The Pitmaster's Podcast

The Pitmaster's Podcast

By: Anthony Lujan

Language: en

Categories: Arts, Food, Leisure, Hobbies

We're BBQ competition enthusiasts who love to share everything about the smoke, the sauce, and the stories behind great barbecue. Each episode, we sit down with top pitmasters, backyard legends, restaurateurs, and more to swap advice, tips, and tall tales from the world of BBQ. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just love good food and good company, you'll learn something new—and have a few laughs along the way!

Episodes

Meet Misty Banchero, The Seattle Butchers Wife
Jan 08, 2026

Misty is a Seattle, Washington native with a love affair with meat. She shares her "Stories of a Seattle meat man's wife" on social platforms and may be better known as @SeattleButchersWife. Her marriage into a 3rd generation meat family was a kickstart for Misty's BBQ journey. Shifting from her long-time career in corporate retail through the pandemic, her passion for grilling became an obsession. Misty combines her creative and engaging talents with her love of smoke and meat. Her mission is to share her journey and to inspire more women to step up to the grill. From live...

Duration: 00:59:59
Rerun - We Talk with Tony Ramirez aka TFTI BBQ
Dec 25, 2025

Tony Ramirez, also known as TFTI BBQ on social media, has spent nearly twenty years perfecting his backyard barbecue skills in the Bay Area, California. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Tony is self-taught, inspired by his Filipino and Cajun heritage, his beloved parents, and a passion for BBQ Pitmasters reruns, YouTube tutorials, and personal culinary experiments. What started in 2021 as a hobby of posting BBQ pictures and videos has since evolved into a full-time career, with Tony partnering with major brands like Miller Lite, Char-Griller, Reynolds Brands, and Tony Chachere's. His unique, approachable flavor combinations and techniques, which sometimes bend...

Duration: 01:00:12
Rerun with - How Low Can You Slow with Jared Pullman
Dec 18, 2025

Jared Pullman started How Low Can You Slow back in 2016, with the goal to help everyday grill enthusiasts, make better barbecue in their own backyards. Since then, Jared has worked as a content creator and recipe developer, based primarily on Instagram. Jared is a native of New Zealand, which is where his barbecue journey began. Jared is now based in Boise Idaho and is the founder of the Idaho Barbecue Association-a group committed to building and growing the BBQ community in Idaho and surrounding areas. Jared has worked as an ambassador for brands including Wild Fork Foods, The National Turkey...

Duration: 01:02:39
Live Tasting Southern Char Seasonings
Dec 11, 2025

Dustin Jones, along with his wife Amanda and their two daughters, Addie and Anna Lois, make up a hardworking family from Mississippi who find joy in life's simple pleasures: good food, great company, and time spent together around the grill. What started as weekend cookouts and a bit of friendly competition soon evolved into something greater—Southern Char Seasonings, a family brand founded on faith, flavor, and tradition.

Dustin, a lifelong sales professional and competitive cook, built Southern Char through years of trial, tasting, and genuine passion. From our original Signature Blend to the bold new Garlic Bu...

Duration: 00:47:37
Meet Dylan with Holy Smoke BBQ
Dec 04, 2025

My name is Dylan Cromer. I am 31 years old and man, do I love to cook BBQ! I grew up eating BBQ quite a bit with my dad. I used to watch him cook Boston butts, leg quarter chickens, and ribs on the weekends, learning as much as I could in the process. I started cooking BBQ on my own around the age of 18 and have grown from there. I gained an interest in competition BBQ from the show BBQ Pitmasters. A friend reached out to me because he was starting a small competition association and told me that...

Duration: 00:49:37
Live Tasting with Kairos
Nov 27, 2025

The Kairos origin story began as the culmination of another journey. Over a decade ago I made the decision to source my meat directly from a rancher. We were going halves on a cow before your neighbor thought it was cool. The next step was a journey that took years of learning how to hunt, successfully harvesting my first big game animal and sharing the story with my friends and family.

Duration: 00:39:00
Get to know Ryan, the founder of KRAM Knives with us!
Nov 20, 2025

KRAM Knives is named after my family: Kimberly, Ryan, Andrew, and Makayla. I started my company after my wife was injured at work, which led me to take care of her at home. One day, feeling bored, I walked into the garage, heated a piece of metal, and began hammering it. Eventually, the metal started taking the shape of a knife, so I added a handle. After that initial attempt, I thought to myself, "I can do better than this," and I made another knife. 

I sold my first knife to a friend who had specific requirements, a...

Duration: 00:44:16
Join us for the new adventures of Slingin' Meats!
Nov 13, 2025

We started our journey in 2018 with our first competition at Tomato Days, where we earned a reserve grand champion title. From that moment on, we were hooked. Initially, there were four of us on the team, but as life got in the way, two members dropped out. However, Mitch and I continued to pursue our passion.

Our first KCBS competition took place in Bullhead City, where we met Anthony. It was there that we realized just how much we still had to learn. While focusing on mastering the four meats, we also got involved with the SCA...

Duration: 01:07:01
Catching up with Rooster and Graybeard
Nov 06, 2025

We're catching up with our favorite barbecue and bourbon aficionados!!

Duration: 00:59:39
Join us to meet Walter Johnston with Michigan BBQ Addicts
Oct 30, 2025

Before becoming a BBQ chef, I was a firefighter and worked in EMS. I got into BBQ watching my dad cook on his Weber Kettle grill as a kid. After a nasty divorce, the BBQs stopped, and it became just a memory after watching some YouTube videos on BBQ (BBQ Pit Boys, HowtoBBQright, Meat Church, etc.). I decided to purchase my first smoker on Amazon. Many years later, we developed the Michigan BBQ Addicts. We were founded on the idea that anyone can cook Pit Master quality BBQ free of judgment. We got our start in the height of the...

Duration: 00:53:42
Live Tasting with Florida Chicken Seasoning
Oct 23, 2025

Les Hatter, over 35 years of restaurant experience, from the dishroom to the boardroom. Full service to Fast casual and everything in between. Currently Operating Partner for the Franchise of Five Guys in Central Florida. However, my love of everything restaurant-related has brought me extensive knowledge. I intend to grow our "flaseasonings" but we all have to start somewhere! Join us for a live tasting event featuring the delightful flavors of Florida Chicken Seasoning! Experience the perfect blend of herbs and spices that will take your chicken dishes to the next level. Whether you're grilling, baking, or frying, this seasoning adds...

Duration: 00:31:30
Find out all about The True Board with Co Founders Matt Scott and Jonny Fraser Regnery
Oct 16, 2025

Matt Scott, a passionate co-founder of The True Board, brings his vision of enhancing dining experiences from his Montana roots to the sunny climes of Southern California. With a notable 26-year career in the medical device field and as a proud father, Matt infuses his life's work with a commitment to community and sustainability. His entrepreneurial spirit doesn't stop there; as co-owner of Kingdom Outdoor Living, he helps clients achieve their dream living spaces, emphasizing solar power for a sustainable future. Matt's life is a tapestry of professional success, fatherhood, coaching, and even authorship, with his children's book series promoting...

Duration: 00:56:10
Join us and Chris Marks from Three Little Pigs BBQ Rubs and Sauces
Oct 09, 2025

Chris Marks is a renowned pitmaster and the driving force behind Three Little Pigs BBQ Rubs & Sauces. Hailing from Kansas City, he has established himself as a leading figure in the barbecue world. Marks boasts an impressive competitive record, having secured over 50 national barbecue championships and more than 600 individual awards. Notably, he is an eight-time Grand Champion of the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, the most in the event's history, and has also triumphed at the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue Beyond competitions, Chris serves as the Chief BBQ Expert (CBBQE) at Three Little Pigs, where he collaborates...

Duration: 01:06:08
Catching up! Kara with Scale and Tailor
Oct 02, 2025

Mom of three, Kara, has been busy this year! From reaching over 60,000 followers, getting television spots with Food Network Canada, and continuing to work with some of the biggest names in the BBQ business. She is reaching new heights and bigger goals than ever! Join us to catch up and find out what's next for Kara, "that" BBQ mom from Canada.

Duration: 01:03:00
Coming in hot with Tylor Frazier of Blazin' Jett BBQ
Sep 25, 2025

What started as a passion for cooking over fire quickly turned into a full-blown mission for me. My journey into BBQ began the way many great stories do—backyard cooks for family and friends, experimenting with rubs, sauces, and different pits until I found the flavors that truly spoke to me. I wasn't just cooking food—I was creating an experience.
Over time, the spark grew into something bigger. I built Blazin Jett BBQ in Kokomo, Indiana, as more than just a name—it's a reflection of my drive, my style, and my belief that great BBQ brings people...

Duration: 00:50:56
Aaron Capenter LB's BBQ
Sep 18, 2025

LB's BBQ was born in 2015, forged from a lifelong obsession with fire, flavor, and feeding people like family. But let's be real — LB's been cheffing it up since he was just four years old. This isn't just a hobby. It's in his DNA. Cooking isn't what he does — it's who he is.


There's nothing LB loves more than seeing that first bite turn into a big-ass smile. That's the fuel behind every flame.


These days, LB's BBQ is blowing up social media, especially over on TikTok, where the smoke is always rolling and the...

Duration: 00:41:51
Jordan Davis founder of The Smoking Pastor Project
Sep 11, 2025

Jordan Davis, known to most as The Smoking Pastor, is the founder of The Smoking Pastor Project — a (501 (c) (3) nonprofit that shows up with fire and flavor to feed communities in need. Whether it's a street corner pop-up or a full-scale relief event, Jordan's mission is simple: craft smiles one bite at a time. He's built a loyal following by combining real BBQ with real impact, proudly partnering with brands like FireDisc, The True Board, White's Ace Hardware, Bartlow's BBQ, and Killer Hogs — using gear he trusts to serve meals that matter. Jordan's long-term goal? To become the nation's largest prod...

Duration: 00:42:27
We chat with SinBin BBQ
Sep 04, 2025

Chris and Christina Dunyon of SinBin BBQ are a Utah-based husband-and-wife team who have spent the last 4 years chasing their passion for competition barbecue in SCA, the World Food Championships, BBQ Backyard, and KCBS. What started as a backyard hobby quickly grew into a shared adventure. In the SCA, Chris has earned Golden Tickets in steak and Christina in ancillaries, and together they've been honored to qualify and compete at the SCA World Championships. At the World Food Championships, Christina's 2nd place finish in Taste of America and Rookie of the Year award opened the door to 2024 and 2025 appearances...

Duration: 01:08:00
The Urban Cowgirl-Sarah Penrod
Aug 28, 2025

Sarah Penrod is a former private chef to Texas' biggest names, a recurring Food Network personality, and the one-time Texas Ambassador to the White House's Chefs Move to Schools program—where she heroically tried (and sometimes failed) to convince kids to swap Cheetos for carrots.
She's the creator of Urban Cowgirl, one of the largest Texas recipe blogs in the world, a bestselling cookbook of the same name, and is usually found wandering the Yucatan studying barbecue and outdoor cooking beyond the limits of US traditions.
These days, she's found on Instagram dropping barbecue wisdom, weeknight recipes wi...

Duration: 01:05:47
Join us and Ryan Skjerdal of Q Cartel BBQ out of Canada, to discuss Competition BBQ in the Olympics
Aug 21, 2025

Ryan Skjerdal of Q Cartel BBQ, a Saskatchewan, Canada–based team that's quickly making an impact on the KCBS circuit, has turned just 11 contests alongside cooking partner Ryan Bachmire into 3 Grand Championships, 1 Reserve Grand Championship and nine top-ten finishes. Their breakout 2024 season capped off with Rookie Team of the Year for Canada and Team of the Year in Saskatchewan honors. Off the pit, Ryan runs multiple trades and restoration businesses—and was named Saskatchewan's 2023 Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He also squeezes in stand-up comedy whenever he can. A passionate advocate for competitive barbecue, he's now pushing KCBS to pursue Olym...

Duration: 00:45:12
Join us and Aly Romero an incredible private chef!
Aug 14, 2025

Aly Romero is a private chef and cookbook author based in Southlake, TX, with over 25 years of culinary experience. She has showcased her skills in televised culinary competitions on Good Morning and the Food Network. As a private chef, Aly prepares gourmet meals for celebratory dinners, milestone birthdays, and small company events, including government officials and professional athletes. Passionate about outdoor cooking, Aly specializes in grilling, smoking, and griddling, bringing her unique culinary take to BBQ which includes flavors and ingredients that have been inspired by the places she's lived and traveled. Aly has been a brand ambassador for...

Duration: 01:02:01
Join us and Tuffy's BBQ Team, Kent "Tuffy" Harmon
Aug 07, 2025

Tuffy's BBQ team is celebrating their recent Grand Champion win from the Best Dam Barbecue Challenge, which earned them an invite to the Jack! We are so excited for this Utah Team!!

Duration: 00:57:21
Let's talk about the Sizzlin at Sunset Steak Cookoff with Evie and Eli!
Jul 31, 2025


Evie and Eli are a dynamic duo with a deep love for food, adventure, and building unforgettable experiences. Based in Las Vegas, they're both certified SCA judges, and passionate foodies.

Eli is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, global traveler, and expert builder of custom off-road vehicles. In 2023, he introduced the Military Class to King of the Hammers—his own creation, inspired by converting a 2011 Armorworks Hyena Military Prototype into an Ultra4 race truck.

Evie is a top-tier Google Maps restaurant reviewer—ranked in the top 10 worldwide—a creator of unforgettable events, and the design...

Duration: 00:37:12
Tasting with Bryan Odom
Jul 24, 2025

A long time ago on a planet called earth in the same galaxy we live in, there was a boy who in his teens got a job at a bbq restaurant and fell in love with bbq. His name is Bryan Odom. This is my adventure. While i was 19 and managing the kitchen at a bbq restaurant i decided on the crazy idea to join the U.S. Marines. While traveling around I ate at a lit of bbq restaurants and wanted to define my pallet more in different flavors. All the way from west coast to east and...

Duration: 00:57:36
Join us and John Reeves of Smokin X BBQ
Jul 17, 2025

Pitmaster at Smokin X | Founder of Smokin Swag Apparel | Creator of Award-Winning Seasonings John Reeves has been the dedicated Pitmaster at Smokin X since 2010, earning a reputation for excellence in barbecue. As the winner of The Grill of Victory "Lone Star Smokers" on the Travel Channel, John has showcased his skill and passion for the craft on a national stage. In addition to his work at Smokin X, John is the founder and a board member of The Raider Red Meats BBQ and Ribeye Championship at Texas Tech University, helping to shape the future of BBQ at one of the...

Duration: 01:13:08
Join us and Andy Allen from Rooftop Barbecue
Jul 03, 2025

Andy Allen is a seasoned competition pitmaster, instructor, and restaurant consultant with a deep passion for barbecue. He serves as a cooking consultant, ambassador, and instructor for Green Mountain Grills, helping others elevate their outdoor cooking skills. Over the years, Andy has been fortunate to earn 14 Grand Championships, 8 Reserve Grands, and perfect scores (180s) in all four KCBS categories. He's a four-time participant at the prestigious Jack Daniel's Invitational, with top finishes including 2nd in pork and 4th in ribs, and has received multiple top-10 calls at the American Royal, including a 180 in brisket and 2nd in ribs. Andy...

Duration: 01:01:21
Join us and Freddy, the founder of Tri-City Pitmasters
Jun 26, 2025

I am Freddy, founder of Tri-City Pitmasters from Southern California. I am currently employed by Firebull Charcoal and Primetime Spices. In the past, I worked for FOGO Charcoal, Prime 6 Charcoal, and Papas Grilling Products. I also used to host and compete in SCA Events. Additionally, my girlfriend and I have founded the California Tri Tip Association. We have started hosting competitions, but have run into a few speed bumps.

Duration: 01:07:25
Barbecue N Bourbon
Jun 19, 2025

Join us with Rooster and Graybeard: where fire meets flavor, to salute the troops and talk about Texas made Charles Goodnight Texas Whiskey Bourbon. 

Duration: 01:05:27
Rusty Monson Salt City Barbecue
Jun 12, 2025

 

We welcome Rusty Monson back to the show for an update on Salt City Barbecue. For 2025 he has won the Best In State vote for Best Barbecue Restaurant. It has officially been one year since he stepped away from the show, so we will see what he has been doing.

Duration: 00:57:11
Live Tasting with 7 Sins BBQ
Jun 05, 2025

7 SINS BBQ is a BBQ Catering Company & Award Winning BBQ Competition Team who competes in the KCBS / CBBQA circuits as well as a producer of Award Winning BBQ Rubs & Sauces in the United States and Australia.

