Meat & Greet BBQ Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

A shed went up in flames—and a lifelong love for live-fire cooking rose from the ashes. We sit down with Kate O’Driscoll to trace an unlikely journey from a no-name kamado to festival demo stages, and we get into the real talk: the kit that earns its keep, the cooks that keep you humble, and the community that makes you braver.

We swap stories of Webers, Big Joes, and flat tops, and why a Blackstone can quietly end indoor frying. Kate explains the pull of open-fire rigs—Santa Maria lifts, asado frames, and the hands-on thrill you just don’t get from “easy bake” pellet smokers. We dig into favourite cuts and smart strategies: why beef ribs often outshine brisket for drama and flavour, how to nail picanha by marking the grain before the cook, and the small safety rituals that save your hands and eyebrows. Barbecue bingo throws us a curveball—paella—and Kate maps a plan with smoked chicken thighs, mussels, prawns, and a session IPA stock, a nod to her husband’s farmhouse brewery.

Threaded through is a bigger theme: breaking the tired stereotype of “man, fire, meat.” Kate makes the case for everyone at the grill—especially women—and shares the moment a four-year-old fan mimicked her demos all weekend, proof that visibility matters. It’s honest, funny, and practical, packed with tips on supporting your local butcher, building a backyard bar that works, and turning weeknight cooks into easy leftovers that stretch into tomorrow.

If you love barbecue stories with real stakes (and real mistakes), this one’s for you. Follow Kate on Instagram at KO’Driscoll Food Beers Life / Food Fire Life, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a review to tell us your favourite live-fire lesson.

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

A Somerset Grill transforms a backyard into a theatre of flames, smoke, and sizzle. Owen's new Argentine Asado-style cooker became the centerpiece of an unforgettable five-hour cooking session where we lost ourselves watching flames dance across carefully prepared meats. The adjustable grates allow precise temperature control as wood burns down to perfect cooking embers – a dramatic departure from standard charcoal grilling that connects you to cooking's primal roots.

We put Brewdog's new barbecue rubs and sauces to the test on chicken wings, finding their Punk IPA-inspired sauce deliciously fruity while their hot sauce proved disappointingly vinegary. The Somerset Grill showed its versatility as we moved from homemade sausages to gammon joint and even a whole pineapple that caramelized beautifully when placed directly on glowing embers.

Cooking mishaps make for the best stories, and Dan's work barbecue disaster didn't disappoint. Despite careful planning and budgeting for 40 hungry colleagues, he somehow managed to leave the burger shop without actually purchasing any burgers – leaving 48 buns but zero patties! Thankfully, his backup sausages saved the day.

The UK barbecue community continues growing with festivals like Smoke and Fire Ascot drawing crowds, while barbecue tourism gains momentum as enthusiasts organize Texas tours to experience authentic pit cooking at its source. Looking ahead, we're excited about the Big Barbecue Community Cookout this October – a bring-your-own-everything gathering where passionate grillers will share knowledge, techniques and undoubtedly a few cooking failures.

We'd love to connect with small businesses and innovators in the barbecue space – reach out through our website or social media to share what you're seeing in this vibrant community. Until next time, keep those fires burning and don't forget to actually buy your burgers!

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

Get ready to uncover the secrets of exceptional barbecue and ethical meat sourcing with Alex from Hunter Gatherer Cooking. This episode promises to guide you through Alex's journey from a gas grill novice to a master of offset smokers, all while blending his passions for barbecuing, shooting, and country living. We explore the therapeutic aspects of outdoor cooking, the allure of live fire, and Alex’s surprising success on Instagram, despite his initial hesitation.

Join us as we delve into the emotional and ethical dimensions of hunting and processing game meat. Alex shares poignant stories about his hunting experiences, emphasizing respect for the animals and the importance of minimizing waste. We also tackle common myths about game meat, offering practical tips for maintaining moisture and enhancing flavor. From unforgettable venison burgers to delectable pheasant goujons, we highlight the pleasures of ethically sourced, locally hunted game.

Finally, discover how to barbecue on a budget without compromising on quality. We offer expert advice on transforming inexpensive supermarket cuts into culinary delights and share our enthusiasm for various grills and smokers, from the Somerset grill to portable options like the Lotus Grill. Laugh along with our late-night barbecue mishaps and gain insights into proper meat preparation techniques. Don’t miss our new interactive segment where you can submit questions and connect with our barbecue community. Tune in for a flavorful, insightful, and entertaining conversation that will inspire your next barbecue adventure.

