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In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode of Sacred & Strange, Jay sits down with his longtime friend and brother-in-arms, Tristan, a pitmaster from Northern California with a gift for creating safe spaces through food, faith, and fierce loyalty.

Together, they unpack nearly a decade of friendship forged through church, campfires, conflict—and even a shared Bigfoot encounter in the Shasta-Lassen wilderness. With humor and humility, Tristan recounts the moment he went from skeptic to believer… in more ways than one.

But this episode goes deeper than cryptids and campfire stories.

Tristan opens up about his complicated family dynamics, growing up in a divided home, navigating estrangement from his father, and eventually discovering healing through spiritual family and intentional mentorship. From youth ministry to weddings, from barista to “Master of Meat,” he reflects on how food and hospitality became his way of pastoring people—one plate at a time.

Jay and Tristan also dive into:

• The spiritual weirdness of Mount Shasta and why some believe it's a supernatural portal
• The difference between transparency and intimacy in mentoring relationships
• How to love without an agenda, especially when family doesn’t share your faith
• Why softball leagues and DJ booths matter more than you think
• The simple, sacred power of being present—whether through pulled pork or prayer

Whether you’re here for the laughs, the real talk, or the Bigfoot theories, this episode is a reminder that belonging often shows up in the strangest places.

00:00 Welcome to Sacred and Strange

01:37 Meet Tristan: The Master of Meat

03:12 Bigfoot Encounter: A Tale of Two Friends

10:32 The Mystery of Mount Shasta

13:10 Church League Softball and Friendships

14:27 Tristan's Family Dynamics

22:00 Finding Family in the Church

24:36 Battling the Heat: Personal Stories

25:17 Faith and Family: A Personal Journey

26:47 Connecting Through Love and Understanding

36:46 Mentorship and Its Impact

43:20 The Power of Food and Hospitality

49:22 Final Reflections and Encouragement

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