The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

Black Smoke Barbecue
  • 3.9 (7)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED DAILY

Welcome to Black Smoke Barbecue! We are a collaborative group that focuses on different aspects of Barbecue from Pitmasters from all across North America. Barbecue is a culture and we discuss topics, ideas and the methods of it on The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast. Our mission is to spotlight those lesser known content creators in backyard barbecue, catering, food truck operations as well as the African American experience in Modern Day Barbecue.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 93 | We Triggered BBQ Fans With This 3-2-1 Rib Take

    🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥 The debate isn’t over… it just got louder. After the reaction to our last episode, we HAD to revisit the 3-2-1 ribs method—and this time we brought in Daryl Smith of Bad Beast Barbecue to help break it all down. From backyard cooks to seasoned pitmasters, everybody has an opinion… but here’s the real question: 👉 Is 3-2-1 actually the best way to cook ribs… or just the most popular? 👉 And at what point do ribs stop being BBQ? We dive into: 🔥 The truth about 3-2-1 ribs 🔥 Why cook time depends on your smoker, fuel, and experience 🔥 The difference between BBQ ribs vs “BBQ-flavored” ribs 🔥 Parboiling, oven-finishing, and restaurant shortcuts 🔥 Why people get so emotional about their method (hint: it’s deeper than food) Bottom line: There’s more than one way to cook ribs… but not every way is barbecue. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the 321 Ribs Controversy 03:14 Diverse Cooking Techniques and Preferences 05:53 Addressing Viewer Reactions and Comments 09:05 The Nature of Barbecue: Definitions and Techniques 12:00 Parboiling Ribs: A Culinary Debate 15:00 Culinary Standards and Personal Preferences 17:02 Nostalgia and Convenience in Cooking 18:02 Rib Cooking Techniques and Controversies 18:57 The Restaurant Barbecue Experience 21:59 Expectations vs. Reality in Dining 24:56 Defining Barbecue: Tradition vs. Innovation 27:59 Culinary Memories and Personal Connections 💬 Join the conversation: Drop a comment and let us know— Are you team 3-2-1, hot & fast, or something else? Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor. 👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order! 🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.com Exhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last. 🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com 👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue 📲 Connect With Us Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecue Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

    32 min

  2. APR 4

    Ep. 92 | Are 3-2-1 Ribs Trash?

    🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥 This lively panel discussion tackles the controversial 3-2-1 ribs method, exploring its origins, effectiveness, and misconceptions. Brandon, Charlie, Tee and Alton share their insights, experiences, and opinions on barbecue techniques, emphasizing the importance of understanding different methods and encouraging beginners to find their own style. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 321 Ribs and Controversy 02:32 Exploring the 321 Method: Pros and Cons 05:06 The Debate on Dry Brining 08:12 Grilling vs. Barbecuing: Defining the Terms 10:44 Innovative Cooking Techniques in Barbecue 14:04 The Great Barbecue Debate 15:34 Inclusive Cooking: Grilling vs. Barbecue 17:08 Learning the Art of Barbecue 18:55 The 321 Ribs Controversy 24:17 Cooking Techniques and Personal Preferences Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

    30 min

  3. MAR 27

    Ep. 91 | Mastering the Art of BBQ w/ Derese Tabor

    🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥 In this episode, we sit down with pit master Derese Tabor from Cisco's Kid to explore her journey in barbecue, her signature dishes like pineapple blue cheese sauce, and her insights on barbecue techniques, industry challenges, and future plans. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast 02:58 The Journey of a Pit Master: Derese Tabor 05:57 The Art of Seasoning and Cooking Techniques 08:55 Creating Unique Flavors: The Pineapple Blue Cheese 11:54 Understanding Tennessee Barbecue 14:39 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry 17:48 Family and Favorite Dishes 20:30 The Importance of Cooking Techniques 23:28 Social Media Trends in Barbecue 26:33 Final Thoughts on Barbecue Craftsmanship 28:39 Social Media's Impact on Barbecue Expectations 30:01 Common Mistakes in Barbecue 32:11 Understanding Barbecue Pricing 34:13 Barbecue as a Luxury Item 38:41 Future Aspirations and Projects 42:31 New Sauce and Rub Developments 43:53 The Importance of Family Support Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor. 👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order! 🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.com Exhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last. 🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com 👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue 📲 Connect With Us Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecue Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

