"There's a responsibility any historian has to history: you have to get it right.”

Rien Fertel is a historian and author originally from Lafayette, LA. In 2012, he hit the road with photographer Denny Culbert to capture the essence of BBQ in the south . Now, he’s turned that research into a new book, recently released by Simon + Schuster, called  “The One True Barbecue: Fire, Smoke, and the Pitmasters Who Cook The WHole Hog.” 

Rien’s work has also been featured in Saveur Magazine, Southern Living and The Local Palate, among others. Our conversation kind of hops around, from Rien’s time growing up in the kitchens of Louisiana, to why he attended grad school and why an unlikely contender is his favorite food city. 

Full show notes available: andreawien.com/rien-fertel