Fat Guys with Smokers

The weather’s finally turning, which means it’s time to knock the dust off the rigs and get those grates ready for some serious smoke. In this episode, John and Mike dive into the dirty work of BBQ spring cleaning and put some "armor" on the pit with a review of the GrillFighter chainmail grill brush. We’re talking about ditching the dangerous wire bristles for good to see if this medieval-style s...

John and Mike are officially 3 for 3 on cooking videos and this time they’re bringing the heat with Sonora Dogs. If you’ve never had one, a Sonora Dog is a bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled to perfection, tucked into a soft bolillo-style bun, and loaded up with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, jalapeño sauce, mustard, and mayo. It’s bold, messy, and absolutely incredible. The guys cook them up, talk a l...

John and Mike are back at it with more incredible meat from B&G Premium Meats, and this time they’re throwing down some American Wagyu T-bones—and they are unreal. The flavor, the marbling, the crust… it all delivers. The camera work might not be our finest production moment, but the jokes are strong and the steaks are stronger. Huge thanks to our friends at B&G Premium Meats in Cache Vall...

John and Mike kick off this episode from a brand-new location that’s going to make for some truly epic videos moving forward. With fresh surroundings and big energy, the guys fire up the pit to cook Chicago-style brats and dive into the history of bratwurst and how it became a staple of backyard cooking. They also announce a new show sponsor, B&G Premium Meats, a local butcher shop right here...

John and Mike sit down to talk about goals, plans, and what they’re hoping to build in 2026. From personal growth to the future of Fat Guys with Smokers, the guys share what they’re excited about and where they want to take things next. Along the way, they drop a few hints about an upcoming collaboration with a local group—and let’s just say it’s going to taste really good. It’s a laid-back, forwa...

This week on Fat Guys with Smokers, Mike and John tackle the ultimate holiday feast: Prime Rib! They break down everything from choosing the best cut (bone-in vs. boneless) to Mike's famous herb and garlic paste. Learn John's step-by-step guide to the reverse-sear method for achieving a perfect, edge-to-edge medium-rare finish every single time. Get ready to impress your guests with a truly specta...

This week on Fat Guys with Smokers, Mike and John roll out their annual Holiday Gift Guide, sharing foolproof ideas for the hard-to-buy man in your life—from must-have BBQ gadgets to cozy winter essentials and a few wildcards guaranteed to make him smile. Tune in as the guys swap stories, compare favorites, and help you nail the perfect gift without the headache.   Mike's Lift https://www.amazon.c...

In this week’s episode of Fat Guys with Smokers, Mike and John awkwardly navigate a Zoom recording as they recap their Thanksgiving cooks, break down their front-page feature in the Herald Journal, and catch up on John’s current Texas BBQ road/work trip. From holiday smoker wins to Lone Star brisket adventures, the guys keep it real—even when the tech doesn’t cooperate. Tune in for good food, good...

John and Mike take on Thanksgiving in true Fat Guys with Smokers fashion—and nothing goes according to plan. They kick things off by making whole cranberries in about 10 minutes, which actually works… shockingly well. But from there, chaos sets in. Something wildly unexpected happens (yes, even more unexpected than the laptop dying mid-episode), and the masterclass they record on how to spatchcock...

Season 3 is here! Mike and John kick things off by talking about their boys’ football seasons, some recent cooks they’ve been proud of, and—most importantly—the main event: chili. The guys dive into their takes on over-the-top chili, sharing tips, flavor tricks, and a few laughs about what went right (and what didn’t) when smoke met spice. Whether you’re firing up your pit or just craving a hearty...

John and Mike hit the road for another drive-time episode, this time talking all about Mike’s draft party menu. At the center of it all? Party Ribs. The guys break down what makes ribs the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day, how to prep them for a big group, and share some of their go-to tricks for making sure the ribs come out perfect every time. With plenty of laughs along the way, this episode...

John and Mike are back in the pit, and this time it’s all about beef! John just picked up a ¼ beef, and the guys dive deep into what that means, from the different cuts you get to how they plan to cook them. From brisket and ribeye to the lesser-known cuts that often get overlooked, John and Mike break it down with their usual mix of BBQ know-how, humor, and plenty of pit-side banter. If you’ve ev...

John and Mike are back at it, and this time John shares all the details from his recent trip to Yellowstone. From breathtaking views to campsite cooking, John talks about putting his brand-new camping Blackstone to the test. The guys dive into what makes cooking in the great outdoors so much fun, swap a few camping stories, and of course, sprinkle in plenty of laughs along the way.   #FatGuysWithS...

