The RHYTHM Pyro Podcast

This episodes been in the ice box since 2024 (tracked the week before SKY WARS was cancelled) it never saw the airwaves.  There's conversation references that date it.  "Pardon our mess".   We're at the pinnacle of the amateur and professional domestic pyro show competition season here in the United States with Sky Wars this week and Jamie, AJ, and Bo break down the designer competitive landscape across the PRO-AM and PRO divisions and make their winner predictions for this years event.   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

Change is never easy, but it's always necessary.   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems muuxBRD CraigCo llc.   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

**Video -> YouTube**   Tired of daisy-chaining racks and untangling wiring nightmares? Sub-positioning might just be your golden ticket. This compartmentalized approach to display design keeps things cleaner, smarter, and way more efficient on setup day. While tools like FINALE3D Pro offer one-click convenience, they’re not always in the budget. The beauty of sub-positioning? It’s a flexible concept you can apply to almost any design software. Sure, some programs make it easier than others, but no matter your toolkit, putting in the extra planning up front will pay off big for you—and your crew. In this episode of the RHYTHM Pyro Podcast, Bo and AJ break down how field sub-positioning works and how it can streamline your workflow for faster, more organized setups.   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems muuxBRD CraigCo llc.   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

**Video -> YouTube**   As designers, we obsess over product selection, performance analysis, and choreography...but somehow, color still gets the short end of the fuse. It's borderline criminal how often we overlook the impact of intentional color use in shaping the emotional and aesthetic power of a show.   In this episode, AJ and Bo dive in to color, giving you a practical, design-ready guide to harnessing it like a pro. You'll learn where to find the right color tools, how to apply them, and why your site picture will never look the same once you do. They also revisit standout displays from the past, breaking down real-world examples of color harmony that elevated the entire experience.   This episode is powered by: CraigCo llc. COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

**Video episode -> YouTube** Murica...f*ck yah...   Red, White, and Blue themed effects are the reason for the season and as pyromusical designers, we need to be able to identify the good stuff, and know how to use it in context within our designs.    Jamie, DEN, and Bo toss out a few of their favorite RWB 1.4 & 1.4 Pro effects and thoughts on what makes them solid performers relative to seasonal pyro shows.   This episode is powered by: CraigCo llc. COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

**Video episode -> YouTube**   Pyromusicals have come a long way in the last 10+ years.  In this episode Jamie, Bo, and AJ watch, react, and provide some commentary on videos from some early choreographed shows from a different era.   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

In this explosive roundtable, the RHYTHM Pyro Podcast crew debunks the biggest myths in fireworks.  From public misunderstandings and newbie assumptions to seasoned pro slip-ups.  Whether you're a backyard hobbyist or a licensed display operator, this episode reveals some common misconceptions about pyro, safety, show design, gear, and more.   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

FIIRREEEBALLLLL...Bo, AJ, and Jamie sit down with Jim Sakaley of Phoenix Pyrotechnics and Bill Corbett from the Fireball Dudes to talk about their upcoming offical/unofficial world record attempt in northeastern Ohio: a fireball show using up to 3-4,000 gallons of gasoline. Set to ignite during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, this isn’t just any display—it’s a full-scale wall of heat and flame choreographed pyro for maximum impact.   We dig into the logistics, safety protocols, and pure insanity behind orchestrating the largest gasoline-based fireball show in history. From mushroom cloud dreams to painting your dad bod to go down in history, you’ll hear how these pyro veterans are turning a public event into a record-breaking inferno. Now...hold my gas can...   This episode is powered by: muuxBRD COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

COBRA-CON 2025 was a success.  TEAM RHYTHM came, saw, and conquered...as much as could be expected anyway...Tradeshows, merch sales, networking, educational seminars, and livestreams.  AJ, Jamie, and Bo reminisce upon their experiences at CC25.   This episode is powered by: muuxBRD COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!    

**VIDEO EPISODE!!**   PYROJAM is an interesting take on the traditional choreographed pyromusical competition.  It's format affords aspiring and professional pyro show designers alike the opportunity to compete for the opportunity to see their show come to life on the fields of Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum in St. Leonard Maryland.   This years finalists have been selected and in this episode Jamie, Bo, and AJ react to their show submissions   Congratulations to Nuutti Oskari Syngelma (Finland), Timo Luttmann (Germany), and Zivojin Petrovic (Serbia).  Best of luck in August!   This episode is powered by: muuxBRD COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

