Why BBQ Enthusiasts Should Be Tuning In to BBQ Radio Network
Each week in our Watch/Listen/Read section of The Smoke Sheet, we do our best to highlight many of the amazing podcasts covering different aspects of the BBQ world. One show we frequently love to tune in to is the BBQ Radio Network, a nationally syndicated one-hour radio show focusing on preparing, cooking, and eating BBQ.
“We’re not a podcast,” the show’s producer, affectionately known as T-bone, is quick to note. Though listeners can certainly download BBQ Radio Network episodes using their favorite podcast platform of choice, the show is also broadcast on the radio in over 1,000 cities and towns across the nation.
BBQ Radio Network has hit its stride with Andy Groneman sharing his vast BBQ knowledge as the show’s host. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
Now in its fourth year, the show has hit its stride with host Andy Groneman at the helm. Groneman is a Kansas City-based pitmaster and two time world BBQ champion from the Smoke On Wheels team with a line of sauces and marinades that he spent over 20 years developing.
Groneman frequently travels the world cooking at some of the biggest events and teaching both backyard and competition BBQ classes. In between recording episodes of the show, the schedule he shared with me included trips to Camp Pendleton in California, the Hot Luck festival in Texas, as well as an extended trip to South Korea to teach BBQ classes.
BBQ Radio Network co-host Todd Johns is a four-time world champion and founder of Plowboys Barbeque. (Photo by Tarik Sykes)
The show also features a revolving lineup of co-hosts that currently consists of Todd Johns and Richard Fergola, who are both world champion pitmasters themselves. Both Johns and Fergola are world champion pitmasters themselves and complement Groneman with their extensive knowledge of the BBQ industry.
Johns is a four-time world champion, educator, and founder of the Plowboys Barbeque brand, with an extensive line of popular rubs and sauces. In 2009, Johns was named Grand Champion at the American Royal Invitational. He brings a unique perspective to the show as a former restaurateur who shares advice on the challenges and rewards of operating a successful BBQ business.
When he is not busy co-hosting the show, Richard Fergola is an active competitor on the barbecue circuit. (Photo by Wai Chan)
Meanwhile, Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ is currently an active competitor on the barbecue circuit who was named the Grand Champion of the KCBS World Invitational. He shares advice to listeners who are interested in learning more about competition BBQ in the show’s “Competition Corner” featurette. Fergola has his hands in several different areas of the BBQ industry, including producing his own successful line of rubs, teaching classes, and representing several of the top brands in BBQ and grilling. He’s also the Director of Marketing at the new Proud Souls Barbeque & Provisions store in Kansas City.
The show regularly features some of the top guests from the BBQ industry, Steven Raichlen, Meathead Goldwyn, Amy Mills, and Chris Lilly. I had the chance to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at an interview with acclaimed pitmaster Aaron Franklin, who discussed his new cookbook, Franklin Smoke, this year’s Hot Luck festival, and his line of custom offset pits.
Host Andy Groneman shares tips and techniques learned from his years of BBQ experience. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
What makes BBQ Radio Network so unique is its broad coverage of the BBQ world while staying laser-focused on its mission to raise and elevate the game of backyard BBQ enthusiasts everywhere. According to T-bone, the goal is to produce a show that is “centered around the audience.” Each week Groneman and his co-hosts answer listener questions, sharing their tips and techniques learned from years of experience cooking BBQ at the highest levels.
BBQ Radio Network producer T-bone works tirelessly to create a top-notch show with great guests. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
BBQ Radio Network is expanding into new markets, continuing to add new affiliates across the country, and is the broadcast radio category leader for BBQ shows. Anyone interested in BBQ, grilling, and live-fire cooking should give the show a listen. Tailgating enthusiasts, backyard barbecuers, competitors, and veterans of the industry will all be able to gain insights from Groneman, Johns, and Fergola.
Find out how you can tune in to the BBQ Radio Network, and be sure to follow them on Facebook.
