In this this special BONUS EPISODE the tables are turned! Bobby and Mike, of The Haz Mat Guys interview me about why I chose to start a podcast, what I've learned so far and what I hope to learn in the future. Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of HAZARD CLASS if we didn't talk about some stupid questions too. (Hopefully I can shed some light on what that is all about too)

Check them out at:

www.thehazmatguys.com

or on all major social media platforms @TheHazMatGuys

Episode Summary

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Jake Ryks, firefighter, podcaster, and the creative force behind the "Hazard Class" podcast. Jake shares the journey of creating a show that blends curiosity and insight, featuring interviews with experts ranging from toxicologists to film directors. From thought-provoking discussions to quirky debates like whether a hot dog is a sandwich, Jake’s unique approach makes complex topics accessible and engaging.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

- [3:57 - 4:15]: Setting the Scene

- Jake joins the show live from a behind-the-scenes setup, ready to dive into his podcasting adventures.

- [4:15 - 4:39]: The Birth of "Hazard Class"

- Jake introduces his podcast, explaining the concept of asking "stupid questions to smart people" to spark engaging conversations.

- [4:39 - 5:26]: Diverse Guest Line-Up

- From firefighters to toxicologists, Jake discusses the curated nature of his guest list and his inspiration to explore beyond the world of hazmat.

- [5:26 - 6:58]: The Podcast's Unique Flavor

- Jake draws comparisons between his podcast and "Joe Rogan for firemen," emphasizing his aim to bring relatable and inspiring conversations to his audience.

- [7:15 - 8:21]: Behind the Scenes: Booking Guests

- From cold calls to creative sleuthing by his wife, Jake shares how he secures interviews with fascinating individuals, including an upcoming episode with Santa Claus (yes, really!).

- [10:11 - 13:53]: Key Lessons from Podcasting

- Jake reflects on guests’ willingness to share, the importance of mentoring, and how deep conversations with experts enhance both his life and audience knowledge.

- [14:02 - 14:20]: Philosophy of Asking Questions

- The power of vulnerability and asking foundational questions to uncover new perspectives and insights.

- [19:24 - 22:12]: The "Stupid Question Wheel"

- Jake explains the comedic yet purposeful use of a random question wheel to kickstart conversations with guests.

- [26:04 - 27:07]: Expanding Horizons

- Teasing future episodes with guests from diverse fields, including a Top Gun pilot.

- [27:07 - 29:04]: Call to Action

- Jake invites listeners to connect, recommend guests, and share their own stories for potential interviews.

Key Moments

- A Santa Claus Surprise: Jake’s Christmas special features a fascinating guest who legally changed his name to Santa Claus and devotes his life to charitable work.

- Episode 4 Highlight: A deep dive into firefighting documentaries with director Tom Putnam.

- Memorable Questions: Exploring the debate about hot dogs as sandwiches and whether a straw has one or two holes.

Resources and References

- Hazard Class Podcast: Available on major streaming platforms. Video episodes on YouTube.

- Director Tom Putnam: Creator of Burn and Into the Unknown (2024 release).

- Email Jake: Have a unique story? Reach out at jake@hazard-class.com (with a hyphen).