This one's been a long time coming.

My buddy Mel Chmilar Jr. (Dark Side of the Grill) finally sat down with me, and somehow we managed to balance absolute chaos with one of the most real conversations we've had.

If you know Mel, you know he's the guy screaming "FIRE IN THE HOLE!", cooking all over the world, and somehow turning every event into a party. But this episode isn't just about barbecue. We talk about the road that's taken him around the globe, the memories we've made together, and some of the personal battles he's been carrying behind the scenes.

More than anything, Mel wanted people to know it's okay to talk. You never know what someone is going through.

And because no episode is ever normal... Ty randomly joins us at the end while the three of us are somehow in three different countries.

Give it a watch, leave a comment, and let us know your favorite Mel story.

Episode 6 is live, and this one was a blast.

I sat down with my buddy Randy Pauly, the head pitmaster for Buc-ee's. If you've ever been to a Buc-ee's, you know the barbecue is no joke... every location is cranking out hundreds of whole briskets every single day. Randy was in Arizona helping open the state's first Buc-ee's, so we took the opportunity to sit down and talk.

And honestly, this isn't the Randy most people get to hear from.

We talk about growing up, his first barbecue competition, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why humility still matters no matter how successful you become. He even shares the wild story of how he ended up helping save the life of a famous singer. More than anything, it's a conversation about being adaptable, staying grounded, and making the most of whatever opportunity is in front of you.

Then, after all that wisdom, I sat down with Ty for the intro and outro... and let's just say we immediately ignored everything we learned. The conversation went so far off the rails I'm pretty sure I might be looking for a new co-host by Episode 7.

Check out Episode 6 of Not The Best Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

This week on Not The Best Podcast, I sat down with my buddy Dave Williamson.

Dave's a comedian, restaurant owner, festival organizer, husband, competitive bbqer, coach, mentor, dad, and somehow still finds time to do it all. We talked about everything from Vegas adventures and barbecue to building businesses, creating community, and balancing life when your schedule is packed.

What I like about Dave is that he's built some really cool things without trying to force it. He's all about relationships, supporting people, and letting things grow the right way.

A lot of laughs, a few wild stories, and plenty of good conversation in this one.

Check out Episode 5 with Dave Williamson, available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

A conversation w my guy Al Frugoni, aka the king of open fire. Coming from Argentina, Al’s been a huge mentor and friend to me for years, so getting to sit down and really talk through his journey was special.

We got into everything… how he made the jump from Argentina to the US, building businesses from the ground up, getting punched in the face by COVID, and still finding ways to adapt and keep moving forward. The dude is the definition of resilient.

We also talked about how social media completely changed the game, why cooking over open fire brings people together in a way nothing else does, and how community, family, and real relationships are at the center of everything he does.

Honestly this episode felt more like two friends catching up than an interview. A lot of laughs, a lot of perspective, and a reminder that the best things in life usually happen around good food and good people.

In a world flooded with quick-and-easy meals, Uncle Chico reminds us of the power of slow-cooked tradition, good storytelling, and community.

Most barbecue lovers and food adventurers are missing out if they haven’t heard Uncle Chico’s secret to turning simple bites into unforgettable experiences.

In this episode, Rico, AKA Uncle Chico, spills the beans on everything from his secret barbecue tips to the stories behind the food that brings people together.

Get ready for an authentic blend of humor, culture, and culinary wisdom that will leave you craving more than just a plate of tacos.

You'll discover his approach to regional Mexican cuisine, why he’s obsessed with enchiladas, and the importance of storytelling behind every dish he cooks. He also breaks down how even simple ingredients carry history and meaning, emphasizing that food is a gateway to cultural connection.

We break down practical tips like the right way to make taquitos, the difference between Mexican street food and American variations, and how to elevate everyday dishes without complication.

Whether you’re a seasoned pit boss, a home cook, or just love a good laugh over tacos, this episode will inspire you to see food through a richer lens. Perfect for foodies, barbecue enthusiasts, and anyone craving genuine stories and flavors, this episode invites you into Uncle Chico’s kitchen, so grab a taco, turn up the volume, and prepare for a session of hard-earned wisdom, hearty laughs, and a whole lot of deliciousness.

Episode 2 kicks off with a recap of FatOxfest 2026, highlighting the community spirit, teamwork, and absolutley banger of a time we had. We cover a range of topics, including cultural food experiences, travel, time travel analogies, childhood cartoons, and cultural influences. Juan shares his culinary experiences from different cultures, we discuss the implications of time travel, and explore the impact of childhood cartoons on cultural influences.

Episode 1 is LIVE and we wasted ZERO time getting unhinged 😤🔥

Ty helps me kick it off with a Louisiana weekend recap... great food, bad decisions, and somehow we end up deep in the trenches of neighborhood beef. HOA smoke?? Oh yeah… we’re talking about it.

Then I bring on my FIRST EVER guest, my guy Jared Babb.

We go back to when we met at Memphis in May 3 years ago cooking with Al Frugoni. Within minutes of meeting, we’re shirtless, running wild through Memphis like absolute degenerates. That’s when I knew… yeah, this dude’s sticking around.

From there? Chaos.

We get weird, we get honest, talk about unfulfilled dreams of sports success, the pitfalls of fatherhood, and dive into the most UNDERRATED BBQ essentials that nobody talks about—but everyone should. No gatekeeping over here.

ALSO, keep your ears open for the theme song 👀
First 25 people who can tell me where it’s from are getting a sticker sent straight to their house. No excuses.

It’s laughs, it’s stories, it’s “how did we even get here?”

Ty and unofficially kick things off by recapping our trip to the Houston Rodeo, sharing some laughs, and hanging out over some pizza. Just a laid-back conversation about the experience, a few good stories, and the kind of moments that turn into great memories.