Every fire season, extraordinary people do extraordinary things. Most of the world never hears about it.
Wildfire Media exists to change that — giving voice to the professionals, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of fire management.
Coming Soon
Back In The Black
The Podcast
Back in the Black is the podcast that brings together the people, stories, and innovations shaping the wildland fire industry. Hosted by Donnie Wackerman and produced by Wildfire Media, each episode features candid conversations with firefighters, aviators, agency leaders, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and industry experts from across the country.
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Presenting Sponsor
Back In The Black is proudly presented by the National Wildland Fire Expo.
Back In The Black
Your Host
Host
Donnie Wackerman
Donnie Wackerman is the host of Back in the Black and the founder and owner of Wildfire Capital, the parent company behind Wildfire Media and the National Wildland Fire Expo. A third-generation wildland firefighter, Donnie has spent years working directly in the field, specializing in heavy equipment and dozer operations across the western United States, and is a partner alongside his brother, Bernie Wackerman, in 307 Wildland Fire.
Back in the Black grew out of that same work — conversations with the firefighters, agency leaders, contractors, and manufacturers who are shaping the future of wildland fire. Donnie built the show, and the National Wildland Fire Expo alongside it, on one idea: bring the people driving this industry forward into the same room, on and off the air, and give the culture and the work behind it the respect they've earned.
Who We Are
About Us
We are a media company founded by 3rd generation wildland firefighters, dedicated to the wildland fire community — giving voice to the professionals, innovators, and leaders who are shaping the future of fire management in America and beyond. Each episode goes deep: real conversations with the people on the ground, in the command tent, and at the policy table. This is the fire community's media company. We're proud to be part of it.
Get In Touch
Have a story to share? Want to be a guest on one of our shows? Reach out — we want to hear from the community.