Duration: 00:38:05
We are talking about Smoke Slam this week with Pitmaster Thyron Mathews
May 29, 2025

Thyron Mathews is an award-winning American BBQ Chef and Pitmaster, known for his bold flavors, Southern roots, and viral presence both online and on screen. Originally from Royal, Florida—a historic Black farming town where families were once granted their 40 acres—Thyron now calls Iowa home, where he's built one of the most recognized BBQ brands in the Midwest.     Thyron rose to national fame after winning Netflix's hit competition series Barbecue Showdown, which drew over 40 million viewers globally. Prior to that, he had already earned 16 Grand Championships and was crowned "Best in Show" at the Iowa State Fair two years in a r...

Duration: 00:57:47
Join us to talk to Cory Jones founder of Hearth Heroes BBQ
May 22, 2025

My name is Cory Jones owner of Hearth Heroes BBQ. Our passion for BBQ is evident in every bite. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy great food without compromising their dietary needs, which is why we take pride in our gluten-free and low-salt offerings. We carefully select our ingredients to ensure that each seasoning blend is not only flavorful but also healthy.
Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a special event, or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, Hearth Heroes BBQ has something for everyone. From our signature rubs, we invite...

Duration: 00:42:31
Join us with BBQ Bob Trudnak founder of Bob Trudnak Brand
May 15, 2025

It all began in his childhood home where Bob Trudnak was the oldest of four children. His mother was a homemaker, and his father worked three jobs to support the family. Most Sundays were spent barbecuing at the local state park, near their home in the hills of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania – population 5,100. Sundays were his father's only day off, and he would spend it barbecuing at the park's charcoal grills. Bob says watching his father's unselfish sacrifice taught him how important selfless contribution is to a family's well-being. When Bob was seven, his dad placed him "in charge" of putting ch...

Duration: 00:56:39
We are chatting with the SCA World Champion Karen Wright, Wright on Q
May 08, 2025

Karen Wright Wright on QAKA mom to the Steak Princess
Russell and I started competing in BBQ in the early 2000's. He did his first steak competition in June of 2017 with me just there for support. I started cooking ancillaries not long after and then moved to steak.

Duration: 00:58:54
Tonight we have Sterling Smith with Loot N' Booty BBQ
May 01, 2025

Sterling Smith, 2022 World Barbecue Champion, US Navy Veteran, barbecue
teacher, cookbook author, and owner/Pitmaster of Loot N' Booty BBQ, has been
competing on the professional barbeque circuit since 2009. In that time, Sterling
and his family have traveled nationally and internationally to compete in major
competitions including the Jack Daniel's World BBQ Invitational, where they won
the title of World Pork Champion, the American Royal World Series of BBQ, where
they won Reserve Grand Champion in 2014 and 2022 out of more than 500
professional BBQ teams and won the title of Chicken World Champion...

Duration: 00:53:45
Beer's Blackdog BBQ Tasting
Apr 24, 2025

Beer's Blackdog BBQ is a family owned business in the heart of northern Minnesota's lake country. Born from the good old days of weekly gatherings of good people and good BBQ. Blackdog has grown to be a favorite sauce all over the globe. It is a sauce that appeals to a wide variety of tastes, a sweet tangy sauce with a hint of smokiness and just enough heat to keep you coming back for more. For your next gathering around the smoker or the grill, Que with the Big Dog, Beer's Blackdog BBQ!

Duration: 00:32:51
Join us and Phil "The Grill" Johnson, the Jay-Z of BBQ
Apr 17, 2025

Self-sufficiency and discipline are hallmarks of Johnson's persona, ingrained early in his life by his hard-working and devoted parents.  Growing up a "latchkey kid" while his parents worked, Johnson learned to cook and take care of himself, while navigating the streets of Manhattan on his own.  His parents' hard work paid off, and they moved their family to Wyandach, a suburb on Long Island, known equally for its less-than-stellar public schools and the exceptional artists and athletes it turned out.  At times tempted to rebel, Johnson was set straight both by his parents, and his elders in the neighborhood, who...

Duration: 00:31:58
Join us to chat with The BBQ Pit Bros Pit Masters Jordan Williams and Richard Smith
Apr 10, 2025

BBQ Pit Bros was established in 2021 by head Pit Master Jordan
Williams with Co-Pitmaster Richard Smith. Jordan is an Air Force
Veteran with passion for competition BBQ. We are a backyard
competition team that travels around the Midwest to compete in Iowa
Barbecue Society, Minnesota Barbecue Society, and Kansas City Barbecue
Society-sanctioned events. We have placed and competed in multiple
competitions throughout the 3, going on 4 years we have been
competing. Last year we won Iowa Barbecue Society Backyard Team of the
Year. We took 1st place Chicken and 1st place Ribs...

Duration: 00:41:37
SCA Worlds Recap with Brennon Nielson
Apr 03, 2025

SCA Worlds Recap with Brennon Nielson

Duration: 00:28:45
Join us to get the new news from Kyle Matuszewski of Your Behind BBQ
Mar 27, 2025

Kyle and his dad began watching a series called BBQ Pitmasters. They were immediately captivated and the show "lit a fire" under the duo, propelling them to learn to cook competition-style BBQ and eventually compete. That year for Christmas, Kyle bought Jerry a little offset smoker and the two got to work cooking almost every weekend, determined to teach themselves how to smoke meat on a competitive level.
Competing in KCBS contests, Kyle has earned four grand championships (two in partnership with another team), 19 first place awards, 40 Top Ten calls, five KCBS ancillary 180 pins (with a perfect-perfect score...

Duration: 01:01:18
Meat Hammer Tasting
Mar 20, 2025

Lee Coronado, raised in Perryton, Texas, has always had a passion for experimenting with flavors. As a child, he would mix different sauces and condiments from the fridge together to create unique taste combinations, showcasing his natural curiosity in the kitchen.
Lee's journey into the world of barbecue began when his good friend Matt Yara built an Ugly Drum Smoker. After trying the BBQ Matt cooked on it, Lee was hooked. Inspired by the flavors, he decided to build his own smoker and dive deeper into the art of grilling. That decision sparked his love for barbecue, eventually...

