The BBQ Central Show

Episode 427Taking you back to 2/19/2019 - This week features one of my favorite humans of all time, Sterling Ball from big Poppa Smokers. One of the most underrated, judged and revered pitmasters and businessmen in the live fire industry. Not familiar? You will certainly enjoy this segment!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 2/19/2016Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

Episode 426Taking you back to 4/12/2011 - This week features Darren Warth of Iowa Smokey D’s BBQ. In this particular episode we talk about his participation in the first ever Sam’s Club local event…at this time in his career, Darren was doing a lot of “flying into locations” and cooking on any cooker he could get his hands on. The most impressive part of this, of course, is he was winning a lot of these events…or at a minimum…being very competitive.Of course there was a lot of talk about Sam’s and their participation in this event…the excitement of this new “tour” being launched…which ultimately became known as one of the best events in BBQ history…gone now…but obviously not forgotten.For those unacquainted with Darren…this is a good segment to hear the “calm” nature of the person many consider to be the best competition BBQ’er of all time.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 4/12/2011Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(March 24, 2026 - Hour Two)The Embedded CorrespondentsThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(March 24, 2026 - Hour one)9:14pm - Daniel Vaughn - Texas Monthly9:35pm - Ali Khan - Ali Khan EatThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 425Taking you back to 3/15/2011 - This week features ME giving YOU "grilling season" maintenance tips. As the weather starts to break...maybe...in various parts of the country (and world) it's always good practice to do a thorough cleaning of you grills and smokers. You should actually do this more than once per year if you are a heavy user. Remember, a clean grill is a healthy grill. Also, stop using wire grill brushes. They are dangerous.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 3/15/2011Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(March 17, 2026)9:14pm - Wes Wright from Cookout News.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 424Taking you back to 3/10/2008 - This week features another esteemed figure in the world of barbecue who has appeared on this program. For those familiar with the Dizzy Pig BBQ brand and competition team, the name Chris Cappell will be recognizable. He is considered one of the pioneers in transitioning spice rub distribution from the confines of specialty stores into broader commercial markets. Chris successfully achieved widespread distribution into numerous mainstream retail locations.Not only that…in his prime competition days…Dizzy Pig was a formidable presence on the circuit. They utilized Big Green Eggs for cooking, and a significant number of other teams incorporated products from the Dizzy Pig portfolio into their own competition rub blends.As an individual who has used a variety of Dizzy Pig rubs over the years, I can attest with absolute certainty that they remain among the finest available for both competitive events and home culinary applications.For those unacquainted with Chris, this upcoming Friday's segment will serve as an excellent introduction.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 3/10/2008Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(March 10, 2026 - Hour Two)Let me list off the 4 words I don't like in food right now...then, let me tell you of the inexcusable trash that Rocket Arena is serving in their corporate suites...it's criminal!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(March 10, 2026 - Hour One)9:14pm - Meathead - Amazingribs.com9:35pm - Robert Moss - Southern Living BBQ Editor (ContributingThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 423Taking you back to 3/22/2011 - This week we feature Tim Bryan From Greenleaf BBQ. Long time fans of the show might recognize the name…especially “Green Leaf BBQ”. Tim was a longtime “giveaway” sponsor of the show…giving away his “wine soaked wood chunks” back in the day. Within the minutes of this segment you will learn how Tim got into this business, how he originally marketed it and how he was trying to leverage “BBQ bloggers” of the day to promote his product and grow his business.Outside of the chunks that he was selling…he also owned a BBQ supply shop east of San Frisco…are they still in business…I don’t know?? Jon does not know either…Have you ever used wine soaked wood chunks?? If you have…what were your results?Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 3/22/2011Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(March 3, 2026 - Hour Two)10:14pm - Sam The Cooking Guy10:35pm - Amanda MicallefAll this plus a new "Would You Rather" YouTube Poll Question of the week and results from last week's poll.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(March 3, 2026 - Hour One)9:14pm - Malcom Reed9:35pm - Mike LangThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 422Taking you back to 2/19/2019 - This week we feature…my favorite person…ME!! Back, 6 years ago, I was talking about my first experience with seeing/hearing corporal punishment in school…specifically middle school.For those who don’t know…I originated in upstate New York and moved to Cleveland in the middle of 6th grade. My Dad took a transfer from then…Saratoga Springs, NY…to Bomb City USA.Within the first few months…I saw a kid I knew (who was in my class) get walked into the boys bathroom by the math teacher…the teacher has a wooden paddle in his hand…and minutes later…SWAT! And, of course, my man Marcus Esoniza, screeching like a bitch…It was a scarring moment…one that made me think twice about doing ANYTHING sideways…becuase in Cleveland…they will beat you!! Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 2/19/2019Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(February 24, 2027 - Hour Two)10:14pm & 10:35pm - The 4th Tuesday of the month in the 2nd hour brings a visit from the Embedded Correspondents. Doug might be out traveling, Jon is in, Rusty is in and our guest EC, Rasheed Philips of Philips Barbeque Co. is also in. We kick off the segment with an announcement...and then dive into the 100% Assurity Statements.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(February 24, 2026 - Hour One)9:14pm & 9:35pm - It's only the biggest thing being talked about, promoted and/or otherwise in the BBQ community over the past few months. Scott Erdmann from BBQ World Cup & Expo joins the show to answer the questions no one else seems willing to ask. Where is this money actually coming from, is it a million dollar prize for the GC? Is it a million dollar prize purse (not just cash), how is this thing being judged, how will qualifiers affect other events, where is the main event actually taking place, what is the broader outlook for this whole thing...and more! The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 421Taking you back to 2/17/2009 - This week featuring ANOTHER BBQ Legend…the late…great…Robert Magee of Munchin' Hogs At The Hilton. Easily, one of the most respected and winningest teams in competition history…a team that was a building block in the eventual rise in popularity of competition BBQ. Robert was originally an executive chef at the Hilton in Kansas City…becomes a successful competition cook…and eventually opens a staple BBQ restaurant in the same city…Q39…if you’ve heard of it…he’s the guy.Robert passed away in December of 2021…he did appear on this show a few times…in this interview we talk about them winning 2008 Team of the Year honors…also, FUN FACT…Robert is one of the very few people I have met in person! He was in Canton, OH for a Sam’s Club local qualifier back in the day…I drove down to see it…met Robert…and he was the first guy to give me a sample of sliced money muscle…and to say it was life changing would be an understatement!!Anyway…a great intro segment to Robert if you don’t know him…so be sure to catch it.And according to Jon…this whole show…which was only an hour back then…worthy of a multi-show Best Moments…so be sure to check it out.Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 2/17/2009Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(February 17, 2026 - Hour Two)10:14pm - The first quarterly appearance of Susie and Todd Bulloch from Hey Grill Hey...INVESTORS???10:35pm -OpenThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE26” for free shipping.FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(February 17, 2026 - Hour One)9:14pm - BBQ legend, Steven Raichlen, makes his first appearance of 20269:35pm - After missing Wes Wright last month, we catch back up with the creator of Cookout News during his monthly segment.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 420Taking you back to 10/6/2010 - This week featuring a BBQ legend…Mike Davis of Lotta Bull BBQReady to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 10/6/2010Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(February 10, 2026 - Hour Two)10:14pm - Mark Anderson from "The Grill Dads" joins me in the 2nd hour. We will talk about the killer rib roast method that I am in love with, the new show they just sold to a "no names please" network, their best bites of 2025 and much more.10:35pm -OpenThe BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(February 10, 2026 - Hour One)9:14pm - Mr. J makes his debut in 2026. Tonight we talk about what's smoking good in the cigar lunge these days, the 2025 cigar of the year, the story of Perdomo cigars and my own personal humidor issue!9:35pm - Robert Moss joins me for his monthly segment and we talk about the spelling of barbecue, the BBQ World Cup, the burger index and more.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 419Taking you back to 2/8/2011 - This week featuring a BBQ legend…and cancer philanthropist, Scottie Johnson of Cancer Sucks Chicago. Within the minutes of this show we talk about the cooking class he was doing…to not only help BBQ’ers become better cooks…but to help raise $$ for cancer research at the time. And just for some background on Scottie…I use the term legend not in a “how many competitions he won” sense…although he did win the Jack back in the day. I say it within the scope of helping shape the way BBQ became more popular…especially across the internet. Scottie was very involved with The BBQ Forum…was on my BBQ message board back then as well…was quite an advocate for competition BBQ back then…all while trying to ensure that he could maximize the “Cancer Sucks Chicago” foundation that he started in memory of his wife. A very proud Chicago-in to say the least…I always thought that when I heard him talk…I always heard some Ray Lampe as well. So, if you don’t know Scottie…this is a good segment of introduction…and be sure to go back and listen to the whole thing…By the way…side mentions of Mike and Beth Wozniak…from one of the best teams in BBQ competition history…originally it was “Bar-B-Quau…ultimately just being called Quau…but Mike and Beth were a dominant force on the KCBS circuit for years and years…a former KCBS Team of the Year….and good people…you can search him in the show archives…Mike appeared a few times back in the day…I think he even took part in a round table show, if I’m not mistaken. Shout out to QUAU!!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 2/8/2011Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(February 3, 2026 - Hour Two)10:14pm - Sam the Cooking Guy makes his monthly appearance. We will talk about his trip to Vegas this past weekend, tamale pizza and what we should be making for dinner tomorrow night.10:35pm - David Gafford from The Barbecue Lab joins me for his first quarterly apperance in 2026. We will get an update on modular kitchen set ups, best kettle grills and much more!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsSmokin Pecan Pellets – Use promo code “BBQCENTRAL” For 10% Off Your OrderPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(February 3, 2026 - Hour One)9:14pm - How To BBQ Right creator, Malcom Reed joins me for his monthly segment. Lots of Football and game-day eats discussion will be had.9:35pm - Executive Vice President at Memphis in May International Festival, Kevin Grothe joins me to talk about this year's contest, the new open fire contest and some other items!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 418Taking you back to - Taking you back to 1/22/2013 - Let me say this…if you never listen to another Best Moments Show ever again…make sure you listen to this one on Friday…For a very brief moment…there was almost a recurring segment called “The Babes of BBQ”...this might be one of two…maybe it only ended up being one segment…but “It is something” to be sure…check it out on Friday! Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 1/22/2013Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(January 27, 2026 - Hour Two)10:14 & 10:35pm - The Embedded Correspondents join the show for the first time in 2026 and we have a number of topics to discuss. There is also a slew of new 100% Assurity Statements to work though! Does the fun ever stop...no!The BBQ Central Show SponsorsSmokin Pecan Pellets – Use promo code “BBQCENTRAL” For 10% Off Your OrderPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(January 27, 2026 - Hour One)9:14pm - Usually you see her earlier in January, but she was traveling and then I was traveling and we agreed that it would be best to move to THIS Tuesday to do our first quarterly appearance together. Jess Pryles has been as busy as ever, and we talk about her latest trips, soaking rib roasts in milk, if the "Grill Dad's" rib roast method is genius or nonsense, her new TV show and much more! Yes, we end the segment with "Betwixt The Two"...a crowd favorite!9:35pm - After Jess, we meet the co-founder and CEO of the "BBQ World Cup", Scott Erdmann. Tonight's segment will be the laying of the ground work of how they got to here...and after the Super Bowl...we will plan to do another segment to talk about the full details, as they will be released at that point. So, while I might not get every question answered, we can certainly learn why this event is important and why Scott thought it was important enough to get off the ground.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsSmokin Pecan Pellets – Use promo code “BBQCENTRAL” For 10% Off Your OrderPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 417Taking you back to - 1/24/2017 - Featuring pitmaster of Momma and Pappa Joe's BBQ, Clarence Joseph. CJ, as he is known, is a great personality and one who was really great when he was out there doing it in the Texas circuit. He has great personality and energy...and he has also taught a lot of cooks how to do it a bit better.**Fun Fact - This episode was the first time Jon Solberg appeared as a guest!!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 1/24/2017Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

