FRI | NOV 14, 2025: My guest in today’s interview has over 20 years of leadership experience from his military experience to culinary and barbecue experience and his family leadership experience. I love what Tommy has to say about leadership in today's interview. Tommy was on the show about 30 episodes ago and I think you will love hearing the leadership principles he gives you for both the pit and life in general.

Mon | Oct 13, 2025: I’ve got a high impact, over capacity barbecue cook I’m going to tell you about. I will tell you what steps we took to get it all done in time, and then show you the lessons from the pit that you can implement into your own chaotic, over capacity life that we seem to live as men in our current world and culture.

Thu | Nov 7, 2024: Life is short. Life is hard. Life is amazing and full of beauty. And just like with bbq, there are hot spots and cold spots, there are mountain tops and valleys. And we walk through all of them. Always be the man living a life full of intention and connection that builds a legacy that is beyond measure!

Mon | Oct 28, 2024: It sounds strange to think that barbecue (BBQ) has something to teach us about time management. If you have ever found yourself having sides ready and guests ready and no meat ready, then it makes sense to you. If you find yourself with too many tasks at the end of the hours in the day, then it makes sense to you. We talk about that and a few tools to help you manage what you do with your time!

Wed | Oct 16, 2024: Life has a way of bringing seasons of chaos into our lives. On last week’s episode, my guest mentioned how bbq can be a lot like life sometimes when it comes to chaos. And so this week, I’m giving you a story of chaos in my own life, and then sharing some tips with you that can help you navigate and cut through the chaos in order to continue to thrive in a life of intention and connection.

Mon | Oct 7, 2024: In this episode, I am joined by my friend and backyard pitmaster, Shea Castleberry. Shea is the creator of Meat Claw BBQ Sauce and we discuss his story, get a glimpse into what makes bbq fun for Shea and a lesson on connection. Shea also provides a quick and easy recipe you can make when firing up the smoker so make sure to grab that at the end of the episode.

Thu | Sep 26, 2024: In this episode, we continue running through some of the basics to bbq. If you are brand new to BBQ, or you have been on the scene for a while, these episodes will fire you up because…we are just talking about bbq! Use it for learning or reminder opportunities.

Tue | Sep 17, 2024: Over the next couple of episodes, we are going to be running through some of the basics to bbq. If you are brand new to BBQ, or you have been on the scene for a while, these episodes will fire you up because…we are just talking about bbq!

Mon | Sep 9, 2024: I took a break over the summer months to do exactly what I talk about on this show. I needed to be intentional with my time and family and some things we had going on. We talk about that and then we get back on track with some recaps of the things that make an impact.

Fri | May 10, 2024: This is a short form bonus episode that highlights the 21 questions, or statements, that can help you stay focused each week on the seven seasonings of focus in your life. We are going through the list and then you have a link at the end to get them delivered to your email inbox.

Mon | May 6, 2024: This week we are recapping the 7 Areas of Focus series, discussing how the lessons from BBQ fit into your areas of focus in life as men, and then I give you a free assessment tool that will help you visualize your current balance in the 7 areas so that you can begin taking intentional and connected action to create a lasting impact!

Wed | Apr 17, 2024: In the realm of barbecue, there's a profound lesson about the essence of relationships waiting to be uncovered. Just as the perfect blend of seasonings enhances the flavor of your BBQ, intentional connections and relationships amplify the richness of life itself.

Wed | Apr 3, 2024: Building budgets, saving for emergencies, giving and getting out of debt are some of the same ways to plan and prepare just like you would if you were cooking large amounts of meat for a big crowd or event. Ignite your wealth by mastering your money!

Wed | Mar 27, 2024: We're diving into the fiery world of career focus and balance. Join me as we explore the importance of aligning your career path with your passions and values, while also maintaining a healthy balance with family, health, and relationships. Don’t let your career “stall” out!

