Steak Bites

Raising The Steaks: Craft, Care, and the Customer: What Makes a Great Steak

Welcome to Raising the Steaks, a special series within the Steak Bites podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Colorado Craft Beef. We tackle listener questions, break down industry trends, and dig into the real issues shaping our food system, health, and the future of American ranching. No fluff—just honest conversations, expert insights, and a closer look at what it takes to bring high-quality beef from our ranch to your plate. In this episode, we dive deep into what truly makes a great steak—from genetics and grazing to dry aging and consumer cooking habits. Kara shares the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape every cut at Colorado Craft Beef, emphasizing the intentionality and craftsmanship embedded in every step of the process. You'll learn why 21-day dry aging is a non-negotiable for CCB, how thoughtful pasture management and harvest timing elevate quality, and how the industry is shifting to meet a more curious, informed consumer. Kara also discusses the evolution of her role from rancher's daughter to industry leader and consumer advocate, bridging generational gaps with a modern, transparent approach. We wrap up with practical insights: which beef cuts are most underrated (hint: don't sleep on sirloin) and cooking truths that elevate the eating experience. Whether you're a beef nerd or just looking to make your next steak unforgettable, this episode brings together the science, the strategy, and the soul behind the plate.

Why Craft, Legacy, and Truth Still Matter — A Conversation with Pete Roberts

In this episode of Steak Bites, we sit down with Pete Roberts — co-founder of Origin USA and Jocko Fuel, and a fierce advocate for American manufacturing, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. What starts as a sharp, 30-minute dive into the erosion of quality, the consequences of outsourcing, and the decline of U.S. industry evolves into a full-spectrum conversation about business, legacy, culture, and the future of the American dream. Pete breaks down how consumers were conditioned to trade quality for convenience, how deceptive "Made in the USA" labels mislead the public, and why rebuilding domestic manufacturing is more than just a business decision — it's a mission. With zero outside capital, Pete has built a $200M+ vertically integrated brand that manufactures everything from boots to jeans to supplements, all on American soil. We also draw unexpected parallels between the beef and apparel industries — exploring the importance of traceability, source transparency, and what it means to honor the story behind the product. In the second half, Pete shares his powerful analogy of entrepreneurship as raising a monster — one that can either protect or destroy depending on how it's fed. He opens up about raising his children on the land, fostering independent thought, and why he believes Gen Z may lead a modern American renaissance rooted in wellness, truth, and legacy. Whether you're a business builder, a critical thinker, or someone questioning what we've been sold — and where we go from here — this conversation is for you. 🔗 Connect with Pete Roberts * Origin USA [https://originusa.com/] * Jocko Fuel [https://jockofuel.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pete.origin/] Thank you for joining us on this journey. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate, review, and share the Steak Bites podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you. We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and suggestions by contacting us at info@coloradocraftbeef.com [info@coloradocraftbeef.com] For more information about Colorado Craft Beef, visit us online at coloradocraftbeef.com [https://coloradocraftbeef.com/] Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep fueling your legacy. Until next time, savor each bite of existence and let your actions resonate with the wonder of the world.

Raising the Steaks: From the Ground Up: How We Raise Calves—and Our Daughters

Welcome to Raising the Steaks, a special series within the Steak Bites podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Colorado Craft Beef. We answer your questions, unpack industry shifts, and dive into the real issues shaping our food, health, and the future of American ranching. No fluff—just raw insight, expert takes, and an honest look at what it really takes to raise high-quality beef from pasture to plate. In this episode, Jay Knight interviews Colorado Craft Beef co-founder Kara Smith for a deep look at spring branding, animal health, and raising cattle the right way—from the ground up. Kara shares how branding isn't just a regulatory requirement, but a meaningful tradition rooted in low-stress livestock handling, generational legacy, and a tight-knit ranching community. As the conversation unfolds, Kara draws powerful parallels between raising calves and raising children—highlighting how both require planning, care, and working with nature, not against it. She explains how seasonal cycles, colostrum, and vaccines all play key roles in setting cattle up for lifelong health, and how the rhythms of the land guide everything from breeding to nutrition. The episode closes with Kara's honest take on raising daughters in wide-open ranch country—teaching independence, resilience, and responsibility in a landscape full of both beauty and risk. Whether you're a beef lover, a parent, or someone curious about where your food really comes from, this episode offers a grounded, transparent look at the life behind the brand. Thank you for joining us on this journey. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate, review, and share the Steak Bites podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you. We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and suggestions by contacting us at info@coloradocraftbeef.com [info@coloradocraftbeef.com] For more information about Colorado Craft Beef, visit us online at coloradocraftbeef.com [https://coloradocraftbeef.com/] Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep fueling your legacy. Until next time, savor each bite of existence and let your actions resonate with the wonder of the world.

From Octagon to Homefront: UFC's Raquel Pennington on Feeding Strength

In this episode of Steak Bites, UFC champion Raquel Pennington shares a powerful look at how mental discipline, nutrition, and motherhood intersect in her life as both an elite athlete and intentional parent. She details how transitioning to a whole-food, largely carnivore-style diet—centered on high-quality red meat, eggs, fruit, and vegetables—dramatically improved her skin, energy, sleep, recovery, and overall performance. Even outside of fight camp, Raquel continues to feel stronger, leaner, and more balanced by prioritizing nutrient-dense, ancestral foods. The conversation moves from the octagon to the kitchen table, as Raquel opens up about raising her daughter in today's ultra-processed world and her desire to simplify nutrition and protect long-term wellness. From hormone health to mental clarity, Raquel's story challenges mainstream food narratives and offers a grounded, holistic perspective on fueling strength—for yourself and your family. Highlights include: * Raquel's 100% beef-based diet during fight camp—and why she's still following it. * How cutting processed sugar changed her sleep, skin, and training. * The mental side of being a professional fighter and mom. * Why being "rich" in life means something deeper than money. * The truth about raising strong daughters in a world full of toxic food and messages. * Honey as a natural pre-workout and what she's feeding her family now Thank you for joining us on this journey. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate, review, and share the Steak Bites podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you. We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and suggestions by contacting us at info@coloradocraftbeef.com [info@coloradocraftbeef.com] For more information about Colorado Craft Beef, visit us online at coloradocraftbeef.com [https://coloradocraftbeef.com/] Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep fueling your legacy. Until next time, savor each bite of existence and let your actions resonate with the wonder of the world.

It's More Than Beef—It's a Life's Work

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in rural veterinary medicine—or what it takes to ensure the health and welfare of the animals that become part of our food system? In this episode of Steak Bites, Dr. Darcy joins us to share her journey as a rural veterinarian and the lessons learned along the way. From middle-of-the-night calving calls to helping ranchers navigate vaccine protocols and antibiotic decisions, Dr. Darcy brings a practical, compassionate, and deeply human perspective to animal health. She talks about the long hours, the responsibility, and the grit it takes to serve producers who depend on her, while reflecting on the bond and trust that form between ranchers and vets. Whether you're a steak lover, a parent who cares about where your food comes from, or someone curious about the real people behind rural life, this conversation will stick with you. It's a powerful reminder that good beef doesn't start in the grocery store—it starts with people who care, and a whole lot of hard work. In this episode, you'll learn: * What it's really like to be the vet ranchers call at 2 a.m. * How vaccine and antibiotic decisions are made with both care and science in mind. * Why building trust between vets and producers is vital to animal welfare. * How communication can bridge the gap between regulations and common sense. * Why rural veterinary work is more than a career—it's a calling 🎧 Perfect for: * Consumers who care about animal welfare. * Parents who want to know what's behind the beef on their dinner table. * Curious minds who want a window into life on the ranch. Thank you for joining us on this journey. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate, review, and share the Steak Bites podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you. We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and suggestions by contacting us at info@coloradocraftbeef.com [info@coloradocraftbeef.com] For more information about Colorado Craft Beef, visit us online at coloradocraftbeef.com [https://coloradocraftbeef.com/] Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep fueling your legacy. Until next time, savor each bite of existence and let your actions resonate with the wonder of the world.