Digging Into Arkansas Barbecue with Kat Robinson

On this week’s episode, Rex and author Kat Robinson dive into all things Arkansas barbecue as they discuss her latest book, The Arkansas Barbecue Traveler, which required Kat to visit and research over 400 barbecue spots across the state. The book is the first in a series she plans to write exploring the state’s rich barbecue culture. Rex and Kat break down the diverse styles of Arkansas barbecue, shaped by generations of cultural influences. Kat shares how she traveled across the state — chasing recommendations and following the scent of smoke — to uncover hidden gems. The two trace the deep roots of Arkansas barbecue, with Kat pointing to Native American cooking traditions that were recorded by 16th-century Spanish explorers. They also dig into what Kat calls Arkansas' “barbecue revolution,” highlighting the wave of pitmaster innovations happening in restaurants and food trucks across the state.  Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.