Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast
Welcome to the Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of origin and cause investigations. Join hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens, experienced fire investigators, as they discuss all things fire investigation from the latest techniques, case studies, and challenges faced by professionals in this critical field. Through a community effort, this podcast aims to create a platform for investigators to learn from one another and grow together. Whether you're a seasoned investigator, a first responder, or simply curious about the science behind fire investigations, this bi-weekly podcast will provide valuable insights, expert interviews, and practical tips to enhance your knowledge and skills. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in fire investigation and join the conversation.
Episodes
45 episodes
S.2 Ep.23- Negative Corpus vs Process of Elimination; Two Alarms, Three Fires, One Security Guard
On this episode, Scott and Chasity go deep into a real commercial structure fire that went all the way to jury trial—and nearly got labeled as “negative corpus” by the defense.They walk through the fire from first alarm to conviction: a ...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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1:07:48
S.2 Ep.22 - Protect, Prepare, Participate: The Importance of Safety, Training, & Membership from IAAI Florida Chapter. ft. President Joe Pietrafesa & Vice President Stephen Dollar.
In this episode, Chasity and Scott head to Florida to sit down with newly elected Florida Chapter President Joe Pietrafesa and newly elected Vice President Stephen Dollar. Recorded on Disney property during the state conference, this conversati...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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50:57
S.2 Ep.21- Forcing the Narrative During Interviews Can Burn Credibility.
In this episode, spooky season banter quickly gives way to a masterclass on interviewing for fire investigation: open-ended vs. leading questions, letting witnesses talk without interruption, taking notes without breaking rapport, and us...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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1:05:11
S.2 Ep.20- Discussing Quantify vs. Qualify, Error Rates, Courtroom Tactics & Training Updates
In this episode Chasity and Scott dig into how real-world investigators apply NFPA 921 on scene and on the stand—focusing on why we qualify conclusions (not quantify them), how to express confidence without the discredited “reason...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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47:08
EmberCast 2- Project Fire Buddies: How Firefighters Are Supporting Children & Family Beyond the Call
In this Embercast episode, brought to you by the Fire Investigation INFOCUS Podcast, hosts Chasity Owens and Scott Kuhlman sit down with Illinois firefighters and investigators Bob and Zig to discuss Projec...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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19:45
S.2 Ep.19- Passing the Torch: Past President Tim Morris Jr. & President Brad Pierson on Leading Illinois IAAI
In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens recap a high-energy week teaching “AI for Fire Investigators” with the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators in Peoria—what they changed from earlier cla...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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59:03
S.2 Ep.18- Breaking down Fire Patterns with Case Studies.
Welcome back to Fire Investigation in Focus! In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive deep into the world of fire patterns, fire effects, and origin determination, bringing both practical field e...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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1:11:23
EmberCast 1 - Mapping the Future of Wildland Fire Investigation ft. Founder & CEO of EchoSpectra, Jesse Sprague
Welcome to the very first EmberCast, a new short-form addition to the Fire Investigation INFOCUS Podcast. These mini-episodes are designed to spark curiosity and deliver timely insights in between our full episodes. In this kick...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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20:45
S.2 Ep.17- NFPA 921 & 1033 Upcoming Updates: What Investigators Need to Know for 2027
Episode 17 – Fire Investigation in Focus Podcast In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens return to the studio to dive into some of the most important updates shaping the fire investigation field. From the realit...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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40:14
S.2 Ep.16- Back in The Studio: Catch up with us on Fire Investigation Stories, AI Tools, and Generational Games.
