BBQ Fandom is built for people who do not just eat BBQ, they follow it. It is where we round up the stories, events, worthy stops, and culture that make Texas barbecue more than just a meal.

Each issue is designed to be useful, fun to read, and easy to keep up with. Inside, you will find:

• From the Pit: the featured story or main article
• Around the Fire: curated BBQ news and stories worth knowing
• Pitmaster Picks: videos, podcasts, books, and other BBQ media worth your time
• BBQ Events Radar: festivals, pop-ups, smokeouts, and events worth the drive
• This Week on ExploringBBQ: helpful guides, blog posts, and site features tied to the issue

The goal is simple: give Texas BBQ fans a better way to stay plugged into what is happening across the smoke.

If you enjoy BBQ road trips, following pitmasters, keeping up with events, or just reading about the culture behind it all, BBQ Fandom is for you.

Read and subscribe here:
https://bbqfandom.beehiiv.com/

If you check it out, let me know what kinds of stories or features you would like to see in future issues.

I’ve lived here about 95 percent of my life, so brisket feels less like a meal and more like a responsibility.

My BBQ education started with a high school diploma from reading books and trial by smoke, back before social media told you to spritz everything every 17 minutes. Later, I earned a bachelor’s degree from YouTube University. The fire still doesn’t care about either credential.

I’ve ruined more than one brisket in front of guests, and like most good friends, they made sure I never forgot it. I’ve had legendary cooks. I’ve also had emergency pizza nights.

ExploringBBQ wasn’t built because I mastered BBQ. It was built because I’m still chasing better. The Pit is where we compare notes, admit when the stall wins, and help each other cook smarter next time.

If you cook by feel, by thermometer, or by pure stubbornness, you’re welcome here.

Pull up a chair.

We’ve officially launched a feature that’s been in the works for a long time: the Exploring BBQ Passport.

We built this because we realized that for most of us, BBQ isn’t about star ratings or chasing trends, it’s about the memories of the road trip, the people we’re with, and that one perfect bite of brisket. The Passport is a way to turn those mental notes into a permanent, personal record.

What makes the BBQ Passport different?

Unlike review sites, the Passport isn't about clout or telling you what "best" means. It's about your journey.

Core Features You Can Use Now:

• Bucket List Ideas: We’ve curated lists of joints by city, region, and theme. You can browse these for inspiration or "Adopt" them to your personal profile to track your progress as you hit each spot.

• Visit Stamps (The Logbook): Every time you visit a joint, you can "stamp" your passport. You can log the date, who was with you, and notes on what you ordered (so you never forget which place had that specific jalapeño cheddar sausage you loved).

• Activity Tracking: Watch your BBQ story grow as you check off more stops and complete your adopted lists.

Why use it?

If you've ever kept a spreadsheet of your BBQ stops or notes on your phone that got lost, this is for you. It’s a dedicated space built specifically for the culture of Texas BBQ road trips and backyard enthusiasts alike.

How to get started:

1. Register for a free account to unlock your personal Passport.

2. Explore Bucket List Ideas and adopt the ones that fit your next road trip.

3. Start Stamping: Log a recent visit or a favorite memory to get your activity feed started.

We’re just getting started with this. We plan to add more joints and deeper tracking soon, but we want to hear from you first.

Drop a comment below: What's the one joint you're planning to "Stamp" first this weekend?

— Mike Co-Founder, Exploring BBQ

Pro Tip: Soaking your brisket overnight in beer is apparently not recommended!! (Actually did that my first brisket being a FLA transplant 🤣)