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Chris O'Dell's journey through the fireworks industry has been nothing short of remarkable. In less than two years, he went from attending his very first PGI Convention as a newcomer to standing on one of the biggest competitive stages in pyrotechnics at Elevate 2026. Along the way, he built a reputation for creative show design, relentless work ethic, and a willingness to learn from some of the best in the business.
In this episode, Chris shares how a passion that started with simple consumer fireworks quickly evolved into a deep pursuit of the art and science of pyrotechnics. We talk about the mentors who helped shape his journey, the opportunities that accelerated his growth, and what it takes to go from spectator to competitor in such a short amount of time.
We also dive into one of the biggest milestones of his career—working with the Spirit of '76 team to help set up Cosmos, the massive PGI 2024 exhibition display that left thousands of spectators in awe. Chris gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the scale, logistics, and teamwork required to bring one of the convention's signature productions to life.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of our conversation centers on the inspiration behind his Elevate competition show. Chris opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his nephew and how that tragedy became the emotional foundation for a performance that was about far more than competition. It's a powerful reminder that the best pyromusicals don't just entertain—they tell stories, honor memories, and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Whether you're just discovering the fireworks hobby or you've been in the industry for decades, Chris's story is proof that passion, humility, and hard work can open doors faster than you ever imagined.
This is the story of one of the fastest rises in modern pyrotechnics—and it's only the beginning.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
What does it take to create the biggest fireworks display in American history?
On this episode of Pyro Talk, Jason sits down with Rocco Vitale of Pyrotecnico, the company behind the record-setting Fourth of July spectacular over Washington, D.C. Celebrating America’s 250th birthday demanded more than just bigger shells and more firing positions—it required months of planning, coordination, and a team willing to take on one of the most ambitious pyrotechnic projects ever attempted.
Rocco pulls back the curtain on the staggering logistics behind the show, from navigating the unique challenges of launching fireworks in the nation’s capital to orchestrating a production on a scale few have ever witnessed. The conversation explores the technical hurdles, the pressure of performing on America’s biggest stage, and the incredible effort required to turn an unforgettable vision into reality.
Beyond the fireworks themselves, Jason and Rocco discuss the atmosphere in Washington during the week leading up to the celebration—the anticipation, the energy, and the sense that history was about to unfold over the National Mall.
Join us for an inside look at the people, planning, and pyrotechnics behind the display that lit up the capital and shook the nation.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
PGI 2026 is right around the corner, and this week on Pyro Talk we're getting you ready for the biggest week in fireworks. Craig Hetherington, Gretchen Cadwell, and Dan Muzzey join me for a complete preview of this year's convention in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.
We cover everything you need to know before you hit the road: arrival and registration schedules, camping logistics, can't-miss classes and seminars, and, of course, the incredible lineup of shows planned throughout the week. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a PGI veteran, we share practical tips to help you make the most of your convention experience—and maybe even save a few bucks along the way.
If you're headed to Wisconsin International Raceway this August, consider this your roadmap to an unforgettable week of fireworks, fellowship, and late nights under the stars. Buckle up—the countdown is on. PGI 2026 runs August 8–14 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
Summer is officially here, and the road ahead is packed with some of the biggest events in pyrotechnics. In this episode, I take a look at the incredible lineup of shows, competitions, and festivals that are lighting up skies across America in the weeks ahead.
We’ll talk about what’s in store at the PGI convention, the International Fireworks Competition in Traverse City, Michigan, Sky Wars, Riverfest in Cincinnati, the Sooner Skyfire Showdown, and the Lone Star Fireworks Festival. From world-class displays and fierce competition to the people, stories, and innovations that make this hobby so special, there’s no shortage of excitement on the horizon.
Join me as I preview the events we’ll be covering on the road, share what I’m looking forward to most, and celebrate the communities that keep the spirit of pyrotechnics alive from coast to coast. Buckle up—it’s going to be an unforgettable season.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
The Fourth of July isn't just another holiday—it's the start of a brand-new year for pyrotechnicians.
In this episode of Pyro Talk Podcast, I look back on the past "Pyro Year," from the days following last Independence Day all the way through this year's celebrations. Along the way, I share stories from the road, memorable shows, unexpected challenges, lessons learned, and the moments that helped me grow as a pyrotechnician, business owner, and member of the fireworks community.
Every show teaches us something. Every mistake has a lesson. Every success comes from countless hours of preparation, teamwork, and passion.
Whether you've been shooting displays for decades or you're just getting started, I hope these reflections help you think about your own season, celebrate your wins, learn from your setbacks, and head into the new Pyro Year ready to make your next show your best one yet.
Welcome to the New Pyro Year—let's see where the next twelve months take us.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
Protect the Hobby: The Pyrotechnician's Code
As we head into the busiest week of the year for fireworks, it's the perfect time to remember that every decision we make reflects on the entire pyrotechnics community.
In this episode of Pyro Talk, we discuss what it really means to be a professional pyrotechnician. It's about more than putting on a great show—it's about making safety your top priority, respecting the laws, looking out for your crew, treating your neighbors with respect, and leaving every site better than you found it.
Whether you're shooting a backyard display, a club event, or a large municipal show, the choices you make help shape the public's perception of fireworks and influence the future of our hobby and profession.
Join us for a timely conversation about responsibility, professionalism, and the unwritten code that every pyrotechnician should strive to follow. Because protecting the hobby starts with each of us.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
What happens when you combine a fireworks store, a farm, and a whole lot of passionate pyro enthusiasts? You get one unforgettable episode of Pyro Talk!
For this special on-location show, we headed to the Iowa Fireworks Farm and handed the microphone to the people who make it all happen. From first-time customers to longtime fireworks fanatics, and from staff members to the folks behind the scenes, we talked about what makes the Iowa Fireworks Farm such a unique destination.
Hear stories about favorite fireworks, family traditions, the excitement of the season, and why so many people keep coming back year after year. Whether you're a hardcore pyro or just someone who loves lighting up the night sky, this episode is packed with fun conversations, real connections, and plenty of fireworks passion.
Pull up a chair, grab some sweet corn, and join us as Pyro Talk Goes Farming!
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
What if you could cut hours—or even days—out of your retail setup process?
In this episode of Pyro Talk, I sit down with Justin Bartlett from Crossroads Fireworks to talk about their new Price Tagging and Performance Viewer system that is designed to make life easier for fireworks retailers.
We dive into how the system works, how it streamlines pricing and merchandising, and why it has the potential to save retailers a tremendous amount of time during one of the busiest parts of the season. Justin explains the thinking behind the tool, how retailers are already putting it to use, and what benefits it brings to both experienced operators and first-time stand owners.
If you've ever spent countless hours printing labels, organizing inventory, or trying to help customers understand what a product actually does, this conversation is for you.
Whether you're running a large retail operation or a small seasonal stand, you'll want to hear how Crossroads is using technology to make fireworks sales faster, easier, and more efficient.
Less time tagging. More time selling.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
What happens when a successful business owner discovers a passion for fireworks and decides to go all in?
In this episode of Pyro Talk, I sit down with Cameron Carr of Pyro Nova Fireworks in North Carolina to discuss one of the fastest rises you'll find in the fireworks industry. Just a few years ago, Cameron was running a towing company and lighting fireworks for fun. Before long, he purchased a firing system, started learning the craft, and began taking on larger and more complex displays.
Fast forward just two years, and Cameron is producing professional fireworks shows, building a growing reputation in the industry, and launching his own company, Pyro Nova Fireworks.
We talk about the challenges of making the leap from hobbyist to professional, the lessons learned along the way, investing in equipment, building client relationships, and what it takes to turn a passion into a business.
If you've ever wondered how someone goes from lighting a few shells in their backyard to running a fireworks company, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
🎆 From tow trucks to aerial shells, Cameron's journey proves that sometimes the biggest opportunities start with a single spark.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
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 conversation into a firmware release.
Along the way, we discuss the philosophy behind Cobra's update cycle, the challenges of balancing innovation with reliability, and how the team decides when it's time to push a new version to the field.
Whether you've already upgraded to 8.X or you're simply curious about how firmware decisions are made, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technology powering modern pyrotechnics.
Fire up your modules and join us as we go Inside 8.X.
DEALS
For Discounted PGI show tickets (not convention registration) use code PYROTALK.
pgi.org/tickets
10% off of MuuxBRD order using code PT10. https://muuxBRD.com/
Get 10% off Pyro Vault by using the code PYROTALK at signup—https://pyrovaultapp.com
LuxeSFX.com Check out the brand new flame machines!
Pyrotool.com PTALKPOD for 10% off!!
Need MJG Igniters? Get 75% off shipping on orders at https://electricmatch.com/!! USE code PYROTALKPOD
Link to trainings
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrH5553D45VLYJynop0XLVdyWqCVCOtksLROvXnpYGY/edit?usp=sharing
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
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