PODCAST · arts
The Event Safety Podcast
by Event Safety Alliance
Welcome to the Event Safety Podcast, your source for ideas, discussions, and news from the world of live event safety. Produced by Event Safety Alliance.
Episodes
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Episode 127: Showstop® Procedures with Pink Bows
What does it actually take to stop a show? Danielle is joined by Steve Allen, Mark Hamilton, and Bryan Huneycutt to talk about Showstop® Procedure, the accredited course developed with the Pink Bows Foundation after the devastating Astroworld tragedy. The conversation traces the development of…
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Episode 126: All About the Heat
Heat continues to be a major life safety concern at events, and we wanted to take the opportunity to advocate and educate about the risks, mitigations and culture change needed to preserve both the activity as well as the health of all participants. Danielle welcomes back Dr. Kevin Kloesel…
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Episode 125: What is a Steward, with Stuart and Stone
Danielle invites UK crowd safety specialists Eric Stuart and Miriam Stone to discuss the role of steward in the field of crowd management and trace the lines between volunteers, stewards, and licensed security. Eric lays out a five-tier crowd-management hierarchy -- volunteers, stewards…
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Episode 124: Part Two: 15 Years On - The Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse
Tami Richter, ESA's current president, moderates the second commemorative webinar panel, titled "Looking Forward: Education, Collaboration, and the Future of Safer Events." After a moment of silence honoring those lost in 2011, the discussion turns to several active ESA initiatives. Guests: Tami...
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Episode 123: Part One: 15 Years On - The Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse
To mark the 15th anniversary of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse that killed seven people and injured 58 others, Danielle shares Part One of an ESA presentation commemorating the event, and how it inspired us to change to safety at live events, work that continues to this day. The panel, led...
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Episode 122 - Safety Check Round-up 2026
Danielle reconvenes the 2nd annual current events roundtable, joined by event safety friends, Jacob Worek, John Badcock, and Doug Bruce to review the incidents, trends, and conversations that shaped the first half of 2026 for live events. Weather was a major theme, also, the FIFA 2026 World Cup,...
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Episode 121 - Leadership, Safety and Safety Leadership
What separates safety training from safety culture? Danielle and co-host Anna Glover sit down with Jen Ruggerio, founder of Rugged Training Group and author of Uncorporate Leadership, to dig into that question. Safety training without leadership support is box-checking. The conversation examines...
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Episode 120 - The Pyro Pod
It is fireworks season! Danielle sits down with Ryan Abel, a fireworks and FX designer and pyrotechnic specialist. This in-depth chat covers pyro from design to operations, including budget, AHJs, permits and safety protocols. Site selection, weather, and show-stop criteria each get real-world...
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Episode 119 - Pink Bows Safe Space
Pink Bows Foundation grew out of tragedy. After ten people, including Madison Dubiski, lost their lives at Astroworld in 2021, her family channeled an outpouring of community grief into an organization committed to making live events safer for everyone. The foundation's work runs on three…
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Episode 118 - Fire Safety Curtains, to be or not to be
Danielle Hernandez is joined by guest co-host Fr. David Garretson along with guests Bill Conner and Dan Culhane for an in-depth discussion of the present, past and future of fire safety curtains and their place in both venues and codes. For over a century, theaters have been required to provide...
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Episode 117 - Uncertainty and Decisions
Co-host Anna Glover joins Danielle Hernandez to explore a topic that sits at the heart of everything we do in live events: how do you make good decisions when you can't know the outcome? Their guest, Ben Cattaneo, is a risk and resilience professional, host of the Decision-Making Studio podcast,...
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Episode 116 - Survey Says... Weather with DTN! [Updated]
Episode 116: Survey Says... Weather with DTN! ---------------------------------------- Weather is the leading disruptor of live events, and the industry's relationship with weather intelligence has matured significantly over the past decade. Danielle Hernandez and co-host Tami Richter sit down…
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Episode 115: The Training Pod
Episode 115: The Training Pod ---------------------------------------- Phil van Hest and Sean Fox of Rock Force join Danielle and Bryan to tackle a question that many organizations eventually face: where do you start when you're building a crew training program from scratch? Using a hypothetical...
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Episode 114: GCMA's The Service Playbook
Episode 114: ESA 114 - GCMA's The Service Playbook ---------------------------------------- What does it take to turn a safety plan into a positive experience for your attendees? Danielle Hernandez sits down with Thyr Rodrigues, a spectator services veteran whose career spans the FIFA World Cup...
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Episode 113: Planning the Dance, March Madness
It's March Madness! In this episode, hosts Danielle Hernandez and John Badcock explore the logistical and operational complexities of hosting the annual NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. They are joined by Joey Doster (Lenovo Center, NC) and Becca Wilusz (Duke University) to discuss...
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Episode 112: Major Incident Planning
In this episode, Danielle and Doug Bruce speak with UK events operations consultant Miriam Stone about Major Incident Planning for event operations. The conversation explores the critical differences between standard operational incidents and major incidents that require a multi-agency response....
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Episode 111: Laser Safety in Live Production
Episode Summary In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, hosts Danielle Hernandez and Jim Digby explore the complex and visually stunning world of laser technology in live entertainment. They are joined by Roberta McHatton (Laser Safety Services) and Harry Boyde (ER Productions), who provide...
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Episode 110: Electricity is Shocking
Danielle and guest co-host Anita Hartsock are joined by Richard Cadena to discuss the dangers of electrical shock on stages. We explore exactly how stray current can travel through gear and people and why proper grounding is absolutely crucial. Also, there is discussion about some real incidents...
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Episode 109: New Horizons for ESA
Hey friends! We’re getting a little bit "in the weeds" today, and behind the scenes at The Event Safety Alliance. ESA is going through an exciting transition, and we are so delighted to be joined by our new leadership team to talk about what’s next for our Life Safety First mission....
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Episode 108: ETCP Certification: What, Who, Why and How
🎙️ You Guys! We Talked ETCP Certifications! If you’ve ever wondered how to determine who in this business really knows their discipline, especially in an industry without formal training requirements, this is the episode for you. We had Christina Smith from ESTA and Bill Sapsis of Sapsis Rigging...
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Episode 107: Inspiration, Motivation and Community
This time around, John Badcock joins Danielle for a conversation on inspiration, motivation and the value of the event safety community.
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Episode 106: Haunted Attractions
October is definitely spooky season. In celebration of haunts, scares and horror experiences, hosts Danielle & Bryan talk to Kim Scott, General Manager of the recently launched Universal Horror Unleashed. The conversation ranges from jump scares to regulations and how to mentor the up-and-coming...
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Episode 105: Clark Reder Engineering
In this episode Danielle and guest co-host Boxer Hardison had a conversation with Jeff Reder of Clark Reder Engineering Inc., focused on discussing structural engineering for the entertainment industry, sharing insights about their work on concert stages, theater sets, and temporary structures…
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Episode 104: An Accessibility Discussion
This week Danielle and guest co-host Janet Sellery talk with special guest, Betty Siegel, about accessibility in live events. They explore service animals, communication accommodations, and assistive technologies. The conversation includes various accessibility considerations including...
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Episode 103: Safety Check Round-up
In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, host Danielle is joined by ESA friends Jacob Worek and John Badcock for a round table discussion of what all has occurred so far this year in the event industry. From incidents, accidents, and near misses, to weather (so much weather), as well as tools...
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Episode 102: A Conversation with This Tour Life
In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and guest host Bryan Huneycutt have an in-depth discussion about life on the road with Ryan George of thistourlife.com. Topics included everything from a new retirement benefit program to challenges for physical, mental and financial health on...
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Episode 101: Launching a Tour From Zero
What does it take to build a worldwide tour From Zero? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle poses this question to long-time Linkin Park Tour Director (and ESA President) Jim Digby. They discuss how Linkin Park and their team kept the band's re-launch a secret from their...
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Episode 100: A Celebration of Cheese (Safety Success Stories)
In celebration of our 100th episode, we're sharing safety success stories from across the ESA community! From the creation of new standards and training programs to improved planning and collaboration, Danielle and guest co-host Tami Richter celebrate your wins and recognize our industry’s…
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Episode 99: Event Security w/ Dan Donovan
In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and special guest host Dave Ellis dive into the world of event security with Dan Donovan, founder and Managing Partner of security solutions providers Stratoscope & Ingressotek. Discussion includes what goes into planning for event security,...
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Episode 98: Inside the UCSD Event Safety Certificate Program
What does it take to create a comprehensive safety education program for event professionals? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle discusses the recently launched UC San Diego Event Safety Certificate Program with several of its creators—Ken Keberle (611 Resource Group)…
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Episode 97: Emergency Management
There are many similarities between planning for event operations and emergency management. In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast Danielle and special guest host Doug Bruce (Creative Safety) explore these crossover points with two highly experienced, event-focused emergency managers we met…
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Episode 96: Safety Slam!
In this holiday season "mini-episode" of the Event Safety Podcast, we share a few of the many stories told at our first "Safety Slam", held during this year's Event Safety Summit. Listen in for some AI-generated slam poetry, communication snafus, and tales of questionable "blue" drinking water.…
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Episode 95: ESA Canada Conference Recap
In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle recaps this year's excellent ESA Canada Conference with two members of the organization's leadership team, Janet Sellery and Kevin Tanner. They reflect on the highlights and key takeaways from this year's program, discuss balancing content and...
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Episode 94: Safety in Film Production
And...action! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we take a slight detour from the live events world to discuss safety in the film industry. Joining Danielle are two highly experienced film pros, Matt Sanders and Fess Shelton. They discuss the similarities and differences between safety…
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Episode 93: It's Summit Season!
