Firecast

The Firecast with Scott Roberts: Firecast Podcast Episode #53 – Texas-Sized Edition Featuring Dan Arnold of Sucklebusters BBQ

This time out on The Firecast Podcast, we’re proud to feature an episode as big and as grand as the Lone Star State! Our core focus is on Texas, and for the Firetalkers interview segment, Scott talks to Dan Arnold of Sucklebusters from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, makers of some mighty fine tastin’ BBQ sauces and rubs. For his Ken’s Fiery World piece, chilehead reviewer and blogger Ken Alexander chats with Scott about some of the things that makes Texas food so distinctive. The review of the week is Houston-based company SilverLeaf International and their Ghost Pepper Salsa, and Scott gives a quick tip about smoking big Texas-sized beef briskets.

Debuting this episode is a new segment from industry veteran Mike Greening of Mike & Diane’s Gourmet Kitchen, both the maker of Ring of Fire Hot Sauces and friend of the show. Mike will give some so-awesome-it’s-ridiculous advice on how sauce makers can cut costs and save loads of cash in their operations!

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Sucklebusters Official Site
• Sucklebusters’ Facebook Page
• Sucklebusters’ Twitter Page
• Texas BBQ Forum
• SilverLeaf International’s Official Page

Other Links:

• Mike and Diane’s Gourmet Kitchen
• Ken’s Fiery World Blog
• Scott Roberts’ Blog
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Firecast with Scott Roberts: Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #52 – Interview with Chad Lowcock of Race City Sauce Works One of the prominent flavor maestros in the artisan food crafting field, Chad Lowcock of Race City Sauce Works, joins Scott via Skype and talks about the method behind his madness, as well as his new line of drinkable chocolate elixirs he puts out under the Owem G. Willikers brand. Chilehead reviewer Ken Alexander reports on his experience at the Second Annual New York City Hot Sauce Expo, and Scott reviews Stung Tongue Ghost Pepper Candies. Links mentioned in the episode:

• Race City Sauce Work’s Official Site
• Owem G. Willikers’ Chocolaty Chile Elixirs
• Race City Sauce Works’ Facebook Page
• Stung Tongue Pepper Company

Other Links:

• Ken’s Fiery World Blog
• Scott Roberts’ Blog
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly! Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #51 – Interview with Paul Sarris of Sweet Sunshine Sauces

Scott chats with the head honcho of Sweet Sunshine Sauces, Paul Harris, and finds out how Paul developed his unique line of brilliant condiments that defy description. On the same theme of sauces that defy easy categorization, Ken and Scott discuss several products that don’t fit neatly into one genre of sauce. Scott reviews Trini Mike’s Original Hot Sauce; and for his foodie tip of the week, Scott explains how a dental tool can help you in the kitchen.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Sweet Sunshine’s Official Site
• Sweet Sunshine’s Facebook Page
• Sweet Sunshine’s Twitter Page
• Trini Mike’s Original Hot Sauce

Other Links:

• Ken’s Fiery World Blog
• Scott Roberts’ Blog
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #50 – Ken and Scott Name Their Favorite Fiery Foods Products of 2013

In this special 50th episode, regular Firecast contributor Ken Alexander joins Scott, and together they name what they consider to be their top favorite hot sauces, BBQ sauces and seasonings of the year.

Companies mentioned in the episode:

• Bigfat’s Hot Sauce
• CaJohn’s Fiery Foods
• Intensity Academy
• Volcanic Peppers
• Karma Sauces
• Madison Chocolatiers West
• Puckerbutt Pepper Company
• Deano’s Jalapenos
• Fireque BBQ
• Race City Sauce Works
• OMG Willikers Chocolate Elixirs

Other Links:

• Ken’s Fiery World Blog
• Scott Roberts’ Blog
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #49 – Conversation with Mike Greening of Mike and Diane’s Gourmet Kitchen, makers of Ring of Fire Hot Sauces

