The BBQ Nerds Podcast

If your offset smoker feels harder to run than it should, this episode explains why — and it has nothing to do with recipes or target temperatures.In this episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — breaks down how offset smokers actually behave, starting where most problems begin: the fire structure inside the firebox.This is not an episode about chasing flames or dialing in a magic number. It’s about understanding why offsets are coal-bed machines, how airflow and coal beds work together, and why most frustration comes from building fires that fight the cooker instead of working with it.Frank walks through: Why the coal bed is the engine of an offset smoker How flames create spikes but coal beds create stability The real differences between coal beds built on the firebox floor, on charcoal trays, and inside fire management baskets How starting a fire with charcoal versus kindling changes behavior Why fire structure matters more than fire size How split size, split storage, and pre-heating wood affect cleanliness and recovery Why offsets want rhythm, not constant adjustment Throughout the episode, the focus stays on cause and effect — explaining what’s happening inside the pit and why certain setups feel aggressive, unstable, or difficult to control.If you’ve ever felt like your offset was “fighting you,” this episode will help you understand what the pit is actually asking for — and how to give it the right kind of fire.⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Cold Open Running an offset gets easier once you understand coal beds and airflow00:25 — Reset Intro & Episode Scope Why this episode is offset-specific and about fire structure01:30 — Why Offset Smokers Feel Hard to Run Common firebox mistakes and false assumptions03:45 — The Coal Bed as the Engine Why coal beds create stability and flames create problems06:30 — Why Chasing Flames Causes Dirty Fires Spikes, swings, and constant babysitting08:45 — Coal Bed on the Firebox Floor Traditional setups, ash management, and stability11:30 — Coal Bed on Charcoal Trays or Log Racks Airflow, intensity, and shorter coal bed life14:15 — Fire Management Baskets Why baskets burn hotter and require tighter air control17:15 — Starting Fires: Charcoal vs Kindling Reducing variables and shortening the learning curve20:00 — Firewood Structure Log cabin vs bundle builds and how they change behavior22:45 — Pre-Heating Splits Why cold wood kills coal beds and causes recovery dips25:15 — Split Size and Fire Response Response speed vs stability27:30 — Fire Rhythm vs Reaction Why offsets want consistency, not constant adjustment30:00 — Managing Offsets Across Temperature Ranges How fire structure changes from 225°F to 325°F+32:45 — What a Clean Offset Fire Looks Like Smoke quality, sound, and predictable response34:30 — Final Takeaways & What’s Next Why fire structure solves most offset problems and sets up Episode 6

