Tales from the pits, a Texas BBQ podcast featuring trendsetters, leaders, and icons from the barbecue industry

By Andrew and Bryan

Society & Culture Arts Business Food Places & Travel

What's Tales from the pits, a Texas BBQ podcast featuring trendsetters, leaders, and icons from the barbecue industry about?

A Texas BBQ podcast highlighting the food, personalities, and traditions of the Lone Star State's smoked meats.

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Tales from the pits, a Texas BBQ podcast featuring trendsetters, leaders, and icons from the barbecue industry episodes:

04.15.2024
Sabar BBQ
Zain Shafi turned a curiosity into a passion and eventually a business in Sabar BBQ. Zain blends together the Pakistani flavors he grew up with alongside the familiar Texas barbecue staples. With seasonal, flavorful sides and well cooked proteins, Sabar...
04.01.2024
Season 5 and a special announcement
Season 5 of Tales from the Pits is finally underway! More episodes from the best and brightest in the barbecue world are headed your way, and tune in to this episode for details on our new project, Cookfire Tales.A video...
12.31.2023
2023 Recap
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Sign yourself up for their monthly...
11.13.2023
Things we are thankful for 2023
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Sign yourself up for their monthly...
08.07.2023
Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Sign up for their new monthly...
07.24.2023
Episode 200 - West Texas BBQ Roundtable
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Sign up for their new BBQ...
07.10.2023
Six Year Recap! Nearly 200 episodes published
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Sign up for their new monthly...
06.26.2023
Farm to Table with Palmira BBQ and Peculiar Pig Farm
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Sign up for their new BBQ...
06.12.2023
Bar-A -BBQ
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Sign up for their new BBQ...
05.29.2023
Robert Moss - History of Charleston Dining
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Sign up for their new BBQ...
05.15.2023
Reese Bros BBQ
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Check out http://bbqdistro.com/tales for all of your BBQ needs...
05.01.2023
King BBQ - Jackrabbit Filly
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Check out http://bbqdistro.com/tales for all of your BBQ needs...
04.11.2023
The Next Chapter for LeRoy and Lewis
This episode was brought to you by Zavala’s Barbecue Distribution. Rubs and sauces from some of the best BBQ joints in Texas and beyond now just a click away from being at your doorstep! Check out http://bbqdistro.com/tales for all of your BBQ needs...
04.10.2023
Charleston Wine+Food 2023 recap
Charleston continues to be one of our favorite food cities to visit, and the Charleston Wine + Food Festival is one of the great gateways to exploring the scene. We were fortunate to be invited to this event again in...
03.27.2023
10 Years of Micklethwait Craft Barbecue
Tom Micklethwait has been at the forefront of the modern barbecue movement that has taken place in the last decade. From high quality meats to well made sides and condiments, Micklethwait Craft Meats has been serving all of the staples...
11.21.2022
Ep 190 Season Three Recap
For our last episode of season three we took a look back at another incredible year in barbecue and highlight some of our favorite bites and memories from a busy 2022. Thanks again to our wonderful sponsors, listeners and guests...
11.07.2022
Ep 189 - Chris Prieto Prime BBQ
Christopher Prieto, aka The Barbecue Nerd, has had one of the more unique journeys through the barbecue world that you’re likely to find. From his storied competition cooking career to his work with veterans and opening his first restaurant, Christopher’s...
10.24.2022
Ep.188 Bourbon Bonus Episode
During our recent trip to Kentucky we decided to record a special bonus episode about our bourbon experience including a blind tasting we each did. The moral of the story for bourbon with us is this: drink what you like,...
10.10.2022
Ep. 187 Red Hog Butchery
We are fans of the crafts of butchery and were pleased to spend time with some of the crew at Red Hog Artisan Meat in Louisville, Kentucky on a recent road trip. Butchery, charcuterie, and dry aging are on full display...
09.26.2022
Ep.186 Fox Bros BBQ New Location Takes Flight
Brothers Jonathan and Justin Fox grew up in Texas, moved to Atlanta, and over time have built an amazing barbecue footprint in that area. From humble beginnings of backyard barbecue parties to eventually opening their first restaurant, the Fox brothers...
09.12.2022
Ep. 185 An Epic BBQ and Bourbon Roadtrip
If you've listened to our show you know we love road trips and experiencing different BBQ across the U.S. We traveled through ten states over six days, traversing over 3,400 miles to try over a dozen barbecue places that served different...
08.29.2022
Ep. 184 Pitmasters answer our listener’s questions
We asked our listeners what questions they’d like to ask pitmasters, and as always you came through with some good ones! We sent out questionnaires to several of the best in the barbecue world and many were kind enough to...
08.15.2022
Ep. 183 BBQ, Tacos, and how to support your local BBQ Joint
Our recent trip to the Rio Grande Valley was filled with so many memorable food experiences. From innovative new school barbecue to classic barbacoa to chef driven tacos and even an over 100 year old gordita place serving out of...
08.01.2022
Ep. 182 - Rio Grande Valley Pitmaster Roundtable
One of the fastest growing barbecue scenes in Texas is taking place in the Rio Grande Valley where local pitmasters are showcasing both the popular modern craft style along with menu items and ingredients they grew up with. We had...
07.18.2022
Ep. 181 - Kris Manning and Smokey Joe’s BBQ
When Kris Manning took over Smokey Joe’s BBQ from his father Kenneth Manning and Joe Melton, the original owners, he had a delicate balance to strike: balancing the traditions of a restaurant serving the community since 1985 with the desire...
07.01.2022
Ep. 180 Pitts And Spitts
In 2015 Ryan Zboril bought the well known Houston based pit builder, Pitts and Spitts, and saw an opportunity to grow the brand of this longtime trusted company. Working alongside his National Sales Director, Coy Christoffel, Ryan and the Pitts...
06.20.2022
Ep. 179 Our Whole Hog Education
