Playing With Fire Artwork

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.

Playing With Fire

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Fan Mail

Brian, My name is Nick, we met at the CCAI conference, I was one of the guys who got hypnotized and was on the text thread with you and Keith. I came across your podcast and in particular this episode which is a tender spot for me. Thank you for sharing your story I know that is hard to do. My fire service career ended 1/2/23 on the Devils Slide off hwy 1 when a doctor intentionally drove his family off a cliff. That was my last operational call. After that everything fell apart. I was retired out from the fire service with PTSD/PTSI and have been trying to pick the pieces back up since. I loved being a Firefighter and helping people. Showing up and caring for your fellow humans on the worst day of their lives is a special skill set and higher calling. I can't do that anymore so now trying to get into Fire Investigation on the private side which is harder than I thought it would be. Great episode, Dr. Andreski explained PTSD in an excellent way where a former mouth breathing hose dragger like me could understand. Take care! Nick

Orinda, California

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Bryan Spitulski

Host
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Darline Spitulski

Co-host
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Jason Connell

Producer
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Jessica Xanthe Cran

Producer
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Shareen Anderson

Producer

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