If chasing thermometer readings stresses you out, this episode is for you. In this episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — breaks down one of the biggest sources of frustration in barbecue: obsessing over temperature readings instead of understanding what’s actually happening in the cook. Building on the previous two episodes about fire behavior and draw (volume & velocity), this conversation reframes how pitmasters should think about temperature, thermometers, and control. This isn’t about ignoring thermometers — it’s about using them for context, not letting them run the cook. Frank explains why dial thermometers, digital probes, and wireless devices often create more confusion than clarity, how placement and radiant heat affect readings, and why multiple conflicting temperature readings can push pitmasters into emotional, reactionary decisions that ruin great barbecue. This episode introduces BBQ KPIs (Key Pit Indicators) — a system built around observation, feel, and progression rather than chasing a single “perfect” number. You’ll learn how color, bark formation, render behavior, texture, and rate of change tell you far more than any app ever will. This is also where the idea of BBQ soul comes into focus: the ability to adapt, pivot, and respond during a cook instead of blindly following recipes like “225°F,” “low and slow,” or “hot and fast.” Those are starting points — not finish lines. If you want to cook with more confidence, less stress, and better results, this episode gives you the mental framework to stop fighting your pit and start working with it. ⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Cold Open Why thermometer anxiety is holding you back 00:20 – What This Podcast Is About Nerding out on fire, science, and great BBQ 00:50 – How This Episode Builds on Fire & Draw Why temperature only makes sense after understanding heat and airflow 01:14 – The Frustrations Pitmasters Experience Panic, gaslighting over 225°F, chasing swings, and app obsession 02:36 – How Thermometers Create Reactionary Cooking Why chasing numbers can ruin an otherwise good cook 03:56 – Reframing Temperature Thermometers as context, not commands 04:55 – What Temperature Can’t Tell You Bark condition, render progress, and tenderness 05:21 – Why Pits Don’t Cook Evenly Radiant heat, airflow patterns, and hot spots 06:17 – Dial Thermometers & Placement Problems Why probe location matters more than people realize 07:55 – Radiant Heat & False Readings Why thermometers get “superheated” near the firebox 08:20 – Why Digital Probes Disagree A real-world refrigeration industry story about conflicting readings 09:49 – Wireless Probes & Steel Pits Why signal lag and misreporting are common 11:25 – Why More Data Creates More Noise How multiple readings destroy confidence 11:53 – Introducing BBQ KPIs (Key Pit Indicators) Observation over obsession 12:42 – What Experienced Pitmasters See Differently Why they don’t react emotionally 13:05 – Defining BBQ KPIs Visual, tactile indicators instead of numbers 14:23 – How KPIs Change by Meat & Cook Style Why context always matters 15:20 – Early Color & Surface Behavior Why early indicators predict the rest of the cook 16:10 – Chicken Skin & Texture Myths Why “crispy skin” is misunderstood 17:14 – Ribs: Reading Color, Pullback, and Flex Why ribs are a feel cook 17:37 – Simplifying Your Measurements Why you should pick one thermometer and trust it 18:01 – Why Frank Runs One Thermometer Experience over instrumentation 18:27 – Why Internet-Connected Probes Hurt Observation Convenience vs awareness 19:13 – Rate of Change as a KPI Why how fast temps move matters more than where they land 20:09 – Using KPIs to Decide When to Pivot Stay steady vs adjust 20:34 – Small Adjustments Beat Big Reactions Avoiding emotional cooking 21:00 – Developing BBQ Soul Adaptation, feel, and confidence 21:52 – Finish Temps Depend on How You Cooked Why 203°F isn’t a rule 22:17 – Recipes as Training Wheels Why experimentation matters 23:03 – BBQ KPIs PDF & Where to Find It Limited-time access in the Smokeslinger Pit Owners Group 24:11 – Key Takeaways Thermometers as tools, KPIs as guides, observation over obsession 25:32 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action BBQ should be fun, not stressful

If your pit has hot spots, uneven temperatures, or smoke that never seems to behave, this episode explains why. In this episode, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — dives deep into one of the most misunderstood concepts in barbecue: draw. This isn’t theory for theory’s sake. It’s a practical breakdown of how air actually moves through an offset smoker, why common airflow myths don’t hold up, and how understanding volume and velocity can completely change how your pit runs. You’ll learn why smoke does not swirl through a cook chamber like a corkscrew, why forcing air under the grates isn’t the magic solution people think it is, and how hot air naturally moves through a smoker much like water through a drain — just in the opposite direction. This episode connects real-world airflow behavior, pit design, and fire management so you can stop fighting your smoker and start working with it. ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Cold Open Why hot spots and uneven temps are really happening 00:09 – What “Draw” Really Means Why draw is one of the most misunderstood terms in barbecue 00:59 – Common Frustrations with Offset Smokers Uneven temps, stagnant air, dirty smoke, and hot spots 03:09 – Visual Clues Inside the Cook Chamber Meat color, hot zones, and what the bottom of a brisket tells you 04:58 – The Corkscrew & “Push the Air Down” Myths Where these ideas came from — and why they don’t hold up 06:09 – A Pivotal Moment in Understanding Airflow How real-world air balancing experience changed the way Frank views smokers 09:44 – The First Big Truth About Air Movement Why air does not swirl through a smoker like a corkscrew 11:21 – Draw = Volume and Velocity How airflow is controlled by how much air moves and how fast it moves 12:10 – The Sewer Drain Analogy Why hot air hugs the top of the cook chamber 14:40 – Why Smokers Are Not Pressurized Systems What pressure actually means — and why offsets can’t create corkscrew airflow 18:07 – Understanding Velocity Using the garden hose analogy to explain airflow speed 20:39 – Turbulence, Eddies, and Real Airflow Behavior What actually causes swirling and mixing inside a smoker 23:38 – Offset vs Reverse Flow Designs How baffles and tuning plates change airflow — and the tradeoffs involved 27:38 – The Real Job of a Smokestack Damper Balancing volume, velocity, and back pressure 29:31 – Actionable Takeaways How to cook with airflow instead of fighting it 33:36 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action Inviting BBQ Nerds to engage, share, and keep learning

