BBQ Nation

The primary focus of today's discourse revolves around the invaluable contributions of Operation Barbecue Relief, led by Stan Hayes. We delve into the organization's extensive efforts to provide sustenance in the wake of disasters, having distributed approximately 1.6 million meals to affected communities over the past year alone. Furthermore, we explore the forthcoming barbecue festival at the Alana Casino, where Stan and his team will impart knowledge on the intricacies of barbecue vending, thereby enhancing the skills of aspiring vendors. This episode also highlights the importance of engaging volunteers and fostering a sense of community through culinary initiatives. We invite...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the intricate process of developing new seasoning products and the associated challenges within the culinary market. We engage in an enlightening discourse with Amy Young from Old World Spices, who elucidates the complexities inherent in the creation and commercialization of spices, rubs, and sauces. Through our dialogue, we uncover the sobering reality that less than 20% of new products developed in the lab successfully reach the market, emphasizing the necessity for patience and persistence in this competitive industry. Furthermore, we explore the importance of branding and market presence, particularly for newcomers...

In this podcast episode, we engage in an enlightening discourse with Amy Young, Executive Vice President of Strategic Relations for Old World Spices, as she delineates the intricacies of entering the spice market. We commence by emphasizing the burgeoning interest in barbecue and backyard cooking, which serves as a formidable trend influencing consumer preferences. Young expounds upon the essential narratives and backstories that distinguish successful spice brands in a saturated market, advocating for authenticity and unique flavor profiles. Furthermore, we explore the critical importance of strategic labeling and understanding consumer demographics, particularly in competitive retail environments. Our conversation provides...

The salient point of this podcast episode is the engaging dialogue featuring the esteemed John Marcus, a legendary figure in the realm of barbecue and television writing. During our conversation, we traversed various subjects, including the essence of authentic barbecue, which Marcus ardently advocates should be cooked over wood to preserve its integrity. Furthermore, we delved into the evolution of food shows, with Marcus expressing a critical perspective on the current landscape, suggesting a dramatic overhaul is warranted. Our discourse also touched upon personal anecdotes, reflecting on the joys and challenges of life, including his experiences in the entertainment...

The salient theme of this podcast episode revolves around the rich tapestry of barbecue culture, as illuminated through the insights of our esteemed guest, John Marcus. An Emmy-award-winning writer and the creator of the iconic show "Barbecue Pitmasters," Marcus shares his profound journey from an unassuming hobbyist to a celebrated figure in the culinary realm. Our discourse traverses his experiences in the barbecue landscape, emphasizing the significance of community and the intricate processes that define this beloved cuisine. Furthermore, Marcus reflects on his transformative adventures, including a poignant episode where he cooked for military personnel in Kuwait, underscoring the...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the nuanced intricacies of barbecue and the culinary expertise that drives its appreciation. We engage in a profound dialogue with Brian Leigh of BT Leigh's, who shares his insights into the art of barbecuing, including the evolution of his skills over the years and the significance of quality ingredients. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes, such as the challenges faced during early cooking endeavors, notably the tribulations of smoking a brisket, which serves as a metaphor for the learning process inherent in culinary pursuits. Additionally, we explore the preferences and...

This episode of Barbecue Nation features an insightful discussion with Brian Lee, the founder of BT Lee's Sauces and Rubs, who delves into the intricate process of crafting unique barbecue flavors. We explore the origins of Brian's passion for barbecue, which is deeply rooted in his family's culinary traditions and his father's legacy as a pitmaster. Brian shares his journey from a tech career to the world of barbecue sauces and rubs, emphasizing the importance of flavor harmony and innovation in his creations. Listeners will discover how Brian's distinctive approach fuses familiar and unfamiliar tastes, setting his products apart...

The principal focus of this podcast episode centers on the journey of Robert Wirt, the proprietor of Ribs by Rob, who has transitioned from the realm of law enforcement to the pursuit of barbecue excellence along the Oregon coast. Throughout the discussion, I delve into Robert's origins in barbecue, noting how a disappointing experience at a local barbecue establishment catalyzed his venture into the culinary arts. We explore the evolution of his small-scale operation into a burgeoning business, characterized by a commitment to quality and consistency in his offerings. Moreover, Robert shares insights into the challenges he has faced...

This episode features an enlightening conversation with Robert Wirt, the owner of Ribs by Rob, a burgeoning barbecue business located along the picturesque Oregon coast. We delve into his journey from a law enforcement career to the culinary world, unraveling how a lackluster barbecue experience catalyzed his passion for grilling. Robert shares the intricacies of his craft, including the meticulous preparation that goes into each cook and the importance of consistency in delivering quality barbecue. As the discussion unfolds, we explore the challenges he faces in establishing a permanent location for his operation, along with the support of his...

This podcast episode features an insightful discussion with Tina Cannon, the acclaimed winner of the Netflix series American Barbecue Showdown, who brings over three decades of culinary experience to the table. We delve into her remarkable journey through the competitive barbecue scene, exploring the nuances of reality television and the challenges faced by chefs in high-pressure environments. Tina shares not only her triumphs but also the realities of filming in grueling conditions, highlighting the emotional and physical demands of such competitions. Additionally, we touch upon her philanthropic efforts with Meals on Wheels, emphasizing the importance of community service within...

