From Teacher to YouTube Star: Mad Scientist BBQ’s Jeremy Yoder on Amish Roots, Barbecue, and Cigars

In this episode of the Cigar Snob Podcast, Erik Calviño sits down with Jeremy Yoder, the creator of Mad Scientist BBQ, to talk about barbecue, cigars, and the unlikely path that led him from teaching science to building one of YouTube’s most respected barbecue channels. Yoder shares what it was like growing up Amish in Michigan, how studying biochemistry and teaching shaped the way he understands fire and cooking, and why barbecue is less about recipes and more about understanding heat, airflow, and time. He also discusses the moment his catering business came to a halt and how that disruption led to the creation of Mad Scientist BBQ on YouTube. The conversation explores Yoder’s appreciation for premium cigars, the parallels between barbecue and cigar culture, and how both crafts reward patience, attention, and respect for raw materials. From brisket and smoke to ritual and reflection, this episode is a deep dive into craft, curiosity, and finding purpose through fire.