Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast: Recent Episodes
Steve Koehler and Lyndal Scranton
Two regular guys talking to the biggest names in BBQ. Tips, techniques, recipes. We even cook against some of the best in the business in KCBS and SCA on occasion.
The current KCBS Team of the Year leader is not as well known as those giving close chase. On Episode 367 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Brian Kennish of B's Que Crew from Richmond, Va., via Philadelphia, tells us about his family team's long-time love of cooking and competition and why it's picked up the pace the last couple of years to become a national contender.
We also take a trip to Republic, Mo., for our August check-in with Charlie Wallace and Skyler Spartan of The Grill Guys of Missouri. Lots of great specials can be found as The Grill Guys marches toward its 5-year- anniversary on Aug. 29 when renowned open-fire cook Tina Cannon will be on hand for a class on The Big Green Egg.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their cooking adventures in the last week and preview the week ahead in BBQ and sports. Football is coming closer each week, like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great rest of your BBQ week and, as always … #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of our favorite BBQ people returns to the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to make Episode 366 a dandy. It's Bill Purvis from Chicken Fried BBQ out of Magnolia, Texas. Bill highlights his exciting weekend in Rhode Island where he pulled off BBQ's version of a buzzer-beater by winning the Grand Championship along with Rhode Island's auto bid into the Jack Daniel World BBQ Invitational. Along with becoming a competition force, Chicken Fried also has become one of the powerhouse lineup of products on the market and we discuss how to use some of those products and when does one know it's the right time to change recipes or stay the course.
We also check in with our resident Kansas City guru of all things soccer and BBQ for a World Cup review. Joel Fleetwood and his entire Meat Rushmore BBQ was hopping for nearly six weeks feeding many foreign visitors to Kansas City while soaking in as much of the soccer fun as they had time for. We also discuss Meat Rushmore's Pork Wrap, a big key in our recent first-place and eighth-place Ribs at Smokin' on the Osage.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their cooking adventures in the last week and preview what's ahead - notably football training camps are opening which is a sign of autumn.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great rest of your BBQ week and, as always … #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 365 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with two of last weekend's big winners on the competition circuit. First up is Brad Bess of Rowdy Pig BBQ, who enjoyed a spectacular doubleheader at Smokin' on the Osage in Osceola, Missouri. He scored 707.3944 both days - a remarkable feat that earned him Grand Championship honors on Day 1 and RGC on Day 2 to Bad Dog BBQ. Brad, from Bonne Terre, Mo., tells us a bit about his start in competition cooking and who's helped him along the way.
Then we head to central Iowa to learn more about Jeff Wilkerson, postmaster of Smokey D's Wannabees, grand champion at the Shenandoah Shen-Dig in Shenandoah, Iowa. As you might have guessed by the team name, the Wannabees is a tribute to the Hall of Famer Darren Warth of Iowa Smokey D's BBQ.
Meanwhile, the co-hosts break down their week, including the first competition since April. It was a productive weekend and a good time at Smokin' on the Osage where Tailgate Guys BBQ walked away with plaques for 8th-place ribs on Day 1 and a thrilling 1st-place ribs call on Day 2.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great rest of your BBQ week and, as always … #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We've seen countless top-notch competition BBQ teams leave the sport over the last several years, but on Episode 364 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we tell you about one who's coming back after an extended break. Sanj Kirubakaran of Thump and Strum BBQ blazed to four Grand Championships and five RGCs from 2013-19 and, after feeling burned out, Sanj took time away. Now he is back with a renewed enthusiasm. We get the details from Sanj with his thoughts on the state of today's comp world.
We also welcome the new owners of long-time show supporter The Butcher Shoppe in Pensacola, Stelio and Cristen Peterson. We talk to them about their culinary background, including a Greek catering business, and how they view the competition world fitting into The Butcher Shoppe. Good news - the great A9s are not going anywhere.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking adventures and discuss a few sports topics.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 363 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ podcast takes us to Las Vegas where we go "Under the Radar" with the up-and-coming competition team Big Juicy BBQ. Thomas and Michelle Bolling have found a passion for open-fire cooking and, less than two years after their first contest, they've been hitting their marks and taking consistent top-10 walks.
With a scheduling conflict leaving an open segment, we have an encore presentation of one of our top guests of 2025. Steven Raichlen, a BBQ Hall of Famer who's a renowned award-winning author and television host, was one Episode 303 as his new book "Project Griddle" was making its debut.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their July 4th weekend cooking adventures and discuss a few sports topics as we head into mid-summer.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We're always looking for up-and-coming BBQ teams and this week on our "Under the Radar" segment we go to Kansas City. Episode 362 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast tells the story of Bald Beauties BBQ. Teammates Michael Bridges and Brian Studdard are making big strides on the circuit while also representing one of Kansas City's oldest BBQ restaurants, Sneads. Bridges does the comp cooking while also helping with some flavor profiles for Sneads, where long-time restaurant owner Studdard leads the way.
It's also ticket for our monthly check-in with the Grill Guys of Missouri, who have plenty of hot deals for backyard grillers to check out at their Republic, Mo., location. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview what's ahead on their cooking schedule on the 4th of July weekend while also discussing some sports headlines.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great 4th of July weekend! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There's no question that team participation in BBQ competitions has been trending downward in recent years. There are no magical solutions as various factor come into play, with economics probably No. 1. On Episode 361 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we take a stab at examining - from a contest organizer's point of view - what makes for a good comp, a not-so-good comp and all points in between with long-time organizer Carl McBee. We hope our listeners will add to the conversation in the comments section, though transparent and frequent communication along with bang-for-your-buck prize funds certainly seem to be at the top of everyone's lists.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their Father's Day cooking results and preview what's ahead as the weather heats up in the short stretch run up to the 4th of July weekend.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 360 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast takes us to northeast Arkansas for a visit with one of the USA's most-respected, across-the-board pit masters. John Lindsey spent time on the KCBS circuit as All Q'ued Up BBQ before becoming a champion on the Steak Cookout Association for several years. He's opened a catering business in recent years that has been a hit and now is venturing more into content creation on Facebook, Youtube and Instagram as John Lindsey Delta Pitmaster with his twist on southern cooking. It's great to catch up with John, who has some interesting thoughts on his days in competition cooking along with the SCA, where there seems to be a groundswell for bring-your-own ribeyes - something he was an advocate of years ago.
Recurring guest Richard Fergola also checks in with the latest happenings from his BBQ travels as Fergolicious BBQ and the Richard Fergola BBQ line of rubs and sauces. Fergie has a busy summer ahead and you never know where he might pop up, teaching a class or competing.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their latest cooking adventures and preview Father's Day weekend on the grill and in the sports world.
Thanks as always to our sponsors/marketing partners:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #MeatRushmoreBBQ LovelyJubblyBBQ #LovelyJubblyBBQ Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Mat Bonville hasn't been doing competition BBQ for long, but the pitmaster of Phantom Smoke & BBQ from Kipling, Saskatchewan had a memorable cook at one of the world's foremost contests a couple of weeks ago. Bonville scored a whopping 707.97 at the KCBS World Invitational in Lebanon, Tennessee - roughly a 24-drive from home - to earn Reserve Grand honors and qualify for next spring's BBQ World Cup. On Episode 359 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Bonville tells us about his journey, what it was like hearing his name alongside some of the world's best and what's ahead for his one-man team.
We also welcome Joel Fleetwood back to the show to discuss Meat Rushmore BBQ's latest release in its product lineup, the Midwest Heat Sauce. Joel also shares his thoughts on the World Cup, which is coming to Kansas City for Group matches beginning next week, and the enthusiasm that international visitors are bringing to mid-America.
Co-host Lyndal and Steve recap their BBQ weekend and give opinions on some sports headlines. We hope everyone has a chance to fire up the grill or smoker this weekend!
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Living six hours apart as competition teammates can be a challenge. But brothers Joe and Jeff Rouse have been able to overcome the geographic challenge to become one of the nation's top KCBS Backyard teams in recent years and, this year, are making waves in the four-meat Masters series as well. On Episode 358 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we go "Under the Radar" to find out more about Joe (from New Jersey) and Jeff (Massachusetts) and how they're consistently bringing home trophies as Rough Cut Q - including a recent Reserve Grand Championship to a KCBS Hall of Famer.
It's also time to get the latest news from The Grill Guys of Missouri, who have a big June planned at the BBQ store in Republic, Mo., from big grill discounts to a BBQ class from two of the nation's best (Richard Fergola and Sterling Smith). The co-hoists review their cooking weeks and go through "news and notes" from the BBQ world in the opening segment, with sports segment to close things out.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 357 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast brings back our popular "Under the Radar" segment where we find out more about up-and-coming competition teams. Jordan Williams and Richard Smith comprise BBQ Pit Bros out of Des Moines, Iowa. They began cooking KCBS backyard comps in 2021 and, after multiple Grand Championships and Reserves, the team has taken the plunge into the KCBS 4-Meat Masters Series in 2026. Jordan and Richard talk about the journey and how their contrasting personalities keep the team in balance.
We also talk about the growing popularity of high school BBQ with Chuck Simpson, head coach of the Missouri champion Osceola High School "Serial Grillers," an all-girl team comprised of three freshmen and a senior. Chuck and wife Jessica also organized the mid-July KCBS Masters and Backyard doubleheader "Smokin' on the Osage" in their hometown. This will be the 8th annual and Chuck is pleading with teams to avoid waiting until the last minute to enter, so he and Jessica can plan with less stress. The entry form and info can be found at smokinontheosage.com.
The co-hoists review their Memorial Day cooking plans and go through "news and notes" from the BBQ world in the opening segment, with a quick look at sports to close things out.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
A few days after making history at one of the world's biggest BBQ competitions, Heath Riles joins us on Episode 356 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to discuss his repeat Grand Championship at Memphis in May. It was the first time in 42 years that anyone has repeated their World Championship at Memphis in May and Heath breaks down what the accomplishment means to him and his Heath Riles BBQ brand and describes the work ethic that went into preparing for his favorite competition.
We also welcome back our friend Kevin Green of The Butcher Shoppe in Pensacola, supplier of A9 wagyu briskets to some of the nation's best BBQ teams. It came as a surprise earlier this week when Kevin announced that he had sold The Butcher Shoppe to a local couple after 19 years of building his business into a local and national powerhouse. Kevin said the shipping business will continue to those loyal customers who prefer A9s for competition.
On a personal note, a big "thank you" to Kevin for supporting our show for the last six years. We hope to continue the great relationship with the new owners of The Butcher Shoppe and wish Kevin much happiness in retirement or whatever adventure await.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
North Dakota is not the warmest open-fire cooking climate in the country, but Nick and Shannon Holman are doing their best to put the Minot, N.D. team Burnt Trees BBQ on the competition map. The husband-wife duo last week came away from the 77-team Minnesota in May with a Grand Championship, their fourth in 50 career KCBS competitions. Consistency is a key for the couple, who have turned countless highway miles on the BBQ trail into quality time. The Holmans talk about they've been able to achieve success on Episode 355 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ podcast, also telling the story behind their converted horse trailer that serves as a weatherproof BBQ wagon.
We also take a trip to Republic, Mo., to visit with Skyler Spartan and Charlie Wallace about what's coming up at The Grill Guys of Missouri, a go-to spot for all things BBQ.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and preview what's ahead on their smokers this weekend. Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page. Also find all 355 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Memphis in May is just one week away and on Episode 354 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with one of the top contenders to take home the big trophy. Tim Scheer, whose Blues Hog team captured Whole Hog and overall Grand Championship honors in 2022, gives us a preview of the preparations. Those include the final days of feeding the three hogs that he raised on his east-central Missouri Marble Ridge Farm ahead of processing and and prepping the three 250-pound porkers for a date with one of his three Gateway mega-drums. Tim's segment begins at the 12:05 mark and he also talks about the ever-expanding Blues Hog line of products in addition to the company's NASCAR Truck Series sponsorship with Niece Motorsports - including the Talladega race with social media sensation Cleetus McFarland behind the wheel - later this season.
Then it's a visit with Ryan Eftink of Smokin' Brothers BBQ out of southeast Missouri, a company that has expanded its own line of all made-in-America smokers and grills with Myron Mixon Smokers and how the deal with Tim Scheer to take ownership of Gateway Drum Smokers came about last season. Smokin' Brothers and Blues Hog will be partnering at Memphis in May to sponsor the Kids' Q and both companies will have displays and demos at the Tiger Lane location in Memphis next week.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and preview what's ahead on their smokers this weekend. Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page. Also find all 354 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
After lots of anticipation and patience, it's official. The American Royal World Series of BBQ has new dates (Oct. 1-4) and a new home (the under construction American Royal Association complex in Kansas City, Kansas). On Episode 353 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with American Royal Association CEO Pat Macy about the move and what went into bringing the event to its new complex which is not far from the old one, at Kansas Speedway.
We also talk high school BBQ's growing popularity as a team sport with Doug Kerr, a teacher at Iola High School in Kansas and the head coach of the Iola Underhogs team that has a roster of about 50 students learning the craft of open-fire cooking. Doug talks about how it came together in Iola and some of the supporters from across the professional landscape who have helped his kids on the journey, either with financial support or pure cooking knowledge.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and preview what's ahead on the grill this weekend. Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page. Also find all 353 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 352 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with two big winners from last weekend. First up is the story of fast-rising High on the Hog BBQ out of St. Louis, which won its first KCBS GC in Edina, Missouri, in just its sixth KCBS competition. Shawn Campbell and Rich Alexander reveal how they've been able to achieve big-tie success in just their second full-time season. The segment beings at the 9:02 mark.
We then take a trip to central Texas to hear from Matthew Frazier and Justin Payne of Smokin' Aces BBQ after their $5,000 GC at the Rib Cookoff Association World Championships. Justin and Matthew talk about the subtle differences in cooking Baby Backs and St. Louis spares and how the RCOA comps compare to other sanctioning bodies, in both taste and tenderness, plus presentation.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks, including the Tailgate Guys' first competition of the year, and give a quick rundown of the sports scene.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page. Also find all 352 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The guys from Blind Fox BBQ haven't been doing competition cooking for long, but it's clear they rise to the occasion in big contests. Two years after finishing sixth at their first American Royal World Series of BBQ Open (444 teams) Joe Rickfels and Adam Burch won their first Grand Championship at last weekend's 103-team Smoke in the Spring in Osage City, Kansas. Not only was it the first GC, it gave the guys a ticket into the American Royal Invitational and an auto bid into the inaugural BBQ World Cup next spring in Las Vegas. On Episode 351 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Joe and Adam about their BBQ journey and their expectations for the rest of 2026.
We also check in with Aaron Huentelman, competition meat director for Mister Brisket about a chance to win some cool prizes in a new promotion. Aaron also updated us on Mister Brisket's plans for the competition game in 2026 and an overview of the market and prices as a whole.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks, talk about the Tailgate Guys' upcoming competition season opener in Iola, Kansas, and talk a little sports.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page (link in IG bio). Also find all 351 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There are many tremendous cooks in the Backyard Division of the KCBS who often are overlooked in a competition world in which the Masters division gets most of the attention for master all four meats. On Episode 350 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we talk it over with one of the best in the two-meat (chicken and ribs) division and that's Bill Toth whose Dawg's BBQ out of Minneapolis, Minn., is coming off a rare 180/180 for a perfect 360 total at the Iowa State BBQ Championships in Altoona. Bill gives the backstory on how he and wife Shelly got started in competition cooking and touches on how thick the level of competition is in Backyard, while addressing the question of if he's considering turning to the four-meat side any time soon.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks, talk about how your smoker doesn't have to be limited to cooking meat, but can add a smokey twist to just about anything be it sides or desserts The guys also review the finish of March Madness and big-league baseball.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page (link in IG bio). Also find all 350 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Everywhere Paul Russell goes in competition BBQ from his home base in Conway, Arkansas, he consistently gets the question about his team's unique name. But Kermit's Ex BBQ is more than a neat name and logo, it's also a consistent contender on the KCBS circuit. On Episode 349 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Paul about his latest success, a Grand Championship at the Kickin' It On Route 66 BBQ Challenge in St. Robert, Mo., plus his upward trend to become a serious contender anywhere he competes.
We also check in with Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri, who are cooking up several hundred pounds of BBQ to serve at this weekend's Man Show Expo in Springfield, Missouri, and what's coming up in April at their BBQ shop in Republic. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their recent cooking adventures and talk a little sports headed into Final Four weekend.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page (link in IG bio). Also find all 349 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Think you need a fancy toy hauler or trailer to succeed in competition BBQ? To that, we present Drew Davis, the king of canopy cooking. On Episode 348 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Davis and his simple approach with Razorracks BBQ proved again last weekend - winning the 125-team KCBS Smoke on the Shores in Lebanon, Tenn., that less can be more. Drew, one of the nation's best comp cooks for more than a decade, talks about his approach to success and why Smoke on the Shores was a special win to him.
We also talk it over with Craig Verhage, the Chief BBQ Officer of Royal Oak Charcoal. Craig, with an extensive competition BBQ background, reveals how he got the monicker "The BBQ Ninja" and gives us a rundown of what's new in the Royal Oak lineup of products for 2026.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their recent cooking adventures, plus talk March Madness and opening day in Major League Baseball.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page (link in IG bio). Also find all 348 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It's fun to talk it over with one of America's top up-and-coming competition pit masters on Episode 347 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Chase Muninger of Munny's Stove BBQ in Wichita, Kansas, has won five KCBS Grand Championships since 2024 with his latest in a stacked 37-team field at Boots, Brews & BBQ in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Chase talks about his background in barbecue and how the competitive nature of it appeals to him. A member of the Kansas Air National Guard, Chase said he uses a "hybrid" cooking style with different kinds of smokers to achieve his success and explains how that works.
We also visit with Richard Fergola just ahead of a new product launch in his growing Richard Fergola Barbecue lineup as his first two sauces join six spice rubs already popular in the backyard and competition circuit. He also previewed an upcoming pairing with Sterling Smith of Loot n Booty for a KCBS comp in Fargo, N.D. next month.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their recent cooking adventures, plus give a their March Madness picks as the NCAA Tournament tips off.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page (link in IG bio). Also find all 347 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It's fitting that on Episode 346 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast - our 500th show when combined with three years on local radio - that our long-time friend Brad Leighninger joins us. Brad came on the show often in 2016 when we started the show and those who follow competition BBQ will enjoy the various topics that he touches on, including thoughts on the current state of KCBS and its leadership, plus what drives him to seed a fifth Team of the Year championship. We also get Brad's thoughts on his upcoming induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
We also talk it over with the man who made the origins of our show possible. Ryan McCoy was the owner of the original Countryside BBQ Pro Shop, our title sponsor in the early days. Once a BBQ competitor himself, we find out what Ryan is doing these days and if he still has the itch to compete. We owe a lot to Ryan for his support in helping launch the Tailgate Guys Show a decade ago.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their recent cooking adventures, plus run down some news and notes from the sports world.
Thanks to all our listeners - past and present and those who have stuck around from the beginning!
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform and also find all 346 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We've met J.P. Parran on the competition circuit and he's truly one of the most enthusiastic people out there, guaranteed to bring a smile to all and some great BBQ to the judges. On Episode 345 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, JP stops by to talk about his BBQ journey and how he and wife Colleen, who form Bourbon and Blues BBQ out of Wilmington, N.C., have made a successful leap from the KCBS two-met backyard series to the four-meat Masters. It's particularly timely as Bourbon and Blues is coming off back-to-back Reserve Grand Championships on the KCBS circuit.
It's also time for our monthly visit with Charlie Wallace and Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri, where something tasty is always happening from great deals on grills to a new addition to their Vegan Recovery Center. Check out this month's segment.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss the transition of seasons while discussing their recent cooking adventures, plus some news and notes from the sports world.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page or find all 345 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 344 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we take a trip to Texas to learn about up-and-coming team Smokin' Aces BBQ. Led by friends Matthew Frazier and Justin Payne, Smokin' Aces is fresh off a Champions BBQ Alliance Grand Championship in Giddings, Texas, boosting the team to second in the early season CBA points chase. Matthew and Justin break down how they got started competing and how they've meshed into one to be reckoned with.
We also welcome Joel Fleetwood back to the show for his monthly Meat Rushmore BBQ appearance. With the World Cup coming to Kansas City for six games this summer, Joel touches on some ideas for tweaking the menu at the Meat Rushmore BBQ restaurant in Kansas City International airport Terminal B with tens of thousands of international visitors coming to town.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss the transition of seasons that is nearing, putting BBQ back in the forefront of backyard cooking. Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page. Also, find all 344 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
As the 2026 competition season gets rolling, a team to watch is Can Country Outlaw led by Jason Halterman. After a breakthrough 2025 season, which saw Can Country Outlaw win three KCBS Grand Championships plus a first-place 180 brisket at the American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational, Jason is looking for even bigger things in 2026. On episode 343 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Jason about his BBQ career and the key elements in making huge strides last season with 20 top-10 overall finishes in 30 events. Jason also reveals a lofty goal that he would like to become the first to achieve.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page (link in IG bio). Also find all 343 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Call this one the bonus show! Unplanned, but here we are! Episode 341 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is our annual Super Bowl preview edition, from both football and foot angles. Representing the Seattle Seahawks out of the Pacific Northwest is Seattle Food Truck owner Jason Hester, Rolling Smoke BBQ & Co. Jason gives his game breakdown and offers up some Seattle-themed food ideas for game day in your backyard, along with a breakdown of his BBQ background. Then we're off to Boston to chat with 2026 KCBS Hall of Fame Bill Gillespie of Smokin' Hoggz BBQ after another banner 2025 season for the former American Royal Invitational and Jack Daniels Invitational Grand Champion.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve give them takes on the big game as well. Additionally, I want to give a big "thank you" to all who have sent warm wishes and prayers during my recovery from surgery. Doing this show is a great way to have a realm of normalcy and that is what this week - with a weak voice - has provided. Thanks to the guests and listeners to putting up with the struggling and tired-sounding voice. I hope to do better next week, and beyond.
Check out Episode 341 - or any of the previous shows - on your favorite #podcast platform in find out Facebook link (in IG bio).
Thanks as always to our sponsors/marketing partners:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #MeatRushmoreBBQ LovelyJubblyBBQ #LovelyJubblyBBQ Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 340 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features Chris Salsberry, whose Fred Vegas Smokers captured the Grand Championship at last weekend's 63-team Lakeland Pig Festival. That earned Chris an auto bid into the inaugural BBQ World Cup in 2027, an event that he says is getting people excited in the competition world. We learn about the origin of the name Fred Vegas Smokers while Chris takes us through his background in the competition world, ranging back to the early days in 2012.
It's also time for our monthly trip to the Grill Guys of Missouri for the latest from Charlie Wallace and Skyler Spartan, co-owners of one of the region's hottest stores for all things BBQ. And co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their weeks, with news and notes from the BBQ world and a breakdown from the AFC and NFC championship games - with some early thoughts on Patriots vs. Seahawks for the big game on Feb. 8.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform and find all 340 episodes since 2019 at tailgateguysbbq.com
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 339 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we welcome our friend Richard Fergola back to the show. The pitmaster of Fergolicious BBQ already has had an eventful 2026 with a vacation to Kenya before teaching a full-on competition BBQ class in Louisville. Now "Fergie" is off for a 10-day BBQ excursion to Costa Rica and Panama. There's never a dull moment when Fergie is around and he also breaks some news of two new Richard Fergola BBQ sauces that are nearing release.
Joining the show for the first time is Mitch Heath of new show partner Lovely Jubbly BBQ out of Wisconsin. Along with competition cooking, Mitch has a lineup of Lovely Jubbly rubs and gives us a rundown, plus an overview of his BBQ background - and how in the world he came up with his team name.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks, news and notes from the BBQ world and breakdown the busy weekend in pro and college football.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Season 8 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast begins and we're thrilled to be back, looking to bring open-fire cooking knowledge to our listeners. That's best done by having great guests and we kick off the new year with two of the best. Leading off Episode 338 is Bill Purvis of Chicken Fried BBQ, who's not only a world champion but one of the best content producers around. We visit with Bill about his 2025 season, the year ahead and his line of rubs and sauces, which continue to grow.
We also talk it over with Joel Fleetwood of Meat Rushmore BBQ, one of our new partners for the show. Meat Rushmore is well into its 18-month run as the brand-name at the BBQ Experience restaurant inside Terminal B at Kansas City International airport. Meat Rushmore also had a popular line of rubs and sauces - the same stuff they use in competition and in the restaurant recipes - that is available for backyard cooks worldwide. Joel tells us about developing those products.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap their cooking experiences during the holiday break and catch up with happenings in the sports world.
Check out the show on your favorite #podcast platform. Also find all 338 episodes at tailgateguysbbq.com.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ #meatrushmorebbq Lovely Jubbly BBQ #lovelyjubblybbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
While we're on a holiday break before starting Season 8 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, it's a special edition with two of our most-listened-to guests from 2025. First up is Brad Leighninger of Gettin' Basted with a recap of his runner-up finish on the Food Network show BBQ Brawl. The July conversation also touches on Brad's in-progress run to an unprecedented 4th KCBS Team of the Year title …
A few weeks later, the #GOAT of Q joined us. Darren Warth from Iowa Smokey D's showed in 2025 that he was reinvigorated about competition BBQ and we talked to him shortly after his 80th career KCBS Grand Championship, a $15,000 prize from the Grand American World Championship in Port Jarvis, N.Y.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
We'll be back soon to start Season 8 of the show. Until then you can check out all 337 episodes of the show on your favorite #podcast platform. For now, have a happy new year and as always - #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We wrap up Season 7 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with champion guests from from far north and south of the competition spectrum. First up at the 8:30 mark on Episode 336 of the show is Janice Smella, head cook of SmellaQue out of Calgary, Alberta. Smellaque recently was crowned Team of the Year in the Canadian BBQ Society for the fifth time. Janice reviews her 11-year history in competition BBQ and some of the travels that have taken her family team tens of thousands of miles over the years to enjoy the BBQ lifestyle.
Then it's a trip to south Texas to learn about Carl Davis of Cast Iron Cookers, Team of the Year in the Texas-based Champions BBQ Alliance. Beginning at 35:48, Carl talks about his love for cast iron skillets - hence the team name - and his quick rise in the competition ranks since starting just two years ago.
Skyler Spartan of The Grill Guys of Missouri also stops by and co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview Christmas cooking plans and talk about the Kansas City Chiefs demise.
We'll return in mid-January to start a new season. It's been another great ride and thanks to our listeners and all-start lineup of show partners to making it possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Not to toot our own horn, but the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast has a pretty good track record when spotting upcoming talent in our "Under the Radar" segment. This week's featured guest, Dan Wright of Take it Easy BBQ, is the latest example. Since appearing on the show in March, Dan posted his first two KCBS Grand Championships, 11 top 10 overall finishes and a sixth-place in the KCBS Chicken Team of the Year standings. Dan rejoins the show to discuss his BBQ journey this week on Episode 335.
We also talk it over with Charlie Wallace from the Grill Guys of Missouri about the latest happenings from the BBQ store in Republic, which should be appointment-shopping for those seeking to please their grilling friends. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap their latest cooking ventures and talk about the Kansas City Chiefs' demise.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 334 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with the husband-wife due of Dave and Shirin Mara of Meat Candy Q out of San Diego. It was a banner 2025 season as Meat Candy Q won California BBQ Association Team of the Year honors for the third time in four years and also wound up seventh in the KCBS Team of the Year standings. They had a remarkable stretch of 15 consecutive top-10 finishes during the season and talk about the keys to consistency and how they deal with extensive travel that competition BBQ often requires.
We also have the latest news from The Grill Guys of Missouri in Republic, Missouri and co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their Thanksgiving weekend cooking results and take a tour of the sports world.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino's #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 334: https://tailgateguysbbq.libsyn.com/tailgate-guys-bbq-podcast-episode-334-dave-and-shirin-mara-of-meat-candy-q
Before getting to the preview of Episode 333 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we send wishes for a "Happy Thanksgiving" to all. May your feast be plentiful and your family time blessed, not only on Turkey Day but every day as we head down the home stretch of 2025.
Leading off the guest lineup this week is Chase Willard, pitmaster of Squealin' N Dealin' BBQ out of Independence, Missouri. Chase and team had a breakout season, with three Grand Championships and three RGCs in 19 KCBS events, finishing 21st in the Team of the Year standings. Chase - a Tailgate Guys 'Under the Radar' guest in 2021 - reviews some of the highlights and how he was able to achieve seven 700 scores and six perfect 180s, including in brisket at the American Royal World Series of BBQ Open.
We also get the latest news on The Grill Guys of Missouri from Charlie Wallace, who has the scoop on some terrific sales at the Republic, Missouri, BBQ specialty store. Finally, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their turkey day game plans, review recent backyard cooks and serve up some smoking hot sports takes.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino's #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The 2025 competition BBQ season was another great one for Bill Heyen and wife Andrea of Triple H BBQ from Gillespie, Illinois. But beyond three grand championships and four RGCs, with a scoring average a fraction under 700, Bill uses the word "blessed" to describe a season that concluded with a Grand Championship at last weekend's Atlanta BBQ Store Classic. Bill battled back from a tumor near his liver that led to several rounds of chemotherapy during the summer and fall and is feeling great headed into the offseason - a victory bigger than any achieved on his Gateway Drum Smokers. On Episode 332 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we recap Bill's journey, and get a taste of the ups and downs of life on the BBQ road.
We also talk it over with Skyler Spartan from the Grill Guys of Missouri and get his thoughts on his first trip to the American Royal World Series of BBQ and get the latest from the BBQ store in Republic. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap their latest outdoor cooking ventures and talk about Thanksgiving menus, while discussing the apparent downfall of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We came, we cooked, we survived. On Episode 331 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, it's a review of the 45th American Royal World Series of BBQ where conditions were challenging for Sunday's 401-team Open. The Tailgate Guys team didn't come away with any coveted ribbons, as we had done in three of our four previous visits to the world's largest BBQ competition, but we had a respectable showing in our fifth and final Royal with a 98th place, putting us in the top 25 percent overall. Our food was good. Memories were made.
While we'll never win The Royal, we bring you the big winner. Jason Wagner of Wags Backwoods BBQ joins us in this week's featured segment, talking about his Grand Championship in the Open. We also chat with Charlie Wallace of the Grill Guys of Missouri after his first Royal, spent helping out Richard Fergola and Fergolicious BBQ. Charlie also gives us a rundown of the latest from The Grill Guys, located in Republic, Mo., where Black November sales roll on.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
With Thanksgiving knocking on the door, it's time to plan a menu and possibly incorporate the grill or smoker to make the big feast even better. On Episode 330 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, award-winning pitmaster, judge and BBQ promoter Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill offers some ideas from her book: "Holiday Grilling: 111 Recipes to Celebrate the Season." Christie also reviews her BBQ year, which has inducted some top-10 competition finishes and judging at the Jack Daniels World Invitational. Check out her tremendous website girlscangrill.com for all sorts of info.
Skyler Spartan from Grill Guys of Missouri joins us with the latest from the Republic, Mo., BBQ store. For the second straight week, The Grill Guys had a big weekend in competition themselves, this time cooking up chicken wings and Skyler has the recap. Meanwhile, co-host Lyndal previews the Tailgate Guys competition team's upcoming trip to the American Royal World Series of BBQ and Steve recaps his latest backyard cooking adventures.
Remember: If you're coming to the American Royal World Series of BBQ this weekend, stop by and see us at space No. 160.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 329 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is our 45th American Royal World Series of BBQ preview. First up is a conversation, beginning at the 6:30 mark, with American Royal BBQ Manager Kayci Vincent and director of communications Allyssa King about what teams and spectators can expect from the world's largest BBQ competition. The fun is set for Nov. 6-9 at Kansas Speedway. Then we bring back our roundtable of first-time American Royal competitors with a trio of pit masters - Kurt Brauner from Rack City BBQ out of Las Vegas; Dan Wright of Take it Easy BBQ from St. Louis and Bradley Vollmer of Meats My Mistress BBQ from Pilot Grove, Missouri. The segment starts at the 20:43 mark as we learn a bit about each team and why this was the year to make their debut at The Royal.
We also check in with Charlie Wallace from the Grill Guys of Missouri at 42:48 with the latest from the Republic, Missouri, store plus a review of a big cooking weekend for them and a preview of another one ahead. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and take a tour of the sports world while looking ahead to what's going on the smoker next.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform, or go to our Tailgate Guys Facebook page (link in IG bio). A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When you talk about consistent excellence in competition BBQ, few teams stand out over the last decade more than Rooters-N-Tooters from Tennessee. On Episode 328 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with Paul Keltner about Rooters-N-Tooters sustained success, which includes three KCBS Grand Championships in 2025 - including last weekend's Royal Oak Invitational - plus overall top-10s in 23 of 25 competitions this season. Paul touches on what he thinks has contributed to the consistency and previews a busy home stretch of the season ahead.
We also check in with Skyler Spartan from the Grill Guys of Missouri with the latest from the Republic, Missouri, store and a big couple of competition weekends ahead for the team, including this Saturday's "Grill Guys vs. Grill Wives" showdown at Eggfest in Nixa, Mo. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and take a tour of the sports world while looking ahead to what's going on the smoker this weekend.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform, or go to our Tailgate Guys Facebook page (link in IG bio). A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Since the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast began a decade ago, one of our mantras has been "we talk to champions." Episode 327 features the latest BBQ world champion. It's Ryan King of Kings BBQ out of Jacksonville, Florida, the Grand Champion at last weekend's Jack Daniels World Invitational in Lynchburg, Tenn. Beginning at the 10:22 mark, Ryan tells us about a cook that placed him among the legends - and how it wasn't exactly without challenges along the way. We also explore Ryan's background in BBQ and how Kings BBQ has emerged as one of the top teams in the country, even before making history at The Jack.
