The BBQ Central Show

Episode 388Taking you back to May 20, 2014 - Featuring BBQ HOF'er, MIM legend, BBQCS Guest HOF'er…and the list goes on…Chris Lilly from Big Bob Gibson BBQ. We discussed a then 4th overall world GC at MIM…has since notched a 5th one as we know…this one is specifically interesting because it was the year that BBG won shoulder and the overall GC…with frozen pork butts…a great listen if you didn't hear it back in 2014…a great recounting of this bizarre tale by Chris himself.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 5/20/2014Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(June 24, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm & 10:35pm - The 4th Tuesday of the month brings a visit from the Embedded Correspondents. We have a fresh and varying list of 100% Assurity Questions. Aaron Huntleman will stick around for the 2nd hour as well so be sure to tune and and play along with us!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(June24, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - Did you know we are "Eating the World"? Mike Grunwald thinks so and he joins me once again to talk about where we are as a country and as a global society as it relates to the food supply, the land we have available and the population that is growing. The conversation is sure to be thought provoking and entertaining.9:35pm - After Mike, in studio guest and pitmaster of Go Big or Go BBQ, Aaron Huntelman, joins me to talk about the new partnership Mister Brisket has with the American Royal and how you can take advantage of it if you are competing at the contest this year. I also have a few chicken questions for Aaron as well.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 387Taking you back to 6/6/2017 and a visit with,,,ME...Where we talk about what the definition of a BBQ Pitmaster is...ENJOY! Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 6/6/2017Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(June 17, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm - Making his first appearance on the show is a guy who started in competitions when he was just a young man in college. After a long stint on the competition circuit, he decided to get into the restaurant business. He currently runs one of the most well reviewed and reputable BBQ place in North Carolina...and the country for that matter. Chris Prieto from Prime BBQ joins me to talk about how he went from competition cook to BBQ restaurant owner.10:35pm - Coming out of the bullpen tonight is the BBQ editor for Texas Monthly Magazine, and quarterly guest of the BBQCS, Daniel Vaughn. Tonight Daniel and I will talk about the latest top 50 list and break down why burnt Bean BBQ Co is #1 this time around.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(June 17/2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - First off, a longtime show sponsor and friend of the show, Ryan Zboril of Pitts & Spitts joins me to talk about the state of their business and about their new touchscreen controller for the pellet cookers.9:35pm - Then, after Ryan, I will be joined by Owl's Nest BBQ Supply owner, Steve Ray. Steve is a longtime lover of competition eating and tonight we will talk about the return of JAWS to the 4th of July Hot Dog Eating contest.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(June 10, 2025 - Hour Two)On the show tonight:Marvin Weinberger - Grill Fighter (brush)Bob Healey - GrillblazerThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(June 10, 2025 - Hour One)On the show tonight:MeatheadRobert MossThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 386Taking you back to 6/6/2017 and a visit with then first time guest - BBQ Legend - And newly inducted BBQ Hall of Fame'er - the late/grate Paul Schatte. If you aren't familiar with Paul, this is a great segment for you to listen to. You can also go back to last week's Embedded Correspondent segment and check out Doug's take on Paul and what an instrumental figure Paul was in Doug's BBQ career and personal life. Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 6/6/2017Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(Recorded 5/29/2025)Sam took some time to record a segment with me so we could dump new content into the feed to keep you going through this week while I am out of the country,We talk about a number of topics to include a tease of his new book, a tease of a new infomercial, a tease of tariffs, cocktails, potato recipes, French fry recipes and much much more. ENJOY!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(Recorded 5/25/2025)Join me with some bonus content as I am on vacation with our pal Malcom Reed. In this segment we talk about:Memorial Day Menu ItemsIf 275* is the new 225*Camel cookThe taste of camelHeath Riles big win in MIMSmoke Slam recapThe future of MIM and Smoke SlamThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 385Taking you back to 6/6/2017 and a visit with now quarterly guest, Mike Lang. We continue to discuss the Weber Charcoal Summit…now the Weber Summit Kamado grill…perhaps a grill that has fallen by the wayside over the past few years as pellet cookers continue to grow in popularity and doesn't require anyone to actually learn fire management…but this is a grill that Kevin Kohlman talked about on last week's best moments…and this week…about a year after the Kevin Kohlman interview, Mike was on talking about this cooker as well…so, as I mentioned last week, if you are in the market and want something that can do everything…and is charcoaled fired…this continues to be an option that should satisfy your needsReady to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 6/6/2017Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(May 27, 2025 - Hour Two)The last show if May 2025 is a BANGER on all accounts. Tonight, before I go out of the country next week, we have a special "All Embedded Correspondents All The Time" show planned. Yes, I have generated another all new and extensive "100% Assurity Questions" list for everyone to answer. On top of that, there are MANY other bbq/grilling related topics for us to discuss to include the BBQ Hall of Fame class of 2025, The recap of Memphis in May and Smoke Slam and the freshly released Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ joints.Interact with us on the Facebook or You Tube page (both links just below) during the show with your takes and answers and I will mix them in as we move along tonight.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(May 27, 2025 - Hour One)The last show if May 2025 is a BANGER on all accounts. Tonight, before I go out of the country next week, we have a special "All Embedded Correspondents All The Time" show planned. Yes, I have generated another all new and extensive "100% Assurity Questions" list for everyone to answer. On top of that, there are MANY other bbq/grilling related topics for us to discuss to include the BBQ Hall of Fame class of 2025, The recap of Memphis in May and Smoke Slam and the freshly released Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ joints...Interact with us on the Facebook or You Tube page (both links just below) during the show with your takes and answers and I will mix them in as we move along tonight.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________ Episode 384Taking you back to 3/24/2016 and this week we feature a gentleman who was a semi-frequent guest of the show when he was at Weber Grills…that being Kevin Kolman. Back in March of 2016, Weber was trotting out their new “Weber Summit Charcoal Grill”. It came in a few different variants…one more expensive than the other…many considered it to be a bit overpriced when it came out considering what it was…however…that sentiment quickly went away once you realized how different this was from a traditional kettle cooker. However, the most notable part of this launch was that Weber was going OUT OF THEIR WAY to say that this grill was not looking to compete in the ceramic grill space…there were (Are) a number of things that could actually go head to head when compared to a Ceramic cooker…but Weber saying this was not a ceramic killer. Then, a few years later, they changed the name of the Summit Charcoal Grill to the “Weber Kamado Grill”...because it's not competing in the ceramic grill market…right???  OK!!Confusing marketing and branding aside…let's mention the most important fact…everyone who has this cooker LOVES it. Very versatile, very fuel efficient, very easy to control temps…in fact…many people say that this is the grill they would take with them if they were stranded on an island and could only bring one cooker with them…so that says a lot. I would take one for sure…Weber…if you're listening…I would take one.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 3/24/2016Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(May 20, 2025 - Hour Two)10:35pm - With the time I have left, I will run through some general housekeeping items that need cleaned up, give you a BBQ recap from a few weeks ago and give you the results of my very first executive physical that I took yesterday at the Cleveland Clinic. Interesting results to say the least...The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(May 20, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - First off, a quarterly appearance from one of the most well known people in the history of the industry. A prolific writer, a TV show host, a cooking class instructor and the list goes on. Steven Raichlen joins me to talk about his latest book available for sale which is titled "Project Griddle". We have teased this for months (maybe a year) but it is officially out and ready for purchase. We will also talk about his yearly BBQ U class that is held at a cottage ranch in California called The Alisal Ranch. I also have some live-fire topics to get Steven's opinion on so be sure to join in.9:35pm - Then, after Steven, we will be joined by monthly show business contributor and creator of the Cook Out News website, Wes Wright. Weber and Blackstone finally closed, there are more new grills/pizza ovens and griddles coming to market so we will talk about those items as well. If you love the business of live-fire, this is your favorite segment of the month.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________ Episode 383Taking you back to 5/12/2015 and this week we feature pitmaster of Big Poppa Smokers, Sterling Ball. Within the minutes of this segment, Sterling really goes all in on his chicken process at the time…talks about time, temp and what the judges might think of texture at certain temperatures. He also was very open about how the whole competition scene was changing at this time in 2015. Very interesting to hear a top cook talk about things he's working on both “in competition” and also trying to just become better from a high-level as a team. If you don't know Sterling, hearing him talk in this segment will certainly make you appreciate what he has been able to accomplish in the bbq competition scene…amongst other industries.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 5/12/2015Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(May 13, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm & 10:35pm - Making his 3rd appearance on the show...Iron Chef, book writer, restaurant owner and more...my best friend Michael Symon, joins the show. Tonight we will talk about the newest book that covers live-fire cooking. Already a New York Times Best Seller, will dive into how the book came together. In addition to Michael, his co-writer Doug Trattner will join us and talk about ow these 2 have worked together over the years. They have turned out 8 books in total with half becoming best sellers. There is sure to be plenty of fun and frivolity during the segment.