So glad to have been part of the team. Thanks for the opportunity to hang out in person

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thanks man! It was so fun!

Dude, you have a dad that joined you on that road trip, the bbq comp and agreed to go all silly on stage with you? YOU ARE BLESSED. I'm jealous.

Congratulations Steve, This is a big accomplishment. This is one of my go to channels for BBQ, keep it up. Made a snake river farms brisket a couple weeks ago and used your brisket rub, best brisket I have done to date, people are still talking about it weeks later. Thanks! btw, I think all of us can learn from this, it's the journey, not the destination so much.

Your introspection about this competition is worth a lot more than 15k. It made you realize that the journey is what is important, not the result. If only all of us could gain this wisdom.

Hey man, just wanted to say that this video was so cool. Trying a competition bbq event, going for the miss piggy competition and doing it with your dad is awesome. As far as your channel, I’ve been watching your content for a little over a year and you’ve helped inspire me to cook briskets. A lot of your videos helped me make up a method for my cooks, which are still in progress. To be honest, I just cooked my first brisket and it was successful but needs some work still. At the end of the day, it’s cool to see a guy doing what he loves and that’s why I keep tuning in. Keep up the good work!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thank you man! I appreciate it! Congrats on your first brisket

It was nice to be your neighbor at Memphis in May, you will knock it out of the park next time. Keep up the videos!

You're an inspiration to anyone in the BBQ community. I can't count on one hand; how many have accomplished as much as you have as an "amateur" that actually goes to shows and turns in, then ranks. Even if this video has low views, I'm certain the right people are viewing it and you will gain a good audience. Being a Canadian that moved to TX around 2003, you got this brotha!

I have no idea why (KZread your ‘algorithm’ sucks a$$) but I’ve only just discovered you. I’m a BBQ mega geek and for some reason it’s only the last week I’ve discovered your channel. I’ve now binge-watched everything; it was like a slow version of the kung-fu upload from the Matrix. You’re awesome. I love the advanced deep dives into the micro details and the analysis of the difference they make. Sheer awesomeness brother 🔥

My Dad passed before I competed in BBQ, he would have loved it! Love the channel and keep it going!

The best part of competitions comes after the submissions. While placing is enjoyable and showcases our experience, organization, and execution, the real highlight is when all participants come together afterward. We hang out, share food, and bond over the shared experiences we've gone through.

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

So true right? The time between turn inside and awards ceremony is great.

I started BBQ not knowing anything with a free super small offset. The first video I watched to figure out how to begin was one of your videos. I'm not sure why your views are going down but thanks for helping me.

I picked up an OKJ Highland off Facebook for $100 during the pandemic because of watching BBQ Pitmasters. Had no idea what I was doing, was honestly trying to push myself to try something different after being sent home from my employer to work remote. Your videos were the first I found on how to run my specific offset. Have been hooked on this ever since and just find the act of maintaining a fire to be therapeutic. So thank you - awesome to see you put yourself out there at Memphis in May!

It was awesome being your neighbor at Memphis In May and we hope you come back next year!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thank you sir! It was a blast talking with you guys! Maybe I'll be back!

I'm not sure why your views were going down. You are one of my favorite bbq channels. I feel like nobody else goes to the lengths that you and Smokin Dad Bbq go to. Please keep it up!! Also, braised kale is delicious. Dont toss it

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

@SmokingDadBBQ

Ай бұрын

Despite the odd stuff on KZread results it was a pleasure meeting in person and being on your team Steve

@johnlicciardello2389

Ай бұрын

BBQ in general is less popular on YT. The pandemic effect was huge on BBQ especially on YT

@Eric_Wolfe-Schulte

Ай бұрын

@@johnlicciardello2389the algorithm has changed and wants to show lots of shorts because KZread thinks they need to be TikTok. Long form content has been deprioritized across the board.

@PJ-mb3ue

26 күн бұрын

Definitely a bbq channel where I actually learn which I super appreciate

Your views will increase again because you have a passion and care (not to mention your content is second to none)! I have made the best brisket I could have imagined with help from your experience. I also really appreciate that you’ve responded to my questions on your videos, fast! Keep it up! We all appreciate you!

@meekomouse

Ай бұрын

I think we as a species are evolving more and more to shorter attention span (not a great trend). Steve puts in so much to these videos and it immediately is missed by the mouth breathers because it isn’t 30 sec long involving someone dancing in their kitchen

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thanks for that!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Haha! Maybe I'll start dancing

This is outstanding content! Admittedly, I'm probably one of those that have tapered off on the views and will shoot to rectify that. All of it; the stage skit, the brutal honesty, the behind the scenes, pulling in viewers to assist. Really an oustanding video. Hope you push to compete in more competitions and produce great content like this. Memphis in May has been on my bucket list for over 20 years. This inspried me to get up there for it next year.

Sorry to hear views aren't where they should be. I personally enjoy your content and always look forward to it. Definitely my fav KZreadr bbq personality. Keep grinding, good things are bound to happen

Congrats on your show You make us proud Canadian !! Cheers from Canada East Coast Halifax Nova Scotia !!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

@ToolWrangler

Ай бұрын

@gramps69cd12 You would be proud to know at least one Haligonian was on that stage with Steve!

Dude, I'm a loyal fan. You helped my bbq game sooo much!

Loved how you put things into perspective at the end , enjoying every day and hanging with friends and family is what’s it’s. About !

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

It's so true! I just have to constantly remind myself

Dude I saw the short of you singing that song and was so stoked. Freakin hilarious. I used to listen to tenacious D all the time. I’m glad we got to meet up last November and if I ever stop taking on more work than I can handle and learn to have some free time I’m going to try and come hang out at an event. If I can make the cut that is……

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Haha! Yea glad we got to meet up! Maybe I'll do another big event like this we'll see!

Terrifically positive message about valuing what’s really important. Thanks for sharing your experiences. SmokeTrails is my go to channel. Keep up the great work!

Tenacious D “tribute”… nice!

@dwprado25

Ай бұрын

Yes! That in itself should’ve brought you a trophy!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Yea!

Steve, I enjoyed this video on multiple levels. You really put yourself out there 100% and I admire that. You're also perceptive enough to learn what works and what doesn't. To me competition bragging rights are a silly thing to chase. I only compete against myself in all aspects of life. I've never looked over at my neighbor and wished I had his life. Carve out your own path. What separates Smoke Trails from nearly every other KZread channel is the intense level of workshop. You take the audience with you on the quest and sometimes it works and sometimes it's a bust. That's life! While most of KZreadrs at your level are busy creating a brand...selling everything from Pits to access to expensive "BBQ Secrets videos", personally I think in the end it's going to destroy them. Not everyone can be Guga or Aaron Franklin so set realistic goals and aim for longevity. No one likes the hard sell and when your channel becomes nothing more than a commercial, you've become irrelevant imo. Keep workshopping, keep being weird and you'll pull out of this slump you're in. Congrats on Memphis In May, looking forward to your Summer BBQ videos.

That is a special father and son trip and companionship. To me, the quality of your content just keeps getting better and better. I learn quite a bit from your crazy experiments, as you explore unchartered territories. Joshua Weissman gets nearly 2M views on a flawed brisket making video, but that is a different audience.

Sounds like a great time! Keep it up! Love the videos and experiments! It’s helped my BBQ game tremendously!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Great to hear!

I love the riff on Tenacious D. Parody of a parody for the win!

Very cool video and what a great experience that seemed to be. You’ll continue to get better man!!!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thank you!

I feel you man. I moved out to Texas 2 years ago to do BBQ KZread content full time when views were really good. Still doing it (It's a grind for sure) but I think there are a lot of channels experiencing a drop in views. Great vid!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thanks! Could just be the whole industry! One theory is there was a big bump through covid with more people getting into bbq and now it's back to "normal"

@Eric_Wolfe-Schulte

Ай бұрын

⁠it's not just bbq. Long form content across the board is being de-prioritized in favor of shorts

Sorry for the late comment, but lots to say… Regarding views, many KZread channels are experiencing alert notifications being turned off. What the heck? I checked yours because I hadn’t received a notification in a while and had to change back to all notifications again. Regarding the competition… great video. So much passion and you said it all when you said community. Whether 1st place or 53rd place, you’re still a one-percenter for even having competed there. Well done and lots leaned. They say it’s a good day when you’ve learned something new… sounds like you had an awesome week based on your breakdown. Finally, got tell you about… there’s a lot of brisket rub rib bbq videos trending lately. I decided to smoke up a rack of spare ribs and used your brisket rub. They were the best ribs I’ve ever made hands down! Just reordered more of your rub on Amazon’s this evening.

