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Welcome to China Chit Chat, the show that brings you new and unique perspectives on China. China Chit Chat is a new weekly podcast where we interview guests who each have their own interesting takes of various aspects of Chinese culture, business, politics and history. Put together, we hope to provide our audience with a fresh perspective on the real China.
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Welcome to the Fireworks Brigade Pyro Podcast. The idle chit-chat and mischievous banter offered in this Pyromaniacs Podcast are provided by Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker.
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Episode #167: Starr Fireworks Dealer Show – Pre Show Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker John and Ron hosted a Starr Fireworks Dealer Show – Pre-Show, live from the Starr Fireworks showroom in Fargo, North Dakota. John has just returned from China, and after the serious talk about the recent China tariffs, the guys talk about their surroundings.…
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China Tariffs Threaten America’s Fireworks
1:19:31
1:19:31
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Episode #166: China Tariffs Threaten America’s Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Guests: Stacy Schneitter Blake, President of the National Fireworks Association | Steve Houser, Past President of the National Fireworks Association The fireworks industry is facing a significant challenge due to the tariffs currently imposed on our prod…
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Episode #165: Give Them All Corned Beef Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Guest: Hello Louie It’s St. Patrick’s Day and the guys are in Chicago. The fireworks business is starting to heat up. The 4th of July is a few short months away and it’s starting to get exciting. As discussed many times, the fireworks industry is slow to move so it’s not…
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Episode #164: Loteria Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s Super Bowl weekend and the guys are back in Cabo San Lucas Mexico for some much needed rest & relaxation. Louie joins Ron and John at the Casa Starr table for some fireworks discussion. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe and check out our YouTube channel. Some topics covered …
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Episode #163: We All Have to Have an Expert Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker It’s January and the inauguration is over. President Trump is in office and Ron and John get together to recap recent events and discuss what this means to the industry of fireworks. This episode was recorded at the Pyro Podcast studios in suburban Illinois. If you l…
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NOEL NOAB – Surprise! Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr
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1:25:15
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NOEL NOAB Episode #10: Surprise! Ron the Banker and Johnny Starr Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime,…
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NOEL NOAB – Ed Vasel, Dominator Fireworks & VP of the NFA
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25:50
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NOEL NOAB Episode #09: Ed Vasel, Dominator Fireworks & Vice President of the NFA Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. Durin…
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NOEL NOAB – Steve Houser, Red Rhino Fireworks
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20:51
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NOEL NOAB Episode #08: Steve Houser, Red Rhino Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get …
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NOEL NOAB – Darci Hoesley, Maximum Load Fireworks
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16:08
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NOEL NOAB Episode #07: Darci Hoesley, Maximum Load Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we …
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NOEL NOAB – Wilson, Chili / Black Scorpion Fireworks
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17:35
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NOEL NOAB Episode #06: Wilson, Chili / Black Scorpion Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, …
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NOEL NOAB Episode #05: Matt Roach, Pyro Buy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get to know 9 imp…
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NOEL NOAB – John Jersey, Red Rooster Fireworks
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13:00
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NOEL NOAB Episode #04: John Jersey, Red Rooster Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get…
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NOEL NOAB – Tom Wilson, Black Market Fireworks
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17:37
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NOEL NOAB Episode #03: Tom Wilson, Black Market Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get…
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NOEL NOAB – Amy Liu, Happy Family / Riakeo Fireworks
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14:59
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NOEL NOAB Episode #02: Amy Liu, Happy Family / Riakeo Fireworks Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, and it’s wired for ignition and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this do…
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NOEL NOAB – Paul Smith, President of the PGI
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NOEL NOAB Episode #01: Paul Smith, President of the PGI Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The rack’s been secured, wired for ignition, and ready to launch! Considering most people in the fireworks industry are hyper-stressed in June and July, they tend to relax and smell the potassium nitrate during the holidays. During this downtime, we get t…
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Once Again I Sound Like a Narcissist
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1:12:44
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Episode #152: Once Again I Sound Like a Narcissist Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The guys have been apart for over a month and there’s much to discuss. The bulk of the episode is a recap of John’s annual buying trip in China and what the wholesalers can expect for next year. This episode was recorded at the Pyropodcast studios in suburban …
