Playing With Fire

Playing With Fire Podcast, Just Curious Media

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.

  1. قبل يوم واحد

    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 shaped by generations of firefighters who taught him that experience, teamwork, and humility save lives.  In this episode of Playing With Fire, Paul shares unforgettable stories from the front lines, including lessons learned from senior firefighters, the evolution of the FDNY over four decades, and the culture that made Rescue 1 one of the most respected special operations companies in the world. Paul also reflects on September 11, 2001, when Rescue 1 suffered devastating losses, and discusses how the fire service has carried those sacrifices forward while continuing to train the next generation. Beyond the fireground, Paul has become one of the fire service's most respected historians, authors, and illustrators. His books, artwork, and storytelling have preserved the traditions and history of firefighting for future generations, ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten.  Whether you're a firefighter, first responder, or simply fascinated by stories of courage and service, this conversation offers a remarkable look at a career built on dedication, resilience, and giving back. Connect with Paul Hashagen 🌐 Website: https://www.paulhashagen.com 📚 Fire Books New York (Books): https://ash1312.myshopify.com 📘 Facebook: Paul Hashagen, Author https://www.facebook.com/paul.hashagen.author 📰 Firehouse Contributor Page: https://www.firehouse.com/contributors/contact/10253381/paul-hashagen Support the show www.playingwithfire.net

    ١ س ٤٢ د
  2. ٨ يناير

    Scott & Laci Peterson (Burnt Van Investigation) - Vol. 02

    Send us Fan Mail Playing With Fire Episode 13: Scott & Laci Peterson (Burnt Van Investigation) - Vol. 02 Bryan Spitulski welcomes Shareen Anderson to the show for a discussion about the Scott & Laci Peterson case. Laci Peterson of Modesto, California, went missing on December 24, 2002. Her husband, Scott Peterson, was later convicted of her murder on December 25, 2004. Shareen has directed and produced multiple documentaries examining the case—Trial By Fury (2016), The Murder of Laci Peterson (2017) for A&E/Hulu, and Face To Face With Scott Peterson (2024) for Peacock, in which she interviews Scott Peterson in prison. Across these projects, Shareen raises compelling questions about the official investigation. Bryan’s connection to the case is personal and direct: in the early morning hours of December 25, 2002—one day after Laci disappeared—he was called to investigate a burning van in Modesto’s airport district. To this day, questions remain about whether that van was connected to Laci Peterson’s disappearance. This episode is Volume 1 of a two-part conversation. Shareen is also an executive producer of the Playing With Fire podcast. Recorded: 12-18-25 Studio: Just Curious Media Host: Bryan Spitulski #playingwithfirepodcast #justcuriousmedia #firesafety #fireprevention #fireprotection #firehazards #fireawareness #firewatch #firefighting #wildfires #firecodecompliance #firefighters #fireinspections #firedevastation Support the show www.playingwithfire.net

    ١٥ د
  3. ٢٤‏/١٢‏/٢٠٢٥

    Scott & Laci Peterson (Burnt Van Investigation) - Vol. 01

    Send us Fan Mail Playing With Fire Episode 12: Scott & Laci Peterson (Burnt Van Investigation) - Vol. 01 Bryan Spitulski welcomes Shareen Anderson to the show for a discussion about the Scott & Laci Peterson case. Laci Peterson of Modesto, California, went missing on December 24, 2002. Her husband, Scott Peterson, was later convicted of her murder on December 25, 2004. Shareen has directed and produced multiple documentaries examining the case—Trial By Fury (2016), The Murder of Laci Peterson (2017) for A&E/Hulu, and Face To Face With Scott Peterson (2024) for Peacock, in which she interviews Scott Peterson in prison. Across these projects, Shareen raises compelling questions about the official investigation. Bryan’s connection to the case is personal and direct: in the early morning hours of December 25, 2002—one day after Laci disappeared—he was called to investigate a burning van in Modesto’s airport district. To this day, questions remain about whether that van was connected to Laci Peterson’s disappearance. This episode is Volume 1 of a two-part conversation. Shareen is also an executive producer of the Playing With Fire podcast. Recorded: 12-18-25 Studio: Just Curious Media Host: Bryan Spitulski #playingwithfirepodcast #justcuriousmedia #firesafety #fireprevention #fireprotection #firehazards #fireawareness #firewatch #firefighting #wildfires #firecodecompliance #firefighters #fireinspections #firedevastation Support the show www.playingwithfire.net

    ٢٥ د

التقييمات والمراجعات

٤٫٦
من ٥
‫٨ من التقييمات‬

حول

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.