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In this live episode, Scott opens the show solo from San Diego where he's instructing a 40-hour basic origin and cause class, while Chasity is held up at home with the flu. Scott extends a heartfelt thank you to conference attendees who shared feedback and listening habits, with many enjoying the podcast during workouts, commutes, or before calls. He encourages listeners to get involved with their local IAAI chapters to accelerate their learning curves through networking with experienced investigators.

The featured interview showcases two IAAI leaders: Immediate Past President Trace Lawless and current President Dave Bridges. Their discussion highlights the organization's impressive progress on strategic planning goals, with a focus on operational excellence and international expansion. Trace shares his 43-year journey in fire investigation, from public service to leading a major carrier's investigation team before retirement. Dave reveals his unusual path from firefighter and accelerant detection canine handler to attorney, driven by a desire to bridge the gap between technical investigation and legal expertise.

Both leaders emphasize IAAI's commitment to serving investigators worldwide through initiatives like Spanish-language captioning, online testing platforms, and an upcoming mobile app that will facilitate networking among members. They encourage new investigators to get involved through the IAAI website (firearson.com) and local chapters. The episode concludes with a sponsorship message from Clean Space, ITL, and Tim Costa, followed by the "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" segment introducing the term "plume" for discussion in the next episode.

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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens record live from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) International Training Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With nearly 900 attendees at the conference, the hosts discuss the value of networking and the exciting atmosphere of the event, intentionally keeping background noise to give listeners the authentic conference experience.

Scott and Chasity begin by emphasizing the importance of connection in the fire investigation community, encouraging listeners to attend these conferences, bring business cards, and engage with experienced professionals. The hosts share their excitement about upcoming interview segments with industry leaders including Doug Byron and Elaine Pope, which will be released in future episodes.

The main segment features an interview with Sawyer Garriques, chair of the IAAI Student Committee, who discusses the vital role of the committee in connecting students with industry professionals. Sawyer, a fire investigator for an insurance carrier who graduated from Eastern Kentucky University, explains how the student committee works to bridge the gap between education and professional practice. He shares information about student memberships ($50 annually compared to the regular $100 fee), the resources available through IAAI, and upcoming virtual events including a career fair planned for September. Sawyer emphasizes that anyone interested in fire investigation can reach out to students@firearson.com, even if they're not technically students.

The episode also includes a brief segment with Tim Costa from Clean Space, who discusses their respiratory protection products designed specifically for fire investigators. The hosts close with their regular segment, "Can You Use It in a Sentence," where they explain fire science terminology, including laminar versus turbulent flames and premixed versus diffusion combustion. Scott introduces "networking" as the word of the week, highlighting its importance at conferences like the IAAI.

Throughout the episode, Scott and Chasity emphasize their commitment to connecting new investigators with resources and mentors in the field, making this live conference episode a perfect example of their mission to share knowledge and ignite curiosity in fire investigation.

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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into several hot topics in fire investigation. They begin with a lighthearted generational gap test comparing lyrics to "Blame It On..." across different age groups, before transitioning to important professional content. The hosts discuss upcoming classes at the International Training Conference (ITC) in New Jersey, highlighting courses on AI in fire investigations, lithium-ion batteries, and forensic evidence processing.

The conversation takes a serious turn as they discuss safety protocols for investigators exposed to lithium-ion battery fires, revealing a new departmental procedure for blood testing after exposure to these hazardous materials. They share valuable insights on evidence collection, including a practical tip about an IAAI Evidence Collection Guide app that investigators can download to their phones for quick reference in the field. The episode wraps up with their "Unbiased Opinion" segment analyzing liability in a case involving a wall heater fire and teases their next topic on laminar versus diffusion flames. They also celebrate reaching 100 five-star reviews on Apple Podcasts ahead of schedule.

