Think you know how to cook a steak? Jess Pryles might make you question everything. Hardcore Carnivore creator and meat science expert Jess Pryles joins us to break down beef grading, perfect sears, meat myths, overlooked cuts, and the surprising similarities between tasting great wine and great meat. Science. Fire. Wine. And a little bit of bullsh*t-busting. 🥩🔥🍷 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Jess Pryles | Meat Science, Myth Busting & Cooking Like You Mean It This week, we’re joined by Jess Pryles - creator of Hardcore Carnivore, meat science expert, author, live-fire cook, entrepreneur, and judge on Food Network’s Pitmasters. Originally from Australia and now based in Texas, Jess went from being intimidated by the meat counter herself to becoming one of the most trusted and influential voices in the world of barbecue and meat education. We dive headfirst into the science behind what actually makes great meat great - from how beef is graded in the U.S. to aging, sourcing, fat, doneness, and whether some of the “rules” we’ve all been taught about cooking steak deserve to be thrown straight into the fire. Jess also helps us rethink the perfect sear, bust a few meat myths, and somehow sends Fat Mario down a rabbit hole involving an old-school Mexican meat-drying technique that may or may not have inspired thoughts of a giant magnifying glass. Do not try this at home. 😂🔥 One of our favorite parts of the conversation is discovering just how much wine and meat have in common. Joe and Jess compare tasting panels, quality, craftsmanship, terroir and technique, and why sometimes the most interesting flavors come from the overlooked cuts - or varietals - you weren’t expecting to love. The deeper you go, the more you realize both worlds reward curiosity over rules. We also get into Jess’s journey from one life-changing encounter with Texas barbecue to building the Hardcore Carnivore brand, judging elite pitmasters, navigating the wild world of Meat TikTok, and swapping a few hunting stories along the way. And with her new book Prime Cuts arriving this October, Jess gives us a glimpse into what more than 15 years of studying meat has taught her about buying smarter, wasting less, and understanding what’s really on our plate. Whether you’re a backyard grill warrior, certified carnivore, wine geek, or someone who just wants to stop ruining expensive steaks, this one is packed with knowledge, laughs, and plenty of reasons to fire up the grill. Pour something good. Light the fire. And cook meat like you mean it. 🥩🔥🍷 📚 Look for Jess’s new book: Prime Cuts - October 6, 2026 🔥 Follow Jess / Hardcore Carnivore: @jesspryles