The primary focus of this podcast episode centers on the esteemed barbecue chef, Tina Cannon, who shares her extensive experience and insights garnered over her illustrious culinary career, which spans 35 years. As the winner of the Netflix American Barbecue Showdown, her expertise is illuminated through discussions surrounding her experiences on various competitive cooking shows, as well as her commitment to teaching the art of barbecue to others. We delve into the nuances of traditional barbecue techniques, particularly the importance of the low-and-slow cooking method, which she ardently advocates as a means to foster family connections and culinary joy. Additionally...

This podcast episode features an engaging dialogue with the esteemed chef Ray Sheehan, who brings forth a wealth of experience from the culinary and barbecue realms. We delve into the intricacies of crafting flavorful dishes, where Ray shares his philosophy that emphasizes the importance of patience and meticulousness in the creation of sauces and seasonings. Our discussion reveals that success in the kitchen is often born from numerous iterations and thorough revisions, underscoring the concept that excellence is not achieved hastily but through diligent refinement. Furthermore, we explore the influence of culinary icons and the enduring impact of mentorship...

This podcast episode features an engaging discussion with Chef Ray Sheehan, who shares insights from his recent endeavors in the barbecue industry. Chef Sheehan reflects on the challenges he faced while operating his restaurant, Raised Roadside Kitchen, which specialized in comfort food and barbecue but ultimately did not succeed as anticipated. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to one's culinary strengths and the necessity of adapting business strategies in the competitive food landscape. Furthermore, he discusses his aspirations for the future, including potential new writing projects and a renewed focus on barbecue sauce. Our conversation underscores the resilience required...

The salient point of our discussion centers on the profound impact of community engagement and philanthropy, particularly illustrated through the experiences shared by Jed Laurette from Jack Daniels. In this episode, we delve into Jed's involvement with Operation Ride Home, an initiative aimed at supporting junior enlisted service members in their times of need. We also explore lighthearted queries regarding culinary preferences, including historical dining companions and memorable meals from the past. Additionally, the conversation reveals personal reflections on life, responsibility, and the significance of cherished family moments. Ultimately, we aim to emphasize the importance of human connection and...

The salient focus of this podcast episode revolves around the upcoming Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue, an event that serves as a significant celebration of both barbecue and community. I, alongside my esteemed co-hosts, engage in a dialogue with Jed Lorette from the Jack Daniel's Distillery, who elucidates the intricacies of his role as a senior brand ambassador and the preparations underway for this prestigious competition. Our conversation traverses the historical connections between barbecue and whiskey, highlighting the legacy of mentorship and craftsmanship within the distillery, particularly the contributions of Nathan "Nearest" Green. Furthermore, we delve into the...

This episode of Barbecue Nation features a captivating dialogue with Tina Cannon from Tina Cannon Cooks, a distinguished figure in the culinary world. We delve into an array of topics, including Cannon’s culinary inspirations and her experiences as a chef who has graced platforms such as Netflix and the Food Channel. A notable discussion arises regarding the impact of cooking on learning and cognitive development, wherein Cannon articulates the intrinsic relationship between culinary practices and mathematical principles. Additionally, we explore her reflections on historical dining preferences, revealing personal anecdotes that illuminate her culinary journey and preferences. As we na...

This podcast episode features an enlightening conversation with Tina Cannon, a celebrated figure in the culinary world and the winner of the Netflix American Barbecue Showdown. Tina shares her extensive experience, spanning over thirty-five years in the culinary industry, during which she has held various roles from executive chef to owner, and even a sous chef, emphasizing the importance of each position in the culinary ecosystem. The discussion delves into her intriguing experiences with reality television, particularly the challenges and revelations encountered during her time on multiple cooking competitions. We explore the nuances of barbecue culture, including the evolving...

This podcast episode delves into the profound connection between culinary experiences and personal history, as our guest, Meathead from AmazingRibs.com, recounts his formative encounters with barbecue and other beloved dishes from his childhood. He shares vivid recollections of familial meals that ignited his passion for cooking, particularly his admiration for ribs, which he first discovered at a cherished Chinese restaurant. The conversation then transitions to the nuances of cooking techniques, particularly the importance of achieving high temperatures for optimal stir-frying, an art that Meathead has perfected through outdoor methods that mimic restaurant conditions. Furthermore, the dialogue explores the...

This podcast episode elucidates the intricate nuances of grilling as we approach Labor Day, emphasizing the imperative of mastering foundational techniques to enhance one’s culinary prowess. We are joined by the esteemed Meathead from AmazingRibs.com, who shares invaluable insights on effectively utilizing a digital thermometer and employing two-zone cooking as essential methodologies for achieving optimal results. The dialogue further traverses the significance of seasoning, specifically the unparalleled role of salt in amplifying flavors while preserving moisture within various meats. As we prepare for the convivial gatherings typical of this holiday, we also explore diverse grilling inspirations, ranging fr...

This podcast episode delves into the intricate world of barbecue and competition cooking, featuring a candid dialogue with David Stidham from Compart Durock. The primary focus centers on the nuances of cooking for historical figures and the authorship of barbecue traditions. Throughout our conversation, we explore the challenges and humorous anecdotes from competitive cooking, including the often tedious emphasis on presentation, particularly the use of garnish, which David critiques as an unnecessary distraction from the quality of the meat itself. Additionally, we engage in lighthearted yet profound discussions about personal culinary preferences and the ideal last meal, revealing insights...