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(May 13, 2025 - Show notes)9:14pm - Fresh off my first trip to Las Vegas (recap at the top of the show) and we have lined up a great show. Kicking it off is the BBQCS official cigar expert, Mr. Jonathan from The Cigar Authority podcast. Tonight we dive deep into the latest releases from show sponsor Micallef Cigars and also cigar powerhouse Perdomo!9:35pm - Then, after Mr. J, our friend and BBQ historian/educator, Robert Moss, joins the show. Tonight e talk about a completely different topic than we have for the past 4 months...so you may or may not be happy about that? In a word...SIDES!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________ Episode 382 Taking you back to 3/17/2015 - A fan request show from Derick Thielbar. Back in 2015 I was giving the BBQ Hall of Fame a good togue lashing...and Derick wanted to hear a bit of that run back here in 2025...so Derick, here you go. From Jon to you...via me from 10 years ago...ENJOY! Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 3/17/2015Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________ Episode 381 Taking you back to 3/31/2016 and we find the first…and somehow only time…that this guy has appeared on the show…Scott Thomas from Grillin Fools fame…we get the background and how he rose to prominence in the social media fame…he then parlayed that into selling social media classes (how to work the algorithm to get followers) and is still doing it today. Certainly a success in many facets of the live fire world…both from a cooking stand point and one who has been able to amass $$$ and gear within the industry that most of us would only dream of. So, if you aren't familiar with Scott…this is a great intro to him. BTW, let me say this…Scott and I fully agree on keeping your day job while also monetizing your side hustle…why quit one when you can have both!!  Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 3/31/2016Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(April 29, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm - The BONUS Tuesday this month brings another round of Embedded Correspondents. Last week it was Doug and Matt. This week it's our pal Jon Solberg and Rusty Monson. There will also be a special remote guest on the panel as well...how exciting!! We know how Doug and Matt answered the 100% AQ's last week...how will Jon, Rusty and the mystery guest answer them?? You will have to tune in and see for yourself.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(April 29, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - The first guest tonight was out of the country when she was originally scheduled earlier in the month. However, she is back in the states and ready to put in the work for a segment (or two) tonight. Jess Pryles of Hardcore Carnivore joins me to talk about her recent travels out of the country, her time this past weekend at Pig Beach, her new "butter rubs" and much more. There might even be a swithch-aroo on "Betwixt-The Two"...which is the game show sweeping the nation.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________Episode 380Taking you back to 4/19/2016 - Featuring one of the best competition cooks in the last 10 years or so, Fred Robles from Rio Valley Meats. Not only has Fred been a prolific competition BBQ cook, he has also started a big Texas based competition sanctioning body (The CBA) that has seen great success over the past handful of years…so much so…he is seen as a true option to the more well known sanctioning bodies like ICBA or KCBS.If you aren't familiar with Fred, this is a great introduction to him and what his background is and how he eventually got into the BBQ competition circuit. Well worth the listen…Fred is a great guy and I know you will enjoy this one coming up on Friday.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 4/19/2016Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(April 22, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm & 10:35pm - The 4th Tuesday of the month brings a visit from the fearsome foursome of Doug Scheiding (on remote location), Jon Solberg, Rusty Monson and Matt Osman. Tonight we go over a new list of fresh 100% Assurity Questions. Some are follow ups to last month but many are brand new and will be sure to blow your mind. How will we answer? Will there be any unanimous answers? Will anyone fight with each other? All answers will be revealed tonight in the 2nd hour.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(April 22, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - The first guest tonight makes his BBQ Central Show debut. Jeremy Garrett of Great Events USA joins me to talk about a few BBQ contests that he's putting on this year. HE has been a prolific contest organizer for a number of years and is especially known in the New England area although he branches out in many other states and regions. Jeremy will talk about how he got into contest organizing, what it takes to put on a good contest and what he plans to do in the future.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________Episode 379Taking you back to 5/19/2017 - Myth busting with Meathead...still appropriate to this day? You be the judge!