    48 min

  4. FEB 23 ·  BONUS

    Open Fire MeatUp 2025: The Creators, Brands & Builders Behind the Fire

    🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥🎬 A Cinematic BBQ Documentary Series by The Black Smoke Barbecue PodcastEpisode 5 of our Open Fire MeatUp series shifts the focus from the flames to the people building the movement behind them.From grill manufacturers and pork producers to YouTubers, restaurant owners, and live-fire storytellers — this episode highlights the creators and craftsmen shaping modern barbecue culture.Brandon (@bkccooks) and Alton (@thedawgfathasbbq) sit down with the innovators, vendors, and voices who helped make Open Fire MeatUp 2025 in Hondo, Texas, more than just an event — but a gathering of industry leaders and passionate creators.🔥 In this episode, we feature:Jeffrey De Ponte — Exhibit SupplyThe team behind the mobile podcast studio that powered our on-site interviews. Exhibit Supply also supported Open Fire MeatUp with vendor canopies and event signage across the grounds — helping create the infrastructure that brought everything together.Jed Strange — Gather GrillsA deep dive into the philosophy and craftsmanship behind Gather Grills — heavy-duty live-fire equipment designed to bring people together around the flame. We talk build quality, design, and why gathering is just as important as grilling.Butter Knife ShawtyPitmaster, restaurateur, and artist. We talk about his new restaurant, what his team was cooking in Hondo, and new music on the way — blending barbecue, business, and creative expression.Al Lunacy — Al Lunacy Q’ingA conversation on food content creation, and the differences between YouTube and Instagram in today’s barbecue media landscape.Nissa & Abigail Beeler — Beeler’s Pure PorkTwo sisters representing generations of family pork farming. We discuss heritage pork, responsible farming practices, and the hogs they provided for Open Fire MeatUp 2025.Marcus Hunnicutt — Hunnicutt’s BBQContent creator and brand collaborator stepping further into live-fire cooking and expanding his reach in the barbecue space.Oli_Be_EatinRestaurant owner and food reviewer sharing insight into barbecue culture, restaurant life, and creating content that connects with real audiences.This episode captures something bigger than cooking.It’s about:🔥 Craft🔥 Infrastructure🔥 Media🔥 Agriculture🔥 CommunityOpen Fire MeatUp isn’t just fueled by charcoal — it’s built by people.📅 This is Episode 5 of our multi-part documentary series filmed on the ground in Hondo, Texas.More episodes are still to come.👇 Join the conversation:• Who do you want to see more of in the live-fire space?• Are you a builder, a creator, or both?• What role do vendors and makers play in growing barbecue culture?More fire. More stories. More smoke.🔥 The Open Fire story continues.Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

    54 min
  5. 🚨 Patreon Exclusive 🚨 The Backyard Pitmaster's Podcast | The Small But Might Portable Grills

    FEB 4 ·  BONUS

    🚨 Patreon Exclusive 🚨 The Backyard Pitmaster's Podcast | The Small But Might Portable Grills

    In this episode of the Backyard Pitmasters podcast, Charlie and Tee discuss the impact of weather on cooking, share tips for choosing the right grill for weeknight meals, and review the Wood Family Premium Barbecue Blend rub. They also share their latest cooking experiences, emphasizing the importance of seasoning and cooking techniques. The conversation highlights the joy of barbecuing and the community built around it. Chapters 00:00 Weather Talk and Its Impact on Cooking 06:52 Choosing the Right Grill for Weeknight Cooks 20:37 Reviewing a New Barbecue Rub 30:43 The Art of Seasoning and Rubs 38:55 Breaking Down Recent Cooks 54:55 Evaluating Products and Seasonings

