Pellet smoker season is here, and whether you're new to the grill or years in, there are fundamentals most people skip. Ted Reader has been cooking over live fire his whole life. He's got the tips that change everything.

The smoke mistake almost everyone makes: too much wood, too long. Reader says all your flavour penetration happens in the first 45 minutes. After that, you're just making it bitter. One good piece of wood to start is enough. Fruit woods, hardwoods, and nutwoods work. Birch does not.

The other two tips land on health and accuracy. A clean grill is a hotter grill, Reader says, and cleaning it right after cooking while it's still warm is the move. A thermometer is non-negotiable: 160 for burgers, 195 to 203 for brisket.

Topics: pellet smoker tips, BBQ grilling tips, barbecue wood selection, grill thermometer, Ted Reader

GUEST: Ted Reader | http://tedreader.com | @‌godfatherofthegrill

Originally aired on 2026-05-14

Pellet smoker season is here, and whether you're new to the grill or years in, there are fundamentals most people skip. Ted Reader has been cooking over live fire his whole life. He's got the tips that change everything.
The smoke mistake almost everyone makes: too much wood, too long. Reader says all your flavour penetration happens in the first 45 minutes. After that, you're just making it bitter. One good piece of wood to start is enough. Fruit woods, hardwoods, and nutwoods work. Birch does not.
The other two tips land on health and accuracy. A clean grill is a hotter grill, Reader says, and cleaning it right after cooking while it's still warm is the move. A thermometer is non-negotiable: 160 for burgers, 195 to 203 for brisket.
Topics: pellet smoker tips, BBQ grilling tips, barbecue wood selection, grill thermometer, Ted Reader
GUEST: Ted Reader |<a href="http://tedreader.com"> http://tedreader.com</a> | @&zwnj;godfatherofthegrill
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-14

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.