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

Ever wondered how to get into UK competition BBQ? Join us as we chat with Kev from Comp Barbecue UK, who has led the charge in competition grilling in the UK. From the structured KCBS contests to the creative freestyle events, Kev breaks down the highs and lows of the barbecue competition circuit. We'll uncover surprising truths about the global barbecue scene and why the UK is catching up faster than you'd think.

Kev doesn't just talk about cooking meat; he brings us into the judges' tent. We discuss the delicate balance of fairness and the personal challenges of judging multiple entries, each vying for the top spot. You'll learn about the intricacies of different types of barbecue contests, including SCA events that are perfect for beginners. It's a fascinating look into how competitions stay engaging and why keeping participants motivated is key.

But it's not all serious business. Kev shares hilarious and heartwarming stories from various events, including a memorable cheese-themed contest and a mishap involving incinerated chicken wings. You'll hear about the camaraderie and friendships forged through these contests, and how you can get involved by becoming a judge. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a barbecue enthusiast, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on this smokin' good episode!

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

A Special Offer from Waz - 15% off orders until 1st September 2024 use code MG15

Can sauces transform your culinary experience? Join us for an exciting episode as we chat with the talented Warren, aka Waz, from Waz's Sauce Hut. Waz takes us through his flavorful journey from a food-loving child, influenced by his chef father and flavor-savvy mother, to creating allergen-free handcrafted sauces for his family. Listen as he shares the heartwarming story of how his children's allergies pushed him to develop wholesome sauces without artificial preservatives, and discover which sauce holds a special place in his heart.

Ever thought of pairing coffee with beef? Get ready for some mouthwatering insights as we discuss the creamy, cinnamon-infused delight this unique combination can bring to your table. We also explore the versatility of Waz's sauces and rubs in a variety of dishes, from enhancing the rich flavors of chili con carne to unexpected uses in salad dressings and desserts. Plus, hear about the challenges of determining used by dates for homemade sauces and the importance of product stability, all shared through relatable personal anecdotes.

From disastrous beef cheeks to the fiery aftermath of handling naga chilies, our tales are sure to entertain. We also chat about our favorite dishes, such as the South African bunny chow and beef tongue tacos. Wrapping things up, we delve into the joys of cooking with a Traeger Ranger and the family-approved buffalo wing-style frog legs. Don't miss it!

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

What does it take to transform from a joiner to a culinary entrepreneur in just three years? Join us as Steve from Charred Food Company shares his inspiring journey, ignited by casual pre-lockdown cookouts and fueled by a deep passion during lockdown. Steve recounts his evolution from a barbecue novice to running a professional barbecue kitchen, highlighting the importance of community feedback and the trials and triumphs along the way. His story is a testament to following one's passion and turning it into a successful venture.

Ever battled imposter syndrome while chasing your dreams? Steve's transition from a building site to a professional kitchen provides valuable insights into overcoming self-doubt. Balancing his existing contracts, he gained experience in local food businesses before seizing an opportunity in a fine dining restaurant. Through hard work and dedication, Steve now runs a barbecue restaurant kitchen, demonstrating the importance of trusting one's instincts and understanding the quirks of barbecue equipment.

Looking to perfect your barbecue skills or simply enjoy some humorous barbecue mishaps? Steve's mastery of beef ribs and amusing recounts of kitchen blunders will both educate and entertain. We also discuss his future plans for Charred Food Company, including pop-ups and barbecue festivals, as well as the launch of his new barbecue podcast with Scott. Tune in for a delightful mix of humor, inspiration, and mouthwatering barbecue talk that’s sure to resonate with enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike.

This Episode is sponsored by AOS Kitchens 

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

What happens when two barbecue enthusiasts reunite after a few months' break? Join us for "Backyard BBQ Banter," where Dan and I reconnect and share the latest in our barbecue journeys, including Dan’s move to a new house and the exciting setup of a brand-new barbecue space. We laugh about our podcasting misadventures and discuss our vision for future episodes. Plus, discover how you can shape the show by sharing your feedback and ideas.

Ever wondered if simple barbecue dishes can be just as satisfying as the complex ones? In "Outdoor Cooking Enthusiasts," we talk about the joy of basic barbecuing with hot dogs and burgers, and how I rekindled my passion with a brisket cook that turned out to be a hit. We also share the thrill of tackling challenges like reverse searing a tomahawk steak within a tight schedule. This chapter is a celebration of both simple and ambitious barbecue pursuits that bring joy and satisfaction.

