This week on the podcast, Rasheed dives into the shifting realities of modern barbecue. From Traeger’s quiet hiring push and Smokeslam 2026 being put on pause, to the heated conversation around Tendernism, Keith Lee, and tipping culture after a visit to Destination Smokehouse, the episode explores how attention, money, and integrity collide in today’s food world.

The conversation also highlights the return of the legendary Shed Showdown and a growing concern for bloggers and recipe developers facing AI-driven content theft. It is an honest look at barbecue, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to protect craft and culture when everything feels in flux.