PODCAST · arts
Fire & Flavor
by Matt Dahl
A podcast that explores the flavor behind the heat. Meet small-batch hot sauce makers, discover their backstories, and hear their top pairings. 🔥🌶
-
40
209 - Coney Island Saucery
Is Radscorpion Venom actually survival-grade? In this episode of the Fire & Flavor Podcast, we’re diving deep into the radioactive and "deeecent" world of Coney Island Saucery.I’m joined by the mastermind himself, Aaron Max Epstein, to talk about how he turned iconic pop-culture legends like Fallout and Trailer Park Boys into some of the most unique craft hot sauces on the market.🌶️ The Lineup We’re Testing:Deeecent! - The legendary Trailer Park Boys collab.Ricky’s Smokes Let’s Go - A smoky tribute to Sunnyvale’s finest.Fallout: Radscorpion Venom - A wasteland essential for every Vault Dweller.⚡ THE EXCLUSIVE SURPRISE:Stick around until the end, Aaron brought something special onto the show. He’s revealing an exclusive, never-before-seen surprise that hasn't been shown anywhere else. If you're a collector or a fan of the brand, you do NOT want to miss this reveal.IG 📸: coneyislandsauceryWeb 🌐: https://coneyislandsaucery.com----Follow on IG 📸: fire.and.flavor🔥 If you love hot sauce then subscribe & turn up the heat! 🔥 Available on all major streaming platforms! 🎧#hotsauce #spicy #foodie #hotsaucelover
-
39
208 - Feel The Burn Hot Sauce
"STUPID GOOD?" That was the only way to describe the experience of tasting Granny’s Dreamsicle Delight.In this episode of the Fire & Flavor Podcast, I sit down with the maker behind Feel the Burn Hot Sauce to discuss how they have managed to capture nostalgic, complex flavors in a bottle. We are moving past "heat for heat's sake" to explore the craftsmanship, ingredients, and storytelling that make this brand a standout in the craft sauce scene.We dig into the origin story of the brand and the delicate art of balancing heat with gourmet profiles. Whether you are a veteran chilihead or just looking for a new favorite table sauce, this conversation covers exactly what it takes to build a successful brand based on flavor and personality.🔥 What We Discuss:🌱 The Origin Story: How Feel the Burn transitioned from a creative idea into a bottled reality.👅 The Lineup: Testing 5 sauces out of their 17 sauce lineup and breaking down the flavors and the inspiration behind them.🌶️ Pepper Selection: How to decide which peppers belong in a sauce for flavor rather than just raw heat.🚀 Looking Ahead: Future goals for the brand and what fans can expect in the coming years.IG 📸: feel_the_burn_hot_sauceWeb 🌐: feeltheburnhotsauce.com----Follow on IG 📸: fire.and.flavor🔥 If you love hot sauce then subscribe & turn up the heat! 🔥 Available on all major streaming platforms! 🎧
-
38
207 - The Spice Beast
"By Beasts, For Beasts." In this episode of Fire & Flavor, I sit down with Bill at Spice Beast to uncover how they transitioned from a powerhouse spice brand into the world of high-end hot sauce. We dive deep into their "small batch" philosophy and how a partnership with a local master chef helped them craft some of the most balanced, fresh-tasting sauces on the market today.In this interview, we discuss:🚀 The transition from dry rubs to liquid heat🌿 How they source produce for their products👅 A live tasting of three distinct sauces💪 What it actually means to live the "Beast" ethos🧪 The science of balancing extreme heat with gourmet flavorIf you’re a fan of fresh ingredients and sauces that prioritize flavor over mindless heat, this is one you can't miss.IG 📸: thespicebeast_Web 🌐: https://thespicebeast.com----Follow on IG 📸: fire.and.flavor🔥 If you love hot sauce then subscribe & turn up the heat! 🔥 Available on all major streaming platforms! 🎧
-
37
206 - HAB Sauce
This interview with David from HAB Sauce is a deep dive into how culinary heritage, street art, and high-level heat collide. David discusses the evolution of his brand from kitchen experiments to a cultural expression that blends hip-hop and fine art.We put four standout sauces to the test: Thai Peach, Sweet Spicy Soy Sauce, Smoked Gochugaru, and the rare, micro-batch The Golden Child.🌶️ What’s In This Episode:The Origin Story: How David transitioned from kitchen experimentation to building a full-scale brand rooted in food memories and heritage.Flavor Philosophy: A look at how HAB balances intense heat with chef-driven ingredients like black garlic and hibiscus.The Intersection of Art & Heat: Why HAB collaborates with artists and how the visual identity of the bottle influences the perception of the flavor.The Tasting: Real-time impressions of the flavor profile, heat intentionality, and the best food pairings for each bottle.The Future of HAB: What category expansions and creative projects David is chasing next.