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Episode #151: Pyro Sex Party! Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The night before John leaves for his annual China buying trip, Ron and John get together to recap recent events at NFA and discuss future plans. This annual Halloween episode was recorded at the Pyropodcast studios in suburban Illinois. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe a…
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Episode #150: Larry Lomaz Roundtable – Live From NFA Fall Expo Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Kozar and Robert Burke This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in Erie, Pennsylvania during the NFA’s annual Fall Expo. There’s always some great fun and fascinating stories when the name Larry Loma…
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Episode #149: Pro Line Product Discussion – Live From NFA Fall Expo Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Hauser, Past President NFA & Ed Vasel, Vice President NFA This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in Erie Pennsylvania during the NFA’s annual Fall Expo. There was a noticeable increase in “Pro…
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Episode #148: Bum Bum Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the Fireworks Brigade Studios in suburban Illinois. The selling season and the Independence Day Holiday are now over. John and Ron are in Chicago to wrap up the season and look forward to the NFA Expo. They take some t…
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Episode #147: I Thought These Were Fake Handcuffs Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the 4th of July and the guys are prepared for the Final Countdown. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel. Some…
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Episode #146: She Thinks My Pyro’s Sexy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the middle of retail week and the guys are getting somewhat “loopy”. If you like our podcast, you’ll love our YouTube channel. Some topics …
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Episode #145: 360 Shots of Pure Pleasure Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker This episode of the Fireworks Brigade – A Pyro Podcast was recorded in the warehouse of Starr Fireworks in Fargo North Dakota. It’s the start of retail week and the guys are moving out of their comfort zones. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel. If yo…
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Episode #144: A Decade of Discord Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Dino & Mad Ox Bob It’s been 10 years since the very first episode of Fireworks Brigade was uploaded to the internet. Since that time, we’ve made it our mission to always inform and entertain our listeners while entertaining each other. For most of this episode,…
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We’re Here; Let’s Get Things Rolling
1:12:45
1:12:45
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Episode #143: We’re Here; Let’s Get Things Rolling Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Hello Louie Better late than never, the guys are back in Cabo San Lucas Mexico for some much needed rest & relaxation. Louie joins Ron and John at the Casa Starr table for some fireworks discussion. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe to…
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Episode #142: A Tribute to Poppy Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Life can change unexpectedly and no one can escape heartbreak. It’s with a heavy heart that we let our listeners know that John’s father passed away earlier this month. John and Ron take some time to heal and talk about Poppy’s large and wonderful life. As a friend once said, “…
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Episode #141:Mad Ox Bob Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The ball has just dropped, the spilled champagne is still sticky and it’s time to turn the calendars to 2024. Ron and John meet in Chicago at the Pyro Podcast studios to talk about the market challenges in 2024. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Some top…
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Episode #140: Is Your Demo Tight Little Boy? Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker Special Guests: Steve Kozar It’s Christmas time and most people aren’t thinking about fireworks. Nevertheless, Ron, John, and their buddy Louie meet in Chicago at the Pyro Podcast studio to talk about fireworks and sing a song. Make sure to stick around for the pyro…
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Episode #139: Bang Bang Boom Boom Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker With a short break in travel schedules, John and Ron get together for their pre-Thanksgiving episode. They meet in Chicago at the Pyro Podcast studio to talk about fireworks and some other seasonal issues. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Some…
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Episode #138: The Bunker’s Empty; What Happened? Hosts: Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker The conventions are over and John and Ron get together for their annual Halloween episode. They meet in Chicago at the Pyropodcast studios to talk about fireworks and some other seasonal issues. If you like the podcasts, please subscribe to this and our YouTube …
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2. Andre Spolaor: Making a living as an influencer in China
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27:33
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Andre Spolaor is an education entrepreneur and Chinese social media influencer. Andre is one of the top foreign influencers in China and has built up a following of over 1 million fans over Chinese platforms such as Douyin and RED, delivering daily content to help people learn English. His daily livestream lessons are typically attended by over 100…
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1. Chris Ruffle: Creating a a vineyard with a Scottish castle, in China
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30:25
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Chris Ruffle is a British businessman, author and entrepreneur. He is the owner of Treaty Port Vineyards in Shandong Province, a vineyard producing high quality Chinese wines he built from scratch. The vineyard also has an almost exact replica of a Scottish castle. It’s one of those crazy ‘only in China’ business stories that we are sure you will l…
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What is China Chit Chat all about? Listen to this brief introductory episode to find out!
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