We also talk it over with Aaron Huentelman, competition meat manager of Mister Brisket starting at the 34:54 mark about the looming deadline to place orders for the upcoming American Royal World Series of BBQ. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and take a tour of the sports world while looking ahead to what's going on the smoker this weekend.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform, or go to our Tailgate Guys Facebook page (link in IG bio). A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino's #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We visit with a Hall of Famer on Episode 326 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Donny Teel and Buffalo’s BBQ is a legend from Sperry, Oklahoma, winning more than 100 competitions over a three-decade career including Grand Championships at both the American Royal World Series of BBQ Open and Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational. Donny will be inducted into the BBQ Hall of Fame next month during the American Royal at Kansas Speedway and we visit with him what it was like in the old days, when a little whiskey or cold beer went a long way toward getting helpful tips and tricks from other competitors. While Donny has mostly retired from KCBS cooking, he’s still successful cooking on the Rib Cookoff Association circuit and his Buffalo’s BBQ Food Truck in Sperry is a favorite of many.
For our weekly trip to Republic, Mo., to talk it over with the Grill Guys of Missouri, Samantha Spartan hits a home run filling in for husband Skyler. It’s a busy month ahead for The Grill Guys and she has the scoop. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap their cooking weeks, including Lyndal leading the Tailgate Guys team into competition in Branson, Missouri, where a couple of top-five calls came our way.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We all know how important it is to keep those cooking grates clean. On Episode 325 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with Marvin Weinberger, an entrepreneur who’s developed a handy and effective tool called the GrillFighter to get the job done. We visit with Marvin about his background as an inventor and why coming up with the GrillFighter was important to him. Marvin’s segment begins at the 10:37 mark of the show.
After a planned guest declined to come on to talk about a huge victory, we run back one of our favorite segments from earlier this summer with the OG GOAT of BBQ. Conversations with Darren Warth of Iowa Smokey D’s always makes me feel smarter and we have an encore segment with Darren at 31:21 a week ahead of his return to the Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational next week.
Charlie Wallace joins us from Grill Guys of Missouri to review the latest from the standout BBQ supply store in Republic. Also, co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also talk about their latest cooking adventures and preview a big weekend ahead.
Also in our opening segment, a special tribute to Marty “Sign Man” Prather, a local legend as a sports fan and businessman who flourished in making others happy. Marty was a great supporter of the Tailgate Guys competition efforts at the American Royal World Series of BBQ and, more important, a great friend.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Sam Dodson of Bull in the Ring BBQ had been knocking on the door of his first KCBS Grand Championship, with a series of top-10 finishes and a recent runner-up finish. Last weekend in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Bull in the Ring scored the big prize and on Episode 324 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we visit with Sam about the journey and some of the keys in getting to a consistently elite level. Sam’s segment begins at the 11:30 mark.
There’s a terrific KCBS comp coming up this weekend in Miami, Oklahoma. Smokin’ on the Route offers a prize purse in excess of $17,000 and pays the top 12 in each Master’s division category. There’s still time to jump in and organizer Chuck McKibben gives some details on the event at the 32:05 mark.
Skyler Spartan joins us from Grill Guys of Missouri to review the latest from the standout BBQ supply store in Republic. Also, co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also talk about their latest cooking adventures and preview a big sports and cooking weekend.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
A few days after B’Mackin BBQ set a KCBS record with a near-perfect cook at the Burnt Offering BBQ Contest in Riverside, California, we talk it over on Episode 323 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with San Diego’s Brett McKinney about how he and teammate Benny Watsman pulled it off. B’Mackin scored an amazing 718.8572 and just missed a quadruple 180 by a couple of judges slightly dinging them in the chicken category. McKinney said he’s still in happy shock over the record, but B’Mackin is no stranger to consistent excellent having finished top 10 overall in 31 of its last 34 comps dating back to 2022. McKinney said that less cooking - and thus more-relaxed expectations - has meant more success for the team.
We also check in with our friend Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ. The Royal Oak Charcoal ambassador is charting a new career path in 2025 and doing quite well, teaching BBQ full-time around the globe while also promoting his six Richard Fergola BBQ spice rubs.
Charlie Wallace joins us from Grill Guys of Missouri to review the latest from the standout BBQ supply store in Republic. Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also talk about their latest cooking adventures and review the Kansas City Chiefs’ 0-2 start.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Hugh Munro of Ambition Que might be the oldest man in competition BBQ. But the 73-year-old former drag racer doesn’t mind the title one bit - particularly after likely becoming the oldest KCBS Grand Champion at last weekend’s Bud’s, Brews & BBQ in Columbia, Missouri. On Episode 322 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Hugh about his late-start to competition BBQ and how it feeds his hunger to high-level competition after being involved in national-touring drag racing for many years. The Minnesota native now based in Springfield, Missouri, discusses how he got started in BBQ and said it’s not about the money but rather the love of the sport that has him looking for his next big trophy.
An encore segment from earlier this year brings Steven Raichlen back to explore his latest book, Project Griddle. It’s the latest in a long line of great cookbooks from the BBQ Hall of Famer, who’s always a fountain of information about outdoor cooking.
Charlie Wallace joins us from Grill Guys of Missouri to review the latest from the standout BBQ supply store in Republic. Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also talk about their latest cooking adventures and review the start of the NFL season.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 321 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with one of the nation’s hottest competition pit masters. Gabe Trevino and Smokin’ Volts BBQ of Fontana, California is coming off a Grand Championship over Labor Day Weekend at the star-studded Meat & Tater BBQ Fest in Boise, Idaho. Gabe scored a 707.9 total, edging out Gettin’ Basted and one of his mentors, Brad Leighninger, for top honors. It was Smokin’ Volts’ second straight GC and fifth in seven events since June 1. Gabe reviews his BBQ background and what it feels like to be on a roll - especially in the Brisket category in which he’s won six times in 2025.
Charlie Wallace joins us from Grill Guys of Missouri to review the big 4th anniversary celebration last weekend and other happenings at the standout store in Republic. Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also talk about their latest cooking adventures and touch on the start of the NFL season.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We’re also thrilled when one of our past “Under the Radar” guests go on and accomplish big things in the competition world. Jacob Watt of the Kansas City-area team Smoke This Drink That told us back in February that winning a KCBS Masters Division Grand Championship was a goal in 2025. It was mission accomplished Aug. 16 when he and wife Paige celebrate their first GC with a whopping 710.85 total at the BBQ and Fly-In on the River in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. On Episode 320 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Jacob returns to tell us how he’s become one of the nation’s hottest teams and what’s next for Smoke This Drink That.
It’s also fun to see a small business grow. Joshua Brock is a former Marine who founded JB’s Gourmet Spice Blends in Ozark, Missouri, nearly 10 years ago. His popular rubs and spices, along with a trio of hot sauces, have become regional favorites and can be found in grocery stores and BBQ stores in six states. Learn about JB’s story as we talk it over with him in our second guest segment.
Skyler Spartan joins us from Grill Guys of Missouri to preview the big 4th anniversary celebration this weekend, with cooking demos and a brisket class from Brad and Bre of Smokin’ Magic BBQ on the schedule. Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also talk about their latest cooking adventures.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
From his home base in Arizona, Sterling Smith has been all over the world cooking, teaching and promoting his BBQ and Loot ’n Booty product line. On Episode 319 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Sterling reviews the journey that included competition cooking since 2009 and recaps 2025 visits to Hawaii, New Zealand and Croatia among other stops and a busy fall schedule ahead with tickets punched to the Jack Daniel World BBQ Invitational and American Royal World Series of BBQ.
We also talk it over with Charlie Wallace about the latest happenings at The Grill Guys of Missouri. Co-host Lyndal reviews the Tailgate Guys competition team’s weekend trip to BBQ & Fly In on the River in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and co-host Steve talks about a step out of the open-fire cooking box for a different kind of bird.
Check out the show in the link below or on your favorite #podcast platform. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Jordan Kirkpatrick and Janky Leg BBQ recently passed the seven-year anniversary of their first KCBS competition, a 27th-place out of 30 teams in Effingham, Illinois. Jordan recalled being “lost, confused and disappointed" with the results. On Episode 318 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Jordan reflected on the humbling start and the road to becoming a world champion a years later. Janky Leg is still going strong and nearing the fall, when the team is always at its best. He also hits upon some interesting theories, including that you’re not cooking against the other competitors, but instead against yourself.
We also take a trip to the Grill Guys of Missouri for a visit with Skyler Spartan. And co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also review their cooking weeks, preview what’s ahead - including a trip to Excelsior Springs, Missouri this weekend for the competition side of the team.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The OG #GOATOFBBQ can still get it done.
On Episode 317 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with BBQ Hall of Famer Darren Warth about his latest KCBS Grand Championship, this one bigger than most. It came last weekend at the Grand American Barbecue World Championship in Port Jervis, New York. The $15,000 prize was one of the bigger non-majors he’s won and the second GC in the last month for he and wife Sherry’s Iowa Smokey D’s team. Darren told us about feeling reinvigorated about competition BBQ these days and it sounds like the three-time American Royal World Series of BBQ Grand Champion and past Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational Grand Champ is far from finished. One of the most-interesting tidbits is how Darren, even with all his accolades, is not past asking some other top competitors for some help in getting his Pork Ribs back on track. What did he find out? And what about BBQ television shows? Darren explains why he’s never had any interest in doing them.
We also visit with Skyler Spartan about the latest from Grill Guys of Missouri. Tailgate Guys Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also review their cooking weeks, preview what’s on the menu and take a quick tour of the sports world.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When selected as one of 12 contestants for the Food Network program BBQ Brawl, Brad Leighninger of Nixa, Mo., said he just wanted to have fun and represent the competition BBQ world as best he could. Chalk it up as mission accomplished on both parts, plus a whole lot more. The pitmaster behind three-time (working on four-time) KCBS Team of the Year Gettin’ Basted made it all the way to the finale where he lost a tie-breaker with Georgia’s Kyle Bryner for Master of ‘Cue.
On Episode 316 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Brad reflects on BBQ Brawl’s 10-episode journey from what it was like to be on legendary chef Bobby Flay’s team to the 16-day grind to film 10 shows to his relationship with Kyle “The Mountain Man” from Georgia (whom he incidentally has invited to join him at a BBQ major later this year). We also ask Brad his recommendation for the next competition BBQ cook for BBQ Brawl and he has a quick answer.
Thanks to Brad for always being available to come on our show, going all the way back to 2016. We appreciate it - and more important, so do the listeners.
We also take a trip to Republic, Mo., for the latest happenings from The Grill Guys of Missouri with co-owner Skyler Spartan. Tailgate Guys Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also review their cooking weeks and take a quick tour of the sports world.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The competition BBQ world was rocked late last week by the tragic news that Ercole Chila from Uncle Pigs Barbecue Pit from Paulsboro, N.J., had been killed in an automobile accident. Two of Ercole’s shining accomplishments on the competition trail was Uncle Pig’s 2022 KCBS Team of the Year award and the 2023 Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational championship. But beyond the smoke and tasty proteins was a man who was a friend to so many across the land. On Episode 315 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we visit with two of Ercole’s close BBQ friends, Mike Licciardello and Dave Travis. They provide some insight on the man Ercole was and what made him special. We send our condolences to Ercole’s family and many friends.
We also take a trip to Republic, Mo., for the latest happenings from The Grill Guys of Missouri and co-owner Charlie Wallace. Tailgate Guys co-host Lyndal Scranton reviews the team’s doubleheader last weekend at Smokin’ on the Osage, where the Tailgate Guys brought home a first-place in brisket. We also recap the latest episode of BBQ Brawl on Food Network where our buddy Brad Leighninger is headed to the three-person finale this Sunday.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
For Ashton Smith and Josh Farley, the idea of a BBQ restaurant and food truck seemed unlikely a couple of years ago. But after winning the Made for KC competition in 2023, earning naming rights to the BBQ restaurant in Kansas City International Airport for what turned out to be 18 months, the O.G. Bandits are more than a championship KCBS competition team - they’re now an award-winning restaurant with a retail line of rubs and sauces and perhaps bigger things are coming soon. On Episode 314 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Ashton tells us about a world-wide restaurant hospitality award the O.G. Bandits recently received and recaps their BBQ journey.
We also take a trip to Republic, Mo., for the latest happenings from The Grill Guys of Missouri and co-owner Skyler Spartan. And the co-hosts recap the latest episode of BBQ Brawl on Food Network where our buddy Brad Leighninger wowed 'em with his Beef Ribs. The guys also review their cooking weeks and look ahead to the Tailgate Guys’ return to competition in a big doubleheader this weekend in west-central Missouri.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 313 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast takes us back “Under the Rader” to learn the story of an up-and-coming competition team. This time it’s Brant Champoux from Second Hand Smoke out of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Brant discusses his journey from the backyard division to taking on all four meats in 2025, with a terrific showing in his first KCBS competition of the season.
There’s a terrific competition coming up in west-central Missouri. It’s the 7th annual Smokin’ on the Osage in Osceola with all the amenities a great contest needs. Chuck Simpson, who organizes the KCBS Masters and Backyard double with wife Jessica describes the ongoing battle to get teams to sign up in a timely matter and what is offered at this one. Chuck also is the coach of the Osceola High School BBQ teams, which have enjoyed tremendous success since starting the program five years ago.
Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri has the latest from the area’s leading BBQ store, located in Republic, Mo., and co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and the most-recent BBQ Brawl on Food Network where our buddy Brad Leighninger continues to advance.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We catch up with one of America’s elite competition pitmasters and proprietor of Kansas City’s top BBQ restaurant on Episode 312 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Joe Pearce of Slaps BBQ is fresh off a Grand Championship at the 159-team Great Lenexa BBQ Battle, his 47th career KCBS Grand Championship. A three-time runner-up in KCBS Team of the Year standings, Joe tells us why that contest is special to him and talks about his decision to scale back his competition schedule. He’s also a former competitor on the Food Network program BBQ Brawl and gives his take on Season 6 and buddy Brad Leighninger’s showing so far.
Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri has the latest from the area’s leading BBQ store, located in Republic, Mo., and co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and preview the upcoming 4th of July weekend.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When you think of Oklahoma sports, you think of college with the Sooners or Cowboys and even Golden Hurricane. But these days, the Oklahoma City Thunder have turned the state into a pro basketball-frenzied state and to measure the enthusiasm we check in with Hall of Fame pit master Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ. Along with basketball, we visit with Travis about his restaurants, memories of his historic 2017 KCBS Team of the Year season and what he misses about the competition circuit.
Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri has the latest from the area’s leading BBQ store, located in Republic, Mo., and co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and preview the upcoming weekend.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 310 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features a trio of guys from the St. Louis area who are having fun while learning the ropes of competition BBQ. Chris Flanders, Jason Adams and Rodney Adams are Three Stooges BBQ and they’re determined to make an impact against the big teams after learning the ropes in the backyard division. Go go “Under the Radar” to learn more about My Three Stooges.
Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri has the latest from the BBQ store in Republic, Mo., and co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and preview the upcoming weekend.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 309 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk tailgating with one of the best in college sports. Josh Schluterman and Ben Crozier are Baum BQ Squad out of Fayetteville, Ark. The duo are top-notch Steak Cookoff Association and Rib Cookout Association contestants, but the avid, long-time Arkansas Razorbacks fans throw some of the best tailgates around. Josh joins us to talk about their two favorite passions and the upcoming trip to the College World Series in Omaha where the Razorbacks will be the team to beat.
The “Under the Radar” segment returns where an up-and-coming team shares its story. This week it’s Lawson Parker of SouthInUrMouth, who jumped right into the deep waters of the American Royal World Series of BBQ for his first competition in 2019. Since that time Lawson, an oral surgeon by day and open-fire cooking enthusiast by nights and weekends, has worked on his BBQ game to the point of now getting calls on a regular basis as a one-man team.
Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri has the latest from the BBQ store in Republic, Mo., including details of a class with Josh DeWitt and Jeremy Williams this weekend. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also review their cooking weeks and preview the upcoming weekend.
Also, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Alby Ranson and Scuffletown Smokers don’t cook every weekend, like many championship-level BBQ teams. But the southern Indiana team makes the most of its opportunities, notching another World Championship recently at the KCBS World Invitational. On Episode 308 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Alby reviews the winning cook and talks about how the title compares to winning The Jack Daniels World Invitational last fall.
We also talk it over with Thomas Gearhart of Mudville BBQ, the 2019 American Royal World Series of BBQ Open Grand Champion. Thomas is still winning, but most the conversation this time focuses on his role on the KCBS Board of Directors, where he authored a report on a proposal to re-make the model of how Masters and Backyard teams are defined. It’s a long ways from the finish line, but Thomas explains the process.
Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri has the latest from the BBQ store in Republic, Mo. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and preview the upcoming weekend, plus happenings in the sports world.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of the new world champions from last week’s KCBS World Invitational joins us on Episode 307 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Brian Peyton from Meat Me In St. Louis earned the Grand Championship in the Open portion of the weekend and also had a solid coon in the Invitational. Brian breaks down his weekend and reviews his competition career with some insight into his cook process.
We also have a special appearance from Aaron Huentleman with breaking news of a partnership between Mister Brisket and the American Royal World Series of BBQ. Mister Brisket will become the official meat supplier of The Royal, offering competition baskets of all four meats at this November’s American Royal for a nifty price of $399 - delivered to The Royal.
Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri fills us in on his recent trip to Smokeslam in Memphis and has the latest happenings from the Republic, Mo., BBQ store. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their weeks and look ahead to sunshine and cooking this weekend.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of the new world champions from last week’s KCBS World Invitational joins us on Episode 307 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Brian Peyton from Meat Me In St. Louis earned the Grand Championship in the Open portion of the weekend and also had a solid coon in the Invitational. Brian breaks down his weekend and reviews his competition career with some insight into his cook process.
We also have a special appearance from Aaron Huentleman with breaking news of a partnership between Mister Brisket and the American Royal World Series of BBQ. Mister Brisket will become the official meat supplier of The Royal, offering competition baskets of all four meats at this November’s American Royal for a nifty price of $399 - delivered to The Royal.
Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri fills us in on his recent trip to Smokeslam in Memphis and has the latest happenings from the Republic, Mo., BBQ store. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their weeks and look ahead to sunshine and cooking this weekend.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of our favorite segments on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast over the last couple of years has been “Under the Radar” where we visit with up-and-coming pit masters. Many of them have gone on to achieve success and we visit with one on Episode 306 this week. Bo Wheless of Bocephus BBQ out of Mayetta, Kansas, was on the show two years ago. He’s since won three KCBS Grand Championships, including last week’s Smokin’ Hot Cars & BBQ in Iola, Kan., where he soared past 700 to pick up the win. We visit with Bo this week to learn about his success and how he’s been able to pull it off.
We also review Memphis in May where Heath Riles earned his long-sought Grand Championship along with a third world ribs title in four years. It’s an encore presentation of portions of Heath’s appearance on the show earlier this month where he talked about why winning MIM would be so special.
We’re back next week. Until then, enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of the world’s foremast authorities joins us on Episode 305 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Steven Raichlen is a multi-award winning writer and television host and we visit with Steven about his latest book, Project Griddle. It’s filled all you need to know about cooking on a flat-top, from expertly cooking meat, veggies and even desserts. We also ask Steven what’s left on his BBQ bucket list that he wants to accomplish.
It’s Memphis in May week and we bring back an encore of our conversation with Tim Scheer, 2022 champion at the world’s most-prestigious competition. Tim breaks down his prep for MIM and the latest on his Blues Hog lineup of sauces.
Meanwhile, there’s big news from our show sponsor The Grill Guys of Missouri and co-owner Skyler Spartan fills us in on some big awards the outdoor-grilling store recently won.Finally, co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also recap their latest cooking adventures Lyndal previews the Tailgate Guys excursion to eastern Kansas to compete this weekend.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 304 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, one of the world’s open-fire cooking experts joins us. It’s Heath Riles, who’s headed to Memphis in May next week looking to bring home his first overall MIM Grand Championship after winning the Ribs championship two of the last 3 years. Heath will tell us how he’s been prepping for the world’s most-prestigious competition and his busy world, in which he has little down time with his cooking, shooting Youtube channel videos, promoting his product brand and recording his weekly Shootin’ the Que podcast. We discuss it all with one of the great people in BBQ.
We also go back under the radar this week, with Brad Vollmer from the Missouri team Meats my Mistress BBQ, learning his BBQ story. Then it’s time for our weekly trip to the Grill Guys of Missouri as Charlie Wallace has the latest from the southwest Missouri BBQ store. Finally, co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also recap their latest cooking adventures and break down the latest BBQ news, including the list of nominees for the American Royal World Series of BBQ Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We've been without power going on 36 hours following severe thunderstorms in our neck of the woods and were unable to complete recording for this week's show. But we do have an abbreviated Episode 303 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with Charlie Wallace of The Grill Guys of Missouri, previewing a backyard Ribs and Brisket class coming to the store taught by none other than "Fergie" Richard Fergola.
Look for a new, full-edition show next week. Thanks for listening and thanks to our sponsors and marketing partners:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Operating a successful BBQ restaurant in 2025 can be a difficult endeavor with rising food costs and fielding a dependable work force, not to mention producing consistently, quality food. To overcome the many challenges, Jeff Fitter has transformed one of the long-time BBQ institutions of the St. Louis area into a new model with a combination of offerings. So far, it’s been a hit with customers and on Episode 302 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Jeff about Papa’s Diner/Super Smokers BBQ where patrons can order breakfast all day, grab traditional diner food or enjoy some of the traditional championship BBQ that Super Smokers is known for.
We also take our weekly trip to Republic as Skyler Spartan brings us the latest from The Grill Guys of Missouri. Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also recap their latest cooking adventures and recap another Grand Championship on the competition circuit by our hometown friend Brad Leighninger.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 301 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we learn the background of Steve Smith, a Florida pitmaster who’s had two portions of a competition career. Smith’s current team, Mad Dog BBQ, is ranked second in the 2025 KCBS Team of the Year standings behind the runaway freight train that is Brad Leighninger and Gettin’ Basted. Steve tells us about the season to this point and about his backstory, going back to the Days he was Blazin’ 7s BBQ and a teammate of Lynnae Oxley on the All-Star season of BBQ Pitmasters, when they advanced to the finals of the popular Destination American television program.
We also take our weekly trip to Republic as Charlie Wallace brings us the latest from The Grill Guys of Missouri. Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also recap their latest cooking adventures with Steve offering some tips on how to make that holiday ham extra flavorful from the grill or smoker.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Helping us celebrate Episode 300 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is one of busiest and move-innovative people in the open-fire cooking world. Tim Scheer, owner of Blues Hog and Marble Ridge Farms joins us to discuss Blues Hogs’ sponsorship of a NASCAR team owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., plus five new sauces unveiled this week to bring the lineup to a dozen. How does he come up with sauce ideas and take them to brain to palate? He discusses the process. Tim also tells us about a new partnership with Smokin Brothers, which will manufacture Gateway Drum Smokers. And finally, Memphis is May is a month away and Team Blues Hog has its sights set on regaining the World Championship it brought home in 2022.
Also joining us is long-time show friend Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ, who’s especially upbeat after his Florida Gators brought home an NCAA basketball championship. “Fergie” has a new direction in his BBQ journey in 2025 as he’s taking his teaching skills on the road, with a special emphasis on helping the backyard cook. He also is expanding the branding of Richard Fergola BBQ Rubs into more and more locations. (Note: Fergie has a Ribs and Brisket class scheduled for May 1 at The Grill Guys of Missouri).
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve break down their recent BBQ adventures and take a quick tour of the sports world.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
As we kick off the month of April, we discuss two of our favorite past times with the guys from the Baseball & BBQ Podcast. Jeff Cohen and Leonard Aberman have channeled a love for two of their favorite passions into a show that’s mirrored our time in the podcast world and on Episode 299 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we have a fun conversation with the two New Yorkers.
Meanwhile, Lyndal recaps the debut of the Tailgate Guys competition team’s cooking season and Steve reviews his latest open-fire cooking adventure in his backyard. We also take our weekly trip to Republic where Charlie Wallace has the latest from The Grill Guys of Missouri.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Mister Brisket #thighlife
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 298 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 298 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features a conversation with Rod Gray, CEO of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. During his nearly three years in leading the world’s largest competition BBQ organization, there have been ups and downs and we cover some of those with Rod after he gives us a preview of the 7th annual KCBS World Championships coming up in May in Lebanon, Tenn.
We also welcome back Kevin Green from show sponsor The Butcher Shoppe with a rundown on the meat industry and what trends he’s seeing in 2025, plus a review of his business for those who aren’t familiar with it. Meanwhile, Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri has the latest from the Republic, Missouri, BBQ store. And co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their own cooking weeks and discuss March Madness plus the start of the Major League baseball season.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza Mister Brisket
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 298 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of the most-popular and enjoyable recurring segments of the show the last couple of years have been the “Under the Radar” looks at up-and-coming competition teams. This week on Episode 297 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we go Under the Radar with Dan Wright of Take it Easy BBQ from the St. Louis area. Take it Easy BBQ is making big strides after winning St. Louis BBQ Society Rookie Team of the Year in 2023 and is ready for a big run at a busy KCBS schedule this season. We also welcome a new show sponsor, Mr. Brisket out of Ohio. Competition meat director Aaron Huentelman serves up some knowledge about Mr. Brisket, the “Official Chicken Thighs Sponsor” for the Tailgate Guys BBQ competition team in 2025. Check out misterbrisket.com for more info about the store.
Meanwhile, we check in with Charlie Wallace for the latest from The Grill Guys of Missouri while co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their own cooking weeks and make their March Madness bracket picks.
(Find our show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Facebook page (link in IG bio)
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 294 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We talk spice rubs on Episode 296 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with one of the best in the business. Josh DeWitt began experimenting with spice combinations in his kitchen several years ago to begin a path that led to winning one of the industry’s biggest awards when his JDQ Spicy was named Best Rub on the Planet in 2023 by the American Royal World Series of BBQ. Josh recently added a new JDQ Sweet Garlic rub to his lineup of JDQ Sweet and JDQ Spicy and he talks about the evolution of his still-one-man business - and touches on his competition cooking with teammate Jeremy Williams in a fun segment.
In a couple of weeks, Josh and Jeremy will bring the JDQ knowledge to The Grill Guys of Missouri for a class on chicken and pulled pork for the backyard cook. Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys also stops by with the latest news from their store in Republic, Mo., including a new product from Gozney that has attracted lots of attention.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their own cooking weeks and visit about March Madness, one of the best times of the year for sports fans.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 294 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 295 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with BBQ’s new world champions. That’s Josh Hale from Sure Shot BBQ out of Leander, Texas, who teamed up with wife Stacy and Reagan “No Shoes” Broesche - cooking on behalf of Always Able But Confused Cookers - to win Grand Championship honors at the 248-team Houston Livestock Rodeo and BBQ last weekend. Cooking at the massive event for just the second time, Sure Shot was Pure Shot in taking home overall honors in one of competition BBQ’s majors. Josh tells us how it went down and about his team’s background in the sport.
We also continue our “Under the Radar” segment, learning about new or up-and-coming teams with a trip to northern Indiana. Ken Seales of Porkasaurus Rex BBQ and his crew have mostly focused on KCBS Backyard division comps since getting started a couple of years ago, but have started to jump into the Masters’ Series with plans to do a few more of those in 2025.
Our weekly stop with The Grill Guys of Missouri finds Charlie Wallace providing the latest rundown from the Ozarks’ fast-rising BBQ store. Co-host Lyndal Scranton reviews a great time at Chris Schafer’s Heavy Smoke BBQ competition class and Steve Koehler reviews his week cooking on the back deck, with a suggestion of chuck roast as a cheaper sub for brisket.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 294 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 294 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we learn the story of Stephen Nieto - or “Stevo” as he’s known on the competition trail. Stephen and his Stevo’s BBQ Team out of Henderson, Nevada is coming off his third career Grand Championship as the Best in the Southwest in Yuma, Ariz., beating out a star-studded lineup. Stevo is a military veteran who not only has become a champion in the BBQ world, he’s used competition BBQ as a springboard to successfully combat his post-military PTSD.
We also go back Under the Radar with Jacob Watt from Kansas City team Smoke This Drink That BBQ. Jacob has gone from the Backyard to Masters series and quickly found success and he tells us about why he and wife Paige enjoy competition BBQ so much.
We also check in with Skyler Spartan for the latest news from The Grill Guys of Missouri in Republic, where they have a couple of new rubs on the shelves to join the more than 300 already available. And co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking week, which included some tasty vittles grilled in the suddenly warmer Midwest weather.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 294 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We’ve had the honor of talking to numerous BBQ champions on a regular basis over the years. Sometimes, we also have brought you champions before they emerged. On Episode 293 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we offer up a double-dose of “Under the Radar” with the stories of a pair of up-and-coming competition pitmasters - Tommy Blackmon of Blue Smoke Q out of Georgia and Josh Lenhart of Ohio’s Buckeye Flavor BBQ.
We also check in with Charlie Wallace for the latest news from The Grill Guys of Missouri in Republic, where they want to see what you’ve been cooking in the Midwest snow. And co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview warmer days ahead and take a quick tour of the sports world.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 293 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 292 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, the guys review the big football game (which turned into a Super Dud) and how the food was the definite star of the day. We also talk it over with Nicholas Owensby from Sailor Nick’s BBQ about happenings in the Great Lakes BBQ Association, with a big Competition BBQ 101 class coming up soon.
We check in with Skyler Spartan for the latest news from The Grill Guys of Missouri in Republic, where a couple of big classes have been scheduled that you will want to sign up early for. Learn more on the segment or check out grillguys417.com for more info.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 292 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The biggest football game of the season is this week and with it comes the biggest food day of the year for many. On Episode 291 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we try to help make Super Bowl Sunday a Super Food Sunday by bringing in the powerhouse duo from Smoke ’n Magic BBQ, Breana Via and Brad Colter, with some suggestions on how to plan for - and then execute - a game-day menu. Make sure to check out their YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve take a look at the match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles and also make their fearless picks for Super Bowl LIX.
We also check in with Charlie Wallace for the latest news from The Grill Guys of Missouri in Republic. if you need something to make sure you’re ready for Super Sunday - or any day of the week to break out the smoker - The Grill Guys have it.
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 290 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Nebraska in January to cook BBQ? It doesn’t sound like a dream scenario - especially after blowing out a trailer tire early during a projected 11-hour drive. But everything came up paradise for Buddy Hammett of Shiggin’ Ain’t Easy BBQ from Westland, Mich., who captured Grand Championship honors at the SVJ Winter Rub in Omaha. On Episode 290 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Buddy about his sixth career Grand Championship, what he overcame to achieve it and his BBQ journey since it began six years ago.
We also take a trip to The Grill Guys of Missouri where Skyler Spartan tells us what’s happening this week at the outstanding BBQ supply store in Republic. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve celebrate warmer temps with upcoming cooking plans and look ahead to how they plan to watch the Super Bowl (hint: nothing personal, but you won’t be receiving an invitation to their viewing parties).
A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 290 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We kick off Season 7 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with a friend of the show going back to our early days on local radio in 2016. Not only is he a hometown hero, but Brad Leighninger is arguably the best to light a pit - and he’s never been better than currently. Brad and Gettin’ Basted already has three Grand Championships since the KCBS points season began in November and is off and running toward a fourth Team of the Year honor. The new KCBS Hall of Famer from the organization’s inaugural 2025 induction class touches on a variety of subjects, including the possibility of cooking Memphis in May under the Gettin’ Basted banner for the first time, tweaking competition flavors and his various restaurant endeavors.
Meanwhile, Skyler Spartan from show sponsor The Grill Guys of Missouri stops in to tell us about some new products at the southwest Missouri store. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve catch up on their winter cooking adventures and make their NFL predictions for the respective AFC and NFC championship games.
As a new season begins, a big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Marty "Sign Man" Prather Domino’s #pizza
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 289 editions are archived.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
First of all, the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast wishes all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are grateful to all our listeners, sponsors and marketing partners who dialed up the show in 2024 and we finish off Season 6 with a Hall of Fame featured guest.
Mike Wozniak and Quau BBQ out of Brimfield, Ill., is one of the many great inductees in the inaugural KCBS Hall of Fame class coming up in January. On Episode 288 of the show, we talk it over with Mike about his competition career, which ran from 2001-2021 and included 76 Grand Championships. Mike discusses what competition cooking was like in the early days and the ways it differs from today.
Also stopping by as we close out the year is Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ. “Fergie” is sure to be one of the hottest free agents in BBQ with the recent announcement that Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions is closing at the end of the month. He’s been marketing director at Proud Souls the last two years and has a wealth of knowledge about the industry. We talk to him about what’s next, including his tell-all competition classes.
We also take a trip just down the road from our home base to check in with Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri. The specialty BBQ store in Republic, Mo., has some dandy holiday specials going on and Skyler fills us in. Stop in and see The Grill Guys for all your open-fire shopping needs whether it’s grills, smokers, seasonings, sauces or accessories.
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ - where all 288 editions are archived. We’ll return in a few weeks to kick off Season 7.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making Season 6 of the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ holiday season! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We’re back from a break - some of it by choice for Thanksgiving, some not due to some personal issues that needed attention - for Episode 287 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. One of our favorites, “The BBQ Ninja” Craig Verhage, joins us for an always-fun conversation.
Craig, who’s been involved heavily in BBQ competition and marketing for more than two decades, discusses how he’s able to be every-day-Craig along with his alter-ego of The BBQ Ninja. As marketing director for Royal Oak Charcoal since 2020, Craig discusses another strong season in various sanctioning bodies for Team Royal Oak. He also gives us a few hints about some new products coming down the line in 2025.
We also take a trip just down the road from our home base to check in with Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri. The specialty BBQ store in Republic, Mo., has some dandy holiday specials going on and Charlie fills us in. Stop in and see The Grill Guys for all your open-fire shopping needs whether it’s grills, smokers, seasonings, sauces or accessories.
Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ. We’ll return next week for the final show of 2025.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making Season 6 of the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
They have more than just a cool team name.
