Best Smart Firefighting Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 264: Challenges and Fire Safety Risks Faced by Tunnels with Craig Hiscock 10:45

3d ago10:45

10:45

What are the unique challenges that tunnels face in terms of fire safety and ventilation? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: The impac…

1
Will climate tax credits stay or go? 12:45

17m ago12:45

12:45

On today’s episode, Kai and Kimberly discuss the future of Biden-era clean energy tax credits under Trump 2.0. A group of GOP lawmakers want them to stay. Meanwhile, the administration is rescinding memos that pushed for climate change-resilient infrastructure. Plus, the hosts weigh in on the arrest of a Palestinian activist and Columbia University…

1
Ukrainian refugees in SoCal face visa uncertainty; DA doesn't recommend Menendez resentencing; DMV keeps millions from towed car sales — The P.M. Edition 7:08

2h ago7:08

7:08

Ukrainian refugees in Southern California face an uncertain future pending a decision from President Trump. The LA District Attorney weighed in against resentencing the Menendez Brothers. The DMV is sitting on millions in profits from the sale of towed cars, according to CalMatters. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join …

1
Strange News: Wooly Mice, Severed Hands, and Space Updates (Spacedates?) 57:28

11h ago57:28

57:28

The race toward de-extincting mammoths (and other creatures) continues apace, here at what Ben calls "the end of history." The newest step toward this furry resurrection? WOOLY MICE. An unidentified bird drops a severed hand at a school. Also schoolteachers are getting in trouble for "pretending" to sell pills, and forcing kids to fight each other …

1
Late winter storms on the way, Advocates warn of labor exploitation in LA fire cleanup, Go Bruins!: 2025 Big10 Tournament Champs— The A.M Edition 6:30

1h ago6:30

6:30

Rain has entered the chat, again. As fire cleanup continues, local groups worry about labor abuses. UCLA women dunk on USC to clutch the Big Ten tournament championship. Plus more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
Episode 451: Un-collaborative architect and who is my boss? 32:47

4h ago32:47

32:47

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Scot asks, A new architect was hired at my company 6 months ago. I’m an engineer one rung lower on the hierarchy and have been here for 3.5 years. He hasn’t done much to learn about any of us who have been here for a while, so he is constantly undermining my skills and sugge…

1
Labor exploitation after fires, Hindu Temple vandalized, The allure of 99 Ranch mini totes — The Sunday Edition 12:33

19h ago12:33

12:33

Worker advocates are warning of labor exploitation in the wake of the L.A. fires. A Hindu temple was defaced sometime over the weeked. What the sold-out mini tote bags from 99 Ranch Market says about Asian America, and more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
Live from the Women's March, LAHSA's future after audit, Artists grapple with Eaton fire aftermath — The Saturday Edition 10:54

1d ago10:54

10:54

The Women's March returns to downtown Los Angeles, eight years after first making waves. Actions from one L.A. county supervisor after a scathing audit on homelessness spending. We hear from a pair of artists who chose Altadena as their home base and how they're trying to find their way forward after the fire, and more. Support The L.A. Report by d…

1
Oh, the irony! 31:47

3d ago31:47

31:47

President Donald Trump’s family business is suing Capital One for closing its bank accounts in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, arguing the bank violated consumer protection laws. Where’s the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau when ya need ’em? Then, Kimberly breaks down two moves by the White House that could have sweeping cons…

1
Supervisor looks to pull LAHSA funds; "Renovictions" temporarily banned in LA; Vouchers for e-cargo bikes — The P.M. Edition 7:16

3d ago7:16

7:16

County officials are looking to pull funding from the L.A. Homeless Services Authority after scathing reports on its use of funding. “Renovictions,” or big renovation projects that can lead to evictions are temporarily banned in L.A. San Gabriel Valley residents can apply to get $2000 for an electric cargo bike. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report …