What a great experience and early fathers day gift to travel with son Steve so he could fulfill a major BBQ goal. Learned again that a group of 9 strangers could be come a team because of their shared passion.

I am very proud of you! You did very well in the biggest of the big leagues. You are learning that competitions vary by sanctioning body and what the judges look for. And it takes adaptation to give them what they like. One size doesn't fit all on the comp circuit. Keep on trucking!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Great point! Thank you!

Hanging with Your Dad was a WIN WIN for sure. Impressed with the determination that You & The Team showed. Keep Your head held high and KEEP SMOKING. The STEVE GOW WAY!

Looks like an awesome experience! Really appreciate your vulnerability and also your growth mindset shift. I hope the views go up again as I’ve learned a ton from your videos in my early bbq journey. From a fellow Canadian (MB), keep up the great work Steve!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thank you!

Nice Steve! Hope we get to see you at BBQ on the Bow this year!

So fun to live vicariously thru your adventure Steve. Best part was the end bit on self reflection & awareness. Awesome insight. As a 604 🇨🇦 bbq neighbour, are you (or anyone) able to source the Compart Duroc ribs north of the 49th?

Awesome video man. Love how you are able to self reflect and look for the best in everything. Cheers to you and your father!

Great video as always. I am fairly new to your content. Found you a couple months ago. Cheers from Lethbridge

I enjoyed the fact that your faux guitarist was also your rib handler during the show. It's tough to play guitar whilst handling meat. 😅

Steve, first off thank you for putting it out there, and being vulnerable. That shows tremendous self awareness. I appreciate you, and all your efforts you have made on your channel. Chasing perfection is always a losing task, but pursuing excellence is an achievable goal. It’s like enjoy the journey instead of only focusing on the destination. Lastly you have inspired me to be a better cook. I use a lot of your experimentation techniques and they have made me better. I can choose to buy any rub or make my own, but I know buying yours will support you. Cheers! Look forward to your next video.

Don’t give up Steve! Your channel is really good and I’ve have learned a lot from your cooking videos.

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

19 күн бұрын

Thank you! Appreciate it!

I just subscribed after watching your tall smoke stack video and fast VS slow cook brisket video. I love the BBQ experiment videos.

Great video and it was awesome hearing you are like me with the focusing on problems and seeing you push through it. I laughed at the “make sure you type that in exactly” about the pump. I can see where that could go wrong. 😂

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thanks man it was a blast! Meat pump, such a great name haha!

Love the tenacious D tribute!

Excellent video. Love seeing the passion for it. I think some of us lose some of that after a few years of competing. I know it is a long way, but if you ever want to come cook in Louisiana, I'm sure we could get you set up to compete without you having to bring your equipment all the way from Canada. Our competitions are not as big or as renowned as some others, but we are definitely more affordable! We cook three meats. Brisket, ribs, and half chickens.

Memphis is frequently ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, it ranked # 1 in U.S New & World Reports’ Most Dangerous Places in the U.S. in 2024-2025 list. I know people who live in Tennessee who tell me they won’t go anywhere near Memphis. So, I’m glad that you got in and out without becoming a crime victim. Cool video!!!!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

I confirm I was not murdered!

@ToolWrangler

Ай бұрын

Pirtle's drive-thru was pretty sketch but the food was good!

@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes

Ай бұрын

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ Thanks for the confirmation of life!

@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes

Ай бұрын

@@todddexter8510 Steve’s dad has a KZread channel called “Will Solo travels” that’s very interesting if you like travel videos.

Steve, GREAT all round review of your MIM experience. Thank you for sharing your score sheets as my passion is all things BBQ Judging (and beer at the local. 🤣).

I don't understand why you're getting fewer views...I've been enjoying your videos more in the time since you've gone full time and grown a bigger beard and long hair!

You did great for just doing a few competitions!! You're definitely gonna be killing really soon!! Congratulations!! I love your videos and how detailed you are in your videos!! Keep them coming!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Wow, I love your take-away of what is important. Good reminder to stop moving the goal posts 😊

What a great experience! Definitely want to get out there someday. Congrats on the competition.

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

You should! It was a ton of fun. It was cool to be around thousands of people who are passionate about bbq.

Very excited about the all purpose rub. I used your technique and rub for a brisket for my kid's birthday party and I couldn't have been happier with the results.

Great video and have relied on your videos to get started with bbq, all the way back to 'how to create bbq brisket in an oven'. Great team you assembled and amazing video.

Your views should not be going down. You make excellent content. Next time you head down to Memphis, take a detour through Idaho and let’s do a cook together, off camera, just for fun.

Steve, you inspire. Thanks man. It is a calling.

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

Great video and that song was legit affff! Keep making content brother 🔥

Love the video Steve!! I'm looking for some racks like you used to increase my cooking space on my highland. Did you get them on Amazon??

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Yep just cooling racks for baking

This is 1000% the correct way to look at this ! Great perspective..And I'd add that the bbq you make on a regular basis is much better than the sweet,spicy and heavy flavors of competition bbq..

Any chance for an AP BBQ Rub breakdown? Would love to hear what you're using percentage wise.

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Yea ill post the full recipe when it comes out

@barbecuefaq

Ай бұрын

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ Cheers Steve! Look forward to buying and testing myself!

Love the attitude, bud good luck in future ventures

You had the balls to put it on the line rather than quit or hide behind your YT channel. Good for you.

Big fan of the channel, I wish I knew you were attending so I can go and say Hi, I was in the Mexico BBQ team.

Amen to the takeaways brother - looking within to see if whether you’re tapping into lasting joy amongst all the hustle and bustle in life!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

For sure!

Good Job Steve, I love making bbq for friends. They would hate me at a competition. I make ribs my way. Not someone else's. Be happy they got to try your ribs and bbq. Cheers Pete!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

That's the best way to make them!

I think BBQ competitions are kind of a scam. Ive watched a lot of them from Gulf Coast Smoke. Hes really good, but from watching I am convinced I would never attempt one. Im so happy you found a way to enjoy the whole process. But my comment was not really about a big BBQ competition. Im so impressed with you as a person. You seem so honest and bore your soul in this. Many internal feelings. Explaining your initial goal is a lot more than most people would admit. Anyway you are one of my favorite channels and I find you as an honest person. Together with that and your fun experiments bring me a lot of entertainment.

Idk why vdays are going down? I’ve been a long subscriber and love your content

Bummed I missed meeting you while I was there. Nice job for only your 6th competition. Gotta cook good and get a bit lucky in competition cooking. We hit 2nd in ribs last year but 20th this year. Competition bbq is about the bbq family and great friends in the bbq community. I have made life long friends and great memories in competition bbq.

Great job on your beef entry! You might have finished top 10 of the burnt end cubes were more uniformly sized (me speaking as a SLBS certified judge). 😊

Who knows what those judges are looking for (and whatever it is I’m sure I’d disagree). All I know is that your vids and songs are A1, homie!

Hey bud, re: your viewership going down, my experience is that I havent had your content pushed in a long while. Im subscribed but your face hasnt graced my feed for about 8 months. I watched 95% of your vids before that point in time, but the drop off was instant.

@duanehenicke6602

Ай бұрын

I agree.

who's the good lookin guy with the gray-white mustache?

Dude, getting up on that stage and doing what you did take some huge cojones😂love it! Love your barbecue bud. I’m just learning brisket. I guess you could say you are my sensei.😂

As a follower...ide say invest in colabs... It's one of my favorite videos and typically watch in full is colabs with some of my fave KZreadrs .. I've seen colabs where you can reach out to other KZreadrs and do stuff like top 5 utensils for BBQ, or try out other KZreadrs seasonings while they (other KZreadrs) chime in what they were shooting for with the seasoning... If I remember your in Canada but that why I figured like a "video" colab would be most efficient instead of in person..

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Great idea!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Hey I have a pug too!

How do you get 28th place in brisket with almost all perfect 10s and only a few dropped 9s?

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Basically to win you need perfect scores

Nice video! Great experience you you created for others to join you! 👍 some day I hope to make it there to.. I've made it to the American Royal and did well placed 20 place over all out of 476 teams with a great 9 place ribs.. and sofar the best comp experience I've had... I would like to do more comps out of my area I'm located in Washington.. again nice work brother 🎉

Aha….I mentioned when were you two Canadian bros were getting together and here we are! How far apart do you and smoking dad live?