Welcome back to Season 2 of The BBQ Nerds Podcast. If you’ve ever struggled to control your smoker temperature or felt like your fire has a mind of its own, this episode is going to change the way you cook. In this episode, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — breaks down fire behavior inside a smoker in a way that finally makes sense. No fluff, no rambling, no interviews. Just real BBQ education for people who want to understand why their pit behaves the way it does. You’ll learn:  • The three ways heat actually moves inside a smoker  • How draft works and why airflow matters more than the thermometer  • What makes direct heat behave differently than an offset  • Why the coal bed is the foundation of clean, stable cooking  • The common fire and airflow mistakes beginners make  • Practical steps you can use on your very next cook If you want BBQ to be predictable instead of a guessing game, mastering fire behavior is the first step. Hit follow, invite another BBQ Nerd into the inner circle, and let’s keep learning together.

Welcome to Season 2 of The BBQ Nerds Podcast — and if you’re here, you already know this isn’t just another BBQ podcast. This season is for the folks who don’t just cook barbecue… they nerd out on it. The ones who obsess over airflow, study coal beds, debate radiant heat vs convection, and want to actually understand why barbecue works instead of guessing their way through a cook. In this Season 2 teaser, you’ll hear exactly what makes this show different: No interviews No small talk No endless chatter No “two guys rambling” Just clear, simple, science-backed BBQ education you can actually use. Hosted by Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer, this podcast breaks down the fire, the science, and the secrets behind great BBQ in short, powerful episodes that help you cook better every week. If you’re ready to join the inner circle of BBQ Nerds… hit follow, bring a fellow ’que-obsessed friend, and get ready for the most educational season of BBQ content you’ve ever heard. Season 2 starts now.

Turn up the heat with Part 4 of the BBQ Nerds Podcast, carved from our 1.5-hour YouTube livestream! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) explore Middle Eastern twists on barbecue—breaking the mold with smoky pork and lamb shoulder slathered in olive oil, lemon juice, and pasty rubs like za’atar or harissa.  Think kabobs over charcoal, roasted eggplant for baba ganoush (eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon), and hummus with chickpeas and tajin spice—perfect for dipping or fusion sides.  Listener HojoBBQ jumps in with Middle Eastern lamb tips, while TrumpetMaster77 drools over Indian masalas and vindaloo vibes. Then, we gallop into horseradish territory—pairing it with beef like a creamy binder for prime rib or a zesty twist on pastrami with Alabama white sauce.   From homemade creamy horseradish at Sybil’s Restaurant in St. James, Missouri to Duke’s mayo mashups, we’ve got the science and flavor to elevate your pit game. Sponsored by Smokeslinger Pits—hit smokeslinger.com for offset smokers like the Liberty 94 (launched Feb 2, 2025) and smoke like a pro.  Highlights: Middle Eastern BBQ: za’atar pork, lamb shoulder, baba ganoush Horseradish hacks: creamy prime rib binders, pastrami fusion Global dips: hummus, tahini, and tajin spice Fusion fun: Indian masalas meet smoky meats Keywords: Middle Eastern BBQ, BBQ rubs, horseradish sauce, fusion barbecue, Smokeslinger Pits, barbecue podcast, lamb shoulder BBQ, baba ganoush, hummus recipe, pastrami BBQ Subscribe for more smoky goodness and keep the pits hot—stay nerdy about barbecue!