After a bit of a summer break, John and Mike are finally back where they belong—at the pit! In this episode, the guys fire things up, catch up on what they've been up to, and dive right back into all things BBQ. There’s smoke, laughs, a few grill-side stories, and of course, some solid meat talk. Whether you’re firing up your own cooker or just here for the vibes, this episode kicks off a new run...

On this episode of Fat Guys with Smokers, John and Mike dive into the gritty details of building an ugly drum smoker (UDS) on a budget. They break down the essential materials you’ll need, from food-safe barrels to fire baskets, and explore a few money-saving hacks to keep the total cost under $100. Whether you’re a weekend pitmaster or a DIY enthusiast looking for your next project, this episode...

Mike and John are back from spring break and ready to fire up the nonsense. In this episode, the Fat Guys catch up on what they’ve been grilling (and accidentally burning), then dive into a flurry of blind rankings—from the best summer BBQ foods and cooking apparatuses, to the worst careers you could possibly have, and the yard chores that make them want to fake an injury. It’s all laughs, mild sw...

This week, Mike and John dive into John’s latest grill cleaning video — because a clean grill is a happy grill — and then relive the epic disaster that was our attempt at making elk snack sticks. Let’s just say, things didn’t go as planned… but the footage is too good not to share. Stay tuned for next week’s video to see the chaos unfold! #FatGuysWithSmokers #BBQFails #GrillCleaning #ElkSnackStick...

In this episode of Fat Guys with Smokers, Mike shares the chaos and joy of filming his tri-tip cook while all four of his kids insisted on helping—because nothing says family bonding like seasoning wars and grill-side negotiations. Meanwhile, John recaps his trip to southern Utah, where he indulged in some incredible eats from a lineup of must-try restaurants. Plus, the guys drop a teaser for next...

This week on Fat Guys with Smokers, Make and John break down last week’s picanha cook, discussing what worked, what they’d tweak, and how they put the leftovers to good use. They also cover essential spring grill maintenance, from cleaning grates to checking fuel sources, to keep your smoker or grill ready for the season. #BBQ #GrillingTips #Picanha #SmokedMeat #SpringMaintenance

In this episode of Fat Guys with Smokers, John and Mike break down their latest cook video featuring delicious jalapeño poppers—perfectly smoked, stuffed, and wrapped in bacon. They share tips on getting the right balance of heat and creaminess, plus a few mistakes to avoid. The guys also dive into their BBQ plans for the Super Bowl, discussing the ultimate game-day menu, smoker strategies, and wh...

In this episode of *Fat Guys with Smokers*, Mike and John break down their latest YouTube video, where they showcase their favorite BBQ gear that takes their smoking game to the next level. From trusty thermometers to their go-to knives, they share the tools they can't live without. Got questions about their setup or ideas for what they should cook next? Drop a comment on the video and let them kn...

Mike and John look back on how they spent the holidays—balancing BBQ, family time, and the occasional failed attempt to dodge seconds at dinner. Somehow, this is also their *100th episode*! (Who’s keeping track, anyway?) They share stories of laughter, mishaps, and plans for a bigger, better year of smoky content. From upcoming collaborations to new smoker projects, the Fat Guys are ready to turn...

In this episode of *Fat Guys with Smokers*, John and Mike dive into the world of burritos—what makes them different from tacos, why they’re a perfect comfort food, and their favorite burrito-building techniques. Mike also shares the story of his epic breakfast burrito cook for 40 people this weekend, complete with smoky bacon, fluffy eggs, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you're team bu...

In this episode of **Fat Guys with Smokers**, John and Mike tackle some hilarious and heated **blind-ranking challenges**, where they judge random BBQ-related topics without knowing what’s coming next. From awkward Christmas party traditions to questionable grilling trends, their reactions are as smoky as their meats. Then, they put their budgeting skills to the test with a **$10 meal challenge**,...

This week on *Fat Guys with Smokers*, John and Mike serve up holiday gift ideas sure to delight the BBQ enthusiast in your life. From must-have tools to unique rubs and sauces, they’ve got you covered! Plus, John shares his epic pulled ham fail and what went wrong, while Mike dishes on the buzzworthy trend of honey-aged steak—does it live up to the hype? Tune in for laughs, lessons, and everything...