We’re talking about the guys from Burnt Skull BBQ. Joe Ricklefs, Adam Burch and Brandon Rose are friends from the Kansas City area who began their competition BBQ journey in 2023 and have had their walking shoes on ever since. Recently at the 44th American Royal World Series of Barbecue, in just its 15th KCBS competition, Burnt Skull finished an impressive sixth place overall in the 444-team Open. On Episode 286 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with the guys from Burnt Skull about the outstanding result and how they’ve been able to achieve outstanding results so quickly.
It’s Thanksgiving week and Breana Via has some tips for the big day in our Smoke ’n Magic Minute. Need some supplies before Turkey Day? Then you’ll want to listen to Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri who has some ideas.
Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal review their cooking weeks and look ahead to their Thanksgiving cooking plans and take a quick tour of the sports world, touching on the Kansas City Chiefs’ first defeat of the season.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 285 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with the newest major champion of the BBQ world. Kyle Kuhn of Hot Daddy’s BBQ out of Grasston, Minn., reviews the competition BBQ journey of he and wife Amy from humble beginnings on a home-built offset smoker to winning the American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational. It was the sixth Grand Championship of 2024 and 12th over the last three seasons and Kyle talks about the key to how Hot Daddy’s went from simply good to consistently great as they learned to cook on Hunsaker Drum Smokers.
It’s also time for our monthly check-in with Richard Fergola from Proud Souls BBQ and Provisions Kansas City. “Fergie” reviews his American Royal and the strong showing by several Proud Souls-backed teams. He also offers some tips on how to smoke that Thanksgiving turkey like a seasoned pro. Brad Colter stops by for our weekly Smoke ’n Magic Minute, reviewing their busy American Royal and with some news of an upcoming brisket class.
Skyler Spartan of The Grill Guys of Missouri also stops by to talk about outdoor ovens and how this might be a great time to think about getting one, as prices have come down on some great models.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking adventures of the past week and take a tour of the sports world, including a look at the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs’ most-recent triumph.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Swing and a long drive, deep left field … back, back, back … GONE!
To borrow a baseball analogy, John Shirey II of Chunky BBQ hit the ultimate open-fire walk-off over the weekend at Kansas Speedway. Shirey and wife Stephanie won the 44th annual American Royal World Series of BBQ Open Grand Championship - a field of 444 teams from around the globe. Not only was it a major championship, it vaulted the Hershey, Pennsylvania team to KCBS Team of the Year honors by one point over 2023 champ Janky Leg BBQ. What a feat it was and on Episode 284 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with John about the thrill, the nerves, the aftermath, the exhaustion and what’s next for Chunky BBQ in 2025.
We also review our American Royal weekend where the Tailgate Guys competition team got to take a treasured walk for the third time in four years, this time with an 8th-place in baked beans. Some of our other scores also were pretty darned respectable as well (and some weren’t) to cap a trip that had its challenges from a blown trailer tire en route to heavy rain on cook morning. A special shout-out to our friend Marty "Sign Man" Prather for supporting our Royal journey.
Charlie Wallace of The Grill Guys of Missouri stops by for a rundown of their venture into competition at Wingapalooza in downtown Springfield, where they took home some hardware.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We’re off to the American Royal World Series of BBQ, but before departure we visited with some folks who are going to be a big part of the weekend. First up is Danielle Bennett, better known in the BBQ world as Diva Q. A championship competition pitmaster before launching a career as a television personality, cookbook author and brand ambassador, Diva Q will be honored on Saturday at The Royal as part of the 2024 BBQ Hall of Fame Class. She talks about her career and if she’s offended by the term “female pitmaster.” As usual, she’s a great interview.
The next time we complain about the weather or wind or whatever when it comes to cooking outdoors, it’ll be time to think of Shane Howard and Brenda Harrison. The Colorado pitmasters are blind - but return to cook their second American Royal this weekend as Blind Butt Limitless BBQ. How do they do it? It’s far from a novelty act. Shane and Brenda finished 106th among 487 teams at last year’s Royal and hope to do even better this time. Either way, they invited you to stop by and see them at space No. 347 and talk some Q.
We also check in with Breana Via of Smoke ’n Magic BBQ about their Royal preparation, and Skyler Spartan has the latest from The Grill Guys of Missouri.
Meanwhile, if you’re at The Royal this weekend, stop by and see the Tailgate Guys team at spot No. 168.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We bring you double star power on Episode 282 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. First up is Jess Pryles, the Hardcore Carnivore. She’s not only an expert on all things meat and open-fire cooking, Jess now has her own television show. We visit with the native of Australia and transplanted Texan about her show “Hardcore Carnivore” now airing Season 1 on Outdoor Channel (check your local listings). Season 2 already has been recorded and will air sometime in 2025.
We also catch up with “Big Poppa” himself, Sterling Ball, one of the all-star lineup of inductees selected for the KCBS Hall of Fame coming up in January ceremonies. Sterling, with 46 career KCBS Grand Championships including the 2012 American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational, talks about his frustrations with the withering of competitions on the west coast and beyond, why he isn’t going to The Royal in 2024 and what’s new with his Big Poppa Smokers business.
We also visit with Breana Via of Smoke N Magic BBQ about this week’s Boo-B-Que in Oak Grove, Mo., and Charlie Wallace for what’s happening at The Grill Guys of Missouri.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Scuffletown Smokers has been a successful competition team for several years, but because the family team from Boonville, Indiana, cooks a limited amount of events perhaps many aren’t familiar with them. Well, that all changed last weekend when head cook Alby Ransom and Scuffletown Smokers became the sports newest “major” champ by winning the Jack Daniels World Invitational. On Episode 281 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Alby about the big win and his team’s steady journey to success on the competition scene.
Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ and Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions Kansas City also previews a busy upcoming stretch for him and the store. We also visit with Brad Colter for the latest from Smoke N Magic BBQ and Skyler Spartan for what’s happening at The Grill Guys of Missouri.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The world’s largest BBQ competition is coming up in a few weeks. The American Royal World Series of BBQ at Kansas Speedway brings together more than 400 teams, from all over the world, and on Episode 280 we have a roundtable discussion with three first-time Royal teams - Nicholas Owensby of Sailor Nick’s BBQ from Wadsworth, Ohio; Jamie Mintz from Casual Smokers in Spartanburg, S.C.; and Jim St. Gemme of The Burnt Crow out of St. Louis. We get some background from each about their BBQ journeys and find out their expectations about the first experience at the American Royal.
We also check in with Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri with the latest news from the Republic, Mo., BBQ supply store and their recent road trip to the headquarters of Big Green Egg in Atlanta.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 279 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features “Fast Eddy” Ed Maurin, a member of the BBQ Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Ed is one of seven inductees joining the Hall on Nov. 2 during ceremonies held at the American Royal World Series of BBQ at Kansas Speedway. One of the heavy hitters on the competition circuit back in the late 1980s and 1990s, “Fast Eddy” made an even bigger impact on the BBQ world as an innovator and builder of pellet smokers. He tells stories of how it all came to be and how cooking pizza on high-temp pellet-fired cookers is his new frontier.
We also check in with Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri with the latest news from the Republic, Mo., BBQ supply store and Brad Colter of Smoke n Magic BBQ with the latest tips and tricks for your backyard BBQ game.
Find the show on your favorite #podcast platform or on our Tailgate Guys BBQ Facebook page - link in IG bio.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 278 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with one of the all-time greats of competition cooking about his latest business venture. Travis Clark recently opened a new Clark Crew BBQ restaurant in Tulsa to go with his flagship location in Oklahoma City. Travis discusses the myriad of issues that crop up when opening a new venue and how his intense quest for winning in his competition days translate to the restaurant world. Travis also confirms that he is finished with competition BBQ after a successful 11-year run that saw him win 60 KCBS Grand Championships in 258 career events, an astonishing 23-percent winning percentage. Included were wins at the American Royal World Series of BBQ, the Jack Daniels World Invitational and two KCBS Team of the Year titles.
We also check in with Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri with the latest news from the Republic, Mo., BBQ supply store and Brad Colter of Smoke n Magic BBQ with the latest tips and tricks for your backyard BBQ game. It’s also good to have Steve Koehler back in the co-host chair after a recent stint on the injured list.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Long-time competition cook Joel Fleetwood never dreamed of having his Meat Rushmore BBQ team’s name on a BBQ restaurant. But after winning last weekend’s Made for KC event, that’s exactly what will happen in the fall of 2025. On Episode 277 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Joel talks about what the opportunity to have naming rights, with menu construction and a new line of Meat Rushmore BBQ products means. Also the president of the KCBS Board of Directors, Joel also gives us a couple of newsy nuggets about the organization.
We also check in with Richard Fergola for the latest happenings at Proud Souls BBQ and Provisions Kansas City, where you can pre-order top-quality meat and supplies for the American Royal World Series of BBQ. On our Smoke ’n Magic Minute, Breana Via tells us how the Smoke ’n Magic rib rub can be used on more than ribs. And we take a trip to Republic, Mo., where Skyler Spartan has a rundown of the news from The Grill Guys of Missouri.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
“The Doctor” is in on Episode 276 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast.
Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe, one of the all-time greats of open-fire cooking, joins us this week and we begin by talking about his time on the Food Network Show BBQ Brawl, Season 5, which aired over the summer. Ray talks about what it was like being “the old guy” on a show with a lineup of young chefs who brought an amazing culinary background to the table. It just didn’t seem right at “Dr. BBQ” was eliminated for being tasked with cooking a meatless steak. He gives his take. We also discuss some upcoming adventures, his line of rubs and what else he’s doing to avoid “retirement” these days.
As a sidenote, we want to publicly thank Ray for being a friend of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show since its inception on low-powered local radio back in 2016.
We also check in Breana Via of Smoke N Magic BBQ as she previews this weekend’s Made for KC event and take a trip to Republic where Charlie Wallace gives us the latest from The Grill Guys of Missouri.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 275 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we shine the light on a recent first-time KCBS Grand Championship winner. Chris Leikam and Devin Schwartz from the Kansas competition team Finger Leikam Good were college friends at Kansas State and enjoyed cooking before Wildcats football games at Snyder Family Stadium. They eventually took their love for open-fire cooking to the KCBS backyard and eventually Master’s competition and now are enjoying the best season of their career. Chris and Devin talk about the journey and why comp Q appeals to them so much.
We also head into the big Labor Day Weekend with Brad Colter from Smoke N Magic BBQ with a tip or two and we head to Republic, Mo., to check in with Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Steve and Lyndal talk about their upcoming holiday weekend cooking plans and take a quick tour of the sports world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
He’s lived the American Dream, a United States Navy veteran who worked the overnight shift at the Des Moines, Iowa, water treatment plant. During his spare time, Moe Cason fired up the smoker and dabbled in competition BBQ. On a suggestion from the legendary Johnny Trigg, “Big Moe” sent in an audition video for the groundbreaking BBQ television program BBQ Pitmasters. Now, Moe is a full-blown BBQ celebrity who travels the world spreading his love for open-fire cooking. On Episode 274 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, he joins us to talk about his first cookbook, “Big Moe’s Big Book of BBQ.” It’s an epic 28-minute conversation with one of our favorite pitmasters.
We’re also joined by Richard Fergola for our monthly visit with the latest from Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions Kansas City. Breana Via has a tip of how to up the flavor of veggies on the grill in our Smoke N Magic Minute and Skyler Spartan checks in from The Grill Guys of Missouri. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and talk a little sports before dousing this week’s fire.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 273 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we learn about a new competition and festival in mid-Missouri that will include three sanctioning bodies. It’s the Buds, Blues & BBQ in Columbia, Sept. 13-14, with opportunities to enter the KCBS Master’s Series regular comp plus one-meat chicken cook, a Steak Cookoff Association comp and the new Ribs Cookoff Association event. Event organizer John Borland tells us about what’s happening and other activities that include a music festival on the grounds.
We take our weekly trip for the latest from the Grill Guys of Missouri and Smoke N Magic BBQ. Also this week, we’re bringing a portion of a tremendous conversation with Harry Soo of Slap Yo Daddy BBQ back for an encore presentation.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Whether it’s cooking in the backyard or the highest level of competition, Christie Vanover is someone who has been instrumental in helping open-fire cooks worldwide up their games since she launched her GirlsCanGrill.com website in 2015. With recipes, tips, product reviews and much more, it’s a one of the top resources available. Christie joins us on Episode 272 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast and we touch on a variety of topics, including her experience on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl Season 4 and a KCBS competition she’s organizing in her home city of Las Vegas in December. Christie’s segment begins at the 11:48 mark of the episode.
On our weekly segments, Breana Via of Smoke N Magic BBQ has some tips for kicking up chicken on the grill at 39:28 and at 44:28 Skyler Spartan has the latest happenings from Grills Guys of Missouri. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their cooking weeks and take a quick tour of the sports world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 271 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast has arrived and it has a variety of guests as we welcome the month of August.
At the 7:58 mark, Emmy-award-winning television news producer turned author and now podcast host David Page returns to discuss his latest project. Page’s new podcast “Culinary Characters Unlocked” debuts Aug. 27 as he goes in-depth some of the world’s top chefs and up-and-coming cooks - including some from the open-fire world.
One of the fast-rising pitmasters in competition cooking joins us at the 40:30 mark. Jonathon Indermuehle of Colorado’s Heifers, Butts & Clucks has won back-to-back KCBS Grand Championships and has six top-10 finishes in just six 2024 events. Jonathon and his family team is showing that there’s no substitute for dedication and determination.
On our recurring segments, Charlie Wallace has the latest from Grill Guys of Missouri at 56:07 and Brad Colter of Smoke N Magic has a tasty technique for chicken thighs at the 60:50 mark. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve start and finish with their weekly cooking recaps and some thoughts on the sports world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s become one of the jewels on the late-season KCBS calendar, a doubleheader to cap the points season. But only a few days ago, the 4th annual Boo-B-Que was on the verge of cancellation. No worries. The Oct. 25-27 event in Oak Grove, Mo., will go on after Greg Hastie, who began the event three years ago but had too much on his plate to run it again, turned to contest organizer extraordinaire Corey Linton. We’ll hear from both Greg and Corey about plans for Boo-B-Que on Episode 270.
We also catch up with the O.G. Bandits, Josh Farley and Ashton Smith. They won naming rights for the BBQ restaurant in the new KCI Airport at last year’s Made for KC competition and now, six months into the year-long restaurant tenure, are launching their new O.G. Bandits food truck business. They join us with some details.
Meanwhile, co-host Lyndal reviews the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s failure at last weekend’s Smokin’ on the Osage while Steve breaks down his backyard cooking plans for the weekend ahead. That’s after our weekly visits with The Grill Guys of Missouri and the Smoke ’n Magic Minute with Breana Via.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
After running hard in 2023, cooking 44 contests as he successfully chased KCBS Team of the Year honors, Jordan Kirkpatrick and Janky Leg BBQ has slowed the pace a bit this season. But after an addition to the family and a home remodel project, Janky Leg is back and ready for a big second half, evidenced by the team’s first GC of the year last weekend in Cameron, Mo. On Episode 269 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Jordan Kirkpatrick tells us about his mind-set looking ahead as he also reflects on last season.
Our “Under the Radar” segment, where we visit with up-and-coming competition teams, returns. Matt Fisher of Matty Macks BBQ out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, discusses how he got started as a member of the Iowa BBQ Store-inspired “Corn Cookers” and how he captured his first Reserve Grand Championship earlier this year.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their cooking weeks and a few items form the sports world. That’s after our weekly visits with The Grill Guys of Missouri and the Smoke ’n Magic Minute with Brad Colter.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 268 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with one of the top teams on the West Coast - and one of the best in the USA. Dave and Shirin Mara from Meat Candy Q out of El Cajon, Calif., is enjoying a terrific 2024 season with one KCBS Grand Championship and and three RGCs in just 10 competitions. Meat Candy is sixth in the Team of the Year race and we catch up with Dave and Shirin to inquire about what’s working and why they’ve decided to make an upcoming three-week, five-competition swing through the hot and humid central part of the country.
Then it’s time to check in with Richard Fergola for the latest news from Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions and Fergolicious BBQ. Meanwhile, we take our weekly trip to The Grill Guys of Missouri to talk it over with Skyler Spartan and Breana Via checks in with this week’s Smoke N Magic BBQ Minute.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Happy 4th of July to all! To celebrate, Episode 267 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features two great guests. Leading off is one of the best to ever light a pit, BBQ Hall of Famer Darren Warth from Iowa Smokey D’s. While he’s won more than 100 grand championships during his career, including multiple majors, Darren accomplished a first last weekend in Idaho as he won a KCBS competition by cooking all four meats on one Gateway Drum Smoker. We visit with “The GOAT” about how he did it, what still drives him to compete and about his latest BBQ adventure in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa.
It’s then time to catch up with Norris “Syd” Sydnor from Good Googly Goo BBQ out of Baltimore. Syd captured the recent Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle on historic Pennsylvania Ave., in Washington, D.C. He breaks down how he overcame some obstacles to pull off career GC No. 5 and previews the rest of his season, which will include a trip back to the Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational this fall where he was Reserve Grand Champion in 2022.
Meanwhile, we take our weekly trip to The Grill Guys of Missouri and co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their latest cooking adventures.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Mike and Nichole Mulkey of Mulkey’s BBQ from St. Louis are one of the many successful husband-wife competition BBQ teams in the country. On Episode 266 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we learn how they work together after Mulkey’s won the Grand Championship at the 172-team Great Lenexa BBQ Battle. The back-to-back St. Louis BBQ Society Team of the Year has a shared passion for BBQ and the competition it provides since they began just a few years ago.
We also hear from Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri with the latest from the Republic, Missouri, BBQ store. Look for The Grill Guys serving up tasty treats from their “Vegan Recovery Center” food truck on June 28 at the Hav-A-Blast 4th of July celebration in Republic. Also on the show, Brad Colter has news of a Ribs class coming up on June 29 in our Smoke ’n Magic BBQ Minute.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and take a quick tour of the sports world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We asked for nominations for up-and-coming competition BBQ pitmasters or teams and our listeners delivered with lots of great suggestions. This week on Episode 265 of the Tailgate Guys BBGQ Podcast, we bring you an extended “Under the Radar” segment with Joe Wilson and B.J. Searcy from the northern California team Cherry Anchor BBQ. Despite only doing a handful of KCBS Master’s Series events, Joe and B.J. have been quick studies in success, with two Grand Championships to their credit so far this year.
We also talk it over with Skyler Spartan about the latest news from The Grill Guys of Missouri and Breana Via from Smoke ’n Magic BBQ discusses a couple of event coming up this weekend in the Kansas City area.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and take a quick tour of the sports world, including some thoughts on the passing of baseball icon Willie Mays.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 264 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, our “Under the Radar” segment returns by popular demand. This week, our look at an up-and-coming pitmaster focuses on Kansas City’s Lane York of Aww Shucks BBQ. York’s primary focus has been on KCBS Backyard competition so far, but he’s done well in limited Masters’ Series attempts and does so without all the bells and whistles.
We also check in with Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ for the latest happenings at Proud Souls BBQ and Provisions. “Fergie” also reviews his memorable week at Smoke Slam in Memphis and previews his summer cooking plans and the re-branding of his line of BBQ rubs.
Our Smoke ’n Magic Minute is back and Brad Colter has a recipe for a tasty, grill-inspired drink just in time for Father’s Day weekend. If you want pizza on the grill, Charlie Wallace from Grill Guys of Missouri has a deal or two for you from the Republic, Missouri store.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and take a quick tour of the sports world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s an action packed Episode 263 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with an assortment of guests with good info and stories to tell.
First up at the 9:26 mark is Charles Simpson, with a preview of the National High School BBQ Championships coming up this weekend (June 7-9) in Branson, Missouri. As director of the Missouri High School BBQ Association and coach of Osceola High School’s teams in west-central Missouri, Simpson runs down the format in Branson and talks about the growth of high school BBQ and the life skills to the youngsters that will extend beyond their teen years.
We love it when Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast “Under the Radar” teams go on to find big success. Another example is Kyle Johnson and T-Rex BBQ out of Newton, Iowa. Kyle rolled up to Owatonna, Minnesota in a last-minute decision to compete and took home Grand Championship honors at the Smokin’ in Steele competition for GC No. 2. Starting at the 26:49 mark, Kyle tells his BBQ story and why the latest was so meaningful to him.
After a couple of weeks traveling, our Smoke ’n Magic Minute is back at the 46:27 mark and Breana Via gives us the latest happenings with the Kansas City-area competition team and brand ambassadors. We also take a trip at 50:25 to Republic, Missouri for news from The Grill Guys of Missouri from store co-owner Charlie Wallace.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and take a quick tour of the sports world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The 6th annual KCBS World Invitational was held over Memorial Day Weekend in Lebanon, Tenn., and on Episode 262 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we talk it over with both of the big winners.
Drew Davis of Razorracks BBQ out of Pleasant Plains, Ark., has won 28 KCBS Grand Championships during his career. But Drew and wife Chelsey picked up their biggest title when Razorracks scored a 708.548 to top the 81-team World Invitational. Razorracks also was a solid third in the Open the day before and Drew discusses the weekend, what it’s like being a “canopy cooker” dealing with the elements and how he chooses whether to use his Jambo or Gateway Drum Smokers (he wins on both) on a given weekend.
We also talk it over with the Grand Champion from the World Open, Brad Cox of Local Yokels BBQ from Crossville, Ill. Like Razorracks, Local Yokels is a family team with Brad’s wife, Jocelyn, and their two daughters. Local Yokels had a near-flawless cook, scoring 709.72 to lead a 118-team field in the Open. It was the seventh GC in just 65 career KCBS comps and Brad gives a rundown of how they got started in competition BBQ and some keys to his success.
Co-host Steve Koehler kicks off the show with a review a recent trip he and wife Donna took to Texas, where they made a tour of some popular BBQ joints - including the world-famous Franklin’s in Austin. Steve said it did not disappoint.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We’re all about celebrating the iconic BBQ teams on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, but we also love to shine the spotlight on those up-and-coming teams who achieve big things. This week on Episode 261, we focus on Barking Dog BBQ out of Kansas City, a team of childhood friends Dave Lillis, Kevin Bunting and Brian Tuttle. Barking Dog BBQ (we explore the origin and meaning of that unique team name) just won its first career KCBS Grand Championship and we talk the guys about their love of BBQ and how they’ve been able to take it to a championship level.
We also talk Memorial Day Weekend cooking plans with Charlie Wallace from the Grill Guys of Missouri, where Charlie and his long-time friend and co-store-owner Skyler Spartan have opened a food truck. On our weekly BBQ news and notes, we recap results from Memphis in May and SmokeSlam and run through the roll call of Grand Champions from the past week.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and team review their cooking weeks, which included a seventh-place finish for the Tailgate Guys BBQ team in West Plains, Missouri, and Steve reports from Texas where he’s on a BBQ expedition.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 260 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast takes us to the Phoenix area to visit with Kyle Matuszewski, owner-operator of Your Behind BBQ restaurant in Florence. Kyle is a long-time competitor on the Steak Cookoff Association and KCBS trails and he’s parlayed that success into a red-hot start in the restaurant business. Kyle breaks down his story which includes how a restaurant owner deals with his first 1-star Yelp review.
Brad Colter and Breana Via from Smoke N Magic BBQ stop by for their weekly segment, reviewing their recent trip down under to participate in Meatstock Sydney. They also preview their appearance at Memphis in May this weekend, where they’ll be doing demos for Home Depot. On the Grill Guys of Missouri segment, Skyler Spartan gives the latest from the Republic, Mo., BBQ store.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their latest cooking adventures and plans, and they have some quick thoughts on a host of sports topics.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When we’re asked about BBQ restaurant recommendations in the St. Louis area, Heavy Smoke BBQ always is at the top of our list. On Episode 259 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with Chris Schafer, the owner-operator of Heavy Smoke BBQ about the constantly overlapping thrills and challenges of the restaurant industry. Chris also is one of the world’s top competition pitmasters, a past Grand Champion at both the Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational and KCBS Invitational World Championship. Heavy Smoke is No. 2 in the KCBS Team of the Year standings in 2024 and we ask Chris about a possible Team of the Year.
It’s also time for our monthly chat with Richard Fergola, pitmaster of Fergolicious BBQ and marketing director for Proud Souls BBQ and Provisions. “Fergie” is gearing up for a trip to the new Smoke Slam, next week in Memphis.
We also have our weekly segments with Breana Via of Smoke n Magic and Charlie Wallace from Grill Guys of Missouri. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their latest cooking adventures and plans, and they give some brutally honest opinions on the downfall of the St. Louis Cardinals on the sports segment.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of the greatest to light a pit - and a great friend of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show since the beginning on local, low-powered radio - joins us for an extended conversation on Episode 258. Brad Leighninger just passed the 11-year anniversary of his first BBQ Grand Championship. Now, 70 GCs later, Gettin’ Basted is a three-time KCBS Team of the Year, a Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational Grand Champion, Brad is a part of the Blues Hog 2022 Memphis in May World Champion. He’s also co-owner of four restaurants in the southwest Missouri area including a couple of new ones in the tourist-mecca of Branson. We visit with Brad on a variety of topics, including the upcoming Memphis in May.
“We’re coming in motivated,” Brad said of Team Blues Hog. “I wouldn’t bet against us.”
We also have our weekly segments with Brad Colter from Smoke n Magic and Skyler Spartan from Grill Guys of Missouri. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their latest cooking adventures and plans and preview their open-fire plans for the week ahead.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 257 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with one of world’s hottest pitmasters. Eric Coley from Alabama’s Poppa Pig BBQ is leading the KCBS Team of the Year standings with three Grand Championships and seven top-10 finishes in eight 2024 competitions. It’s a start that’s signaled a breakthrough after Eric went through a two-year stretch of top-10 finishes without nailing the GC. What has changed? Eric talks about that, plus his career in competition BBQ and how a DQ after missing turn-in with some of the best brisket he ever cooked was a big turning point.
In our weekly segments, we find out the latest from Smoke’n Magic BBQ from Breana Via and head to the Grill Guys of Missouri to chat with Charlie Wallace.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their latest cooking adventures and plans and preview their open-fire plans for the week ahead.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
#bbq #bbqpodcast #competitionbbq #tailgateguysbbq
Jon and Jason Wade of Optimus Swine BBQ out of Williamsburg, Virginia have one of the hottest competition BBQ teams around. Since moving into the KCBS Master’s division a couple of years ago, the Wades have seven Grand Championships and seven RGCs in 63 competitions. They also own and operate two BBQ restaurants in the Williamsburg area, Two Drummers Smokehouse and 2 Drummers Butchery and BBQ Provisions. On Episode 256 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with Jon Wade about the team’s success in both aspects of BBQ and about the crossover of restaurants and competition cooking.
We’ve seen far too many good BBQ competition disappear in recent years. It’s always great to see new ones come along and we find out more from organizer Vanessa Williams about the inaugural Give Local First Charity BBQ Festival, coming up May 17-18 in West Plains, Missouri. Vanessa gives us the rundown of what teams can expect (aside from a nice prize fund of $10,000) and how the public can attend and get a taste of the fun.
In our weekly Smoke N Magic Minute, Breana Via tells about heading to Meatstock in Sydney, Australia where Smoke N Magic will see how their American style competition BBQ stacks up against the native Aussies.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Based in north central North Dakota, Burnt Trees BBQ has a long haul no matter where it goes for a competition. But the husband-wife team of Nick and Shannon Holman is almost always a contender when it arrives, with its 2024 debut proving the point. Burnt Trees BBQ captured the 97-team Smoke in the Spring in Osage City, Kansas, topping the 700-point mark for the first time. On Episode 255 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Nick and Shannon about their shared BBQ passion and the challenges of being a northern-based competition team.
We also check in with Richard Fergola from Fergolicious BBQ and Proud Souls BBQ and Provisions. Fergie has been all over the map over the last month and he recounts some of the highlights of cooking in Costa Rica and New Orleans, while also previewing the Daniel Vogt Memorial Backyard Rib Contest and all-star pro demo day on Sunday, April 14 at Proud Souls Denver.
Weekly regulars Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri and Breana Via of Smoke N Magic BBQ also offer some tips and knowledge to up your cooking game.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also review the men’s and women’s NCAA Final Fours and take a glance at a tradition like no other, the Master’s.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There are dozens of options available these days for BBQ-themed podcasts, unlike just a few years ago when the options were relatively limited. One of the longest-running shows is Baseball and BBQ, with co-hosts Leonard Aberman and Jeff Cohen. Combining two of America’s favorite past times, Leonard and Jeff have found a sweet spot with engaging guests who speak with knowledge to baseball, BBQ or both. Now in season seven, we caught up with Len and Jeff as the Major League Baseball season gets underway and, even as their beloved New York Mets struggle, it’s always a good time when we talk Baseball and BBQ.
Also checking in with us are weekly regulars Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri and Brad Colter of Smoke N Magic BBQ.
Co-hosts Lyndal also discuss their cooking weeks and preview the Final Four for the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Welcome to Episode 253 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, where we’re joined by the founders of America’s foremost weekly digital news authority on live-fire cooking. It’s been a while since we visited with Ryan Cooper and Sean Ludwig from The Smoke Sheet. Their weekly newsletter that arrives in subscribers’ in-boxes each Wednesday and Friday with a variety of content including BBQ trends, restaurant features, product news and recipes. On our extended conversation, Ryan and Sean tell us about a recent excursion to the Carolinas where they experienced old-school and new-school BBQ restaurants. Later, they tell us storylines in the BBQ world they’re watching in 2024.
Subscribe to The Smoke Sheet at bbqnewsletter.substack.com
Also checking in with us are weekly regulars Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri with a feature product, and Breana Via from Smoke N Magic BBQ has a great tip for how to put an open-fire spin on Easter dinner.
Co-host Lyndal breaks down the Tailgate Guys BBQ competition team’s season opener and Steve reviews his backyard cooking week. The guys also talk NCAA Tournament and the opening of baseball season with their World Series picks.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Spring has officially arrived, which means there are BBQ competitions across the land each weekend from now through early November - not to mention hundreds of thousands of backyard cooks are firing up backyard smokers and grills. On Episode 252 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk to one of American’s most-colorful pitmasters and brand ambassadors, plus a Kansas City-area team that took home a big championship last weekend.
Starting us off at the 7:05 mark of the show is a conversation with Craig Verhage, marketing director of Royal Oak Charcoal. Craig tells us about the latest products on the market from Royal Oak and, in his role as “The BBQ Ninja,” takes us through a busy schedule of appearances at BBQ competitions and festivals across the land. It’s always fun to chop it up with The Ninja!
Also on the show:
26:21 - Skyler Spartan with the latest from The Grills Guys of Missouri.
29:15 - Brothers Mike and Tanner McGee from Pirates of BBQ Bay gives us a rundown of their Grand Championship at the Qlathe BBQ Championship in Olathe, Kansas and a look at the team’s history in the comp world.
50:50 - The Smoke ’n Magic minute with Brad Colter gives some advice to aspiring competition teams about the importance of practice cooking to a real-life timeline.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also begin and end the show with their latest BBQ adventures and take a stab at predicting the Final Four as March Madness gets underway.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s another guest-filled show on Episode 251 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Leading off is Joel Fleetwood of Meat Rushmore BBQ, which won three Grand Championships in 2023 on its way to an 11th-place finish in the KCBS Team of the Year standings. Joel also was recently voted president of the KCBS Board of Directors. We visit with Joel about his competition cooking and his role on the KCBS board. The segment begins at the 8:23 mark. Also on the show:
31:51 - Nick Davis of Double Barrel BBQ tells us about one he’s co-hosting with Wes Patterson from American Royal Pork Champion Wood Hook BBQ next month in Moodys, Okla.
39:00 - The Iowa State BBQ Championship has made a strong comeback and this year’s edition, March 29-30 in Altoona, looks like another good one. Joe Osbrink gives us some details.
45:57 - The Smoke ’n Magic minute with Breana Via offers some tasty ideas for St. Patrick’s weekend.
48;28 - Charlie Wallace tells us about some breaking news in our weekly Grill Guys of Missouri segment.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 250 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with two of competition BBQ’s top pitmasters - and most-colorful characters. First up is Richard Fergola from Fergolicious BBQ and marketing director of Proud Souls BBQ and Provisions. “Fergie” and the Proud Souls team is ready to throw a big first anniversary bash this Saturday, March 9th, at Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City. A full day of cooking demos and great food will be available.
Then it’s time to talk it over with Sterling Smith of Loot ’n Booty BBQ, a recent inductee into the California BBQ Association Hall of Fame. “Smitty” is always a great guest and this time he talks about the Hall of Fame honor plus his Loot ’n Booty Apple Cherry Sauce which recently earned first-place honors in the National BBQ Association awards.
Fergie and Smitty also are going to be teaching classes together, later this month in Costa Rica and suburban Chicago. What happens when they get together for a class? “It’s like riding a unicorn through a mystic land, full of meat and clowns. And there’s knives involved. And maybe we might talk about aliens or pyramids at some point,” Smith says.
We also hear from Gene Newkirk with the Kickin’ it on Route 66 BBQ Festival, Skyler Spartan with The Grill Guys weekly report and the Smoke ’n Magic BBQ Minute with Breana Via. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their weekly cooking adventures, plus take a quick spin through news and notes from the competition BBQ world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s been more than a decade since we first saw Harry Soo on the groundbreaking television show BBQ Pitmasters. People still come up to Harry to talk about his experiences, especially after re-runs of the show air on the cable channel Destination American most weekends. On Episode 249 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Harry recounts the beginning of his BBQ journey, the unscripted beginnings of BBQ Pitmasters and where’s it’s all led - to a full-time open-fire career as one of the world’s most-popular pitmasters. Harry and Slap Yo Daddy BBQ has a busy 2024 ahead with a new grill he helped design, classes, products and an always-expanding library of how-to videos on his Youtube channel. It’s always a blast to chat with Harry and this is no exception.
