What I Enjoy – Jason Odell
Jason Odell, Owner
Odell Craft Barbecue
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO?
Passion. I wanted to do work that I deeply enjoyed and cared about. I do not want to be at the end of my life thinking “I wish I would have…”
IF YOU COULD CHALLENGE ANY CELEBRITY CHEF TO A BRISKET COOK- OFF WHO WOULD IT BE?
Aaron Franklin – he is considered to be one of the best brisket pit masters. I have learned so much from his books and videos. I doubt I would win, but I would love to hang out with him for a day.
WHAT’S THE STRANGEST FOOD COMBINATION YOU’VE EVER TRIED AND SECRETLY ENJOYED?
Pork belly cinnamon roll. In my mind, it really shouldn’t work, however, it’s an interesting combination and oddly, delicious.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
To control time: stop, rewind or slow down. Time is my most valuable asset and if I could have more of it, that would be amazing.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO GUILTY PLEASURE COMFORT FOOD THAT YOU INDULGE IN?
Classic cheeseburger and fries.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE HOBBY?
Cooking with live fire and pickleball.
IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEAL WITH ONE HISTORICAL FIGURE (DEAD OR ALIVE) WHO WOULD IT BE?
Viktor Frankl. I recently read “Man’s Search for Meaning” and it is such an inspiring book. Viktor describes his life experience in Nazi death camps and states, “You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you will feel and do about what happens to you.” He suggests “that the primary human drive is not pleasure but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE GENRE?
Currently, I have been enjoying WW2 movies and documentaries. “Band of Brothers” is one of my favorites.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE?
There is an amazing group of people here. Secondly, I enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
IF YOUR LIFE HAD A SLOGAN OR TAGLINE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Under any circumstances do your best. Each day, this could look different, but by doing your best each day you can live life free from self-judgment and regrets.
