The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast · December 31, 2025 · 40 min
Fire, Flavor & Good Vibes | Open Fire MeatUp by @alfrugoniofc in Hondo, Texas (Episode 3) #bbq
🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥 🔥 FIRE, FLAVOR & GOOD VIBES 🔥 Episode 3 — Open Fire MeatUp | Hondo, Texas Episode 3 of our Open Fire MeatUp series shifts the energy — lighter, louder, and full of personality — while still rooted in the fire and culture that brought us to Hondo. Brandon and Alton sit down with Erica Roby Blaire, the charismatic MC and host of Open Fire MeatUp, to talk about what it takes to guide one of the most dynamic live-fire events in the country. From commanding the crowd to connecting pitmasters and guests, Erica brings humor, warmth, and real joy to the fire — and it shows in every moment of this conversation. We also catch up with Randy Pauly, award-winning pitmaster, founder of Holy Cow Cookers, and Head Pitmaster for Buc-ee’s. With over three decades of competition experience — including 31 years cooking at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo — Randy breaks down: • What makes barbecue community different from competition • Why details matter, whether you’re cooking for judges or the public • How pit and cooker design has evolved into a science • Why making memories comes before trophies • And why getting kids involved in fire and food is how the culture survives Threaded throughout the episode is cinematic B-roll from the grounds of Open Fire MeatUp — live-fire cooks, custom pits, smoke rolling, laughter in the crowd, and that unmistakable Texas energy that makes this event unlike any other. This episode captures what Open Fire is really about: 🔥 Fire 🔥 Flavor 🔥 People 🔥 And good vibes all around And this is just one chapter. 📆 The Open Fire MeatUp series continues nightly — with more interviews, more cooks, and more stories dropping as we roll toward the finale. 🎥 Filmed on location in Hondo 🔥 Presented by The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast 🎤 On-site hosts: Brandon Carpenter & Alton Matthews Drop a comment and let us know: 👉 Which pit or cook caught your eye in this episode? 👉 Who do you want to hear from next in the series? More fire coming. Stay smoky. 🔥🔥🔥 Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor. 👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order! 🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.com Exhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last. 🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com 👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue 📲 Connect With Us Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecue Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue