Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time

DroneSense
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Welcome to Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, a podcast by DroneSense. We explore real-world applications of drones in emergency response, offering a close examination of evolving trends in drone technology and its impact on public safety.

  1. Building the Future - CSU Drone Center's Vision and Innovation

    JAN 13

    Building the Future - CSU Drone Center's Vision and Innovation

    In Part 2 of this DroneCast conversation, we continue our discussion with Christopher Robertson, diving deeper into the realities of building and sustaining public safety drone programs. From chasing grant funding and operating cutting-edge aircraft like the Dragonfish, to addressing public perception, regulatory hurdles, and the rise of Drones as First Responders (DFR), Chris offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to move UAS programs forward. This episode explores not just technology—but trust, funding, leadership, and the future of drone integration in public safety.

    32 min
  2. From Officer to Drone Innovator: Chris Robertson’s Journey in Public Safety

    12/30/2025

    From Officer to Drone Innovator: Chris Robertson’s Journey in Public Safety

    In this compelling 2-part episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns III sits down with Christopher Robertson to explore how drones have transformed public safety operations—from law enforcement to high-risk search and rescue. Drawing from real-world deployments, Chris shares how drones have been used as tactical distractions during SWAT apprehensions, critical intelligence tools during cliff rescues, and why hands-on training is essential as drones become embedded in shared airspace. This episode offers a candid look at how experience, innovation, and aviation discipline intersect to make drone programs safer and more effective.

    38 min
  3. The Future of First Response: Why 75% of Lives Could Be Saved with Drone Technology

    12/16/2025

    The Future of First Response: Why 75% of Lives Could Be Saved with Drone Technology

    In this eye-opening episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Michael Hill, a trailblazer in drone technology and public safety, to discuss the transformative impact drones are having on emergency response. From his early days with a toy Batman drone to becoming a certified UAV pilot in three countries, Michael offers invaluable insights into the integration of drones in search and rescue operations, the obstacles facing public safety departments, and the future of unmanned aerial systems. Learn how emerging technologies like AI and autonomous flight are revolutionizing emergency response and hear practical advice for departments aiming to establish their own drone programs. This episode is a must-listen for first responders, drone enthusiasts, and public safety professionals looking to understand the powerful role drones are playing in saving lives and reshaping emergency services.

    45 min
  4. Shaping the Future—Legislation, Innovation & Force Multiplication

    11/25/2025

    Shaping the Future—Legislation, Innovation & Force Multiplication

    In this release of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with DJ Smith — recently retired from the Virginia State Police after 31 years of service and now part of Amazon Global’s SPEAR STT organization. A national leader in counter-drone operations, DJ reflects on his decades in technical surveillance and how his expertise continues to shape CUAS innovation and airspace security in the private sector. He discusses the urgent need for smarter drone legislation, the growing threat of unauthorized drone activity, and how innovation continues to safeguard the skies — and those who serve beneath them.

    38 min
  5. From Tech Surveillance to Counter-Drone Innovation

    11/12/2025

    From Tech Surveillance to Counter-Drone Innovation

    In this Veterans Day release of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with DJ Smith — recently retired from the Virginia State Police after 31 years of service and now part of Amazon Global’s SPEAR STT organization. A national leader in counter-drone operations, DJ reflects on his decades in technical surveillance and how his expertise continues to shape CUAS innovation and airspace security in the private sector. He discusses the urgent need for smarter drone legislation, the growing threat of unauthorized drone activity, and how innovation continues to safeguard the skies — and those who serve beneath them.

    35 min
  6. DFR at Scale: Implementation, Challenges, and the Path Forward

    10/28/2025

    DFR at Scale: Implementation, Challenges, and the Path Forward

    In Part 2 of this DroneCast conversation, host Joe Kearns continues his discussion with Matt Sloane, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Skyfire AI, to explore what Drone as First Responder (DFR) at scale truly means in the wake of the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule. They examine how multi-agency collaboration, smarter cost-sharing, and advanced training infrastructures, such as Skyfire’s new 2,200-acre facility in Huntsville, Alabama, will accelerate adoption. Matt and Joe also address the cultural and technical challenges that prevent DFR programs from getting off the ground, emphasizing practical steps for mid-sized agencies to start small, stay compliant, and scale intelligently.

    34 min
  7. Decoding Part 108: The Future Framework for BVLOS Operations

    10/14/2025

    Decoding Part 108: The Future Framework for BVLOS Operations

    In Part 1 of this exciting DroneCast conversation, host Joe Kearns sits down with Matt Sloane, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Skyfire AI, to unpack the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule, a comprehensive framework for routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Matt explains how this proposal could reshape drone regulations across public safety, commercial, and defense sectors, from standardizing BVLOS approvals to encouraging autonomy and organizational accountability. This episode sets the stage for what’s to come in Part 2, where Matt and Joe will go even deeper into the implications of autonomy, AI integration, and the evolution of DFR (Drone as First Responder) programs as Part 108 moves toward finalization.

    20 min
  8. Why Your Drone Program is Doomed to Fail (And How to Save It) with David Spraggs

    09/30/2025

    Why Your Drone Program is Doomed to Fail (And How to Save It) with David Spraggs

    In Part 2 of this DroneCast conversation, Joe Kearns continues his discussion with David Spraggs, former bomb squad commander and current Manager of Customer Success at DroneSense. Building on Part 1, David dives deeper into practical strategies for launching and scaling public safety drone programs—covering communication, interagency collaboration, and the future of Drone as First Responder (DFR) initiatives. This episode offers a roadmap for agencies seeking to move beyond adoption into sustainable, mission-driven growth.

    20 min
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Welcome to Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, a podcast by DroneSense. We explore real-world applications of drones in emergency response, offering a close examination of evolving trends in drone technology and its impact on public safety.

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