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Dave White and Bryan Smith

Jun 25, 2025

Indiana’s Barbecue Scene is Blowing Up — Here’s Why

Dave White and Bryan Smith dive into Indiana’s bourbon and barbecue culture and preview the Hard Truth Bourbon & Barbecue Festival in Nashville, IN.

Podcast Summary

On today’s show I sat down with Dave White, founder of Great White Smoke Barbecue Company, and Bryan Smith, co-founder and master distiller at Hard Truth Distilling Co.

We talk about Indiana’s vibrant bourbon and barbecue scene and spotlight the upcoming Hard Truth Bourbon and Barbecue Festival on July 25-26 in Nashville, Indiana. The festival features bourbon and barbecue tastings, live music, and interactive competitions.

Dave shares his journey from horticulture to becoming an award-winning pitmaster, while Brian talks about the collaborative spirit within the bourbon industry.

You are going to learn about:

  • Indiana’s Bourbon and Barbecue Scene

  • Expectations for the Hard Truth Bourbon and Barbecue Festival

Thank you to our partners:
Hard Truth BBQ Fest
Roots Realty

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:47 Guest Introduction: Dave White and Bryan Smith
02:51 Dave’s Journey into Barbecue
04:14 Challenges and Triumphs in the Barbecue Business
06:10 The Barbecue and Bourbon Community
17:31 World Food Championship and Competitions
33:02 Upcoming Events and Collaborations
36:23 Nashville Wins the Small Town Bracket Challenge
37:02 Bourbon and Barbecue Fest Overview
38:26 The Evolution of Hog Days
39:39 VIP Experience and Special Releases
41:07 Family-Friendly Fun and Live Music
42:09 The Magic of Hard Truth Distillery
49:59 Barbecue Tips and Techniques
54:09 Hidden Gems and Hoosier Hospitality

Guest(s)

Dave White and Bryan Smith

Date Published

June 25, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

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Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.