Pitmasters Who Inspire & Resources

Explore the pitmasters, creators, and BBQ voices shaping the way we cook, share, and celebrate barbecue today.

Brisket 101

Preparing Brisket - Trimming

How to PROPERLY Trim a Brisket! | Chuds BBQ
Aaron Franklin describing how he trims a brisket at Brisket Camp 2015

Preparing Brisket - Stall Methods

Texas Top 10 Brisket Showdown | Mad Scientist BBQ
Brisket Foil Boat Method | Chuds BBQ
Smoking Brisket wrapped in Foil vs Butcher Paper - Brisket Series part 1 of 3

Cooking Brisket Methods

How To Smoke A Brisket | EASY Weber Kettle Method
How To Smoke A Brisket On A Pellet Grill! | Chuds BBQ
PERFECT brisket on a Weber Smokey Mountain

Pork Butt 101

Preparing & Cooking Pork Butt Methods

How To Trim a Pork Butt with Pitmaster Heath Riles | Heath Riles BBQ
How To Smoke PERFECT Pulled Pork on a Charcoal Grill
Hot and Fast vs. Low and Slow: Best Way to Smoke Pork Butt? | Heath Riles BBQ

Pork Ribs 101

Preparing Pork Ribs - Trimming

HOW TO TRIM PORK SPARE RIBS | ST. LOUIS STYLE
BBQ Basics: Trimming Baby Back Ribs Like a Pro

Cooking Pork Ribs

How to Smoke Pork Ribs | Mad Scientist BBQ
How to cook Baby Back Ribs on the Weber Kettle! | Chuds BBQ
No-Fuss Baby Back Ribs for Your Next Backyard BBQ

Fire, Safety & Cuts

BBQ With Franklin - Lets Talk About Fire
Thermometers & Safety
Brisket Anatomy & Cuts

Beyond YouTube

Books We Recommend
  • “Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto” by Aaron Franklin & Jordan Mackay – Deep dive into fire management, wood, and brisket philosophy.
  • “BBQ Snob’s Guide to Texas BBQ” by Daniel Vaughn – From Texas Monthly’s BBQ editor, blending reviews with road trip context.
  • “Legends of Texas Barbecue Cookbook” by Robb Walsh – A cultural and historical look at Texas BBQ traditions and recipes.
  • “Smokin’ with Myron Mixon” by Myron Mixon – Broader Southern BBQ with competition insights, often included when we talk pitmaster technique.
  • “The Prophets of Smoked Meat: A Journey Through Texas Barbecue” by Daniel Vaughn – Road-trip style narrative with pitmaster stories and photography.
Texas Statewide & Official Tourism
  • Travel Texas – The state’s official tourism bureau highlights BBQ in food & culture sections. They feature “BBQ Trails,” itineraries, and major BBQ events. Experience Texas BBQ
  • Texas Monthly’sTop 50 BBQ Joints” – Widely regarded as the BBQ bible. They publish a full magazine list every 4 years with updates online, plus a “Top 50 BBQ Joints You Need to Try Before You Die” map.
  • BBQ Capital of Texas (Lockhart BBQ Trail) – Brisket is the king of Texas barbecue, and Lockhart is home to the best Texas (nay, the world) has to offer. Officially named the Barbecue Capital of Texas.  Lockart Chamber of Commerce BBQ Trail
  • Fort Worth BBQ – Considering the city’s role as an important stop for cattle drovers along the Chisholm Trail, it’s no wonder that beef is king in Fort Worth.  Visit Fort Worth BBQ
  • BBQ in Dallas – Get your meat fix! Texas is known for its take on barbecue. From the smoky meats to the savory sides, these Dallas barbecue joints will satisfy your cravings.  Visit Dallas BBQ
  • BBQ Central Show (Greg Rempe) – One of the longest-running BBQ shows out there. Covers interviews with pitmasters, BBQ brands, and competition BBQ talk.  Spotify
  • Best BBQ Show (Yoni Levin & others) – Focuses on Texas BBQ personalities and the evolving BBQ scene. Features interviews with pitmasters, restaurateurs, and fans. Spotify
  • Tailgate Guys BBQ Show – Competition BBQ-heavy. Tips, interviews, and KCBS/IBCA event coverage. Spotify
  • BBQ Beat Podcast (Kevin Sandridge) – Focuses on interviews with BBQ authors, pitmasters, and competition teams. Good balance between backyard BBQ and competition. Spotify
  • MeatEater Podcast (Steven Rinella) – Not strictly BBQ, but very popular with outdoor cooks. Often touches on live-fire cooking, smoking, and meat prep. Spotify
  • BBQ Interview Series – Meat and Three (Southern Foodways Alliance) – Southern food culture show that occasionally goes heavy on BBQ. Strong storytelling and historical context. Spotify
  • The Smoke Ring Syndicate – Backyard BBQ talk, product reviews, and pitmaster stories. Spotify
  • Man Meat BBQ Podcast – Home cook and backyard-friendly. Features approachable conversations about wood, grills, techniques, and gear. Spotify
Communities and Forums