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 5/19/2017Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(April 15, 2025 - Hour Two)The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(April 15, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - Christie Vanover9:35pm - Wes WrightThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________Episode 378Taking you back to 4/1/2018 - Taking you back to me, tearing down the NBBQA Awards of excellence…only the awards…not the convention. This was an organization under a different management/ownership group back in 2018.This was actually a re-release from the show that happened…allowing myself to set up the rant a bit better than I did when it happened live on the show…so, if you like me and rants…you will want to take this Best Moments show this coming Friday.By the way…I will remain steadfast in my take on the AOE…you pay to enter…someone will win because they paid…and that's it. The bottom line is, THIS SHOW SHOULD WIN EVERY YEAR…it's not even up for debate…I am just that much better than every other show available…facts! In fact, I think there was ONE entry in the “BEST PODCAST” category this year…certainly less than 3…so you have 3 to choose form because that's all that paid…I am always skeptical about these kinds of things…just me…but be sure to tune in this coming Friday to hear the classic rant.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 4/1/2018Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(April 8, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm - Last week, Matt Osman had his chance to talk about the Owl's Nest BBQ Supply rib event...and how he blew it considering he had the show karma. Matt made some claims that some thought were pretty controversial...to include his use of a controversial/illegal fuel and him being a "ringer" to win the event. Tonight, Steve Ray himself comes on to talk about the things Matt said last week and give us his side of how the whole event went down. Steve is always great and tonight promises to be no different!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(April 8, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - The beginning of Q2 brings another visit from our pal over at The Barbecue Lab, David Gafford. Tonight we discuss his visit to the HPBExpo in New Orleans, Black Erath Gas grill, best grills $400 and under and the Ninja Flex Fire.9:35pm - After David, our monthly visit with Robert Moss heats back up as we continue to talk about the Michelin Star Guide...and something newly announced! What could it be??The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(April 8, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - The beginning of Q2 brings another visit from our pal over at The Barbecue Lab, David Gafford. Tonight we discuss his visit to the HPBExpo in New Orleans, Black Erath Gas grill, best grills $400 and under and the Ninja Flex Fire.9:35pm - After David, our monthly visit with Robert Moss heats back up as we continue to talk about the Michelin Star Guide...and something newly announced! What could it be??The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________Episode 377Taking you back to 4/29/2014 - The first time Steve Ray made an appearance on the show…this was done as a phone caller.Steve used to utilize his “scroll” on his service sign that the show was going to be on…A Superfan to say the leastA superfan who became a regular contributor…then became an Embedded Correspondent…was a part of many important interviews in the show's history…not the least of which was the “Craig Bar” interview…which, as I really think about…”most important interviews” in the life of the show…this one could be at the top. There was so much back and forth getting it put together…and Steve was instrumental in 95% of it…a classic that you have to go check out if you haven't heard it.Maybe I should task John with a request of my own…John, do a Craig Bar Best Moments!!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 4/29/2014Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(April 1, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm - As with every first Tuesday in the 2nd hour, we are joined by YouTube cooking sensation, Sam The Cooking Guy. Tonight we talk about the popular food trend (at the moment) and something I would NEVER make, the "Onion Blanket". We will also talk about the unique cheese burger he made last month amongst other things. Sam is always a great interviewThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(April 1, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - And just like that, we are in to April! And no, I am not going to make some ridiculous thing up to trick you because it's April Fool's Day. Instead, there is no fooling around as we welcome back our friend and YouTube BBQ sensation, Malcom Reed from How To BBQ Right! Malcom and I will talk about steaks, jerk chicken and much more.9:35pm - Last week you saw him (heard him) on the show as the Embedded Correspondent from Tennessee. This week, you hear him as competitive BBQ'er and pitmaster of Blinky's Off-Set BBQ team. Matt Osman stops by to talk about the Owl's Nest BBQ rib event that he took part in this past weekend. We all agreed that he would win...but did he??The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________Episode 376Taking you back to 2/26/2016 - Well, Jon has done it again. He has found a portion of show history that, quite frankly, I just totally forgot about. What you will here on Friday is the first ever "BBQ Round-Up". Now, I do remember this show...but I did not recall releasing it on a Thursday. However, this particular clips really gives you all the details on what this show was looking to accomplish...it was a pre-recorded supplement piece to the Tuesday show.Now, you might be asking why I forgot about it...easy...I think this show made it (2) episodes in length before Meathead from Amazingribs.com called me and said, hey...I like what's going on here...I have the Pitmaster's Club...and I am looking to get some recurring new content up there for the members...can I buy the concept and have you do the show for me? So we talked about it, agreed on what that would look like...and then "The Pitcast" was born...and did that show for Meathead for a number of years.Jon, showing why he is the best at doing the Best Moments show...always mining the gold from the archives...and happy to have him back in the fold for the upcoming EC segment!!