Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast

The fireworks industry has undergone meaningful changes over the past two decades, and it would be hard to find someone more qualified than Johnny Starr to speak about them. There’s also a deep dive tribute to Cam Starr. Cam is the namesake of Starr Fireworks and an integral figure in consumer fireworks history.

Retail week is well underway, and while Ron and John are at Starr Fireworks selling high-quality consumer fireworks, they take a break from helping patriotic Americans plan their holiday to share some real-time industry insights. They also update the listeners about America’s Birthday Bash. This is the mega party, livestream event that’s planned for midnight on February 3rd.

Retail Week 2026 has officially started and that means Ron and John are working hard at Starr Fireworks. This year there’s even more to do as they prepare for America 250 and the Birthday Bash!  In this episode, they review recent fireworks news and lament the fact that they don’t have as many subscribers as some other social media channels.

Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker announce America’s Birthday Bash! The guys are accustomed to hosting parties for all of their friends and because America is celebrating 250 years of independence, they’re throwing the biggest bash yet. Listen to this episode to hear how you can join the fun.

Retail week in the fireworks industry is just 2 weeks away and Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr get together to discuss what to expect. They also discuss the importance of proper personnel management and they shine a spotlight on Honey Boom Fireworks.

Retail week in the fireworks industry is fast approaching and Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr get together to discuss what to expect. They also discuss the importance of correct EX Numbers and they shine a spotlight on Fisher-man Fireworks.

Midnight Ride, the latest multi-shot repeater from Pyro Slut & Starr Fireworks, is now available. Ron and Johnny take a deep dive into the creation of this premium consumer firework. They even spend some time talking with the co-creators of the label.  Special thanks to Kyle Kucsera from Kucsera Design and Bill Halliar for joining the discussion. If you have ever wondered how to create an iconic f...

Episode #192: Dealer Show Recap Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Live from the Pyropodcast studios in suburban Chicago, Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker meet to talk about all things fireworks. In this episode, they start with a discussion about the correlation between the gas prices in the United States and consumer fireworks sales. They follow up with Fireworks News, What Would Johnny Do, a...

Episode #191: 9 To 1 Of Us Dies Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Live from the Pyropodcast studios in suburban Chicago, Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker meet to talk about all things fireworks. In this episode, they start with a discussion about the correlation between the gas prices in the United States and consumer fireworks sales. They follow up with Fireworks News, What Would Johnny Do, a...

Episode #190: Demo Pre Show Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s the evening before the annual Starr Fireworks Demo. Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker get together to Livestream a behind-the-scenes pre-show from the showroom of Starr Fireworks in Fargo, North Dakota. There’s a lot of quality information, and if you want to see our ugly mugs, you can watch the livestream on our YouTube channel...

Episode #189: China Update II Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker April is coming to an end and that means Johnny is preparing for his annual Demo. But before he can display all of the new products for America 250, he needs to be in China to make sure the fireworks all arrive on time. Johnny and Ron get together by video chat to discuss what’s going on and how to plan for a successful 2026 fire...

Episode #188: China Update Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s April and that means that Johnny is in China setting things up for a successful season. This boots on the ground endeavor helps Johnny successfully plan for the upcoming season. Johnny and Ron get together by video chat to discuss what’s going on and how to plan for a successful 2026 fireworks season. Some of the Topics Discuss...

Episode #187: Rant N’ Rave Sunday Morning Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s not typical to see Johnny Starr early on a Sunday morning amongst the people, let alone recording a podcast. Turns out, John’s not a morning person, and he gets himself into some ranting trouble. He’s also off to China, so the guys recap what’s expected, and they also get deep into what America 250 means. Some of...

Episode #186: Fustanella Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guest: Dino Spring is in the air and John and Ron recruit Dino from Starr Fireworks and Fat Cat Fireworks to help them get ready for the season. Dino and the guys discuss current fireworks news and complete their fireworks brackets. There’s an update on tariffs and an update about America’s Birthday Bash! Some of the Topics Di...

Episode #185: Explode Go Boom! Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker America 250, also known as the Semiquincentennial, is fast approaching.  Johnny and Ron got you covered and are here to help you plan for America’s Birthday Bash. The guys get together to recommend some novelty items, smoke items, and fountains for your 4th of July. Some of the Topics Discussed Intro Hype The Party Daytime Firew...

Episode #184: I’m Like Your Therapy Dog Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Johnny and Ron gather with a bunch of their friends at Casa Starr in Cabo San Lucas for their annual Big Game Party. After a short description of “spite drinking” at the Baja Cantina, they move on to fireworks. If you like our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel. Some of the Topics Discussed Welcome to Cabo &...

Episode #183: The Monster Did Not Come to You! Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The last New Year’s Eve salute has rung out in the cold January air, and John and Ron are together, talking about fireworks. There’s some tariff talk, some production updates, and a preview of the Semiquincentennial. Come to think of it, we’re tired of mispronouncing the word, so from now on we’re calling it Amer...

Episode #182: Holiday Bonus – NFA Expo Night 4, Pyro Junkies! Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker Special Guests: Jeff Siddle (Pyro Junkie) John Ye (Legend Fireworks), Kristy Hunnewell (Galaxy Fireworks) & Steve Kozar After we get together in the studio to review 2025 and preview 2026, we unleash this unfiltered, special Holiday Bonus episode. This somewhat disjointed piece of audio...

Episode #181: It’s A 2 Dog Night Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker It’s time for our annual Christmas episode, and as usual, Louie’s in the studio to add to the festivities. While the tendency is to stray from the fireworks discussions this time of year, we manage to stay on track for most of this episode. John shares his 2026 market predictions, and we review what’s going on with the Semiq...

Episode #180: Stuffing & Tariffs Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker Thanksgiving is right around the corner and what could be tastier than a discussion about tariffs? So keep an eye on grandpa, put the kids in front of their screens and gather the adults around the table to discuss tariffs. What is the impact of tariffs on the 2026 season, what is the current rate and are they legal? All...

Episode #179: The Truth of It Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker When it comes to fireworks, we’ve long established that Johnny Starr has a “buying problem”. It’s October and that means Johnny is in China trying to scratch the itch. Johnny takes the time to chat about what he’s seen and what he expects for the 2026 selling season. There’s also some discussion about tariffs and new products....

Episode #178: Demurrage Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker It’s Halloween and what can be scarier than a demurrage invoice? Stay on the road, keep clear of the moors, avoid the tool shed and get that container out of port! This episode has some tricks and a special treat. Follow Johnny as he does a deep dive into container programs. The pros and the cons of buying an entire container are cle...

This episode of the Fireworks Brigade - A Pyro Podcast was recorded during the National Fireworks Association’s annual Expo in Rogers, Arkansas. This episode took place in the hotel lounge after the demo on night 4. Terry Winkle has been in the fireworks business for decades and he gives us his thoughts about the industry and what to expect for 2026.

Episode #176: NFA Expo, Charity Auction Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Louie & Steve Kozar This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded during the National Fireworks annual Expo in Rogers, Arkansas. This episode took place from the banquet hall during the live auction. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel! Let’s Tal...

Episode #175: NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 2) Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Kozar & Paul Catucci, Pyro Junkie This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded during the National Fireworks annual Expo in Rogers, Arkansas. This episode took place from the lounge of the Embassy Suites after a day of trade show and an evening of demos. There’s a...