Episode 416Taking you back to - 9/29/2009 - This week we feature a BBQCS GHOF’er…and perhaps more importantly than that…my mommy. This appears to be the first time I titled her segment “Connie’s Recipe Corner”...in this segment we are obviously talking about recipes…these happen to be a fall theme…Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 9/29/2009Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(January 13, 2026 - Hour Two)9:14 - Let's have an open talk about WBC, Smoke Slam and some other things going on in the BBQ landscape!9:35pm - Robert Moss - Monthly Segment10:14pm - Chris Allerton - Pocket Pitmaster Pro10:35pm - Joe Veazey - Creator of the BBQ MapAll this plus a new "Would You Rather" YouTube Poll Question of the week and results from last week's poll.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsSmokin Pecan Pellets – Use promo code “BBQCENTRAL” For 10% Off Your OrderPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(January 13, 2026 - Hour One)9:14 - Let's have an open talk about WBC, Smoke Slam and some other things going on in the BBQ landscape!9:35pm - Robert Moss - Monthly Segment10:14pm - Chris Allerton - Pocket Pitmaster Pro10:35pm - Joe Veazey - Creator of the BBQ MapAll this plus a new "Would You Rather" YouTube Poll Question of the week and results from last week's poll.The BBQ Central Show SponsorsSmokin Pecan Pellets – Use promo code “BBQCENTRAL” For 10% Off Your OrderPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

Episode 415Taking you back to - 2/7/2012 - The very first appearance from show favorite, Sam The Cooking Guy!!This show being done as we celebrate the 8th year of "Best Moments" shows. Everyone give Jon Solberg a shout of thanks for doing these...he's gem!Ready to make a “BEST OF” show all your own?? Email Jon Solberg and let him know what you would like to hear on a future episode! As always, thank you for listening!*Don’t forget to RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON YOU PODCAST APP*Want to hear more from this episode??? Click the link below to hear the full show : Original Air Date: 2/7/2012Original Full Show Link: CLICK HERE

(Recorded 1/3/2025)The BBQ Central Show SponsorsSmokin Pecan Pellets – Use promo code “BBQCENTRAL” For 10% Off Your OrderPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars

(Recorded 1/3/2025)The BBQ Central Show SponsorsSmokin Pecan Pellets – Use promo code “BBQCENTRAL” For 10% Off Your OrderPrimo GrillsBig Poppa Smokers – Use promo code “REMPE15” for 15% off your entire purchase!FireboardPit Barrel CookerMicallef Cigars – Premium Hand Rolled Cigars