From The Shack – Details, episodes & analysis

Release Date:

10/11/2024

Episode Summary:

In this episode of From The Shack, Steve and Dec welcome their friend and special guest, Liam Sharkey, a skilled butcher with The Catering Butcher. Together, they explore Liam’s path to becoming a butcher, highlighting the challenges, experiences, and passion that have defined his career. Liam shares personal stories from the cutting block and provides an inside look at the vital role butchers play in the BBQ community, from sourcing the finest cuts to building lasting relationships with chefs, pitmasters, and BBQ enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re a BBQ fan, a food industry professional, or just curious about what goes on behind the butcher’s counter, this episode is packed with insights, humour, and plenty of meat talk!

Topics Discussed:

• Liam’s journey to becoming a professional butcher
• Behind-the-scenes insights into the life of a butcher
• The connection between butchers and the BBQ community
• Building relationships with chefs and BBQ enthusiasts
• Tips on selecting quality meats for BBQ and cooking
• The evolving role of butchers in the modern food scene

Key Takeaways:

• Insights into what it takes to be a great butcher
• How butchers contribute to the BBQ world beyond meat supply
• Personal stories and anecdotes from Liam’s experiences

Connect with Liam Sharkey:

• Instagram - @thecateringbutcher

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Firefly BBQ - https://www.fireflybbq.co.uk
• Alfresco Chapel - https://www.chorleybottlegas.co.uk/
• Globaltic Charcoal - https://www.globalticltd.co.uk/
• Orbie Coolers - https://orbie.co.uk/
• Thermapen - https://thermapen.co.uk/

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• Youtube: @fromtheshackpod
• Tik Tok: @fromtheshackpod
• Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to From The Shack on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners!

Support the Podcast:

Patreon coming soon

Sponsorships:

We are open to conversatons about podcasts sponsorships if it suits our ethos

From The Shack - Ep. 2 | Running a Pop Up

Release Date:

27/10/2024

Episode Summary:

In this exciting episode of From The Shack, we dive into the world of planning and executing a successful BBQ pop-up! Fresh off our latest pop-up event, we share behind-the-scenes insights on everything from menu planning to marketing and logistics. Whether you're a BBQ pro or just starting out, you’ll learn valuable tips for pulling off a memorable pop-up experience.

But that’s not all! We’re thrilled to announce a HUGE giveaway exclusively for our podcast listeners, featuring an amazing prize pool with contributions from Firefly BBQ, Alfresco Chapel, Globaltic Charcoal, Thermapen, and Oobie Coolers. Don’t miss your chance to win some fantastic BBQ gear!

Topics Discussed:

• Our experience running a recent BBQ pop-up event
• Key steps to planning and executing a successful pop-up
• Menu creation, venue selection, and logistics
• Marketing and promoting your event to attract the right crowd
• Lessons learned and tips for improving future pop-ups
• Special announcement: Giveaway details and how to enter
• Highlighting the amazing prize pool from Firefly BBQ, Alfresco Chapel, Globaltic Charcoal, Thermapen, and Oobie Coolers

Key Takeaways:

• Essential planning tips for running a successful BBQ pop-up
• Behind-the-scenes insights into our latest event
• Details on entering the podcast giveaway and winning top BBQ gear

Giveaway Details:

We’re giving away a prize pool packed with premium BBQ products, including items from Firefly BBQ, Alfresco Chapel, Globaltic Charcoal, Thermapen, and Oobie Coolers! Be sure to tune in for the full details on how to enter and increase your chances of winning. This is one giveaway you won’t want to miss!

Prizes Include:

• Firefly BBQ rubs and sauces
• Alfresco Chapel have donated and awesome YETI lunch cooler
• Globaltic Charcoal premium lumpwood charcoal
• Thermapen meat thermometers
• Oobie Coolers voucher

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Firefly BBQ - https://www.fireflybbq.co.uk
• Alfresco Chapel - https://www.chorleybottlegas.co.uk/
• Globaltic Charcoal - https://www.globalticltd.co.uk/
• Orbie Coolers - https://orbie.co.uk/
• Thermapen - https://thermapen.co.uk/

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• Youtube: @fromtheshackpod
• Tik Tok: @fromtheshackpod
• Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to From The Shack on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners!

