The BBQ Nerds Podcast

Episodes

1. 13

   S2 Ep6: Direct Heat Isn’t Just Radiant — It’s How Radiant and Convective Heat Work Together

   Direct heat cooking is often misunderstood because people try to explain it using airflow logic borrowed from offset smokers. In this episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — breaks down how enclosed, radiant-dominant direct heat cookers actually behave, and why...

   Jan 20, 2026

   26m
2. 12

   S2 Ep5: Fire Structure for Offset Smokers: Why Your Pit Feels Hard to Run

   If your offset smoker feels harder to run than it should, this episode explains why — and it has nothing to do with recipes or target temperatures. In this episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — breaks down how offset smokers actually behave, starting where most...

   Jan 13, 2026

   35m
3. 11

   S2 Ep4: Cooking Temperature Myths: Why Chasing Thermometer Readings Is Holding You Back

   If chasing thermometer readings stresses you out, this episode is for you. In this episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — breaks down one of the biggest sources of frustration in barbecue: obsessing over temperature readings instead of understanding what’s actually...

   Dec 23, 2025

   26m
4. 10

   S2 Ep3: Draw Explained: Volume, Velocity, and How Air Really Moves in an Offset Smoker

   If your pit has hot spots, uneven temperatures, or smoke that never seems to behave, this episode explains why. In this episode, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — dives deep into one of the most misunderstood concepts in barbecue: draw. This isn’t theory for theory’s sake. It’s a practical...

   Dec 16, 2025

   34m
5. 9

   S2 Ep2: Fire Behavior 101: How Heat Really Moves Inside Your Smoker

   Welcome back to Season 2 of The BBQ Nerds Podcast. If you’ve ever struggled to control your smoker temperature or felt like your fire has a mind of its own, this episode is going to change the way you cook. In this episode, Frank Cox — The BBQ Pit Engineer — breaks down fire behavior inside a...

   Dec 9, 2025

   29m
6. 8

   S2 Ep1: Season 2 Teaser: This Isn’t Another BBQ Podcast (Trailer)

   Welcome to Season 2 of The BBQ Nerds Podcast — and if you’re here, you already know this isn’t just another BBQ podcast. This season is for the folks who don’t just cook barbecue… they nerd out on it. The ones who obsess over airflow, study coal beds, debate radiant heat vs convection, and want…

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   Dec 2, 2025

   1m
7. 7

   S1 Ep12: Middle Eastern BBQ Twists and Horseradish Hacks - Fusion Flavors Unleashed (Part 4)

   Turn up the heat with Part 4 of the BBQ Nerds Podcast, carved from our 1.5-hour YouTube livestream! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) explore Middle Eastern twists on barbecue—breaking the mold with smoky pork and lamb shoulder slathered in olive oil, lemon juice…

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   Mar 22, 2025

   14m
8. 6

   S1 Ep11: Injections and Fusion BBQ - From Competition Secrets to Global Flavors (Part 3)

   Get ready for the another slice of our 1.5-hour YouTube livestream on the BBQ Nerds Podcast! In Part 3, hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) answer listener Daniel Perez’s question about barbecue injections—secret weapons of competition Pitmasters. From the OG FAB…

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   Mar 20, 2025

   15m
9. 5

   S1 Ep10: Mopping vs. Saucing - Carolina Vinegar, Alabama White Sauce, and Texas Pepper Jelly (Part 2)

   Fire up your pits and join Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) for Part 2 of the BBQ Nerds Podcast, sliced from our 1.5-hour YouTube livestream! This 15-minute episode digs into the juicy debate of mopping versus saucing—did basting with natural juices predate today’s BBQ...

   Mar 18, 2025

   14m
10. 4

    S1 Ep9: Regional Barbecue Smokers, Rubs, and Sauces - Texas Brisket to Kansas City Ribs (Part 1)

    Welcome to the BBQ Nerds Podcast, where smoked meats meet science and flavor innovation! In this 15-minute episode (Part 1 of our 1.5-hour YouTube livestream), hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (https://www.youtube.com/@SmokerBuilder) unpack the rich history and modern twists of...

    Mar 16, 2025

    17m
11. 3

    S1 Ep8: Exterior BBQ Pit Maintenance & Patina Tips | BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 6

    Polish your pit’s exterior with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 6! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) dive into outdoor BBQ maintenance. From battling rust under tarps to reviving pits left in winter weather, they reveal why oiling beats painting—think boiled linseed oil for a...

    Mar 14, 2025

    14m
12. 2

    S1 Ep8: Chimney Cleaning & Rust Removal for BBQ Pits | BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 5

    Elevate your BBQ pit care with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 5! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) tackle chimney and rust challenges. Wondering how to clean your smoker’s smokestack? They explore frequent brushing with chimney sweep tools or a drill-powered dryer vent brush...

    Mar 12, 2025

    13m
13. 1

    S1 Ep7: Steam Cleaning BBQ Pits & Wet Wood Fixes | BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 4

    Level up your BBQ pit game with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 4! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) spill the beans on steam cleaning and wet wood woes. Master steam cleaning round bar grates with a hot pit (300°F+) and a pump sprayer—watching grease vanish like magic. Frank...

    Mar 10, 2025

    12m
14. S1 Ep6: BBQ Pit Cleaning Hacks: Kitty Litter, Degreasers & Brushes | BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 3

    Level up your BBQ pit cleaning game with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 3! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) reveal pro hacks to keep your grill spotless. Discover how odorless kitty litter or oil dry soaks up grease like magic—perfect for competition cooks with dripping...

    Mar 8, 2025

    13m
15. S1 Ep5: Seasoning vs. Cleaning BBQ Pits: Tools & Techniques | BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 2

    Unlock the secrets of seasoning and cleaning BBQ pits in BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 2! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) break down the difference between a seasoned pit and a dirty one—think cast iron skillet vibes for your grill. From Frank’s favorite Boyer Brush for...

    Mar 6, 2025

    14m
16. S1 Ep4: BBQ Pit Cleaning 101: Avoid Grease Fires & Toxins | BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 1

    Dive into BBQ pit cleaning with BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 1! Hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) share expert tips on keeping your barbecue pit safe and flavorful. Discover why cleaning prevents grease fires, creosote buildup, and toxic mold—dangers that ruin your grill…

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    Mar 4, 2025

    13m
17. S1 Ep3: Pork Perfection: From Butcher To Smoker

    In this episode, hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) discuss "Pork Perfection: From Butcher To Smoker," as we dive deep into the world of BBQ pork! Perfect for BBQ lovers of all levels, we explore essential cuts like pork shoulder, baby back ribs, and pork loin, and…

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    Feb 28, 2025

    1h 34m
18. S1 Ep2: The BBQ Nerds Podcast - Sizzling Steaks: Guide To Searing Success

    Welcome to this exciting episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, where we bring the heat straight from the BBQ Nerd studios! Join hosts Dave Fier and Frank Cox as they dive into the art of searing steaks using wood and charcoal. Perfect your grilling game with expert tips and tricks to achieve the...

    Feb 17, 2025

    1h 03m
19. S1 Ep1: Brisket Breakdown: Techniques, Tips, and Pit Secrets

    Welcome to the very first episode of The BBQ Nerds Podcast, where pitmasters unite to explore all things BBQ! Join hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) as they kick off this exciting journey into the world of barbecue, sharing their expert insights, tips, and techniques...

    Feb 9, 2025

    1h 13m