Best Smart Firefighting Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 262: The Importance of Community Connection and the Role of Governance in Resilience with Beck Dawson 13:19

16h ago13:19

13:19

Here’s how to build community resilience: 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: Why resilience is a community effort How to shape decisio…

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

34m 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

27m 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

17h 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…

1
Health officials warn of measles case in LA County, Flu cases rising in CA, Lakers Luka Doncic drops triple-double against Mavericks— The A.M. Edition 6:39

10m ago6:39

6:39

Health officials are warning an O.C. infant with measles traveled through LAX last week. Cases of the flu are rising in California and doctors say parents should keep watch. Laker Luka Doncic spends the evening with his ex-team and drops his first triple-double. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https…

1
Some Palisades water notices lifted; LA County wildfire relief grants; Special state senate election today — The P.M. Edition 7:36

24m ago7:36

7:36

About 2,000 LADWP customers in the Palisades have their drinking water back since last month’s wildfire. LA County is offering wildfire relief grants for expenses that aren't covered by FEMA or insurance. It's election day today for some L.A. and Orange County residents. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visit…

1
“Unlocking the Gates” on housing and economic opportunity 25:17

5m ago25:17

25:17

Today, we’re sharing the first episode of “Unlocking the Gates,” a series from Marketplace and APM Studios hosted by special correspondent Lee Hawkins. He tells the story of how the Minnesota suburb he grew up in went from being a place where the housing market was inaccessible to Black families to one where many Black families found economic oppor…

1
CLASSIC: The Bizarre Clown Panic of 2016 50:06

1d ago50:06

50:06

It began in August -- five photographs of what appeared to be a sinister figure dressed as a clown loitering in a Green Bay, Wisconsin parking lot went viral. Eight days later, a local filmmaker admitted this was just an attempt to garner PR for an upcoming indie film... but the clowns kept coming. In the space of just a few months numerous people …

1
SoCal's fire cleanup makes progress, LA City Council prez weighs in on former LA fire chief dismissal, Wu-Tang Clan announces final tour— The A.M. Edition 6:34

11m ago6:34

6:34

L.A. County's fire cleanup hits another milestone. L.A. City Council president Marqueece Harris-Dawson says he encouraged Mayor Bass to separate from former L.A. fire chief Kristin Crowley. Wu-Tang Clan's final tour ain't nothing to mess with. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Suppor…

1
Unseasonal, hot weather expected this week; Inside the Eaton Wash dam; Streetlight complaints increase — The P.M. Edition 6:59

23h ago6:59

6:59

We're in a heat wave, but don't put your sweaters away just yet. Officials are trying to clean out the Eaton Wash Dam, which captured enough dirt to fill most of the Rose Bowl. And streetlight complaints in L.A. are going up. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support the show: https:…

1
Is Apple actually going “America First”? 9:38

15m ago9:38

9:38

A week after Apple CEO Tim Cook met with President Donald Trump, the company said today that it plans to invest $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. Is Apple aligning with Trump’s America First agenda? We’ll explain why Apple’s domestic investment isn’t what you may think it is. Plus, how would you respond to an email from your boss w…

1
Former VP Harris talks at NAACP Image Awards, SAG Awards recap, Grammy winner Roberta Flack has died — The A.M. Edition 8:18

4h ago8:18

8:18

Former Vice President Kamala Harris makes some of her longest remarks since her white house run. Jane Fonda used her Life Achievement Award speech at the SAG awards to clap back at rightwing pundits. Grammy winner Roberta Flack known for her intimate vocal style on hits like "Killing Me Softly With His Song" has died. Plus more. Support The L.A. Re…

1
Episode 449: My tech lead ignored my warnings and I don't know what my leadership style is 29:54

2h ago29:54

29:54

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hello, long time listener first time question asker. I work for a medium sized tech company and I recently moved teams. Right now my old team is attempting to refactor a bunch of code I wrote to use a library that’ll make life easier. I don’t blame them, I tried to do the same thing. It does…

1
Fired LAFD Chief responds, Dončić ends Lakers losing streak, An Altadena landmark needs your help, 12:09

2d ago12:09

12:09

L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley responds to her dismissal. Remembering one of the best arms in Dodgers history. Volunteers need your help to keep a symbol of hope in Altadena lit up. And musicians who lost their instruments in the LA-Fires now have a way to get their gear back. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting h…

