In this episode, we ask the big question: Is Wagyu just hype? Or is there more behind the marbling? (Quick answer... hell no its not, but we can see why you may think so.)

We break down:

• Why the world needs Wagyu Sommeliers

• Our honest take on Wagyu hot dogs (spoiler: hard pass)

• The underrated magic of the Bavette cut

• A hot take on Wagyu burgers (they’re not all created equal)

Then we sit down with Andrew Shirley of River Valley Wagyu, who raises 100% full-blood, grass-fed Wagyu in the Pacific Northwest. We get into how raising docile, grass-fed cattle impacts the quality, taste, and ethics of the beef on your plate.

Whether you're a meat nerd or just Wagyu-curious, this one's for you.

This week on The Meat Dudes Podcast:
We’re breaking down the new USDA “Prime+” grading buzz and what it means for WAGYU beef lovers. Then it’s on to Know Your Cuts, where we spotlight the criminally underrated hanger steak — and why your butcher might be hiding it.

We share what we ate last week, throw around some spicy hot takes (including: Is American Wagyu actually better for eating than A5?), and wrap it all up with an incredible conversation with Dr. Sheila Patinkin of Vermont Wagyu. She’s a rancher, a doctor, and a leader in the American Wagyu Association — and she’s got stories.

In this episode of The Meat Dudes Podcast, we sit down with Jerry Cassady and Ginette Gottswiller from the American Wagyu Association to break down the launch of their new Authentic Wagyu Label — a USDA-certified program designed to protect the integrity of Wagyu beef in the U.S.

We dig into:

• Why the label matters in a crowded, often confusing beef market

• How DNA verification, traceable genetics, and marbling standards are used to define truly authentic Wagyu

• What ranchers, butchers, and consumers need to know when buying or selling Wagyu beef

• And how this program could reshape the future of American Wagyu

Whether you're a beef nerd, a rancher, or just tired of being duped by "Kobe-style" claims, this episode breaks down how to trust what’s on your plate — and why the AWA is leading the charge.