A production of the Southern Foodways Alliance, Gravy podcast tells stories of the changing American South. Until March 15, we are accepting pitches for single episodes on the topic of barbecue. Gravy reporter-producers should be capable of delivering a finished, twenty-minute episode following Gravy‘s narrative format. (This includes, but is not limited to, the ability to report and gather tape, write a script, edit audio, and mix a complete episode with all sonic/musical elements.)

We seek fresh, unexpected barbecue stories of, from, or culturally connected to the American South. A complete pitch includes:

• A 200-300 word summary of the topic: Tell us who or what the story is about, why that character or place is interesting, and why Gravy should tell the story now. We encourage prospective collaborators to think beyond the pulled-pork sandwich* and bring us stories that defy, complicate, or bypass well-known barbecue narratives.
• A sample of previous audio work (This call is intended for experienced audio storytellers.)

Please email pitches to admin@southernfoodways.org with the subject line Barbecue Pitch.

Reporter-producers should possess their own recording equipment and audio editing software. Payment for a successfully completed episode is $4,000, inclusive of travel and any other expenses the reporter-producer may incur. SFA will fund and release up to five barbecue-themed Gravy episodes. Pitches received after 5 pm central time on March 15 will not be considered. Applicants will be notified of the status of their pitches no later than Thursday, March 31. Draft scripts and rough audio clips will be due on Monday, June 13, 2022. Completed episodes will be due Monday, August 1.

*We have nothing against pulled-pork sandwiches! They can be great! But for this season of Gravy, we’re looking for something less expected. 

Illustration by Molly Brooks.