The Bite Meat Podcast

* Aaron Franklin, Truth Barbecue's Leonard Botello, Netflix BBQ star Sloan Rinaldi and The Pit Room's Michael Sambrooks' weigh in. * Does the pit matter? What spices? Techniques? * Plus a Smokin' Hot Tip on how to make your tailgate party stand out.

In this episode of the Bite and Meet podcast, we sit down with the legendary pitmaster Ronnie Killen of Killen's Barbecue. Ronnie shares his journey from growing up in a family where cooking was a love language to becoming a renowned figure in the world of barbecue. He discusses his culinary education at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu and how it expanded his understanding of cooking techniques. Ro...

John Lopez dives deep into the world of barbecue, focusing on the intricacies of whole hog cooking and the allure of exotic meats. With insights from barbecue legends like Jess Pryles of Hardcore Carnivore and Grant Pinkerton of Pinkerton's Barbecue, listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge on techniques and flavors that elevate pork to new heights. Join Erin and Patrick Feges, known for the...

* How to know what style pit or grill fits you best * The details that make a big difference in cooking * Why the griddle and pellet grill markets are exploding * Getting over the intimidation of slow-smoking * Smokin' Hot Tip: Best prep and tools for your pit or grill

* The risk/reward of the live-fire method * Meat Mythbusting * Perfect steaks and the "just keep flipping" approach * Fire sourcing the right way * Best advice for cooking on a spit  

* With BBQ in her family for more than 100-years, Sloan Rinaldi finally dove in at age 50. She has since become one of barbecue's biggest stars * How diving into true craft barbecue techniques can make your food stand out * A unique approach to turning out succulent and consistent chicken * A mustard binder on brisket? Yes. Here's why * What it's really like going through the Chopped and Netflix B...

*Cookout News' Wes Wright with everything you want - and need - to know *Biggest changes the past 15 years *Are we out of the post-covid doldrums? *What's the next big industry-changer? *Essential items every backyard pitmaster needs

You will love Sunny Moody's story and rise to the top of the barbecue game. * Healthy ... barbecue? Yes. * Turning a crossroads into a crown * Melding different regional techniques into great barbecue * The perfect steak, from a World Champ.  

* Spices matter. They matter a lot * Scott shares everything about how Badia has reached the top of the industry without compromising quality * What to look for in spices. * What goes into sourcing and blending spices for the highest quality * Trending influences in the food world: India, Korea, Africa and others * Fascinating insight on garlic and pepper 

Texas-raised Bill LaViolette decided to open a Texas-style barbecue restaurant in Tennessee. During a global pandemic. His Shotgun Willies in Nashville has since been named one of the best, anywhere. * His story, plus detailed brisket tips and how to enter the trailer/restaurant game. * Smokin' Hot Tip Of The Week: Open-flame cooking.

* Jordan Beeman from Heart Brand Beef brings insight sure to improve your barbecue game         + How Akaushi beef changed the industry         + Differences between Prime, Choice and Select cuts         + What to look for in brisket, steak and other cuts         + Most important things to know, from the ranch to the table * Plus, what to look for in chicken and pork on the Smokin' Hot Tip Of The...

* Aaron Franklin, Grant Pinkerton and Leonard Botello talk all about brisket. * From techniques, to wrapping, smoke, meat and their unique techniques, they share insight like no other. * What about the rubs? A dive into some of the best options.

Plus: * Getting into the barbecue world, "backwards." * All the essentials for taking your barbecue game to another level. * Don't sleep on cabrito and duck * All about chicken: From whole chicken, to half chicken, pieces and "dunking" them for best flavor  

Couldn't help but ask Erin and Patrick Feges, a pair of classically trained chefs who have worked at the best of high-end restaurants, about The Bear. Now they dominate at Feges Barbecue in the Greenway and Spring Branch areas.

A fascinating discussion with the owners of Feges Barbecue, and how their disparate backgrounds came together to create magic. * Most recently, the challenges were overcoming Hurricane Beryl obstacles, but this barbecue power couple thrived. * Also, a deep dive into how a long recovery from battlefield injuries led Patrick into the barbecue and culinary worlds. And, ultimately, to the classically-...

If you have mastered brisket and barbecue, you will absolutely learn more from Leonard Botello's terrific insight. If you are learning, you will take your cooking to another level. Leonard Botello shares details and techniques that will help everyone. * What is the "feel" of a perfectly executed brisket? * Anxious every time you cook for people? You're not alone. * Why you may be doing too much  *...

* Just in time for Fourth Of July: * One of the most innovative Pitmasters in the world goes deep on winning with hot-and fast barbecuing, the pellet grill revolution and testing the boundaries of barbecue norms. * Which woods pair best with which meats? The Smokin' Hot Tip Of The Week

* Grant Pinkerton shares all on his rise to prominence and everything it takes to enter the competitive barbecue world. * Also why hot-and-fast always is his go-to. * Plus ... why he tried to cook a bad brisket, his best tips for weekend cooks and how barbecue helped save his life.

Joined by wife Hannah McNair, the Texans owner offers insight into why his biggest passion outside football is smoking and grilling meats. From brisket, chicken and unique meats he smokes at a high level, to cooking for the entire Texans team and what makes his best dishes elite, Cal offers a glimpse into his barbecuing world. Also, the great Gus Johnston on how to best cook whole chicken, chicken...

One of the most innovative and successful Pitmasters in the world, Aaron Franklin joins John Lopez for a conversation on all things barbecue.  Franklin and Lopez discuss everything from smoke profiles, smoke flow, wood techniques, seasonings and under-appreciated things to put on pits and grills.

Chris Shepherd joins John Lopez on what to look for in meats, how he approaches different cooks, the best bite in barbecue, what's best to cook on pellet grills vs. stick pits and more. Plus, the Smokin' Hot Tip Of The Week.