BBQ Nation

JT and LeAnn Whippen chat with Chris Sussman, the BBQ Buddha, a two-time published author and the creator of The Ultimate Big Green Egg Cookbook . He has worked with every live fire environment imaginable, and can help you master everything from charcoal and gas grills to commercial-grade smokers. This lively show will can help make you a BBQ Star in your own backyard. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ads...

Clint Cantwell, President of AmazingRibs .com, spends time with JT in Afterhours Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JT visits with Clint Cantwell,  President of AmazingRibs .com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tuffy Stone, The Professor of Barbecue, spends some time in Afterhours with JT and LeeAnn. Some secrets get spilled. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Professor of Barbecue, Tuffy Stone, joins JT and LeeAnn for an insight into how Tuffy's career has evolved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We speak with David Knight, the founder of Old Hickory Pits, about his convection technology and the design of high-quality smokers. I ask him how his interest began, and he explains it started in first grade and grew through work in restaurants. He describes how problems in his restaurant led him to develop commercial pits and later smaller backyard models up to the large Hogzilla unit. He explai...

I state that the central point of our conversation is that authentic Texas barbecue is defined by cooking with wood and by regional adaptation of techniques and equipment. I explain how different Texas regions favor distinct approaches, from Hill Country fire discs to large offset smokers made from oil tanks. We discuss the rise of backyard smokers and regulated oiler smokers and how those designs...

I welcome Daniel Vaughn, the barbecue editor at Texas Monthly, and we focus on the regional diversity of Texas barbecue. I ask how he moved from architecture to writing and how a blog grew into his job. We discuss how I and he judge barbecue places, with attention to brisket, sausage, and local specialties in East, Central, and South Texas. We share stories about pitmasters and characters, includi...

Guidance on how to enter and succeed in barbecue competitions, accompanied by pragmatic counsel for aspiring competitors. I delineate procedural and attitudinal recommendations, advising entrants to embrace incremental victories, hone category-specific skills, and persist despite the vicissitudes of judging that render outcomes unpredictable even for seasoned teams. We elucidate the social and fam...

We state at the outset that competitive barbecue is often decided by the luck of the judge, and that judge variability can affect results as much as cooking skill. I advise beginners to learn the sanctioning rules thoroughly, follow allowed equipment and garnish rules, and study presentation standards. We recommend joining a team or observing contests to learn timing, box setup, and judge expectat...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the exploration of culinary passions and personal anecdotes shared by our esteemed guest, Megan Day, a prominent figure in the barbecue realm. Throughout the discourse, we engage in a profound dialogue concerning her admiration for historical figures, specifically the intrepid Amelia Earhart, and the culinary delights she would prepare for...

The salient focus of this podcast episode centers on the remarkable journey of Megan Day from Burnt Fingers Barbecue, as she elaborates on the origins of her barbecue brand and her experiences within the competitive barbecue circuit. Megan shares the intriguing anecdote behind the name "Burnt Fingers," emphasizing the communal joy of cooking and the unanticipated risks associated with culinary ent...

This podcast episode delves into the intricate world of hot sauces, highlighting the essential notion that the selection of a singular, optimal sauce can significantly enhance culinary experiences. I engage in a profound dialogue with John Hallner, who is affectionately referred to as the hot sauce sensei, accompanied by my co-host, Ms. Leanne Whippen. Together, we explore the diverse array of hot...

The central theme of this podcast episode is an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationships between hot sauces, salsas, and barbecue sauces, as articulated by our esteemed guest, John Hallner, the Hot Sauce Sensei. In our discussion, we delve into the culinary elements that define these condiments, emphasizing how their foundational ingredients such as peppers, vinegar, and sweetness contr...

The central theme of this episode revolves around the profound culinary artistry inherent in barbecue, as discussed by our esteemed guest, Tori Campbell, from Felton and Mary's Artisan Foods. Our conversation delves into the intricate processes and personal stories that shape one's barbecue journey, highlighting the significance of familial influences and the communal aspects of this cherished coo...

The central theme of today's discourse revolves around the rich tapestry of barbecue culture as embodied by our esteemed guest, Tory Campbell, of Felton and Mary’s Artisan Foods. Tory elaborates on the profound legacy of his grandparents, who established a revered barbecue restaurant in Portland, and how their traditions continue to influence his culinary endeavors. We delve into the intricate int...

In this episode of Barbecue Nation, we delve into the multifaceted world of barbecue, exploring the complexities and challenges that practitioners face in both competitive and casual settings. One of the salient points discussed is the notion that while many aspire to carve out a niche in the barbecue industry, the reality is that achieving financial stability through barbecue alone remains a form...

The salient point of this podcast episode is the introduction of Clint Cantwell as the newly appointed president of AmazingRibs.com, a position that he has embraced with enthusiasm and ambition. During our discussion, we delve into Clint's extensive background in barbecue, exploring his evolution from a backyard griller to a pivotal figure in the barbecue community. We also examine the influence o...

This episode of Barbecue Nation After Hours features a compelling dialogue with esteemed chef Michael Simon, who shares his culinary insights and personal anecdotes. A salient point of discussion revolves around the significance of barbecue techniques and preferences, particularly the debate surrounding the use of sweet sauces versus vinegar-based options. Throughout the episode, Simon reveals his...

The salient point of today's discourse revolves around the intersection of culinary artistry and community bonding, as exemplified by our esteemed guest, Chef Michael Simon, renowned for his television presence and culinary ventures. We delve into the nuances of barbecuing, elucidating the significance of live fire cooking, which has been a cornerstone of Simon’s career. He shares insights from hi...

The salient point of this episode revolves around the exploration of personal connections to barbecue and culinary influences, as exemplified by Megan Day of Burnt Finger BBQ. During our conversation, we delve into the significance of historical figures in shaping culinary aspirations, with a particular focus on Megan's admiration for Amelia Earhart and her bold spirit. Moreover, we engage in a di...

This podcast episode features an engaging discussion with Megan Day from Burnt Fingers Barbecue, who shares her journey in the competitive barbecue scene. One of the salient points highlighted is the evolution of flavor profiles and the increasing importance of high-quality meats in securing success at barbecue competitions. Megan recounts the story behind the name "Burnt Fingers" and emphasizes t...

The salient point of this podcast episode is the engaging conversation with Danny Wentworth, proprietor of Bull and Boar Barbecue Shop, who shares his insights into the barbecue industry and personal anecdotes about his journey. Throughout our dialogue, we delve into various topics including the evolution of barbecue techniques, the significance of community in culinary endeavors, and the challeng...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the transition from a career in information technology to the burgeoning barbecue business, as exemplified by our guest, Danny Wentworth of Bull and Boar Barbecue in Daytona Beach. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the intricacies of his journey, exploring the motivations that propelled him to leave a stable profession for the vibran...

This podcast episode elucidates the intricate and often humorous dynamics of the barbecue industry as experienced by seasoned professionals. Notably, our discussion pivots around the essential lesson of patience in barbecue preparation, underscored by the adage that "if you're looking, you ain't cooking." We delve into the idiosyncrasies of barbecue competitions, sharing anecdotes that highlight t...