When show day rolls around, chaos doesn’t have to. In this episode of The Rhythm Pyro Podcast, AJ, Jamie, and Bo offer commentary on critical site roles that keep a fireworks shoot site running like clockwork. From process identification, & position based sub-leads to technology specialists, safety officers, and assembly lines...they dive deep into the art of crew task delegation—who should be doing what, why it matters, and how strong leadership can turn a scattered crew into a synchronized team.   They'll share real-world experiences (the good, and the bad), plus practical tips for planning your crew structure before boots & scooters even hit the field. Whether you’re leading a professional 1.3 show or wrangling friends for a backyard pyromusical, this episode is your guide to running a smooth, safe, and efficient shoot.   Because when everyone knows their role? The show flows.   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems muuxBRD   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

Firing systems are a godsend, but they also add greater levels of complexity from setup to showtime.  We’ve been in the trenches with the COBRA Firing System, and this week Bo, AJ, and Jamie share some hard-earned lessons, best practices, and insider tips that can make or break your shoot.   Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you avoid common pitfalls and execute on a COBRA setup site. Because in fireworks, like in life, preparation is everything. This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems muuxBRD   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

*Video Episode* Pyro shows START with safe shoot site measurements.  Google Earth Pro is an effective & FREE tool you can leverage to layout launch positions, fallout zones, and get safety measurements in working with sponsors & AHJs.  & DEN Fireworks joins the guys for the first video segment of CAKE TALK   The guys go through the tool at a 10k foot down view (literally), show you how to create a basic spectator viewing area, make your first measurements, draw up fallout zones, enter street view for a different perspective, and provide some tips & pointers on how to sub-categorize your map assets for easy viewing. This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems muuxBRD   Cake Talk Playlist   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

The fireworks industry has long been built on tradition, but what happens when a company dares to challenge the status quo?   In this episode, we sit down with Cody Hanna (Director of Business Development) and Kennady King (Director of Business Operations) from Victory Pyrotechnics, a forward-thinking display company that’s rewriting the playbook.   A lot of fireworks companies that rely on subcontractors, Victory Pyro is vertically integrated, and fostering a company culture built on innovation, professionalism, and creative excellence. In this episode, AJ, Jamie, and Bo dive in with the Victory team and talk:   🎇 The challenges of the industry’s traditional subcontracting model 🎇 Why Victory Pyro believes in training and retaining its own crew 🎇 How their fresh approach improves safety, quality, and client experience 🎇 What this means for licensed shooters, show designers, and technicians looking for new opportunities   If you’re passionate about fireworks and looking for a company that does things differently, this is the episode you don’t want to miss! 🎧 Listen now and find out how Victory Pyrotechnics out of Wichita, KS is shaping the future of professional fireworks displays.   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

Tariffs on fireworks and technology are hitting the industry hard. Whether you’re a display professional or a backyard pyro, understanding these changes is key to making smarter buying decisions and optimizing costs this season.   DEN Fireworks joins Bo, AJ, and Jamie in this episodes to break down the US/China trade war and it's impact on the fireworks industry.  The guys take a tried and true consumers approach to cost optimization strategies that could help you get the most bang for your buck this pyro season.   Ep#86 CAKE TALK Playlist   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

**The Sh*t Show Roundtable episodes are RAW and UNCENSORED ** Parental discretion is advised**   Close friends and OPAG pyro clubmates Nate Freeman and Steven McKeever join AJ, Bo, and Jamie on the February 2025 installment of the Sh*t Show Roundtable.   The roundtables are a departure from structured.  They're freeform conversation with pyros and there are no pre-determined topics of conversation.   Want to join us on a future episode of the Sh*t Show Roundtable??  Become a RHYTHM Patreon supporter and be the first to get our monthly casting call!   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

Garisson Risner & Ben Marxen of Pegasus Illuminations won the "first to achieve maximum productivity in 2025" award as they rang in the new year setting a world record as they put up twelve 16" shells simultaneously for Mott, ND.   AJ, Jamie, and Bo spend nearly two quality hours (that flew by) talking pyro with these two as they relive the world record setting show experience.  They're the salt of the earth and driven by a raw, focused, love for fireworks that'll leave you excited and inspired to find your own creativity as you head into the 2025 season.   This episode is powered by: COBRA Firing Systems     Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

We have the meats...2024's breakout designer & the mind behind some of the most profoundly impactful pyromusical field shaping's in 2024, Nathan Dexter; climbs in the ring for COBRA-CON 2025's Class C Championship in April.  He raps with us this week on the experience so far.   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

We continue the one-fuse slow burn to COBRA-CON 2025 and the Class C Championship this week with two-time PGI Class C Unlimited Participant, JP Hanson!   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!

Don't let Michael Karr's YouTube brand fool you.  The dude's has come a long way in the short time he's honed his craft as a choreographed show designer.  "The Novice" Pyro...well...isn't so much a novice any more.     Jamie, AJ, and Bo talk with Mike about his journey, his previous experience in pyromusical competitions so far, and his next big challenge...COBRA-CON 2025 and their inaugural Class C Championship.    Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord Buy some Merch, balls, DB25 Cables or leave us a Voicemail (we'll play it on-air)!