In this episode, I rant about how modern pellet smokers, Wi‑Fi grills, and “set it and forget it” cooking have taken some of the challenge out of real barbecue. According to me, true barbecue is supposed to involve fire, smoke, patience, and a little bit of panic.

I joke that old school pitmasters had to earn their brisket by waking up early, fighting temperature swings, and constantly checking the fire, while pellet smoker owners can just press a button and walk away. It’s all meant as playful trash talk, but the point is clear. Part of the fun of barbecue is the struggle.

At the same time, the episode doesn’t fully knock modern tools. It’s really about the love of cooking, the pride in learning, and the difference between convenient and traditional. Whether you’re team pellet, charcoal, gas, or offset smoker, the real win is gathering around good food with good people.

A funny, opinionated episode for anyone who loves barbecue, cooking, and a little friendly debate.

Episode 4 – Grand Theft Auto, Parenting Fails & The Talk Nobody Wants to Have

This week, my nephew introduces my three boys to Grand Theft Auto, and let’s just say… it doesn’t take long before my wife catches them hanging out in the one place every parent hopes their kids won’t end up, even if it is only in a video game.

Episode 2 – Walmart, Bathrooms & Losing Faith in Humanity

In this episode of Lost My Mind at 40, I share one of the most bizarre experiences I’ve had in a Walmart bathroom. What started as a simple birthday trip for my youngest son. Who apparently informed me that AJR concert tickets don’t count as a real birthday present, quickly turned into a story I’ll never forget.

While trying to survive another Walmart adventure, we witnessed a guy yelling at someone for speaking Spanish… all while delivering his “patriotic” speech from inside a bathroom stall. Yes, you read that correctly.

From there, I dive into the absurd assumptions people make, why kindness seems harder than it should be, and how Americans somehow expect everyone else to tolerate us speaking English around the world while some can’t handle hearing another language here at home.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a political rant. It’s a humorous look at one ridiculous encounter, sprinkled with parenting stories, self-deprecating humor, and the random observations that come from trying to navigate life after 40.

If you’ve ever walked into Walmart and immediately wondered, “What fresh chaos am I about to witness?”… this episode is for you.

Thanks for listening to Lost My Mind at 40. If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow, leave a rating, and share it with someone who could use a laugh. After all, getting older is mandatory… losing your mind is apparently optional.