Jay and Brian are firing up the smoker without clearing your schedule - this week's episode is all about quick, weekday-friendly smoked cooks that deliver big BBQ flavor without the all-day commitment. Plus, Brian makes the case for a seriously underrated cut of steak that deserves a spot on your grill.

🔥 Highlights

Jay and Brian kick things off reacting to a head-scratching backyard BBQ video - someone out there combined a cheese grater and a rack of ribs, and the guys have thoughts.

Brian then shines a spotlight on the chuck eye steak - also known as the Delmonico - and makes a compelling case for why this budget-friendly cut is flying under the radar. Rich, beefy, and surprisingly tender, it's a gem hiding in the shoulder. Pro tip from the guys: check out Jess Pryles' video on how to pick the best chuck eye at the store before your next grocery run!

❓ BBQ Question of the Week

This week's listener question cuts right to the point: "Why don't you like filet mignon?" Jay and Brian give their honest take on the most famous - and most polarizing - cut in the butcher case.

🛠️ Check out this week's Grill Coach Recommends at TheGrillCoach.com - if you've been relying on standard briquettes, this might be the upgrade your backyard cooks have been waiting for. It's especially great for weekday cooks when you want to get up to temp quickly and spend less time managing your fire and more time actually grilling.

🎙️ After the break Jay and Brian get into the real meat of the episode - a breakdown of quick, budget-friendly smoked cooks you can pull off in under three hours on a weeknight. From pork tenderloin and thick-cut pork chops to sausages, beef for tacos, and juicy chicken thighs, this is your go-to guide for bringing smoky flavor to the dinner table without turning it into an all-day project.

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.com or send a voicemail/text to (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and grab our free Magnetic Meat Temperature Chart to keep your cooks on track.

🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips to help you cook with confidence.

Support the show

Andy is back, and this week he and Jay and Brian are reflecting on all the things they've learned from The Grill Coach! From game-changing techniques to some honest learning moments, this episode is a great reminder of how far a little curiosity and a hot grill can take you.

🔥 Highlights! This week the crew brings some serious backyard heat to the highlights. Brian shows off his flat top quesadillas, Andy brings a sweet Southern spin with his Georgia Peach Cobbler, and Jay fires up a beautiful Picanha that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.

❓ BBQ Question of the Week comes from the website and asks about BBQ sandwich ideas — and the guys have plenty of thoughts on how to stack up something delicious straight off the grill.

🛠️ Check out this week’s Grill Coach Recommends at TheGrillCoach.com - if you haven't tried this thing yet, you're missing out. It concentrates heat for seriously high-temp cooking right on your kettle. Perfect for wings, sears, and so much more.

🎙️ After the break, Andy shares some of his favorite things he's learned from The Grill Coach and even made his own. His single biggest takeaway? Cotton ball fire starters - a simple trick that completely changed how he gets the fire going. From there, Andy walks through some of his greatest game changers, including crab legs on the grill and chicken lollipops, along with a few honest learning moments that remind us we're all still students of the flame.

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.com or send a voicemail/text to (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and grab our free Magnetic Meat Temperature Chart to keep your cooks on track.

🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips to help you cook with confidence.

Support the show

This week Jay and Brian are joined by listener Andy, and we are FIRED UP about grilling and BBQ! Andy brings serious energy and even more serious cooks to the table as the guys swap stories, swap tips, and keep the fire burning from start to finish.

🔥 Highlights

• Andy brings the heat with his go-to chicken wings and his favorite Kinder's rub combo
• Jay fires up some irresistible pork belly burnt ends
• Brian takes on a whole rotisserie chicken — and nails it

❓ BBQ Question of the Week What are your best tips for cooking pork chops or pork tenderloins?

🛠️ Check out this week's Grill Coach Recommends at TheGrillCoach.com - whether you're making jam, salsa, or storing your favorite BBQ sauces, these are a must-have in any kitchen.

🎙️ After the Break Andy opens up about his grilling and cooking background and walks us through his current BBQ setup. From there, the conversation gets even better as Andy shares some of his greatest hits on the grill — including a smoky salsa verde on the flat top, his go-to 0-400 method for wings, and a show-stopping pulled ham that's sure to end up on your cook list.

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.comor send a voicemail/text to (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and grab our free Magnetic Meat Temperature Chart to keep your cooks on track.

🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips to help you cook with confidence.

Support the show

This week Jay and Brian are making a case for staying in - because the best steak you've ever had might just be the one you cook yourself. First up - highlights, a shoutout to listeners Walter and Corey, and a BBQ Question that has the guys talking grill maintenance.