Fall has arrived, which means the Event Safety Summit is right around the corner! In anticipation of this year's event, this episode of The Event Safety Podcast looks back at a few of the many presentations we've featured at the summit over the last ten years (!), including insights from Nathan...
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Episode 92: Talking 'bout the Heat
In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and special guest co-host Kevin Kloesel welcome DTN Solution Engineer and Meteorologist Brad Nelson for a discussion about, as you guessed, weather, with a focus on extreme heat. They explore how heat has become the leading risk to live…
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Episode 91: Understanding Insurance Certificates
Have you ever looked at a certificate of insurance and felt confused or overwhelmed by the details? Do you really know what that information means and how it protects you (or, worse, leaves you unprotected)? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Hub International Vice President of…
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Episode 90: Pyrotechnics Safety
Independence Day is fast approaching, which means it's the perfect time to talk about pyro! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle Hernandez and special guest co-host Siobhan Colleen sit down with Pyrotek Special Effects Product and Technical Support and Safety Manager Brian…
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Episode 89: Commencement Season
It's that time of year again...commencement season! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle is joined by Becca Wilusz (Duke University) and Joey Doster (PNC Arena) for a look at what goes into planning university and high school commencement ceremonies. Discussion includes unique...
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Episode 88: Crowd Management in Smaller Venues
In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle welcomes a trio of crowd management experts from the United Kingdom Crowd Management Association (UKCMA) for a conversation about crowd safety in smaller venues - Anne Marie Chebib (Select Security & Stewarding Ltd), Eric Stuart (Gentian…
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Episode 87: Safety in Seattle - Recapping the USITT Conference
In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle welcomes back ESA board member Bryan Huneycutt for a recap of this year's USITT Conference in Seattle. They discuss key takeaways from this year's event, presentation highlights, current safety & health commission initiatives, and more.
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Episode 86: Appearances, Active Shooters, and an Adieu
In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve are joined by ESA board member Bryan Huneycutt for a discussion of key insights from Steve's recent participation at SERMAnar in Colorado Springs, which focused on processes related to active assailant events. We delve into his...
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Episode 85: Tools, Not Rules - Intimacy Coordination
Staging intimacy on stage and screen requires a delicate balance between artistic vision and actor well-being. In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve sit down with Laura Rikard, CEO of Theatrical Intimacy Education, a consulting group specializing in researching,...
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Episode 84: Tabletop Exercises
"Don't write a Kobayashi Maru" In the latest episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we welcome back the amazing Emma Parkinson for a deep dive into the topic of tabletop exercises. We look at what they are (and aren't), who should be included, how to develop one for your organization, common traps...
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Episode 83: Court Storming
In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we shift from the tennis court to the basketball court, with a look at the issue of "court storming" featuring Duke University Assistant Director of Athletics/Game Operations (and friend of the Pod) Becca Wilusz! We discuss what motivates attendees to...
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Episode 82: Serving Up Safety at the Australian Open
It's so much more than tennis! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve head down under (virtually) for a chat with Lee Ross and Martin Luders, part of the highly skilled safety and compliance team for the Australian Open. Discussion includes what goes into producing an…
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Episode 81: What's Up with the Weather?
It may be cold outside, but the latest edition of The Event Safety Podcast is RED HOT. In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kevin Kloesel for an update on what's happening in the event weather space. Discussion includes how planning for one risk can introduce new ones, the importance of deeply...
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Episode 80: Top Stories of 2023
With the new year just days away, we're looking back at some of the most important, impactful, or undercovered stories of 2023. From guest issues to climate impacts, it's been an eventful 12 months in the safety world, so grab another cup of cocoa, put your feet up, and join Danielle and Steve as...
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Episode 79: 2023 Event Safety Summit Recap
What did YOU think of the 2023 Event Safety Summit? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we recap some highlights of this year's Summit with two attendees, Francesca Ghizzoni (Production Manager, SXSW) and Emily Jeu (Director of Production, Columbus Association for the Performing Arts)....
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Episode 78: ANSI ES1.40 - 2023 Event Security Standard
LINKS: ANSI ES1.40 - 2023, Event Safety - Event Security
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Event Safety Podcast, your source for ideas, discussions, and news from the world of live event safety. Produced by Event Safety Alliance.
HOSTED BY
Event Safety Alliance
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Event Safety Podcast have?
The Event Safety Podcast currently has 127 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Event Safety Podcast about?
Welcome to the Event Safety Podcast, your source for ideas, discussions, and news from the world of live event safety. Produced by Event Safety Alliance.
How often does The Event Safety Podcast release new episodes?
The Event Safety Podcast publishes regularly with 127 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Event Safety Podcast?
You can listen to The Event Safety Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Event Safety Podcast?
The Event Safety Podcast is created and hosted by Event Safety Alliance.
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