Support the Podcast:

Patreon coming soon

Sponsorships:

We are open to conversatons about podcasts sponsorships if it suits our ethos

Episode Title:

From The Shack - Ep. 001 | Welcome & Introduction

Release Date:

13/10/2024

Episode Summary:

In this inaugural episode of From The Shack, we introduce ourselves and try to give an insight into what we hope the pod will be. We’ll give you a peek into what this podcast is about, its inspiration, and what you can expect from future episodes. Whether you’re here for stories, insights, or casual conversation, this podcast aims to deliver something for everyone. Tune in, and let’s start this journey together!

Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to From The Shack
• Host’s background and why this podcast exists
• Themes and topics we’ll cover in upcoming episodes
• What to expect in future shows (guest appearances, listener Q&As, etc.)

Key Takeaways:

• Get to know your host and the inspiration for From The Shack
• Sneak peek of future episodes and exciting content
• A community-driven podcast where your voice matters

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Noel Bateman - Firefly BBQ - https://www.fireflybbq.co.uk
• Steve Ball - Alfresco Chapel - https://www.chorleybottlegas.co.uk/

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• Youtube: @fromtheshackpod
• Tik Tok: @fromtheshackpod
• Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to From The Shack on [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.] and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners!

Support the Podcast:

Patreon coming soon

Sponsorships:

We are open to conversatons about podcasts sponsorships if it suits our ethos

Release Date:

24/11/2024

Episode Summary:

In this episode of From The Shack, Steve and Dec dive into some BBQ inspiration with Steve’s top three must-have BBQ books! Whether you’re a beginner looking to up your grill game or a seasoned pitmaster searching for new techniques, these books are packed with tips, recipes, and expert knowledge that every BBQ enthusiast needs.

The guys also take some time to catch up on their recent cooks, sharing stories, successes, and lessons learned from the grill. From low-and-slow briskets to sizzling steaks, this episode is a feast for BBQ lovers everywhere!

Topics Discussed:

• Steve’s top 3 BBQ book recommendations
• Why these books stand out
• Key takeaways and must-try recipes
• A recap of recent cooks and grilling adventures
• Successes, challenges, and what’s next on the menu

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the best BBQ books to elevate your skills
• Get inspired by recent BBQ stories and experiments
• Tips and techniques to try in your own backyard

Links and Mentions:

• Grill Stock by Jon Finch & Ben Merrington, The BBQ Book - https://amzn.eu/d/aJ3PRkq
• Berber & Q by Josh Katz - https://amzn.eu/d/eFUr2sM
• Food & Fire by Marcus Bawdon - https://amzn.eu/d/iLKabyg

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Firefly BBQ - https://www.fireflybbq.co.uk
• Alfresco Chapel - https://www.chorleybottlegas.co.uk/
• Globaltic Charcoal - https://www.globalticltd.co.uk/
• Orbie Coolers - https://orbie.co.uk/
• Thermapen - https://thermapen.co.uk/

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• Youtube: @fromtheshackpod
• Tik Tok: @fromtheshackpod
• Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to From The Shack on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners!

Support the Podcast:

Patreon coming soon

Sponsorships:

We are open to conversations about podcasts sponsorship's if it suits our ethos

Release Date:

08/12/2024

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the great BBQ debate: grilling vs. smoking. Whether you’re all about the high-heat sear or prefer the low-and-slow method, we weigh up the pros, cons, and best times to use each technique.

We also touch on the latest buzz around Bovaer, a methane-reducing feed additive that’s making waves in the sustainability space—could it change the future of BBQ meats?

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Firefly BBQ - https://www.fireflybbq.co.uk
• Alfresco Chapel - https://www.chorleybottlegas.co.uk/
• Globaltic Charcoal - https://www.globalticltd.co.uk/
• Orbie Coolers - https://orbie.co.uk/
• Thermapen - https://thermapen.co.uk/

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• Youtube: @fromtheshackpod
• Tik Tok: @fromtheshackpod
• Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to From The Shack on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners!

Support the Podcast:

Patreon coming soon

Sponsorships:

We are open to conversations about podcasts sponsorship's if it suits our ethos

From The Shack - Episode 6 | Christmas Episode

Release Date: 22/12/2024

Episode Summary:

It’s Christmas at From the Shack! 🎄 In this festive episode, Steve and Dec take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on their cooking journey and how the podcast has evolved. Join us as we share some of our favorite moments, lessons learned, and what’s next for the show. Whether you’re a BBQ pro or just love good food, this episode is packed with holiday cheer and plenty of inspiration for your next cook!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
• TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
• Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com

Subscribe & Review:

Enjoying the show? Don’t forget to hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Leave us a review to let us know what you think—it really helps us bring the BBQ love to more listeners!

