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.

Contributors

Host

Bryan Spitulski

Bryan Spitulski

Host & Executive Producer

Bryan Spitulski is a former firefighter turned fire investigator with over two decades of experience on the frontlines of emergency response. Having seen firsthand the devastation fire can bring—and the strength it takes to fight it—Bryan brings a rare combination of field knowledge, compassion, and curiosity to every episode of Playing with Fire.

After retiring from active duty, Bryan shifted his focus to fire investigation and prevention, specializing in uncovering the causes behind the country’s most destructive blazes. Through Playing With Fire, he brings listeners into the heart of this world—talking to fellow firefighters, experts, survivors, and the communities left in fire’s wake.

Co-host

Darline Spitulski

Darline Spitulski
Co-Host & Director of Marketing

Darline Spitulski brings a sharp investigative mind and deep compassion to her role as co-host for Playing with Fire. With a distinguished background in law enforcement, Darline has worked on numerous high-profile cases throughout California’s Central Valley. Her firsthand experience with the pressures and trauma faced by first responders—particularly women—fuels her commitment to mental health advocacy within the public safety community. On the podcast, Darline offers powerful insight into the often-overlooked impact of PTSD on female first responders, helping listeners better understand the emotional toll of the job and the urgent need for systemic support. With her voice and vision, Darline helps bridge the gap between those who serve and the communities they protect. Darline also serves as the podcast’s Director of Marketing.

Producer

Jason Connell

Jason Connell
Producer

Jason Connell is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and the founder of Just Curious Media, a creative powerhouse behind acclaimed films, series, and podcasts. As one of the producers of Playing with Fire, Jason brings decades of storytelling expertise and a passion for real human experiences to the show. Known for projects like The King of Kong and The Smash Brothers, Jason has a talent for drawing out compelling narratives that resonate with broad audiences. With Playing with Fire, he helps shine a light on the untold stories of first responders, fire survivors, and investigators, guiding the show’s tone, structure, and emotional depth. His commitment to authentic storytelling and his collaborative spirit are vital to the success of the podcast.

https://justcuriousmedia.com

Producer

Shareen Anderson

Shareen Anderson
Executive Producer & Co-Host, Playing with Fire

Shareen Anderson is an award-winning executive producer, director, and storyteller with a global perspective and a passion for truth-telling. As Executive Producer and Co-Host of Playing with Fire, Shareen leads the creative vision of the podcast—shaping each episode with a sharp journalistic eye and a deep commitment to the human stories behind fire and first response. Her work spans documentaries, investigative journalism, and socially-driven media, often focusing on justice, trauma, and resilience. With a talent for drawing out intimate, powerful interviews, Shareen brings clarity and emotional depth to every conversation. Her leadership ensures that Playing with Fire doesn’t just inform—it connects, challenges, and inspires.

http://www.fortgreenefilmworks.com