"World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason":
A BBQ Journey Across the Globe

National Geographic, renowned for its high-quality non-fiction programming, now brings you the epicurean exploits of larger-than-life grillmaster Big Moe Cason in "World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason." An Iowa-born, Minnesotan, Cason is no stranger to the culinary arts, having learned the art of grilling from his Virginia grandparents. A retiree from the Navy, he employed cooking techniques from his grandmother Margaret and mother Mary Cason, turning a casual hobby into a full-blown profession.

Traveling to food festivals, Cason developed a deep-seated love for grilling techniques used by seasoned grillmasters from Texas and Kansas City. "I married what I knew with what I learned from the grillmasters from Texas and Kansas City," says Cason. "I love the simplicity of Texas Bar-B-Q. It's the seasoning and the smoke which can be a double-edged sword."

In "World of Flavor," Cason is a cultural and culinary ambassador, traversing the globe to create delectable meals for locals. The U.S. Navy veteran and champion BBQ pitmaster doesn't stop at just cooking; he delves deep into the history of local cultures and their culinary influences, which he then incorporates into his meals. An episode featuring South Carolina showcases Cason's immersion into the rich history of Gullah and Geechee culture and their unique foods. Learning from a historian, fisherman, and fellow grillmaster, he's introduced to the use of dry milk in sausage seasoning—a technique Cason incorporates into his own sausage.

One of the most charming aspects of Cason's on-screen persona is his humility and readiness to learn from others. Equally content with learning to use cheesecloth for a delicious beef tenderloin as sharing his own top-notch food tips, Cason displays a genuine love for his craft. The series also provides a glimpse into Cason's adventurous side, showing him scaling a wall at a military base—an activity he hadn't engaged in since his time in the Navy—and fishing for oysters for the first time. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone and learn something new further enhances the appeal of the show.

"World of Flavor" beautifully captures the connection between local and global cultures and the amalgamation of information and influences that go into creating a meal that's as delicious as it is meaningful. Cason's emotional connection with his family's influences and the local cultures he encounters are compellingly depicted, making the series a must-watch for food and culture enthusiasts alike.

The four-part series, "World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason," debuted on July 25, 2022, at 10 p.m. EST on the National Geographic Channel.