In this episode of The Meat Dudes Podcast, we sit down with Charles Heckroodt of Superior Wagyu to explore the art and science of raising Wagyu beef. Charles shares how his South African roots and love for farm-raised beef led him to his journey in the Wagyu industry in America.

Learn why Wagyu beef isn’t just about ribeyes and tenderloins—Charles explains his love for the underrated top round and why Americans should expand their palate beyond the Hollywood cuts. He also discusses the health benefits of Wagyu beef, how he raises over 15,000 cattle from birth to harvest, and the efficiency of breeding Black Wagyu with Jersey cows for premium beef.

From the lifecycle of Wagyu cattle to why Wagyu is a healthier, more sustainable choice, this episode offers a deep dive into what makes Wagyu truly special.

In this episode of the Meat Dudes Podcast, we’re joined by Arlie Reeves from Bar R Wagyu to explore the unexpected corners of the world where Wagyu is gaining ground. Arlie shares highlights from her latest trip to South America, where she visited Wagyu farms in Brazil, then brings us up to speed on Wagyu’s surprising rise in places like South Africa and Europe. We discuss how this Japanese-born delicacy is thriving in regions you’d never associate with Wagyu, what producers in these areas are doing differently, and why demand continues to expand. Discover how Wagyu’s reach is breaking boundaries worldwide

In this episode, we dive into the world of Mangalitsa pigs with the team from FYPM Ranch, exploring why this heritage breed is known as the “Wagyu of Pork.” We’ll discuss what makes Mangalitsa so special, from their unique marbling and fat content to the best ways to raise and cook them. Tune in to learn how FYMP Ranch is redefining premium pork!

In this episode of The Meat Dudes, we are joined by Sean So of Preservation Meats as we dig into the poultry industry to uncover why a lot of the chicken you find in stores isn’t as good as it should be. From how chickens are raised and processed to what you need to look for when buying quality poultry, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’re sharing essential tips on selecting the perfect Thanksgiving turkey to make sure your holiday feast is a success.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating similarities between surgery and butchery with two experts who co-wrote the book A Surgical Approach to Meat Cutting. Our guests, a surgeon and a butcher, dive into the precision, technique, and discipline that both professions require. From understanding anatomy to making precise cuts, they share their unique insights into how their skills overlap in surprising ways. Whether it's in the operating room or the butcher shop, mastering the art of the cut is key. Tune in for a deep dive into the crossover between these two crafts and learn how science, skill, and experience come together in both fields.

Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Surgical-Approach-Meat-Cutting-Carving/dp/B0DBZ3H5PQ

We caught up with our new buddy Luis Rivera, The MEAT PAPI, star of Netflix's BBQ Showdown Season 3, to discuss his Venezuelan-inspired BBQ style and his journey in the barbecue world. Luis shares insights from his time on the show, his recent move to Dallas, and his current role at Outfit Brewery, where he’s blending Venezuelan flavors with Texas BBQ traditions. We also dive into the differences between smoking meat in Seattle versus Texas, exploring how regional techniques and flavors shape the art of BBQ.

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel of Sustainable Natural Foods, a Wagyu rancher with the unique experience of raising Full Blood Wagyu in both Southern Oregon and Japan. Daniel offers fascinating insights into the differences between Japanese Wagyu beef and American Wagyu beef, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. Whether you're a Wagyu enthusiast or just curious about this premium beef, there's a wealth of information to gain from this conversation

What is Salumi and how is it different from Salami and Charcuterie? We got to tour Jack Mountain Meats, a USDA facility, to talk with Seamus Platt, a artisan salumi producer and owner of Norcino Salumi, to learn about the whole process of how salumi is made, the different types and why MOLD IS GOOD?!