Paul Holden - Willinghams Pitmaster - Afterhours Encore

The discourse herein elucidates the multifaceted nature of competitive barbecue as we engage with Mr. Paul Holden, a distinguished pitmaster from Willingham's Barbecue in Georgia. A salient point of our dialogue centers around the necessity for a paradigm shift in barbecue competitions, advocating for a greater emphasis on the intrinsic quality of smoked meats as opposed to the superficial allure of sauces. We delve into personal anecdotes, revealing Paul’s nostalgic recollections of culinary experiences, particularly his affinity for his mother’s turkey pot pie, which stands as a testament to familial bonds and the influence of heritage on culinary practices. Furthermore, our conversation traverses the landscape of competitive cooking, exploring the challenges faced by pitmasters and the evolution of barbecue culture. As we navigate these intricate topics, we invite our listeners to engage with the art of barbecue, underscoring the importance of experimentation and the joy of cooking in one's own backyard.Links referenced in this episode:paintedhillsnaturalbeef.comwillinghams.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Painted Hills Natural BeefWillingham'sThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy