Steak Bites

Welcome to Raising the Steaks, a special series within the Steak Bites podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Colorado Craft Beef. We tackle listener questions, break down industry trends, and dig into the real issues shaping our food system, health, and the future of American ranching. No fluff—just honest conversations, expert insights, and a closer look at what it takes to bring high-quali...

In this episode of Steak Bites, we sit down with Pete Roberts — co-founder of Origin USA and Jocko Fuel, and a fierce advocate for American manufacturing, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. What starts as a sharp, 30-minute dive into the erosion of quality, the consequences of outsourcing, and the decline of U.S. industry evolves into a full-spectrum conversation about business, legacy, culture,...

Welcome to Raising the Steaks, a special series within the Steak Bites podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Colorado Craft Beef. We answer your questions, unpack industry shifts, and dive into the real issues shaping our food, health, and the future of American ranching. No fluff—just raw insight, expert takes, and an honest look at what it really takes to raise high-quality beef from pastu...

In this episode of Steak Bites, UFC champion Raquel Pennington shares a powerful look at how mental discipline, nutrition, and motherhood intersect in her life as both an elite athlete and intentional parent. She details how transitioning to a whole-food, largely carnivore-style diet—centered on high-quality red meat, eggs, fruit, and vegetables—dramatically improved her skin, energy, sleep, recov...

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in rural veterinary medicine—or what it takes to ensure the health and welfare of the animals that become part of our food system? In this episode of Steak Bites, Dr. Darcy joins us to share her journey as a rural veterinarian and the lessons learned along the way. From middle-of-the-night calving calls to helping ranchers navigate vaccine protoc...

In this episode of Steak Bites, Kara Smith sits down with Katharine Lotspeich for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of food systems, policy, and how what we eat shapes the future of our nation. Katharine brings her unique perspective, growing up on a dairy farm and working in both state legislatures and the agritech sector, providing invaluable insight into how food and agricultural...

In this episode, Jay Knight sits down with Kara Smith to explore the realities of spring on the ranch and the deep connection ranchers have with nature. Kara explains how spring turnout—when cattle are released to graze—isn't just about a calendar date. It's a careful balance of temperature, moisture, and pasture readiness, especially in the unique Colorado Sandhills, where native grass supports s...

Jack Arnold joins the podcast to discuss his passion for barbecue and live fire cooking, which started at a young age under the influence of his Texas-born father. He shares how cooking over charcoal became a lifelong love, bringing people together and creating lasting memories. Jack explains how he turned this passion into a career by hosting high-end barbecue experiences, partnering with top bra...

Welcome to Raising the Steaks, a special series within the Steak Bites podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Colorado Craft Beef . We tackle listener questions, break down industry trends, and dig into the real issues shaping our food system, health, and the future of American ranching. No fluff—just honest conversations, expert insights, and a closer look at what it takes to bring high-qual...

In this episode of Steak Bites, host Kara Smith sits down with Jamie Cochran , Chief Operating Officer of Echelon Front, to explore leadership, resilience, and the power of extreme ownership. Echelon Front, founded by former Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, is built on the principles outlined in their bestselling book, Extreme Ownership . Jamie shares her unconventional career path—leaving...

In this special Women's History Month episode, we dive deep into the enduring spirit of the American West and the women shaping its future. From vast, untamed landscapes to the heart of ranching and rodeo culture, women have long been integral to the legacy of the West. Autrey Hunt, Head of Community at Colorado Craft Beef, shares her personal journey of honoring this rich tradition while bringing...

In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of BBQ with Eddy Frisk, exploring everything from selecting the right cuts to perfecting your cooking techniques. Eddy shares expert insights on knowing your source, understanding how different cuts cook, and adjusting methods for dry-aged beef. We discuss how dry aging enhances flavor and texture, why cooking times vary, and how to get the most out o...

This episode of Steak Bites features Nolan Wilson, host of The Art & Science of Becoming Sovereign podcast and a former Division 1 athlete. Nolan shares his journey of personal empowerment, emphasizing the importance of food sovereignty and reconnecting with where our food comes from. The discussion covers the role of high-quality protein in optimizing health, the impact of food choices on overall...

In this empowering episode of Steak Bites, we're thrilled to welcome Doug Champion , founder of Champion Living Fitness and a true advocate for helping individuals reach their full potential. At Colorado Craft Beef, we've always believed that hard work, resilience, and intentional fueling are essential to success—and Doug's approach to fitness aligns perfectly with those values. Rooted in the West...

Join us as we sit down with Alison Capra —wellness expert, coach, entrepreneur, and author of the unapologetically titled How to Not Be a Miserable Cow . In this inspiring episode, Alison takes us on her journey from struggling with her health and self-identity in her 20s to becoming a thriving advocate for intentional living and personal empowerment. Discover how Alison found confidence through j...

In this compelling episode of Steak Bites, host Kara Smith delves into the transformative journey of Anne Montgomery , co-founder of First in Nutrition . Anne's unique path—from her roots in the fire service to pioneering a movement in nutrition and wellness—highlights her commitment to lasting health through a balanced relationship with food. Together, Kara and Anne explore how food culture withi...

In this episode, Kara Smith sits down with Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, to explore the powerful mantra "If not me, then who?"—a motto that her late brother, Travis Manion, lived by before his final deployment. Ryan shares how this phrase became the foundation's guiding principle, inspiring her family to continue his legacy of service. The Travis Manion Foundation focuses on em...

In this episode of Steak Bites, Kara Smith sits down with Dr. John Ritten, an agricultural economist at Colorado State University and a member of the AgNext team, to break down the complex world of carbon sequestration and sustainability in beef production. Together, they explore the evolving carbon and ESG markets, unraveling the economic and environmental realities that shape carbon credits and...

In this episode of Steak Bites, co-founders Jeff and Kara Smith dive into the "why" behind the essential partnerships that power Colorado Craft Beef 's success. They pull back the curtain on the vital relationships, from ranchers and processors to logistics partners, that align with their core values of quality, transparency, and intentionality. The conversation highlights the complexity of agricu...

In this episode of Steak Bites, Kara Smith sits down with Dr. Shawn Baker —renowned orthopedic surgeon, bestselling author, co-founder and chief medical officer of Revero plus a leading advocate for the carnivore diet. Together, they dive deep into the transformative power of the carnivore lifestyle and its profound impact on health and wellness. They challenge conventional nutritional advice, exp...

In this episode of Steak Bites, Kara Smith sits down with Brian Littlefield, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Jocko Fuel and a trusted board member of Colorado Craft Beef . Together, they dive deep into the complexities of product development, ingredient sourcing, and supply chain management, all while upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity. Brian shares how Jocko Fuel was...

In this episode of Steak Bites, we dive into the personal health journey of Derran, who shares his transition from a Midwestern upbringing to a more nuanced understanding of diet and nutrition. Derran opens up about his early life in Ohio, where a diet of meat and potatoes was the norm. He discusses the shift from this traditional diet to exploring vegetarianism during his time in Colorado, influe...

In this episode of Steak Bites, we're joined by the highly esteemed Dr. Ty Lawrence, an expert in agriculture and meat science. Dr. Lawrence brings his extensive knowledge to the table as we delve into the complexities of beef labeling and the true story behind your steak. We unravel common misconceptions about terms like "Angus" and "grass-finished," exposing the marketing tactics that often infl...

Join host Kara Smith as she welcomes trailblazing Robyn Lindars, known as Grill Girl, to the show. Robyn is passionate about encouraging more women to get behind the grill and shares her journey through her popular blog, GrillGirl.com , and various media appearances.   In this episode, Robyn discusses the importance of whole foods and high-quality protein, and how grilling can make healthy cooking...

In this engaging episode of Steak Bites, host Kara Smith explores the vital topic of cattle health alongside esteemed veterinarian Dr. Joe Gillespie. With over 30 years of experience in animal health, Dr. Joe brings clarity to the essential role vaccines play in ensuring robust cattle health and premium beef quality. Delve into the science behind vaccines, debunking common misconceptions while unc...