Playing With Fire

About Playing With Fire

Playing With Fire is a gripping podcast hosted by Bryan Spitulski—a former firefighter turned fire investigator—who brings a frontline perspective to the world of fire. From the chaos of first response to the quiet resilience of recovery, Bryan takes listeners deep into the personal and professional realities of firefighting and fire investigation. Through candid conversations with firefighters, paramedics, investigators, scientists, and—most importantly—survivors of some of the most devastating fires in recent history, the podcast explores how fire transforms lives, departments, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Listeners will hear firsthand from those who lost everything, those who fought to save what they could, and those rebuilding from the ashes. Each episode unpacks the emotional toll, systemic challenges, and acts of heroism that emerge in the wake of disaster. With compassion, insight, and unflinching honesty, Playing With Fire shines a light on stories that need to be told—stories of loss, hope, innovation, accountability, and the enduring human spirit.

Publisher

Playing With Fire Podcast, Just Curious Media

Category

education · society & culture · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Jul 2025

Latest episode

24 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Richard Birt Fire Investigator and Educator

   Send us Fan Mail Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere—from electric vehicles and power tools to phones, vacuums, lawn equipment, and countless devices inside our homes. But what happens when one fails? In this episode of Playing With Fire, Bryan Spitulski sits down with Captain Richard Birt, a veteran firefighter and expert in lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, and solar and battery systems. Richard explains what happens during a battery failure, including toxic off-gassing, extreme he...

2. 

   2 Jul 2026

   Paul Hashagen FDNY Firefighter and Rescue 1 Manhattan

   Send us Fan Mail Episode 17: Paul Hashagen, A Lifetime of Service Retired FDNY firefighter Paul Hashagen has spent a lifetime answering the call. Over a 40-year fire service career, Paul served 25 years with the FDNY, including two decades in the legendary Rescue 1 in Manhattan, while also volunteering for the Freeport Fire Department on Long Island, where he rose to Ex-Chief of Department. His career was inspired by his grandfather, an FDNY firefighter who served from 1918 to 1942, and shape...

3. 

   15 May 2026

   Public Service Announcement: Fire Extinguishers

   Send us Fan Mail Bryan Spitulski delivers a quick reminder that fire extinguishers can save lives, but only if they’re accessible and ready to use. Make sure you have fire extinguishers placed in a few strategic locations throughout your home, that everyone knows where they are, and that they work properly. #fireextinguisher #firesmart #firesafety Support the show

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.6 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact Playing With Fire

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.