Conversations with John Broes

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Broes

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I originally moved to Los Angeles in 2010 to attend a music college. I grew up playing drums my entire life and that is what I thought I was going to be doing. I graduated in 2012 and shortly began working at the school I attended where I was able to teach and play music everyday. I’ve gotten the opportunity to play all around the country, and make music with some amazing people.

As with any artist trying to make it out here, there are busy weeks and slow weeks and you’re just trying to keep moving forward. Fast forward several years, I moved into a house in NoHo with some buddies and they had a smoker in the backyard. I had never used one before and up until that point I never really cared that much about cooking. I would typically just burn whatever I was cooking and just made food so I could eat. One day I randomly decided to try and use the smoker so I got everything to make pulled pork. I watched several videos on youtube and I went into the backyard with a newfound confidence of smoking meats. If anyone would have seen me back there they would have instantly known I had no idea what I was doing. However, I managed to work my way through it and ended up with a solid first attempt at making BBQ.

After my successful BBQ adventure that got the wheels turning on other things I could cook. I started looking at different techniques and recipes to try. I started taking my time when I was cooking meals and finding out that I really loved the process of making a meal from scratch. I decided to make an Instagram page, @broeswiththegoodies , where I started uploading pictures of whatever meal I was making. I’ve been doing that for a handful of years now and I still get excited when I post whatever meal I’m trying next. I started making cooking videos in 2024 and have fallen in love with that entire process. So that’s what I’m focused on now is just trying new ideas in the kitchen and putting it online for people to watch.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s a smooth road but I don’t think it’s anything crazy either. At the end of the day I’m just making videos to put on the internet. But with that comes it’s own struggles. Aside from constantly having to be creative, I’ve had to learn how to film and work on video editing. Which are things that are part of the whole process and they have been fun skills to pick up and learn. Since it’s mostly social media that’s probably the toughest part to me. Just keeping your head up and being creative and productive and not worry about the amount of likes or anything like that. I didn’t start sharing pictures and videos with the idea of being rich an famous or anything like that. So when I decided to start taking it more serious and putting more effort into what I was doing I have to remind myself sometimes that I’m doing this because it’s fun for me. I’m doing this because I enjoy the entire process of what I am doing.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself lucky in that I’m able to just cook all day. I’ve gotten to work in some pretty fun kitchens. I’m able to meal prep for people, which is a lot of fun to do. I also get to cater events as well. I would say I specialize in BBQ. I enjoy the process of making BBQ and everything that goes into it. I like to think what sets me apart is the majority of stuff I do is pretty simple. I’m not making the most complex meals or anything like that, I’m probably making something easy and with stuff that you already in the pantry. So it’s not hard to just watch and pick up on. I started learning to cook and make videos when things in my life weren’t going that great, and it’s genuinely brought me to a place in life where I am happy and enjoying what I’m doing!

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I think a lot of my inspiration comes from other cooking creators. Some of my favorites are Josh Elkin, Olivia Tiedemann, Daniel Williamson, Matty Matheson, Josh Weissman. Some of them I started watching when I was just learning to cook things and their content was very helpful. I enjoy listening to comedy podcasts over anything else. Things like Bad Friends, MSSP and Kill Tony.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broeswiththegoodies/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnboyardeeee

Image Credits
Zack Pate