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In this milestone 25th episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick off their celebration with special AI celebrity "appearances" from Donald Trump, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kim Kardashian, and Joe Rogan to commemorate reaching this landmark. The podcast has surged in popularity, amassing over 13,000 downloads—a remarkable 30% increase in just 45 days—and approaching 100 five-star ratings on Apple Podcasts.

Scott recaps highlights from the CCAI conference, highlighting Keith Parker's innovative wildland fire demonstration that challenged investigators to determine fire origin points in a controlled environment. Chasity shares her excitement about her upcoming first deposition scheduled for July, while Scott anticipates the Scientific Advisory Work Group (SAW) meeting in Michigan, where investigators present cases for peer review and critical analysis.

The hosts introduce a compelling new segment called "Unbiased Opinion," where they present fire investigation cases without revealing which side they represented. In the inaugural segment, Chasity details a residential fire where the bathroom was determined to be the room of origin, with an improperly labeled wall heater switch accidentally activated by a child who mistook it for a light switch. Listeners are invited to weigh in on where liability should fall—with the homeowner who made the modifications, the contractor who installed them, or the tenant.

Scott shares essential vehicle fire investigation knowledge directly from NFPA 921, including the critical fact that exhaust manifolds can remain hot enough to ignite materials for 30 minutes after a vehicle is turned off, while catalytic converters can stay dangerously hot for up to 90 minutes. He stresses the importance of checking vehicle recalls during investigations, warning that failing to do so could undermine an investigator's credibility.

The episode wraps up with their "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" segment, defining "heuristic" as a problem-solving shortcut, and "We Train Frequently" (WTF) highlighting upcoming fire investigation training opportunities across the country. The hosts look forward to meeting listeners at their booth during the IAAI conference in New Jersey this April.

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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens bring on a special guest - Dr. Gregory Gorbett, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CFPS, CFII, CVFI, Senior Fire Analyst/Co-Owner of Fire Dynamics Analysis, and one of Chasity's former professors from Eastern Kentucky University's renowned fire program. Recording from the California Conference of Arson Investigators February Seminar, the trio dives deep into the world of fire investigation with plenty of expert insights and good-natured banter.

Dr. Gorbett shares his fascinating journey into fire investigation, starting with his family's firefighting background and how a gutsy decision to volunteer for a 45-million-dollar loss investigation in Dallas led him to connections with industry legends like Pat Kennedy. The conversation explores the evolution of fire investigation education, with Dr. Gorbett explaining how EKU's program has grown since the 1970s to become one of the nation's premier fire investigation educational institutions.

The episode tackles several cutting-edge topics in fire investigation, including the challenges of standardizing damage assessment. Dr. Gorbett discusses his research on using numerical scales to describe fire damage consistently, which was published in the Journal of Forensic Science. The hosts also explore how ventilation affects fire patterns, with Scott suggesting the need for simple acronyms to help new investigators remember critical assessment steps at scenes.

One particularly engaging segment covers the importance of proper terminology in fire investigation reports, with Dr. Gorbett explaining why he discourages terms like "heavy fire damage" and use of personal pronouns in technical writing. The group shares how these teaching moments have stuck with them throughout their careers, often hearing Dr. Gorbett's voice in their heads when writing reports.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on the balance between education and experience, with Dr. Gorbett emphasizing that while formal education provides a foundation, on-the-job training and good mentorship remain crucial for developing skilled investigators. The hosts introduce their recurring segment "Can You Use It In A Sentence," challenging listeners to learn the definition of "heuristic" for the next episode.

Packed with professional insights, personal anecdotes, and plenty of fire investigation nerding-out, this episode offers valuable knowledge for both seasoned investigators and those new to the field.

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In this lively episode of the podcast, Scott and Chasity kick things off by showing their new merch from American Fire Brigade, known for their popular fire service merchandise and memorable memes that helped firefighters cope during COVID-19. (@americanfirebrigade). The duo shares personal stories about fire service culture, including a fascinating discussion about "coffee table culture" - the unique morning ritual where firefighters gather to exchange information and engage in witty banter.