🥄 Featured Sauces:Thai Peach: Initial hits vs. finishes and who this sauce was truly made for.Sweet Spicy Soy Sauce: Exploring the "unsung hero" ingredients and whether this is a daily driver or a specialty sauce.Smoked Gochugaru: Ranking the heat level and finding the most unexpected pairings.The Golden Child (Micro Batch): A final look at HAB’s experimental side and which bottle best represents the brand’s identity.IG 📸: habsauceWeb 🌐: https://habsauces.com
-
36
205 - High River Sauces
🔥 From being featured on Hot Ones to running some of the biggest hot sauce expos in the country, Steve from High River Sauces joins Fire & Flavor for a deep dive into heat, flavor, and the sauce industry.We talk about building a brand that lands on Hot Ones, hosting major expos across NYC, Tennessee, Illinois, and Oregon, and what it really takes to stand out in the world of spice. Steve also breaks down his YouTube competition series Hot Sauce Havoc, a game show-style battle where makers go head-to-head in a format inspired by Iron Chef.But I didn’t just choose the lineup.I rolled dice to decide which sauces I had to eat.No safety picks. No backing out. Whatever the dice landed on, I had to try it.From bold tropical flavor to full-blown Pepper X intensity, this one escalates fast.🌶 Sauces Featured:• Pepper X Taco Sauce• Psych Sauce• Tears of the Sun• Peppers Up• Thunder Juice• Cheeba GoldLet me know in the comments — which sauce would you risk rolling for?IG 📸: highriversaucesWeb 🌐: https://highriversauces.comYT 🎥: Hot Sauce Havoc
-
35
204 - Ant Sauce
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, we sit down with the team behind Ant Sauce to talk about how this bold idea became a real brand. From sourcing edible ants and selecting the right peppers to building a focused lineup with three heat levels, this conversation dives deep into the craft behind one of the most unique sauces in the game.And yes… we taste the Extreme Heat version.We break down the flavor, the burn, the balance, and what makes this more than just a shock factor sauce. Whether you’re a hardcore chilihead or just curious about food that pushes boundaries, this one is a wild ride.🌶 Featured Sauce: Ant Sauce – Extreme Heat🐜 Real ants. Real peppers. Real fire.IG 📸: antsaucecoWeb 🌐: https://antsauce.com
-
34
203 - High Desert Sauce Co.
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, we sit down with High Desert Sauce Co to talk about how a small kitchen experiment turned into a bold, flavor-driven craft hot sauce brand. We dig into their journey from early test batches to full production, what it really takes to build a sauce company from scratch, and why they focus on balance instead of chasing extreme heat.We also taste through four of their sauces, starting with Garlic Cilantro Jalapeño and Fire Roasted Green before stepping into Haba-Racha and the bold Tikk-HOT Masala. We break down flavor, heat curves, versatility, and the creative thinking behind each bottle.If you’re into craft hot sauce, small batch food brands, or the real story behind building something from the ground up, this one’s for you.IG 📸: highdesertsaucecoWeb 🌐: https://hdsauceco.com
-
33
202 - Durty Burn Chili Oil
Chili oil has exploded over the last few years, but not all of it hits the same. Some lean heavy on heat, some disappear into the background, and a lot of them feel interchangeable. Durty Burn Chili Oil sits in a different lane. This one is built around flavor first, with garlic-forward depth and heat that actually means something.In this episode, I sit down with the mind behind Durty Burn to talk about how the brand started, why chili oil became the focus, and what goes into building a lineup that ranges from approachable to straight-up intense. We get into ingredients, process, heat philosophy, and how you balance burn without sacrificing what makes food enjoyable in the first place.We also dig into how these oils are meant to be used, from everyday cooking to finishing dishes, and what separates a good chili oil from one that keeps people coming back. If you’re into chili oil, garlic-heavy flavor, or heat that doesn’t feel like a gimmick, this is a conversation you’ll want to stick around for.As always, thanks for riding along and supporting Fire & Flavor.Stay spicy. 🌶️🔥IG 📸: durtyburn1904Web 🌐: https://durtyburn.com
