Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast
by Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker
Welcome to the Fireworks Brigade podcast. The idle chit-chat and mischievous banter offered in this Pyromaniacs Forum are provided by Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker. Johnny Starr, owner of Starr Fireworks in Fargo, North Dakota, has been designing, importing and selling fireworks and pyrotechnic effects for over three decades. After listening to just the first few minutes of any episode, you will understand that John’s expertise in pyrotechnics is unquestionable. Ron the Banker, part time volunteer and collaborator, spends his Fourth of July with Johnny in the Fargo / Moorhead area selling fireworks to local consumers and national wholesalers. In addition, Ron knows how to use “Garage Band”, owns a couple of microphones and has friends capable of uploading the files to the internet.Everyone from the casual backyard enthusiast to the serious pyrotechnician will be informed, enlightened and entertained. John’s frequent trips to China as an importer, Ron’s life as a commercial real
Episodes
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I Don’t Have The Energy For Young People
Episode #203: I Don’t Have The Energy For Young People Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and that means it’s time for the Fireworks Brigade annual... The post I Don’t Have The Energy For Young People appeared first on Fireworks Brigade…
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Supply & Demand
Episode #202: Supply & Demand Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The dog days of summer are here and you would think that means there’s not much to talk about when it comes to... The post Supply & Demand appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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My Life’s a Faraday Cage
Episode #201: My Life’s a Faraday Cage Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo, North... The post My Life’s a Faraday Cage appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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America’s Birthday Bash
Episode #200: America’s Birthday Bash Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This very special episode of Fireworks Brigade was recorded live from a very busy showroom and parking lot of Starr Fireworks on July... The post America’s Birthday Bash appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Episode #199: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The fireworks industry has undergone meaningful changes over the past two decades, and it would be hard to find someone more qualified than Johnny Starr... The post Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes appeared first on Fireworks Brigade…
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I’m Near Death
Episode #198: I’m Near Death Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Retail week is well underway, and while Ron and John are at Starr Fireworks selling high-quality consumer fireworks, they take a break from... The post I’m Near Death appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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The Cynical One
Episode #197: The Cynical One Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Retail Week 2026 has officially started and that means Ron and John are working hard at Starr Fireworks. This year there’s even more... The post The Cynical One appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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America’s Birthday Bash
Episode #196: America’s Birthday Bash Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker announce America’s Birthday Bash! The guys are accustomed to hosting parties for all of their friends and... The post America’s Birthday Bash appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Cumulative Stress
Episode #195: Cumulative Stress Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Retail week in the fireworks industry is just 2 weeks away and Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr get together to discuss what to... The post Cumulative Stress appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Funky Feng Shui
Episode #194: Funky Feng Shui Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Retail week in the fireworks industry is fast approaching and Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr get together to discuss what to expect.... The post Funky Feng Shui appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Midnight Ride Comes Alive
Episode #193: Midnight Ride Comes Alive Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Kyle Kucsera, Kucsera Design & Bill Halliar Midnight Ride, the latest multi-shot repeater from Pyro Slut & Starr Fireworks, is... The post Midnight Ride Comes Alive appeared first on Fireworks Brigade...
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Dealer Show Recap
Episode #192: Dealer Show Recap Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Live from the Pyropodcast studios in suburban Chicago, Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker meet to talk about all things fireworks. In this... The post Dealer Show Recap appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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9 To 1 Of Us Dies
Episode #191: 9 To 1 Of Us Dies Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Live from the Pyropodcast studios in suburban Chicago, Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker meet to talk about all things... The post 9 To 1 Of Us Dies appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Demo Pre Show
Episode #190: Demo Pre Show Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s the evening before the annual Starr Fireworks Demo. Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker get together to Livestream a behind-the-scenes pre-show from... The post Demo Pre Show appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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China Update II
Episode #189: China Update II Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker April is coming to an end and that means Johnny is preparing for his annual Demo. But before he can display all of... The post China Update II appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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China Update
Episode #188: China Update Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s April and that means that Johnny is in China setting things up for a successful season. This boots on the ground endeavor helps... The post China Update appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Rant N’ Rave Sunday Morning
Episode #187: Rant N’ Rave Sunday Morning Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s not typical to see Johnny Starr early on a Sunday morning amongst the people, let alone recording a podcast. Turns... The post Rant N’ Rave Sunday Morning appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Fustanella
Episode #186: Fustanella Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guest: Dino Spring is in the air and John and Ron recruit Dino from Starr Fireworks and Fat Cat Fireworks to help them get... The post Fustanella appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Explode Go Boom!
Episode #185: Explode Go Boom! Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker America 250, also known as the Semiquincentennial, is fast approaching. Johnny and Ron got you covered and are here to help you plan... The post Explode Go Boom! appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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I’m Like Your Therapy Dog
Episode #184: I’m Like Your Therapy Dog Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Johnny and Ron gather with a bunch of their friends at Casa Starr in Cabo San Lucas for their annual Big... The post I’m Like Your Therapy Dog appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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The Monster Did Not Come to You!
Episode #183: The Monster Did Not Come to You! Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The last New Year’s Eve salute has rung out in the cold January air, and John and Ron are... The post The Monster Did Not Come to You! appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Holiday Bonus – NFA Expo Night 4, Pyro Junkies!