As much as we love Texas barbecue, both the traditional and the modern styles, we’ve developed a strong affinity and appreciation for the different whole hog preparations in many of the southern states. A curiosity born from a few Houston area...
06.06.2022
Ep. 178 Derrick Walker of Smoke-A-Holics
Having been involved in competition barbecue and running pop ups for decades, Derrick Walker is not new to the barbecue world. After years of working his way through the kitchen ranks at a hospital and getting a culinary degree, Derrick...
05.23.2022
Ep.177 Daniel Vaughn BBQ Snob
Five years ago we launched Tales from the Pits to help tell the stories behind the people in barbecue. Daniel Vaughn’s writing and documenting of Texas barbecue has been one of our (and everyone else in the state’s) biggest resources...
05.09.2022
Ep. 176 Robert F Moss
We were thrilled to have the chance to sit down with Robert F. Moss during our recent trip to South Carolina for the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. Robert is a wealth of culinary knowledge and the research he's done...
04.25.2022
Ep. 175 Old School BBQ Road Trip Roundtable
We joined up with some of our friends in barbecue for a BBQ road trip to some of our favorite old school barbecue joints. For some of us it was a revisit to these classic places and for others it...
04.11.2022
Ep. 174 Palmira BBQ
Hector Garate has combined the inspiration of his heritage, his upbringing, and modern techniques to create a menu at Palmira BBQ in Charleston that produces high quality items from top to bottom. Serving high quality meats and flavorful, carefully crafted...
03.28.2022
Ep. 173 Centex Smokers
Michael Johnson of Centex Smokers had welding in his blood, growing up with a father who was a professional welder. Though Michael originally resisted the idea of making it into a career, he quickly fell back on his years of...
03.14.2022
Ep. 172 Charleston Wine + Food 2022
The Charleston Wine + Food festival is an amazing showcase of so many talented chefs and spirits professionals from not just South Carolina but all around the country. We were thrilled to be invited back to cover the event and...
02.28.2022
Ep.171 Cole Parkman
Cole Parkman developed a passion for barbecue at a young age and after trying the conventional college route, ended up chasing his smoked meat dreams. After being hired at Truth BBQ’s Houston location when it opened at 2019, Cole did everything...
02.14.2022
Ep. 170 Interstellar BBQ
John Bates had a long and successful cooking career before turning his attention to barbecue. After a decade running a scratch sandwich shop which included in-house pickling, bread baking and meat curing, he was ready for a change. Interstellar BBQ launched...
01.31.2022
Ep. 169 Roegels Expands With a New Location
Having owned a BBQ restaurant for over twenty years, Russell and Misty Roegels are no strangers to the barbecue industry. After being part of a chain for many years, the Roegels struck out on their own in 2015 to great...
01.17.2022
Ep. 168 Season 3 Kick Off!
Welcome to season three of Tales from the Pits! Season two was a whirlwind of travel and fun, and we have exciting news on what we have planned for 2022. Tune in as we reflect a bit on last year, highlight...
10.18.2021
The Texas Monthly 2021 Top 50!
The much anticipated 2021 Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ List has finally arrived! Hear our thoughts on the top ten, the list overall, and some fun facts and tidbits about the long awaited list that always has BBQ nerds talking. Congratulations...
10.11.2021
2021 Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Predictions
One of the most exciting times for both BBQ restaurant owners and fans alike is the release of the latest Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list. Always a great resource for BBQ travels as well as a hot topic for...
10.04.2021
20 Best BBQ Places in Texas 5-1
We finish our countdown of the top 20 BBQ Spots in Texas with our final five spots. All of these places represent the best of the best that Texas ‘cue has to offer, and each one should be on every...
09.27.2021
20 Best BBQ Places in Texas 10-6
We continue to countdown the best BBQ places in Texas! With this episode we highlight our 10th through 6th rated spots, a diverse group that all offer different and delicious menus of meats, sides, desserts with varied experiences. Let us know...
09.20.2021
20 Best BBQ Places In Texas 20-11
After months spent crisscrossing Texas in search of the best barbecue we could find, we’ve completed our research, debated dozens of restaurants, and are ready to start unveiling our top 20. Tune in to this episode to hear us begin our...
09.06.2021
Ep.162 - The Great Texas BBQ Hunt - 100 spots we considered
When we began our quest to determine the 20 best BBQ spots in Texas, we knew it would be difficult. It proved even harder than we suspected, but we’re finally finished with our search and will soon be unveiling our...
08.23.2021
Ep. 161 - Forth Worth Pitmaster Roundtable
No region of Texas has seen a larger increase in both the quality and quantity of good barbecue options the last few years than the Fort Worth area. While other cities have gotten plenty of rightful acclaim for their roster...
08.09.2021
Ep. 160 - Rejino BBQ
Aaron and Christina Rejino grew up in West Texas enjoying family barbecues, but it was their first encounter with craft barbecue on a trip to Houston that started them along a path that would lead them to leave their day...
07.26.2021
Ep. 159 - Dayne's Craft BBQ
Dayne Weaver started his BBQ journey selling food from his front yard and in a few short years has built his business into one of the most exciting places for craft barbecue in all of Texas. After meeting and striking...
07.12.2021
Ep. 158 Pitforks and Smokerings
Isaac Arellano never dreamed he’d one day turn his family’s full service gas station into a BBQ spot, but life has a funny way of working out. After delving into the competition cooking world a bit, Isaac got bit by...
06.28.2021
Ep. 157 - Goldees Barbecue
To those that have followed the cooking careers of the Goldee’s BBQ crew it comes as no surprise that this Fort Worth joint has quickly ascended to “must visit” status on the Texas barbecue bucket list. After learning from some...
06.14.2021
Ep. 156 - Evie Mae's Growth and Expansion
Evie Mae’s Barbeque grew from humble beginnings in Arizona to a trailer outside of Lubbock, Texas and just recently celebrated five years in their brick and mortar location. Along the way came many accolades along with plenty of hurdles but...