We also hear from Charlie Wallace with The Grill Guys weekly report, plus the Smoke ’n Magic BBQ Minute with Breana Via. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their weekly cooking adventures, plus take a quick spin through news and notes from the competition BBQ world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 248 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we take a virtual trip to New England and talk it over with one of America’s most-accomplished competition pitmasters for nearly two decades. Bill Gillespie of Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ has Grand Championships at the Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational and American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational to his credit. Also author of four BBQ cookbooks and with his own line of rubs and sauces, Bill talks about his early days in competition, some of the keys to his evolution into a champion and some of the changes (good and bad) to the competition scene over the years.
While some competitions have been held in Florida and Arizona, it’s also nearly go-time for competition BBQ in the Midwest. The first KCBS comp in Missouri is coming up March 22-24. We intended to visit with Gene Newkirk from the Kickin’ It on Route 66 Barbecue Challenge but had a scheduling issue. Learn more about the contest at its Facebook page. We do hear from Skyler Spartan with the Grill Guys of Missouri weekly report and Brad Colter with the Smoke ’n Magic BBQ minute.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The Kansas City Chiefs are the world champions of football, again! We’ll talk about that, plus championship BBQ on Episode 247 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Leading off our guest lineup is Phillip Breeden of LC BBQ out of Bandera, Texas. We visit with Phillip about his Champions BBQ Alliance Rio World Championship Cookoff last weekend and preview the upcoming Houston Livestock Rodeo and BBQ Cookoff. Phillip has been on the road competing in BBQ nearly every week for the last six years and he discusses why he embraces the grind and how he deals with the ups and downs that are involved.
Checking in from the heart of Chiefs Kingdom is Richard Fergola of Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions Kansas City. “Fergie” tells us how a winning sports team lifts an entire community - Kansas City-area residents certainly can identify - and he also gives a rundown of all the happenings at Proud Souls locations in Kansas City, Denver and Littleton, Colorado and Orlando, Florida.
Breana Via stops by with the Smoke ’n Magic Minute and Charlie Wallace brings us a report from The Grill Guys of Missouri. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their Super Sunday cooking and give some final thoughts on the big game.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Word is there’s a big football game coming up. On Episode 246 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we do our best to bring you both football and food perspective from both the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers sides as we countdown to Super Bowl Sunday. First up is Megan Day, pitmaster of Kansas City’s Burnt Finger BBQ. Megan again is headed for a Friday appearance on NBC’s Today Show and she offers some BBQ food ideas ahead of the big day. She also catches us up on the latest happenings for Burnt Finger in the year ahead.
From the other perspective, California native and lifetime 49ers fan Jonathon Indermuehle of Heifers, Butts & Clucks BBQ breaks down the food and football from the opposing point of view. Jonathon also tells us how the Chiefs are viewed by fans around the country and offers his pick on the game.
In our weekly segments, Brad Colter from Smoke ' Magic BBQ offers up a tip of the week that applies to new competition pitmasters and Skyler Spartan returns with product news from The Grill Guys of Missouri.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve make their game picks and talk about the best way to watch the big game.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There’s a lot of championship talk on Episode 245 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, beginning with pitmaster Paul Keltner of Rooters ’n Tooters BBQ out of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee. Paul knocked off a Grand Championship at the 61-team KCBS Lakeland Pit Festival to start his season in style. It’s a continuation of a remarkable last few seasons of consistent for Rooters ’n Tooters, which had 29 top-10 overall finishes in 2023. Paul tells us about the year ahead and what it’s like to chase KCBS Team of the Year honors (Rooters ’n Tooters was 4th in 2022, 5th in 2021 and 4th in 2020).
Speaking of championships, we talk top-level BBQ and Kansas City Chiefs football with Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ and Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City. “Fergie” discusses Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis and the player’s love for Q and the videos he shot for Proud Souls in Kansas City. We also get the latest about all the happenings at Proud Souls locations in KC, Denver and Littleton, Colo., and Tampa, Florida.
In new segments, Brad and Bre from Smoke'n Magic BBQ offer up a tip of the week that applies for both the backyard and competition cook, and Charlie from Grill Guys of Missouri tells us some big doings at the Republic, Mo., BBQ store in regards to the upcoming Super Bowl.
Lastly, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve offer their takes on the Chiefs-49ers and suggest two words to all the Taylor Swift bashers out there: Shut Up.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
After a few weeks off, we are back to fire up Season 6 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast! We want to thank our listeners and sponsors from the beginning, way back in 2016 when we started the show on local radio.
Our first guest of the new year is the busiest man in BBQ, our friend Tim Scheer who’s the boss man for Blues Hog, Gateway Drum Smokers, Shake ’n Bake BBQ, Marble Ridge Farms and The BBQ League. It’s no surprise that Tim has big things in the words for 2024 with the Blues Hog brand continuing to expand and his competition teams looking forward to some of the biggest contests on the planet, including Memphis in May where Blues Hog won the 2022 World Championship. Tim also talks about his hog and cattle breeding operation and specifically raising the hogs he will take to Memphis in May.
We also welcome a new sponsor to the show, Smoke ’n Magic BBQ with Brad Colter and Breana Via. We visit with them about their year-long run in the BBQ restaurant world at the Kansas City International Airport, the Smoke ’n Magic line of rubs and sauces and their cooking plans for the year ahead, which include a trip to Australia for Meatstock in April. We’ll hear from Brad and Breana - Pork champs at the 2023 Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational - weekly throughout the year with a Smoke ’n Magic Minute with a tip or insight on one of their products.
Skyler Spartan of The Grill Guys of Missouri also stops by with the latest happenings from their BBQ store in Republic, Mo., including news of a special promotion that leads up to the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks. We’ll hear from Skyler or co-owner-operator Charlie Wallace each week on the show.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss what's on their upcoming BBQ menus and preview the NFL's Final 4.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! We hope it’s a great holiday season and a celebration of family, friends and great food! Episode 243 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is our finale of Season 5 and it’s a good one with a pair of open-fire stars to help us conclude the year on a winning note.
First up is Bill Purvis from Chicken Fried BBQ out of Magnolia, Texas. Bill is one of the best in the competition game and he does it cooking in various sanctioning bodies. Chicken Fried earned a Grand Championship at an IBCA-sanctioned event last weekend in Houston and Bill already is looking ahead to a banner 2024. We visit with him about chicken (thighs or half-chickens, legs or wings?) and his talent in front of the camera on the Food Network show BBQ USA with host Michael Symon or on his rapidly growing Chicken Fried BBQ Youtube channel where his latest video showing how to trim a competition brisket is a fun watch.
We also check in with Richard Fergola from Fergolicious BBQ and Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions. It’s been a busy December of teaching BBQ classes and things get only busier in the new year and Richard gives a rundown of his classes and why someone should consider upping their competition game with a little education. The one-year anniversary of Proud Souls KC is approaching and Fergie fills us in on some party plans.
Charlie Wallace of The Grill Guys of Missouri also stops by with some great last-minute BBQ shopping ideas. If you’re in or near southwest Missouri, keep The Grill Guys in mind if you’re shopping for yourself or others.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their holiday cooking plans and look ahead to the new year and Season 6 of the show.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ holiday season and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s always an entertaining and opinionated conversation when we get together with Travis Clark, whose Clark Crew BBQ is a former American Royal World Series of BBQ and Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational Grand Champion, along with a two-time KCBS Team of the Year. On Episode 242 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Travis about the restaurant business as his flagship Clark Crew BBQ place in Oklahoma City just celebrated its fourth anniversary. Travis also has some thoughts on the current state of the competition BBQ world and what is the first thing he would do if named Commissioner of BBQ for a day.
Skyler Spartan from The Grill Guys of Missouri also checks with details of a 12 Day of Christmas special that will make you want to check out his store in Republic, Missouri, for some great deals … then listen closely, as Skyler details a gift certificate that’s sitting out somewhere in the store for the first person to find it.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their cooking plans leading up to Christmas and discuss the Kansas City Chiefs in the aftermath of their latest mistake-plagued defeat. We have one more show to close out 2023 and Season 5 before a holiday break.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and weekend, and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 241 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with two of the candidates for the upcoming Kansas City Barbeque Society Board of Directors election. Paul Buob from Smokin’ Ghost BBQ and Thomas Gearhart of Mudville BBQ tell us why they want to join the board in what some consider a time of choppy waters and expand on some ideas they have to help steer KCBS into the next few years.
We also review the 2023 competition season for Team Royal Oak - and what a season it’s been - with Craig Verhage, the marketing director and a brand ambassador for Royal Oak. The BBQ Ninja also gives us some insight into what’s going on in Memphis where a new contest appears on its way to the riverfront to directly compete with the historic and tradition Memphis in May competition that is headed to Liberty Park in 2024.
Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri checks in with a December sale that’s one to consider if you’re looking for a new grill as we enter the Christmas shopping season.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their upcoming cooking plans and discuss the college football playoffs and if the four best teams were selected for the playoffs.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great Thanksgiving week and weekend, and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
After we not only survived, but thrived with our Thanksgiving Weekend cooking adventures we now turn our attention to the stretch run for the final month of 2024. In one of the final big BBQ competitions of this year, Bill Heyen and Triple H BBQ out of Gillespie, Illinois, came away with the Grand Championship at the Atlanta BBQ Store Classic. On Episode 240 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Bill about the big win and how it was unique because everyone had to wait two days to final out the results on livestream after another KCBS scoring issue. Bill tells us about the wait and if the teams were bothered by it, his thoughts on KCBS and its two high-profile scoring mishaps this fall and what’s coming up for Triple H in the new year.
We then take a short trip from home to talk it over with Skyler Spartan and Charlie Wallace, co-owners of the Grill Guys of Missouri BBQ store in Republic, Missouri. The open-fire cooking enthusiasts and long-time friends recap how they came to get into the BBQ business and give us a rundown on what customers can find at their soon-to-be two-year-old shop.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their tasty Thanksgiving cooking outcomes and take a tour of the sports world where college football and Hot Stove League baseball talk is heating up.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great week, and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Happy Thanksgiving Week! It’s Episode 239 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast and we visit with two of the best cooks in the country for lots of last-minute Turkey Day tips. John Lindsey of All Qued Up BBQ and Ronald Burns of Hotty Totty BBQ are the head coaches of the #arkassippicombo line of outstanding rubs and sauces. They tell us about how to make the most out of your Thanksgiving meal, both for the turkey and your favorite sides, and discuss their experiences as finalists on the television program BBQ Country which aired earlier this year on The Country Network. Ronald and his backyard teammate on the show, Brytt Bojczak came away as the big winner and he talks about that and how BBQ Country rightfully put the spotlight on backyard cooks everywhere.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their Thanksgiving Day cooking plans and discuss the latest from the competition BBQ world where KCBS is dealing with more negative fallout from another scoring failure at last weekend’s Atlanta BBQ Store Classic.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great Thanksgiving week and weekend, and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
You might know Robby Royal of Rescue Smokers from his days on the groundbreaking television show BBQ Pitmasters, or perhaps the Michael Simon program BBQ USA on Food Network. Whatever the case, Robby is still winning big on the circuit and on Episode 238 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with the Georgian about his recent Grand Championship at the Big Pig Jig in his home state. Robby tells us about defeating his friend and rival Myron Mixon at the Pig Jig plus other stories from his career.
We also welcome first-time guest John Shirey of Chunky BBQ to the show. John and wife Stephanie comprise Chunky BBQ, based in Hershey, Pa., and they had a memorable season with six Grand Championships en route to a third-place finish behind Janky Leg BBQ and Gettin’ Basted in the KCBS Team of the Year race. John tells us about his rapid rise in a relatively brief competition career and what’s ahead for Chunky BBQ in 2024.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their cooking weeks and look ahead to the big Thanksgiving meals ahead, plus other tidbits of food and sports.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When he first tested the competition BBQ waters in 2018, Norris “Syd” Sydnor of Good Googly Good never envisioned being a points chaser or contending for any Team of the Year honors. But when he began having big-time success in chicken a couple of years ago and got off to a great start in the bird category in 2023, Syd and wife Li took an early lead that he never relinquished. On Episode 237 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Syd about Good Googly Goo’s KCBS Chicken Team of the Year honors and what went into becoming prolific in the category. We also recap a busy year that saw Good Googly Goo cook in 15 states and Canada and what’s ahead for the Maryland-based team in 2024.
Meanwhile, it’s a one-guest show this week as we were unable to make connections with Robby Royal of Rescue Smokers after his Grand Championship at the Big Pig Jig. Robby’s out in the deer woods, where phone service is scare, so we’ll plan on having him on the show next week.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their cooking weeks and how to start planning preparing for that Thanksgiving meal, plus other tidbits of food and sports.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
In a down-to-the-wire KCBS Team of the Year battle, Jordan Kirkpatrick and Janky Leg BBQ came through in clutch fashion. Needing a Grand Championship on the season’s final weekend to leapfrog Brad Leighninger and Gettin’ Basted, that’s exactly what Janky Leg accomplished on Day 1 of Boo-B-Que in Oak Grove, Missouri. Adding an RGC on Day 2, Jordan came away with his first Team of the Year and denied Gettin’ Basted an unprecedented fourth. We talk it over with Jordan on Episode 236 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast and find out his thoughts on the stress of a title chase, future BBQ plans and who exactly is “Teen Wolf” and his role in Janky Leg’s success.
We also welcome Chase Willard, a former Tailgate Guys BBQ Show “Under the Radar” subject to discuss his first career KCBS Grand Championship, which came on Day 2 of Boo-B-Que. Chase breaks down his winning cook in the cold and windy conditions and recaps his road to a GC in a relatively short time period since jumping into competition BBQ.
Meanwhile, Lyndal touches on the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s clunker at Boo-B-Que and co-host Steve tells us what’s been cooking on his backyard deck.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The Kansas City Barbeque Society has released a 16-page report in the aftermath of the scoring errors and subsequent audit following the American Royal World Series of BBQ Open. The link to the full report is posted here:
KCBS CEO Rod Gray joins me on a special edition of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to discuss the event, from the time that errors were discovered late Sunday afternoon at The Royal. Rod hits on several topics from an external IT report on what went wrong and why and he discusses the damage done to KCBS’ credibility with its members and how to go about fixing it.
I encourage you to read the report, then listen to Rod’s interview and draw your own conclusions.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq Clark Crew BBQ
The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The husband-wife team of Greg Boggs and Karryl Boggs - Boggs Hog BBQ out of Audubon, New Jersey - had one career KCBS Grand Championship in 64 career competitions prior to last weekend. And what a weekend it was for Boggs Hog as Greg and Karryl doubled their prior amount of title after sweeping both ends of the Red White & Que in Jackson, New Jersey.
Making it even better? Boggs Hog had not one, not two but three perfect 180s on Day 2, scoring 710.83 to win in a runaway. We visit with Greg and Karryl on Episode 234 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to find out how they did it, their background in competition BBQ and what’s ahead for Boggs Hog.
Also joining us for his monthly visit is Richard Fergola, pitmaster of Fergolicious BBQ and marketing director for Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions. Fergie fills us in on the big announcement that came out this week about Proud Souls’ expanding footprint into central Florida. He also recaps his KCBS season and plans to take a mental break from the competition side following this weekend’s Boo-B-Que doubleheader in Oak Grove, Missouri.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their cooking weeks and the wet, cold assignment that awaits the Tailgate Guys team at this weekend’s Boo-B-Que.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One year after winning KCBS Team of the Year honors for the first time, Ercole Chila and Uncle Pig’s Barbecue Pit has brought home a Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational championship home to New Jersey. Ercole joins us on Episode 233 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to describe the tension and eventual elation upon learning that his team had captured one of the most-prestigious prizes on competition BBQ. We also review what’s been another outstanding season for Uncle Pig’s and what’s ahead.
Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also talk about the demise of our hometown KCBS event, the $20,000 Ozarks BBQ Fest. It’s where we got our competition BBQ start in 2015 as “Dr. L and the Meatheads,” where we took our lumps for several years and where we eventually got our first KCBS 180 and 700 pins - and nearly our first Grand Championship earlier this year. Turns out that’s the last time for the event, which began a quarter-century ago under the Memphis BBQ Network banner. Summed up: It’s another sad day as a great contest bites the dust, but not uncommon in today’s world of shrinking quality contests.
Meanwhile, we still await KCBS CEO Rod Gray to do a special-edition show with us to discuss what went wrong at the American Royal World Series of BBQ Open results. The BBQ world wants transparency and Rod has said he will give it, when he’s fully researched the situation. So stay tuned.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The American Royal World Series of BBQ Open results saga continues to be a big story and on Episode 232 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with the two pitmasters most affected by the initial scoring mistakes that led to a full audit and change in the order of finish.
First up is Jordan Kirkpatrick of Janky Leg BBQ from Benton, Illinois. Fifth overall at the awards ceremony, Janky Leg was elevated to the Grand Championship after the review. Jordan reviews the rollercoaster of emotions that saw him win BBQ’s largest competition while missing out on the feeling of being crowned on stage, in front of a large gathering of his peers. We also chat about the red-hot KCBS Team of the Year race that finds Janky Leg and three-time TOY Gettin’ Basted entering the home stretch in an all-out duel.
We also get the perspective from the team that initially was announced as the American Royal Open winner. David Ellis of Machete Boys BBQ from Minneapolis has been a class act in how he handled the situation of thinking you’ve won The Royal only to find out 48 hours after receiving the crown that there were errors. Relegated to Reserve Grand Champion, David talks honestly about the need for KCBS to be totally transparent about what went wrong and how they need to fix the issues to regain trust from competitors going foward.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 231 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast was to be an American Royal special, reviewing the event and visiting with the Grand Champion of the Open. But major technical issues delayed the awards and has prompted KCBS CEO Rod Gray to initiate a full audit of all the scoring before results are made official. This has caused quite the stir and understandably so. Rod has said he will come on the show and explain all, once the situation is resolved - or resolved the best it can be. Stay tuned. Look for a special edition of the show with Rod Gray later this week or next.
Meanwhile, we carry on with a terrific conversation with one of the biggest names in southern BBQ. It’s Carey Bringle, the Peg Leg Porker has been competing, cooking BBQ and entertaining the masses for a quarter century. He’s a renowned entrepreneur who has restaurants, a spirits company, and a retail clothing & food products company. He’s written books on how to master fire and smoke, including the acclaimed BBQ for Dummies. Recently, Carey’s Peg Leg Porker restaurant in Nashville was named by Southern Living magazine as one of the South’s top 50 BBQ restaurants. Carey also weighs in on the apparent end of Memphis in May on the riverfront at Tom Lee Park.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve wrap things up by talking a little sports and what’s ahead on their grills.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The American Royal World Series of BBQ is special to many pitmasters, none more so than Darren Warth. A three-time American Royal Open Grand Champion with his Iowa Smokey D’s BBQ, Darren is ready to chase No. 4 this weekend when more than 500 teams converge on Kansas Speedway for the world’s biggest BBQ competition. The man known as the “GOAT” for his two-decade run of success also will be inducted into the BBQ Hall of Fame on Saturday, making it even more special. On Episode 230 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Darren about the upcoming weekend and reflect a bit on his career, the restaurant business and why he’s never been interested in teaching a BBQ class.
We also talk it over with Joe Gera, owner of Keystone Que in Pittsburgh. Joe has celiac disease, a serious and potentially deadly disorder for those who consume gluten through cross contamination in the kitchen. Joe has a book coming out soon titled “From Scratch With Love, Professional Gluten-Free Home Cooking.” He discusses healthy eating and how to keep enjoying quality BBQ, even with a celiac disorder and about his Carolina-inspired BBQ sauces.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their BBQ weeks and preview the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s upcoming trip to The Royal.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s always a blast to talk open-fire cooking with BBQ Hall of Famer Ray Lampe, better known as “Dr. BBQ.” This is especially true as the American Royal World Series of BBQ nears and on Episode 229 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Ray tells us about what makes the American Royal so special for him, talks Turkey Smoke and gives his thoughts on some of the Class of 2023 BBQ Hall of Famers. Ray also gives us a rundown of his recent trip to Wales where BBQ has become a mainstream way of culinary life. Even the beer is cold these days in Europe.
The American Royal theme continues as director of communications Allyssa King and event manager Kayci Vincent give us a preview of what the 500-plus teams and BBQ enthusiasts coming out to Kansas Speedway can expect as the world’s biggest BBQ event is held next week.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also break down their cooking weeks, including the ongoing Tailgate Guys BBQ competition team’s continuing preparation for The Royal.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Richard Fergola has accomplished a lot of awesome things in competition barbecue, but had never won his hometown KCBS event. That all changed last weekend as Fergolicious BBQ earned Grand Championship honors at Smokin’ on the Trails in Gardner, Kansas. On Episode 228 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with “Fergie” about that, plus plans for a huge day of food, fun and BBQ knowledge that Proud Souls BBQ and Provisions has on tap Friday, Sept. 29 at the American Royal World Series of BBQ.
We also welcome Norris Sydnor back to the show after Baltimore-based Good Googly Goo - a Tailgate Guys BBQ Show “Under the Radar” alum - kicked off what Syd is calling the Triple G Ugly Tour with a $10,000 Grand Championship last week at the Primo BBQ Bash in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Syd has mapped out an ambitious schedule over the next month and we ask him about that, plus Good Googly Goo’s pursuit of KCBS Chicken Team of the Year honors.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also break down their cooking weeks, including a review of the team’s performance at Smokin’ on the Trails.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 227 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk to the man behind the upcoming Saluting With Smoke BBQ Festival, Sept. 15-17 in Yorkville, Illinois. Sean Young, an Army veteran who is brutally honest about his life struggles after leaving the service in the early 2000s, formed Mission Zero Hundred Hours to help veterans deal with PTSD by connecting them with open-fire cooking. At Saluting With Smoke, five teams with four veterans apiece representing each brand of the military will be mentored by five top professional pitmasters - Sterling Smith, Chris Webb, Lee Hickel, Richard Fergola and Brad Leighninger - will compete for bragging rights.
Would you trust your competition BBQ meat trimming to someone else, particularly those pesky and time-consuming chicken thighs? Aaron Huentelman is a butcher and competition meat manager at Mister Brisket in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Aaron and the team there are providing such a service, trimming and shipping to teams around the nation. He talks about the specifics, including skin-scraping and weights - and his background in competition BBQ with the team Go Big or Go BBQ.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also break down their cooking weeks and discuss the start of the NFL season as the Kansas City Chiefs are minus a couple of key players as their Super Bowl defense begins. Wherever you are, we send best wishes for a great BBQ Week!
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It might go down in competition BBQ history as the “Basted Triple” or whatever clever phrase you’d like to use. But if Brad Leighninger and Gettin’ Basted win a fourth KCBS Team of the Year, last weekend will be a big reason. On Episode 226 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Brad joins us to recap his remarkable feat of cooking a Friday-Saturday doubleheader at the Death’s Door Barbecue in northern Wisconsin, where he earned Grand Championship and RGC honors, then making a 12-hour haul to Paola, Kansas, for a Sunday Grand Championship at the Paola Roots Festival. The impressive three-day stretch helped solidify Gettin’ Basted’s Team of the Year lead. Brad also weighs in on a variety of other BBQ topics, including high-scoring and the difficulty of winning, how he deals with outlier results and some new restaurant projects in the works.
With Labor Day Weekend ahead, we also check in with Kevin Green of The Butcher Shoppe about the state of the meat business, what’s been hot this summer and some under-the-radar cuts to add to your menu this fall. It’s also fun to visit with Kevin, one of the biggest supporters of our show and one of the most-important suppliers of high-quality briskets to competition and backyard cooks across the land.
Lyndal and Steve also break down their cooking weeks and throw in some sports talk as we big farewell to August and look forward to autumn. Wherever you are, we send best wishes for a great BBQ Week!
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Chris Davis of Crossed Rifles BBQ from Schertz, Texas, knocked down the Grand Championship at last weekend’s prestigious Red Raiders Challenge in Lubbock with a huge score of 713.16. We visit with the Marine Corps veteran on Episode 225 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast about his journey into competition BBQ, which he credits for helping him cope with PTSD from his time in the military. It’s a common theme for veterans who come on the show and Chris discusses why he thinks open-fire cooking resonates with them.
We go to north Texas for our other guest as Shane LeClair of Damn Yankee BBQ Texas joins us for our “Under the Radar” segment on up-and-coming teams. A transplanted New Yorker and avid Yankees fan, LeClair has been knocking on the door of his first KCBS Grand Championship in just his second year of competitive cooking. LeClair cooks out of one of the most-distinctive trailers on the circuit, wrapped in a distinctive Yankees them including a large illustration of Mickey Mantle swinging for the fences on the back.
Lyndal and Steve break down their cooking weeks and throw in some sports talk in the hot days of August. Wherever you are, we send best wishes for a great BBQ Week!
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 224 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, it’s a review of the KCBS World Invitational where it was a weekend to remember for Aaron and Christy Stoffer of Man Meat BBQ. Aaron joins me to talk about the team’s Grand Championship, worth $6,000, in the Invitational on Sunday one day after Man Meat scored a whopping 711.4 overall total but had to settle for Reserve Grand Champion behind Smoked & Furious BBQ’s record of 717.71. Aaron talks about his biggest championship to date, how confidence plays a big role in competition success and how the Man Meat BBQ line of rubs and sauces fit into the scheme of things.
We also pay tribute to the often-overlooked KCBS Backyard division as Alan Larrimore from Minnesota’s Wrecking Crew BBQ joins us to break down his team’s KCBS Invitational Backyard championship. Alan and wife Allison are retired Air Force veterans who found competition BBQ through an organization called Hometown Hero Outdoors, a non-profit that benefits and teaches veterans and first responders the art of open-fire cooking. Many, like the Larrimores, go on to compete and others get into the judging aspect.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve break down their cooking weeks with Steve discussing a Korean short rib process that sounds delicious.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 223 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we take a trip to southern California to visit with one of the top teams on the West Coast. It was quite a 48-hour period last week for B’ Mackin BBQ out of San Diego as the team got its first-ever draw into The Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational on Thursday and then won its first Grand Championship of 2023 on Saturday. Brett McKinney and Benny Watsman of B’Mackin BBQ join us to talk about the emotions and excitement, the background of the team and the challenges of competing on the West Coast, where competitions are not easy to find.
Then we go “Under the Radar” with an up-and-coming team that’s yet to win a KCBS Master’s Series Grand Championship - but is closing in. Travis Farthing from Oklahoma’s Fine As Swine BBQ already has two Reserve Grands in 2023, plus overall finishes of third and fourth in just six competitions. Travis tells us the background of Fine As Swine, which he and wife Melissa oversee, while offering up advice to those considering jumping into competition Q.
Meanwhile, co-host Lyndal Scranton reviews the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s latest try at competition with a review of Que for a Cause in Tahlequah, Okla., and Steve Koehler talks about his latest backyard cooking adventures.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Richard Fergola has been on the competition BBQ grind, cooking three KCBS doubleheaders over the last three weekends. We discuss that mental aspect of that, plus much more with the pitmaster of Fergolicious BBQ and Marketing/PR director of Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions on Episode 222 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. “Fergie” says even seasoned veterans like himself can be puzzled by scoring at times and says sometimes you just have to shake your head and move on. He gives us a rundown on the rebranding of his line of seasonings, an upcoming class this weekend he and Sterling Smith are teaching, a recent win for his pupil on The Country Network program BBQ Country and the latest news from Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions Kansas City.
We also check in with the Team of the Year leader in the KCBS Backyard Team of the Year points race. JP Parran and wife Colleen comprise Bourbon and Blues BBQ out of Wilmington, N.C. This summer, JP and Colleen are on a memorable competition journey, setting up in a west-central Missouri campground and commuting from there to competitions around the region. JP tells us the story behind Bourbon and Blues BBQ and their goals for the rest of 2023, starting with this weekend’s competition at Que for a Cause in Tahlequah, Okla. (Note: We had some audio issues and I apologize that the sound of JP’s segment is a bit rough in some spots).
Meanwhile, the Tailgate Guys BBQ team gets ready to compete again this weekend. We are very fortunate to get a spot in Que for a Cause after cancellation of an event closer to home.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 221 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with Curt Wallace from Smoked & Furious BBQ out of Oklahoma City, the No. 4-ranked team in this week’s KCBS Team of the Year standings. Curt tells us about how he got started in competition BBQ and risen into national prominence in a relatively short period of time. We also talk about some bumps in the road how to decipher sub-par scores along the way and the influence of some of his fellow Oklahoma BBQ legends such as David Bouska and Donnie Teel.
While no longer technically “Under the Radar,” after capturing their first career grand championship earlier this month, we learn the story of Team Crawford from Roger Crawford out of Atlantic, Iowa. Roger said a perfect storm came together for the first GC in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a few weeks ago and it even more special as he edged out one of BBQ’s best, Blane Hunter and Pork Butts BBQ for the win.
On the opening segment of the show, we recap the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s weekend at the Smokin’ on the Osage in Osceola, Missouri. Organizers Chuck and Jessica Simpson put on a first-class event in a beautiful setting and no team seemed immune from some bizarre judging and weird comments from some of the certified barbecue judges.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Anyone who’s attempted competition BBQ knows how hard it is to win a grand championship, no matter the sanctioning body. Joel Fleetwood and his Meat Rushmore BBQ team is fresh off an impressive rarity, KCBS Grand Championships on back-to-back weekends. On Episode 220 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Joel about how it happened and what it feels like to be hitting on all cooking cylinders as Meat Rushmore has risen to No. 15 in the KCBS Team of the Year standings. Joel also is on the KCBS Board of Directors and we ask him about how that is going and some of the challenges facing the organization.
John Lindsey from All Qued Up BBQ also returns for his monthly Team Arkassippi segment and, as usual, John has been busy with competition, teaching and catering. On the latter, John talks about the best way to test the waters of starting a catering business and he also discusses his involvement with Bama-Q on the teaching and competitive side.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their recent cooking ventures and preview the weekend ahead.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
In addition to being one of America’s great pitmasters, Fred Robles wears many other hats in the BBQ world. The 2019 American Royal World Series of BBQ Open Grand Champion runs his own butcher shop (Rio Valley Meats) in Weslaco, Texas, and is president of the Champions BBQ Alliance, a sanctioning body that’s successfully into its third year. We talk to Fred about all of those things on Episode 219 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, plus ways to help out one of his Texas BBQ brothers who’s battling cancer. Robert Sierra, a Texas BBQ icon in his own right, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and Fred tells us about Robert as a great pitmaster and friend and how the BBQ family can help Robert with medical costs through Venmo (RobertSierraSPC) or CashApp (SrobertSierraSSPC). The Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast certainly sends our best wishes to Robert for a full and speedy recovery!
We also take a look at the upcoming Smokin’ on the Harbor, a KCBS Master’s and Backyard competition coming up Aug. 5-6 in scenic Warsaw, Mo., with organizer Lynette Stokes. Hear about the contest’s transition from all-backyard to adding the Master’s series a couple of years ago and how the public gets involved in the annual event. Go to WelcometoWarsaw.com and click on events to find out more.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their recent cooking ventures and preview the weekend ahead.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 218 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, the guys recap their holiday cooking and other adventures and take a dive into the archives to find one of the most-popular guests of our time in podcast form. So iconic in the BBQ world that he needs only one name, Darian Khosravi - better known as Kosmo - went from modest beginnings to a career of championship cooking and a world-renowned line of rubs, sauces and accessories. Kosmo talks about his unique career, which began on a cheap box store smoker he purchased while working as a trucker hauling hazardous waste around the Oklahoma City area. We hope you enjoy this look back at one of the top guest segments from 2022.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We head into the long July 4th holiday weekend with a bang on Episode 217 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Leading off is a conversation with Christie Vanover, whose website GirlsCanGrill.com is one of the top sources for BBQ information including recipes, instructional videos, product reviews and much more. Christie also is a champion pitmaster and recently achieving a Grand Championship and her first career KCBS 700. She also is one of the contestants on Season 4 of the Food Network show BBQ Brawl - with mentors Bobby Flay, Anne Burrell and Sunny Anderson - which debuts July 10.
We also check in with Richard Fergola of Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions Kansas City and get the lowdown on all things Proud Souls and the latest from Fergolicious BBQ. Much like his schedule, there’s no pumping the brakes on the enthusiasm meter with “Fergie” and it’s always fun to catch up with him as he hints about a huge public event that the Proud Souls team will play host to this fall at the American Royal World Series of BBQ.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap their cooking weeks and preview the big holiday weekend ahead.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Byron Chism has cooked BBQ all over the world and won 39 Grand Championships along the way. But Chism, who will be inducted into the BBQ Hall of Fame this fall during the American Royal World Series of BBQ at Kansas Speedway, is best known for producing the first widely distributed rub specifically designed for BBQ. On Episode 216 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Chism about his “Bad Byron’s Butt Rub” that’s still one of the top sellers in stores around the globe, 26 years after its creation. Byron tells us about how he came up with the rub, the origin of its name and why it’s still a hit all these years later.
We also check in with Nick Davis of Double Barrel BBQ about his upcoming Que For a Cause benefit competition in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The Aug. 4-5 event is for backyard and pro teams and already has attracted a star-studded field in just its third year. Davis, himself an outstanding competition cook, tells us why the event’s benefactor, Special Olympics, is so meaningful to him. Nick also touches on his growing BBQ restaurant, which offers both rewards and challenges.
Meanwhile, the guys recap their cooking weeks and round up the latest Grand Champions on the KCBS circuit.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizzaHave a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 215 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with the family team fresh off one of the biggest prizes in competition BBQ. The O.G. Bandits out of Oak Grove, Missouri, led by Josh Farley and Ashton Smith, earned a $25,000 prize for their Grand Championship at the KCBS Competitors’ Series Made for K.C. BBQ Championship in Kansas City. The Bandits also receive naming rights, branding and the opportunity to create their own menu and market their own line of sauces and rubs at the BBQ restaurant inside the new Kansas City International Airport terminal in 2024. Josh and Ashton talk about their BBQ journey and how they’ve reached this possible life-changing opportunity.
