Part 1:

Let’s be real: The beef industry is a dumpster fire right now, and we’re all getting burned.

In this episode, we’re quitting the polite small talk and diving headfirst into why your favorite brisket is starting to cost more. We’re calling out the "Big Meat" giants and the price-fixing games that are squeezing local ranchers and suffocating your favorite BBQ joints. What this means for BBQ restaurants and backyard cooks, and why no one seems able to give a clear answer.

Something doesn’t add up, and everyone from ranchers to consumers is asking the same question: why?

The pressure is at a boiling point. We’re talking about how to pivot, how to fight back, and why the BBQ community needs to get loud before the fire goes out.

Daniel Vaughn is the most influential — and controversial — voice in barbecue.

As the BBQ Editor at Texas Monthly, he curates the legendary Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas list: the ranking that pitmasters dream of, fight for, fear, and loathe. But his path to becoming America’s only full-time barbecue critic is anything but traditional.

In this episode of Smokeless, Daniel Vaughn reveals:

• How a simple blog changed his entire life
• The BBQ meal that hooked him instantly
• His unlikely journey from Ohio to Texas, from architecture to food criticism
• What people get wrong about the Texas Monthly Top 50
• How he handles pressure, backlash & pitmaster expectations
• Stories from the road, the pits, and behind the scenes of the list

If you’re into Texas BBQ, the restaurant world, or just love a good origin story, this is a must!

ABOUT THE GUEST

Daniel Vaughn is the BBQ Editor for Texas Monthly and author of The Prophets of Smoked Meat. He is considered the most influential barbecue critic in the world and has eaten at more BBQ joints than anyone alive. He curates the iconic Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas list.

Big thanks to Vic Barry for helping out!

In this episode of the Smokeless Podcast, hosts Nick, Wayne, and Justin engage in a deep conversation with barbecue pioneer Aaron Franklin. They explore his journey in the barbecue industry, discussing his innovative approaches, the challenges of burnout, the importance of delegation, and the impact of family dynamics on his career. Franklin shares insights from his experiences, including the fire incident at his restaurant and the lessons learned in leadership and crisis management. The conversation highlights the evolution of barbecue and the significance of community support in the culinary world, reflecting on their life choices, the importance of collaboration in the barbecue industry, and the impact of reputation and lists on their businesses. They discuss the evolution of barbecue culture, the challenges they face in the industry, and their aspirations for the future, including a desire to leave a positive legacy and family involvement.