John Lopez and America’s Greatest Pitmasters bring you the ultimate barbecue experience with tips, stories, and insights for everyone—from casual weekend grillers to seasoned pitmasters. Presented weekly by Texas Star Grill Shop, The Bite Meat Podcast features in-depth interviews and expert advice from the most respected figures in the barbecue world. Tune in to elevate your grilling game with the best in the business.
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Great barbecue and great health without compromise? Yup.
44:50
44:50
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44:50Moodswing BBQ's Sunny Moody has won world championships and wowed judges on Food Network ... without compromise. Misconceptions about how "unhealthy" barbecue can be Pork shoulders for dummies. Different steaks ... different cooking styles? Everything you should know on spritzing, water pans, wrapping, wet brine vs. dry brine…
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Inside the Houston Rodeo Cookoff competition, with some of the world's greatest pitmasters
40:39
40:39
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40:39* World champs Ronnie Killen, Doug Scheiding, Abel Nuncio and others take us behind the scenes of what the Cookoff really is all about * The massive and unique details of making it on one of the biggest stages in the game.By BiteMeat
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The experts weigh-in: Tips every backyard pitmaster should know.
53:22
53:22
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53:22* How different spices affect different proteins * The essence of "Louisiana" barbecue * Essentials for chicken and pork * When and how to spritz and sauce * Open-flame tipsBy BiteMeat
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Texas Monthly's Daniel Vaughn on all things BBQ ... and eating at 2,500-plus joints
47:42
47:42
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47:42* Coming up with the revered Top 50 and how he whittles it down * All the flavors and regions and what stands out * Oh, the stories ... from influencing the market, to quality bites around the state, the travels and dealing with bad barbecue * Smokin' Hot Tip: Easiest meats to try for entry-level backyard pitmasters…
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Hey Grill Hey's Susie Bulloch on advancing your barbecue game quickly
49:24
49:24
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49:24* How much the grilling game has changed * Best introductory pits for newbies * Detailed insight on fitting your recipes to your palette and staying on-budget * Taking advantage of a wide variety of flavor profiles * Smokin' hot tip: Keeping temperature and best cooks on Weber- and barrel-type pitsBy BiteMeat
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They call him the Sausage Sensei for a reason
45:07
45:07
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45:07* One of the world's most influential and in-demand sausage makers, Bill Dumas, on his incredible story. * Step-by-step keys to making the best artisanal sausage. * From basic Texas-influenced sausages to those that have the barbecue world buzzing: Fried catfish sausage? Christmas tamale sausage? Girl Scout Cookie sausage? Yes, yes and yes. * How b…
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What it really takes to compete at the HLSR Cookoff
52:29
52:29
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52:29* Champion pitmaster Tyler Gurney with detailed information on everything it takes to compete at one of the three biggest barbecue cookoffs in the world. * From months of testing, to sourcing meats, preparing pits and spices, to living on one-hour of sleep and the ever-important cooking and presenting, Gurney offers unique insight.…
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The Field-to-Table Show: Four of America's best pitmasters on wild game
45:31
45:31
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45:31* The Pit Room's Michael Sambrooks, Killer Hogg's Malcolm Reed, 404 Kitchen's Matt Bolus and Kamado Joe chef Eric Gephart delve into recipes, approach and the purity of field-to-table. * The best insight you'll get on everything from duck, to venison, boar and more from those who live it.By BiteMeat
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A VERY informative discussion on Wagyu beef, with R-C Ranch's Ryan Cade
39:41
39:41
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39:41* How Wagyu separates itself from others. * Everything it takes to get from ranch to table. * The passion and process it takes to deliver the highest-quality beef. * Hurdles, pitfalls and how R-C Ranch's footprint continues to grow. * Smokin' Hot Tip: Getting your pulled pork perfect.By BiteMeat
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So you say you want to open a food truck ... everything you should know
45:20
45:20
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45:20Logan Glenn of Space City Barbecue is living the dream -- his dream. Perhaps it is yours, too. * How to get started * Hurdles, pitfalls, things you perhaps did not know * Building relationships and taking your passion to another level. * Smokin' Hot Tip: New pit or grill for Christmas? How to break it in…
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Champion pitmaster Doug Scheiding and the best steak you'll ever make
49:01
49:01
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49:01* A multi-time champion, Doug digs deep with tips, techniques and his approach on a steak that has been called the perfect steak. * Plus, exactly what can you do with a Traeger? * Doug's taking over the BBQ World * When and how to baste and brush sauce.By BiteMeat
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Traeger CEO Jeremy Andrus on the pit that changed the barbecue world
50:02
50:02
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50:02* A fascinating look at how Traeger went from regional phenomenon to an eponym for all things pellet grill. * The science and muse behind Traeger and staying on top * Wait, what? New products and technology on the way, including tailgating Traegers * Smokin' Hot Tip: The versatility and popularity of griddles…
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The best field-to-table discussion you'll hear, with revered chef and hunter Matt Bolus
49:12
49:12
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49:12* He left a leading financial firm to follow his passion: Cooking and hunting. * Matt Bolus went from helping his mom cook spaghetti in the kitchen to the London Cordon Bleu culinary school and opening his own 404 Kitchen in Nashville. * Along the way, he's always relied on open-fire and his roots: Exotic and wild game and perfecting the craft. He …
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"Simple things done perfectly right win every time" -- world-renowned pitmaster/chef Eric Gephart
48:29
48:29
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48:29* From shoveling charcoals on the Appalachian Trail to the top of the culinary world, Chef Gephart shares his story and innovative techniques that could change how you do barbecue. * "White, red brown is how we throw it down." * Why field-to-table inspires and instructs * Smokin' Hot Tip: When and what to inject…
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Tom Gozney's remarkable story: "You never feel alone when you're with a fire."
