Welcome to The BBQ Nerds Podcast — the inner circle of barbecue.
This isn’t just a show.
This is a movement for the people who feel the call of the coal bed… who track airflow like meteorologists… who know their pit better than their extended family.
If you’re here, you’re already one of us — a BBQ Nerd.
Not because you asked…
But because the smoke chose you.
Hosted by Frank Cox, The BBQ Pit Engineer, this podcast reveals the fire, the science, and the secrets behind great barbeque.
Not the Instagram version.
The real version — where heat transfer, draft control, and meat structure actually matter.
Every Tuesday, you’ll get short, high-impact episodes covering the sacred subjects, including:
Fire behavior (the first commandment)
Airflow & draft (the breath of the pit)
Coal bed mastery (the heart of the heat)
Direct heat vs offset (the ancient argument)
Brisket physics (the rite of passage)
Meat science (the truth behind tenderness)
And as members of the inner circle, we also follow the sacred teachings of BBQ Nerds:
BBQ is spelled BBQ in all situations — but the enlightened spell it “barbeque” when writing it out… or “’que” when we’re communicating in the group chat during a long cook.
People will try to correct you.
Smile knowingly.
They are not yet part of the circle.
(But they will be.)
If you love barbecue deeply — almost spiritually — welcome home.
New episodes arrive every Tuesday morning.
Invite another BBQ Nerd into the circle…
And remember: once you see the smoke, you can’t go back.
S2 Ep6: Direct Heat Isn’t Just Radiant — It’s How Radiant and Convective Heat Work Together
Direct heat cooking isn’t chaotic — it’s misunderstood. In this episode, Frank Cox explains how radiant and convective heat work together in enclosed direct heat cookers, why radiant energy drives the cook, how coal bed geometry creates control, and why distance matters more than thermometer readings.
13 Jan 2026
S2 Ep5: Fire Structure for Offset Smokers: Why Your Pit Feels Hard to Run
Offset smokers don’t struggle because of temperature — they struggle because of fire structure. In this episode, Frank Cox explains why offsets are coal-bed machines, how different coal bed setups change fire behavior, and how building the right fire makes offsets easier to run, cleaner to burn, and far less frustrating.
23 Dec 2025
S2 Ep4: Cooking Temperature Myths: Why Chasing Thermometer Readings Is Holding You Back
Chasing thermometer readings causes more stress than better barbecue. In this episode, Frank Cox explains why temperature is context—not control—and introduces BBQ KPIs (Key Pit Indicators) as a better way to judge progress, render, and doneness. Learn why dial, digital, and wireless thermometers often mislead, how observation beats obsession, and how cooking with “soul” comes from adapting instead of chasing numbers.
16 Dec 2025
S2 Ep3: Draw Explained: Volume, Velocity, and How Air Really Moves in an Offset Smoker
Air doesn’t swirl through your smoker like a corkscrew — and understanding that changes everything. In this episode, Frank Cox breaks down draw as volume and velocity, explains how air actually moves through an offset smoker, and shows how common airflow myths lead to uneven temps and frustration. This is a deep, practical look at airflow that helps BBQ Nerds stop fighting their pits and start controlling them.
9 Dec 2025
S2 Ep2: Fire Behavior 101: How Heat Really Moves Inside Your Smoker
A clear breakdown of how fire really works inside a smoker. Learn the three types of heat, how airflow and draft actually function, and what causes temp swings. No interviews, no chatter — just real BBQ education for the true BBQ Nerds.
2 Dec 2025
S2 Ep1: Season 2 Teaser: This Isn’t Another BBQ Podcast (Trailer)
Season 2 is here — and this isn’t another BBQ podcast.
No interviews, no rambling, no fluff.
Just real BBQ science, fire behavior, airflow, coal beds, and clear, beginner-friendly explanations from Frank Cox, The BBQ Pit Engineer.
Welcome to the inner circle of BBQ Nerds.
In Part 4 of the BBQ Nerds Podcast, hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) spice things up with Middle Eastern BBQ flair—think smoky pork with earthy rubs, lamb shoulder with za’atar, and dips like baba ganoush and hummus. They also dive into horseradish hacks, from creamy binders for prime rib to pastrami fusion with Alabama white sauce. Sponsored by Smokeslinger Pits, this episode blends global tastes with BBQ mastery!
