Howdy,I love cooking the primitive way, with just wood and a fire. I've been fascinated and inspired by it since I was a boy.After 35 years of meddling with fires trying to conjure up the next best cook, I stumbled upon a larger purpose. I realized my "why" was less about the end product and MORE about the spiritual pilgrimage of primitive style cooking.The enjoyment of prepping wood, getting a fire going, establishing a coal bed... I love being entangled by the many challenges within a cook and that process became the gift I didn't know I needed...
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Sep 29, 2026 · 38:44
A discussion about the true inspiration of today's live fire cooking tools.
Sep 24, 2026 · 35:52
Cooking BBQ with a stick burner is all about using your senses and understanding tools are more of a detriment.
Sep 22, 2026 · 30:40
One thing we've seen around the Internet is the whole hog being cooked on an offset smoker. It sounds like a plausible idea, but is it?
Sep 17, 2026 · 36:10
Jordan and I got to swapping cooking notes in October 2024 and the topic got on to ash and how it helps the rate of fire. Probably the biggest trick in stick burner cooking.
Sep 15, 2026 · 32:43
We have heard a lot over the years about a "BBQ Season" and it just doesn't make sense with an offset smoker, so lets dive in.
Sep 10, 2026 · 33:24
My counterpart left me solo today and I just decided to dive into what is fresh in my brain. A little commentary about the slow down of Texas style BBQ joints opening outside of…
Sep 8, 2026 · 33:35
We won't tread much in the waters of pellet smokers, but we did today to clear up some noise in the pipeline.
Sep 3, 2026 · 35:26
It was the ole Internet comment pool that inspired today's podcast. We are always being shown posts from the guys and gals in the shop, so we're running with a discussion of…
Sep 3, 2026 · 34:50
It can go on and on with fire management in an offset smoker and in this episode a conversation about some technique.
Aug 27, 2026 · 31:09
The BBQ Restaurant Scam no one talks about is the growing!
Aug 25, 2026 · 33:08
There are a lot of assumptions about the price of BBQ at craft BBQ joints, but if you follow the money trail, you'll quick see the platter cost a lot to plate.
Aug 20, 2026 · 47:08
Part two from episode 84.
Aug 18, 2026 · 29:04
BBQ can be a loose term thrown around, but when it comes to exiting elite BBQ with proper bark you are going to find a stick burner involved. Who are the ones burning wood to cook?
Aug 13, 2026 · 28:51
A little off the norm on this episode, but give it a listen. What major cities need Central Texas BBQ
Aug 11, 2026 · 40:30
Why are people looking for easier, faster, more efficient options to cook BBQ?
Aug 6, 2026 · 29:44
The title says it all. There are a lot of common myths about the offset smoker build and today we hash those myths.
Aug 4, 2026 · 36:04
Identifying the elite BBQ joints, you will find they have the same core principles in common.
Jul 30, 2026 · 35:15
Is it hard work to cook an offset smoker?
Jul 28, 2026 · 45:16
To be a great BBQ cook, one must understand placement of the protein in the cooker has impact on the quality. Today we discuss aiming for capacity verses steering towards quality…
Jul 23, 2026 · 33:25
Shortcuts, compromises and industrialization has destroyed the restaurant industry. We dive in on how great hospitality isn't going to fix poorly prepared food.
Jul 21, 2026 · 43:48
Need we say more, Texas vs Kansas City BBQ.
Jul 16, 2026 · 28:12
Learning from mistakes in BBQ can delivery gems.
Jul 14, 2026 · 32:04
There is a plethora of Internet technique on how to do just about anything on a BBQ pit, but something not addressed enough is the coal bed dying deep into the cook. We discuss…
Jul 9, 2026 · 32:00
There is a debate about using a fire grate to improve fire management in an offset smoker, but if you want control of the cook, think again. We dive in.
Jul 8, 2026 · 30:46
We spend a lot of time discussing marathon cooks, or really just discussing brisket because brisket is king. However, there are a lot of shorter cooks that can hit with…
Jul 3, 2026 · 29:29
The most expensive cut of BBQ is the Dino beef rib. We dive in.
Jul 1, 2026 · 39:19
Had a change of mind. Sorry.
Jun 25, 2026 · 39:02
The Internet keeps on going and we just take. We saw this the other day and thought, why not?
Jun 23, 2026 · 33:23
So much information resides around BBQ processes, recipes, techniques and so on, but this episode discusses getting some additional opinions on the pod. Who do you want to see?
Jun 18, 2026 · 39:29
Cooking for family, friends, co-workers, etc isn't a tall task. In today's episode we walk through cooking for a large group in the backyard with a smaller offset smoker.
Jun 17, 2026 · 33:11
July 4th used to be burgers and dogs on the grill. It's changed and we've noticed.
Jun 11, 2026 · 28:48
If you're on the fence about entering the great and rewarding activity of smoking BBQ on an offset smoker, this is a helpful episode.