Someone mentioned collabs, I'd love to see you do some backyard/camping BBQ with Steve Wallis. Since your both in Canada and if I'm not mistaken both in Alberta

@aimchips8600

Ай бұрын

Basically I was thinking he could take you camping while you whip up some BBQ on the fire pit

I'm buying your rub on Amazon Today! Also, your performance was like Tenacious D, with BBQ!

Well done, what a challenge to compete at MiM. I think your perseverance was great. And you sang one of my favorite songs.

Pumped to try your AP rub. I refuse to use anything but the brisket rub on my brisket and pork butts. Sad to hear about your views, I generally don’t miss many videos outside of when I’m crazy busy. I know you’re sponsored with Oklahoma joes but it did get hard to keep up with what you were posting on that channel versus here.

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Makes sense! Yea gp rub should be a few months away

Hail to Calgary's Alberta king of smoke and your amazing crew on this one ! Pulling this off ain't no easy feat by any means ! Looking back at your first video on your channel and where you are now 👀 Damm! Like they say and it's so true it's all about the journey 👍 A true Montreal fan 🇨🇦😎

@xenomorf2

Ай бұрын

And who knows... you might even become Canada's first BBQ Jesus ! 😁😅

That Dan guy seems really cool and it was awesome that he was able to bring that smoke wood. Seems like the type of guy who could also pick out a nice bourbon. I wonder if he's also Canadian?

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Great umbrella holder too

@nwcubsfan

Ай бұрын

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ And, perhaps, *too* good of a knife sharpener.

Dude awesome vid

Congrats and great new mindset!

Considering your a canuck, ever think of using maple syrup to separate your bbq from the others?

@WillGowKelowna

Ай бұрын

I agee

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

I do use a little in my sauce for sure

I used to get all your videos on my feed and love them. Weird and sad the algorithm is not playing friendly ATM?!

I could tell you an anecdote why personal you’re getting less views from me. I picked your channel when I had a lot more time to bbq. Life happens, I’m 36 this year and time seems to be far more scarce. Not only that, but the time I do devote to bbq, I’m not really adventurous as much anymore. I’m confident in cooking just about anything on any type of grill from offset to kettle to gas to oven to crockpot. Probably my last challenge I’m aiming for is a whole hog cook. I still love your channel, but the less time I spend bbqing, the less I see your videos recommended.

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Makes sense!

What camera are you using now?

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Sony a74

You're starting to look like the BBQ forest Gump trying to win Jennie back. Maybe that can be your next BBQ themed song, might as well start making t-shirts with bearded forest Gump BBQ'ing. You're welcome haha

In October Steve you can go to The American Royal, Kansas City area.

The Tenacious D tribute! Love it!

What is the elemental composition of a flavor molecule?

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

It's different for all of them. Some of the phenols are isoeugenol (C10H12O2), Vanillin (C 8H 8O 3), Syringol (C8H10O3) but there's a lot more depending on the type of wood, combustion temperature and other factors.

I wonder if the team is now solidified from here on out. I’d love to help next year. I have a trailer offset I’d be happy to tow to Memphis. I know I would learn a ton.

Steve, Canada sells right hand drive vehicles? Am I seeing this right?

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Haha no my phone is just mirrored on selfie mode

What would be the best pellet for holding bbq?

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Smokin pecan! Burns twice as long

@LeftLaneLorell

Ай бұрын

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ oops meant pellet smoker. Thanks for the speedy reply btw

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

@@LeftLaneLorell the pitboss copperhead works it's just not perfect. I haven't found a better one yet

Dan from Texas, repping the the UW Husky hat! Go DAWGS!

@nwcubsfan

Ай бұрын

It was an interesting CFB post-season around here.

The only ribs that win at barbecue fest in Memphis are baby back ribs. We're a baby back town, and if you want to have a shot then that's what you have to do. You would have gotten a higher score if that's what you did. I didn't go this year, but I hope to go next year and see you.

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

That's news to me. Thanks for the tip!

Thank you for the Tenacious D tribute lol

JB and KG would be proud of you rendition of the greatest song in the world good job

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Thank you! That's why I did this competition. I had a vision!

Tenacious D, Tribute, love this so much!

@SmokeTrailsBBQ

Ай бұрын

Had to do it!

@lancedean5987

Ай бұрын

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ even with your voice going, you did a great job