Derek Wolf
Live Fire Cook
Intro
We’re stoked to welcome live fire cook and founder of Over the Fire Cooking, Derek Wolf, as the newest Turtlebox ambassador! Derek’s journey began in college, sparked by a documentary on South American fire cooking. What started as a backyard hobby quickly became his passion and profession. Today, Over the Fire Cooking has millions of followers across platforms, two popular cookbooks: Food by Fire and Flavor by Fire, and a thriving community of cooking enthusiasts.
Derek’s passion is simple: bringing people together around fire, food, and flavor. Whether he’s grilling over a fire pit or searing in a cast iron skillet, his style has inspired millions to embrace the primal joy of cooking over open flames. We all know you can’t have a cookout without killer music. In the words of Derek himself, “Nothing beats a grill out with the music blaring.” Good thing Turtlebox is built to handle the heat, the spills, and the long hours it takes to smoke the perfect brisket.
We’re proud to have Derek join the Turtlebox family. Because where there’s smoke, there’s always music.
Q&A
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
I’m a live fire cook, content creator, author, and the guy behind Over The Fire Cooking. I didn’t exactly stumble into it, but I did reluctantly start this page after years of hating social media. A few recipes in and I was hooked. The rest is history…
Favorite movie?
The Lord of The Rings Trilogy
Favorite book?
Again… The Lord of The Rings Trilogy
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
“The magic you're looking for is in the work you're avoiding.”
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
If I’m not around fire, I’m probably still outside hiking, hanging with my wife Ally and our two dogs (Brinkley and Kodi), or enjoying a glass of bourbon with a cigar.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
It's a tie between Patagonia and New Zealand. Insane landscapes, epic food, and it gave my wife and I some deep moments of peace we really needed.
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Japan. The blend of amazing beef with fire cooking plus all the landscape and culture. It's on the list.
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
My wife, Ally, because she’s my home no matter where I am. Also, she’d probably help me not do anything dumb. My backup is Bear Grylls because he knows everything.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
Theodore Roosevelt. We’d drink whiskey, eat some meat, and talk about the simple pleasures in life.
Any guilty pleasures?
Late-night Taco Bell. You can't recreate it the same which is what makes it so good (and kind of scary haha)
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
Venison for sure! I’ll reverse-sear a backstrap on the smoker then sear over hot coals, slice it medium rare, drizzle with a garlic herb butter, and serve it up still on the cutting board. Simple and primal.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox?
The sound clarity. Nothing beats a grill out with the music blaring. It turns a backyard cook into an experience. But the waterproofness is a close second! Mine has fallen into the pool a few times.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
Every lake day on the boat it's with us. We host pool parties all summer long and it has kept us partying all night. I seriously think I charge it once a year and it's good for the whole summer.
Name the most famous contact in your phone?
Thomas Rhett