We remain in the Kansas City area to check in with Carl McBee, who’s been a cook, judge and contest organizer for the last two decades. Carl is the organization at the KCBS Cameron (Missouri) Elks BBQ Cookoff, July 7-8 where he will not only have a one-day Masters’ Series competition, but a unique same-day doubleheader for backyard cooks. Carl talks about this hopefully being a launching pad for backyard cooks to get some experience and perhaps draw some newcomers to the sport.
Meanwhile, the Tailgate Guys BBQ competition team has taken plenty of lumps over the years - and always owned up to it on the show. This week is different. Head coach Lyndal Scranton and family cooked up a storm at their hometown Ozarks BBQ Fest, with 180 first-place Pork, 5th-place Brisket and 7th-place Ribs. Overall, the team finished third with a 704.52 to realize a dream and crack the rather exclusive KCBS 700 club. We try to stay humble while reviewing the awesome weekend!
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
The Grill Guys of Missouri
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 214 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we catch up with 2021 American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational Grand Champion Bill Heyen, whose Triple H BBQ picked up their second Grand Championship of 2023 last weekend in Covington, Tenn. Heyan and wife Andrea, part of a large farm family in west-central Illinois, have 12 GCs and seven RGCs since 2019. They’re offering their knowledge in a unique “hands-on, behind the scenes” style with 1-on-1 classes in real time during competitions. Bill, who’s also one of the nicer people we’ve met in BBQ, explains how it works and even how much it costs to take this unique class, as opposed to the typical 20-30 folks in a classroom tell-all.
We also take a trip to southern California to find out more about 5th Gear BBQ with head cook Nick Barrick after the family team won its first career KCBS Grand Championship recently in Big Bear Lake, California, in their first competition of 2023. Nick, a self-taught cook, talks about why he was bitten by the competition bug a few years ago and lays out some goals in both competition and catering for 5th Gear the rest of 2023.
Meanwhile, it’s the first “Game Week” of the year for the Tailgate Guys BBQ cooking team and Lyndal has a preview of the hometown Ozarks BBQ Fest while Steve keeps his focus on the backyard with an array of ideas for grill time on his deck this weekend.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked
Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers
Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
Affordable Financial Services
Allquedup #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group #marketing
In the Garden of Eden
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 213 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we catch up with John Lindsey of All Qued Up BBQ about his latest happenings, of which there are many. John leads off by telling us about his role as one of the all-star mentors to backyard cooks on the new television show Barbecue Country on The Country Network. The show made its debut this week and will have new episodes each Monday night and John, who does everything from professional competition to catering to teaching BBQ tells us about the importance of putting an emphasis on America’s backyard cooks.
We then check in with Joshua DeWitt on the heels of his JDQBBQ Spicy Rub being named “Best Rub on the Planet” in the American Royal Association Best Rub contest. Josh has been involved in competition BBQ for several years and release his JDQ Spicy for sale last year, joining his already popular JDQ Sweet. Both are excellent on pork, used either individually or together. Josh tells us about the process of creating his own rub and the long road it takes from the idea stage to development, distribution and finally to store shelves.
If you don’t already follow the Tailgate Guys BBQ Facebook page, please consider giving us a “like” or “follow” and join the conversation. We’ll have some live content coming up from next week’s Ozarks BBQ Fest.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Those of us who love BBQ can agree there are few things in life better than a perfectly cooked baby back rib. But outstanding Ribs haven’t been good enough - compared to Pork Shoulder and Whole Hog - to win a Memphis in May World Championship since 2002. Until last weekend, that is.
On Episode 212 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with John David Wheeler, pitmaster of the Ribdiculous Bar-B-Krewe team that broke the Memphis in May Ribs hex by capturing the overall title last weekend on the banks of the Mississippi at Tom Lee Park in Memphis. Wheeler, a former Memphis in May world champ with his Natural Born Grillers team, tells us about teaming up with chefs from around the USA and his 21-year-old son, John Dalton Wheeler, to find the winning formula. Why hasn’t the Rib category won in so long? Wheeler has a theory. He also tells us about cooking the winning entry on his “mailbox,” the origins of his storied BBQ-cooking career and being a proud and long-time member of Operation BBQ Relief.
We also spread the news of a big KCBS competition with a hefty, $20,000 prize fund coming up soon in our hometown of Springfield, Missouri. That’s Ozarks BBQ Fest and event organizer Larry Krauck runs down the happenings at the June 9-10 event at the spacious Ozark Empire Fairgrounds where music and cold drinks also will be in abundance, along with a new, Backyard Grillers category on Friday night for anyone who’s ever aspired to compete at an entry level.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their Memorial Day Weekend cooking plans and take a quick tour of the sports world.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s National BBQ Month and there’s a ton going on to celebrate the occasion at Proud Souls Barbecue and Provisions Kansas City. Richard Fergola, Marketing and Public Relations Director for Proud Souls, stops by Episode 211 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to give us a rundown starting off with Demo Days the next two Sundays, where folks can learn all about Ribs on May 21st and how to cook on a Gateway Drum Smoker on May 28th. Richard’s Fergolicious BBQ competition team also has been busy and he gives a quick recap and preview of a busy summer on the trail.
We also go back “Under the Radar” to find out more about an up-and-coming competition team. This time it’s a trip to New York City for a visit with John Zervoulakos of Grandpa Val’s BBQ. John says it’s a family gathering and a party whenever Grandpa Val’s competes - and the results have been impressive as well.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap their own busy cooking weeks and look ahead to the run-up to the Memorial Day Weekend, in both BBQ and sports.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Team Blues Hog shocked the BBQ world in 2022 by winning what many consider the biggest prize in competition BBQ - Memphis in May’s Grand Championship - by cooking Whole Hog hot and fast on an oversized Gateway Drum Smoker. Next week, the Blues Hog team returns to Memphis with a target on its back, traditional low-and-slow pitmasters ready to take aim. That’s fine with Tim Scheer. The team captain and owner of Blues Hog joins us on Episode 210 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast for a Memphis in May preview. Tim explains that the preparation for 2023 Memphis in May began only a few days after last year’s title celebration as he began planning the breeding schedule for the trio of hogs he’s taking in the bid to repeat. Also, a Hall of Famer has been added to the team. Check out our conversation with Tim to find this legend’s identity.
Also, there’s a great new book on the market called “Butcher on the Block: Everyday Recipes, Stories and Inspirations from Your Local Butcher and Beyond.” Author Matt Moore joins us to talk about the book, which shares stories, coveted family recipes and expert tips from a dozen butchers around the globe who share their experiences and knowledge. Find the book anywhere books are sold and enjoy as both the written and visual content is outstanding.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and talk a little sports.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:
Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There’s a new No. 1 team in the KCBS Team of the Year standings this week and we learn more about Colorado Bulldawg BBQ from pitmaster Levi Stoakes on Episode 209 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Levi, wife Jessica and their mascot bulldog named Brisket have traveled the country, cooking 13 competition so far in 2023 and have been a top-five scoring machine with seven overall top-five finishes cooking primarily on their Jambo. Levi tells us about achieving consistency and recounts how he got into competition BBQ.
We also have another Under the Radar segment, learning about an up-and-coming team. This week, we go to Mayetta, Kansas, for a visit with Bo Wheless of Bocephus BBQ. In just 13 career competitions, Bocephus BBQ - yes, it’s named after Hank Jr. - also has scored four overall top-10 finishes and a first place in Ribs. Bo tells us about his inspiration to get into competition cooking and what’s next for his team.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and talk a little sports, including memories of Mike Shannon, who spent 50 years in the St. Louis Cardinals’ broadcast booth. The "Moon Man" passed away last weekend at the age of 83.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Buckle up because Episode 208 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is one of the longest we’ve done, checking in at 72 minutes … but it’s packed full of big names with good and fun info. First up is Mark Lambert, a seven-time world BBQ champion who’s won the overall title at Memphis in May twice and is reigning world pork shoulder champion. Mark and his Sweet Swine O’ Mine team is ready for another title run in a few weeks on the banks of the Mississippi and he tells us about preparations for Memphis in May and what he envisions as the BBQ Major returns to Tom Lee Park.
Next up is a brief-but-fun segment with St. Louis Cardinals’ pitcher Adam Wainwright. During an injury rehab assignment recently in Springfield, Missouri, “Waino” talked about his love for BBQ, what he likes to cook in his backyard and what kinds of smokers and grills he has.
Then it’s one of the best to ever light a pit as Rod Gray, CEO of the Kansas City Barbeque Society joins us. Rod, by the way, is not officially retired from competition cooking, it’s just that his job can be a handful. The timing of Rod’s appearance coincides with the recent announcement that the 2023 KCBS World Invitational will be held Aug. 11-13 in Mayetta, Kansas. Rod takes us through how the decision was made to put the $60,000 event in August and why in Kansas. He also talks about his view of where KCBS is headed eight months after taking the job as CEO.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking weeks and offer some sports opinions before turning this week’s show in to the judges.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The open-fire cooking season officially is launching into high gear as we hit mid-April. For those backyard cooks wondering what type of charcoal - hardwood lump, briquette or pellets - are best for them, check out our conversation with Craig Verhage. Known as “The BBQ Ninja,” Craig offers some advice and also tells us what’s new in the world of Royal Oak Charcoal, where he is marketing director and lead brand ambassador. It looks like another strong year for Team Royal Oak, whose roster of pitmasters captured Team of the Year honors in seven sanctioning bodies in 2023. Craig also previews some big events on his calendar, including Memphis in May which is closing fast. It’s always a pleasure to talk BBQ with Craig, one of the most-knowledgeable and enthusiastic folks in cooking.
While Memphis is May is nearing, so is Minnesota in May. Sixty Masters' Series teams plus a good crop of Backyard teams are expected to fire it up in the premier KCBS competition in the northern United States next month and David Ellis, from one of Minnesota’s top pro teams, gives us a preview. Machete Boys BBQ out of Minneapolis has become a force on the KCBS circuit, winning its first two career Grand Championships in a span of three weeks last fall. David says Machete Boys BBQ is shooting for bigger and better in 2023 and he gives us a rundown.
Meanwhile, it was a busy week of cooking for co-hosts Lyndal and Steve and they recap what was on the menu and what might be next on the smoker while also recapping the competition news of the last week.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
What goes into organizing a great barbecue competition? If there’s a template for a KCBS event, Smoke in the Spring in Osage, Kansas, could be it. The 20th annual edition was held last weekend with 103 teams on hand and on Episode 206 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Smoke in the Spring organizer Corey Linton. He’s been in charge of the comp the last 17 years and, while other good competitions have gone by the wayside, Corey talks about some keys in how Smoke in the Spring keeps thriving. What would he tell a new contest organizer? Corey tells us. Also a member of the KCBS Board of Directors, we also visit with Corey about that state of competition BBQ in general and if he plans to seek another term in 2024.
It’s also time for our monthly segment featuring Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions Kansas City as marketing director Richard Fergola joins us. We run down what’s coming up at Proud Souls KC, which has been open for three months. Richard also talks about a whirlwind month of competition for his Fergolicious BBQ team, which has risen to No. 4 in the KCBS Team of the Year standings, plus what it’s like when flights are canceled and five top pitmasters hop in a rental car and drive nine hours to Kansas City.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their BBQ weeks and take a spin around the sports world, reviewing the Masters and the start of baseball season.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Everyone loves a great slider. Mitche Graf wants to find out who can cook the world’s best compact burger. Graf is putting together the first World’s Best Slider Championship, coming to Las Vegas in March of 2024. Modeled a bit after the Steak Cookoff Association model, Graf hopes that about 100 Best Slider qualifying competitions will be held this year - as ancillary events to KCBS or SCA competitions - with two “Golden Tickets” earned at each for a trip to the championships. Graf is quite the entrepreneur with a BBQ background, with his own syndicated BBQ Radio Show and BBQ Nation BBQnation.net company of spice rubs and sauces.
We also head to West Virginia for another edition of “Under the Radar” where we learn about an aspiring pitmaster. Retired Navy veteran Shawn McColligan and his wife Tracy comprise T&S BBQ Competition Team and found immediate success in the Backyard division last year with plans to dive in a bit deeper in 2023. Shawn tells us about his BBQ journey and how it’s been an important part of his life post-military.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their BBQ weeks and take a spin around the sports world where college basketball is over, the Masters is here and baseball gets cranked up.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of the iconic figures in BBQ joins us on Episode 204 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Ed Maurin was a member of the KCBS Board of Directors in the organization’s early days, when he battled the likes of Johnny Trigg, Ray Lampe and Jeff Stehney on the competition circuit. Honing his skills as a Kansas City firefighter, “Fast Eddy” would modify Traeger cookers to his liking, often raising eyebrows - and interest - from fellow competitors. By 1997, Maurin had developed his own line of FEC (Fast Eddy Cookers) that would revolutionize the pellet-cooking industry for restaurants and food trucks worldwide.
Ed is still teamed up with Oklahoma-based Cookshack to bring new smokers to the market, with pizza cooking a primary focus these days. He talks his career, plus his passion for Off Road racing in the desert, in an extended conversation before catching a flight for a marathon off road race in Mexico this weekend.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their BBQ weeks, review March Madness and the Final Four field and preview the new baseball season.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Cooking in brutally cold weather can test the best pitmasters, physically and mentally. That was the case last weekend at the Qlathe BBQ Championship in Olathe, Kansas, where Justin Bowman of Bull Creek BBQ overcame temps in the teens and gusty winds to prevail in a 68-team field to earn the Grand Championship. On Episode 203 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, the Paola, Kansas, cook talked about some improvising to meet the arctic-like challenges while reviewing his career in competition BBQ.
We also go back “Under the Radar” and learn the story of another aspiring, up-and-coming competition pitmaster. Nick Owensby of Ohio’s Sailor Nick’s Crazy Good BBQ is a Navy veteran who has enthusiastically adopted open-fire cooking as a passion. Nick is diving into competition cooking in 2023 and he tells us about the journey and how being a part of the BBQ family has filled a post-military void in his life.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their BBQ weeks and review what they have in common with the rest of America - busted March Madness brackets.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Chris Webb of Colorado’s Bushmaster BBQ had a weekend to remember at the Kansas City Barbeque Society's BBQ & Brew Fest - Best in the Southwest, in Yuma, Arizona. Chris scored not one, not two but THREE perfect 180s en route to the Grand Championship and we visit with him about the rare trifecta on Episode 202 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Chris, who’s also a managing partners in Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions, has been one of the nation’s hottest competition cooks since the middle of 2022 and shows little sign of cooling off - though he does tell us about a break to teach a BBQ class in Costa Rica.
One of our most-popular recurring segments over the last couple of season has been “Under the Radar.” It’s where we take a look at some up-and-coming teams in competition BBQ. Out first “Under the Radar” visit in 2023 is with Jason Harris of Cities Edge BBQ in Topeka, Kansas. Jason tells us about some of his early success, including a walk in brisket at last year’s American Royal Open, and how he got started in competition Q with an assist from the great Travis Clark.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their BBQ weeks and tell you their bracket picks for March Madness, including some upset specials to look for in the first round.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
They were a breakout competition BBQ team in 2022, winning their first KCBS Grand Championship and the Made for KC Grand Championship. The latter included putting their own menu creation and recipes in the new Made for KC BBQ Experience restaurant in a new terminal at Kansas City International Airport. Brad Colter and Breana Via of Smoke N Magic BBQ are living an open-fire dream these days - while dealing with a whirlwind schedule for the just-opened restaurant. On Episode 201 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Brad and Breana about life and what’s ahead for the talented and personable couple.
Also joining us is a two-time World Champion at the Houston Livestock Rodeo & BBQ Cookoff. You might not know Craig Sharry right off the bat, but his products might be in your BBQ pantry. Craig owns and operates Texas Pepper Jelly and Rib Candy, game-changing additions whether you’re cooking competition or in the backyard. Craig discusses his BBQ journey and the growth of his company, which has now expanded into BBQ sauce and spice rubs.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their BBQ weeks and what’s ahead with March Madness only days away. BBQ and basketball? What a combo.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We celebrate a milestone of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast this week, with Episode 200. After three seasons and 154 shows on low-powered, local radio the move to podcast form in 2019 has been a good one as our audience has expanded to worldwide. A big thanks to all our guests and sponsors who made the content possible. Most of all, a big “thank you” to our listeners!
Leading off the guest lineup this week are the leaders of the #ArkassippiCombo line of rubs and seasonings. John Lindsey from All Qued Up and Ronald Burns of Hotty Totty BBQ not only are two of the top steak cooks in the world, they are traveling the country in 2023 bringing knowledge with classes and “Arkassippi Roadshow” appearances. They also are part of the upcoming BBQ Country show on The Country Network, serving as mentors for backyard cooks. It’s always a good time when John and Ronald stop by.
We also welcome first-time show guest Kathy Trainor, a female pitmaster turned contest organizer. Kathy’s Inclusive BBQ Events is her way of giving back to the sport by creating more contests, specifically in the northeastern USA. That includes the Hogs 4 Heroes, May 5-7 in Jamestown, Rhode Island. The event is the lone KCBS comp in Rhode Island this year, making it an auto qualifier for the Jack Daniels Invitational, American Royal Invitational and KCBS Invitational.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Welcome to Episode 199 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, where we’re joined by one of the giants of competition BBQ and the guitar business. We stick mostly to open-fire-cooking talk during a wide-ranging conversation with Sterling “Big Poppa” Ball of Big Poppa Smokers. With 46 career KCBS Grand Championships and 40 Reserve Grands in 254 lifetime competitions, plus his own line of seasons, smokers and accessories, Sterling touches on the tough environment for competition these days, the glory days of his career, his remaining goals in BBQ and compares the creative process in cooking to the music world. Remember to check out BigPoppaSmokers.com to see the latest products along with a section for recipes and tips to up your BBQ game.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their cooking weeks as the sunlight hours continue to lengthen and look ahead to March, when spring arrives along with a bonanza of college basketball, baseball and competition cooking.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Proud Souls Barbecue Kansas City, Clark Crew BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather.
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s been a crazy week in mid-America as Chiefs Kingdom celebrates its second Super Bowl championship in four years. On Episode 198 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we go to Kansas City to get a feel for the enthusiasm with Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ and Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions. Before he joined half a million red-clad friends at the victory parade, Richard discussed a variety of topics beyond football, including his two recent KCBS competition in Florida and some big doings at the new Proud Souls Barbecue Kansas City where they’re raffling off a $17,500 Yoder smoker - painted in a Chiefs theme - during the official store grand opening on March 4. Richard’s segment begins at about the 10:48 mark.
Then we go to the Pacific Northwest and find out about one of the most-interesting BBQ-themed restaurants in any part of the USA. Tyler Palagi and Evan Carter are part of the ownership group at Lady Jaye Restaurant and Butcher Shop in West Seattle, Washington. They have a no-boundaries take on cooking with the food coming off their 2,500-pound smoker named Cletus in a place described as Anthony Bourdain meets Clint Eastwood. Their passion for meat shines in a segment that begins at the 26:20 mark of the show.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve break down the Chiefs’ 38-35 victory over the Eagles and review their game-day food selections before looking ahead as the winter season slowly dissipates. C’mon spring!!!
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Proud Souls Barbecue Kansas City, Clark Crew BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather.
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The ultimate combination of food and football arrives this Sunday and we take a preview of Super Bowl XVII on Episode 197 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. First up, representing the Kansas City Chiefs, is Megan Day of Burnt Finger BBQ. Megan, a former Food Network Chopped Grillmasters champion, will be featured on NBC’s Today Show at 8:30 a.m. Friday showing off the best of Kansas City-style BBQ. But first, we ask Megan about her food plans for Super Sunday, how to improve your open-fire cooking experience and what’s ahead for Burnt Finger BBQ in 2023.
We then take a trip to suburban Philadelphia to get the Eagles’ angle on the match-up from Rob Weber, owner/pitmaster of Weber’s Backyard BBQ. Rob, a former firefighter who now has a food truck, also is a KCBS competitor in the mid-Atlantic region. He serves up some Philly-themed ideas for the big game that include some unique spins on the classic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich that we all are familiar with.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview the game in their own way, not through food but actual analysis and make their picks (it’s a split decision). Agree or disagree, let us know - and let us know what you plan to cook for the big game.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Proud Souls Barbecue Kansas City, Clark Crew BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather.
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
In his relatively brief competition BBQ career, Bill Purvis and Chicken Fried BBQ has enjoyed considerable success cooking in various sanctioning bodies. But Bill’s Grand Championship at last weekend’s San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo BBQ Cookoff was his biggest to date. We catch up with Bill on Episode 196 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to review the victory, discuss what it’s like cooking with cameras from the Food Network show BBQ USA following his every move and his soon-to-be expanding product line.
Randy Vanslyke of High I Que BBQ also joins us to preview his upcoming BBQ class, while offering some good advice on how to prepare for the upcoming season. If it’s too cold to cook outside, Randy says you can mentally prepare yourself for those warmer days that are coming.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review the NFL conference championship games and preview the upcoming Super Bowl between the Chiefs and Eagles.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Proud Souls Barbecue Kansas City, Clark Crew BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather.
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We’re back!!! Season 5 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast debuts with a powerhouse conversation with one of the great ambassadors. He’s a United States Navy veteran who worked more than two decades on the night shift at the Des Moines, Iowa water treatment plant cooking BBQ in his spare time and bursting onto the scene as a contestant and judge on the groundbreaking television show BBQ Pitmasters. After retiring a few years ago, Big Moe Cason is now a full-time BBQ man, traveling the USA and the world spreading the good word of Q. Moe joins us to preview a busy 2023 and unveils plans to team up with his buddy Bob Trudnak for a BBQ restaurant in Texas. Thanks to Moe for his time, just before he heads to New Zealand for a BBQ outing.
One of our new marketing partners in 2023 is Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City and General Manager Kim Groneman fills us in on the new superstore in the Northlands portion of Kansas City. Kim is well known in the BBQ world as she and husband Andy formed the Smoke On Wheels team for many years and she fills us in on some of their competition highlights. Along with Proud Souls BBQ Kansas, it’s great to welcome Clark Crew BBQ as another new show sponsor for Season 5.
Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Proud Souls Barbecue Kansas City, Clark Crew BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather.
Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We wrap a bow on Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with a bonus edition, featuring Rod Gray, CEO of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Rod is one of the all-time great competition cooks with his Pellet Envy team, winning more than 50 KCBS Grand Championships and he was KCBS Team of the Year in 2009. Rod became known to BBQ enthusiasts worldwide in 2013 when he was crowned Season 4 champion of the groundbreaking television show BBQ Pitmasters.
On Episode 194 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Rod discusses his first four months on the job as CEO of the KCBS, assesses the biggest challenges ahead in 2023 and answers some listener-submitted questions. We also touch on his great cooking career and what he misses - or doesn’t miss - about the competition circuit. A big thanks to Rod for making time to come on the show for an extended conversation.
This wraps up 2022 for the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. A big thanks to our listeners - and to our great sponsor/marketing partners who made Season 4 possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather.
We’ll return Jan. 24 to kick off Season 5 and our eighth season overall of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show. If you’re interested in joining us as a show sponsor/marketing partner in 2023, shoot me an email at lscranton755@gmail.com
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Have a great BBQ holiday season and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Travis Clark is arguably the greatest ever to fire up a competition BBQ pit and the statistics back that up. As a two-time KCBS Team of the Year, Grand Champion at both the American Royal World Series of BBQ and The Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational, Clark Crew BBQ has 58 KCBS Grand Championships in 245 career events (an amazing 24-percent win percentage). On Episode 193 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, the always straight-talking Travis Clark visits with us about the state of competition BBQ, where he ranks among the greats and his award-winning Clark Crew BBQ restaurant in Oklahoma City. It’s an extended conversation that we hope you will enjoy.
Meanwhile, on our final regularly scheduled show of Season 4, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about smoking holiday treats - meat or otherwise - and offer some gift ideas for the BBQ enthusiast in your life.
As we wrap up another year, a big thanks goes out to our great sponsor/marketing partners who made Season 4 possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather.
We may have a special edition next week. Watch our Facebook page for news about that. Otherwise, we’ll return in January to kick off Season 5 and our ninth season overall of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show. If you’re interested in joining us as a show partner in 2023, shoot me an email at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 192 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we have an extended conversation with one of biggest names - and one of the nicest people - in BBQ. It’s always a pleasure to welcome Tuffy Stone, a six-time world champion and BBQ Hall of Famer Class of 2018, back to the show and we have a wide-ranging visit about Tuffy’s 2022 and what’s ahead in 2023.
Tuffy re-tooled a new line of rubs and sauces that hit the market this year and unveiled plans for a couple of more rubs that will roll out shortly after the new year. We talked about how to become creative with your grilling and about where Tuffy’s attention to detail - earning him the nickname “The Professor” - came from.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discussed their cooking adventures over the past week and plans for the two weeks leading into Christmas. They also took a quick spin of the sports world, with takes on the college football playoffs, whether the Bengals have the Chiefs’ number and speculated on the St. Louis Cardinals’ next catcher.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather.
We have just one episode remaining in Season 4. If you’re interested in joining us as a show partner for Season 5 in 2023, shoot me an email at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Phillip Breeden is one of America’s busiest competition pitmasters. His LC BBQ team, based in Bandera, Texas, can be found cooking nearly every weekend on one circuit or another, with his name more often than not called at or near the top of the standings. LC BBQ recently was crowned Team of the Year on the Champions Barbecue Alliance and on Episode 191 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Phillip joins us to discuss his season and his line of LC BBQ products.
We also catch up with Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ for the final “Fergie Time” segment of the season. Richard recaps his season, which found Fergolicious 10th in the KCBS Team of the Year standings, previews some upcoming BBQ classes and gives an update on the soon-to-open new Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City store.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also recap their Thanksgiving cooking adventures and talk a little college and pro football.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We have just three episodes remaining in Season 4. If you’re interested in joining us as a show partner for Season 5 in 2023, shoot me an email at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 190 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we catch up with one of the busiest people in BBQ a day after the launch of not one, not two, not three … but SIX new Blues Hog spice rubs. Tim Scheer of Blues Hog, Gateway Drum Smokers and Marble Ridge Farms joins me with a description of each of the new rubs, plus a breakdown of a 2022 season that included a Memphis in May World BBQ Championship. The planning for a title defense next May on the riverfront is underway.
We also welcome a former show “Under the Radar” guest who’s now blazing quite a trail in the competition world. It’s Brian Peyton of Meat Me in St. Louis, fresh off his first KCBS Grand Championship against a star-studded field at the Atlanta BBQ Store Classic. Brian discusses that cook, plus other career highlights including a world baked beans championship at this year’s American Royal World Series of BBQ.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their Thanksgiving cooking plans, touch on the merits of tofu turkey (not that anyone who eats tofu listens to this show) and take a quick tour of the sports world.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We have just three episodes remaining in Season 4. If you’re interested in joining us as a show partner for Season 5 in 2023, shoot me an email at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Long-time BBQ competitor and United States Navy veteran Sterling Smith of Loot ’N Booty BBQ has won numerous grand championships over the years, but his latest ranks at or near the top. Sterling and his team captured the BBQ division at the World Food Championships last weekend in Dallas, earning $10,000 and a berth in the WFC finals next spring. On Episode 189 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we hear from Sterling about his winning dish (an awesome and unique take on smoked brisket), his reflections on 2022 and his must-have side and dessert for Thanksgiving.
It’s also time for the November segment of “Arkassippi Alley” with John Lindsey from All Qued Up. Since our last visit with John, he earned two more Steak Cookoff Association victories and discusses a couple of his new rubs - which are now headed to market - that impacted his wins. John also gives some tips on how to get that perfect Thanksgiving turkey off your smoker for the biggest family food day of the year.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Long-time BBQ competitor and United States Navy veteran Sterling Smith of Loot ’N Booty BBQ has won numerous grand championships over the years, but his latest ranks at or near the top. Sterling and his team captured the BBQ division at the World Food Championships last weekend in Dallas, earning $10,000 and a berth in the WFC finals next spring. On Episode 189 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we hear from Sterling about his winning dish (an awesome and unique take on smoked brisket), his reflections on 2022 and his must-have side and dessert for Thanksgiving.
It’s also time for the November segment of “Arkassippi Alley” with John Lindsey from All Qued Up. Since our last visit with John, he earned two more Steak Cookoff Association victories and discusses a couple of his new rubs - which are now headed to market - that impacted his wins. John also gives some tips on how to get that perfect Thanksgiving turkey off your smoker for the biggest family food day of the year.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The Kansas City Barbeque Society Team of the Year race is a combination of outstanding cooking, determination and endurance to pull down the highways and byways of American week after week and an overall thirst to win. In 2022, the championship goes to Ercole Chila and Uncle Pig’s Barbecue Pit from Paulsboro, N.J.
Uncle Pig’s earned nine grand championships, including three in a row in early October, and had 27 top-10 finishes in 33 competitions in more than a dozen states. On Episode 188 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Ercole about what the championship means and some of the keys along the way to make it happen, as he edged out Joe Pearce and Kansas City’s SLAPS BBQ by a 57-point margin.
We also get the lowdown on the turkey shortage that threatens Thanksgiving meals nationwide - plus other facts on the meat situation as we approach the holiday season - from Kevin Green of The Butcher Shoppe. The good news? The Butcher Shoppe has a decent supply of fresh turkeys and is able to ship, but you have to get your order in by the end of this week. Want a frozen turkey? You’re going to pay dearly, if you can find one at all.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The Kansas City Barbeque Society Team of the Year race is a combination of outstanding cooking, determination and endurance to pull down the highways and byways of American week after week and an overall thirst to win. In 2022, the championship goes to Ercole Chila and Uncle Pig’s Barbecue Pit from Paulsboro, N.J.
Uncle Pig’s earned nine grand championships, including three in a row in early October, and had 27 top-10 finishes in 33 competitions in more than a dozen states. On Episode 188 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Ercole about what the championship means and some of the keys along the way to make it happen, as he edged out Joe Pearce and Kansas City’s SLAPS BBQ by a 57-point margin.
We also get the lowdown on the turkey shortage that threatens Thanksgiving meals nationwide - plus other facts on the meat situation as we approach the holiday season - from Kevin Green of The Butcher Shoppe. The good news? The Butcher Shoppe has a decent supply of fresh turkeys and is able to ship, but you have to get your order in by the end of this week. Want a frozen turkey? You’re going to pay dearly, if you can find one at all.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 187 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, it’s a conversation with our KCBS Breakout Team of the Year. Breana Via and Bradley Colter of Black Magic BBQ were good in their first full cooking season in 2021, but took it to a life-changing level in 2022. Not only did Black Magic win its first KCBS Masters Series Grand Championship, it captured the “Made for KC” Competitors Series GC in June, winning $25,000 and one-year licensing rights to have their own menu items in the a new BBQ restaurant inside the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport. Bre and Brad tell us about their incredible BBQ ride - plus a new team name - in an extended visit.
We also recap the final weekend of the KCBS season, which saw recent show guest Jordan Kirkpatrick and Janky Leg BBQ continued its hot streak with a sweep of the loaded Boo-B-Que doubleheader in Oak Grove, Missouri. The Tailgate Guys BBQ team managed a ninth-place Chicken call on Day 2 of Boo-B-Que and we recap our season, which was highlighted by a strong performance on the chicken train.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The KCBS points season is nearing the finish line and it’s been a great one for Jordan Kirkpatrick from the southern Illinois team Janky Leg BBQ. Following his fourth Grand Championship of the season - one week after winning Chicken at The Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational with a perfect score - we visit with Jordan on Episode 186 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Jordan discusses how he got started in competition BBQ and a unique, late-night first meeting with the tallest man in BBQ who gave him immediate critique on trimming pork butts during the late hour.
It’s also time for an end-of-season Competition BBQ 101 segment with Randy Vanslyke of High I Que BBQ. It’s great timing as Randy is fresh off his first GC of 2022 at the Border Battle in Osawatomie, Kansas. The veteran pitmaster offers some great advice new or relatively inexperienced competition cooks about how to evaluate your season, how to improve during the winter and some tips that everyone can use on winterizing those smokers before putting them away.
Meanwhile, the Tailgate Guys competition team prepares for its final comp of the year, the Boo-B-Que doubleheader loaded with powerhouse teams in Oak Grove, Missouri. We’ll fire it up and give a full report on the outcome next week.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When Chris Schafer cooked at the The Jack Daniels World Invitational BBQ Championship in 2019, he was sick and soon was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Thankfully, Chris made a full recovery and his second trip to The Jack, last week, was one to remember. Along with his dad and cooking teammate, Eddie “Pops” Schafer, Chris and Heavy Smoke BBQ took home the Grand Championship from one of BBQ’s majors and he discusses what it all means on Episode 185 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast.
In our review of The Jack, we also talk it over with Reserve Grand Champion Norris “Syd” Sydnor from Maryland’s Good Googly Good BBQ. Syd, first featured on our show in an “Under the Radar” segment in 2021, overcame mechanical misfortune with his trailer en route to make it a memorable weekend in Lynchburg, Tennessee, for his biggest BBQ moment to date. It’s great to welcome Syd back to the show.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve kick the show off by discussing their cooking weeks and the importance of winterizing those grills and smokers before winter arrives in full force.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 184 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with one of the nation’s hottest pitmasters. Chris Webb and Bushmaster BBQ out of Colorado finished as Reserve Grand Champion at the American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational and followed that up with a Grand Championship last weekend in Casper, Wyoming. We visit with Chris about his outstanding 2022 season, how the U.S. Army vet got into competition BBQ and his role with one of America’s fastest-growing BBQ brands, Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions.