Mon | Mar 18, 2024: Do you find yourself feeling tired all the time? Do you hear yourself saying that I will start exercising and eating better…tomorrow or next week? In this episode, we talk about the crucial importance of being intentional with your physical health. We explore creating and maintaining a regular exercise routine, adopting a healthy diet, developing good sleeping habits, and embracing proper grooming and attire.

Mon | Mar 4, 2024: Ever feel your mental BBQ pit needs some TLC? This week, we're unlocking the secrets of understanding yourself as a man. From mastering responses to finding your fire, we've got lessons that'll spice up not just your BBQ, but your entire life. Get ready for personal stories, practical tips, and a dash of pitmaster wisdom – it's about to get real!

Mon | Feb 26, 2024: This week, we're diving into the heart of every man's life - the family. Just like the perfectly smoked brisket takes time, care, and intention, so does building a strong and connected family. Today, we explore some barbecue-inspired lessons that will not only make you a grill master but also a master of intentionality in your role as a father and husband.

Mon | Feb 12, 2024: The first in the series of seven that revolve around the seven areas of focus in our life. This week is the foundational block that we will build everything else on in our lives. This is a must for us as men when it comes to living an intentional and connected life. Listen to find out how!

Mon | Feb 5, 2024: Did you know that most smokers have inconsistent heat flow across the cooking grates…something called hot spots? And did you know that your life is similar? You will have hot spots or ups and downs in your life so we talk about this along with some things that may help you during those seasons in today's episode!

Mon | Jan 29, 2024: How many times in the past week have you either heard someone say or you yourself have actually said you were tired. Or, you are worn out. Or, have you experienced burnout or know someone who has experienced burnout? When you are cooking brisket or pork butt, what do you do when you take it off the smoker? REST.

Mon | Jan 22, 2024: The principles of fire management, or fire adjustments, aren't just reserved for the barbecue pit. They are life lessons that can guide us towards efficient burns, controlled cook times, and vibrant flavor profiles in the journey of life. We talk about this and more on today’s episode!

Thu | Jan 18, 2024: How is my son’s one-tracked mind and a file cabinet related to life and barbecue? The same thing is true in both life and barbecue. If you only focus on one area of life or one area of the cook, you will do so at the expense of everything else. I break this down and then give you three ways to combat this in your life.

Mon | Jan 8, 2024: I take a look back at 2023 and some of the things that have happened here around the pit, recapping some of the tips and calls to action, then I look ahead at 2024 with some of the things we have planned. Last, I give a quick overview of all 10 lessons from the pit.

Mon | Dec 25, 2023: On this episode, my three sons read the Christmas story and then share a favorite Christmas memory or tradition from our family. I hope you enjoy listening to them on this episode!

Fri | Dec 22, 2023: This week, Wright’s Barbecue Rogers General Manager, Brandon Lynch, joins me to talk about bbq, thoughts on running a barbecue restaurant, life lessons, Christmas music and double-smoked hams. We had fun recording this episode and I hope you enjoy listening to Brandon and gain some bbq and life value nuggets.

Mon | Dec 4, 2023: My wife, Tisha, joins me today on a special episode to talk about our 24th wedding anniversary, raising three boys, bbq and what it is like to be the wife of an unintentional husband. Tisha has value to add to your life this week, and you will enjoy hearing her thoughts on 24 years of life with me. Check out the tip of the week as well…it is life changing for you and your family.

Mon | Nov 27, 2023: You definitely want to listen to today’s interview with pitmaster Seth Simmons. Seth provides so many valuable life and bbq bites that you are not going to want to miss. I basically just sat and took notes as he spoke. Plus, his cranberry relish recipe is going to become a staple in my home going forward!

Thu | Nov 23, 2023: Today's episode is a short, bonus episode that I wanted to provide for you on this Thanksgiving holiday. Life is hard, but being thankful can change us even for a few seconds. Listen to the story about Mr. Rogers and then join me for 10 seconds of gratitude.