1
Scam Factory, with Denise Chan 1:01:39

3d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

It's a harrowing story, often untold in the West: while everyone's tired of scam calls and texts, we rarely ask about the lives of people on the other side of the call. While it's devilishly easy to make light of the scammers and the con artists, the harsh reality is that thousands of people pushing scams are being forced to do so, often held again…

1
Palisades water restrictions to be lifted, Gov. Newsom faces backlash over criticism of transgender athletes, Fish tacos for Lent — The A.M. Edition 6:27

3d ago6:27

6:27

Palisades residents will be able to safely drink and use the tap water again today. Advocates for California's LGBTQ community are speaking out against Gov. Newsom's recent comments about transgender athletes. Where to find fish tacos in L.A. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support…

1
Searing audit into LA's homelessness spending; Report outlines unhoused deaths; Jackie and Shadow's third egg starts to hatch — The P.M. Edition 7:02

4d ago7:02

7:02

An audit released today finds L.A. city officials failed to properly track billions in homelessness spending. The number of unhoused people who died grew by one percent in 2023, according to L.A. County. This morning their third egg started to pip, which is the first sign of hatching. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/joi…

1
Your questions about government economic data answered 17:18

4d ago17:18

17:18

Donald Trump administration officials disbanded two expert committees on economic data this week and suggested altering the way the U.S. calculates gross domestic product. It’s not the first time the administration has hinted at fiddling with important numbers, and a listener wrote in to ask how all this might impact businesses and the market. We’l…

1
CLASSIC: The Wide World of Shipping Conspiracies 49:39

4d ago49:39

49:39

Look around you as you listen to tonight's episode -- how far did these objects travel to meet you here? In centuries past, the average person would be surrounded by local objects. Today, the most mundane of possessions may have traveled more than halfway across the world to become your fabrics, your electronic components, your favorite snacks. Mak…

1
Frosty day in SoCal, LA officials consider defunding LAHSA, Jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers has died — The A.M. Edition 6:45

4d ago6:45

6:45

Frosty day in store for SoCal. L.A. city officials are considering defunding LA's leading homeless services agency. We talk about the legacy of Jazz-punk pioneer and legendary vibraphonist Roy Ayers who died this week. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support the show: https://laist…

1
What is even happening with the politics of this economy?! 12:47

5d ago12:47

12:47

On today’s episode, we’re discussing a pair of recent rulings about the Trump administration’s efforts to cut foreign aid and fire federal workers, leaving us with a “Through the Looking-Glass” moment, where the nonsensical is reality. Plus, we’ll explain some ways to catch a breath in the midst of uncertain economic times. And, we’ll smile at a ma…

1
Municipalities sue SCE over Eaton Fire; Sierra Madre evacuation warnings; Huntington Beach to vote on its library — The P.M. Edition 7:28

5d ago7:28

7:28

Southern California Edison is facing new lawsuits from municipalities alleging that its equipment started the Eaton Fire. Much of Sierra Madre is under another evacuation warning today. Huntington Beach voters will weigh in this week on who controls the city's libraries. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visit…

1
The Mysterious Star-Shaped Towers of Sichuan Province 46:16

5d ago46:16

46:16

True story: throughout China's Sichuan province right along the border with Tibet, the land is riddled with ancient towers of unknown origin. No one knows who built them, nor why. In tonight's episode, Ben and Noel explore the fascinating hidden history of architecture that withstood millennia of chaos -- and how an ancient series of towers survive…

1
SoCal braces for more rain and snow, Ousted LA fire chief loses bid to get her job back, Lakers Lebron James starts the 50k club — The A.M. Edition 6:35

5d ago6:35

6:35

A storm coming to SoCal will bring rain, heavy snow, possibly gusty winds. Former LA fire chief Kristen Crowley did not get her job back yesterday. Lebron James makes NBA history. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
CLASSIC: Closed Cities: Secret Towns Kept Off Your Maps 1:03:52

6d ago1:03:52

1:03:52

The majority of human beings currently live in urban areas -- and this trend seems set to continue. According to the most recent estimates, two-thirds of humanity will live in urban areas by 2050. However, not all cities are created equally. In fact, countries throughout the world are home to cities that, in one sense or another, do not officially …

1
Angel City FC and the rise of women’s pro soccer 25:27

6d ago25:27

25:27

The National Women’s Soccer League’s regular season kicks off next week. And thanks in part to a record-breaking media rights agreement and the growth of women’s professional sports across the board, the league is gaining more attention — and investment — than ever. Angel City Football Club became the highest-valued women’s sports team in the world…

1
City council upholds LAFD chief's firing; Redondo Beach votes via ranked choice; Will Jackie and Shadow have 3 chicks? — The P.M. Edition 6:51

6d ago6:51

6:51

The city council has voted not to reinstate former LAFD fire chief Kristen Crowley. Redondo Beach is holding the first ranked choice election in LA County. All eyes are on Jackie and Shadow's third egg after the bald eagle couple welcomed 2 chicks overnight. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://l…

1
LA's former chief to appeal firing, 30 juvenile probation officers charged, Eagle alert: Jackie and Shadow welcome new chicks! — The A.M. Edition 6:34

6d ago6:34

6:34

L.A's former fire chief is expected to appeal her firing today. Thirty juvenile probation officers are accused of letting gladiator style fights happen at an infamous facility. We have two eaglets! Jackie and Shadow welcome new chicks after three years. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.…

1
NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Growing Pains 1:16:35

6d ago1:16:35

1:16:35

What makes a blockbuster, or a box office bomb? The truth is, as famed screenwriter William Goldman put it, “Nobody knows anything.” Join us each week as we put your favorite actors, directors, and writers through the wringer (aka through a series of games) to see if they’ve got what it takes to make it in this wild town. This episode is all about …

1
What is an economy of caution? 15:52

7d ago15:52

15:52

Today, we’re talking about one of Kai’s favorite topics: bonds! The yield on the 10-year Treasury note (the benchmark for mortgages and car loans) is down sharply, which is great for consumers. But it’s happening for not necessarily great reasons. We’ll explain. Plus, why Kimberly is keeping a close eye on one of her go-to government websites. And,…

1
LAHSA changes ethics policy; Tony Strickland declares victory in state senate; Jackie and Shadow may (finally) see a chick soon — The P.M. Edition 7:12

7d ago7:12

7:12

We bring the latest on the LA Homeless Services Authority, which is updating its ethics policy after LAist reporting. Republican Tony Strickland has claimed victory in the 36th District state senate race. Jackie and Shadow's eggs are officially starting to hatch. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting http…

1
CLASSIC STDWYTK, Live: Real-life Covens 38:38

7d ago38:38

38:38

True story: Ben, Matt and Noel know 'witches.' We’re all familiar with the spooky, stereotypical witch depicted in film, fiction and folklore – a creepy crone with a pointy hat, riding a broom through the sky and cackling at the moon, often accompanied by her animal sidekick. But how accurate are these depictions? Were there ever really any covens,…

1
Big win for Anora at the Oscars, We have a pip from Big Bear's bald eagle nest, Winter storm on the way — The A.M. Edition 6:41

7d ago6:41

6:41

A roundup of the Oscars: It was a night of first, but ultimately the night belonged to the film "Anora". Big news for Big Bear's famous bald eagle nest -- we have a pip! Another winter storm is on it's way. Plus more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
Episode 450: I'm terrible at behavioral interviews and time zonessssssss 34:04

7d ago34:04

34:04

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I struggle with behavioral interviews. I’ve gotten a little bit better as I’ve done more interviews, but it’s still a major pain point for me. I have some common behavioral question answers written out in a spreadsheet in SAR format, but I feel that not all of them are good examples for a mi…

1
Executive order on forest management, The Pantry is set to close, Girl Scouts help each other post-fires — The Sunday Edition 11:38