Then it’s time for the October edition of “Arkassippi Alley” with one of America’s top competition steak cooks, John Lindsey of Arkansas’ All Q’ued Up. John has cooked more than 80 SCA events already with more on the way and, in between, is filming all varieties of open-fire cooking recipe videos and working with partner Ronald Burns to expand the line of Arkassippi Combo rubs.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve recap their cooking weeks, focusing on chicken wings, and give a short recap of the St. Louis Cardinals’ short stay in the baseball playoffs.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
History was made at the 42nd American Royal World Series of BBQ at Kansas Speedway as Grant Basiliere of Que U BBQ pulled off an unbelievable first, winning both the Invitational and Open portions of the world’s largest competition. How did it happen? Who is Que U? On Episode 183 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we learn more about the executive chef from Gurney, Illinois, who is both talented and humble after an accomplishment that might never be equaled.
It’s also “Fergie Time” as Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ checks in for his monthly segment, reviewing The Royal and looking ahead at a busy competition schedule. And bonus guest Greg Hastie from American Fire BBQ stops in to tell us about Boo-B-Que a big season-ending KCBS doubleheader in Oak Grove, Missouri, Oct. 29-30.
Meanwhile, Lyndal recaps the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s weekend at The Royal and Steve previews one of the best times of the sports year, playoff baseball.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s American Royal World Series of BBQ week and the Tailgate Guys BBQ competition team is headed to Kansas City for a great weekend! The help preview the weekend, we talk it over with one of BBQ’s great pitmasters and ambassadors, Harry Soo, who will be at Kansas Speedway helping some friends and kicking off a two-week, multi-state BBQ adventure. Harry also has launched a new line of 10 Slap Yo’ Daddy rubs and he tells us about that, plus his thoughts on cooking with beef tallow. Does it make a difference?
We also bring back the roundtable discussion for first-time American Royal participants. Pitmasters from Machette Boys, American Heroes BBQ, 16 Mesh BBQ and Ash Kickin’ BBQ gathered to talk about their goals and expectations in their first trip to the world’s largest competition.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 181 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast qualifies as an All-Star edition with two of the biggest names in open-fire cooking joining us for some terrific BBQ talk.
First up is Jess Pryles, who arguably knows more about meat from hoof to table than anyone on the planet. The “Hardcore Carnivore” tells us about emceeing the recent World Butcher Challenge in San Diego where teams from around the world showed their knife skills. We also visited with Jess about her summer trip to Europe, the beef tallow trend, best bangs for the buck at the meat counter and her product line that soon will introduce the first Hardcore Carnivore sauce.
Then it’s time to catch up with Heath Riles to discuss his busy 2022, which includes his first Memphis in May World Ribs Championship. Heath describes what went into the victory and what it meant to him on a personal and business level. And what about the apparent concerns about the future of Memphis in May? Heath gives us his thoughts while explaining the expanded content of his Heath Riles BBQ brand and we also toss the avid college football fan a fun question: Who is the Nick Saban of BBQ?
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Imagine cooking a steak that’s worth $10,000. We talk to the man who made that a reality on Episode 180 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast as Brett Davis joins us. Brett, of Springfield, Missouri, won the big prize at the High Steaks Showdown in St. Louis underneath the Gateway Arch after a unique final round as eight finalists grilled ribeyes inside a steel-cage called “Steaktagon.”
We also talk it over with one of the most-consistent cooks on the 2022 KCBS circuit. Jason Halterman from Can Country Outlaw has 14 overall top-10 finishes in 21 events and he does it with a distinctive style of using drum smokers in conjunction with his Outlaw stick burner. Jason tells us how he got into competition cooking and discusses the reason behind his inspirational, motivational stories he posts on Facebook.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also recap their cooking weeks and take a look at Albert Pujols’ continued pursuit of 700 home runs. And what about Patrick Mahomes’ and the Chiefs’ demise after the loss of receiver Tyreek Hill? What a shame.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 179 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features one of the hottest up-and-coming pitmasters on the KCBS circuit. Ryan Cain didn’t begin cooking competition BBQ until 2020, but quickly became one of the best in the backyard division of the KCBS. Now Ryan’s Damn Fine Beef & Swine, in its first series in the Master’s Division, is celebrating its first “pro” Grand Championship, at last weekend’s loaded Septemberfest in Omaha, Nebraska. Ryan discusses his BBQ journey and what’s ahead on this week’s show.
It’s also time for the latest “Arkassippi Alley” segment with John Lindsey from All Q’ued Up BBQ and the line of #arkassippicombo products. John, one of the best on the Steak Cookoff Association circuit, tells us about his latest travels and has some out-of-the-box ideas of how to spice up your backyard cooking by throwing fresh fruit on the grill this fall.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On a special bonus edition of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ gives us details about his joining forces with Colorado-based Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions. Proud Souls KC is coming, the winter. Hear the details from Richard on Episode 178 of the show.
Richard also talks about his recent red-hot cooking on the KCBS circuit, including a Grand Championship last weekend in Paola, Kansas, that has vaulted Fergolicious into the Top 10 of the KCBS Team of the Year standings.
Thanks to all our Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast sponsors:
Blues Hog
Royal Oak Charcoal
The Butcher Shoppe
Iowa BBQ Store
Fergolicious BBQ
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
Affordable Financial Services
Arkassippi Smoke Live and the #arkassippicombo
Vietti Marketing Group
In the Garden of Eden
Marty “Sign Man” Prather and A&M Pizza (our official American Royal World Series of BBQ sponsor)
Have a great Labor Day Weekend! #smokeemifyougotem
We’ve been overdue to visit with one of competition BBQ’s all-time greats, the man who’s known far and wide simply as "The GOAT." Episode 177 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is a perfect time to catch up with Darren Warth of Iowa Smokey D’s BBQ after his landmark 100th KCBS Grand Championship last weekend.
Darren, who's been competing since 2003, talks about regaining his laser-focus over the last month, with three recent Grand Championships to fuel his momentum and confidence entering the championship season this fall, with the American Royal World Series of BBQ which he’s won three times and The Jack Daniels Invitational where he’s a two-time winner.
We also talk it over with Army vet Sean Young, founder and president of Mission Zero Hundred Hours, an organization to help reduce suicide and stress among veterans who have PTSD and they do it through BBQ. Sean, the pitmaster from KCBS team Risky Brisket (world-fifth-ranked in Ribs), talks about the organization and a big event coming up later this fall pairing some of BBQ’s top pitmasters with veterans in a team format.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Joe Pearce has been one of the world’s top pitmasters for the last decade and 2022 is no exception. Joe’s Slap's BBQ ranks No. 2 in the The Kansas City Barbeque Society Team of the Year standings after a frenetic run of success in July, with three Grand Championships in three weeks of cooking doubles. On Episode 176 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we ask Joe about staying mentally sharp, what it’s like to cook with TV cameras around and which contest he would rather win if he could only pick one - the American Royal or The Jack? And could another SLAPS restaurant be coming to Kansas City?
Speaking of the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, the world’s largest BBQ competition is just a few weeks away at Kansas Speedway. We find out what teams and spectators can expect from Kayci Vincent, manager of BBQ, and Allyssa King, director of communications for The American Royal organization. Deadline for team entries is near and tickets for the general public are available at AmericanRoyal.com/BBQ
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible:
Blues Hog
The Butcher Shoppe
Royal Oak Charcoal
Iowa BBQ Store
Fergolicious BBQ
Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions
Allquedup and the #arkassippicombo
Affordable Financial Services
Vietti Marketing Group
In the Garden of Eden and
Marty "Sign Man" Prather and A&M Pizza
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Christie Vanover’s GirlsCanGrill.com is a great source of open-fire cooking knowledge, with recipes, cooking tips and videos. On Episode 175 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Christie joins us on the show after her KCBS Grand Championship in San Juan Capistrano, California, over the weekend in a unique meat-provided competition that tested her creativity in the chicken category. Christie also discusses going to cook for the first time in The Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational this fall after judging the event several times.
Those teams who aren’t fortunate enough to earn their way into The Jack have an open that weekend of Oct. 14-15. Dusty Ware from the Iowa BBQ Store joins me with details of the King of the Corn, a KCBS comp in Ottumwa, Iowa, with a hefty prize fund. Dusty also discusses the latest happenings at the Iowa BBQ Store as summer heads into the home stretch.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Ercole Chila admits that his part of the country is better known for pizza or other culinary choices before it is for barbecue. But Chila and his Uncle Pig’s Barbecue Pit is making New Jersey proud with seven KCBS Grand Championships so far in 2022 and a No. 1 ranking in the KCBS Team of the Year standings. We welcome Ercole to Episode 174 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to talk about his BBQ journey.
It’s also time for the August edition of “Arkassippi Alley” with John Lindsey of All Q’ued Up BBQ out of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Since our last visit, John has recorded two more Steak Cookoff Association first-place steak calls. John discusses that, his busy stretch of upcoming cooks and an upcoming relaunch of the Arkassippi Smoke Show in podcast form.
Lyndal Scranton takes on the host’s role solo this week and there’s plenty to talk about after the Tailgate Guys BBQ team enjoyed two first-place calls at the KCBS Smokin’ on the Osage over the weekend in Warsaw, Missouri.
We want to talk dessert ideas and want to hear your favorite post-meat BBQ treats. Post your ideas on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Facebook page and we’ll discuss some of them on next week’s show.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Imagine rolling into a KCBS competition in a pickup truck hauling one Gateway drum smoker, a table, a 10 x 10 easy up, a cooler and a tub of basic supplies. Then imagine cooking all four meats on that one drum and kicking everybody’s butts for a Grand Championship. That’s what Drew Davis of Arkansas-based Razorracks BBQ did recently at Smokin’ on the Osage in Osceola, Missouri.
How did Drew do it? He tells us on Episode 173 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Just for grins, Drew returned to competition seven days later, cooking on his usual Jambo, and won another GC in Miami, Oklahoma. It’s always good to visit with Drew, who also discusses his Razorracks 501 All Day rub, how to use it and where to get it.
Later in the show, it’s time for another installment of “Competition BBQ 101” with veteran pitmaster Randy Vanslyke of High IQ BBQ. Randy offers beginning or inexperienced cooks some helpful tips on how to learn the competition game with this month’s segment focusing on how to evaluate a scoresheet and review a cook.
Meanwhile, Lyndal previews the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s upcoming trip to Warsaw, Missouri, for Smokin’ on the Harbor and Steve returns to discuss the latest episode of Food Network’s BBQ USA.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Welcome to Episode 172 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, where one of the most-engaging people in BBQ returns to the show to share knowledge and stories about food sport. That’s Sunny Moody of Moodswing BBQ, a world steak champion who emerged from this spring’s Food Network show BBQ Brawl as one of the final four contenders - and one of the most-popular contestants.
We already knew Sunny was all of those things. She reinforces that, plus more, on this week’s appearance as she recounts the BBQ Brawl experience, what it was like smoking chicken livers on the show and how more television could be in her future. Sunny also gives us some great information on how to best grill a perfect Tomahawk Ribeye.
It’s also time for “Fergie Time” and on the July segment, Richard Fergola from Fergolicious BBQ discusses his busy schedule which included four KCBS contests and an appearance at the Scheels Outdoors BBQ University in a recent eight-day period. Fergie rolls on with more classes and competitions coming up with little down time. That’s how he likes it.
Meanwhile, Lyndal Scranton rolls solo in the host’s cockpit this week and gets to humble brag about the Tailgate Guys BBQ competition team’s KCBS championship ribs from the weekend at Smokin’ on the Osage in Osceola, Missouri. Yep, first place. The head coach was pleased and maybe surprised. And the team chicken continues to kill it with two more top-five calls.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 171 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we combine BBQ and music as one of the great personalities of BBQ - the one and only Stretch - joins us. The Food Network personality, BBQ pitmaster, restaurant owner, artist and now rock & roll recording artist has collaborated with the pop/rap/rock band Black Oxygen for the catchy new tune “First Bite” which is a tremendous anthem to smoking meat.
Catch our conversation with Stretch and brothers David and Nick Lyle from Black Oxygen as they tell us about First Bite, a song that is charting on Billboard’s Most-Added list, alongside tunes from Ozzy Osbourne and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Stretch recaps how this fun project came to be and Black Oxygen also breaks some big news about a new project. We’ll also play the song.
Organizing a BBQ contest is not easy and often is filled with stress. Chuck Simpson, who along with wife Jessica is putting on this weekend’s KCBS “Smokin’ on the Osage” doubleheader in Osceola, Missouri, discusses what goes into getting a contest off the ground in our other guest segment. We’ll be taking the Tailgate Guys BBQ team to Osceola this weekend, where it’s projected to be a hot one!
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve touch on their recent cooking experiences and discuss Episode 2 of Michael Symon’s BBQ USA Show on Food Network.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 170 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we catch up with a world champ and an up-and-comer on the competition scene.
First up is Brad Leighninger, three-time KCBS Team of the Year with Gettin' Basted, plus the reigning Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational BBQ grand champion, plus part of the 2022 Memphis in May International Festival World Champion Blues Hog team. Brad appeared on local sports-talk radio in Springfield, Mo., earlier this week and touched on a variety of topics and we bring you some of the highlights, including his narrowing of his focus on this fall’s majors, the new Food Network Michael Symon “BBQ USA” show and daughter Molly’s outstanding success as a young celebrity chef.
We then take a trip to Colorado for an “Under the Radar” segment and visit with Jonathan Indermuehle, whose Heifers, Butts, & Clucks BBQ is finding outstanding success just nine KCBS contests into its competition career. Jonathan tells us about how he got involved in the sport and pulled off a first-place in his first competition, thus becoming immediately hooked.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve touch on their recent open-fire cooking experiences and discuss the new BBQ USA Show, which debuted this week with some familiar faces featured.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and the #ArkassippiCombo, Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing Group, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
You might say it’s duos week on Episode 169 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. Up first are Jason Zwiegel and Nick Galligan from newly minted KCBS Grand Champion “Dr. Squealgood BBQ” from the Kansas City area. Jason and Nick tell us how they started cooking together and recapped the relatively quick journey to their first GC, last weekend in Topeka, Kansas.
We also check in with the co-leaders of “Team Arkassippi,” John Lindsey and Ronald Burns. While they have made a name for themselves among the world’s top competition steak cooks, John and Ronald were outstanding BBQ competitors back in the day and now are venturing more and more into
the KCBS cooking world again while spreading their #ArkassippiCombo brand of rubs and sauces. The pair recap a tremendous weekend at the recent National BBQ Battle in Washington, D.C. and preview what’s ahead, both on the cooking trail and for the SCA Ribeye Roundup and Arkassippi Smoke Live programs John and Ronald co-host.
Lyndal and Steve also recap their 4th of July weekend cooking adventures, including the Tailgate Guys’ solid performance at the KCBS Low & Slow Cookoff in Lowell, Arkansas. Yes, we got a brisket call!
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
America’s biggest grilling weekend is here and we hope everyone has a tremendous 4th of July weekend! On Episode 168 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with the Grand Champion of one of mid-America’s biggest KCBS competitions and get some education about a style of BBQ from the West Coast that is growing rapidly in popularity.
First up is Keith Nebel of Love 2 Q based in Desoto, Kansas. Keith is fresh off a big GC at the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle, taking honors in a field of 164 teams. Keith tells us about how his BBQ journey began, some of the keys to success and what’s ahead.
Then we take a trip to the central coast of California to find out about Santa Maria-style cooking, a style that’s been around since the mid-1800s and is catching on across the land. What is Santa Maria-style cooking? Jaime Flores from the Santa Maria BBQ Festival does a great job of explaining the history, tastes and techniques.
The co-hosts also preview their July 4th weekend cooking plans, including a return to competition in northwest Arkansas for the KCBS Lowell Slow & Low Cookoff. Can the Tailgate Guys team find competition success? We’ll have a report next week. And if you’re in Lowell, stop by our location, say hello and trade stickers.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 167 on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we take a trip to the eastern portion of the USA to go “Under the Radar” with another up-and-coming competition pitmaster. Chris Jackson’s day job is with the West Virginia State Police and in his spare time he and wife Erica compete (and do catering) as Convicted Pigs BBQ based in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Chris tells us about his background in law enforcement and BBQ and how he got started in each - plus how cooking is a great outlet from what often is a high-stress job.
It’s also time for the June edition of “Fergie Time” as Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ catches us up on the latest in his world. It’s been a busy world with no signs of slowing down for Richard, who’s been on a role on the competition circuit with a recent Grand Championship and Reserve Grand at a doubleheader in Greeley, Colorado, plus a couple of other top-10s in the last month. Richard also offers up some early advice for those planning 4th of July weekend cooks in the backyard. So take a listen to the always entertaining “Fergie.”
The co-hosts also recap their Father’s Day Weekend cooking adventures and take a lap around the sports world. This marks 321 shows over the last six years, combining local radio with podcast. Thanks to all the listeners who have made this passion of ours possible.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Since we began doing the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, it’s become obvious how much BBQ is an international sensation. On Episode 166, we take an audio trip down under to Auckland, New Zealand, to visit with Alex Lawson, host of the most-popular BBQ podcast in his country “BBQ Base.” Alex also is a competition cook and he discusses the booming popularity of open-fire cooking in New Zealand and reveals some of his favorite guests from BBQ Base.
Also, check out Alex’s BBQ apparel website BobbyBriskets.com and, if you find something you like, get 10 percent off plus free shipping with the discount code TAILGATE.
It’s also time for our monthly installment of Competition BBQ 101 with Randy Vanslyke of High I Que BBQ and Pro Technology Solutions. In an effort to give aspiring new competition cooks some knowledge, Randy discusses some key points in finding the right contest for a first-time competitor and some things to keep in mind the week leading into a comp.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also talk about Father’s Day Weekend cooking plans and offer up a quick round of sports talk.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Most weeks on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we bring you some of the biggest, established names in BBQ. This week, we are going “Under the Radar” to bring a double-barrel dose of pitmasters who are up-and-comers. If you don’t already know them, you likely will soon.
Breana Via and Bradley Colter became a couple two years ago and soon started cooking together as Black Magic BBQ. The Kansas City-area team wasted little time in accumulating top-10 calls in KCBS competitions throughout the region with Breana cooking the Chicken and Brisket while Bradley takes care of Pork and Ribs. We find out more about Black Magic BBQ’s journey on Episode 165 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show.
We also head a couple of hundred miles north of Black Magic for a conversation with Kyle Johnson of T-Rex BBQ out of Newton, Iowa. Kyle has been competing since 2016 when he entered a local backyard contest and, as part of the Iowa BBQ Store Corn Cookers team at Memphis in May, he oversaw the world championship Turkey Smoke entry. Check out Kyle’s BBQ story, including how he came up with the unique team name.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also review their busy cooking weeks and preview what’s ahead with the Tailgate Guys cooking team only three weeks away from a return to competition.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Few can boast how they beat arguably the most-famous chef on the planet, but chef David Sandusky did just that on the popular Food Network program “Beat Bobby Flay.” David joins us on Episode 164 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast to talk about representing the BBQ world by his decision to beat Bobby with a signature dish featuring Tri Tip in only 45 minutes. He also talks about the crazy life of being a restaurant owner and his Beast Craft BBQ in Belleville, Illinois, and Beast Butcher & Block on the Missouri side of the river in St. Louis. It’s also time for our monthly installment of “Arkassippi Alley” with John Lindsey of All Q’ued Up BBQ and Arkassippi Smoke Live. John is best known for his success on the Steak Cookoff Association world, but he discusses a recent foray into his roots of BBQ competition cooking chicken and ribs. Spoiler alert: It went pretty darn well.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also talk their Memorial Day Weekend cooking adventures and take a swing through the sports world.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s an honor to welcome a 7-time BBQ World Champion to Episode 163 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. Mark Lambert recently won the Pork Shoulder division of Memphis in May for the fifth time, adding to a resume that includes a Ribs championship at the 2017 American Royal World Series of BBQ and a grand championship from the 2019 Houston Livestock and Rodeo. Mark tells us about the latest Memphis in May prize and what it takes to cook a bunch of 23-pound pork shoulders to perfection.
It’s always a good time for “Fergie Time” and Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ helps us preview the Memorial Day Weekend with some great tips for backyard cooks. Richard will be on the road for the holiday, kicking off a two-week stretch out West with a competition in Nevada before hitting a KCBS doubleheader in Colorado next week. What’s it take to prepare for a long outing on the road? Richards tells us.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also talk other BBQ news and notes, recap their latest open-fire adventures and preview their Memorial Day Weekend cooking plans - with some quick sports hot takes thrown in.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There’s nothing bigger in competition BBQ than winning the World Championship at Memphis in May. Unless it’s winning Memphis in May cooking Whole Hogs, Hot & Fast. On Episode 162 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we review the groundbreaking championship that Tim Scheer, Brad Leighninger and Team Blues Hog achieved over the weekend doing it in their own remarkable “Grip It and Rip It” style on special-made Gateway “Megatronn 550” drum smokers. Tim and and Brad discuss the remarkable day which had a rollercoaster of emotions.
Our Memphis in May review also includes Dusty Ware of the Iowa BBQ Store, a first-time participant in the historic competition. Dusty’s team walked away with a big trophy and oversized check of its own, winning the Turkey Smoke portion and he recaps the experience. Dusty also tells us the latest from the Iowa BBQ Store as spring blossoms and Memorial Day Weekend approaches.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk other BBQ news and notes, recap their own open-fire attempts from the week and take a quick tour of the sports world.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There’s a new BBQ cookbook coming out this month and it sounds like a must-have. On Episode 161 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we find out about “Pig Beach BBQ Cookbook - Smoked, Grilled, Roasted and Sauced,” from co-authors Matt Abdoo and Shane McBride. The two classically trained chefs traded in their Michelin star kitchens to open Pig Beach BBQ restaurant in New York City and have now taken their love of open-fire cooking to the literary world with more than 50 recipes plus stories about the history of BBQ and the people who make it taste great.
We also visit with Randy Vanslyke of High IQue BBQ and Pro Technology Solutions out of Gardner, Kansas. In addition to a glowing resume as a competition pitmaster, helping aspiring competition cooks with advice and attempting to grow the food sport is one of Randy’s missions. We begin a new, occasional segment on the show with Randy called “Competition BBQ 101” by exploring the simple-yet-complex question: How do I get started?
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also review their Mother’s Day Weekend grilling adventures and reflect upon the stunning Kentucky Derby result.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 160 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with a pitmaster who’s carving his name as one of the all-time greats and another who’s just getting started in a big way.
Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted, three-time KCBS Team of the Year, is leading the standings again in 2022. But next week, his focus will be on Memphis in May as he returns with Tim Scheer to the legendary contest as Team Blues Hog. The duo took home the Pork Shoulder world title a year ago and now they’re taking on Whole Hog in their Hot and Fast style on Gateway “Mega Drums.” Brad tells us about the latest challenge, while also discussing his non-desire to chase a fourth KCBS Team of the Year ring.
We also welcome first-time guest Derek Johnson of Sweet Dixie BBQ out of southeast Georgia. Derek is only in his second year as a KCBS Master Series competitor, but he’s proven a quick achiever, recently earning his first Grand Championship at the BBQ Boogie & Blues in Calhoun, Georgia. Derek tells a great story about missing his flight to the Hot and Fast class in Missouri taught by Brad and Tim, then driving 13 hours overnight to get there.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also discuss their cooking plans for the weekend and offer some Kentucky Derby food ideas and race picks.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s clear that Drew Davis of Razorracks BBQ loves cooking in Southaven, Mississippi and the judges there enjoy Drew’s cooking. On Episode 159 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with Drew about his third straight KCBS Grand Championship at the Southaven Springfest and explore some of his BBQ routines. Or are they superstitions? No matter, Drew is an outstanding cook and proves you don’t need a big, fancy trailer to get it done.
Also on this week’s show is our monthly edition of “Arkassippi Alley” with John Lindsey of All Qued Up BBQ, Arkassippi Smoke Live and the #ArkassippiCombo line of rubs and sauces. John, one of the best Steak Cookoff Association grillers in the land punched his Golden Ticket over the weekend and we ask him about some new products coming soon and get some tips for cooking in windy conditions.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also discuss their cooking weeks, which includes the Tailgate Guys BBQ cooking team’s first KCBS 180, in Chicken, at Ozarks BBQ Fest.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 158 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we take a trip to Minneapolis to visit with David Ellis, pitmaster for Machete Boys BBQ. David and his team often travels several hundred miles for most of their KCBS competitions, but in hot pursuit of a first grand championship it seems worth all the effort. We find out more about David and Machete Boys on this week’s show.
Richard Fergola unveiled some big news earlier this week and he gives us the details on the April segment of “Fergie Time.” Hear about Fergolicious BBQ’s next stage of the live-fire journey and why Richard has taken the leap into making Fergolicious a full-on, full-time brand.
Meanwhile, Steve reviews his Easter cooking and Lyndal previews this weekend’s Ozarks BBQ Fest where the Tailgate Guys cooking team fires it up in a hometown event.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Wes Patterson and Mark Deeds spent careers in law enforcement and found BBQ as a way to break away from the stress of dealing with criminals and make new friends. Now Wes is fully retired, Mark has scaled back a bit and they’re finding success on the competition circuit as Wood Hook BBQ. The Missouri duo recently posted their second career KCBS Grand Championship and we visit with them on Episode 157 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show.
We also find out about Ozarks BBQ Fest, an annual BBQ festival in Springfield, Missouri, which has a near $20,000 payout for Steak Cookoff Association and KCBS, April 22-23. Organizer Larry Krauck - a comeback story in his own right after a lengthy COVID battle before last year’s event - tells us about preparations.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Anyone who’s cooked competition BBQ for any length of time can identify with the ups - and downs - that occur for even the most-experienced teams. Jim Self lived that on back-to-back weekends so we sought him out for Episode 156 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. Jim tells us about his Papa Jim’s BBQ team and how he dealt with a brutally tough doubleheader weekend and followed it up with a championship showing just a week later. It’s good advice for all.
Our “Under the Radar” segment, where we learn about up-and-coming teams in the BBQ world, also returns for the first time in 2022. Jacob Beine of Kilt-In It BBQ tells us why he wears a kilt while cooking (hence his team name) and what he’s learned in a relatively short time in competition world.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also talk about their cooking weeks, the thrill of adding a new smoker to the roster and take a quick look at the busy sports world (the NCAA basketball championship for the Kansas Blue Chickens, Tiger Woods at the Masters and opening of baseball season).
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There are so many great people in BBQ who care about making life better for others and Bradley Ball is one of those. An attorney based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Ball grew up in the Memphis area and attended Memphis in May on a regular basis. He and his brother did some competition Q. Now, the Air Force vet - still a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard - is bringing BBQ knowledge to military members all over the USA through “Firefest,” an initiative funded by charity dollars to teach, feed and put on two-meat competitions for the men and women of the armed forces. On Episode 155 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, Ball tells the story of “Firefest” and why it’s important to him.
It’s also time for the March edition of “Arkassippi Alley” from our friend John Lindsey of All Qued Up BBQ, co-host of the Arkassippi Smoke Live and SCA Ribeye Roundup along with the line of rubs and sauces that are known as the #ArkassippiCombo. John discusses the recent SCA World Championship and unveils his plans to jump back into some KCBS events this season.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Few we’ve met can match Sterling Smith’s enthusiasm and passion for BBQ. The pitmaster of Loot N Booty BBQ out of Scottsdale, Arizona, not only is internationally known as a championship cook with a great line of rubs and sauces, he’s an author! On Episode 154 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Smith discusses his second book, “The Ultimate Guide to BBQ Sauces, American Classics and International Favorites.” It’s always fun to chat with “Smitty.”
Also on the show, if you’re talking a tailgating combination of BBQ and Sports, then Josh Schlterman fits the bill. Josh and his Baum BQ Squad competition team recently cooked at the SCA World Finals in Forth Worth. The SCA competition mainstays also are well known for cooking Q outside of Baum Stadium, college baseball’s best atmosphere at the home ballpark of the nationally ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Paul Buob recently retired after a long career as a supervisor at Caterpillar in central Illinois. Now, he’s really able to focus on his competition BBQ efforts, with Smokin’ Ghost BBQ. On Episode 153 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with Paul about his ascension in BBQ and his recent Grand Championship at the 73-team Sip & Swine BBQ Festival in Georgia.
It’s also time for the March edition of “Fergie Time” as Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ joins us for his monthly segment. Richard describes the cold and snowy scene cooking up samples outside the Big 12 Basketball Tournament in Kansas City last week, as part of The BBQ League. He also gives a simple tip for those backyard grillers busting out the smoker for the first time this spring as the weather warms.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Justin West enjoyed early success in competition, winning a grand championship in just his third contest. Since that time, the Texan has continued to excel in various sanctioning bodies as Hat Creek Q with perhaps his biggest prize yet the Ribs championship at the recent Houston Livestock Rodeo & BBQ Cookoff. On Episode 152 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Justin about his BBQ journey.
The KCBS season in mid-America gets rolling in March with one of the first big events a doubleheader, March 25-27, in St. Robert, Missouri. Gene Newkirk, one of the organizers of the 3rd annual Kickin’ It On Route 66 BBQ Challenge, fills us in on an event that is on pace to attract more than 50 teams. Gene, the Presiding Commissioner of Pulaski County, also has become quite a cook himself and we ask him about that.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Steve and Lyndal touch on their latest cooking adventures and discuss March Madness, the best month of the year for basketball junkies.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We enjoy visiting with some of the biggest names in BBQ and this week is no exception as David Knight, BBQ Hall of Fame Class of 2016, headlines Episode 151 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. Even if you don’t know Knight, you probably have tasted food that’s come off one of his iconic Ole Hickory Pit smokers which service many of the world’s top BBQ restaurants.
Knight tells the story of how he developed Ole Hickory, based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, after nearly accidentally burning his restaurant down a couple of times in 1974 due to a smoker design malfunction. Knight simply designed and built something the worked. Nearly 50 years later, Ole Hickory remains an industry mainstay and Knight an active leader in the company and a leading proponent of Operation BBQ Relief. He even tells the story of installing an Ole Hickory Pit on a Carnival Cruise ship at the request of his buddy Guy Fieri.
We also welcome Sam Heinrich, co-owner of the Iowa BBQ Store, with news about a big KCBS Pro, Backyard and Steak Series competition coming to Iowa in just a few weeks. Sam also tells us about how he and Dusty Ware are cooking on legendary Rod Gray’s old BBQ trailer and jambo they purchased last fall.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Each time the great Diva Q joins us on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, our download numbers soar. It’s because she’s not only knowledgeable and a champion pitmaster, but she brings energy and straight-shooting BBQ talk that her fans worldwide appreciate. And now, Diva Q is bringing her new OG Boss Sauce to the general public in 2022. Buckle up for an extended conversation with Diva Q on Episode 150 of the show.
We also debut a new monthly segment called “Arkassippi Alley” focusing mostly on steak cooking with John Lindsey, pitmaster of All Q’ued Up BBQ and co-host of Arkassippi Smoke Live and the SCA Ribeye Roundup. Check out our visit with John as the SCA World Championships near and hear about the latest #ArkassippiCombo rubs on the market.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We visit with a pair of world champions on Episode 149 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, beginning with a first-time guest that is so iconic he needs only one name. Darian Khosravi is better known as Kosmo after a career of championship cooking and a world-renowned line of rubs, sauces and accessories. Kosmo talks about his unique career, which began on a cheap box store smoker he purchased while working as a trucker hauling hazardous waste around the Oklahoma City area. It’s a fascinating 30-minute conversation - and even better, our listeners can get 10 percent off at KosmosQ.com by using the promo code PODCAST at checkout!
Then it’s time for our monthly “Fergie Time” segment with Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ. The new Fergolicious “Smoke Show” rub is released to the public later this week and Fergie gives us the lowdown of what it’s all about, while previewing a big upcoming competition class collaboration between he and Chris Schafer of Heavy Smoke BBQ.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap the Super Bowl - both what happened on the field and their game-day cooking results.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 148 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with Dave Mara and Jaime Paredes who form Meat Candy Q, one of the elite competition BBQ teams on the west coast. In fact, Meat Candy Q has been one of the world’s best so far in the 2021-22 KCBS season with a grand championship and No. 2 ranking in the Team of the Year points race. From El Cajon, California, Mara and Paredes run down the their team’s history and how Meat Candy Q came to be.
We also talk about the rising activity of high school BBQ with Chuck Simpson. He’s the head coach of the Osceola High School BBQ team, which won the high school portion of the World Food Championships last fall in Dallas. High school BBQ clubs - where students literally eat their homework - are popping up all over with a big contest coming up next month in Osceola. Chuck, also is a competition cook with his Hicks from the Sticks team, tells us about how anyone interested can start a team at their high school.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss the Super Bowl - both game and food plans - and make their final-score picks between the Bengals and Rams.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
He’s one of the great people we’ve met in BBQ, along with being one of the top pitmasters and it’s an honor to welcome Fred Robles of Rio Valley Meats back to the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast Episode 147. The 2020 American Royal World Series of BBQ Open Grand Champion added another big one to his collection recently as he earned GC honors at the 298-team San Antonio Rodeo & BBQ Cookoff. Fred also discusses Year 2 of the Champions BBQ Alliance and the state of the meat business.
Ever want to cook a contest indoors? Ryan Suydam did just that recently as he and the southern-Illinois based Hickory Stick BBQ Team earned the championship at the When Pigs Fly BBQ Bash in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, inside the Show-Me Center. Ryan tells us about that experience and Hickory’s Stick BBQ’s busy cooking schedule the last couple of years.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss pre-snowstorm cooks they squeezed in and talk Kansas City Chiefs demise and how Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid let Chiefs Kingdom down.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo and Pro Technology Solutions.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
After a career of piling up interstate miles as an over-the-road trucker, Cary Chasteen now is traveling the highways and byways of American cooking competition BBQ. On Episode 146 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Cary about his Georgia-based Hold Your Horses BBQ and the busy schedule he keeps while firing up the pits in various sanctioning bodies.
We also talk meat with Kevin Green of show-sponsor The Butcher Shoppe, one of America’s top sources for top-quality proteins whether it’s beef, pork, chicken and more. Kevin gives his outlook on supply, prices and trends to look for during 2022 for both the backyard and competition cook. We're proud to cook the #AlwaysHandPicked A9 Wagyu Briskets from The Butcher Shoppe again in 2022.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo and Pro Technology Solutions.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at lscranton755@gmail.com for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Welcome to Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. After a few weeks off, it’s great to back and launch into a new year of talking BBQ and kick it off with one of the great people in the competition world, Kelly Wertz from 4 Legs Up BBQ out of Great Bend, Kansas.
