41: So You Want to Be a BBQ Pitmaster? with Smokin’ Jim Rabe

In this flavorful episode, Todd sits down with his longtime friend and barbecue restaurateur, Jim Rabe—owner of Smokin’ Jim’s House of Bar-B-Q in Auburndale, Florida. From pitching heat on the baseball diamond to slow-smoking ribs and brisket, Jim shares the winding journey that led him to the foodservice industry. They discuss Jim’s role as the unofficial pitmaster at local backyard cookouts, his brief brush with Hollywood fame starring in a movie, and lessons learned from decades in the barbecue business. Along the way, Jim shares cooking tips, behind-the-scenes restaurant insights, and what it really takes to keep a family-friendly smokehouse running—from navigating rising costs and staffing challenges to hosting steak nights, catering large events, and finding just the right wood to smoke meat low and slow.Learn more about Smokin' Jim's menu, location, and hours of operation at SmokinJimsBarbecue.com.Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com.Click here to text Todd!