2 essays

Burnt Ends & Better Days

Kansas City BBQ culture, hospitality, and the family side of backyard cooking—stories, parties, and the real reasons we fire up the smoker.

Burnt Ends & Better Days Aug 22, 2026

Kids at the Smoker: What Colt and Sadie Taught Me

My kids didn’t care about perfect bark or competition scores. They taught me the one skill every backyard pitmaster actually needs: real patience.

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Burnt Ends & Better Days

Burnt Ends & Better Days Aug 22, 2026

What I Cook for Kate When I Want to Actually Talk to Her

When I want real conversation with my wife instead of another night of “how was the smoker,” I cook something smaller, slower, and just for the two of...

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