Kelly - with his signature western hat and cowboy boots - has been a mainstay on the competition circuit since 2003. The 2008 Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational champion tells us about how he got started, why 4 Legs Up might not have been a great name for a restaurant and his biggest mishap at turn-in time. We also discuss the new KCBS Strip Steak Series which Kelly helped put together.
We also welcome our buddy Richard Fergola of new show sponsor Fergolicious BBQ. In the first edition of a monthly segment we’re calling “Fergie Time” he tells us about upcoming classes, his new Smoke Show rub and some tips for getting the new BBQ year started whether you're a pro or backyard pitmaster.
A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo and Pro Technology Solutions.
We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at Lscranton755@gmail.com for more info.
Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been doing the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast for three seasons - after three years on local radio. It’s even harder to believe that Season 3 of the podcast wraps up this week.
We go out with a bang as first-time show guest Sunny Moody from Nashville, Tennessee joins us. Sunny and husband Jeff and their 4 daughters compete as Moodswing BBQ in SCA and KCBS - Sunny recently won the World Steak Championship at the World Food Championship. Sunny’s story in inspirational as she’s managing MS to create healthy recipes for an active lifestyle along with championship cooking.
Joel Fleetwood of Meat Rushmore BBQ also joins us to discuss his candidacy for the KCBS Board of Directors. Hear some of Joel’s ideas to better the sport and the one-time “Under the Radar” guest also discusses Meat Rushmore’s ascending competition accomplishments since he was last on the show in 2019.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their upcoming holiday cooking plans and give their thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the plethora of college football bowl games.
Thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
NOTE: If you have an interest in sponsoring the show in 2022, please email Lyndal at lscranton755@gmail.com for details. We’re finalizing the sponsor lineup now!
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
With 2021 quickly approaching the finish line, we explore some of the storylines from the Year in Barbecue on Episode 143 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with two of open-fire cooking’s top authorities. Ryan Cooper and Sean Ludwig co-produce The Smoke Sheet, a weekly electronic newsletter that curates the latest national barbecue news, upcoming events, top recipes and more.
Ryan and Sean provide insight on what we’ve seen and what might be ahead for barbecue in 2022 while also giving us a rundown of their barbecue backgrounds and how The Smoke Sheet came to be. If you don’t already, subscribe now at BBQnewsletter.com and don’t miss an issue. It’s FREE.
Meanwhile, co-host Steve Koehler discusses a themed family Christmas ahead, cooking steaks on a charcoal chimney and Grillgrates and joins Lyndal Scranton for a quick tour of the college and pro football world.
Thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
NOTE: If you have an interest in sponsoring the show in 2022, please email Lyndal at lscranton755@gmail.com for details. We’re finalizing the sponsor lineup now!
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We shine the spotlight on some of the nation’s best KCBS Backyard pitmasters on Episode 142 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast.
Backyard Chicken Team of the Year Brian Walker and Jay Honea of Alabama’s Hickory Hangover - along with Ribs Team of the Year Ted Rasky of Alabama’s Veteran Pork Pullers - join us for a segment. They discuss how they got started in the backyard division and why they are in no big hurry to move up into the Masters Division.
Then Ryan Cain of Kansas City’s Damn Fine Beef & Swine tells us about his rookie season of competing in Backyard, where he proved a quick study. Ryan finished a close second in Team of the Year points in both Chicken and Ribs.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap the Thanksgiving holiday and turn an eye toward Christmas grilling and smoking plans. They even discuss the crazy world of college football, where big-time coaches are on the move.
Thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to Episode 141 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast where we talk it over with a couple of great guys from mid-America.
Veteran competition pitmaster Richard Fergola has won dozens of contests, been on BBQ Pitmasters and Food Network’s Chopped Grillmasters. But his biggest personal accomplishment in food sport occurred recently as he captured Grand Championship honors at the KCBS World Invitational. It’s Fergy Time as we talk it over with Richard on Episode 141 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show podcast.
We also check in with Dusty Ware, co-owner of the Iowa BBQ Store in Ottumwa and pitmaster of Darty Q. In his first year of competing, Dusty and store co-owner and teammate Sam Heinrichs won a KCBC Grand Championship in their rookie season of competition, using drums, then went and bought the jambo and cook trailer of BBQ legend Rod Gray. We ask him about that and the latest from the Iowa BBQ Store, one of our great sponsors.
A big thanks to Manscaped, a Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast sponsor throughout November. BBQ friends, check out the new Lawn Mower 4.0. And best of all, use the code TAILGATEBBQ at checkout for 20 percent off and FREE shipping at Manscaped.com!!! #MANSCAPEDAmbassador #Sponsor
Thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of the most-popular figures in sports media - and a huge BBQ enthusiast to boot - joins us for Episode 140 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. It’s Mike Golic, a radio Hall of Famer after his 23 years on ESPN radio as one half of Mike and Mike and Golic and Wingo. We have so much fun visiting with Mike - who’s a national spokesman for Operation BBQ Relief - about his enthusiasm for open-fire cooking, football and his favorite sports-talk radio host these days.
We also are humbled to pay tribute to one of BBQ’s iconic figures. Bill Arnold, founder of Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, passed away recently and we spend time with one of Bill’s closest friends, Tim Scheer of Shake N Bake BBQ, Gateway Drum Smokers, Marble Ridge Farms and The BBQ League. Tim recalls how Bill approached him about purchasing Blues Hog and how Tim has a passion to take the company to a new level of exposure to backyard cooks worldwide.
We also want to welcome Manscaped as a Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast sponsor throughout November. BBQ friends, check out the new Lawn Mower 4.0. And best of all, use the code TAILGATEBBQ at checkout at Manscaped.com for 20 percent off and FREE shipping!!! #MANSCAPEDAmbassador #Sponsor
Thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We go international on Episode 139 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast as Tom Raes of Southern Dutch BBQ joins us from The Netherlands. Southern Dutch won 8 of 10 contests in Europe in 2021 to finish 6th in the final KCBS Team of the Year standings. We find out about Tom’s cooking background, his BBQ inspirations and the rising popularity of open-fire cooking in Europe.
Veteran American pitmaster Greg Hastie of Tebo Creek BBQ also spends some time with us. In 2021, Greg opened American Fire BBQ in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He recently helped organize and run a season-ending, KCBS doubleheader contest and tells us about what it was like to be on that end of competition BBQ.
We also want to welcome Manscaped as a Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast sponsor throughout November. BBQ friends, check out the new Lawn Mower 4.0. And best of all, use the code TAILGATEBBQ at checkout at Manscaped.com for 20 percent off and FREE shipping!!! #MANSCAPEDAmbassador
Thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Chris Schafer confirmed his status as one of America’s premier pitmasters in 2021, nailing down his second straight third-place finish in the KCBS Team of the Year standings with seven Grand Championships. On Episode 138 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with Chris about his season, on sharing his BBQ journey with dad Eddie and Heavy Smoke BBQ restaurant celebrating its one-year anniversary.
Also joining us is John Lindsey, one of the premier steak cooks on the planet. John, who along with Ronald Burns forms the backbone of Arkassippi Smoke Live and the #ArkassippiCombo line of rubs and sauces, runs down some new products, previews the new season of BAMA-Q (he’s one) and offers his views of the new KCBS Strip Steak Series and how it might - or might not - affect the established SCA.
We also want to welcome MANSCAPED as a Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast sponsor throughout November. BBQ friends, check out the new Lawn Mower 4.0. And best of all, use the code TAILGATEBBQ at checkout for 20 percent off and FREE shipping!!! #MANSCAPEDAmbassador
Thanks to all our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
While many top competition BBQ teams are a one-person operation with little assistance, it’s a collaborative effort for the Kansas City-area team All Forked Up for Q. Dan Boles and Jamie Stuke share the cooking duties for the four KCBS meats and it’s clearly a winning formula. On Episode 137 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, Dan and Jamie tell the team’s story, including a Grand Championship last weekend at the Border War BBQ in Osawatomie, Kansas.
Ever thought of designing your own dream pit, but don’t have the skills to make it a reality? Frank Cox of SmokerBuilder.com can help. With an engineering and fabrication background, Frank can build any kind of pit, or design and instruct others how to do so. We visit with Frank about the booming DIY world of BBQ on this week’s show.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about the importance of winterizing grills, cooking fabulous chicken wings and the free-falling Kansas City Chiefs.
Thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Sterling Smith of Arizona-based Loot N’Booty has been involved in high-level competition BBQ for more than a decade, also teaching and traveling the world spreading the good word of ‘Q. Now he’s sharing his knowledge in written form. On Episode 136 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, Sterling tells us about his new book, out this week: “The Complete Barbecue Cookbook: Expert Advice and Foolproof Recipes for BBQ Perfection.”
Also joining us for some steak talk is Brent Howard. The school superintendent from Mountain View, Arkansas, discusses the challenges of leading a school district during times of Covid-19 and how steak cooking has been a great outlet for him on weekends. Brent also is one of the few SCA cooks using a pellet cooker and we discuss that.
The co-hosts talk about their recent cooking adventures, including Lyndal’s weekend leading the Tailgate Guys cooking team into its final competition of the year at Smokin’ in Sugar Creek in Kansas City. The narrative: We aren’t world beaters, but we’re getting better!
Thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s been one of the greatest competition BBQ seasons anyone’s ever compiled, with double-digit Grand Championships and a third KCBS Team of the Year honor nearing the finish line. But Brad Leighninger’s latest title - Grand Champion of The Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational - might have been the biggest accomplishment of his career so far.
On Episode 135 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast we visit with Brad about Gettin’ Basted’s triumph in Lynchburg, Tennessee, what it meant to the Missourian, how friendly rival Joe Pearce pushes him to excel and how he keeps the competitive fires burning hot.
We also visit with Randy Vanslyke of High I Que BBQ after his 9th-place Brisket call in his first appearance at The Jack. Randy also is a new sponsor of the show with his Pro Technology Solutions, a Kansas City-area company that specializes in installation of smart technology, including visual and audio systems in homes and businesses.
Meanwhile, Lyndal previews the Tailgate Guys’ final KCBS competition of the season - Smokin’ in Sugar Creek - and Steve discusses his backyard cooking adventures over the past week.
Thanks to our other sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Pro Technology Solutions, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s Episode 134 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast and we visit with reigning Jack Daniels World Invitational BBQ champion Travis Clark. It's a wide-ranging conversation about The Jack, his Clark Crew BBQ restaurant, the state of competition BBQ, judging, meat quality and more. Travis is never afraid to speak his mind, which as a show host or listener is rewarding.
We also talk turkey with Beth Breeding, vice-president for communications and marketing for the National Turkey Federation. The addition of a Turkey Smoke championship chase has been a positive move for KCBS and Beth said the organizations are fired up to do it again, in bigger fashion, in 2022. Make sure to check out TurkeySmoke.org for some great recipe ideas, plus more competition info.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their cooking week, which included a leap into the deep waters of Steak Cookoff Association competition. They also talk MLB playoffs, which is truly one of the great times on the sports calendar.
We want to thank a new sponsor this week, our friend Randy VanSlyke of High I Que BBQ. Randy owns and operates Home Technology Solutions in Gardner, Kansas. Pro Technology Solutions offers Gardner and the Kansas City area services such as audio/visual installation - so if you need someone to install those big-screen TVs and sound systems or provide various other home automation expertise, give Randy a call at (913) 927-1185
Thanks to our other sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Our American Royal World Series of Barbecue champions tour continues on Episode 133 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast as we’re joined by Grand Champion of The Open, Travis Duffy of Last Call Heroes out of Pierre, S.D. Travis tells us about his biggest career win and how he got it done at Kansas Speedway.
Nick Davis of Oklahoma’s Double Barrel BBQ also joins us to preview a contest he’s hosting this weekend, aimed at backyard cooks in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Kevin Hesse from Kansas City’s Weekend Bum BBQ also joins Nick to discuss a tell-all class aimed at competition newcomers, set for Nov. 6 at American Fire BBQ. It’s also a chance to ask Kevin about his first-place Pork at the American Royal Open.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss the great cooking weather that October offers and blast through a sports 2-minute drill with a focus on the red-hot baseball Cardinals.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 132 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with an American Royal World Series of BBQ Grand Champion - and even get to brag on ourselves a bit! We also tell you how you can apply to be a contestant on a popular televised BBQ program. The lowdown:
Bill Heyen took a break from fall harvest in the fertile farm fields of west-central Illinois and captained Triple H BBQ to a world championship in the American Royal Invitational over the weekend. Bill recaps how it went down at Kansas Speedway.
The 41st American Royal was an unforgettable experience for the Tailgate Guys BBQ cooking team, which made its first dive into the deep end of the BBQ water in the 467-team Open. Lyndal Scranton recaps the thrill of a 12th-place Chicken call and what it means to a podcast co-host to experience competition success on a huge stage.
Stephanie Lewis is casting producer for the American Barbecue Showdown’s Season 2, which returns to Netflix in 2022. Stephanie tells us how aspiring pitmasters can apply to be a part of the lineup, as applications at bbqshow.castingcrane.com are open now.
Co-hosts Steve Koehler and Lyndal also talk backyard cooking as autumn arrives along with a sports two-minute drill.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The world’s largest BBQ competition is about to fire up. It’s American Royal World Series of BBQ week as nearly 500 teams converge on Kansas Speedway to fill the air with delicious smoke and light their pits feeling unbridled optimism. To preview the event, we visit with six first-time competitors about their hopes, expectations and to learn a bit about their BBQ journeys.
Our first roundtable brings together Wes Garrett of Piglitically Incorrect BBQ out of Brandon, Mississippi; David Lillis of Kansas City’s Barking Dog BBQ and Brian Anglin of Who Dat BBQ out of Vermillion, South Dakota. We then bring in Chad Peterson from Mad Chad’s BBQ from Sioux City, Iowa; Jim Self of Papa Jim’s BBQ of Worden, Illinois; and the husband-wife team of Mike and Nichole Mulkey of Mulkey’s BBQ from St. Louis.
Meanwhile, co-host Lyndal talks about the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s prep for its first Royal and Steve discusses his cooking week in the backyard, where the judges always give winning scores.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The American Royal World Series of BBQ is just one week away and we have a preview on Episode 130 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. Kicking things off is the reigning Royal Open Grand Champions, Fred Robles of Rio Valley Meats. Fred tells us what winning the major meant to him and how things are going in the inaugural year of the Texas-based Champions Barbecue Alliance he helped create.
We also talk it over with Emily Park, event manager of The Royal about last-minute preparations and what the public can expect at Kansas Speedway, Sept. 16-19. There’s also a Steak Cookoffs Association comp on Thursday night on site and SCA rep Jim Altic gives us the details.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also review their big holiday weekend of cooking and talk a bit of professional and college football. It’s a fun time of the year for sports and BBQ!
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 129 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast we have a terrific conversation with David Page, author of the new book “Food Americana.” David was a long-time television news producer, covering some huge international stories over the years including the fall of the Berlin Wall. Later, he created the ground-breaking television program “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and now takes us inside the love of food - including BBQ - throughout the USA.
We also take a trip to southeast Missouri to visit with Travis Bickings, pitmaster of the competition team Shot in the Dark BBQ. Travis tells us about getting into competition BBQ after a 20-year career in the Marines and how his team has taken its game to a new level in 2021 with its first Grand Championship.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview the big Labor Day Weekend, always a prime time to fire up grills and smokers. They even mix a little college football talk in.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
He’s a nuclear engineer and, now, a Kansas City Barbeque Society Grand Champion pitmaster. On Episode 128 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we take a trip to Hartsville, S.C., to tell the BBQ story of Phillip Mason of Fallout BBQ after his team’s first GC, last weekend in Myrtle Beach.
We also drop into northwest Arkansas for a Sponsor Spotlight segment, checking in with Brian Gunterman of DDR Fabrication. Not only does Brian make some spectacular steel signs and custom grilling accessories for BBQ teams, he’s launched a new line of BBQ rubs while preparing to cook The American Royal Open for the first time.
Lyndal also reviews the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s results at last weekend’s Smoke on the Harbor in Warsaw, Missouri. Co-host Steve discusses some indoor cooking ideas during a scorching hot week in mid-America before he gets back out on the deck this weekend.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s been far too long since we visited with Kansas City Barbeque Society CEO Emily Detwiler. We correct that on Episode 127 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, with Emily giving us her thoughts on the first two years into her run as CEO of the world’s largest BBQ organization. She discusses what it’s been like dealing with a pandemic, plans for continuing education for judges and the new competition pork rule for 2022, which does away with a minimum starting weight.
This week’s other guest has a desire to help newcomers to competition BBQ and is doing so by starting a new contest this fall, for backyard cooks. Nick Davis of Oklahoma’s Double Barrel BBQ tells us why it’s important for him to grow the sport while also raising funds for a worthy cause that is personal to him.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their latest cooking adventures and weigh in on The Field of Dreams baseball game in rural Iowa. Home run or foul ball? They discuss.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We hope everyone is having a great BBQ week and is ready for terrific BBQ conversation on Episode 126 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
Lee Hickel could be the poster subject for that old Willie Nelson song “On the Road Again.” From his home base near Corpus Christi, Texas, the pitmaster of Red Mule’s Bad Ass BBQ is piling up the miles as he travels the KCBS circuit for the first time. A former IBCA Team of the Year, Hickel tells us his journey from a gas-griller just a few years ago to one of America’s best competition cooks.
Winning a Grand Championship is a goal for all who fire it up on the competition circuit. Matt Bohannon of Parts ‘R’ Smokin’ BBQ out of Harrisonville, Missouri, realized that dream last weekend and we learn his cooking story and what the GC at the Laurie Hillbilly BBQ meant. Cooking with his dad, Matt was dominant with a KCBS winning score of over 706.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their cooking weeks and Lyndal gives his impressions of judging a KCBS contest for the first time.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When Carey Bringle lost a leg to cancer at 17, the Tennessee native didn’t let it slow him down. Instead, Bringle turned his situation and BBQ knowledge into marketing genius. For a quarter-century, he’s been serving up and competing in BBQ as “Peg Leg Porker.” On Episode 125 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, we visit with Carey about his BBQ roots, his Nashville restaurants and get some timely tailgating tips as football season nears.
We also go “Under the Radar” with another up-and-coming competition BBQ team, this time taking a trip to central Ohio to visit with Chris Pannell and Heath Bletzacker of Ale Yeah BBQ. The duo recently won their first KCBS Grand Championship and we find out more about their journey from childhood friends to KCBS professional champs.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss backyard cooking experiences from the past week and give a review of the latest episode of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
There’s a new No. 1 team in the KCBS Team of the Year standings this week and we talk it over with Joe Pearce of Slaps BBQ on Episode 124 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
Joe discusses the grind of cooking doubleheaders, the chase for Team of the Year and what he looks for in the details after receiving his scoresheets. We also touch on the BBQ restaurant business (Joe and brother Mike’s SLAPS is arguably Kansas City’s best) and what Joe likes to cook at home.
The effort to give exposure to up-and-coming teams continues in our “Under the Radar” segment. We go to South Dakota to learn more about BNB BBQ where Brooks Alexander and B.J. Hughes are knocking on that Grand Championship door. When that GC happens, the couple say they’ll take the leap from engaged to married.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve recap their cooking weeks, included the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s leap into a tough field (including Joe and Slaps) at the double KCBS cook in Osceola, Missouri. The highlight: A first-day call in Brisket and a notable Day 2 improvement in chicken.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
Harry Soo calls himself an “accidental pitmaster,” a self-proclaimed IT nerd who cooked his first BBQ contest only at the urging of co-workers. What a ride it’s been, as Harry went on to become a competition BBQ champion and a hero to many pitmasters - amateur and pro - with his vast knowledge via a large Youtube following.
It was tremendous to welcome Harry for an extended conversation on Episode 123 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. Not only did we discuss BBQ techniques, but Harry tells us about some of his incredible adventures, including cooking a Musk Ox Steak under the Northern Lights of Alaska. For Harry, BBQ is not about the trophies, it’s about the experiences and memories - and helping others improve their BBQ game. Ever heard of Brisket Sushi? Harry tells us about his newest creation.
Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also discuss their BBQ week, highlighted by Steve’s beef ribs cook. Meanwhile, Lyndal previews the Tailgate Guys’ dive into a KCBS doubleheader this weekend in Osceola, Missouri.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 122 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we catch up with our friend Craig Verhage marketing director for Royal Oak Charcoal to find out about the new Royal Oak charcoal pellets. Craig also put his BBQ “uniform” on last weekend as “The BBQ Ninja” at the Windy City Smokeout in Chicago and he gives us a recap of a festive weekend.
As the baseball season has reached the All-Star break, it’s a perfect time to chat with the co-hosts of the Baseball & BBQ Podcast, Leonard Aberman and Jeff Cohen. We discuss their show and it’s blend of two passions and the big storylines from MLB so far in 2021.
Co-hosts Steve and Lyndal also discuss the latest episode of BBQ Brawl on The Food Network and touch on a proposed KCBS rules change eliminating the minimum weight for cooking pork.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We hope everyone is having a great week, as we transition from the 4th of July to the heat of summer. Welcome to Episode 121 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast!
If you’re a fan of good barbecue, cold beverages and music then the sacred tailgating ground at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is the place for you this weekend. Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ tells us about the inaugural KC Barbecue Festival, a three-day celebration of Q. “Fergie” will serve as host and emcee throughout the weekend and while we have him, we find out what’s new with Fergolicious and the KC Grilling Company.
We also check in with Jerry Aguilar from Burnin’ and Lootin’ BBQ, the 2019 California BBQ Association Team of the Year. As KCBS competitions continue to lag in California, Jerry and wife Lupe have enjoyed getting their grill on in Steak Cookoff Association events, while making plans for The American Royal this fall in Kansas City. Jerry’s best category in KCBS is chicken and you might be surprised by how many chicken thighs he cooks at a comp.
The co-hosts recap their 4th of July cooking and also take a quick lap around the sports world. Let us know if you agree or disagree with their opinions.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Gray Wolf Smokers and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
As we head into the July 4th holiday weekend, Episode 120 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast talks competition BBQ with a pair of pitmasters who are having outstanding seasons.
First up is Phillip Breeden of LC BBQ out of Bandera, Texas. The 2020 IBCA Team of the Year in his home state, Phil decided to take LB BBQ full-steam into the KCBS circuit in 2021 and the results have been outstanding. Learn more about his story - and grueling travel schedule - in our first guest segment.
We also go “Under the Radar” with Tommy Self of Perfectly Blended BBQ out of Crimson Tide Country - Vance, Alabama. Tommy has been getting regular walks despite only cooking BBQ for a short period of time. He’s having a solid rookie season in the KCBS Masters division after stepping up from Backyard.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk about their upcoming holiday cooking plans and give their takes on the latest Food Network show BBQ Brawl. Is the show discriminatory toward the female contestants? We have opinions.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Welcome to Episode 119 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast where we find out about the rising cost of meat and the outlook for the rest of the summer from one of the industry’s experts. Kevin Green of The Butcher Shoppe breaks it all down for us and what it means to both backyard cooks and competition pitmasters in the near and short term.
We also welcome Jeff Scheurer and Luke Legatt, pitmasters of the KCBS competition team Tire Smoke BBQ out of East Liberty, Ohio. Jeff and Luke are engineers for Honda R&D and they discuss how that analytical background helps them in competition Q. After several near-misses, Tire Smoke BBQ captured its first Grand Championship over the weekend on Day One at the 51-team Hoosier BBQ Classic in Franklin, Indiana.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their Father’s Day cooking exploits, opine on early episodes of the Food Network Show BBQ Brawl and take a rapid-fire look at the sports world.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 118 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with one of the insiders of BBQ media as Ryan Cooper joins us. Ryan and Sean Ludwig co-produce The Smoke Sheet, a weekly, free electronic newsletter that keeps its fingers on the pulse of the BBQ industry with the latest national barbecue news, upcoming events, recipes, media links and more.
Did you know there are high school BBQ teams? We learn more from Chuck Simpson, a high school teacher in Osceola, Missouri, where he is a coach of the high school BBQ team and youngsters can eat their homework! The students learn the ropes of cooking over open-fire as a sanctioned member of the National High School BBQ Association and Missouri High School BBQ Association.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve talk Father’s Day cooking and gift ideas plus golf’s third major of 2021, the U.S. Open.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s Pizza, an “Official American Royal World Series of BBQ” sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When we had Megan Day of Burnt Finger BBQ on the show earlier this spring, she hinted at a big television project but couldn’t yet disclose it. Now she can. On Episode 117 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, Megan tells us about Food Network’s BBQ Brawl, Season 2, where she’s one of 12 contestants with celebrity coaches Bobby Flay, Michael Symon and Eddie Jackson. It debuts Monday, June 14.
After visiting with Megan about her growing role in giving BBQ positive exposure, we go “Under the Radar” to find out more about an up-and-coming pitmaster. This week’s guest is Kevin Heese of Kansas City’s Weekend Bum BBQ. Kevin tells us his journey into the competition world and a recent top-10 finish in a big field of heavy hitters.
As the thermometer climbs across the land as summer arrives, co-hosts Lyndal Scranton and Steve Koehler talk about their own recent grilling experiences and what’s on tap in the week ahead.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
If you follow competition BBQ you know him. If you cook in the backyard, you might have used his products. Either way, it’s been far too long since we visited with Sterling Ball the “Big Poppa” in Big Poppa Smokers. We fix that on Episode 116 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show and have a terrific conversation with Sterling about the state of competition Q, musicians who love open-fire cooking and the red-hot roll Sterling and teammate James “The Flame” Perez are on in competition cooking.
We also check in with Dusty Ware from the Iowa BBQ Store, finding out more about our newest show sponsor, Dusty’s cooking background and some Father’s Day gift ideas. Is there a BBQ rivalry between Iowa and Minnesota? Listen and find out.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their Memorial Day Weekend cooking adventures and preview the open-fire week ahead.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. Special shout-out to Marty "Sign Man" Prather and Domino's, an "Official American Royal World Series of BBQ" sponsor of our team.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s Memorial Day Week, which means the official start to grilling season in the USA. While many of us cook over open-fire year-round, our guests on Episode 116 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast offer some tips - along with sharing their BBQ backgrounds - to the backyard grillmaster.
New Orleans might not be known for its BBQ cuisine, but James Cruse of Bluff City Smokers put the Crescent City on the map recently by winning the Memphis in May World Championship in Ribs. Also a pitmaster and part-owner of Central City BBQ in New Orleans, we discuss competition and restaurant-style BBQ with James, who also says fire management is key to a great backyard cook.
As we conclude National BBQ Month, we welcome another first-time show guest, Brie Blackford. Brie has developed a grilling website EldasKitchen.com which features recipes and a variety of artisan-made, small-batch, one-and-done-sized sauces. Brie tells us about learning about cooking from her grandmother, Elda, thus the name of the site and offers up her spin on grilling ideas to help backyard cooks.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve remind everyone that the grill is for more than meat. Veggies and even desserts can benefit greatly from that smoky sear from an open fire for a complete, fresh off-the-grill meal.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden, Domino's Pizza of the Ozarks (official American Royal World Series BBQ Sponsor of our team) and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 114 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we recap Memphis in May by welcoming Pork Shoulder World Champions Tim Scheer and Brad Leighninger. The Missouri duo combined to lead Team Blues Hog onto a world stage and they talk about how they did it, defying the naysayers, by cooking their “Grip It and Rip It” style of Hot & Fast on Gateway Drum Smokers.
Meanwhile, on the 10-year anniversary of the devastating F5 tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, we talk it over with Operation BBQ Relief co-founder and CEO Stan Hays. Joplin was the origin of OBR, which has done so much work over the last decade. Stan shares his memories of the horrific scene in Joplin and how OBR came to be after that trying time and even offers up some backyard grilling tips.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve recap the week in BBQ, including last week’s show guest Myron Mixon winning Whole Hog at Memphis in May, along with his 5th overall World Championship. There’s also a lightning round of sports talk served up with the BBQ.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Myron Mixon is known as the winningest man in BBQ and this week will be shooting for his fifth Memphis in May World Championship. A compelling figure for his role on the iconic television program BBQ Pitmasters, we welcome Myron to Episode 113 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
We visit with Myron about Memphis in May, where he will cook a pair of 200-pound hogs, and his new book out this week - Keto BBQ: Real BBQ for a Healthy Lifestyle - highlighting Myron’s 100-pound weight loss.
It was recently announced that the American Royal World Series of BBQ would return in September and we find out from Emily Park, event manager of the event, what the event will look like after a year’s absence. We even squeeze in a third guest this week as John Lindsey from All Q’ued Up BBQ tells us about an SCA Steak “Boot Camp” coming up this weekend at Pits N Grills in Springfield, Missouri.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s always a great conversation when Megan Day of Burnt Finger BBQ joins us and Episode 112 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show is no exception. Megan reviews her and husband Jason’s BBQ journey and updates us on several projects in the works for 2021, including the tease of a television project. A past American Royal World Series of BBQ chicken champion, she also offers some surprising advice for teams headed to The Royal for the first time this September.
We go “Under the Radar” with Toby Antonson from Brew & Que Competition BBQ team out of Lincoln, Nebraska. Toby has been competing since 2015 and tells us about some of his BBQ highlights, along with the challenges that a team that competes only a handful of times a year faces.
Co-host Lyndal Scranton also make a big announcement about the Tailgate Guys’ cooking team's decision to leap into The American Royal this fall while Steve Koehler tells us his open-fire cooking plans for Mother’s Day weekend.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of competition BBQ’s majors is only a couple of weeks away and on Episode 111 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we talk it over with the great Heath Riles about his preparation for Memphis in May. Heath also tells us about his booming product business, on layering rubs vs. mixing them and a tip or two on how competition cooks might take the next step from good to great.
We go “Under the Radar” with Chase Willard from KCBS team Willard Wick BBQ out of Independence, Mo. Chase, who’s only been competing since 2019, reviews a great cook at last weekend’s Ozarks BBQ Festival following a stretch of adversity that included a house fire a week before the comp. He also talks about his former competitive passion of bull-riding.
As for the co-hosts, Lyndal reviews Team Tailgate Guys cook at Ozarks BBQ Fest and Steve is loving going back to the charcoal-cooking basics with his new Weber Kettle 22.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners who make our show possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Bill Gillespie is a veteran on the competition BBQ circuit and his Smokin’ Hoggz team from Abington, Massachusetts, has enjoyed big success with grand championships at the American Royal invitational and Jack Daniel Invitational. On Episode 110 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, we visit with Bill about his career and his new book: Hot and Fast BBQ on Your Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker - Master the Quickest Method to Smoking Mouthwatering Meats - out May 25.
It’s also the week of the Ozarks BBQ Fest, our hometown comp. Giving us a preview if one of the promoters, Larry Krauck, but we talk more than BBQ. Larry is nothing short of a walking miracle as he describes his comeback from a critical battle with Covid that hospitalized him for nearly 100 days over the winter.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, the Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When Thomas Gearhart of California’s Mudville BBQ won the 2019 American Royal Invitational Grand Championship, he figured to ride that momentum into the new season. Instead, the pandemic wiped out almost all competition BBQ on the West Coast in 2020. We catch up with Thomas on Episode 109 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, just before he swings back into competition this weekend after the lengthy break.
On our “Under the Radar” segment, we take a trip to Iowa to visit with Trent Vanderheiden to learn the story of Bohica BBQ. Trent has been competing since 2015 and he discusses the appeal and challenges that competition cooking presents. Want to nominate yourself - or someone else - for “Under the Radar?” We’re looking for teams just getting started or who have yet to win a Grand Championship. Let me know at lscranton755@gmail.com
Lyndal and Steve also review the busy week in the KCBS world and discuss their cooking weeks while looking ahead to the KCBS portion of Ozarks BBQ Fest, coming up in Springfield, April 23-24.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, the Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Less than a year ago, Marissa Ouverson had never competed in a Steak Cookoff Association event. Now, she’s a World Champion after taking down the $10,000 first prize at the SCA World Championships last month in Fort Worth, Texas. We talk to Marissa, a 21-year-old student at Iowa State University, about her journey on Episode 108 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
On our “Under the Radar” segment, we take a trip to Mitchelleville, Maryland, to visit with Norris “Syd” Sydnor of the up-and-coming KCBS team Good Googly Good BBQ. Despite competing for only a couple of years, Sydnor - with an enthusiasm for BBQ that is sure to make you smile - already is one of the top chicken cooks in KCBS. And how did he come up with the name Good Googly Good BBQ?
Want to nominate yourself - or someone else - for “Under the Radar?” We’re looking for teams just getting started or who have yet to win a Grand Championship. Let me know at lscranton755@gmail.com
Lyndal and Steve discuss their Easter weekend cooking results, review the NCAA basketball championship game and preview The Master’s (anyone up for a pimento-cheese burger?).
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, the Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Vietti Marketing and In the Garden of Eden. ADVISORY: We have room for one more sponsor. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s always fun to see new televised BBQ shows roll out and learn about the competitors. On Episode 107 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with Atlanta’s Nikki Rowland, a third-generation pitmaster and personal chef who is one of the contestants on the new Discovery-Plus show Moonshiners: Smoke Ring. Nikki tells us about the show and how she learned open-fire cooking from her father and grandfather plus the family specialty of ribs and what makes them awesome.
We also go “Under the Radar” this week with Brian Peyton of the competition team “Meat Me in St. Louis” to learn about his BBQ background, his biggest cooking influence and goals for 2021 after a 13th-place finish in KCBS ribs last year.