Mike Greening of the famous Mike and Diane’s Gourmet Kitchen, makers of Ring of Fire Hot Sauces, talks to Scott about his origins over two decades ago, his dealings with Michael Anthony of Van Halen and Chickenfoot, and offers a lengthy discussion on why passing legislation for re-labeling sauce bottles to appease anti-GMO activists would be a huge mistake. Scott also reviews Deanos Jalapenos White Cheddar Jalapenos.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Mike and Diane’s Gourmet Kitchen Official Website

Seralini Study:

• http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691512005637
• http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/10/french-gm-corn-study-not-scientifically-valid/#.UpKgUeKL0wA
• http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/19/six-french-science-academies-dismiss-study-finding-gm-corn-harmed-rats/?_r=0
• http://skeptico.blogs.com/skeptico/2013/06/the-seralini-rule-gmo-bogus-study.html
• http://www.gmwatch.org/index.php/news/archive/2013/14882-seralini-validated-by-new-efsa-guidelines-on-long-term-gmo-experiments

California Prop 37:

• http://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2012/general/pdf/text-proposed-laws-v2.pdf#nameddest=prop37

Washington Bill I-522

• http://sos.wa.gov/_assets/elections/initiatives/FinalText_285.pdf

World Food Prize Ceremony

• http://www.worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm?nodeID=69168&audienceID=1

Article on Corn and Soy subsidies

• http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/what_we_do.aspx?id=81

Other Links:

• Deano’s Jalapenos
• Scott Roberts’ Blog
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #48 – Interview with Chile Pepper Growers Ed Currie and Jim Duffy

It’s another white-hot episode, with a pair of growers of the stingingest chile peppers on the planet! This time out, it’s a joint interview with Ed Currie of the Puckerbutt Pepper Company (and new holder of the Guinness World Record for Hottest Chilli for his Carolina Reaper pepper) and Jim Duffy of Refining Fire Chiles, as they respond to a recent article on chile peppers put out by Maxim Magazine. Also, in his regular segment, Ken Alexander recaps the end of the 2013 hot sauce festival season, and Scott reviews Madison Chocolatiers West’s Gateway to Hell Spicy Caramel Sauce.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Puckerbutt Pepper Company
• Refining Fire Chiles
• Ken Alexander’s It’s a Fiery World Blog
• Madison Chocolatiers West

• Scott Roberts’ Blog
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #47 – Listener Feedback

Scott once again opens the Firecast mailbag and answers your feedback! Topics include chilehead communities in LinkedIn, my top 10 favorite hot sauces of all time, what exactly is the world’s hottest chile pepper, if TryMe Tiger Sauce is indeed a hot sauce, and why the Firecast includes advertisements.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Top 10 Favorite Hot Sauces of All Time
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #46 – Bloggers Roundtable Discussion

The grand tradition continues in our biggest fiery foods blogger round table chat yet! Joining Scott were Joe and Linda Levinson of The Hot Zone Online; Michael Hultquist of Chili Pepper Madness; freelance reviewer “Firehead” Thomas Gately, Ken Alexander of It’s a Fiery World; and Brian and Marilyn Meagher of Hot Sauce Daily. We discuss such topics as what we think is the most under-utilized pepper in sauces and cooking, the crossover between BBQ and hot sauces, and introducing an official annual chilehead holiday.

In his regular segment, Ken reviews the Bic FlameDisk®.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Hot Sauce Daily
• I Love It Spicy
• Ken Alexander’s It’s a Fiery World Blog
• Chili Pepper Madness Blog
• The Hot Zone Online
• Scott Roberts’ Blog

• Ken’s Review of the Bic FlameDisk®
• Grilling With Bic Website
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #45 – Dave DeWitt on the Chile Pepper Harvest, Plus Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire

The Pope of Peppers, Dave DeWitt, returns to chat with Scott about the Fall chile pepper harvest. Later, Scott converses with Jim Beckett and Stephanie Adams of Jungle Jim’s International Market about the 7th Annual Weekend of Fire Hot Sauce Show in Fairfield, Ohio. Blogger Ken Alexander gives an overview on his recent trip to San Diego to meet with chile grower Jim Duffy of Refining Fire Chiles, and Scott reviews Men P’aw Gourmet Hot Sauce.
Links mentioned in the episode:

• Dave DeWitt’s Fiery Foods & BBQ Super Site
• Dave DeWitt’s Too Many Chiles! Book
• Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire Official Site
• Ken Alexander’s It’s a Fiery World Blog
• Refining Fire Chiles
• Men P’AW Hot Sauce

• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #44 – Fall Fiery Foods Festivals Special with Carol Borge of the Houston Hot Sauce Festival and Rick McMillen of the Chile Pepper Extravaganza

It’s now the heart of the early Autumn Fiery Foods Festival season! During the Ken’s Fiery World segment, blogger and reviewer Ken Alexander chats with Scott about the plethora of spicy food shows and events during this Fall. Scott then features a double header set of interviews: one with Carol Borge of the Houston Hot Sauce Festival, and then later with Chile Pepper Magazine publisher Rick McMillen who discusses the upcoming Chile Pepper Extravaganza in New Orleans. Scott also reviews KFC’s Hot Shot Bites.
Links mentioned in the episode:

• Houston Hot Sauce Festival
• Houston Hot Sauce Festival Facebook Page
• Chile Pepper Magazine
• Chile Pepper Extravaganza Facebook Page
• Chileheads/Fiery Foods Event Calendar
• Ken Alexander’s It’s a Fiery World Blog

• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #42 – Spicy Food Adventures with Travel Host Kevin McCarthy

One of the most underrated craft sauces makers in the business, Chef Doug Crane of Dragons Blood Elixir, tells the story behind the production of his gourmet pepper condiments. Ken and Scott have a lengthy discussion about hot sauce and spicy food blogs. And in the sauce review of the week, Scott tests out Johnny Secreto BBQ Sauce.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Dragons Blood Elixir Official Site
• Johnny Secreto Official Site

• Scott Roberts Web
• Ken’s Fiery World
• Hot Sauce Daily
• The Hot Zone Online
• I Love It Spicy
• Chile Pepper Madness
• Pepper Fiend
• Hot Sauce Blog
• Chile Foundry
• Heat in the Heartland
• Blog Fire Chillies France

• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #41 – Spicy Food Adventures with Travel Host Kevin McCarthy

The Travel Planner host and radio personality Kevin McCarthy joins Scott in the studio and talks about cuisine on the Boudin Trail in Louisiana, dining in China, Indian food in London, peppery alcohol in Germany, and more! Ken Alexander reviews Southern Recipe brand Hot n’ Spicy Pork Rinds and Cheesy Jalapeno-Flavored Cheese Curls, and Scott talks about chimney starters.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• The Travel Planner Podcast with Kevin and Sue McCarthy
• Kevin and Sue McCarthy’s Travel YouTube Channel
• Southern Recipe Brand Snack Foods
• Ken’s Fiery World
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #40 – Summer Barbecuing and Grilling Chat with the Grill Girl Robyn Medlin Lindars, Plus Scott’s Rants

Robyn Medlin Lindars, AKA The Grill Girl, connects via Skype and chats about grilling and BBQ ideas for the summer. Scott also rants about ZestFest Midwest and the select number of low-IQ people who contact him. Ken Alexander get into a lengthy duscussion about being a chilehead on social networking/social media sites, and Scott reviews four different products from Karma Sauces.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• GrillGrrrl.com
• Ken’s Fiery World
• Audible Trial Page – Download a FREE audiobook!
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed

The Audio Weekly Firecast with Scott Roberts:

Weekly Firecast Podcast Episode #39 – ZestFest Midwest Preview with Greg Bagarozy and CaJohn Hard

Both Spicy Food Productions LLC President Greg Bagarozy and Ohio-based sauce maker CaJohn Hard return to join Scott and talk about the new ZestFest spinoff show, ZestFest Midwest in Columbus, Ohio. Ken Alexander talks about how to add flavor and lose weight by adding spice to your diet, and Scott tells you how to cold-smoke chile peppers.

 Links mentioned in the episode:

• ZestFest Midwest
• CaJohn’s Fiery Foods
• Ken’s Fiery World
• Scott Roberts Facebook Page
• Scott Roberts Twitter Page

Listen Instantly!

Click Above to Listen to This Episode Now!

Download this episode | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe via RSS Feed