Grab’em in the Brisket - A Texas BBQ Podcast

Ep 282 Louisiana BBQ with Gerald Vinnett Jr

·1 hr 29 min·5 clips

Gerald Vinnett Jr., runner-up on Netflix's Barbecue Showdown, joins to share how a Kingsford grant changed his life.

The episode begins with the hosts catching up, mentioning a previous appearance on a baseball and barbecue podcast with Doug Scheiding. They introduce the guest, Gerald Vinnett Jr., a Louisiana-based chef and runner-up on Netflix's Barbecue Showdown season three. Before Gerald joins, the hosts discuss their Super Bowl plans, including cooking ribs and brisket, and share anecdotes about airport drinking rules and a humorous government study on lonely rats doing more cocaine. They transition to barbecue tips, emphasizing practice and learning from successful social media figures like Bill Purvis. The hosts also cover hot barbecue news, including Matt Messer partnering with Norris Thermal Technologies and the new KCBS Hall of Fame's point-based induction system for teams. Gerald joins and shares his journey, starting with winning a Kingsford grant through the Preserve the Pit initiative, which helped him buy a 250-gallon smoker. He talks about his cooking style, incorporating Louisiana flavors like celery, garlic, and onion, and his new rub, The Doc, available on his website. Gerald describes his experience on Barbecue Showdown, noting the lack of drama among contestants and the mentorship from judges like Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso. He discusses upcoming competitions, including Hogs for the Cause in New Orleans, and reflects on how the show boosted his confidence. The episode concludes with Gerald promoting his social media and website, and the hosts expressing admiration for his genuine personality.

As heard by us

A South Louisiana barbecue story built from backyard experiments, a Kingsford contest, local events, and Barbecue Showdown.

Louisiana barbecue takes shape through Gerald Bennett Jr.'s path from backyard trial and error to runner-up on Barbecue Showdown season three.

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Why you'd press play

You get Gerald Bennett Jr.'s South Louisiana barbecue ride, from backyard experiments to Barbecue Showdown season three, with the easy energy of a beer-nearby cookout.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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