Ryan Cooper (BBQ Tourist)
Co-Founder, The Smoke Shee
—LeRoy & Lewis has been making fantastic barbecue for years out of a food truck but will soon open a restaurant. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
The team behind acclaimed Austin barbecue food truck LeRoy & Lewis has finally found a location to house its long-awaited first restaurant, with plans to open it later this year. LeRoy & Lewis has been rated as one of the best BBQ operations in the country for the past few years, so a full-fledged restaurant is an exciting new chapter. The new joint will offer an expanded menu and will be located in Austin’s Garrison Park neighborhood at 5621 Emerald Forest Drive. READ MORE.
In one of the coolest stories we’ve seen in a while, the BBC profiled several young companies in Africa that are working on innovative charcoal. For example, they spoke to Michael Duncan, the founder of South African startup Shisa Eco-Briquettes. His company, founded in 2021, compresses macadamia nut shells (which are abundant in South Africa) and turns them into briquettes for barbecue. "You have a macadamia nut shell burning that lets out a wonderful aroma which actually also goes on to the food you're actually cooking, so it gives you a different taste,” Duncan said. Another company mentioned is Green Bio Energy in Uganda, which creates briquettes from “waste like charcoal dust, cassava, and maize crops.” READ MORE.
Texas Monthly Taco Editor José R. Ralat has written a new article about how barbacoa helped pave the way for modern-day American barbecue. Ralat does a deep dive explaining the history of Mexican barbacoa cooking (typically in brick pits in the ground) and how there are many variations on the cooking, which can prepare lamb, beef, or goat. He also mentions the barbecue pitmasters who embrace barbacoa cooking, including Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que in Brownsville, TX. Notably, Vera’s is the only food establishment in Texas permitted to make in-ground barbacoa. READ MORE.
Kansas City friends take note: Mad Scientist BBQ and Wolfpacke BBQ will be hosting an event on Saturday, April 22, in Pleasant Valley, MO, where they will be giving out free brisket, ribs, sausages, and sides. Part of the fun of the event will be that the hosts will be encouraging people to share their opinions on Kansas City and Texas BBQ. "If you have strong opinions about Kansas City barbecue, be sure to let us know and we'll let you make your case," Mad Scientist Jeremy Yoder writes. "I'll be set up at a table with a camera and you can tell me and the world why Kansas City barbecue reigns supreme." READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
Jordie from Barstool Sports has high praise for the "Bubba Cole" sandwich at Blake's BBQ in Martin, TN.
Bay Area joint KC’s BBQ recently announced the sudden closure of its restaurant, which had been open for more than five decades.
Texas Monthly says Montgomery’s Bar-A-BBQ is producing great barbecue in the Greater Houston area.
John Tanner visited D.C.-area favorite 2fifty to try their whole hog sandwich special and came away happy.
World Food Championships and Famous Dave’s have partnered for a new competitive BBQ Series.
The Austin Chronicle stopped by to speak to pitmaster Kelli Nevarez of LaVaca BBQ in Port Lavaca, Texas.
Tasting Table explains what differentiates Jewish and kosher barbecue from standard Southern ‘cue.
Brisket trimmers and pit cleaners are some of the “unsung heroes” of the BBQ world, writes J.C. Reid in the Houston Chronicle.
Popular Kansas City barbecue spot Arthur Bryant’s has popped up in multiple Ted Lasso episodes on Apple TV+.