Episode #182: Holiday Bonus – NFA Expo Night 4, Pyro Junkies! Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker Special Guests: Jeff Siddle (Pyro Junkie) John Ye (Legend Fireworks), Kristy Hunnewell (Galaxy Fireworks) & Steve Kozar... The post Holiday Bonus – NFA Expo Night 4, Pyro Junkies! appeared first on...
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It’s A 2 Dog Night
Episode #181: It’s A 2 Dog Night Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker It’s time for our annual Christmas episode, and as usual, Louie’s in the studio to add to the festivities. While the... The post It’s A 2 Dog Night appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Stuffing & Tariffs
Episode #180: Stuffing & Tariffs Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker Thanksgiving is right around the corner and what could be tastier than a discussion about tariffs? So keep an eye on grandpa, put... The post Stuffing & Tariffs appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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The Truth of It
Episode #179: The Truth of It Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker When it comes to fireworks, we’ve long established that Johnny Starr has a “buying problem”. It’s October and that means Johnny is... The post The Truth of It appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Demurrage
Episode #178: Demurrage Hosts: Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker It’s Halloween and what can be scarier than a demurrage invoice? Stay on the road, keep clear of the moors, avoid the tool shed and... The post Demurrage appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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NFA Expo, Night 4 – Your Agent in China
Episode #177: NFA Expo, Night 4 – Your Agent in China Hosts: Mr. Terry T. Winkle, Your Agent in China & Louie Special Guests: Mr. Terry T. Winkle, Your Agent in China & Louie This... The post NFA Expo, Night 4 – Your Agent in China appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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NFA Expo, Charity Auction
Episode #176: NFA Expo, Charity Auction Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Louie & Steve Kozar This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded during the National Fireworks... The post NFA Expo, Charity Auction appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 2)
Episode #175: NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 2) Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Kozar & Paul Catucci, Pyro Junkie This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was... The post NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 2) appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 1)
Episode #174: NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 1) Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Keith Chua, JinLing & Chuck Decker, Uncle Sam This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast... The post NFA Expo, Night 3 (Part 1) appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Fireworks Can’t Be Canceled
Episode #173: Fireworks Can’t Be Canceled Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker For over a decade John and Ron have read countless stories written by all kinds of folks that are eager to cancel... The post Fireworks Can’t Be Canceled appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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China Tariffs Threaten America’s Fireworks
Episode #166: China Tariffs Threaten America’s Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Guests: Stacy Schneitter Blake, President of the National Fireworks Association | Steve Houser, Past President of the National Fireworks Association The... The post China Tariffs Threaten America’s...
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Give Them All Corned Beef
Episode #165: Give Them All Corned Beef Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Guest: Hello Louie It’s St. Patrick’s Day and the guys are in Chicago. The fireworks business is starting to heat up. The... The post Give Them All Corned Beef appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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Loteria
Episode #164: Loteria Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s Super Bowl weekend and the guys are back in Cabo San Lucas Mexico for some much needed rest & relaxation. Louie joins Ron and John... The post Loteria appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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We All Have to Have an Expert
Episode #163: We All Have to Have an Expert Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s January and the inauguration is over. President Trump is in office and Ron and John get together to... The post We All Have to Have an Expert appeared first on Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast.
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NOEL NOAB – Surprise! Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr
NOEL NOAB Episode #10: Surprise! Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks... The post NOEL NOAB – Surprise! Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr appeared first on...
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NOEL NOAB – Ed Vasel, Dominator Fireworks & VP of the NFA
NOEL NOAB Episode #09: Ed Vasel, Dominator Fireworks & Vice President of the NFA Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people... The post NOEL NOAB – Ed Vasel, Dominator Fireworks & VP of the NFA appeared first on...
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NOEL NOAB – Steve Houser, Red Rhino Fireworks
NOEL NOAB Episode #08: Steve Houser, Red Rhino Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are... The post NOEL NOAB – Steve Houser, Red Rhino Fireworks appeared first on...
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NOEL NOAB – Darci Hoesley, Maximum Load Fireworks
NOEL NOAB Episode #07: Darci Hoesley, Maximum Load Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are... The post NOEL NOAB – Darci Hoesley, Maximum Load Fireworks appeared first…
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NOEL NOAB – Wilson, Chili / Black Scorpion Fireworks
NOEL NOAB Episode #06: Wilson, Chili / Black Scorpion Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry... The post NOEL NOAB – Wilson, Chili / Black Scorpion Fireworks appeared…
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About this show
Welcome to the Fireworks Brigade podcast. The idle chit-chat and mischievous banter offered in this Pyromaniacs Forum are provided by Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker. Johnny Starr, owner of Starr Fireworks in Fargo, North Dakota, has been designing, importing and selling fireworks and pyrotechnic effects for over three decades. After listening to just the first few minutes of any episode, you will understand that John’s expertise in pyrotechnics is unquestionable. Ron the Banker, part time volunteer and collaborator, spends his Fourth of July with Johnny in the Fargo / Moorhead area selling fireworks to local consumers and national wholesalers. In addition, Ron knows how to use “Garage Band”, owns a couple of microphones and has friends capable of uploading the files to the internet.Everyone from the casual backyard enthusiast to the serious pyrotechnician will be informed, enlightened and entertained. John’s frequent trips to China as an importer, Ron’s life as a commercial real
Hosted by
Johnny Starr & Ron the Banker