Have you ever been roped into cooking for a crowd while battling a hangover? In "Barbecue Collaborations and Guest Expectations," we recount being approached by a meat supplier for content creation, cooking a variety of meats, and sharing our culinary experiments like homemade maple bacon using Canadian maple syrup. We also discuss the unpredictability of barbecue events and the excitement of upcoming food festivals like Sizzlefest. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of being barbecue aficionados on a mission.

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

As the charcoal ignites and that smoky aroma fills the air, there's no denying Owen and Dan are back at it, waxing lyrical about our barbecue escapades. From our recent barbecue bash that had everyone raving about the succulent ribs and wings, to the hilarity of cooking mishaps like running out of charcoal mid-party or battling pigeon invasions, our latest grilling gabfest is loaded with laughs and juicy tales. We're here to share the delights and the blunders of barbecue, proving that it's about so much more than just the food – it's an experience, a labor of love, and sometimes, a comical adventure.

We delve into our personal grill preferences, from the sleek convenience of a Blackstone to the smoky charm of a Weber Kettle. Whether you're keen on perfecting your breakfast grill game or curious about how a barbecue meat fridge could revolutionize your backyard feasts, we've got insights and ideas to fuel your fire. And if you've ever pondered over the ideal side dish to complement your smoky creations, or how to turn cheap supermarket cheese into a gourmet delight, you won't want to miss our culinary musings.

But let's not forget about those unexpected turns that keep us on our toes – like the time I discovered my smoker had become a pigeon perch! We chuckle over these unscripted moments that remind us barbecuing is as unpredictable as it is enjoyable. From smoking a sublime piece of cheese to introducing our kids to the finer points of outdoor cooking, Owen and Dan cover it all. So, fire up your grill, pour yourself a cold one, and join us for a hearty helping of barbecue banter that's sure to entertain and inspire.

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

Unlock the secrets of outdoor cooking with Corbin, the culinary maestro of Blackstone griddles, who graces our show with his journey from kitchen to the great outdoors. His tales unfold the magic behind the perfect even sear, a skill that's transforming the way we grill across Europe. Corbin's passion for the flat-top grill is contagious, and as he shares his expertise, you too might find yourself drawn to the art of outdoor cuisine that's flourishing among UK barbecue enthusiasts.

Our conversation sizzles with the versatility of the Blackstone griddle – it's not just about steaks and smash burgers; imagine whipping up breakfast quesadillas or toasting the perfect slice of pizza. Corbin sprinkles in anecdotes of smoking meats and pizza oven exploits, adding a dash of humor and practical wisdom. We even discuss how the Blackstone griddle serves as a culinary playground for the whole family, inviting everyone from kitchen novices to seasoned grill masters to join the outdoor cooking revolution.

Wrap up your apron and tune in for a hearty serving of griddle adventures and innovation talk. Whether it's the rotating pizza stone that's changing homemade pizza nights or the latest Blackstone attachments stirring up the scene, this episode is your invitation to the great outdoors – where every meal is an adventure, and every cookout is an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Join us and Corbin, as we turn up the heat on outdoor grilling and flip the script on traditional barbecue narratives.

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.

We'd love to hear from you, drop us a text!

Feeling like you're the only one who gets tired of the endless cycle of smoking ribs and juggling your online persona? Trust me, you're not alone. We've all been there—the moment when your beloved BBQ pit starts to feel like just another chore and your social media feed becomes a ghost town. In a candid chat, we unravel the threads of BBQ and social media fatigue, touching on the guilt of stepping away from the grill and the pressures of keeping up appearances as "the BBQ guy." We let our guards down, sharing the struggles of life's transitions and how it affects our cooking, content creation, and mental wellbeing.

As we navigate through the complexities of change, this conversation is an invitation to all who've felt the burnout of constant engagement—both over charcoal and online. With moving boxes piling up and festive commitments taking center stage, we contemplate the need for authenticity in our shared culinary journey. Expect a mix of personal anecdotes, listener experiences, and a collective nod to the importance of taking a breath when the smoke gets too thick. Join us as we lay the foundation for a rejuvenated approach to our BBQ adventures and a more meaningful connection with our community, all while keeping the fire of passion alight.

Support the show

If you want to get involved and showcase your cooks or fails, join our Facebook Group.
For all of our other episodes you can listen or watch them on our website.