Jun 9, 2026 · 32:02
THE most important indicator as to if your BBQ turns out great or bad is highly dependent on your preparation prior to lighting a fire. We hash it out in this episode.
Jun 5, 2026 · 36:47
We've been to almost every relevant BBQ joint in the US, we've also cooked some of the best BBQ in both our careers. Now it's time to talk best of the best in restaurant BBQ.
Jun 3, 2026 · 40:36
This argument is a global argument. What role does BBQ sauce actually play in the genre of BBQ? Today we dive in on what to sauce and what to not sauce.
May 29, 2026 · 34:57
It's always a question folks want to know. Do I have to babysit the offset smoker to cook great BBQ? The answer is yes 100% of the time. In Episode 61 we discuss. Sorry about the…
May 26, 2026 · 32:17
You sure don't want white smoke, It's the first sign of acrid smoke. We navigate during episode.
May 21, 2026 · 29:00
We discuss what happened to Chasing Fire and handling BBQ critics.
May 19, 2026 · 29:00
Many think about getting into offset smoking, but the route of buying a cheap big box smoker is a larger deterrent than many would expect.
May 14, 2026 · 48:23
Throw everything you know out the door about smoking BBQ on the offset smoker! Episode 57
May 13, 2026 · 35:19
I might preface that there is no single element for cooking BBQ that Jordan hasn't thought out thoroughly. Once again, the pupil learned some interesting techniques of blending…
May 7, 2026 · 40:15
If you paid for the podcast, I'd offer your money back on this one. Me and Jordan had trouble getting to the topic and we shot some bull. Apologies, we met to discuss doing our…
May 5, 2026 · 40:15
What does Taylor Swift have to do with BBQ? As for opening a BBQ restaurant we talk about showing up everyday, every week, every month, every year to deliver a better product to…
May 1, 2026 · 40:38
This is for the purest, the foodies, the ones who chase incredible meals. We discuss BBQ in the backyard and how it came to be and we discuss the joy it brings to the gathering…
Apr 28, 2026 · 30:25
Today the guys break down what actually happens when you slice into meat and why oxidation matters, to choosing the right cooker for each protein, this episode is packed with…
Apr 23, 2026 · 44:51
In this episode, the guys dive into smoking lamb, building the perfect chopped beef sandwich, and why skipping a proper brisket trim can lead to disappointing results. From…
Apr 22, 2026 · 36:39
Episode 50 and we’re doing it right—talking fishing, fresh catches, and throwing fish on the offset. It’s a mix of stories from the water, lessons learned, and celebrating how…
Apr 16, 2026 · 35:43
In this episode, the guys build their dream offset smoker from the ground up—breaking down every detail they’d customize if money and limitations didn’t exist. From design to…
Apr 14, 2026 · 42:02
Taking a leap from traditional BBQ tutorials into something far more raw, Chasing Fire marks a bold new chapter the team has always envisioned. JD opens up about the risks, the…
Apr 9, 2026 · 44:39
From brisket to chicken, proper seasoning is everything. In this episode, we cover how to season each protein the right way, the impact of different salts and pepper granules,…
Apr 7, 2026 · 34:05
Everyone says low & slow is the only way… but is it? Today we’re talking low & slow vs hot & fast—where each method shines, where it falls short, and how to know which one you…
Apr 2, 2026 · 38:09
In this episode, we break down how competition-style brisket compares to what you’re cooking at home, from flavor profiles to texture and technique. We also dive into the best…
Mar 31, 2026 · 38:55
Want to start a BBQ career? We break down the fastest way to get in—learning the pit, finding mentors, and building your own style. Whether it’s a restaurant or a food truck,…
Mar 26, 2026 · 41:12
Why does store bought meat taste inconsistent and sometimes just plain bad? In this episode, we break down the truth about meat quality, why most grocery stores fall short on…
Mar 24, 2026 · 43:17
Thinking about painting your smoker? We dive into the pros, cons, and myths—plus a deep look at powder coating, clear finishes, and how rust actually forms on your pit.
Mar 19, 2026 · 45:16
Top grate or bottom grate… does it actually matter? In this episode, we dive into the real differences on an offset smoker, how much meat you can actually fit on your pit, and…
Mar 17, 2026 · 36:13
Smoke, steel, and splits. This episode breaks down which wood species actually delivers the best flavor, whether 3/8” pits are worth it over 1/4”, and how split size can make or…
Mar 12, 2026 · 43:08
Thinking about getting your first offset smoker? This week we break down what size pit you should start with, common regrets new owners have, the difference between ¼" and ⅜"…
Mar 10, 2026 · 34:33
If you just bought a new smoker, don’t fire it up until you hear this. We’re talking about how to properly season your smoker, common mistakes people make, and a few pro tips to…
Mar 5, 2026 · 38:06
On this episode we talk about why relying too heavily on thermometers might actually be holding your BBQ back. From learning to read your fire and smoke to trusting sight, smell,…
Mar 4, 2026 · 30:26
In this episode, we break down the 411 on running a clean, steady fire in an offset: airflow control, wood splits, coal beds, draft, and how to avoid dirty smoke. If you’ve ever…
Feb 27, 2026 · 48:26
On today's episode we go through some of your most commonly asked questions about offset smokers. From cowboy fireboxes and sealing your smokers doors, all the way to... pedicures?
Feb 24, 2026 · 33:08
Today we discuss if new innovations help or hinder great BBQ, the biggest mistakes keeping you from perfect fire management, and the art of the whole hog cook.
Feb 20, 2026 · 42:59
In this episode, Jordan has a new look… We tackle the topic of wild game BBQ. From Bison and Elk burgers to eating Bear meat.
Feb 18, 2026 · 34:02
On this episode we have a listener who tackled the meaning behind the Workhorse Pit model numbers 1957, 1969 and 1975 and was a bit off target. We also discuss the craziest…
Feb 13, 2026 · 43:30
We dove into opening a BBQ restaurant the last five podcast episodes and we've just hit the tip of the iceberg. A lot to discuss with this topic and we're not done, but wrapping…
Feb 6, 2026 · 1:03:36
Joining me and Jordan on the podcast as our first ever guest is the great Joe Zavala. Joe is well-known in the Texas BBQ scene as the charismatic founder of Zavala's BBQ in Grand…
Feb 4, 2026 · 43:58
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Diving DEEP Into BBQ Operations" and much more.
Jan 30, 2026 · 47:34
We begin a new series on the podcast to help navigate BBQ restaurant start up and running a successful business. Join us as we offer some deep knowledge of opening a successful…
Jan 27, 2026 · 44:37
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Can BBQ Joint's Still Be Successful in 2026?" and much more.
Jan 23, 2026 · 42:36
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Does Wet Wood = Bad BBQ?" and much more.
Jan 21, 2026 · 38:20
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Cooking Without Compromises" and much more.
Jan 13, 2026 · 36:52
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “How the Workhorse Got Its Name" and much more.
Jan 10, 2026 · 45:44
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Using a Blocking Log in Your Smoker" and much more.
Jan 7, 2026 · 39:32
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Using BBQ as an Ingredient" and much more.
Jan 1, 2026 · 23:02
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Looking Back on 2025" and much more.
Dec 31, 2025 · 26:21
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Choosing the Right Offset Smoker for You" and much more.
Dec 25, 2025 · 27:22
We officially dive into some discussion about direct heat cooking.
Dec 24, 2025 · 35:22
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Coal Bed Questions" and much more.
Dec 19, 2025 · 32:28
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Stainless vs Carbon Grilling Grates" and much more.
Dec 16, 2025 · 40:23
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “The Untold Story" and much more.
Dec 14, 2025 · 29:54
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “The Ultimate Texas BBQ Crawl” and much more.
Dec 12, 2025 · 27:22
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “How to Portion and Price Your BBQ” and much more.
Dec 10, 2025 · 39:04
We cover a barrage of topics in this Episode, join us as we discuss “Cleaning Your BBQ Pit” and much more.
Dec 5, 2025 · 50:00
In this episode, we're taking a swing at one of the most talked-about rib methods out there: the 3-2-1 method. Jordan and I break down where it came from, why some folks swear by…
Dec 2, 2025 · 28:33
In this episode, I’m diving into something I get asked about all the time: is it better to cook the whole animal, or stick to individual cuts? Jordan and I talk through what you…
Nov 27, 2025 · 20:26
In Episode 10 we discuss resting brisket and squash more topics sent in.
Nov 25, 2025 · 24:20
Should you wrap your ribs or let them ride unwrapped the whole cook? We compare techniques, talk about bark vs. moisture, and share real pit results Whether you’re chasing…
Nov 24, 2025 · 31:38
On Episode 8 we squash or attempt to squash some prediction of beef prices. We dive into some other topics along the way.
Nov 21, 2025 · 19:55
Should you run the stack cap al the way or partially closed? That is just one of the topics we squash on this episode.
Nov 18, 2025 · 16:35
We dive deep into the shady world of peach butcher paper—yes, it’s a thing. From misleading labels to outright scams, we break down how some suppliers cut corners, why it matters…
Nov 18, 2025 · 51:06
The American dream for many people, is opening a restaurant. I'm not sure if it's the idea around serving people great food or just the access into entrepreneurship. Either way,…
Nov 15, 2025 · 16:54
We squash topics such as "do I need an insualated firebox" to "proper length wood" and much more.
Nov 15, 2025 · 17:33
We squash some great topics in this episode from "do I need a fire grate in my offset smoker?" to other topics around open fire cooking.
Nov 15, 2025 · 22:32
Since Chef Jordan Jackson's migration from Texas to the North Georgia mountains, he is gone full-emersion into the southern Appalachian food culture.
Nov 14, 2025 · 36:27
You would think as much brisket Jordan and I have eaten and cooked, we'd never stumble on a better way to cook a brisket. It just so happens, Jordan went to the lab and…
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Your podcast? Get the Podli badge for your site
