About Meat & Greet BBQ Podcast

Your Guide to the UK BBQ Community

Meat & Greet BBQ Podcast is the UK's premier weekly podcast dedicated to outdoor cooking, smoking techniques, and the passionate community behind barbecue culture. Since launching in 2021, we've released over 88 episodes featuring conversations with pitmasters, brand ambassadors, equipment manufacturers, BBQ school owners, and backyard enthusiasts who share their authentic experiences with grilling and smoking.

What Makes Our Podcast Different

Unlike generic cooking shows, Meat & Greet BBQ Podcast focuses on real stories from real people in the BBQ community. Our guests aren't celebrity chefs with professional kitchens—they're social media creators, weekend warriors, and dedicated hobbyists who've turned their passion into something meaningful. We explore the successes, failures, and lessons learned from cooking over fire.

Every episode dives deep into topics that matter to BBQ enthusiasts: equipment decisions, technique refinement, dealing with burnout, building community, and most importantly, why people fall in love with outdoor cooking in the first place.

What You'll Discover in Our Episodes

Equipment Insights and Honest Reviews

We've interviewed guests cooking on everything from kamado grills and offset smokers to pellet cookers and Argentine asado-style setups. Our conversations reveal what equipment actually works in real backyards, not just marketing claims. You'll hear from people who've made expensive mistakes, found budget-friendly alternatives, and discovered which tools genuinely improve their cooking.

Smoking and Grilling Techniques

Learn temperature control, smoke management, fuel selection, and cooking methods directly from practitioners. Our guests share their approaches to low-and-slow smoking, high-heat searing, indirect cooking, and everything in between. We break down complex techniques into achievable steps for cooks at any skill level.

The Journey from Beginner to Expert

Many of our guests started exactly where you might be now—uncertain, overwhelmed, and learning through trial and error. They share the turning points in their BBQ journey, from their first successful brisket to becoming brand ambassadors or opening BBQ schools. These stories prove that expertise develops through practice, not perfection.

Building BBQ Community

BBQ is inherently social, and our podcast reflects that. We explore how Instagram, Facebook groups, festivals like Sizzlefest, and local meetups have created a vibrant UK barbecue family. Our guests discuss the friendships formed, collaborations built, and support networks that make this hobby so rewarding.

Balancing BBQ as a Hobby

Not every episode is about perfect cooks and Instagram-worthy photos. We tackle real challenges like BBQ burnout, social media pressure, equipment envy, and maintaining joy in cooking. These honest conversations help listeners navigate their own relationship with outdoor cooking.

Our Guest Philosophy

We don't just interview professional pitmasters or celebrity chefs. Our guest list represents the true diversity of BBQ culture:

  • Social Media Creators sharing their journeys from posting their first cook to building engaged communities
  • Equipment Manufacturers like Smokey Oak BBQ explaining the craftsmanship behind offset smokers
  • BBQ School Owners like The Smokin' Elk discussing how to teach temperature control and smoke management
  • Brand Ambassadors revealing how relationships with companies actually work
  • Weekend Warriors proving you don't need professional equipment to create incredible food
  • Family Cooks like Hitchens Kitchen & Grill showing how to involve children in outdoor cooking
  • Festival Organizers explaining how events like Sizzlefest bring the community together

Every guest brings unique perspective, equipment preferences, and cooking philosophy—there's no "right way" to BBQ, just different approaches that work for different people.

Topics We Cover Across Our Seven Seasons

Season Highlights:

  • Equipment Deep Dives: Kamado vs. offset smokers, pellet grill capabilities, kettle versatility, custom pit construction
  • Regional BBQ Styles: British traditions, American techniques, fusion approaches
  • Technique Masterclasses: Temperature control, smoke ring development, resting meat, sauce application
  • Business of BBQ: Turning hobby into income, brand partnerships, content creation strategies
  • Mental Health: Dealing with burnout, social media pressure, maintaining balance
  • Community Building: Festival attendance, online connections, local meetups
  • Beginner Guidance: First equipment purchases, essential techniques, common mistakes
  • Advanced Concepts: Custom rubs, wood selection, multi-cook sessions, meal prep smoking

Why UK Listeners Love Our Show

Our British perspective on BBQ culture resonates with UK audiences facing unique challenges: unpredictable weather, limited equipment availability, adapting American recipes, and building community in a market historically dominated by quick summer grilling.

We understand what it's like to smoke a brisket in November rain, source proper smoking wood, explain to neighbors why you're outside cooking at midnight, and justify another grill purchase to skeptical partners. These shared experiences create authentic connections with our listeners.

Featured Collaborations and Sponsors

Throughout our seasons, we've partnered with brands that genuinely support the BBQ community:

  • AOS Kitchens: Bespoke outdoor kitchen designers
  • LumberjAxe Food Company: Rubs and sauces created by passionate BBQ enthusiasts
  • Thermapen: Electronic temperature probes for precise cooking
  • Various Guest Companies: Equipment manufacturers, rub creators, and BBQ accessory makers who've appeared as guests

We only feature products and companies our guests actually use and recommend—authenticity matters more than sponsorship revenue.

Episode Format and Segments

Most episodes follow a conversational interview format lasting 45-75 minutes, allowing guests to share their stories without rush. We've also featured:

  • BBQ Bingo: Fun challenges where guests create dishes with random ingredients
  • The Cut: Segments with master butcher Tom Courts discussing meat selection
  • Summer Special Series: Focused episodes diving deeper into specific topics
  • Solo Episodes: Owen and Dan discussing their own BBQ journeys and challenges

How to Get the Most from Our Podcast

For Beginners:

Start with episodes explicitly designed for newcomers, such as "Fire Up Your Confidence: Everything You Need to Know for Your First BBQ Adventure" and "The passion for barbecue never truly dies, it just needs a spark." These provide foundational knowledge without overwhelming technical detail.

For Intermediate Cooks:

Explore episodes featuring specific equipment you own or techniques you're developing. Guest interviews reveal troubleshooting approaches and refinement strategies that take your cooking from good to excellent.

For Advanced Pitmasters:

Listen for business insights, community building strategies, and creative approaches to familiar challenges. Even experienced cooks discover new perspectives from guests with different specialties.

For Social Media Creators:

Multiple episodes explore content creation, dealing with algorithm changes, maintaining authenticity, and building engaged communities—lessons applicable beyond just BBQ content.

Join Our Community

Meat & Greet BBQ Podcast extends beyond audio episodes:

  • Facebook Group: Connect with listeners, share your cooks, ask questions, and participate in challenges
  • Instagram: Daily inspiration, episode announcements, and behind-the-scenes content @meat.greetbbqpodcast
  • YouTube: Video content complementing podcast episodes
  • TikTok: Quick BBQ tips and highlights

We actively engage with our community, responding to messages, featuring listener cooks, and incorporating feedback into future episodes.

Listen to Our Podcast

New episodes release weekly and are available on all major podcast platforms:

  • Apple Podcasts: Subscribe for automatic episode downloads
  • Spotify: Stream episodes and create playlists of favorites
  • Google Podcasts: Android-friendly listening
  • Overcast: Enhanced playback features
  • PocketCasts: Cross-platform syncing
  • RSS Feed: Direct subscription for any podcast app

All episodes are also available directly on this website with full show notes, guest links, and referenced products.

Support the Show

Creating weekly podcast episodes requires significant time, equipment, and resources. If you enjoy Meat & Greet BBQ Podcast, consider supporting us:

  • Buy Me a Coffee: One-time or recurring support buymeacoffee.com/MGBBQPodcast
  • Leave Reviews: Ratings on Apple Podcasts and Spotify help new listeners discover the show
  • Share Episodes: Recommend specific episodes to friends learning to BBQ
  • Engage on Social Media: Comments, shares, and tags increase our visibility
  • Join Our Facebook Group: Active community participation makes the show better

Get Featured on the Podcast

We're always seeking interesting guests with unique BBQ perspectives:

  • Social Media Creators: Share your journey and what you've learned
  • Equipment Enthusiasts: Discuss your setup and why it works for you
  • Technique Specialists: Explain your approach to specific cooking methods
  • Business Owners: Talk about turning BBQ passion into income
  • Community Builders: Describe how you've created connections through BBQ

To be considered as a guest, email us at meatgreetbbqpodcast@gmail.com with:

  • Your BBQ background and cooking style
  • What makes your BBQ journey unique or interesting
  • Topics you're passionate about discussing
  • Links to your social media or website (if applicable)

We welcome guests at all skill levels—you don't need thousands of followers or professional credentials. Authentic passion and interesting perspectives matter most.

Contact and Inquiries

General Questions: meatgreetbbqpodcast@gmail.com

Guest Booking: Include "Guest Enquiry" in subject line

Business Partnerships: Include "Partnership Enquiry" in subject line

Listener Questions: We love hearing from our audience! Email questions about BBQ techniques, equipment decisions, or anything outdoor cooking related. We may feature your question in a future episode.

Our Mission

Meat & Greet BBQ Podcast exists to celebrate outdoor cooking culture, share knowledge freely, connect BBQ enthusiasts, and remind people why they fell in love with cooking over fire in the first place.

Whether you're considering your first charcoal grill purchase, perfecting your brisket technique, dealing with BBQ burnout, or simply looking for inspiration, our episodes offer authentic perspectives from people who understand the journey.

BBQ is more than cooking—it's community, creativity, patience, and joy. We're honored to share these stories with you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Podcast

How long are episodes? Most episodes run 45-75 minutes, providing time for in-depth conversations without excessive length. We respect your time while ensuring guests can fully share their stories.

Do I need expensive equipment to benefit from the podcast? Absolutely not. Our guests cook on equipment ranging from basic kettle grills to custom-built offsets. Techniques and insights apply regardless of your setup.

Is this podcast only for UK listeners? While we're UK-based and many guests are British, American and international listeners find value in our content. BBQ principles transcend geography, and we explore both British and American styles.

Can I suggest episode topics? Yes! Email us your ideas at meatgreetbbqpodcast@gmail.com. Listener suggestions have inspired multiple episodes.

Do you have transcripts available? Full transcripts aren't currently available on all episodes, but detailed show notes accompany each episode on our website.

How can I stay updated on new episodes? Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform, follow us on social media, or join our email newsletter for weekly announcements.

Join us every week as we explore the UK BBQ community, one conversation at a time.