I want to be honest with you. I've been cooking BBQ for a long time, but I never felt fully connected to the BBQ community til the last year. What was the change? The people.

I decided to start a show. I decided that all these amazing people I was meeting had great stories. I was interested in the stories and I also knew a few of you would want to hear what's going on. Isn't that why you're here? To learn about the scene, see who's cooking what and learn all their secrets? What if I told you they're all right here. They want to tell you everything.

A few weeks ago I went on a road trip. 32 or so hours with Brendan Lamb to a well known BBQ joint, The Shed. At the helm of The Shed is Brad Orrison, a mad scientist in his own way, he might just be one of the happiest men on earth. Brad invited Brendan down to share some equipment with him. As soon as Brendan got the invite, he called me to come along. I introduced the two of them and boy do I love an excuse to disappear for a day to help some friends.

That's what this story is all about, friends. I'm sure all you #meatwomen and #meatmen are out there making friends with your amazing BBQ. You're the friend everyone counts on. The one that knows hard work because you have lived it. The one who will take over the fire or the grill when you know someone isn't treating it right. You're a hero, a force of good in the world of over the fire cooking.

Brendan and Brad are just two of the many heroes I've met in the past year. Enjoy this story and our ramblings as we drive home from Mississippi with a trailer full of gear, bellies full of barbeque and about 5 hours sleep. Who knows, maybe you'll be on your own wild ride in no time.

Brad (@bradorrison)

The Shed (@theshedbbq)

Brendan (@brendan_lamb)

Smiley's (@smileysbbq)

and of course @bestbarbecue! Tag us in anything that's fit to see, meat, family, fun. Don't forget to use #meatman and keep spreading the love in the BBQ world!