8d ago11:38

11:38

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order to speed up forest management projects -- a look at what that means. An L.A. institution is set to shut down today, so we head to the Original Pantry Cafe in downtown for the farewell. After the LA fires, volunteers are helping young girls rebuild their lives, one Girl Scouts vest at a time, an…

1
LAHSA to update ethics process, Fair Oaks Burger gives back to Altadena, Punk musician David Johansen dies at 75 — The Saturday Edition 9:34

9d ago9:34

9:34

After an LAist investigation the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is updating its ethics procedures. Fair Oaks Burger, an Altadena staple that survived the fires, is serving up free burgers. Punk musician David Johansen dies at 75. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support the…

1
What the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting says about the world economic order 27:31

10d ago27:31

27:31

A meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump today dissolved into a heated argument in the Oval Office, flipping the switch of the global economic order. Kai Ryssdal and guest host Nova Safo discuss what they took away from the contentious meeting and what it might mean for American-style capitalism. Plu…

1
CLASSIC: Cryptids You've Never Heard Of 57:58

11d ago57:58

57:58

Everyone's heard of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster -- but what about the hundreds of other cryptids rumored to exist around the world? Join the guys as they delve into the stories of cryptids you may have never heard of. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/liste…

1
Whaddya wanna know about federal layoffs and this economy? 10:31

11d ago10:31

10:31

On today’s episode, we make you smarter by answering your pressing questions about this economy: Will cuts to the federal workforce make any difference to the unemployment rate? Also, have we all been totally oblivious to a private sector recession? (Spoiler: No!) We’ll explain. Plus, listeners sound off on smile-worthy moments from their week! Her…

1
Episode 263: Enhanced Regulations and Tools for All People During Disasters in Evacuation with Daniel Nilsson and Kevin Frank 13:42

11d ago13:42

13:42

How can we improve evacuation systems for people with movement disabilities? Hello Smart Firefighting Community! Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy! In this episode: The challenges of desi…

1
CLASSIC: Conspiracy and the Cure: People Who Believe They've Cured Cancer 1:12:35

12d ago1:12:35

1:12:35

Each year, millions of people across the planet grapple with some form of cancer. Doctors work around the clock to create better treatments methods, early diagnosis techniques and more, but for many people these innovations will sadly come too late. With so many lives on the line, it’s no surprise that multiple, unrelated individuals have claimed t…

1
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman dies at 95, Operation 'Dirty Pond', LA says landlords responsible for ash cleanup — The A.M. Edition 6:35

11d ago6:35

6:35

Movie lovers say goodbye to Oscar winning actor Gene Hackman. L.A. District Attorney serves search warrants on Huntington Park City Hall. L.A. city now says landlords are responsible for cleaning up the ash in units after last month's fires. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support …

1
An asteroid miss and the WaPo opinion shift 12:51

12d ago12:51

12:51

Kai has been tracking news about a giant asteroid heading toward Earth. NASA says we’re safe, for now! But first, the hosts discuss troubling trends in the news business and a shift in who gets to exert control over media narratives. And, we’re keeping a close eye on growing fears over possible layoffs. Here’s everything we talked about today: “US …

1
New reports on LAFD resources; Fire debris approved for landfills; State senate special election update — The P.M. Edition 6:55

12d ago6:55

6:55

New reports find that LA's city fire department is significantly smaller than other big cities. LA County has figured out where it's sending fire debris from the Phase 2 cleanup. Republican Tony Strickland is the frontrunner in the special election for the state senate's 36th district. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/jo…

1
CLASSIC: The Disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 54:38

13d ago54:38

54:38

On March 8th, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished during a routine flight from Kuala Lumpaur to Beijing. While public -- and, later, private -- entities from across the region searched for signs of the craft, no one was able to figure out what exactly happened. Join the guys as they delve into a mystery that remains largely unsolved three y…

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