Duration: 00:53:14
Join us and Blake, Owner and Creator of Bacana Grills
Mar 13, 2025

Blake lived in Brazil, where he fell in love with churrasco - not just the incredible food but the way it brought people together, connecting them through fire and flavor.
When he returned to the U.S., he wanted to bring that tradition home. But nothing quite captured the essence of Brazilian barbecue - so he built it.
Bacana makes it easy to bring the flavor and energy of Brazilian churrasco to any backyard. The multiple rotating skewers let you cook everything from picanha to chicken, sausage, and veggies - effortlessly delivering results. Whether it's a weeknight...

Duration: 00:51:00
Join us and Jorey from Juice Workin and Shaan from What_s In De Pot
Mar 06, 2025

Today we are talking about the new Traeger Woodridge pellet smoker.

Duration: 00:57:24
Join us to talk to Champion Pitmaster Phil Breeden of LC BBQ
Feb 27, 2025

Phil has competed in over 300 sanctioned competitions (350 to be exact) including IBCA, KCBS, BCA, and LSBS to date.
Phil currently has 90 Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion wins combined, with over 300k Career Earnings.
​Phil grew up In Sour Lake, Texas, his love for food started at a young age, and sports fueled his competitive drive to be the best. He now resides in Bandera Texas with his wife Carmen and their four children. Phil's first competition was in January of 2015…Hardin County Go Texan in Silsbee, TX. The cookoff had 19 teams and they only called top 3 places in e...

Duration: 00:58:47
Rooster and Greybeard are back!!
Feb 20, 2025

Rooster and Greybeard are back to help us plan the perfect Valentine's Day!

Duration: 01:05:39
2025 BBQ Rub Tournament
Feb 13, 2025

We are excited to announce that we will be conducting a blind tasting of various BBQ rubs to determine the winner of the 2025 BBQ Rub competition. This event will feature a diverse selection of rubs, some of which will be tasted live during the events. Join us for this thrilling experience as we uncover exceptional flavors, ultimately crowning the champion of BBQ rubs. Don't miss out on the chance to witness this epic showdown and find out which rub will crowned Champ! 

Duration: 00:48:12
Phil the Grill
Feb 06, 2025

Self-sufficiency and discipline are hallmarks of Johnson's persona, ingrained early in his life by his hard-working and devoted parents.  Growing up a "latchkey kid" while his parents worked, Johnson learned to cook and take care of himself, while navigating the streets of Manhattan on his own.  His parents' hard work paid off, and they moved their family to Wyandach, a suburb on Long Island, known equally for its less-than-stellar public schools and the exceptional artists and athletes it turned out.  At times tempted to rebel, Johnson was set straight both by his parents, and his elders in the neighborhood, who...

Duration: 00:27:01
Jeremy With Flyin' Pig BBQ
Jan 30, 2025

I am a husband, father and bbq athlete! I started doing competition cooking in 2020 and have been hooked ever since. I mainly participate in SCA events, but also compete in backyard and KCBS competitions when the opportunity arises. I just came off my best season overall where I was able to secure the Grand Champion title for both ancillaries and ribs in the BBQ Pitstop steak championship series for Utah and finished 4th place in steak.

Duration: 00:55:57
Casting and Cooking with Tom Jasinski
Jan 23, 2025

I'm a lifelong foodie who's passionate about bringing people together through bold, approachable recipes. Growing up, I spent countless hours helping make dinner, cooking fish, and baking holiday cookies with my mom. I also learned the art of smoking meat, grilling, and grinding sausage with my dad during our backyard barbecues. These moments instilled a love for food and taught me the importance of connection around the table. My journey into barbecue started as a way to honor those family traditions while creating new ones of my own. As a self-taught pitmaster, I've drawn inspiration from mentors like Malcom Reed...

Duration: 00:49:35
Colorado Bulldawgs BBQ With Levi Stoakes
Jan 16, 2025

The teams 2 English Bulldogs, Brisket and Blaze, claim all the glory for the hard work Colorado Bulldawg BBQ puts in to keep winning on the competition BBQ Trail. Their humans, Levi & Jessica, might have something else to say about that! Colorado Bulldawg BBQ got their start in 2015 with just a few competitions each year. Last year the team decided to chase the Kansas City Barbecue Society Team of the Year points race, and their efforts didn't disappoint. They landed 6th Overall in the country in the Master Series, 18th in the chicken category, 12th in ribs, 5th in pork and 2...

Duration: 01:01:46
BBQ Rub Tasting with - Girls Can Grill
Dec 26, 2024

Christie is the owner of Girls Can Grill® and an award-winning competitive pitmaster. I have cooked on dozens of grills and have at least 30 in my backyard at any given time. I have developed recipes for several companies within the grilling and BBQ industry. I also competed in BBQ Brawl on Food Network and am the host of the BBQ Tips Podcast.

Duration: 00:55:44
JDQ BBQ Rub Tasting
Dec 19, 2024

JDQ BBQ is a family-owned Barbecue Rub Company based in Kansas City, the mecca of Barbecue. We make award-winning Sweet Barbecue Rub with hints of pecan and pepper that complement any meat. Our rub has proven results on the competition bbq circuit, bringing championship flavor to your very own backyard.

Duration: 00:51:18
Join us to visit with Girls Can Grill's Christie Vanover - Holiday Grilling Book
Dec 12, 2024

Join us to visit with Girls Can Grill's Christie Vanover to celebrate the release of her first cookbook, Holiday Grilling!!

Duration: 00:59:24
Mardy Rich - Voodoo Roasters Coffee Company
Dec 05, 2024

Voodoo Roasters Coffee Company: Freshly Brewed Magic Since 2020 Founded in 2020, Voodoo Roasters Coffee Company is your portal to a world of exceptional coffee experiences. We specialize in roasting small batches of the finest beans, offering over 40 unique varieties to tantalize your taste buds.
We were born from my passion for coffee & competition BBQ. We have been involved in the BBQ world promoting and sponsoring events like the Steak Cookoff association, Memphis in May, BBQ Pitstop competition series, some state BBQ championships, charity events and Kids Q competitions. The passion for Live fire cooking has carried over to our processes...

Duration: 01:00:53
Marcio Borguezan with Hog Addiction BBQ
Nov 28, 2024

Welcome to Hog Addiction BBQ MIM Whole Hog World Champions SCA Rib World champions Whole Hog Smokeslam Champions 10 Consecutive MBN Grand Championships in a row(National Record) And many more Grand Championships !

Duration: 01:09:40
Tasting with Rylee from Steak Princess BBQ
Nov 21, 2024

Rylee Wright, also known as Steak Princess BBQ, is a passionate Georgia girl who loves to cook. She received her first grill at the age of 8 and now owns nearly 20 grills and smokers, with plans to expand her collection even further. Rylee competes in the Steak Cookoff Association and the backyard division of KCBS, where she has consistently placed in the top 10 in many competitions. One of her notable achievements includes winning the first-ever ladies' Steak Cookoff event held at Loblolly Farms in Semmes, AL. Additionally, she made history as the first female competitor to win two steak cookoff events...

Duration: 00:42:58
Jon from Crazy Gringo BBQ
Nov 14, 2024

Crazy Gringo BBQ began well before 2019, without me even realizing it. Various experiences in my life led me to discover what brings me peace: cooking for people! I particularly enjoy cooking outdoors on grills, although I'm not limited to that. My culinary journey started when I was a young boy. I joined Cub Scouts around the age of five, and I began cooking shortly after that, particularly during camping trips.   I remember planning the menu for our weekend camping excursions and cooking meals with my patrol. We often used a camping stove, a hiking stove, a Dutch oven, or a B...

Duration: 01:06:13
BBQ N Bourbon
Nov 07, 2024

Whiskey drinkers and BBQ addicts. Find them on TikTok and YouTube (barbecuenbourbon), talking, cooking, and tasting, whiskey and BBQ.

Duration: 01:07:34
Big Smoke Barbecue
Oct 31, 2024

Ashley, 31 from England. I got into bbq by mistake, having bought an offset smoker accidentally. I intended to buy a cheap charcoal grill but had no experience or knowledge in what I was buying. That was in the summer of 2020, fast forward 2 years from then and I started my own home takeaway bbq business, and then fast forward another 2 years and we've just done 16 pop up catering events and a wedding this year. We've been on the meat and greet bbq podcast, and met Evan LeRoy & Bradley Robinson (chuds bbq) and I'm hoping to visit Texas next year with several...

Duration: 01:02:12
The BBQ Queen - Roxanne Miller
Oct 24, 2024

Hi I'm The BBQ Queen! My name is Roxanne Miller. I am a Wife and a Mother of 3. I grew up in Firebaugh, CA and currently reside in Hanford, CA. I have always been passionate about cooking from a very young age. I loved to cook all types of food so BBQ just seemed like something that would be fun to learn. I started my instagram page in 2016 and chose the name because I thought it was cute. I quickly started growing a following and was cooking for my Instagram page almost daily. In 2017 I started selling BBQ lunch plates...

Duration: 00:54:54
Backyard Roundtable
Oct 17, 2024

Join us with three amazing up-and-coming BBQ competition teams! Wild West BBQ, 5XL BBQ, and 1_Bite_BBQ to talk about how they started, what they are doing to improve, and work their way up to beat the pros!

Duration: 01:11:20
Jorey Hansen
Oct 10, 2024

Born in Houston, Texas raised in Utah. Currently live in St. George Utah, I own a private training facility, Prolific Performance and have been a certified personal trainer for 10 years. Owning Prolific for 4 years now. I learned my passion for culinary art from my late Mother Teresa at age 6 she taught me to cook and now I also own a small meal prep/catering company called Juicy's Kitchen! I was invited to join the Traeger team 3 years ago where I met YOU, and so many amazing chefs who inspire me to push the culinary limits and express creativity Through...

Duration: 01:11:24
SmellaQue Competition BBQ Team
Oct 03, 2024

Janice Smella is the pitmaster for the SmellaQue Competition BBQ Team. Competing on the bbq circuit since 2014, this three time Canadian National BBQ Champion has travelled and cooked across North America. The SmellaQue consists of her husband and two kids. Occasionally the team has changed, as Janice's teenage daughter has recently begun to cook as a solo team challenging Janice and other teams at BBQ contests.
Janice's specialties is that she's versatile and not afraid to try things out. Whether it's baking on a smoker, cooking fish, smoking beef tongue, she's fascinated by it all

Duration: 01:03:23
Rub Tasting with Bushmaster BBQ Brawler
Sep 26, 2024

Bushmaster BBQ Brawler 01 Brisket Rub, crafted by a veteran and champion pitmast Chris Webb! This seasoning blend is full of flavor and creates a perfect bark every time. Ideal for use in the backyard as well as on the BBQ trail! Whether you're smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, this rub will bring out the best in your brisket.

Duration: 00:45:21
Wireless Probe Technology Round Table
Sep 19, 2024

We talk to Christie Vanover and Greg Rempe join us to discuss the newest wireless probe technology.

Duration: 00:59:22
The "Crain" Attraction
Sep 12, 2024

Brandon and Katelyn, accomplished cooks with experience in the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA), have made the decision to delve into the realm of barbecue rubs. We will be conducting a live tasting of The "Crain" Attraction. Your presence and any questions you may have are warmly welcomed!

Duration: 00:47:53
Matthew Hussey - The Hungry Hussey
Sep 05, 2024

Matthew Hussey from Trinity, NC. I'm a full-time electrical equipment sales engineer, but when the workday ends, I dive headfirst into my real passion—cooking! I'm the guy behind "The Hungry Hussey" on YouTube, where I've been sharing my love for backyard grilling, smoking, and cooking since 2012. It all started in 2012 when I got my first Big Green Egg. That was the moment I became a certified "Egghead," and I've been hooked ever since. I used to post my cooks on Instagram, but things kicked into high gear after a marketing firm reached out and suggested I check out Todd To...

Duration: 01:02:47
The Pitmasters Podcast Team Round Table
Aug 29, 2024

We will discuss the recent changes to The Pitmasters Podcast, including new team members and their contributions to the show and BBQ community.

Duration: 01:02:25
Jacqueline Wise
Aug 22, 2024

Jacqueline Wise, a Cordon Bleu trained professional chef, event designer, forager, and avid gardener, is passionate about hosting epic parties and creating delicious meals, especially those involving fire! With experience at The Ritz London, two Michelin Star restaurants, and Buckingham Palace, Jacqueline now runs several food businesses, including @Positivelydeliciousfood for Nomadic Fire-Cookery and Foraging School, @Kelmsleycatering for weddings, and 'Jacqueline Wise Chefs' for luxury fine-dining at home.
She is known for her expertise in cooking game, seafood, hyper-seasonal and organic produce, and her focus on soil health and nutrition. Jacqueline has appeared on TV and BBC Radio, winning...

Duration: 00:41:01
Scott Nardi - We chat about how to get more people cooking again
Aug 15, 2024

Scott is a competition steak cook and occasional KCBS chicken cook from Shiocton, WI. He started participating in SCA competitions in 2019 and has since collected 22 1st-place wins and a World Championship. When he's not out on the competition trail he enjoys cooking backyard BBQ at home with his wife Jessica and their 4 dogs & 3 cats.

Duration: 01:04:44
John Kellum @K3llum
Aug 08, 2024

You can often find John tailgating at home and away Jacksonville Jaguars games. He lives and breathes tailgating; it's definitely a passion of his. Everything from planning the season's cooks based on opponents to loading the Traegers up in the truck at 6 am. He enjoys those fall Saturdays/Sundays bonding with friends and family over a delicious meal. More recently, he has dipped his toe into the competition scene here in Jax, where he has taken home 1st place in ribs, brisket, and sides. Learning the lay of the land from steak cook-offs to ancillaries holds me over until...

Duration: 01:08:30
Kara from Scale and Tailor
Aug 01, 2024

Kara, Is that BBQ Mom from Toronto, Canada. You can find her dancing around the kitchen and firing up her grills on the daily. She is a BBQ recipe developer and content creator for some of BBQs biggest names. Sharing her life as a mother of three with energy and a zest for life (pun intended) and BBQ.

Duration: 01:03:50
Leigh Brandon
Jul 25, 2024

Leigh Brandon has lived in Houston for 45 years. She works in Commercial Banking but when she's not banking, you can find her cooking, gardening, or fishing on the weekends. Living in Texas and being close to the Louisiana state line, her dishes are a mix of Southern and Tex-Mex to Cajun inspired. If you were to sit down at her dinner table on a Sunday afternoon, you would be met with Texas smoked brisket, fried Southern catfish, venison smoked sausage, or frog legs, Cajun crawfish dirty rice, fried green tomatoes & okra, or maybe a bowl of Tex-Mex charro beans...

Duration: 00:50:23
Troy Bilbrough with Bacon Brother
Jul 18, 2024

Troy is a father of 2 young kids, Back to back steak and ancillary champion of NZ 2022 and 2023, two time NZ BBQ Alliance Grand Champion, competes in Australia and the USA, runs a legendary bbq joint, 2 burger joints, a couple of food trucks, a catering business and a micro brewery. 

Duration: 01:09:44
Smokin' Hoggz BBQ - Bill Gillespie
Jul 11, 2024

Smokin' Hoggz BBQ is a competition BBQ team from Abington, MA, formed in 2008. What started out as a hobby has turned into a small family business. We have created a line of rubs, sauces, and cookbooks for you to enjoy and share with your friends and family.

Duration: 01:17:07
Jeremy Yoder - Mad Scientist BBQ
Jul 04, 2024

Jeremy Yoder is a barbecue enthusiast from Kentucky who loves to spend time smoking meat and enjoying the rewards of a long cook.

Duration: 01:00:47
What's In Da Pot
Jun 27, 2024

Shaan,    He is passionate about creating dishes that combine the warmth and flavor of home with the vibrant influences of Caribbean, Latin, and BBQ traditions. Being raised in Sangre Grande, Trinidad, and Toronto, Canada, food was not only a means of sustenance but also a joyous celebration. I developed a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse flavors of my heritage. For instance, Sunday lunches typically consisted of BBQ chicken, fried rice, potato salad, and sliced cucumber with a dash of salt and pepper. My recipes are a fusion of family traditions and personal creativity. From stewed chicken to savory em...

Duration: 01:02:34
Logan Chestnut
Jun 20, 2024

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Logan Chestnut, the talented pitmaster of Small Batch BBQ and the charismatic host of the Right On Que Podcast. Our conversation delved into the intricate world of competitive BBQ, exploring the triumphs and challenges of his competition days and the journey that led him to where he is today.

Duration: 00:50:57
Live Tasting With Blazing Star
Jun 13, 2024

Mike Star a 21-year US Air Force Veteran, whose global travels ignited a passion for diverse cultures and flavors. Now, those worldly experiences are infused into every bottle of sauce and seasoning, promising to elevate your backyard gatherings to new heights. Prepare for a culinary adventure where every dish bursts with high-quality ingredients and bold, perfectly balanced flavors. Say goodbye to bland dinners and lackluster barbecue parties – Blazing Star BBQ guarantees an unforgettable dining experience.

Duration: 00:46:36
SCA roundtable with Jonny Cobia, Brennon Nielson and Steve Conaway. Rusty's goodbye
May 30, 2024

SCA roundtable with Jonny Cobia, Brennon Nielson, and Steve Conaway.  This is Rusty's Last show.  Thank you for all the support and memories. It all has meant more than you will ever know!

 

 

Duration: 01:07:34
Keith Wineinger of the Burn Shop
May 09, 2024

We chatted with Keith Wineinger of the Burn Shop. He makes custom grills for all types of smokers, grills, and other appliances. We had a blast chatting with him, and you'll love what he offers. Head over to the Burn Shops Website and check them out. 

Duration: 01:05:18
Chris Ayres of Zia Smoke BBQ
May 03, 2024

We chat with Chris Ayres of Zia Smoke BBQ.  We chat about why chopped brisket is better and why you should never say you cook better than a restaurant pitmaster....  and of course a whole lot more. 

Duration: 01:17:05
Caray Ann Sharp of Hot Mess Express
Apr 25, 2024

We talk with Caray Ann Sharp of Hot Mess Express. She won a few big steak comps, and her method is, well, different. Join us to discuss more the philosophy of comps than the methods. 

Duration: 00:54:27
Mike Erickson Founder of The National High School BBQ Association
Apr 18, 2024

We talk to Mike Erickson Founder of National High School BBQ Association about what he is doing to keep the bbq flame going in our youth through high school bbq comps,  Tune in and check out The National High School BBQ Association 

Duration: 01:13:06
Brett Gallaway SCA World Championship Recap
Apr 04, 2024

We catch up with Brett Galloway co-founder of the SCA.  We talk about his new book, the world championship and more.  

Duration: 00:59:30
Sneak Peak of Rusty's new podcast On The Road: A Food Truck Podcast
Mar 28, 2024

This week we tried to get a guest but they had other plans.  Instead, you get the first episode of Rusty's new food truck podcast.  We hope you enjoy.  We will back to 100% this next week 

Duration: 01:29:40
Bobbi Beaver of The Rocky Mountain BBQ Association.
Mar 14, 2024

We explore the interworkings of a BBQ Association. Bobbi chats with us about the association, its work, and how to get involved.  

Duration: 01:00:51
Ronald Burns of Hotty Totty BBQ
Mar 07, 2024

We catch up with Ronald Burns of Hotty Totty Rubs and sauces.  A legendary rub maker and a hell of a competition cook as well.  

Duration: 01:27:57
Are indoor smokers the future? with Christie Vanover and Dan Phelps
Feb 29, 2024

We chat with Dan Phelps and Christie Vanover about the new GE indoor pellet smoker.  They have had a few serious cooks on it and we break it down.  

Duration: 01:16:27
John Lindsay All Q'ued Up
Feb 22, 2024

We have John Lindsey of All Q'ued Up joins us again.  We catch up but mostly we talk about the side of sponserships nobody wants to hear or talk about. 

Duration: 01:27:52
Cherry Anchor BBQ
Feb 15, 2024

We talk to Joe Wilson and BJ Searcy of Chaery Anchor BBQ.  They are a new BBQ team that is already out winning big contests.  We chat with them about winning Bullhead and some of their processes. 

Duration: 00:55:34
Steve Johnson of BBQ Pitstop
Jan 31, 2024

Steve Johnson, owner of BBQ Pitstop, a BBQ supply chain in Utah.  Steve talks rub selection and if you want to bring your rubs or suces to market.  He also reveals the dates for the BBQ Pitstop Steak Championship Series in Utah.  

Duration: 01:09:34
Miriam and Nate Benson SCA tell all
Jan 26, 2024

Miriam Benson, SCA champ, and her husband, Nate Benson SCA champ as well, break down their whole cook.  Nothing was left un answered.  If you're looking to get into SCA or need some great tips this one is you you 

Duration: 01:16:37
Evan Wiederspohn
Jan 12, 2024

We chat with Evan Wiederspohn a young talent killing it in BBQ, Steak and the WFC.  

Duration: 01:20:57
UPDATE
Dec 15, 2023

Duration: 00:03:49
Henry LaFollette
Nov 10, 2023

We chat with Henry LaFollette, a SCA promotor who keeps his buy-ins low and the purse high.  Wanna know how he does it?  Download this episode to find out!

Duration: 01:01:36
B'Mackin BBQ
Oct 26, 2023

Fresh off their RGC at the Jack, Brett and Benny run us through their method and share some great tips on improving your comp cook.  

Duration: 01:33:58
Ty Higgins of Smokin' Pokes BBQ
Oct 12, 2023

We have Ty Higgins on the show.  He just took down the American Royal SCA comp and he is here to run down his process.  So if you are new to the sport of SCA or like Rusty and haven't been around the game for a while, this episode is for you. 

Duration: 01:20:14
Ben Holder of Yeti BBQ
Sep 21, 2023

Ben Holder stops by to chat about BBQ and steak cooking.  Ben has proven to be an amazing food competitor and an over all cool dude.  

Duration: 01:31:40
Kyle Halvorson
Aug 24, 2023

Kyle Halvorson of Thermoworks stops by to chat about putting on an SCA event and talks about sponsorship.  If you are interested in getting sponsored this is the episode fo you.   

Duration: 01:06:02