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 2/25/2016Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(March 25, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm & 10:35pm - The 4th Tuesday of the month in the 2nd hour can only mean one thing! The Embedded Correspondents, ALL OF THEM, return for what promises to be one of the most insane 100% Assurity Questions segment we have ever seen (to date). It will be so much fun, that the "sit in guest" for tonight just might stick around to take part in all the fun and frivolity that we are sure to have. You should also plan to be here so you can give your answers along with us!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(March 25, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - And just like that, we are closing out Q1 of 2025! Joining me, albeit a little later than normal, is the new quarterly guest, Mike Lang from Another Pint Please. Mike and I will discuss getting ready for the BBQ/Grilling season ahead, how he goes about giving advice to people asking what cookers they should buy, how his recent photoshoot travels have gone and what else he might be up to as we are now officially into Spring. We are only 6 months out from the 2025 version of Grillfest as well...it will be here before we both know it!9:35pm - After Mike, I will be joined by someone who is actually sitting in for tonight's show "in-studio". He is a local political leader, leading opinion maker on local business and one of the biggest Cleveland Browns fans I know (how tragic). We will talk about what he is doing to help his city thrive, what he likes to cook and what it might take for me to open a BBQ spot in Wickliffe, OH (my former city of residence). It is going to be really fun!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________Episode 375Taking you back to 3/3/2015 - Being featured this week is a guy (and team) that blazed the trails for many a BBQ competitor over the past 20+ years. Winner of many of the most important BBQ events ever held, TV competition star and an innovator of selling BBQ rubs and sauces before a lot of folks actually got into it, Mike Davis of Lotta Bull joined me. In 2015, the Sam's Club BBQ Series was still a thing and we talked about that. We also talked about KCBS judging, his turn in and many other topics as well. Mike has since gotten out of the competition game (or at least not anywhere near where he was once doing them, but Lotta Bull is a truly important team in the history of the KCBS and the competition BBQ world in general.If you aren't familiar with Mike, this is a great introduction to him and how nice of guy he is!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 3/3/2015Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(March 18, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm - Leading off the 2nd hour tonight is a legend in competition BBQ, a BBQ Hall of Fame'er, a TV star, an author of 2 books and an owner of a BBQ retail store...and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Fan favorite, Melissa Cookston, joins the show once again. Tonight we will talk about the upcoming Smoke Slam event in May, the World Junior BBQ League, a new cookbook, dealing with the aforementioned retail space and much more. Melissa is always a great guest and tonight promises to be no different!10:35pm - Coming out of the bullpen tonight is the BBQ editor for Texas Monthly, Daniel Vaughn. DV makes his first of 4 appearances in 2025 and we will talk about all the hot news for Texas BBQ as well as other live-fire news that is worth talking about.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(March 18, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm - After a week off chasing Mickey Mouse around his playground, The show is back and better than ever. What better way to kick off the last 2 weeks of shows in March than by talking with the creator of Amazingribs.com, Meathead!! Tonight we talk about the latest updates on his new book, what to do with all that leftover corned beef and pastrami, should we be cooking steak in butter and what live-fire company is the biggest joke in the industry today.9:35pm - After Meathead, I will be joined by our monthly BBQ business expert, Wes Wright of Cook Out News (dot com). Wes and I will discuss the latest happenings over the past 30 days and we will pay specific attention to Solo Stove and their colossal decline in the stock market...could they get delisted...or even go bankrupt? Be sure to tune in for our takes!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________Episode 374Taking you back to 3/3/2015 - Featuring Texas Embedded Correspondent Doug Scheiding of Rogue Cookers!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 3/3/2015Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