Welcome back! In this episode our hosts return to recording live episodes together! Chasity kicks things off with exciting news about launching her own fire investigation company and shares stories from her incredibly busy first week, including...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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1:03:09
S2 Ep15- The Body Tells a Story w/ Fire Fatality Expert Elayne Pope- Fire Fatality Investigation Tips and Research
Welcome to another exciting live episode from the IAAI-ITC 2025 conference in Atlantic City! Hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens bring you their final live recording from the conference, featuring an incredible interview with renowned fire fa...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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1:03:47
S2 Ep14- Depth of Calcination & Tomorrow's Fire Experts: EKU Student Research Spotlight with Molly Morrow & Maggie Fluharty (live from IAAI-ITC)
Live from IAAI-ITC with Fire Investigation Students Molly Morrow and Maggie Fluharty. Scott and Chasity return to in-person recording after their busy 4th of July weekend, diving into an engaging conversation about AI-generated imag...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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57:14
S.2 Ep.13- Spontaneous Combustion ft. Dr. Doug Byron (live from IAAI-ITC)
Get ready for a mind-blowing deep dive into the science of spontaneous combustion! Scott and Chastity catch up on their busy schedules, with Scott fresh from teaching at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno where students bond ov...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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1:10:28
S.2 Ep.12- Live from IAAI-ITC: Guatemala's Only Fire Investigator, and Two Guest Listeners
In this compelling episode, host Chasity Owens delivers a solo intro while Scott Kuhlman attends Marine Fire Investigation training through IAAI. This special episode features inspiring stories from Guatemala and engaging conversations with ded...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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47:13
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S.2 Ep.11- IAAI Certification Importance and Updates with Rick & Cassie Jones; ECT, CFI, & more.
In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens deliver another compelling installment from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training conference. Recording remotely while Scott teaches at the Fire Investigator ...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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53:34
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S2 Ep10- Building Confidence in Court: What is a SAW Group And Why Everyone Needs one? ft. Deputy Attorney General Lauren Guber, Fire Investigator Brian Fine, and Dr. Elizabeth Buck,
In this episode, Scott and Chasity reunite in-studio after several remote recordings to discuss their recent activities and introduce a special panel discussion about the Scientific Advisory Work Group (SAW). Scott shares his excitement about g...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:17:41
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S2 Ep.9- iGuide 3D Camera, Efficient Fire Investigation Documentation w/ Kayla Theriot
In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens catch up before diving into an interview with Kayla Theriot who is in Business Development for iGuide, a 3D camera solution company. Scott, teaching in San Diego while Chasity holds down th...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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47:49
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S2 Ep.8- Past, Present & Future with Current & Past President's of IAAI
In this live episode, Scott opens the show solo from San Diego where he's instructing a 40-hour basic origin and cause class, while Chasity is held up at home with the flu. Scott extends a heartfelt thank you to conference attendees who shared ...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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45:54
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S2. Ep.7- Bridging the Gap: Mentorship, Networking, & Getting Involved at IAAI
In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens record live from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) International Training Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With nearly 900 attendees at the conference, the...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:02:39
S2 Ep.6- Evidence Collection Tools, Lithium-Ion Battery Safety, & Generational Gaps.
In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into several hot topics in fire investigation. They begin with a lighthearted generational gap test comparing lyrics to "Blame It On..." across different age groups, before transitioni...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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57:50
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Episode 25! "Not Real" Guests, Unbiased Opinion, & Vehicle Fires.
In this milestone 25th episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick off their celebration with special AI celebrity "appearances" from Donald Trump, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kim Kardashian, and Joe Rogan to commemorate reaching this landma...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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53:01
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S.2 Ep.4- Origin Stories with Dr. Greg Gorbett: Evolution of Fire Investigation, New/Old Research, & Advancing Forward.
In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens bring on a special guest - Dr. Gregory Gorbett, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CFPS, CFII, CVFI, Senior Fire Analyst/Co-Owner of Fire Dynamics Analysis, and one of Chasity's former professors from Eastern...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:07:24
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S.2 Ep.3- The Importance of Public & Private Investigator Dynamic, Exiting Immediately During A Fire, & Training
In this lively episode of the podcast, Scott and Chasity kick things off by showing their new merch from American Fire Brigade, known for their popular fire service merchandise and memorable memes that helped firefighters cope during COVID-19. ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:12:51
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S.2 Ep. 2- The Importance of Asking Questions, the Disneyland Firefighter, & Indistinct Chatter with AI
In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into a fascinating mix of technical insights and emerging trends in fire investigation. The episode kicks off with a compelling discussion about the importance of asking the right ques...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:08:47
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S2 Ep.1- Discussing Wildfire Investigations, International Snacks, & Conspiracies
INFOCUS Podcast kicks off Season 2 with an explosive episode covering the devastating Santa Ana wind-driven fires affecting Southern California. Hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive deep into the current situation, with Scott sharing his ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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57:09
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