What's Tales from the pits, a Texas BBQ podcast featuring trendsetters, leaders, and icons from the barbecue industry about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Tales from the pits, a Texas BBQ podcast featuring trendsetters, leaders, and icons from the barbecue industry episodes:

Sabar BBQ

Season 5 and a special announcement

2023 Recap

Things we are thankful for 2023

Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue

Episode 200 - West Texas BBQ Roundtable

Six Year Recap! Nearly 200 episodes published

Farm to Table with Palmira BBQ and Peculiar Pig Farm

Bar-A -BBQ

Robert Moss - History of Charleston Dining

Reese Bros BBQ

King BBQ - Jackrabbit Filly

The Next Chapter for LeRoy and Lewis

Charleston Wine+Food 2023 recap

10 Years of Micklethwait Craft Barbecue

Ep 190 Season Three Recap

Ep 189 - Chris Prieto Prime BBQ

Ep.188 Bourbon Bonus Episode

Ep. 187 Red Hog Butchery

Ep.186 Fox Bros BBQ New Location Takes Flight

Ep. 185 An Epic BBQ and Bourbon Roadtrip

Ep. 184 Pitmasters answer our listener’s questions

Ep. 183 BBQ, Tacos, and how to support your local BBQ Joint

Ep. 182 - Rio Grande Valley Pitmaster Roundtable

Ep. 181 - Kris Manning and Smokey Joe’s BBQ

Ep. 180 Pitts And Spitts

Ep. 179 Our Whole Hog Education

Ep. 178 Derrick Walker of Smoke-A-Holics

Ep.177 Daniel Vaughn BBQ Snob

Ep. 176 Robert F Moss

Ep. 175 Old School BBQ Road Trip Roundtable

Ep. 174 Palmira BBQ

Ep. 173 Centex Smokers

Ep. 172 Charleston Wine + Food 2022

Ep.171 Cole Parkman

Ep. 170 Interstellar BBQ

Ep. 169 Roegels Expands With a New Location

Ep. 168 Season 3 Kick Off!

The Texas Monthly 2021 Top 50!

2021 Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Predictions

20 Best BBQ Places in Texas 5-1

20 Best BBQ Places in Texas 10-6

20 Best BBQ Places In Texas 20-11

Ep.162 - The Great Texas BBQ Hunt - 100 spots we considered

Ep. 161 - Forth Worth Pitmaster Roundtable

Ep. 160 - Rejino BBQ

Ep. 159 - Dayne's Craft BBQ

Ep. 158 Pitforks and Smokerings

Ep. 157 - Goldees Barbecue

Ep. 156 - Evie Mae's Growth and Expansion