Shows
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS2 Ep15- The Body Tells a Story w/ Fire Fatality Expert Elayne Pope- Fire Fatality Investigation Tips and ResearchSend us a textWelcome to another exciting live episode from the IAAI-ITC 2025 conference in Atlantic City! Hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens bring you their final live recording from the conference, featuring an incredible interview with renowned fire fatality expert Elayne Pope. If you've ever wondered what happens to the human body during a fire, this episode is essential listening. Elayne Pope, one of the foremost experts in fire fatalities, shares her fascinating journey from art major to forensic anthropologist specializing in fire death investigation. Her groundbreaking research has debunked long-standing myths in the f...2025-07-301h 03Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS2 Ep14- Depth of Calcination & Tomorrow's Fire Experts: EKU Student Research Spotlight with Molly Morrow & Maggie Fluharty (live from IAAI-ITC)Send us a textLive from IAAI-ITC with Fire Investigation Students Molly Morrow and Maggie Fluharty. Scott and Chasity return to in-person recording after their busy 4th of July weekend, diving into an engaging conversation about AI-generated images and Scott's impressive new wildland fire investigation app. The hosts share their experiences identifying fake AI content and discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in media. Scott reveals his exciting project - a custom app designed for his FI 210 wildland fire investigation class that helps students identify 11 key indicators in the field, complete with photos and c...2025-07-1657 minFire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS.2 Ep.13- Spontaneous Combustion ft. Dr. Doug Byron (live from IAAI-ITC)Send us a textGet ready for a mind-blowing deep dive into the science of spontaneous combustion! Scott and Chastity catch up on their busy schedules, with Scott fresh from teaching at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno where students bond over four intensive weeks of training. The hosts discuss recent marine fire investigation training and upcoming wildland classes before diving into the main event.The Doug Byron Interview: Spontaneous Combustion MasterclassThe real star of this episode is Dr. Doug Byron from Fast Labs, a renowned expert in spontaneous combustion w...2025-07-021h 10
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS.2 Ep.12- Live from IAAI-ITC: Guatemala's Only Fire Investigator, and Two Guest ListenersSend us a textIn this compelling episode, host Chasity Owens delivers a solo intro while Scott Kuhlman attends Marine Fire Investigation training through IAAI. This special episode features inspiring stories from Guatemala and engaging conversations with dedicated podcast listeners, showcasing the global reach and impact of fire investigation.Key HighlightsBreaking Ground in Guatemala: Gretel's remarkable story of becoming Guatemala's first and only certified fire investigator after starting as a technology coach for struggling firefighters in 2014. Despite having no prior fire investigation knowledge, her engineering background and passion for learning...2025-06-1847 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS.2 Ep.11- IAAI Certification Importance and Updates with Rick & Cassie Jones; ECT, CFI, & more.Send us a textIn this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens deliver another compelling installment from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training conference. Recording remotely while Scott teaches at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno, the duo presents an illuminating conversation with Rick and Cassandra Jones, two passionate advocates for fire investigation certification and training excellence.Rick Jones shares his journey from law enforcement canine handler to IAAI board member and eventual president during the challenging COVID-19 period, where he helped pivot the organization to remote training delivery. His wife Cassandra...2025-06-0453 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS2 Ep10- Building Confidence in Court: What is a SAW Group And Why Everyone Needs one? ft. Deputy Attorney General Lauren Guber, Fire Investigator Brian Fine, and Dr. Elizabeth Buck,Send us a textIn this episode, Scott and Chasity reunite in-studio after several remote recordings to discuss their recent activities and introduce a special panel discussion about the Scientific Advisory Work Group (SAW). Scott shares his excitement about getting accepted into OSU for a master's program, while the hosts debate the value of continuing education in fire investigation. They emphasize the importance of bachelor's degrees for investigators before diving into the main interview segment.The featured interview, recorded in Michigan, includes guest co-host Lauren Guber (a California Deputy Attorney General) along with Dr. Elizabeth...2025-05-211h 17
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS2 Ep.9- iGuide 3D Camera, Efficient Fire Investigation Documentation w/ Kayla TheriotSend us a textIn this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens catch up before diving into an interview with Kayla Theriot who is in Business Development for iGuide, a 3D camera solution company. Scott, teaching in San Diego while Chasity holds down the fort in Orange County, discusses how they're experimenting with remote recording to maintain their signature dynamic intro style. The hosts tease their excitement about iGuide's technology and its applications in fire investigation before jumping into the interview.Kayla shares her journey from restoration to fire investigation, bringing a unique perspective...2025-05-0747 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS2 Ep.8- Past, Present & Future with Current & Past President's of IAAISend us a textIn 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...2025-04-2345 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS2. Ep.7- Bridging the Gap: Mentorship, Networking, & Getting Involved at IAAISend us a textIn 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 e...2025-04-101h 02
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS2 Ep.6- Evidence Collection Tools, Lithium-Ion Battery Safety, & Generational Gaps.Send us a textIn 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...2025-03-2757 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastEpisode 25! "Not Real" Guests, Unbiased Opinion, & Vehicle Fires.Send us a textIn 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 depo...2025-03-1253 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS.2 Ep.4- Origin Stories with Dr. Greg Gorbett: Evolution of Fire Investigation, New/Old Research, & Advancing Forward.Send us a textIn 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...2025-02-271h 07
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS.2 Ep.3- The Importance of Public & Private Investigator Dynamic, Exiting Immediately During A Fire, & TrainingSend us a textIn 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...2025-02-121h 12
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS.2 Ep. 2- The Importance of Asking Questions, the Disneyland Firefighter, & Indistinct Chatter with AISend us a textIn 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...2025-01-291h 08
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastS2 Ep.1- Discussing Wildfire Investigations, International Snacks, & ConspiraciesSend us a textINFOCUS 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...2025-01-1557 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastEp.20- Merry Christmas! Christmas Tree Safety, Fan Mail & Season 2!Send us a text🎄 Fire Investigation INFOCUS Podcast - Episode 20: Christmas Special 🎄- A festive episode released on Christmas Day, featuring hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens- Special celebration of reaching top 25% of all Buzzsprout podcasts and hitting 63 Apple Podcast reviews. Goal is 100 reviews before June!- Discussion of recent fire investigation cases, including Scott's experience with 8 fires in 36 hours**Technical Deep Dive:** - Detailed analysis of Christmas tree fire hazards - Dry trees can reach 3,000-5,000 kilowatts peak heat release rate - Water-maintained trees only reach ~6.7 kilowatts...2024-12-2551 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastEp.19- Brewing Change with Beers, Investigator Beers; changing laws, disrupting norms & lab toursSend us a textIn Episode 19 hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens welcome special guest Investigator Tom Beers, a firefighter and fire investigator with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and board member for the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. The episode kicks off with a delightfully entertaining discussion about regional accents and dialect differences, from the peculiarities of Midwestern pronunciations to the great "pop vs. soda" debate!The conversation takes an exciting turn as Tom shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to firefighter, sparked by a chance encounter during a college...2024-12-1156 min
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastEp.18- From The Legal Desk (#1) with Deputy Attorney General Lauren GuberSend us a textIn this episode of In Focus Fire, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens welcome Deputy Attorney General Lauren Guber for the debut of their new recurring segment "From the Legal Desk." Fresh from teaching a courtroom testimony class, Lauren shares invaluable insights from her unique perspective as a prosecutor, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of fire investigation and legal proceedings.The conversation delves deep into crucial topics like confirmation bias in fire investigations, the importance of proper documentation, and the delicate balance investigators must maintain when testifying in court...2024-11-271h 07
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcastEp.17- (Part 2) The Case That Never Ends ft. Investigator BuckinghamSend us a textPart two of our riveting conversation with Investigator Buckingham delivers the long-awaited conclusion to our courtroom cliffhanger. After a deadlocked jury and a surprising nine-to-three split for acquittal on the aggravated arson charge, the prosecution regroups with amended charges. Buckingham walks us through the intense second trial, complete with expert witness drama, mental health defense tactics, and an unexpected courtroom revelation that nearly derailed the entire case. Through persistence and masterful testimony techniques, justice is finally secured for the community affected by this devastating fire.The episode takes an authentic turn...2024-11-1455 min