Support the Podcast:

We’re cooking up something exciting—Patreon is coming soon! Stay tuned for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and more.

Sponsorships:

We’re open to sponsorships that align with our ethos. Let’s collaborate!

From The Shack - Episode 7 | Steve Solo hosts while Dec is on holiday

Episode Summary:

This week, it’s just Steve holding down the shack while Dec explores the bright lights of New York! In this more laid-back, solo episode, we’re kicking off 2025 with big plans, bold flavors, and a love for BBQ that keeps us fired up.

Join me as I share what’s on the horizon for From the Shack this year, from exciting guest interviews to building the U.K. BBQ community. I’ll also take you through my upcoming cooks, including a show-stopping Côte de Boeuf and a low-and-slow brisket, plus I’ll highlight a smoky, hearty Mexican Black Bean Stew that’s perfect for winter grilling.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just love great food, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s talk fire, food, and community!

What to Expect:

• A casual New Year’s catch-up from the shack.
• 2025 plans: big guests, BBQ events, and how YOU can join the podcast as a guest.
• Upcoming cooks to inspire your grilling sessions:
• Thick-Cut Ribeye Steaks with sautéed wild mushrooms and potato gratin.
• Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with root vegetables and red wine jus.
• Low-and-Slow Brisket with celeriac mash and charred broccoli.
• Côte de Boeuf with potato dauphinoise, honey-glazed carrots, and rocket salad.
• Sticky Lamb Ribs with fennel slaw.
• Recipe Spotlight: Mexican Black Bean Stew
• This smoky, South American-inspired dish is packed with flavor. Made with hotlink sausages, homemade Mexican rice, and crispy tortillas, it’s a winter BBQ favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for customizations like leftover brisket.

Featured Recipe:

Mexican Black Bean Stew

• Oil, for cooking

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 poblanos, seeded and diced (use sweet peppers and some green hot peppers if you can’t get poblanos)

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• 30g+ of your favourite rub or seasoning

• chiote paste if available adds great flavour

• 170g tomato purée

• 1 veg stock jelly

• 3 garlic cloves, grated

• 1 tbsp chilli powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 2 tsp smoked sweet paprika

• 1 tsp chipotle powder (use chilli powder for milder flavour)

• Two or three 400g cans black beans (or any beans you prefer )

• 240ml water

• 4 hotlink sausages, smoked, then grilled and sliced into 1.5cm discs

• sliced white tortillas, deep-fried until golden and salted

• 340–450g shredded cheese (e.g., Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend)

• 60g sour cream

• 1 lime optional

Mexican Rice Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 200g long-grain rice

• 400ml chicken or vegetable stock

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish

Updated Method

1. Preheat your BBQ or oven to 190°C.

2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and poblano, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.

3. Stir in tomatoes, seasoning, tomato purée, and stock. Cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add 2/3 of the garlic, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle powder. Cook for 1 minute.

5. Stir in the beans with their liquid, along with 240ml water. Cover, reduce heat, and let stew for at least 1 hour.

6. Meanwhile, smoke and grill the hotlink sausages. Slice them into 1.5cm discs and add to the stew for the final hour of cooking.

7. Combine sour cream, remaining...

From The Shack - Episode 8 | Influencers You Should Be Following

Episode Summary:

We’re back together! Dec’s fresh from his Stateside adventures, and it’s our first joint episode of 2025. This week, we’re catching up on all the foodie escapades we’ve been up to since the last pod—everything from fire-fueled feasts to culinary inspiration we’ve picked up along the way.

Our main topic? The must-follow influencers who are shaping the world of BBQ and fire cooking right now. Between us, we’ve got six incredible accounts to share that will up your grilling and BBQ game. Whether you’re looking for plant-based fire cooking, masterful meat techniques, or stunning food photography, we’ve got you covered.

So grab a drink, fire up the grill, and join us for another fun-filled episode of From the Shack!

Featured Influencers You Need to Follow:

👉 @chefdandanielwatkins – Game-changing plant-based cooking.

👉 @jamespecckk – The man behind Ember, bringing fire-fueled feasts to life.

👉 @melissafood – Stunning storytelling paired with bold flavors.

👉 @genevieveeats – A true trailblazer in the UK BBQ scene.

👉 @charlieboy_bbq – Master of meat and fire.