Thank you to sponsor of this episode: Green Mountain Grills________________________________________________Episode 373Taking you back to 2/23/2016 - This could be billed as a “Back to back” of sorts…as the same show that produced the Jim Burg Killer B's episode also produced this segment that you will hear this coming Friday…with what some consider to be the best competition cook of all time…Darren Warth of ISD BBQ.  In this particular segment, Darren breaks down his entire brisket program…for you…the listener! Darren has said on many occasions that while he isn't someone that does classes like many other cooks do…he is open to sharing his process if you ask him too…so I did…and so he shared. Is it almost 10yrs old…yes…if you have no idea how to cook brisket and you are looking for tips from a pretty good BBQ pitmaster…you might want to check out the show this coming Friday…and then punch into the whole show link to get the entire info set from Darren…who is also now a BBQ HOF'er.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 2/23/2016Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(March 4, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm & 10:35pm - Leading the 2nd hour is a fan favorite, a YouTube celebrity and a BBQ Central Show Guest HOF'er, our pal, Sam The Cooking Guy. Fresh off the heels of a sit-in performance with the Embedded Correspondents last week, Sam turns around to do a back 2 back appearance where we will certainly talk much more about food, cooking and other stuff a bit more on topic...or...none of that. Be sure to tune in!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(March 4, 2025 - Hour One)9:14pm & 9:35pm - The most recognizable face, and one of the nicest guys in the biz, Malcom Reed from How To BBQ Right joins me to kick off the last month of Q1. Tonight, Malcom and I will talk about a number of topics to include YouTube subscribers, popular condiments, is competition BBQ back to it's pre-TV days and what some of his biggest live-fire fails have been over his years doing this.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

This episode is brought to you by The butcher Shoppe…Home of the NEVER crossbred 100% Australian Wylarah 9+ Wagyu brisket, wagyu beef (American and Japanese), dry aged steaks, wild game and MUCH more!! Call to order today: (850) 458-8782 and ask for Kevin!  Mention The BBQ Central Show for 10% off your entire order!!___________________________________________Taking you back to 2/23/2016 - This week, featuring a pitmaster by the name of Jim Burg from a team called Killer B's. Back in those days, Jim was a highly competitive and successful BBQ cook on the KCBS circuit. Won a number of GCs…had a few interviews on the show for his accomplishments…and then came down with a horrific illness and almost died. Within the minutes of this show that Jon has put together, we talk about how he got into competition BBQ and what really drew him into staying in it. He actually won the 2014 Sam's Club National Title (when that was a thing). I say it every week…but THIS TIME…hit the link for the full interview. This was a deeply moving segment and interview…and if you don't remember it…or you never heard it…I think it is safe to say that this will be time well spent if you check the whole thing out.Jim did recover and is still around today…not completely divesting out of BBQ comps…but is in a different chapter for the most part as we sit here in 2025. In any event, be sure to check out the show this Friday and then click on over for the full segment later and let me know what you think!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 2/23/2016Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(February 25, 2025 - Hour Two)10:14pm & 10:35pm - Leading the 2nd hour is a fan favorite (2) segments. Plus, tonight, we have a special guest sitting in for a regular. The Embedded Correspondents come in for February and Sam The Cooking Guy is sitting in for our live-fire friend, Jon Solberg. Jon will be back in March, however, tonight we will get Sam's takes on the new and long list of 100% Assurity questions.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(February 25, 2025 - Hour one)9:14pm & 9:35pm - After an unsuccessful attempt at getting him on a few weeks back, the CEO of Memphis in May, Mack Weaver, joins the show in the first hour. Of course we will talk about some of the history of MIM, what the 2025 version is going to look like and what new events they have added as well. If you are someone who is looking to attend the event in May, we will also discuss what you can expect to see and do as a spectator. Also, since it's Mack's first time on the show, we will get to know him a bit...he's a pretty interesting guy outside of the Memphis In May International festival in a number of ways.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsPitts & Spitts BBQ Pits - Use "bbqcentral" at checkout for a free spice pack.Big Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 371This episode is brought to you by The butcher Shoppe…Home of the NEVER crossbred 100% Australian Wylarah 9+ Wagyu brisket, wagyu beef (American and Japanese), dry aged steaks, wild game and MUCH more!! Call to order today: (850) 458-8782 and ask for Kevin!  Mention The BBQ Central Show for 10% off your entire order!!___________________________________________Taking you back to 2/5/2013 - You know gang…there have been so many things that have happened on this show over the last, almost, 20 years…and the one we are bringing back this coming Friday is one of those where, if someone asked what my favorite part of the show has been…or guest…or segment…recency bias comes into play for sure…for, without Jon going back and listening to the old shows, I would have never recalled this one that you will hear Friday…Back in 2013…Chad Ward from Whiskey Bent BBQ and I made a wager… don't recall what the specific wager was…but it seems I WON! I don't know what my side of payment would have been had I lost…but I didn't lose…so no matter. HOWEVER, Chad lost…and his side of payment was, that if he lost…which he did…he would have to come on the show and shave his head and his carefully manicured “chin beard”...which is very important to Chad…and Chad's lady friend at the time, who loved the hair and the beard, is the one that actually did the shaving…I don't have any idea where the video would be on this…but the audio is pretty great…so be sure to grab it this Friday!!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don't forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full showOriginal Air Date: 2/5/2013Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE