Chef Blackwell Smith, founder of Lucky Cajun Seasoning, joins Jay and Brian to talk fresh-ground spices, the "Born On" Difference, and his No BS Cookbook. This one's full of flavor from start to finish.

Salt can make or break your BBQ. This week, Jay and Brian break down how to use it right - from dry brining to finishing touches—so every bite is seasoned to perfection.

Listener Chris tackles one of BBQ's biggest debates: is Al Pastor defined by its marinade or its method? It's a special Listener Highlight episode on The Grill Coach Podcast.

Andrew Rog — aka the Grill Sergeant — from ChefsTemp joins Jay and Brian to talk Smart Temperature Technology. From wireless meat thermometers to smart grill gauges, find out how these tools are changing the BBQ game.

Jay and Brian are joined by Frankie for a special 200th episode roundtable, looking back on favorite moments, memorable guests, and how the podcast has shaped their grilling game. Thank you to the BBQ community for getting us here!

Jay and Brian explain why great BBQ starts in the kitchen, covering everything from planning and prep to cooking, resting, and serving for better results every time.

Jay and Brian break down how marinades work for both flavor and tenderness. Learn how acids, enzymes, and seasoning enhance beef, pork, poultry, and fish while exploring classic marinade ideas like fajitas, mojo, and al pastor.

Brian and Jay break down some of the best foods to cook on the rotisserie, from classic poultry to pork loin, pork sirloin, and even picanha steaks. If you’ve been looking for new ideas to try on your rotisserie, this episode will help you get more out of this versatile grilling technique.

Knife skills are the foundation of great BBQ. This week, Brian and Jay break down the essential knives, shears, and cutting boards every pitmaster should own, plus trimming techniques for chicken, pork, brisket, and steak. Learn why proper prep leads to better flavor, texture, and presentation before the fire ever gets lit.

Jay shares his personal journey with his diabetes diagnosis as Dr. Cory Jenks joins the show to discuss how BBQ and blood sugar can coexist. Learn how grilled foods impact insulin levels, symptoms to watch for, and practical tips to enjoy barbecue while improving your health.

Choosing the right BBQ cooker doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, we break down how to decide which grill or smoker fits your cooking style, your crowd, and your budget. From convenience cookers to traditional fire management, we help you focus on mastering cooking methods first — so any cooker can work for you.

Jay and Brian break down what it really means to dine out for BBQ, including how to spot true BBQ joints, why the process deserves respect, and what to expect when ordering barbecue by the pound. They cover sell-outs, fresh-cut meats, and how meats, sauces, sides, and desserts come together to define the BBQ dining experience.

In this Listener Spotlight episode, we’re joined by Claudio for a deep dive into brisket tacos. From brisket prep and the cook to tallow-based tortillas, taco assembly, salsa, and sides, this episode is packed with tips to turn your next brisket into an unforgettable taco night.

In this Listener Spotlight episode, Jay and Brian are joined by Lamont to break down how to shop for beef with confidence. From when to buy meat and how much to get, to where to shop and what to look for at the counter, this episode is packed with practical tips. Plus, a Christmas Day brisket and answers to a classic BBQ question you don’t want to miss.

Dry braising is a technique that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in BBQ — and in this episode, Jay and Brian put it to the test for the first time. From pit highlights and rotisserie cooks to a classic brisket fat-side debate, the guys break down how dry braising works, when to use it, and why it deserves a spot in your BBQ toolbox.

What’s it really like to attend a BBQ competition as a spectator? In this episode, Jay and Brian break down what to expect when you visit a BBQ competition — from how events are organized to how judging works and what to watch for while teams are cooking. Whether you’re brand new to BBQ comps or just want to better understand what’s happening behind the scenes, this episode gives you the inside scoop.

Holiday feasts aren’t one-size-fits-all, and this episode proves it. Jay and Brian break down traditional and unconventional holiday proteins, share last-minute feast ideas (including a killer Breakfast Fatty), answer a BxBQ question on seasoning smoked pork butt, and talk holiday traditions, community, and keeping the grill fired up all season long.

In this follow-up to our hanging ribs deep dive, we’re back with another packed episode of tips, techniques, lessons learned, and a whole lot of BBQ inspiration. Whether you’re new to hanging ribs or ready to refine your technique, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to nail it every time!

The Grill Coach crew is back! After a short break, Jay and Brian fire up the mics with some welcome life updates and a few mouthwatering highlights. We’re talking Wedding Oxtails, while Blue Cheese Bacon Burgers. This week’s BBQ Question is, “How many hours do you smoke a pork butt per pound at 225?” — we break it down with tips to help you nail that perfect, pull-apart tenderness every time. In this first part of our two-episode guide, we cover the Grill Coach Origin Story that led us to hanging ribs, the type of cooker you’ll need, essential accessories, and how to choose the best ribs for the job. We’ll also talk about how many racks you’ll need and how long it takes to achieve that smoky, tender perfection.

Pork shoulder steaks are one of the most underrated cuts you can throw on the grill. They’re flavorful, versatile, and easy on the budget — whether you cook them hot and fast, braise them for tenderness, or even give them a kiss of smoke. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know: how to choose the best steaks, what you should expect to pay, and our favorite cooking methods, sides, and sauces to make them shine.