Get ready for the another slice of our 1.5-hour YouTube livestream on the BBQ Nerds Podcast! In Part 3, hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) answer listener Daniel Perez’s question about barbecue injections—secret weapons of competition Pitmasters. From the OG FAB powder with phosphates to Tony Chachere’s Cajun butter for pulled pork and deep-fried turkeys, we break down how injections like apple juice, cider vinegar, and Blues Hog Bold & Beefy amp up moisture and flavor deep in the meat. Ever tried a battery-powered Chops Power Injector for a whole hog?  We’ve got the scoop! Then, we pivot to the fusion BBQ revolution—where traditional smoked meats meet global flavors. Think Kansas City burnt ends glazed with Korean gochujang and red chili paste, or Texas brisket turned into barbacoa tacos with salsa verde.  We’re talking Argentinian chimichurri on sausage, Indian masala with Hawaiian Kona coffee rubs, and even shotgun shells—manicotti stuffed with BBQ goodies, wrapped in bacon, and smoked.  From fatties to empanadas, this episode celebrates the melting pot of modern barbecue. Sponsored by Smokeslinger Pits—visit smokeslinger.com for custom offset smokers like the Liberty94 (launched Feb 2, 2025) and elevate your pit game. Whether you’re injecting pork loins or fusing Tex-Mex with Southern classics, we’ve got the nerdy details to inspire your next cook.  Highlights: BBQ injections: FAB, Tony’s Cajun, and competition hacks Fusion BBQ: Korean burnt ends, Argentinian sausage, brisket tacos Creative smokes: shotgun shells, fatties, and empanadas Keywords: BBQ injections, fusion barbecue, competition BBQ, Smokeslinger Pits, barbecue podcast, Pitmaster secrets, global BBQ flavors, brisket tacos, Korean BBQ, Argentinian chimichurri Subscribe now and keep the smoke rolling—stay nerdy about barbecue!

Fire up your pits and join Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) for Part 2 of the BBQ Nerds Podcast, sliced from our 1.5-hour YouTube livestream!  This 15-minute episode digs into the juicy debate of mopping versus saucing—did basting with natural juices predate today’s BBQ sauces? We journey from medieval roasting to modern Pitmaster tricks, spotlighting regional barbecue sauce styles that define the craft. Discover the tangy vinegar-pepper sauces of Eastern North Carolina (think Rodney Scott and Sam Jones), the mustard-powered Carolina Gold, and the creamy, horseradish-kicked Alabama white sauce from Big Bob Gibson’s. Then, head south to Tennessee for thick Blues Hog molasses blends and back to Texas for thin, beefy mop sauces and the rising star of pepper jelly—like Sucklebusters and Texas Pepper Jelly—adding sweet heat to ribs and brisket. Plus, we nerd out on fusion BBQ, from Tex-Mex influences to competition blends like Blues Hog Champions Blend with maple syrup. Bonus: Listeners chime in with wild ideas—Rodney Scott’s sauce as salad dressing or a Bloody Mary kicker? We’ve got burnt-end garnishes and spicy Sunday sipping covered too! Sponsored by Smokeslinger Pits—check out smokeslinger.com for top-tier offset smokers like the Liberty94 (launched Feb 2, 2025) and bring pro-level smoke to your backyard. Whether you’re into dry rubs, thin mops, or thick glazes, this episode has BBQ flavor science for every Pitmaster. Highlights: Mopping vs. saucing: history and techniques Regional sauces: Carolina vinegar, Alabama white, Tennessee molasses Texas pepper jelly and competition BBQ blends Bloody Mary BBQ hacks with burnt ends and sauce Keywords: BBQ sauces, mopping barbecue, Carolina vinegar sauce, Alabama white sauce, Texas pepper jelly, BBQ rubs, Smoke Slinger Pits, barbecue podcast, Pitmaster techniques, regional BBQ styles Subscribe for Part 3 and keep the smoke rolling—stay nerdy about barbecue!

