The BBQ Central Show

To our readers of The Grill Coach Blog, I (Jay, Host of The Grill Coach podcast) want to do something different for this post. I decided to write this blog post because the BBQ Central Show has been the single biggest influence of my grilling and BBQ life and I need to say “Thank You”.

The BBQ Central Show is a weekly live internet show about all things grilling and BBQ. The show host, Greg Rempe, likes to say it's the ESPN of BBQ. The show is very entertaining and really educational but most of all, it's very authentic. This show doesn't try to sell you on an idea or have an agenda. The show is equal parts of knowing what exactly to expect and not knowing what the heck will happen next. There is a schedule of guests that come in on a regular basis, however it is a live show and sometimes people won't show.  When this happens, Greg as the seasoned veteran will continue on with the show and he does manage to keep it entertaining and educational. Just ask him about horsemeat!

Ray Lampe aka Dr. BBQ

I learned more from the BBQ Central show and the show’s guest than any other source. I bought my first “real” cooker, a Big Green Egg because of one of the show contributors, Ray Lampe aka Dr. BBQ who is a former Big Green Egg spokesperson. I have bought several cookbooks from authors that come on the show. I even joined the Pitmasters program on AmazingRibs.com. Amazing Ribs probably deserves its own article, but first I must continue to pay homage to the BBQ Central Show. The BBQ Central Show provided access to me for so many great avenues to learn and “copy” from. Let's be real, a guy once told me that great ideas aren't invented, they are stolen. How about the time I heard a very energetic guest on Greg’s show rave about smoking chicken wings in a Chicago suburb when it was freezing outside. I managed to visit the small bar in the Chicago suburbs while on a business trip and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and I stole his chicken wing recipe! (A blog post on this later). But really, the BBQ Central Show got me there. 

Meathead Goldwyn - Founder Amazingribs.com

Let's talk about other influential guests that come on the show. The top of my list would have to be Meathead Goldwyn from Amazing ribs.com. Meathead is one of the most knowledgeable people in the world of BBQ and Grilling and I have learned so much from following him because he focuses on the “science” of BBQ and grilling. Fun fact: Meathead was a finalist this year for the BBQ Hall of Fame. He didn't make it, but I’m sure he will be soon. Not so fun fact: He turned me down as a writer for his platform but he did like my passion and encouraged me to keep growing. Thanks Meathead. That felt weird. Sounds so sarcastic and disrespectful. Thanks Meathead. 

Another amazingly high profile guest is Stephen Raichlen. A prolific cookbook author and host of multiple bbq television shows. He talks about different ways BBQ and grilling are done all over the world. He is the host of the BBQ University that is held at a different 5 star resort around the country for an incredible weekend taught by one of the best to ever do it. Man I wish my wife read this so she could surprise me with a trip one year. I learned so much from this guy by watching all of his tv shows and reading some of his books. He has written too many for me to read all of them. Oddly enough he is nothing like Meathead and I think they directly clash on a few topics. Reminds me of the beauty in the diversity of what we do. It doesn't have to be the same from person to person as long as you and your family like what gets produced. You are winning! We like to say on the podcast. Even though they are different, both guys are great and I wouldn't have found either of them without the BBQ Central Show.  This is one of the things we try to teach our listeners. You can produce great grilling and BBQ using your own style.   

Stephen Raichlen visit https://www.stevenraichlen.com/

Greg has had so many other great guests on, way too many to list but I love them all even the bbq correspondents. Well most of them anyways.  

Whatever happened to Desmond? I remember the days when his neighbor Desmond would show up. Sounds crazy right? His neighbor would just casually be on his show talking bbq with Greg and all the amazing guests that he would have on. I remember the time Desmond didn't show up and I was so jealous. How could you miss that? But I guess Desmond wasn't the bbq nerd like me. 

Keepers of the BBQ Hall of Fame since 2012

Greg has done such a great job with being “the source” of the best BBQ information that the American Royal organization let him announce the finalist and latest inductees into the 2020 BBQ Hall of Fame. Greg does a great job and is well versed on the history of the BBQ Hall of Fame and the processes. This year he did a live show for the announcement of the finalist. But it is not just him reading a list. He educates the listener by supplying reasons why each candidate was a finalist. It's quite the task when you think back to how long people have been cooking, competing and restauranteering in BBQ. He points out some of the flaws in the system but is generally happy with the way the Hall of Fame is headed. Speaking of flaws, did you know that Guy Fieri is in the Hall of Fame? I only know this because Greg detest the fact that he is in the Hall of Fame even though he has a tremendous respect for Guy Fieri. Greg never hesitates to make strong predictions on his show, so I will follow suit and make my own. Greg Rempe will be a BBQ Hall of Fame inductee by 2023! When it does happen, Guy Fieri better watch out! 

Guy Fieri - Food Network Mega Star

If you can’t tell by now, I have tremendous respect for this man and what he has created. Greg Rempe, he IS the BBQ Central Show. Greg will candidly share his wins and his failures of what it takes to make a weekly show. I find it very impressive that Greg has kept up with his show and the connections that he has for so very long.Greg is "humbly arrogant" as I like to say, he is not one that seeks to be respected but he operates with a confidence that makes him very comfortable with who he is. I mean why would a guy with access to some of the best grilling information around still be so happy with eating a frozen Bubba Burger? 

Greg Rempe - Host of the BBQ Central Show

Ultimately, I appreciate what Greg has delivered for so many years. I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about grilling and bbq. However, the biggest effect it had on me was to dig in and learn more about so many subjects. Including myself. I learned that Greg produces all this great content all while working a full time job that he loves. It is an example that if you are passionate about something, go for it. Don't be afraid. Stick your neck out there and if you fail, learn from it. Learn from it  and try again. Lastly, just be authentic to who you are. Flaws and all.

So Greg I say “Thank You”

Jay the Host of The Grill Coach podcast.