-
32
201 - Eating Ant Hot Sauce With an Entomologist
Today I’m joined by Jace Porter from the Global Entomology Coalition for an interview and a tasting of Ant Sauce, a hot sauce made with real ants. We talk about insects as food, which ant species are commonly eaten, food safety, sustainability, and why eating bugs still feels so strange to most people.Along the way, we put Ant Sauce to the test on a spoon and on wings, breaking down the flavor, heat level, and what the ants actually add to the experience. Jace brings the science, I bring the wings, and things get interesting fast.If you’ve ever wondered whether insects belong in hot sauce, or if you’d actually try something like this, this episode answers a lot of those questions.Web 🌐: https://www.entomologycoalition.org/
-
31
030 - The Lucky Cajun
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, I’m joined by Blackwell Smith, the creator behind The Lucky Cajun, to talk real Cajun seasoning, real cooking, and what flavor looks like when it’s done with intention.We dive into Blackwell’s background, his approach to small-batch seasonings, and why freshness matters more than most people realize. Along the way, we taste through three of Lucky Cajun’s blends on wings that were cooked ahead of time and seasoned specifically for this episode: Cajun, Smoky Cajun, and Jerk. Each blend brings something different to the table, and we break down how they perform, what stands out, and where they shine.We also talk about Blackwell’s cookbook, how it reflects his cooking philosophy, and how he thinks about seasoning food for people he actually cares about. This episode is about flavor without shortcuts, seasoning without fillers, and letting the food speak for itself.If you care about how spices are made, how Cajun flavor should taste, or just love a good wing tasting with honest conversation, this one’s for you.Web 🌐: https://theluckycajun.com
-
30
029 - Butterfly Bakery of Vermont
Welcome back to Fire and Flavor. Today we are exploring the bold and creative world of Butterfly Bakery of Vermont. This episode dives into how a small bakery in Barre VT grew into a hot sauce brand that showcases local farms, Vermont maple syrup, garlic scapes, and fresh peppers in every bottle. We taste three of their sauces during the interview including Garlic Scape NOT Hot Sauce, Maple Sparkle Sriracha Genersaucity, and Maple Chocolate Ghost. If you love unique hot sauces that support community and local agriculture, you will love this one.IG 📸: butterflybakeryvtWeb 🌐: https://butterflybakeryvt.com
-
29
028 - Jack's Pepper Heist
Today on Fire & Flavor I sit down with Michael and Erica from Jack’s Pepper Heist, one of the most exciting small batch hot sauce brands rising in 2025. Their story starts with Jack, a pepper stealing dog with big personality, and it leads into a deep passion for Latin inspired cooking, clean ingredients, and handcrafted heat.In this episode we take a full look at their brand, their cultural roots, and the creative process behind their sauces. We taste two of their most popular flavors: Tomate de Arbol and Tomatillo Serrano. Both highlight bold Latin flavor, clean ingredients, and a balance of heat that feels handmade and intentional.If you are interested in craft hot sauce, Latin inspired food, small batch makers, or discovering the next big brand in the spicy world, this episode is packed with value. Michael and Erica talk about their heritage, their festival experiences, the community that helped them grow, and the way they stay true to real ingredients without additives or preservatives.IG 📸: jackspepperheistWeb 🌐: https://jackspepperheist.com
-
28
027 - Female Rage Hot Sauce
Today on Fire & Flavor Podcast we sit down with Emily, the creator of Female Rage Hot Sauce, a craft brand known for its feminist mission, bold flavors, and small batch creativity. We taste three of her standout sauces including Honey Garlic Carrot, Brown Sugar Peach, and Tangy Crimson Apple while discussing the inspiration, passion, and purpose behind her growing company.Emily shares how Female Rage Hot Sauce started from a spark of emotion and evolved into a brand focused on activism, women’s empowerment, and flavor innovation. She explains how she balances heat with sweetness, how each recipe comes to life, and why her line resonates with fans who love artisan hot sauce, unique flavor profiles, and mission driven food brands.In this episode we explore her creative process, her community support efforts, the emotional roots of her business, and how she channels passion into every bottle. If you enjoy learning about small batch sauces, feminist food brands, creative culinary storytelling, and honest maker interviews, this conversation is for you.IG 📸: femaleragehotsauceWeb 🌐: https://femaleragehotsauce.com
-
27
026 - TorchBearer Sauces
In this episode of The Fire & Flavor Podcast, Matt sits down with the team behind TorchBearer Sauces, the creators of some of the boldest and most beloved hot sauces in the game, including Habanero Evil, Garlic Habanero, Danny Wood’s Guac Sizzle, and Cranberry Jalapeño, along with a couple extra bonus tastings. From humble beginnings at local festivals to becoming a national name, TorchBearer shares their story of flavor-first sauce making, creative branding, and fan-fueled growth.We taste, laugh, and learn how they balance heat and flavor, what goes into developing unique blends, and why they live by the motto Accidentally Healthy. Intentionally Delicious.🔥 Topics Covered:🌶️ The origins of TorchBearer Sauces and how it all began🧄 Secrets behind their most famous flavors🥕 What makes their sauces extract free and all natural🥑 Collaborations like Danny Wood’s Guac Sizzle🎨 How humor, art, and passion fuel their brand identity🍗 Tips for pairing sauces with meals🎧 Watch or listen for a mix of spicy storytelling, culinary creativity, and true craft hot sauce culture.IG 📸: torchbearersaucesWeb 🌐: https://torchbearersauces.com
-
26
025 - Cast Iron Kyle
A cast iron pan is never just a pan. For Cast Iron Kyle (Kyle Seip), it's a piece of American history, a family heirloom, and a story waiting to be restored. In this episode, Kyle takes us from his grandfather's kitchen to the flea markets where he built his craft, sharing the "ah-ha" moment that turned a passion for restoration into a full-blown mission.But this isn't just a history lesson. We put Kyle's palate to the test, pairing his love for forged metal with fire from our friends at White House Station Sauces. We get his expert breakdown of the Aji Rocoto Miso and White Peach Habanero, and then see how his food philosophy handles the legendary heat of their Carolina Reaper sauce.This episode is a masterclass for anyone who has ever felt intimidated by cast iron or inherited a pan they're too afraid to use.IG 📸: castiron_kyleWeb 🌐: https://castironkyle.com
-
25
024 - I Ate Hot Sauce with a Satanist and His Dog Named Satan in Salem
I sat down in Salem, Massachusetts with Thomas Vallor, guide of the Satanic Salem Walking Tours, and his dog named Satan to talk about witchcraft, Halloween, and the truth about Satanism while climbing the TorchBearer hot sauce heat ladder.From the myths of the witch trials to the philosophy of The Satanic Temple, we dig into what Salem really stands for beyond superstition.🔥 Featuring TorchBearer’s Smokey Horseradish, Son of Zombie, and Garlic Reaper sauces.🎃 New episodes of Fire & Flavor every week. Subscribe and stay spicy.----Sauces FeaturedIG 📸: @torchbearersaucesWeb 🌐: https://torchbearersauces.com
-
24
023 - Cousin Dean's Hot Sauce & Roots in Reverie Farm
On this episode of Fire & Flavor, we go straight to the source! Ever wonder where the intense, smoky heat in your favorite craft hot sauce REALLY comes from? We visit Roots in Reverie in Lee, NH, the secret weapon behind Cousin Dean's Hot Sauce, to uncover the incredible journey of the Chocolate Habanero pepper.Join us as we talk with farmers Josh and Miranda and Cousin Dean's founders, Dean and Alex, about the challenges of growing specialty peppers in New Hampshire, how a community-focused partnership creates sauces with unbelievable flavor, and the true meaning of "seed-to-bottle."This video features a deep dive into local agriculture, small business collaboration, and the craft of making gourmet hot sauce and other pepper products. Learn about pepper farming, sustainable agriculture in New England, and the value of supporting local food makers in NH and beyond.👇 SUPPORT THE MAKERS 👇IG 📸: @cousindeans_hotsauce / @rootsinreverieWeb 🌐: https://cousindeans.com / https://www.rootsinreverie.com/----Follow on IG 📸: fire.and.flavor
-
23
022 - Tinkertown Provisions
Join me as I sit down with Tinkertown Provisions, a small-batch hot sauce maker from the Western Catskills creating bold flavors and creative storytelling. In this episode we dive into their brand philosophy, community mission, and unique media projects before tasting two standout sauces: Rain and Haze.I give my first impressions straight from the spoon. Along the way we talk about their inspirations, the role of the Catskills in their craft, and what’s next for their growing lineup of sauces.If you’re into artisan hot sauces, storytelling, and discovering the makers behind the bottles, this one’s for you.IG 📸: tinkertownprovisionsWeb 🌐: https://tinkertownprovisions
-
22
021 - Rugged Jack's Hot Sauce
Join me on Fire & Flavor as I sit down with Rugged Jack Hot Sauce to explore their adventurous journey into the craft hot sauce world 🌶️. We dive into the origin of the brand, the early sauce experiments, and what sets Rugged Jack apart. Along the way, I taste two of their standout flavors: the tropical kick of Pineapple Mango and the bold sweet-heat twist of Habanana 🍍🍌.When I talked to Jack, he even showed me the farm where he grows all of the peppers for these sauces, which makes this story even more special. From the roots of the brand to future flavor ideas, this episode is packed with spicy conversation, unique sauce pairings, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a hot sauce lover, foodie, or craft maker fan, this one is for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more artisan hot sauce interviews, and tastings!IG 📸: ruggedjackshotsauceWeb 🌐: https://ruggedjacks.com
-
21
020 - Galactic Hobo
We sit down with Aaron from Galactic Hobo 🚀 to explore the creative world behind their bold small-batch sauces 🌶️. From the earthy umami of Shroomy Shroomy Doo 🍄 to the tropical vibes of Hawaiian Shirt House Party 🌴 and the adventurous kick of Hobo Kai 🏝️🔥, this interview dives into the brand’s story, unique flavors, and the future of craft hot sauce 🌟. Perfect for spice lovers, foodies, and anyone curious about the hot sauce movement! 🍽️🔥IG 📸: galactichobosauceWeb 🌐: https://galactichobo.com
-
20
019 - Mastodon Hot Sauce
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, we sit down with Ben from Mastodon Hot Sauce to talk bold flavor, small-batch craft, and the inspiration behind one of the most unique hot sauce brands on the market. Ben shares the creative process behind standout releases like Thai Chili Miso, his approach to layering heat, and the mission that drives the brand forward. As a proudly queer-owned business, Mastodon is carving out space with purpose, flavor, and serious fire.🎧 Watch the full interview and subscribe for more deep dives with your favorite artisan sauce makers.IG 📸: eatmastodonWeb 🌐: https://eatmastodon.com
-
19
018 - Swamp Dog Sauce
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, we sit down with the mind behind Swamp Dog Sauce, a brand that’s turning heads with bold heat and earthy roots. 🌶️From its wild aesthetic to its partnership with local composting programs, Swamp Dog stands out in the hot sauce world with more than just bold, intriguing flavors.We talk about what makes their sauces stand out, how they’re encouraging customers to reuse and refill, and why composting is more than just a side project. This one’s for flavor fans who care about impact too.🔥 What’s inside:🌱 The story behind the Swamp Dog brand🧪 Fermentation, flavor testing, and sauce philosophy♻️ Refill culture and compost collaboration🏡 Community impact and sustainable business goals🔮 A look at what’s next for the brandFollow for more hot sauce stories and flavor-forward interviews!IG 📸: swampdogsauceWeb 🌐: https://swampdogsauce.com/
-
18
017 - 12 Tokens
In this exclusive Fire & Flavor interview, I sit down with the anonymous creator behind 12 Tokens, a brand known for its delicious cherry hot sauce and collectible tokens included in every order. Learn about the origins of this intriguing brand, what makes their sauce uniquely flavorful, and why the creator chooses to stay anonymous. If you love hot sauce and appreciate a good mystery, this episode is for you!IG 📸: 12TokensWeb 🌐: https://12tokens.com
-
17
016 - Monkey Junk
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, we sit down with Jimmie, the creator of Monkey Junk Hot Sauce, a bold small-batch brand out of Western North Carolina. From the early days of experimenting with peppers to building a community around handcrafted heat, Monkey Junk is all about flavor with attitude. We dig into their origin story, the inspiration behind sauces like Mutant Verde and Lava Tears, and how local growing and flavor innovation come together in every bottle.🔥 Topics covered include:🧨 How Monkey Junk started and what fuels the brand🍯 The craft behind unique hot sauce flavors🌱 Sourcing local peppers and staying small-batch🧢 Branding, community, and what’s coming nextWhether you're a hot sauce lover, maker, or flavor explorer, this episode delivers serious heat.IG 📸: monkeyjunksauceWeb 🌐: https://themonkeyjunk.com
-
16
015 - Papa Caps
Join me as I sit down with the founder of Papa Caps Hot Sauce to dive into their origin story, the passion behind their bold flavors, and what makes their award-winning sauces stand out. We talk about crafting heat with purpose, chasing flavor that hits deep, and how a thrill-seeking hobby turned into a small batch sensation.During the interview, I try four different Papa Caps sauces and give my honest take on each one. Whether you're a hot sauce lover, artisan food fan, or just love discovering new indie brands, this episode brings the fire.IG / TikTok 📸: papacapsfoodsWeb 🌐: https://papacapsfoods.com
-
15
014 - Revolutionary Hot Sauce
I sat down with Tim from Revolutionary Hot Sauce to talk about his craft hot sauce journey and some seriously unique flavors. We cover Hot Java (with coffee and cherry bomb peppers), the Ukrainian-inspired Adjika with green apple, the tropical Sweet Wave, and the ghost pepper-heavy Phantasm.If you're into small-batch sauces, bold ingredients, and spicy creativity, this one’s for you.IG 📸: revolutionaryhotsauceWeb 🌐: https://revolutionaryhotsauce.com
-
14
013 - Bean's Hot Sauce Co
In this episode, I sit down with David, the founder of Bean's Hot Sauce Co, to talk about his journey from startup dreams to building a hot sauce brand with serious flavor and purpose. We dive into two of his standout sauces:🌶️ Wacky Tabascy – a wild twist on a verde tabasco🫐 Azul de Fuego – a bold blueberry hot sauce with a surprising kick revealed during our chatDavid shares what keeps him going, how the company evolved, and what it's like crafting sauces that break the mold.🔥 For the rest of May, $2 from every bottle sold goes to support Leukemia Texas.Watch, taste along, and support a great cause.👇 Hit subscribe for more hot sauce interviews and flavor-packed episodes!IG 📸: beanshotsaucecoWeb 🌐: https://beanshotsauceco.com
-
13
012 - Long Island Pepper Company
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, I sit down with Mike from Long Island Pepper Company to talk about how his small-batch hot sauce business got started, his passion for gardening, and what it’s like to grow a spicy brand from the ground up. 🌶️🌱Mike shares the stories behind five incredible fruit-forward sauces:🫐 Blueberry Carolina Reaper🍍 Pineapple Mango Habanero🥭 Mango Ghost🍈 Papaya Carolina Reaper🐉 Dragon's BloodEach one balances fresh, fruity flavor with a solid kick of heat. Mike was super chill to talk to, and this lineup is not one to miss if you love a flavorful burn.IG 📸: longislandpeppercompanyWeb🌐: https://longislandpeppercompany.com/
-
12
011 - Volcanic Ash Hot Sauce
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, I sit down with Maki and Garth, the creators of Volcanic Ash Hot Sauce, a bold small-batch brand built around one seriously unforgettable sauce. After seven years of experimenting and refining, they landed on “The OG,” a deep, savory blend of caramelized garlic, onions, habaneros, and smoky heat that delivers something truly unique. 🌋🌶️We dive into their flavor philosophy, the story behind the brand name, and how they stay true to their craft with every small-batch release. Whether you're a hot sauce connoisseur or just discovering your heat tolerance, this episode captures what it means to truly obsess over flavor.💬 Topics Covered:How Maki and Garth created “The OG”The seven-year sauce development journeyStaying small-batch and ingredient-focusedBuilding a hot sauce brand with heartReal stories from fans and foodies🔥 Grab your bottle or learn more at: volcanicashhotsauce.com
-
11
009 (2.0) - Newks Hot Sauce
In this episode of Fire & Flavor, I sit down once again with Jake from Newks Hot Sauce, a Portland, Oregon-based craft hot sauce company. After running into technical issues during our first interview, we reconnected to dive even deeper into his journey of building a hot sauce brand, the challenges of growing in a competitive industry, and the creative process behind five of his standout sauces:🌶️ Grillo’s Pickles Hot Sauce🍫 “Chocolate,” a rich blend featuring blackberries, raisins, chocolate habaneros, and chocolate reapers🍌 Banana and Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce🔥 Blazin’ Raisin, a hotter twist on “Chocolate”🌵 Smokey ChipotleWe also talk about pairing these bold flavors with real food and how Newks continues to push the boundaries of what hot sauce can be.If you are into small-batch hot sauce, unique flavor ideas, and behind-the-scenes stories from passionate makers, this is an episode you will not want to miss.IG 📸: newks_hot_sauceWeb 🌐: https://newkssauces.com
-
10
010 - Stanky Sauce
In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Eddie and Eric, the founders of Stanky Sauce, a bold and creative hot sauce company out of Orlando, Florida. We dive into how the brand got started, their mission to "feed adventure" through flavor, and the journey of turning a spicy passion into a thriving small business.Along the way, we taste five of their standout sauces: Pineapple Habanero Ghost, Garlic Datil, Honey Mango Habanero, Sweet Jalapeno Reaper, and Florida Sunshine BBQ, and explore the ingredients, inspiration, and customer reactions behind each one!Whether you're a hot sauce fanatic, foodie, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with flavor, insight, and heat.IG 📸: thestankysauceWeb 🌐: https://stankysauce.com
-
9
008 - Horrifying Hot Sauce
Join me for a conversation with Ryan from Horrifying Hot Sauce, where we delve into a brand dedicated to crafting complex flavors using unique ingredients, rare chilis, and time‑honored fermentation techniques. Fueled by a passion for horror movies, Ryan not only brings the heat to his sauces but also channels his creativity into making movies, showcasing his work at and spending time at horror movie festivals and beyond.
-
8
007 - Cousin Dean's Hot Sauce
Join me for a fiery conversation with Alex from Cousin Dean’s Hot Sauce, where we dive into the heart of a small‑town business built on local ingredients, community support, and pure passion for flavor. Learn how this family‑run brand turns simple, homegrown produce into unforgettable heat — and discover why shopping local makes all the difference. Don’t forget to like this episode, and follow for more stories behind your favorite small businesses!
-
7
006 - Naked Hot Sauces
In this spicy interview, I sit down with Kevin from Naked Hot Sauces out of Newmarket, NH to talk all things hot sauce!I put my taste buds to the test with three fiery flavors:🌶️ Down the Hatch – A smooth start with a kick!🔥 The One – Turning up the heat!💀 Reaper Madness – Pure, blistering insanity!Each sauce brings its own unique flavor and increasing intensity, so watch or listen as I sweat, react, and maybe even regret my choices! 😵💨🔥https://nakedhotsauces.netFollow on IG 📸: nakedhotsauces
-
6
005 - siZZZle Funk
This week, we sit down with Thomas from siZZZle Funk out of San Diego to explore creativity, the art of growing and using hot chilis in our favorite dishes, and why attention to detail is key when creating your own product.IG: @sizzzlefunkOrder from: https://sizzzlefunk.com
-
5
004 - Effin Sauces Co.
In this episode, I’m chatting with Carlos, the owner and operator of Effin Sauces Co. in Milford, NH. We had the chance to sit down and discuss his background, the journey of his hot sauce company, and his vision for the future!Milford, NHhttps://effinsauces.comIG: effinsauces
-
4
003 - Smokin' Tin Roof
Hey everyone!This week I'm talking with Phil from Smokin' Tin Roof Specialty Sauces from Manchester, NH! Hear to how Phil got started by growing his own peppers, to making a large variety of sauces! I love stories like this.We have a double pairing this episode so be sure to give it a watch or a listen! 🌶️🔥
-
3
002 - Big Dog Sauce Co.
Hey everyone! I finally got to chat with Dan from Big Dog Sauce Co. in Hillsborough, NH!This guy was so cool, and his sauces are so good! I had so much fun chatting with him and am definitely going to stop back at his shop again soon!https://bigdogsauce.comIG: @bigdogsauce_llcFB: The Big Dog Sauce Company NHLocated at 2 W Main St unit 4, Hillsborough, NH 03244
-
2
001 - Introduction to Fire & Flavor
Episode 001Welcome to Fire & Flavor, where I, Matt, delve into the passion behind small-batch hot sauces. In this debut episode, I reveal how weekly wing nights ignited my love for spice, how growing chilis at home deepened my appreciation for heat, and why starting my own sauce line wasn’t easy. Now, through interviews with artisan makers, we’ll explore their histories, flagship sauces, and favorite pairings. Join me to celebrate the community, flavors, and fiery enthusiasm that fuel every bottle. Each story highlights the dedication that goes into crafting every bottle of spicy goodness! Enjoy!
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...