Welcome to the BBQ Nerds Podcast, where smoked meats meet science and flavor innovation! In this 15-minute episode (Part 1 of our 1.5-hour YouTube livestream), hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (https://www.youtube.com/@SmokerBuilder) unpack the rich history and modern twists of regional barbecue.  From Texas offset smokers pumping out post oak-smoked brisket to Kansas City’s sweet, molasses-heavy sauces glazing ribs, we’re breaking down the gear, rubs, and techniques that define barbecue culture.  Discover how Pitmasters are remixing classics with global flair—think Texas brisket with Chinese five-spice or Carolina pork spiced with Middle Eastern flavors. We spotlight iconic smokers like the Smokeslinger Liberty94 offset (launched Feb 2, 2025) and dig into the evolution of barbecue pits—from Texas propane tank offsets to Missouri rotisseries and Memphis brick flues. Plus, get the scoop on rubs like Plowboys Yardbird and sauces from legends like Arthur Bryant’s. Whether you’re a backyard BBQ warrior or a competition Pitmaster, this episode is packed with tips, history, and flavor inspiration. Highlights: Regional barbecue styles: Texas, Kansas City, Missouri, and beyond Smoker evolution: offsets, brick pits, and rotisseries Rubs and sauces: salt-and-pepper simplicity to KC’s sweet glazes Sponsored by Smokeslinger Pits—visit smokeslinger.com for custom barbecue pits like the Mini A (24x30) and Full-Size Smoke Slinger (24x48). Keep your pits hot, your smoke rolling, and stay nerdy about barbecue!  Subscribe now for Part 2 and more smoked meat mastery. Keywords: barbecue smokers, BBQ rubs, barbecue sauces, Texas brisket, Kansas City ribs, offset smokers, regional barbecue, Smoke Slinger Pits, BBQ podcast, Pitmaster tips, global BBQ fusion

Polish your pit’s exterior with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 6! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) dive into outdoor BBQ maintenance. From battling rust under tarps to reviving pits left in winter weather, they reveal why oiling beats painting—think boiled linseed oil for a showpiece patina. Frank shares his ‘Bingo’ pit story, turning surface rust into a storytelling finish, while Dave tackles grease streaks with magic erasers and nylon brushes. Learn to feather-edge rust spots with fine sandpaper or microfiber for a pro look, no harsh sanding needed. Perfect for BBQ lovers who want a pit that wows—listen now! Sponsored by Smokeslinger.com—Epic BBQ Pits.

Elevate your BBQ pit care with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 5! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) tackle chimney and rust challenges. Wondering how to clean your smoker’s smokestack? They explore frequent brushing with chimney sweep tools or a drill-powered dryer vent brush to clear creosote buildup—no fireplace logs needed for offsets. On rust, they debunk myths: surface rust is harmless—just wipe with oil, skip the sandpaper, for a sleek finish. From power washing to Pam sprays, get expert hacks for consistent, competition-level BBQ. Tune in now! Sponsored by Smokeslinger.com — Epic BBQ Pits.

Level up your BBQ pit game with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 4! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) spill the beans on steam cleaning and wet wood woes. Master steam cleaning round bar grates with a hot pit (300°F+) and a pump sprayer—watching grease vanish like magic. Frank tackles the chaos of wet wood, from creosote clogging your pit to sap boiling out of logs, while Dave connects it to firefighter smoke-reading for spotting trouble. Bonus: Frank’s wood-drying hack using a warming oven at 135°F for cleaner, faster burns. A must for BBQ nerds—listen now for pit perfection! Sponsored by Smokeslinger.com—Epic BBQ Pits.

Level up your BBQ pit cleaning game with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 3! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) reveal pro hacks to keep your grill spotless. Discover how odorless kitty litter or oil dry soaks up grease like magic—perfect for competition cooks with dripping injections. Dave shares his Smokeslinger drain pan trick, while Frank dives into degreasers like Zep oven cleaner to blast away stubborn buildup. Plus, learn the best brushes for expanded metal grates—nylon over steel to avoid bristle hazards. From shop vacs to weed burners, this episode’s got quirky, practical tips for every pitmaster. Listen now and clean smarter! Sponsored by SmokeSlinger.com — epic barbecue pits.

Unlock the secrets of seasoning and cleaning BBQ pits in BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 2! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) break down the difference between a seasoned pit and a dirty one—think cast iron skillet vibes for your grill. From Frank’s favorite Boyer Brush for round bar grates to Dave’s hot-water power washer hack, this episode delivers BBQ maintenance gold. Discover must-have tools like scrapers, putty knives, and weed burners, plus techniques to remove grease, ash, and buildup fast. Learn why seasoning protects against rust and how to clean smarter, not harder. Perfect for pitmasters craving pro-level grill care—listen now! Sponsored by SmokeSlinger.com—custom BBQ pits for competition-ready cooks.