1
Firefighter union blasts chief firing, LA's largest plaza debuts, Restaurants struggle after fires 11:23

19m ago11:23

11:23

After the bombshell firing of LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, reactions are rolling in. Governor Gavin Newsom has asked Congress for billions in fire recovery aid. Today's the grand opening of L.A.'s largest plaza in Westwood. Restaurants have had it tough -- the pandemic, the Hollywood strikes, inflation, and now, the fires. And more. Support The L.A.…

1
A brewing legal battle and the future of the Fed 28:50

25m ago28:50

28:50

The Supreme Court on Friday chose not to intervene in a case involving President Donald Trump’s firing of an independent agency head. As the case is passed back to the lower courts, it tees up a legal battle that will test the president’s power to dismiss officials. We’ll get into what this could all mean for the Federal Reserve. And, U.S. national…

1
Bass removes LAFD chief; DA won't retry Menendez Brothers; Watch out for debris on the beach — The P.M. Edition 7:13

12m ago7:13

7:13

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass removes fire chief Kristen Crowley, saying her department wasn't ready for the Palisades Fire. The L.A. district attorney is not pursuing a retrial in the infamous Menendez Brothers case. Officials say you should stay away from any fire debris you see on the beach. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/j…

1
Yes, The CIA Hired Magicians, Chapter Two: The Hidden Hands 1:01:48

5d ago1:01:48

1:01:48

While it might sound weird to think of the CIA conspiring to hire magicians, tradecraft and stage magic actually have a lot in common: sleight-of-hand, misdirection, performance -- you name it. With all this in mind, the CIA hired globetrotting magician John Mulholland to teach the world's most dangerous spies the hidden strategies for magic, and h…

1
Trump admin eyes unspent $4 billion on CA high-speed rail, $12 sandos or less in LA, SAG Awards preview— The A.M. Edition 7:10

6m ago7:10

7:10

Federal transportation authorities say they plan to look into California's high-speed rail project. Where to find affordable sandwiches in L.A. Screen Actors Guild Awards happening this weekend. 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
DOGE’s next target: IRS 9:39

9h ago9:39

9:39

Things are getting tense at the Internal Revenue Service. Layoffs are looming smack in the middle of tax season as part of DOGE’s mission to cut the federal workforce. Meanwhile, the commerce secretary says President Donald Trump wants to abolish the agency altogether. Get ready for a Kai rant! Plus, Trump wants to know if there’s still gold at Ft.…

1
Day 3 of LA's Homeless Count; Norwalk shelter ban suffers setback; Caltrans wants your feedback on the 110 — The P.M. Edition 6:47

5d ago6:47

6:47

LA's annual homeless count is now in its third day, though it's hit some roadblocks. The city of Norwalk suffers a setback in its efforts to ban homeless shelters. Caltrans is looking to bring parts of the Arroyo Seco Parkway up to speed on safety. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com S…

1
Listener Mail: Exploding Headsets, Firefighters, Attention Spans and Elon 52:09

6d ago52:09

52:09

Multiple Conspiracy Realists reach out regarding firefighters. Sacremento responds to the exploration of social media and attention spans. A Combustable (and stoned) Coyote ask for more information on the earlier story about exploding headsets. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://st…

1
PCH reopens for locals, Preserving remnants of Terminal Island, Amazon takes over James Bond movies — The A.M. Edition 7:18

19h ago7:18

7:18

Pacific Coast Highway re-opened this morning for locals. Plan to protect two buildings with ties to Japanese American History in San Pedro moves forward. Amazon is taking control of James Bond movies. 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
Yes, The CIA Hired Magicians, Chapter One: The Craft and The Art 59:16

7d ago59:16

59:16

The US Central Intelligence Agency gets a lot of criticism these days - historically, the institution has a number of missteps. The thing about unorthodox "outside-the-box" approaches is simply this: some ideas work, and some ideas are superb. A few decades back, the CIA hired a magician. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmil…

1
Is recession risk rising? 13:15

1d ago13:15

13:15

A growing number of young American consumers say they’re opting out of the economy entirely or pulling back from spending at certain stores over their political views. We’ll explain how this trend could collide with other economic shifts, creating the perfect recipe for a recession. Plus, by popular demand, we unpack a recent feat of nature: beaver…

1
Altadena renters form tenants' union; Terminal Island buildings protected; Huntington Beach approves "MAGA" library plaque — The P.M. Edition 6:59

1d ago6:59

6:59

Many Altadena renters are still going back and forth with their landlords about plans to return. The L.A. City Council voted to protect what remains of a historic Japanese American fishing community. And Huntington Beach has approved a "MAGA" sign outside its library. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting…

1
First Palisades property clear of fire debris, LA city leaders postponed vote on fire-related eviction protections, Hollywood Bowl 2025 Lineup— The A.M. Edition 6:36

2d ago6:36

6:36

The first property in the Palisades affected by the wildfires has finished both phases of debris removal. L.A. city leaders will wait until next month to vote on fire-related eviction protections. Hugh Jackman reprises a fan favorite, at the Hollywood Bowl this summer. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visitin…

1
CLASSIC: The Nazi Gold Conspiracy 51:32

8d ago51:32

51:32

Toward the end of World War II, German forces realized they were in an unsustainable situation, on the losing side of a war rapidly drawing to a close. In an effort to prop up their wartime economy, the Nazi party stole and fenced tons of gold and other valuables -- and, depending on who you ask, some of that gold remains hidden away and forgotten …

1
Phone free LAUSD starts today, An Hermosa beach landlord faces price gouging charges, The Hollywood Bowl 2025 lineup is released — The P.M. Edition 6:22

7d ago6:22

6:22

LAUSD begins enforcing a phone ban on their over 1000 campuses today. State prosecutors file charges against a landlord suspected of rent gouging after last month’s fires. The Isley Brothers and De La Soul are just some of the acts coming to the Hollywood Bowl. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https:…

1
Should we be worried about bird flu? 17:50

7d ago17:50

17:50

Today we’re talking about bird flu. It’s infecting flocks of chickens, causing egg prices to rise across the country, plus herds of dairy cattle and people are getting sick too. And all of this is happening amid sweeping changes at U.S. federal health agencies. The Trump administration has ordered mass firings and limits on public communications at…

1
NPR investigation suggests SoCal Edison lines sparked new fires after Eaton fire, LA eviction protections, Mindy Kaling gets Hollywood Star— The A.M. Edition 7:00

7d ago7:00

7:00

New evidence suggests that power lines operated by SoCal Edison were live and sparking new fires in Altadena days after the Eaton fire started. L.A. city leaders vote today on extending eviction protections to people who lost income during the wildfires. Emmy-nominated actress-producer Mindy Kaling gets her star Hollywood Star. Plus, more. Support …

1
Strange News: Renaming Greenland, AI Running the Government, Eric Adams Goes Free, Drone DUIs, Fatbergs, and More 54:15

9d ago54:15

54:15

A massive olive oil heist. Some US politicians apparently genuinely want to annex Greenland, and rename it to "Red, White and Blueland." New York Mayor Eric Adams -- who's huge in Türkiye -- will have all corruption charges dropped. An update on Mangione's legal crowdfunding. Corporate chemical giant Bayer fights back against anti-pesticide activis…

1
Hastings Ranch holds block party; Bus lane enforcement begins; Ohtani practices his pitch — The P.M. Edition 6:50

3d ago6:50

6:50

The Pasadena neighborhood Hastings Ranch hosted a block party today for survivors of the Eaton Fires. You can now get a ticket of up to $300 for parking in some L.A. bus lanes. And Shohei Ohtani is once again pitching, or at least practicing for the next season. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https…

1
The second phase of Eaton fire cleanup starts today, Los Angeles homeless count takes place this week, A new Luka Dončić mural in mid-city — The A.M. Edition 7:01

4d ago7:01

7:01

Hundreds of dump trucks will carry debris through Altadena to kick off phase two of the Eaton fire cleanup. The postponed Los Angeles Homeless count finally begins this week. A new mural pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and Lakers newcomer Luka Doncic. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Su…

1
Episode 448: Title over salary and from figure skater to software developer 28:01

4d ago28:01

28:01

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Steven says, Long-time listener of the podcast here—it always brings me so much joy! Should I prioritize title over salary? I’m currently based in Europe, working as a Senior Engineer at a big company that pays really well. The problem is, there’s almost no chance for promot…

1
Homeless count starts, Parking tickets for bus lane violations, Chinese stand-up comedy in the SGV 12:21

5d ago12:21

12:21

The homeless count starts this week, after it was delayed by the LA fires. We hear from an Altadena resident on rebuilding community through running. And a Chinese stand-up comedy scene blossoms in L.A. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Support the show: https://laist.com…

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