👉 @keithcooks – BBQ brilliance with a creative twist.

What to Expect:

• A big welcome back to Dec and a Happy New Year from the shack.
• Foodie catch-ups: our culinary highlights over the holidays and what’s inspired us. Loaded Spuds!!
• Our top 3 influencers each: six accounts you need to follow to elevate your BBQ game.
• Exciting plans for 2025: amazing guests, BBQ community-building, and inviting YOU to be part of the pod.

Connect with Us:

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, BBQ creations, or let us know your favourite BBQ influencers:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
• YouTube: @fromtheshackpod

Don’t forget to tag us in your BBQ photos or leave us a message about what’s cooking in your shack!

Outro:

Thanks for tuning in! It’s great to kick off the year together, and we’ve got so much more in store for 2025. Until next time, happy grilling, and don’t forget to give those influencers a follow—they’re guaranteed to inspire your next cook!

From The Shack - Bonus Episode | Dec’s New York Food Adventures

Episode Summary:

In this special bonus episode, Dec takes us on a mouthwatering tour of his recent trip to New York! From iconic street food to legendary BBQ joints and hidden gems, we dive into all the incredible places he visited and the flavors that left a lasting impression.

We’ll chat about how the Big Apple’s food scene inspired Dec, and how those experiences might influence our future cooks at From the Shack. If you’ve ever wondered where to eat when you’re in NYC or just want some foodie inspiration, this episode is for you!

So, grab a snack and join us for a transatlantic journey packed with flavor, fire, and all things food.

What to Expect:

Dec’s ultimate foodie highlights from New York City.

Must-visit spots: BBQ joints, burger bars, delis, and more.

How the NYC food scene stacks up against the U.K. BBQ community.

Fresh inspiration for fire cooking and BBQ ideas from Dec’s trip.

Plenty of laughs, stories, and tips for your next trip to the Big Apple!

Featured NYC Spots Mentioned in This Episode:

Katz’s Delicatessen: Legendary pastrami sandwiches.

Joe’s Pizza: A slice of authentic NYC.

Hometown Bar-B-Que: Smoky, tender meats done right.

Smorgasburg: A street food paradise.

Peter Luger Steak House: Classic New York steakhouse vibes.

Connect with Us:

Have you visited NYC or tried any of the spots Dec mentions? Let us know your thoughts or share your favorite food destinations!

Instagram: @fromtheshackpod

TikTok: @fromtheshackpod

YouTube: @fromtheshackpod

Outro:

Thanks for tuning in to this special bonus episode! Dec’s back in the shack with plenty of stories and new ideas to share. Catch us in the next episode for even more fire cooking, BBQ inspiration, and foodie fun. Until then, happy grilling!

From The Shack - Episode 9 | Live from Alfresco Chapel: BBQ Stores, Events & Why You Need to Support Them

Episode Summary:

This week, we’re on location at Alfresco Chapel, the North West’s go-to BBQ store, to chat all things live fire, grills, and why independent BBQ shops like this are so important to the community.

We’re joined by owner Steve and BBQ expert Adam to get the inside scoop on what makes Alfresco Chapel a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast. From hands-on access to the best BBQ gear to expert advice you won’t find online, we dive into why it’s more important than ever to use them or lose them!

Beyond the store, we discuss upcoming BBQ events, must-visit restaurants, and other great independent BBQ retailers across the UK. If you’re serious about fire cooking, this episode is packed with insights on where to go, what to buy, and why supporting your local BBQ scene is essential.

So, fire up the grill and settle in for another cracking episode of From the Shack!

What to Expect:

🔥 Live from Alfresco Chapel: Why this store is a BBQ lover’s dream.

🔥 Interview with Steve & Adam: What makes Alfresco Chapel unique and why you should visit.

🔥 BBQ stores, events & restaurants: The best places to fuel your fire cooking passion.

🔥 Why we need to support independent BBQ stores—use them or lose them!

Where to Find Alfresco Chapel:

📍 Alfresco Chapel, Chorley, North West, UK

📲 Instagram: @alfrescochapel

Connect with Us:

We’d love to hear from you! Where do you go for BBQ gear, and what local BBQ businesses should more people know about? Let us know:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
• YouTube: @fromtheshackpod

Outro:

A huge thanks to Steve and Adam for having us at Alfresco Chapel! If you’re serious about BBQ, get yourself down there and check it out. We’ll be back next week with more fire cooking chat—until then, happy grilling!