Mon | Nov 20, 2023: Today's episode is all about gratitude, and how it can impact our lives as men when we make it a focal point in our daily lives. Gratitude has the power to transform the way we live and the way we perceive the world around us. I believe gratitude is crucial to living a life of intention, especially to us as men.

Mon | Nov 13, 2023: Most men see the big things such as work, sports, material things, status, etc. But most men do not have their eyes on the little things. You focus on those…and the result will be life changing!

Thu | Nov 9, 2023: On today’s episode, Pitmaster Tommy Caldwell gives us his military experience, breaks down veterans day and then provides multiple bbq and life value bites. You are not going to want to miss listening to Tommy’s interview and trust me, you will be blessed and will gain some value from Tommy for sure. He also provides you with two recipes you can use to feed some of your veteran friends.

Mon | Oct 30, 2023: Halloween is just a day away from when this episode releases. Today’s episode is not necessarily a life lesson, but more of some fun facts about halloween along with some stories i share from our family and from my childhood. Ok, so there will be a small life lesson in there if you listen closely!

Mon | Oct 23, 2023: Have you ever taken a bite of a piece of meat and right off the bat you were kicked in the face with an overpowering amount of seasoning, or salt, or pepper, or spice? Can a little bit go a long way? Can we have right and wrong seasonings in our lives? Do you add flavor or influence into the lives of others? We will talk about this and more on today’s episode.

Mon | Oct 16, 2023: Today I got to chat with pitmaster and owner of Wright’s Barbecue, Jordan Wright. Jordan tells us his story of how he got into barbecue, gives new pitmasters or barbecue business owners some advice, and then gives us a life lesson that barbecue has taught Jordan.

Tue | Oct 10, 2023: Barbecue brings us to the table. BBQ is a place where we can have different backgrounds and different stories, but it brings a connection, acceptance, understanding and community. It gives us all a seat at the table.

Mon | Oct 2, 2023: Have you ever noticed that you can have multiple pieces of the same meat on the smoker and yet they do not all cook and finish up the same way or at the same time? And you’ve probably noticed that not all of us as men are the same and we do not all respond and react the same way or at the same time. That uniqueness makes the cook and life interesting and we will be talking more about that today.

Mon | Sep 25, 2023: Have you ever had a brisket’s flat curl up during the cook or had the point char before the bark had really set? If so, you aren’t alone. That is driven by one important element of the cook, the heat. We will be discussing consistent heat both in barbecue and in our lives as men.

Mon | Sep 18, 2023: If you want to hear me talk about a big mistake I made at a barbecue catering I did because I did not plan and prepare properly, then keep listening to this episode. Why is Lesson 9 “Plan and Prep” important to us both in barbecue and life? I give you some reasons...

Mon | Sep 11, 2023: Lesson 10, “Connection” is so important to us as men. If you have seen the logo for Life Around the Pit, then you may have noticed that the word “connection” is part of the logo. It’s there for a reason. Cooking great bbq is not just about the fire and the meat on the smoker...

Mon | Sep 4, 2023: In today’s episode, Nelson and I will be talking about some history behind Labor Day, and then some Labor Day barbecue history. We are also going to be talking you through how we are cooking up some Texas Twinkies here at the house while we record today’s episode and will provide the recipe at the end.

Mon | Aug 28, 2023: You've heard the phrase “low and slow” when it comes to barbecue. But have you ever heard someone associate “low and slow” with life and the processes of life?

Mon | Aug 21, 2023: I am excited about today’s episode because I get to tell you my barbecue, or BBQ, story. Or, maybe my barbecue journey? Or maybe my barbecue hike I’m on? Whatever you want to call it, I’m telling you about it today.

Mon | Aug 14, 2023: Today’s show is the initial, introductory episode of Lessons from the Pit and so we will be referencing short snippets from each of the 10 lessons that I’ve learned with some quick tips on implementing some of them.