About this episode
Every year, America celebrates its independence with millions of dollars worth of explosives imported from China. Zachary Crockett lights a fuse and backs away quickly. SOURCES: JJ Brau , fireworks coordinator for J&M Displays. Mark Johnson , vice president of J&M Displays. RESOURCES: " The explosive history of fireworks, from ancient China to Revolutionary America ," by Joe Hernandez (NPR, 2024). " July 4 fireworks fiasco solved – technically ," by Jonathan Horn (The San Diego Union-Tribune, 2016). " The Fireworks King ," by Damian Paletta and Emily Rauhala (The Washington Post, 2018). " Exploding The Mystery Of Blue Fireworks ," by Short Wave (2013). " How Do Fireworks Make Shapes? " by Natalie Wolchover (Live Science, 2011). EXTRAS: " Agreement Between The City of Rapid City and J&M Displays, Inc. for Annual Fireworks Displays " (2023). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.