Dive into BBQ pit cleaning with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 1! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) share expert tips on keeping your barbecue pit safe and flavorful. Discover why cleaning prevents grease fires, creosote buildup, and toxic mold—dangers that ruin your grill and food. From Dave’s firefighter insights on flare-ups (3000 grill fires yearly!) to Frank’s ‘hawg cawffin’ grease fire story, this episode is packed with BBQ maintenance must-knows. Learn how to avoid rust, bacteria, and airflow issues that kill your pit. Perfect for BBQ beginners and pros alike—tune in and master pit cleaning today! Check out Frank’s ‘How to Clean and Season Your Pit’ video on Smoker Builder YouTube for more.  Sponsored by Smokeslinger.com—custom pits for competition-quality barbecue.

In this episode, hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) discuss "Pork Perfection: From Butcher To Smoker," as we dive deep into the world of BBQ pork! Perfect for BBQ lovers of all levels, we explore essential cuts like pork shoulder, baby back ribs, and pork loin, and more discussing their best uses for delicious results. Learn about cooking methods and techniques—uncover the secrets of low and slow versus hot and fast cooking. We’ll help you find out when to rest your pork and the best ways to season it with injections, brines, and dry rubs. Master the art of achieving the perfect bark and glaze with our insights on rub styles, saucing, timing, and much more. Tune in every Monday night for live insights on YouTube @smokeslingerpits. Sponsored by Smokeslinger Pits—find out more at Smokeslinger.com for all your grilling needs! #bbqnerdspodcast #BBQNerdsPodcast #smokeslingerpits

Welcome to this exciting episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, where we bring the heat straight from the BBQ Nerd studios! Join hosts Dave Fier and Frank Cox as they dive into the art of searing steaks using wood and charcoal. Perfect your grilling game with expert tips and tricks to achieve the mouthwatering Maillard reaction every time! Episode Highlights: Direct grilling methods for the perfect steak Exploring cookers like the Smoke Slinger, Weber Kettle, and more Understanding steak doneness from rare to well-done Techniques like caveman style and reverse searing Learn how to elevate your BBQ skills with insights into the best wood choices, techniques for locking in flavor, and even the thrill of caveman-style cooking. Whether you're a backyard griller or an aspiring pitmaster, this episode provides the tools you need to impress with every steak. Watch every Monday night live on YouTube @smokeslingerpits Or @realmeatstick Don’t miss this episode's laughs, knowledge, and some tasty BBQ secrets! Brought to you by: Smokeslinger Pits For more information about the smoker pits, visit SmokeSlinger.com Like, comment, and subscribe for more BBQ tips and delicious insights. Questions? Drop them below—we'd love to hear from you! #BBQ #SteakSearing #GrillingTips #BarbecueNerds #SmokeSlingerPits #LiveCooking #Pitmaster #WoodFiredCooking

Welcome to the very first episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, where pitmasters unite to explore all things BBQ!  Join hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) as they kick off this exciting journey into the world of barbecue, sharing their expert insights, tips, and techniques for perfecting your grilling skills.  In this episode, we dive deep into the art of cooking brisket.  From understanding the cuts—the flat and the point—to trimming techniques, seasonings, and cooking methods, we've got you covered! Whether you prefer low and slow or hot and fast cooking, we discuss the pros and cons of each method and share our personal favorites. Get ready to learn about: The importance of proper fat trimming for your brisket Injecting flavors for maximum tenderness Ideal wood choices for smoking brisket Cooking temperatures and methods that yield delicious results Tips for competition-level brisket versus backyard BBQ We also cover some light-hearted banter, common myths in the BBQ community, and practical tips to help you become a BBQ nerd yourself!  If you're passionate about BBQ and want to take your skills to the next level, this is the podcast for you.  Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and join our BBQ community!  Fire up your grill and tune in live every Monday night on these platforms: YouTube @smokeslingerpits YouTube @realmeatstick Facebook @smokeslingerpits The BBQ Nerd Podcast is brought to you by Smokeslinger Pits Learn more about their direct heat smokers and Offset pits at Smokeslinger.com If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review with your thoughts and questions. Let's ignite our BBQ journey together! 🍖🔥 #BBQ #Brisket #BarbecueNerds #SmokingMeat #Grilling #Pitmaster #FoodPodcast #CookingTechniques #LiveCooking #BBQCommunity