Jamie Purviance graduated from Stanford University and the Culinary Institute of America before launching his career as a food writer for major magazines and newspapers such as Bon Appetit, Better Homes & Gardens, Cooking Light, Fine Cooking, Town & Country, and the Los Angeles Times. He is the author of several best-selling cookbooks, including Weber s Real Grilling and Weber s Charcoal Grilling . Purviance is certified by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and serves as a judge for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, in addition to other major competitions. He has also appeared on several national television shows including Today, The Early Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, and the Oprah Winfrey Show as well as PBS, CNN, the History Channel, and the Food Network."