The conversation takes a serious turn as they discuss recent cases, including Scott's first trial in 26 years of investigations and a challenging fatality fire they both worked on. They explore the complex dynamics of public and private fire investigators working together, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional relationships and preserving scene integrity. A particularly poignant discussion emerges about how people react differently in emergency situations, illustrated by stories of a resident who ran upstairs instead of outside during a fire, and a veteran medic who panicked when his own son had a seizure.

The episode wraps up with an extensive "We Train Frequently" segment, highlighting numerous upcoming training opportunities across the country. Most notably, they announce their exciting plans to conduct live podcast recordings at the upcoming IAAI ITC conference in Atlantic City, where they hope to interview international investigators, students, instructors, and capture the presidential transition. They also share some heartwarming feedback from listeners, including a special shoutout from a fan in Norway, and remind listeners to help them reach their goal of 100 Apple Podcast ratings before June.

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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into a fascinating mix of technical insights and emerging trends in fire investigation. The episode kicks off with a compelling discussion about the importance of asking the right questions during investigations, as Chasity shares a recent case involving a concealed space fire where strategic questioning revealed crucial information about recent plumbing work. The hosts also explore the often misunderstood relationship between fire investigators and public adjusters, offering valuable perspectives on professional collaboration in the field.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Scott shares a piece of fire service history, recounting the story behind the iconic Mickey Mouse and firefighter image created during the 1993 Malibu fires. This rare Disney artwork, featuring Anaheim firefighter Dave Baker, holds special significance as one of the few instances where Mickey Mouse is depicted looking up at and touching another character.

In their new segment "Indistinct Chatter," Scott and Chasity introduce their AI guest, Dr. Torch, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and fire investigation. The hosts engage in a thoughtful discussion about AI's capabilities and limitations in understanding fire dynamics and pattern analysis, highlighting the importance of human expertise in the field.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive roundup of upcoming fire investigation training opportunities across the United States, including events in Alaska, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Illinois. Special mention is made of international training developments, including exciting progress from their colleague at the Cranfield Forensic Institute in the UK. The hosts also preview the upcoming CCAI training event featuring live burns and wildland fire demonstrations.

From technical discussions about fire patterns and evidence marking to engaging experiments with telepathy, this episode showcases the hosts' ability to blend educational content with entertaining dialogue, making complex fire investigation concepts accessible to all listeners.

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INFOCUS Podcast kicks off Season 2 with an explosive episode covering the devastating Santa Ana wind-driven fires affecting Southern California. Hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive deep into the current situation, with Scott sharing his recent appearance on NPR discussing the fires, while Chasity's TikTok video addressing fire speculation goes viral with over 170,000 views. The episode provides fascinating insights into wildland fire behavior, addressing common misconceptions about fire patterns and debunking conspiracy theories about mysterious "government lasers."

The hosts tackle complex fire investigation topics, explaining how wind patterns and building materials affect fire spread, particularly focusing on why some houses burn while others remain untouched during wildland fires. They share compelling examples from recent cases, including how aluminum components in modern vehicles melt at specific temperatures, helping investigators understand fire patterns. The episode also features a delightful international twist as they sample British snacks brought by a visiting fire investigator from England, adding a light-hearted moment to balance the serious discussion.

Looking ahead, the hosts announce exciting updates about upcoming conferences, including a special appearance by Dr. Greg Gorbett teaching fire dynamics at the California Conference of Arson Investigators in February. They also preview an intriguing presentation on BHO (Butane Honey Oil) labs by Lauren Gruber and Elizabeth Buck, addressing the evolving challenges investigators face with these facilities. The episode wraps up with a celebration of their growing international audience and reaching 70 five-star Apple Podcast reviews. As a testament to their commitment to education, the hosts encourage listeners to continue reaching out with questions, whether they're newcomers to the field or experienced investigators seeking guidance.

PAPRS unit information : Tim Costa- Tim@canbesafe.com
Donate to LAFD: supportlafd.org

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