    1h 3m

  6. JAN 9 ·  BONUS

    🚨 Patreon Bonus Episode 🚨 The Black Smoke BBQ Podcast: Rebuilding a Social Media Brand & Mastering BBQ Rubs w/ Keenan Alforque

    In this episode of the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast,  Brandon Charlie and Tee and are joined by special guest Keenan Alforque for a lively conversation that bridges the gap between traditional barbecue and creative culinary fusion. Keenan opens up about his journey, discussing how he blends various cultural influences to create unique flavor profiles and why developing your own rubs is a game-changer for home cooks. The crew dives deep into the technical side of the pit, debating the challenges of offset cooking and breaking the stigma around a practical secret: finishing your barbecue in the oven. Beyond the food, Keenan shares the emotional reality of losing and rebuilding a social media presence from scratch, offering valuable insights for creators. From adventurous snack reviews to the importance of documenting family memories in the kitchen, this episode is packed with humor, heart, and actionable advice. Key Takeaways: Culture Meets Creativity: How blending different cultural influences can elevate traditional BBQ recipes.The Oven Debate: Why "real" barbecue can be finished in the oven without shame to save time and resources.Mastering the Craft: The role of trial and error in refining techniques and the specific challenges of offset smokers.The Social Media Grind: The emotional toll and resilience required to rebuild a digital presence after a setback.Flavor Profiles: Tips on developing unique rubs and using versatile ingredients to enhance your cooking.• Community & Family: How sharing food fosters connection and the importance of documenting these moments for the future. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Light Banter 02:56 Seasonal Cooking and Weather Changes 05:42 Introducing Kenan Alforque 08:00 The Roots of Barbecue Passion 10:57 Cultural Influences in Cooking 13:45 Trial and Error in Barbecue Mastery 16:33 Exploring Ethnic Flavors and Dishes 19:37 Creating Unique Rubs and Seasonings 24:04 Adventurous Eating and Culinary Exploration 29:50 The Journey of Snack Reviews 34:10 Barbecue Techniques and Cooking Methods 41:21 Culinary Fusion: Blending Cultures in Cooking 42:49 Creative Culinary Innovations 44:02 Overcoming Adversity in Social Media 47:38 Father-Son Cooking Bonds 53:55 Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions 56:37 Future Aspirations and Collaborations

    59 min

  7. JAN 2 ·  BONUS

    Wing Battle, Authentic Tacos & Whole Steer Cook | Open Fire MeatUp 2025 by @alfrugoniofc – Episode 4

    🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥 🎬 A Cinematic BBQ Documentary Series by The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast Episode 4 of our Open Fire MeatUp series is pure fire, flavor, and culture — a celebration of competition, tradition, and community cooking on a massive scale. Filmed on the ground in Hondo, Texas, this episode captures some of the most high-energy moments of the weekend, from a fiery wing showdown to hands-on cultural cooking demonstrations and one of the most impressive whole-animal cooks of the entire event. Brandon (@bkccooks) and Alton (@thedawgfathasbbq) take you through the action as the Open Fire story continues to unfold. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll experience: 🍗 Melinda’s Wing Battle 2025 A full-throttle wing competition featuring some of the most creative cooks in the game: Chuck Matto of @ChucksFlavorTrain Maciek Zurawski of @GrillinWithDad Mel Chmilar Jr. of @DarkSideoftheGrill Kevin Ortega of @KO.BBQ (returning winner) Chris Binotto of @Chef_Binotto Sunny Lynn Moody of @SunnyLynn_GrilledFit / @MoodSwingBBQ Big flavors, bold techniques, and serious heat — all cooked live over fire. 🌮 Authentic Taco & Salsa Demonstration A masterclass led by Alejandro Gutiérrez of @AlejandroSoyParrilleroMX, one of the most respected live-fire cooks in Mexico. Alejandro breaks down: Traditional taco preparation Fresh salsa building from the ground up Cooking with cabrito and whole ingredients Why simplicity, fire, and respect for ingredients matter This segment highlights the deep cultural roots that make open-fire cooking universal. 🔥 Argentine-Style Whole Steer Cook A massive, show-stopping whole steer cook led by Javi Mejía of @BigJavs_BBQ, prepared in traditional Argentine asado style. This is live-fire cooking at its highest level — patience, precision, and premium beef cooked low and slow over open flame. This episode is about more than food. It’s about fire as a shared language, tradition passed hand-to-hand, and the joy of cooking together in the open air. 📅 The Open Fire Series Continues This is Episode 4 of a multi-part cinematic documentary filmed at Open Fire MeatUp 2025. More episodes are coming — featuring more pitmasters, cooks, cultures, and unforgettable moments from Hondo. 👇 Join the conversation: • Which cook or demo stood out to you most? • Wings, tacos, or whole animal — what’s your fire preference? • Who should we feature next? More fire. More flavor. More stories. 🔥 Stay tuned — the Open Fire story continues. Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor. 👉🏽 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order! 🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.com Exhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last. 🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com 👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue 📲 Connect With Us Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecue Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

    10 min

  8. 12/31/2025 ·  BONUS

    Fire, Flavor & Good Vibes | Open Fire MeatUp by @alfrugoniofc in Hondo, Texas (Episode 3) #bbq

    🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥 🔥 FIRE, FLAVOR & GOOD VIBES 🔥 Episode 3 — Open Fire MeatUp | Hondo, Texas Episode 3 of our Open Fire MeatUp series shifts the energy — lighter, louder, and full of personality — while still rooted in the fire and culture that brought us to Hondo. Brandon and Alton sit down with Erica Roby Blaire, the charismatic MC and host of Open Fire MeatUp, to talk about what it takes to guide one of the most dynamic live-fire events in the country. From commanding the crowd to connecting pitmasters and guests, Erica brings humor, warmth, and real joy to the fire — and it shows in every moment of this conversation. We also catch up with Randy Pauly, award-winning pitmaster, founder of Holy Cow Cookers, and Head Pitmaster for Buc-ee’s. With over three decades of competition experience — including 31 years cooking at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo — Randy breaks down: • What makes barbecue community different from competition • Why details matter, whether you’re cooking for judges or the public • How pit and cooker design has evolved into a science • Why making memories comes before trophies • And why getting kids involved in fire and food is how the culture survives Threaded throughout the episode is cinematic B-roll from the grounds of Open Fire MeatUp — live-fire cooks, custom pits, smoke rolling, laughter in the crowd, and that unmistakable Texas energy that makes this event unlike any other. This episode captures what Open Fire is really about: 🔥 Fire 🔥 Flavor 🔥 People 🔥 And good vibes all around And this is just one chapter. 📆 The Open Fire MeatUp series continues nightly — with more interviews, more cooks, and more stories dropping as we roll toward the finale. 🎥 Filmed on location in Hondo 🔥 Presented by The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast 🎤 On-site hosts: Brandon Carpenter & Alton Matthews Drop a comment and let us know: 👉 Which pit or cook caught your eye in this episode? 👉 Who do you want to hear from next in the series? More fire coming. Stay smoky. 🔥🔥🔥 Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor. 👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order! 🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.com Exhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last. 🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com 👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue 📲 Connect With Us Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecue Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

    41 min
See All (157)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

3.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Black Smoke Barbecue! We are a collaborative group that focuses on different aspects of Barbecue from Pitmasters from all across North America. Barbecue is a culture and we discuss topics, ideas and the methods of it on The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast. Our mission is to spotlight those lesser known content creators in backyard barbecue, catering, food truck operations as well as the African American experience in Modern Day Barbecue.

Information

You Might Also Like