58:25
58:25
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58:25* Gozney Pizza Ovens founder Tom Gozney went from completely lost in and out of rehab, to the top of the industry. * Tom and CEO Denny Bruce share the journey, along with how despite pizza being a worldwide phenomenon no one ever filled a giant hole in the market until his innovative oven came along. * Also ... taking your kitchen outside, making c…
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The Big Green Egg phenomenon and versatility w/ CEO Dan Gertsacov
44:18
44:18
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44:18* EGGtoberfest, what puts the "ultimate" in ultimate cooking and versatility * The remarkable story of how it spawned the "Egghead" movement * Expanding horizons and possibilities, plus the unique approach for keeping it at the top of the kamado-style game * Recipes and things you didn't know were perfect to make in BGE…
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Four of this week's Michelin-recommended winners all in one place. Here.
45:10
45:10
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45:10Flat-out some of the best barbecue advice and tips you will hear, from: * Pinkerton's Barbecue's Grant Pinkerton * Truth Barbecue's Leonard Botello * The Pit Room's Michael Sambrooks * Killen's Barbecue's Ronnie KillenBy BiteMeat
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Killer Hogs' and How To BBQ Right's Malcom Reed with terrific insight and tips
45:27
45:27
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45:27* How a backyard cook became one of the most influential pitmasters in the game * The versatility of that pit you have in your backyard * Taking the intimidation out of cooking barbecue and holiday meals * Holiday tips on turkey and "double-smoked" hamBy BiteMeat
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Gettin' saucy: Answering questions, dispelling myths and all things BBQ sauce
35:56
35:56
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35:56* Erin Feges of Feges BBQ -- one of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ restaurants -- joins the podcast to dig deep on various aspects of barbecue sauces: + When and how using them can complement meats + What "Alabama" white sauce, vs. vinegar-based, vs. tomato-based, vs. mopping sauces can do for various proteins + And of course, we answer the question of…
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The best tips and insight on smoking Holiday turkeys you'll hear
43:40
43:40
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43:40* World Champion pitmaster Danielle "Diva Q" Bennett goes in deep on the best ways to brine, prep and smoke the best turkey you'll have. * It's not just about the meats. What backyard pitmasters can learn about expanding their cooking horizons. * Getting the best bark, cooking through Beryl and what pellet grills really can offer.…
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All about chicken ... with some of the greatest pitmasters in America
26:33
26:33
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26:33* 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.By BiteMeat
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The one and only Ronnie Killen with incredible insight on barbecue
47:23
47:23
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47:23In 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 ex…
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The Pork and exotic meats show. Plus, defining Cajun Barbecue
47:16
47:16
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47:16John 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 h…
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"It's a man's Prada bag" -- the Pitts & Spitts story and finding the best fit for you
45:41
45:41
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45:41* 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 grillBy BiteMeat
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Hardcore Carnivore's Jess Pryles on the art of live-fire cooking
43:13
43:13
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43:13* 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 spitBy BiteMeat
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BBQ Pit Masters and Chopped star Sloan Rinaldi on how taking your game to another level
44:16
44:16
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44:16* 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 r…
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Inside the BBQ industry: Trends, new products and how everyone can be a pitmaster
45:07
45:07
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45:07*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 needsBy BiteMeat
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World Champion and Food Network phenom Sunny Moody with an amazing story (and BBQ insight)
43:49
43:49
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43:49You 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.By BiteMeat
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A fascinating, truly insightful look at spices, with Badia's Scott DeNight
44:21
44:21
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44:21* 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…
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Ever thought of opening your own BBQ place? Here's inspiration.
49:36
49:36
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49:36Texas-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.…
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The most in-depth discussion on beef you will hear
42:14
42:14
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42:14* 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…
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The Brisket Show: Three of America's greatest Pitmasters' philosophies and tips
47:14
47:14
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47:14* 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.By BiteMeat
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The Pit Room's Michael Sambrooks: If you're serious about stepping up your game
44:28
44:28
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44:28Plus: * 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 flavorBy BiteMeat
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Is The Bear accurate? Two Houston culinary greats explain
5:42
5:42
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5:42Couldn'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.By BiteMeat
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Barbecue without limits: Culinary artists Erin and Patrick Feges' unique and inspiring story
55:29
55:29
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55:29A 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 cul…
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Truth Barbecue's Leonard Botello with the best brisket discussion you have heard. Promise.
44:47
44:47
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44:47If 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? Yo…
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World champion and Houston Rodeo champ Doug Scheiding on little things that make a difference
53:42
53:42
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53:42* 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 WeekBy BiteMeat
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World Champion pitmaster Grant Pinkerton: So you wanna be a competitive pitmaster
48:38
48:38
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48:38* 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.By BiteMeat
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Texans owner Cal McNair is a bona fide Pitmaster and shares tips and stories
42:48
42:48
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42:48Joined 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 J…
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Barbecue legend Aaron Franklin with insight on techniques and science behind the game
50:14
50:14
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50:14One 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.By BiteMeat
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James Beard Award-winning Chef Chris Shepherd on all things barbecue
27:18
27:18
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27:18Chris 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.By BiteMeat
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