One Year of Smoke(less): The Untold Stories Behind The Podcast

from Smoke(less) · host Smoke(less) Podcast

One year ago, three Texas pitmasters started a podcast with no real plan, no studio, and almost no equipment.Now, after conversations with Aaron Franklin, Daniel Vaughn, Tootsie Tomanetz, Matt Pittman, Joe Zavala, Arnis Robbins, Sam Jones and more — the guys behind Smoke(less) are looking back on the moments that defined the first year of the show.In this special anniversary episode, Wayne Mueller (Louie Mueller Barbecue), Justin Fourton (Pecan Lodge), and Nick Pencis (Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ) revisit behind-the-scenes stories, personal struggles, hilarious moments, and the deeper conversations that made Smoke(less) more than just a barbecue podcast.In this episode:How Smoke(less) began with a single text messageThe chaos of recording the first episodeWhy certain interviews became emotionalAaron Franklin, Daniel Vaughn & Tootsie reflectionsBBQ burnout, pressure & mental healthWhy pitmasters opened up on the showThe evolution of Texas BBQHospitality, family & life outside the pitWhat’s next for Smoke(less)PLUS:Ghost stories from Louie Mueller BarbecueBigfoot storiesWillie Nelson shoutoutsBehind-the-scenes chaos and laughsThis is the most honest look yet at the people behind the podcast — and the friendships that built it.Thank you for listening during Year One.Season Two starts now.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 14, 2026

Embed this episode

Attribution link and audio player

Ready to play

One Year of Smoke(less): The Untold Stories Behind The Podcast

0:00 56:51

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

No similar episodes found.

Similar Podcasts

Meal Planning for Busy Moms | Simplify Mealtime, Reduce Stress, and Create More Balance and Joy in Your Life Blaga Goertzen | Podcast Host | Mentor| Facilitator| Creator This podcast started with one mission: help busy moms get quick, healthy, and delicious meals on the table in under 30 minutes. And with over 10,000 downloads, it’s clear that meal planning has been a game-changer for so many of you.But here’s what I’ve heard loud and clear—meal planning alone isn’t enough. The real challenge isn’t just figuring out what’s for dinner—it’s managing the mental load, reducing stress, and creating a life that feels simpler, calmer, and more joyful.That’s why Meal Planning for Busy Moms is evolving.I’m Blaga—mom of four, meal planning strategist, and your go-to mentor for simplifying meals and everyday routines so you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed. For years, I thought if I could just master meal planning, everything else would fall into place. But I realized true balance comes from simplifying all aspects of life—not just dinner.Now, this podcast is your weekly dose of simplicity, stress relief, and balance.✔️ Every Sunday → You’ll get Your Business Is Not Your Boss Geoff Welch Your Business Is Not Your Boss is a resource for small business owners who want to swap stress and overwhelm for calm, focused, and effective action. Covering topics related to personal leadership, self-management, effective delegation, and healthy mindsets, Geoff Welch uses each episode to help small business owners accomplish more with less effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Smoke(less)?

This episode is 56 minutes long.

When was this Smoke(less) episode published?

This episode was published on May 14, 2026.

Can I download this Smoke(less) episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.

URL copied to clipboard!