🔥 Highlights - Brian fires up a batch of Al Pastor Nachos. Jay puts together race weekend pulled pork tacos and shares listener feedback from Walter and Corey.

❓ BBQ Question of the Week - How do you clean your grills?

🛠️ Check out this week's Grill Coach Recommends at TheGrillCoach.com - essential if you are looking to level up your sear game.

🎙️ After the break, Jay and Brian make a full case for ditching the reservation and cooking steak at home instead. They walk through everything from selecting the right cut to seasoning it properly, nailing your cooking method, and finishing with that perfect bite.

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.comor send a voicemail/text to (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and grab our free Magnetic Meat Temperature Chart to keep your cooks on track.

🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips to help you cook with confidence.

Support the show

Planning a great BBQ doesn't have to be overwhelming - and this week, Jay and Brian are breaking it all down. From choosing your meats to timing your cooks, they're sharing their best tips for pulling off a backyard BBQ that'll have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds).

🔥 Highlights - Jay shares his experience watching BBQ legend Myron Mixon deliver a live brisket demo. Brian fires up the grill and makes Al Pastor on the skewer.

❓ BBQ Question of the Week Can you actually taste the difference in meat quality? Jay and Brian break down how to think about meat grades and quality when you're standing in the butcher aisle - so you can spend smart and cook even smarter.

🛠️ This week's Grill Coach Recommends takes the guesswork out of every cook - check it out at TheGrillCoach.com!

🎙️ After the Break Jay and Brian dive deep into the art of planning a BBQ menu - covering everything from how to gauge how much food you need based on your guest count, to selecting the right meats for your crowd, to mapping out your cook times so nothing hits the table cold. Whether you're hosting a backyard blowout or an intimate cookout, this segment is packed with practical tips to help you plan with confidence and execute like a pro.

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.comor send a voicemail/text to (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and grab our free Magnetic Meat Temperature Chart to keep your cooks on track.

🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips to help you cook with confidence.

Support the show

This week Jay and Brian are fired up to welcome Chef Blackwell Smith, founder of The Lucky Cajun Seasoning, to the Grill Coach kitchen! Chef Blackwell breaks down his journey into the world of spices and seasonings, the story behind how Lucky Cajun was born — and why the "Born On" Difference changes everything about flavor. From weekly fresh-ground spices to a no-nonsense Cookbook, this one's packed with bold flavors and even bolder ideas.

🔥 Highlights

• How Chef Blackwell found his passion for spices and seasonings
• The origin story of Lucky Cajun Seasoning and what sets it apart
• What the "Born On" Difference means — and why freshness is everything
• Weekly fresh-ground spices: why it matters and how it works
• The No BS Cookbook — what it is and how to get your hands on it

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.com or send a voicemail/text to (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and grab our free Magnetic Meat Temperature Chart to keep your cooks on track.

🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips to help you cook with confidence.

Support the show

This week Jay and Brian are talking all things salt—from dry brining to those final finishing touches that bring a cook to life. Whether you’re seasoning ahead of time or dialing it in right before serving, they break down how salt plays a role every step of the way.

🔥 This week’s highlights include Brian firing up shrimp and Wagyu beef fajitas on the Blackstone, while Jay shares his experience trying an Al Pastor sample from Chris.

❓This week’s listener question is, “Do you trim chicken thighs as part of prep?”

🛠️ Check out this week’s Grill Coach Recommends at TheGrillCoach.com - an essential staple for consistent seasoning and balanced flavor in every cook.

🎙️After the break, Jay and Brian dive deeper into salt and BBQ, covering how to choose the right type of salt and when to use it throughout the cooking process. From pre-cook prep like dry brining to post-cook finishing techniques, they walk through the essentials to help you season with confidence and elevate every bite.

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.com or send a voicemail/text to (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and grab our free Magnetic Meat Temperature Chart to keep your cooks on track.

🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips to help you cook with confidence.

Support the show

Al Pastor: is it the sauce, or is it the technique? In this special Listener Highlight episode, Chris brings his take on one of BBQ's most debated imports — and the answer might just reshape the way you approach your next cook.

🔥 Highlights - Chris traces the flavorful journey of Al Pastor from shawarma to Mexican cooking culture before making his case for why this iconic style is really about the sauce and flavor — not just the technique. Chris walks through his own recipe and breaking down exactly how he builds his marinade at home.

Check out this week's 🛠️ Grill Coach Recommends at TheGrillCoach.com!

💬 Have a Grill Coach question or episode idea? Email us at Support@TheGrillCoach.com or send a voicemail/text to (503) 850-8468.

🌟 Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and grab our free Magnetic Meat Temperature Chart to keep your cooks on track.

🌐 Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips to help you cook with confidence.

Support the show