn...
May 22, 2024•52 min•Ep. 144
Episode #143: We’re Here; Let’s Get Things Rolling Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Hello Louie Better late than never, the guys are back in Cabo San Lucas Mexico for some much needed rest & relaxation. Louie joins Ron and John at the Casa Starr table for some fireworks discussion. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Some topics covered in this episode are: Some of the Topics Discussed Can Bankers Get Into Heaven? Hearing Aids For The Dead...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 143
Episode #142: A Tribute to Poppy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Life can change unexpectedly and no one can escape heartbreak. It’s with a heavy heart that we let our listeners know that John’s father passed away earlier this month. John and Ron take some time to heal and talk about Poppy’s large and wonderful life. As a friend once said, “Poppy’s kicking life’s ass!” Later on in the episode, we do manage to get to some fireworks news and other topics. If you like the podcasts, please su...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 142
Episode #141:Mad Ox Bob Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The ball has just dropped, the spilled champagne is still sticky and it’s time to turn the calendars to 2024. Ron and John meet in Chicago at the Pyro Podcast studios to talk about the market challenges in 2024. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Some topics covered in this episode are: Some of the Topics Discussed New Year’s Resolutions Pyro Purge How Do I Structure a Fireworks Budget? Fireworks News ...
Jan 27, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 141