—The team at Rolo’s in Queens makes one of NYC’s best burgers..—
WATCH
The Best Burger in NYC Is at Rolo's in Queens — Smoke Point
With a menu that is focused on wood-fired cuisine, Rolo’s has become one of NYC’s most popular and busy restaurants. Chef and co-owner Rafiq Salim and his team make one of the city’s best burgers, a two-sheet lasagna verde, a dry-aged bone-in rib-eye, and more. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Why Greg Rempe Who Should be a Barbecue Hall of Fame Inductee — Baseball and BBQ
The Baseball and BBQ podcast celebrates The BBQ Central Show's Greg Rempe, who should be a Barbecue Hall of Fame Inductee. Hosts Leonard and Jeff are joined by Malcom Reed, Ben Arnot, Christie Vanover, Ryan Cooper, Sean Ludwig, Michael Savino, Rusty Monson, Jon Solberg, Meathead, and Doug Scheiding, who give their reasons why Rempe should be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Franklin Smoke: Wood. Fire. Food. — Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay
Aaron Franklin, bestselling author and proprietor of Austin hotspot Franklin Barbecue, turns to backyard live-fire grilling and smoking in Franklin Smoke. Along with award-winning food writer Jordan Mackay, Franklin addresses the mysterious area where smoker and grill intersect, describing when and how to best combine the two. This complete resource, which features inspiring and helpful photographs, proves that lighting a backyard fire is no big deal on a weeknight — and that you can (and should!) cook this way for fuller flavors and a deeper engagement with the elements. The trick is in treating fire as an ingredient, not a medium. Franklin and Mackay detail strategies for executing meals over the full lifespan of a fire, employing low- and high-heat techniques as well as indirect cooking and smoking. PRE-ORDER HERE
—These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings will take you on an Italian getaway.—
Garlic Parm Chicken Wings
By All Things BBQ
This Garlic Parm Chicken Wings recipe from Chef Tom of All Things BBQ is the recipe we’ve all been waiting for. The wings are coated with butter, Italian spices, and loads of Parmesan cheese and are paired up with a delicious marinara dipping sauce. This is a quick and simple recipe for any day of the week.
—Don't miss out on awesome BBQ events this spring and summer like Brisket King NYC in Queens, NY. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)—
April 26, 2023: Brisket King NYC — Queens, New York
The 12th Edition of Brisket King NYC will be held outdoors at the huge Pig Beach BBQ location in Queens, NYC this April. The event will feature brisket dishes from upcoming barbecue pitmasters and chefs. Historically, Brisket King has featured many pitmasters before they were household names, so you’re also getting a look at the future of the barbecue scene. MORE INFO HERE.
April 29, 2023: 3rd Annual Jeff Michner BBQ Benefit — Queens, New York
Join the crew at Pig Beach for the 3rd Annual Jeff Michner BBQ Benefit, a full-day meat smokin’ extravaganza organized in honor late friend, Pig Beach BBQ Executive Chef Jeff Michner, who passed away suddenly in 2018 at age 36 leaving behind his wife Sara and daughter Hayes. This all-day “swine around” will feature more than 25 indoor and outdoor food stations helmed by celebrated chefs and barbecue royalty, plus complimentary beer, specialty cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments. MORE INFO HERE.
May 5-6, 2023: The BBQ Fest on the Neuse — Kinston, North Carolina
The 42nd annual BBQ Festival on the Neuse kicks off soon in Kinston, NC. The large festival will include a whole hog cookoff, food competitions, shopping, arts and crafts, wine garden, children’s activities, and more. Expect a good time for families and BBQ enthusiasts. MORE INFO HERE.
May 17-20, 2023: Memphis in May — Memphis, Tennessee
Recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious barbecue contests, the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a four-day competition held in Memphis. Teams representing the best of barbecue that have been honing their craft for years compete for the title of World Champion and a share of the more than $145,000 in prize money. The event will be held again at Tom’s River Park after a hiatus. However, based on the reduction in space in the new Tom Lee Park the event organizers expect the contest will be limited to 150 teams. MORE INFO HERE.
May 27-28, 2023: Denver BBQ Festival — Denver, Colorado
The Denver BBQ Fest, held at Empower Field at Mile High (where the Broncos play), is a huge event that brings barbecue fans together to get a taste of great local and national barbecue bites. On top of the top-notch food, there’s also live music and great drinks to enjoy. To get a taste of this event, be sure to read writer Ed Reilly’s recap of the 2022 Denver BBQ Festival. If you’re near Denver, don’t miss this. MORE INFO HERE.
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