20 Mar 2025
11: Injections and Fusion BBQ - From Competition Secrets to Global Flavors (Part 3)
In Part 3 of the BBQ Nerds Podcast, hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) dive into the world of barbecue injections—think FAB powders and Tony’s Cajun butter—unlocking competition-level flavor tricks. Then, they explore fusion BBQ, blending Korean gochujang with Kansas City burnt ends, Argentinian chimichurri with sausage, and brisket tacos with salsa verde. Sponsored by Smokeslinger Pits, this episode is a smoky mashup of science and global tastes!
18 Mar 2025
10: Mopping vs. Saucing - Carolina Vinegar, Alabama White Sauce, and Texas Pepper Jelly (Part 2)
In Part 2 of the BBQ Nerds Podcast, hosts Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) tackle the age-old debate: did mopping come before saucing? From medieval basting to modern barbecue, they explore regional sauce signatures like Carolina vinegar-pepper, Alabama white sauce, and Texas pepper jelly. Sponsored by Smoke Slinger Pits, this episode dives into rubs, sauces, and fusion flavors—plus a wild Bloody Mary twist with Rodney Scott’s sauce. Get ready for BBQ nerdiness at its finest!
16 Mar 2025
9: Regional Barbecue Smokers, Rubs, and Sauces - Texas Brisket to Kansas City Ribs (Part 1)
Join Dave Fier (@realmeatstick) and Frank Cox (@smokerbuilder) on the BBQ Nerds Podcast as they kick off a flavor-packed journey into the world of barbecue smokers, rubs, and sauces. In Part 1, explore the evolution of regional barbecue styles—from Texas brisket smokers to Kansas City brick pits—and how modern Pitmasters are blending global flavors like Korean gochujang with Carolina pork. Sponsored by Smoke Slinger Pits, this episode dives deep into barbecue gear, ingredients, and the fusion revolution heating up pits worldwide.
Dave Fier and Frank Cox share exterior BBQ pit maintenance and patina tips in Part 6 of BBQ Nerds Podcast! Learn oiling tricks, rust fixes, and patina hacks for a stunning pit.
12 Mar 2025
8: Chimney Cleaning & Rust Removal for BBQ Pits | BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 5
Dave Fier and Frank Cox cover chimney cleaning and rust removal in Part 5 of BBQ Nerds Podcast! Learn smokestack brush tricks and rust fixes for spotless BBQ pits.
Dave Fier and Frank Cox explore steam cleaning BBQ pits and wet wood solutions in Part 4 of BBQ Nerds Podcast! Learn steam tricks, wet wood pitfalls, and drying hacks for cleaner burns.
Dave Fier and Frank Cox share BBQ pit cleaning hacks in Part 3 of BBQ Nerds Podcast! Explore kitty litter for grease, degreasers like oven cleaner, and brushes for expanded metal grates.
6 Mar 2025
5: Seasoning vs. Cleaning BBQ Pits: Tools & Techniques | BBQ Nerds Podcast Part 2
Dave Fier and Frank Cox explore seasoning vs. cleaning BBQ pits in Part 2 of BBQ Nerds Podcast! Learn top tools and techniques to maintain your grill—scrapers, brushes, and power washers included.
Learn BBQ pit cleaning basics with Dave Fier and Frank Cox on the BBQ Nerds Podcast! Part 1 tackles grease fires, creosote dangers, and toxins from dirty pits. Essential tips for every pitmaster.
28 Feb 2025
3: How to Clean Your BBQ Pits Like a Pro
Join Dave Fier & Frank Cox on BBQ Nerds Podcast as they share expert tips on cleaning BBQ pits, preventing rust, and boosting airflow for better grilling. Must-know tools and techniques for every pitmaster!
17 Feb 2025
2: The BBQ Nerds Podcast - Sizzling Steaks: Guide To Searing Success
Join The BBQ Nerds Podcast as hosts Dave and Frank explore searing steaks with wood and charcoal, share tips, and discuss BBQ techniques. Tune in now!
9 Feb 2025
1: Brisket Breakdown: Techniques, Tips, and Pit Secrets
In this episode, The BBQ Nerds Podcast dives into brisket tips, trimming techniques, and cooking methods to perfect your BBQ game.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,252,402
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 58 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
66
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
32
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