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In 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 Buck and Brian Fine (retired from the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office). They discuss SAW, a program that originated in Texas to improve fire investigation through peer review. The panel explains how investigators present cases to a diverse group of experts who then evaluate whether the investigation meets scientific standards. This constructive criticism helps investigators strengthen their reports and testimony, ultimately leading to more credible courtroom presentations. Brian shares how investigators initially dreaded these reviews but eventually began voluntarily submitting cases to showcase their improved work.

The group discusses the challenges fire investigators face in court, particularly in Daubert states where scientific testimony is more strictly evaluated. Lauren explains how prosecutors must prove both that fire investigation expertise is needed and that the specific investigator is qualified to provide it. The panel emphasizes that maintaining credibility is crucial, as a poor performance in one case can follow investigators throughout their careers.

Dr. Buck discusses efforts to expand the SAW program beyond Texas, having recently introduced it to Michigan with hopes of bringing it to California next. The episode concludes with the "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" segment featuring "hot gas layer" as the next term in their educational series, following previous explanations of "plume" and "ceiling jet." Scott and Chasity also address fan mail, including a question about Scott's recent court case and feedback about standardizing fire damage classification terminology.

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In 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 having worked in multiple facets of the industry. As iGuide's first US hire, she explains how their 360-degree camera technology creates immersive virtual tours with precise measurements, floor plans, and customizable tags to document evidence. The standout features include the ability to download and own your data without subscription fees, lightning-fast 15-minute AI-drafted floor plans for properties under 4,000 square feet, and professionally drafted plans within 24 hours for larger properties.

The conversation sparks numerous ideas for applying iGuide in fire investigation, including creating training materials, documenting wildland fires, developing heat vector analysis tools, and enabling students to practice evidence identification through virtual scene examinations. The hosts and Kayla brainstorm innovative applications while highlighting the cost efficiency of the system—only $2,500 for the camera with no mandatory subscription fees and pay-per-project processing starting at just $5 for smaller projects.

The episode wraps with their "Can You Use It in a Sentence" segment introducing the term "plume" with a promise to cover "ceiling jet" in the next episode, continuing their educational series on fire terminology. Though not currently sponsored by iGuide, the hosts hint at potential future partnership while emphasizing they only endorse products they genuinely believe in.

Website for iGuide: goiguide.com

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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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