Meanwhile, the co-hosts recap their cooking week, as Lyndal reviews cooking a KCBS doubleheader in mid-Missouri against some of the world’s best teams and Steve gives some pointers on reverse-searing steaks and putting the right amount of smoke on a ham just in time for Easter. And it’s baseball season! We talk a bit about that, plus March Madness hoops.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo. ADVISORY: We have room for one more sponsor. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When the Chicago father-son duo of Brian and Brendan Dwyer pull into a KCBS competition, they turn heads with their unique BBQ ride. Their team is aptly named “The BBQ Bus” as the the Dwyers have transformed an old school bus into one of the most-unique BBQ outfits on the circuit.
They also have become big winners, one of the nation’s top Brisket teams with six perfect 180s - along with a grand championship last weekend in their 2021 opener in Tennessee. We have a fun conversation with Brian and Brendan on Episode 106 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show about their BBQ life and how they got started in food sport.
Also this week, the “Under the Radar” segment returns where we find out about a relatively new team. Joe Osbrink of Never Easy BBQ from Des Moines, Iowa, cooked his first KCBS and SCA events in 2020 and already has found success, including a trip to the finals at the recent SCA World Championship. Find out more about Joe, who won’t be under the radar much longer.
As for the co-hosts, Lyndal previews the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s KCBS doubleheader this weekend and Steve contemplates smoking tofu. Yes, tofu. They also break down March Madness because this is the best month of the year for hoops junkies.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, plus Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and The BBQ League. ADVISORY: We have room for two more sponsors. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
If you enjoy the history of competition BBQ and stories about whiskey, smoke and cooking with Choice briskets, you will enjoy Episode 105 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. We have an extended visit with one of the great veterans of Comp Q, Donny Teel of Oklahoma’s Buffalo’s BBQ.
Donny, a past American Royal World Series of BBQ and Jack Daniels Invitational Grand Champion, begins his 25th season of competition this weekend in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Before that, he talks about the good times and learning curve from his early days in food sport.
We also hear from Jim Altic, a Steak Cookoffs Association rep and renowned contest promoter. Jim gives us a review of the SCA World Championships last weekend in Fort Worth and a preview of his busy contest year ahead promoting SCA events.
Lyndal and Steve also tell you their March Madness bracket picks and talk about their upcoming competition and backyard cooking plans.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo. ADVISORY: We have room for two more sponsors. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We chat with an iconic BBQ veteran and a relative newcomer who’s making a big splash in the competition world on Episode 104 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
Many know Craig Verhage better as The BBQ Ninja for his bandana, sunglasses and flamethrower around all kinds of food. These days Craig, who’s been on Food Network’s Chopped Grillmasters and a featured chef at the James Beard House, is a brand ambassador for Royal Oak Charcoal. We visit with Craig about his busy year ahead and what it’s like hanging with Malcom Reed and a host of open-fire stars.
It’s also an honor to be the first BBQ Show to interview Bill Heyen of Illinois’ Triple H BBQ. Bill only has been competing for about five years, mostly on the St. Louis BBQ Society circuit, but he’s spreading his wings in the KCBS world in 2021. Fresh off a Grand Championship at Sip & Swine in Lawrenceville, Georgia, last weekend, Bill tells us more about his BBQ journey.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also reflect on one year ago this week, when Covid 19 slapped everyone across the forehead and the world suddenly changed.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo. ADVISORY: We have room for two more sponsors. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 103 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with Sterling Smith from Loot’n Booty BBQ about a variety of topics, including how to properly cook a tri-tip and why a guy who is highly decorated on the competition trail for 12 years just took a BBQ class seeking more knowledge.
Sterling, who’s based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the high-energy people in food sport and a great ambassador of spreading BBQ knowledge world wide. He tells us about trying to turn down time during the pandemic in a positive, be it cooking more at home or putting the finishing touches on his new Jolly Roger Jalapeno Garlic Black Rub, which is now on the market. It’s always great conversation when Sterling joins us, so buckle up and enjoy!
We also check in with Gene Newkirk, from the Kickin’ it on Route 66 BBQ contest, one of the first big events in the Midwest in 2021. Gene tells us about some things he and the community leaders of St. Robert, Missouri, have learned about putting on a quality KCBS contest and his outlook for the March 26-27 event.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo. ADVISORY: We have room for two more sponsors. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We are joined by a world champion and an up-and-comer on Episode 102 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show podcast, just a few weeks after their paths intersected atop the leaderboard of a huge early season competition.
Bill Purvis of Houston’s Chicken Fried BBQ has been competing for only a couple of years, mainly on the Texas scene. Bill earned his first KCBS Grand Championship recently at the 118-team Humble Rodeo & BBQ near his hometown. He tells us about his rapid ascent, what the win meant to him and what’s ahead in 2021 for Chicken Fried BBQ.
Bill edged out reigning KCBS Team of the Year winner Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted at Humble. Brad is off to a flying start in pursuit of a repeat and third overall KCBS championship. We ask Brad about his comp schedule, along with some cool things happening with The BBQ League, which is rapidly becoming the premier online source for BBQ entertainment and instruction. He also breaks some news about plans to cook at Memphis in May as part of Team #BluesHogNation
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo. ADVISORY: We have room for two more sponsors. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
John Lindsey and Ronald Burns were tremendous KCBS cooks before they became two of the top steak cooks on the Steak Cookoffs Association circuit. On Episode 101 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, we have an extended conversation with the duo about steak - and much, much more.
Lindsey, from Arkansas’ All Q’ued up competition team has teamed up with Burns, Mississippi’s Hotty Toddy BBQ, to form the nucleus of “Team Arkassippi.” The two have taken their popular line of rubs and combined them into the #ArkassippiCombo and we visit with them about the importance of layering to acquire the ultimate great taste. They also have a popular weekly Facebook live show Arkassippi Live Smoke Show and we talk about how it came to be.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve offer some comfort-food ideas to help navigate this brutal arctic weather, plus just a dash of sports talk to warm the soul.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo. ADVISORY: We have room for two more sponsors. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Helping us commemorate Episode 100 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast is one of our favorite people in BBQ, the great Danielle Bennett - better known to millions of BBQ fans worldwide as Diva Q. Always generous with her time, Diva Q discusses life during pandemic times, when her next book might be coming and she gives some inspiring - and straight talk - to those who need to get in shape.
We also talk it over with a pair of top-notch competition pitmasters who are doing a unique tell-all class in March. If bettering your chicken and rib-cooking game is a goal, Josh Farley of Piggin’ Whiskey OG and Travis Duffy from Last Call Heroes BBQ might be the guys you’re looking for. Learn about the class - Josh is an expert on chicken legs while Travis excels at thighs - and their upcoming competition seasons.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve wrap up the Super Bowl - or Super Dud as we prefer to call it - and long for warmer days ahead by talking baseball and Daytona 500.
Thanks to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo. ADVISORY: We have room for two more sponsors. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
On Episode 99 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we celebrate Super Sunday - which also has become America’s biggest food day - with some powerhouse guests coming to us from the epicenter of the football universe in the St. Petersburg-Tampa area.
First up from St. Pete is “Dr. BBQ” Ray Lampe, who tells us how the pandemic has slowed his normally hectic travel schedule and about the restaurant business in these unique times. Ray also gives us a game prediction (he would prefer his beloved Chicago Bears be in the big game) and some pointers on how to cook the perfect game-day chicken wing.
As the Chiefs chase a repeat championship, two championship pitmasters also are running back a big tailgating experience one year after Kansas City ruled the football world. Richard Fergola of Kansas City’s Fergolicious BBQ and Rub Bagby from Florida’s Swamp Boys BBQ are cooking up a feast Saturday and Sunday at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete. Get the details as Fergie and Rub give us the party lowdown and trash talk a bit.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve make their picks and celebrate baseball after the Cardinals stole all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies.
A big shout-out to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo. ADVISORY: We have room for two more sponsors. Email lscranton755@gmail.com for details.
Have a great BBQ Week!
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
One of America’s elite pitmasters is heading up a new competition BBQ sanctioning body. On Episode 98 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with Fred Robles about this big project.
Fred is President of the new Champions Barbecue Alliance. One of its goals is to modernize the competition by using technology to speed the scoring process, while also giving constructive feedback to teams receiving low scores. Fred, the 2019 American Royal Open Grand Champion with his Rio Valley Meats team, breaks it all down and explains how he sees the CBA fitting into the competition landscape.
Also joining us is chef Tony Matassa from BBQGuys.com, the popular one-stop-shop for all things live-fire cooking. Tony tells us how he made the transition from his family’s background in Italian restaurants to live-fire and touches on the booming popularity of BBQ for the backyard cook during this time of pandemic.
Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also talk Super Bowl LV, both from football and food angles and make clear whether they’re leaning toward Young Gun Mahomes or Old Man Brady for the big game.
Thanks to our listeners, both long-time and new. We are thankful for you and want to hear your input any time about potential guests or anything BBQ-related. Join the fun on our Facebook page and don’t forget to follow along on Twitter @TailgateGuys999 or Instagram @tailgateguysbbq
A big shout-out to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassppi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo.
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We are back!!! And we’re pumped as Season 3 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast fires up.
Getting us started is one of the biggest names in BBQ, Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ. A two-time KCBS Team of the Year, 2017 American Royal World Series of BBQ Grand Champion and 2019 Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational BBQ Champion it’s always entertaining to visit with Travis. He tells about the thriving business Clark Crew BBQ Restaurant in Oklahoma City has done, despite opening just a couple of months before a pandemic. But the breaking news? After a year away from competition, Travis is coming back for a handful of big events in 2021. Listen to find out more.
We also welcome our first guest from 2016 when we debuted the Tailgate Guys on low-powered, local radio. Terry Black, the 2000 Whole Hog champ at Memphis in May World BBQ Championship who’s called by many The Godfather of St. Louis BBQ, gives us some personal reflections on Mike Mills. Called simply “The Legend” for his impact on the BBQ world, Mills passed away during the holiday season.
Thanks to our listeners, both long-time and new. We are thankful for you and want to hear your input any time about potential guests or anything BBQ-related. Join the fun on our Facebook page and don’t forget to follow along on Twitter @TailgateGuys999 or Instagram @tailgateguysbbq
A big shout-out to our sponsor/marketing partners: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and Arkassppi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo.
#SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We conclude Season 2 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show in Podcast form by featuring two outstanding BBQ conversations while also discussing some holiday gifts from Santa for the open-fire aficionado in your life.
Both our guests on Episode 96 are making their first appearances on the show. Leading off is Rub Bagby, perhaps the most-decorated pitmaster in Florida. The Florida Barbecue Association Hall of Famer tells us about his start in competition cooking in 2003, some of the places BBQ has taken him and offers great advice to the average backyard cook.
We’re also joined by Colby Archie, also known in the BBQ world as “Johnny Briquette” from the southeast Missouri competition team Pit Hustle BBQ. As Colby explains, Pit Hustle is a brand beyond just cooking, it’s also about promoting open-fire cooking in various ways including his growing social media presence. Pit Hustle recently took a tour of eight esteemed Texas BBQ restaurants and he gives us a rundown.
As Season 2 of our show on podcast draws to a close, we want to thank our listeners and guests who dialed up the show. We also give a big shout-out to our sponsors who made the fun possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts in 2020.
We look forward to firing up Season 3 in a few weeks. Please NOTE that we are accepting sponsorships for 2021. Please let me know if you would like to join us at lscranton755@gmail.com.
Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
As we steam toward the finish line of 2020 and Season 2 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, we visit with one of the great pitmasters and personalities of competition cooking plus one of America’s great, locally owned meat suppliers.
Leading off Episode 95 of the show is Kelly Wertz of 4 Legs Up BBQ out of Great Bend, Kansas. The former Jack Daniels Invitational BBQ World Champion with 35 Grand Championships since he began competing in 2003 tells us what cooking in the early years was like compared to nowadays. Imagine stopping at Walmart on the way to a competition to buy all your meat? Yep, Kelly said that was the norm in the old days.
It’s always an honor to visit with Kevin Green of The Butcher Shoppe out of Pensacola, Florida, one of our show’s marketing partners. Kevin tells us about enduring both a pandemic and multiple hurricanes to not only stay in business, but thrive during a challenging year. He also has some meat suggestions for that smoked holiday meal.
Meanwhile, co-host Lyndal Scranton talks about becoming a certified KCBS judge last weekend and what he learned during the experience. He and co-host Steve Koehler also wrap things up with a lightning round of sports talk.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts in 2020.
NOTE: We are starting to compile show sponsors for 2021. Please let me know if you would like to join the fun at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We fire up the final month of 2020 with a couple of fun guests on Episode 94 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, one who is dialed into the top-level of KCBS and another who spreads the word of BBQ through the spoken and written word.
Leading off is Josh Farley, pitmaster of Piggin’ Whiskey O.G. BBQ team out of Oak Grove, Mo. Josh and his fiancee Ashton Christine Smith finished 14th in the KCBS Team of the Year chase and were second in the tricky Chicken category. They did it by cooking legs, something few teams in the Midwest do. How did Josh make it work? He tells us, along with telling the background of Piggin’ Whiskey O.G.
Vic Clevenger is one of the most-entertaining people in BBQ. A professional speaker, stand-up comedian, writer and pitmaster, Vic created ChimneyCartel.com and the Chimney Cartel Facebook group where open-fire cooking ideas are exchanged. Vic has a new, lightweight grill out that sounds fascinating in its simplicity and efficiency. It’s always a good time when Vic pays us a visit.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve review their Thanksgiving cooks - what worked and what didn't - and what’s coming up in the run-up to Christmas.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts in 2020.
NOTE: We are starting to compile show sponsors for 2021. Please let me know if you would like to join the fun at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The Thanksgiving Week edition of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast finds a menu of barbecue knowledge, leading off with one of the world’s best pitmasters.
Matt Walker of Boomerang BBQ out of Lubbock, Texas, has been top-five in the KCBS Team of the Year standings the last three years, including a championship in 2019. We visit with Matt about the recently completed, challenging KCBS season, which found Boomerang a solid fifth overall and the addition of Gateway Drums to the cooker arsenal. The 2020-21 season is of to a flying start as Boomerang took a Grand Championship last weekend in Waco, Texas.
In the COVID world in which we reside, lots of people are smartly downsizing their Thanksgiving gatherings. We find just the expert to advise us on how to do so - and still have a fabulous feast - as Ken Fisher from Date Night Doins for 2 joins us. Ken says to keep your turkey-smoking simple and also dives into what makes a good burger. Check out his website DateNightDoins.com for hundreds of recipes and product reviews.
Lyndal and Steve also preview their cooking plans for the weekend and take a two-minute-drill type of dive into the sports world.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
NOTE: We are starting to compile show sponsors for 2021. Please let me know if you would like to join the fun at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 92 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we get some pointers on grilling steak and smoking Thanksgiving turkey from chef Randy Watson from the popular website BBQGuys.com. Randy, who’s based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was a high-end chef before joining BBQGuys.com, which is one of the fastest growing businesses that provides outdoor living products like smokers, grills and accessories, outdoor kitchens, patio furniture, and more. Randy was a great first-time guest and we definitely plan to have him on again and tap into his open-fire cooking knowledge.
We also talk it over with Todd Smith from Smoking Butt Heads BBQ out of Spartanburg, South Carolina, newly minted winner of the KCBS World BBQ Invitational. Todd tells us about overcoming a competitor’s nightmare (when you drive nearly 1,000 miles and the 8 pork butts you have all go bad), his championship cook in Kansas, the team’s history in BBQ and the Smoking Butt Heads restaurant.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
NOTE: We are starting to compile show sponsors for 2021. Please let me know if you would like to join the fun at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
This week on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we talk to a veteran pitmaster who’s been one of the nation’s best for several years on the KCBS circuit and a newcomer who just completed his first year.
Chiles Cridlin of Wolf’s Revenge BBQ out of Henrico, Virginia, chats about a variety of topics. After three consecutive top-10 finishes in the KCBS Team of the Year race, Chiles was 20th in the just-completed season and is off to the KCBS Invitational this weekend. Also a member of the KCBS Board of Directors, he discusses some new twists coming to the comp scene in 2021, and as a Smithfield brand ambassador he offers some tips for backyard cooks about meat selection.
We also visit with Missouri’s Hugh Munro, a former professional drag racer who now gets his adrenaline rush cooking BBQ. Hugh's Ambition Que team cooked 10 KCBS contests in its first season. What were some highlights, what did Hugh learn and what advice would he give to those consideration taking the competition plunge? He tells us.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve talk about their cooking week and how to celebrate the Masters in November with some Sunday-afternoon grilling plans.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
NOTE: We are starting to compile show sponsors for 2021. Please let me know if you would like to join the fun at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Seven weeks ago, if you had told Brad Leighninger he would win KCBS Team of the Year honors, what would his answer have been? “You’re crazy.” Or something to that effect.
On Episode 90 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, Brad tells us about his improbable and downright historic stretch drive that propelled Gettin’ Basted to its second Team of the Year championship in three years. Brad discusses what it was like cooking in three time zones this fall and if it was jubilation or relief when he edged out Joe Pearce and Slaps BBQ by a mere two points.
First-time guest Greg Hastie of Tebo Creek BBQ also joins us after the biggest Grand Championship of his career. Tebo Creek topped a loaded 93-team field at Smoke in the Spring in Osage City, Kansas with a dazzling score of 706.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
NOTE: We are starting to compile show sponsors for 2021. Please let me know if you would like to join the fun at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Hot off the grill, it’s Episode 89 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast where we’re talking steaks, spice rubs, sauces and baseball.
First up is Chris Bohnemeier from Code 3 Spices out of Collinsville, Illinois. Chris is an accomplished steak cook on the Steak Cookoffs Association circuit, with a golden ticket in hand for March’s SCA World Championship. He also is co-founder of Code 3, whose Patriot Sauce has won two Memphis in May World Series of BBQ sauce championships and the 2020 American Royal Tomato-based Spicy Sauce division of the American Royal.
Anyone who knows us can testify that baseball joins BBQ as one of our passions. So it’s a treat to welcome Leonard Aberman and Jeff Cohen, co-hosts of the Baseball and BBQ Podcast. We talk about 2020 baseball, the World Series and about their show which often finds retired baseball guests who have ventured into the BBQ world (example: slugger Greg “The Bull” Luzinski).
Lyndal and Steve also talk about cleaning out the freezer before winter and break down the wild KCBS Team of the Year chase which enters its final weekend. Will it be Gettin’ Basted, Slaps or Heavy Smoke taking home the crown? Or can someone else slingshot past them all?
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
NOTE: We are starting to compile show sponsors for 2021. Please let me know if you would like to join the fun at lscranton755@gmail.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
First a disclaimer: Episode 88 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast is a long one, but we think it’s worth your time whether you binge-listen all at once, or dial up a little at a time.
It’s always an honor to visit with BBQ Hall-of-Famer Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ. Chris is a six-time Memphis in May World Series of BBQ Pork Champion and five-time Memphis in May Grand Champion, an American Royal Invitational Grand Champ, author, chef, television personality, brand ambassador and restaurant proprietor. We ask Chris about his 2020, his biggest rival from his time on the competition trail and about the value of injecting meat even if you’re doing simple backyard smoking.
Joining us for the first time is Greg Rempe, host of the legendary BBQ Central Show. Greg tells us how a guy from Cleveland, a city hardly known for BBQ, wound up with an intense interest in BBQ and went on to start the longest-running, most-downloaded show on the planet with a focus on open-fire cooking. Is there one guest Greg would like to land that he hasn’t? Tune in and find out.
Meanwhile, co-host Steve Koehler gives a review of a visit to Clark Crew BBQ in Oklahoma City and Lyndal Scranton recaps how a Steak Cookoff Association tripleheader went. The guys also make World Series predictions.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The KCBS Team of the Year race is red-hot and no BBQ source covers it as well as the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show. Teams are crisscrossing time zones and cooking in remnants of hurricanes to chase the crown. On Episode 87, we visit with Joe Pearce of Slaps BBQ, the current points lead after a rainy weekend in Mississippi.
Joe tells us about his double Grand Championship the first weekend of October in Casper, Wyoming, how Brad Leighninger of 2018 KCBS Team of the Year Gettin’ Basted pushes him and fellow contender Chris Schafer of Heavy Smoke to be better and what winning Team of the Year would mean. The finish line is within sight and it’ll fun to watch how things play out.
We also talk steak cooking with one of the best in the business, John Lindsey of All Q’ued Up BBQ team out of Jonesboro, Arkansas and the Arkassippi Live Show that airs each Monday night on Facebook. John gives us a rundown of the Steak Cookoff Association points race and offers some steak-cooking tips that you normally would have to pay good money for.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Most in the competition BBQ world simply refer to him as the GOAT. His Iowa Smokey Ds has won three American Royal World Series of BBQ Open Grand Championships with the Jack Daniels Invitational and Houston Livestock Rodeo & BBQ also on his list of major titles. Fresh from a Grand Championship last weekend at the 66-team Ottumwa Smoketoberfest, it’s great to welcome Darren Warth back to the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
Also on Episode 86 of the show, after a scheduling whiff with an intended guest we bring back a great interview from over the summer with the Hardcore Carnivore, Jess Pryles. If you haven’t heard it, you will enjoy it. If you have heard it, you can enjoy it again. Jess is one of the best in the business at talking meat, from the slaughterhouse to the dinner table - and all points in between.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We have a powerhouse hour of Tailgate Guys BBQ this week as a pair of champions join us with news and knowledge.
First up is Mark Lambert, four-time Memphis in May champion and owner/operates of Sweet Swine O’ Mine. Mark tells us what a 2020 with few competitions has been like, but the most fun comes when he discusses a Steak Cookoff Association doubleheader he’s hosting in Byhalia, Mississippi Nov. 13. Steak is only part of the story. An ancillary contest will be Whole Hog! How will it work? Mark has answers.
Then we welcome Brad Leighninger of 2018 KCBS Team of the Year Gettin’ Basted back to the show. Brad, with new motivation, is fresh off a big win at a stacked 47-team contest in Savannah, Tennessee which has him in the mix in a mad, 10-or-more team scramble for KCBS Team of the Year honors. We also ask Brad about the weirdness of the season, especially the judging inconsistencies and how teams should view it.
Steve Koehler also is back in the co-host chair and he has a no-holds-barred review of the Netflix show American Barbecue Showdown.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
A pair of recent KCBS-contest Grand Champions join us on Episode 84 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast - Paul Keltner from Tennessee’s Rooters-N-Tooters and Drew Davis from Arkansas’ Razorracks BBQ.
Rooters-n-Tooters is a serious KCBS Team of the Year contender after taking GC honors at the Smoke on the Falls in Gadsden, Alabama. Paul tells us about the team’s history and the outlook the rest of the way as it sits third in the points chase, just behind SLAPS and Heavy Smoke. Meanwhile, Razorracks earned top honors on Day 1 at the Oklahoma Grand BBQ Championship in Shawnee, beating out 55 other teams in a stacked field.
In a new twist this week, my wife and Tailgate Guys BBQ competition cooking teammate Karen Scranton sits in as co-host. We discuss tasty ways to use leftover BBQ and reflect on the memories of our first-place KCBS Pork, one year ago. Yes, even little teams can take home a big trophy “on any given day.”
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Royal Oak Charcoal, The BBQ Central Show, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We bring you the best/most-heartbreaking story of the competition BBQ Weekend - maybe the BBQ Year - on Episode 83 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
Joe Hewer of Happy Grillmore BBQ team captured first place in Ribs, Pork and Brisket at the Smoke on the Trails in Gardner, Kansas. But a 28th-place finish among 48 teams in Chicken left Happy Grillmore in a tie for the Grand Championship with Joe Pearce of Slaps BBQ as both wound up with a score of 704.5372. Joe Pearce won the tie-breaker, denying Joe Hewer a first GC. We visit with Hewer about the mixed emotions and the history of the Happy Grillmore team.
We also catch up with Richard Fergola, GM at the KC Grilling Company in Olathe, Kansas. As Fergolicious BBQ, he’s been on television’s BBQ Pitmasters and Food Network’s Chopped Grillmasters and also is a member of the KCBS Board of Directors. A man of many hats, Richard gives us a wide-ranging conversation kicking off with what it’s like in Kansas City this week on what was supposed to be American Royal World Series of BBQ time.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Royal Oak Charcoal, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 82 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with two pitmasters having outstanding seasons on the KCBS competition trail and the co-hosts discuss their own open-fire adventures along with a sprinkle of sports.
To say Chris Schafer of St. Louis-based Heavy Smoke BBQ has lots of proverbial irons in the fire is an understatement. Heavy Smoke is going back-and-forth with Man Meat BBQ atop the KCBS Team of the Year chase. We visit with Chris about that, plus his line of Heavy Smoke rubs, the decision to open a BBQ restaurant later this fall and his rapidly growing All That For 6 Pieces podcast.
Only in his second year of competitive cooking, Oklahoma firefighter Nick Davis has led Double Barrel BBQ into the top 25 of the KCBS standings. Fresh from a lengthy haul to cook in Augusta, Georgia over Labor Day weekend, we get the lowdown from Nick about Double Barrel’s rapid rise onto the KCBS scene.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Royal Oak Charcoal, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV, Code 3 Spices and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s a legendary sauce on the competition circuit and in back yards, since the days Bill Arnold made batches in his kitchen. Now Blues Hog and its six flavors is going more mobile and more handy, available in new squeeze bottles. For those who love the Mason jars, no worries. They are staying.
Learn more on Episode 81 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, as we visit with Tim Scheer - now the owner of Blues Hog and many, many other endeavors - about marketing of the sauce. We also ask Tim about his reputation as the ultimate at making magic with a competition box in the final minutes before turn-in and about his perfect batting average in a limited competition schedule in 2020.
Also joining us for a fun conversation is first-time guest Daina Falk, founder of HungryFan.com which is the go-to brand for Game Day recipes, products, and reviews. Daina has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Today Show and her book, “The Hungry Fan’s Game Day Cookbook” includes recipes from some of sports’ biggest stars. Find it on Amazon.com.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Royal Oak Charcoal, The BBQ Central Show, Code 3 Spices, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great BBQ Week and Labor Day Weekend! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
She's one of the most-engaging people in BBQ, with a smile that could light a fire and mad pitmaster skills to match. You might have seen her on Home Shopping Network selling the Burnt Finger BBQ ready-to-heat-and-eat BBQ meals. Or winning her Episode on Food Network’s Chopped Grillmasters. Or cooking on the NBC Today show. This week, you can hear Megan Day on Episode 80 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
Megan and husband Jason comprise Burnt Finger, an accomplished competition team from Kansas City that as scored perfect 180 in chicken at the American Royal World Series of BBQ and placed 2nd in ribs at Memphis in May. They also recently earned first place in both tomato-based sauce and hot rub categories of the American Royal sauce and rub contests.
We also welcome first-time guest Brent Bourland of Bees Knees BBQ out of Huntsville, Alabama. Brent and his best friend Jeff Cole teamed up to compete six years ago and have won numerous championships along the way. They’re also one of the featured teams on the popular Destination America TV Show “Bama-Q” and we learn more about Bees Knees.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Robby Royal, 2014 Grand Champion of the popular television show BBQ Pitmasters, joins us on Episode 79 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. Robby tells us about how the pandemic has thrown his Rescue Smokers team a curve and created even more challenging times than normal in his profession as EMS Director for Turner County Georgia Emergence Medical Services. He also discusses staying connected with the BBQ world via BBQ Champs Academy, an online teaching resource.
Donald Cook of North Carolina’s Who Cares BBQ - the 11th-ranked KCBS team in the world, also joins us. Donald tells us about winning Grand Championships on back-to-back days earlier this month in Wythe, Virginia, and about his background in comp cooking.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Jess Pryles is one of the world’s foremost authorities on cooking meat. An Australian native who now calls Austin, Texas, home, we’re pleased to welcome the “Hardcore Carnivore” back to the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show for the usual, terrific conversation. Jess tells us about being accepted into the Meat Science Graduate Certificate program at Iowa State University and what that involves, plus how she’s staying connected to her many fans during the pandemic.
Episode 78 of the show also brings Justin McCabe of Boom Chicka Cow Cow to the show. Justin discusses his team’s first KCBS Grand Championship, last weekend in a star-studded field of teams in Enid, Oklahoma and the history behind his team’s rapid rise to prominence in competition cooking.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve chat about their own backyard cooking adventures and what’s happening - or not happening - in the sports world.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
He’s one of the great characters in BBQ, a man so well known he needs only one name. He’s an artist, cook, restaurateur and television personality. You might have seen him on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games and Diners’ Drive-Ins and Dives, or on Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters. He’s had a perfect 180 in Chicken at the American Royal World Series of BBQ. And he bottles some of the hottest BBQ sauce on the planet. Who is it?
STRETCH joins us for a fun conversation on Episode 77 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. Enjoy!
We also chat with Brian Gunterman of DDR Fabrication, a company that works magic with steel to make signs for BBQ teams across the globe.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s been an unusual year on the competition BBQ circuit, with events canceled or postponed and some others put together quickly to fill a void. Aaron Stoffer and Man Meat BBQ has made the most of things, holding on to the No. 1 ranking in the current KCBS Team of the Year standings. We visit with Aaron about the ride on Episode 76 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
Speaking of canceled events, will the American Royal World Series of BBQ join other majors in pulling the plug in 2020? Not yet. World Series of BBQ Manager Emily Park tells us the Sept. 17-20 event at Kansas Speedway is a go - as of now - but it will look a bit different.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We like KCBS judges. We really do. It’s just that a small percentage of really bad ones cast a dark shadow and drive many teams out of the sport. On Episode 75 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we discuss our thoughts on this topic after getting a first-hand look at … um … interesting scoring the past weekend.
Meanwhile, we then move on and talk to people a lot smarter than us about BBQ. Lee Thompson of Florida BBQ Association Team of the Year Pig Chicka Cow Cow joins us to talk about the frustration of how contests - with or without good judging - have ground to a half in his neck of the woods.
Also this week, Jeni Huelskamp from the Pits N Grills BBQ teams reflects on a fabulous weekend for that team at Smokin’ on the Osage in Osceola, Missouri. Jeni also owns and operates Manly Cans, a great business that fans of BBQ might be interested in.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
For Luke Darnell, BBQ is now a full-time occupation. The pitmaster of Old Virginia Smoke, a past KCBS Chicken Team of the Year, has started a catering business and the timing has been good. With the COVID-19 pandemic, Luke’s competition schedule has been severely curtailed in 2020. We visit with him about those topics - plus tips on competition chicken - on Episode 74 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
KCBS contest organizer Michelle Higgins also joins us to talk about the challenges of running a contest in these unique times. She has a double coming up this weekend with at least 33 teams coming to Smokin’ on the Osage in Osceola, Missouri.
Meanwhile, the guys banter about their own BBQ adventures - and even discuss some music. We hope you enjoy!
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Episode 73 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcasts marks the return of one of our favorite guests - and one of the most-popular pitmasters on the planet. Big Moe Cason joins us to discuss “Big Booty Judy” his new, whopping 1,000-gallon tank converted into a smoker. Moe also tells us about the latest addition to his product line, the I-10 sauce, plus many other things in a fun segment.
We also take get an update on meat shortages and price spikes from industry insider Kevin Green of The Butcher Shoppe. Kevin says things are settling down into more of a normal pattern and those awesome A9 Briskets are shipping briskly as competitions ramp back up.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On episode 72 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we chat with a pair of World Champion pitmasters, back-to-back - Blane Hunter of Porky Butts BBQ and David Bouska from Butcher BBQ.
Porky Butts BBQ was the 2016 KCBS Team of the Year and 2017 American Royal Open Grand Champion. The fixture on the competition circuit took a break the last couple of years to open Porky Butts BBQ restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska last year. On a hunch, Hunter returned to competition last weekend at a double in Rodney, Iowa and showed he hasn’t lost his touch. Blane tells us what it was like to be back.
Bouska, the 2018 Jack Daniels Invitational World BBQ Champion, has a line of products as legendary as his cooking prowess. He tells us about his “BBQ Mud” which is new to market, just this week, and how the pandemic has affected his competition cooking and business in 2020.
Meanwhile, Lyndal discusses his new status as Certified Steak Cookoffs Association BBQ Judge and Steve previews his big holiday weekend of cooking.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV Sales and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great 4th of July Weekend! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
How do you do a television show about competition BBQ when competitions are canceled. On Episode 71 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, we find out how the popular show Bama-Q is dealing with the pandemic from show host Lisa Blackwell.
Look for Bama-Q Live with pitmasters from the show and invited chefs creating culinary content as Bama-Q Live is streamed to the Bama-Q Facebook page, The Bama-Q TV Amazon Fire TV and Roku Channels and also the Pride Outdoor Network’s Amazon Fire TV and Roku Channels. They’ve already had over 2 millions views.
We also visit with Steve Hayden of One2BBQ out of New Berlin, Illinois after his outstanding performance at last weekend’s COVID Relief Que in Franklin, Indiana. Steve tells about his 12 years as a competition cook and the history of One2BBQ.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our competition efforts.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Welcome to Episode 70 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, where we prepare you for Father’s Day Weekend with a pair of timely guests. First up is "The Tallest Man in BBQ,” who also might be the busiest. Either way, Tim Scheer of Shake 'n Bake BBQ, The BBQ League, Blues Hog and Gateway Drum Smokers joins us after his win in last week's inaugural pay-per-view BBQ FITE Klub event.
We also visit with Emily McGee of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association about outdoor cooking trends - grilling is booming during the pandemic - and Father's Day gift ideas to help with your shopping for Dad.
Meanwhile, the guys preview their first competitions of 2020 with Steve ready to grill up ribeyes and Lyndal primed for the KCBS portion of Ozarks BBQ Fest.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League. Special thanks to Vietti Marketing Group and In the Garden of Eden for supporting our efforts at Ozarks BBQ Fest and beyond.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Sterling Smith is wired to “go.” The pitmaster of Loot ’n Booty BBQ out of Scottsdale, Arizona, usually keeps a burning-hot pace, traveling the globe to promote BBQ and teach classes. How has Sterling handled the caution flag that COVID-19 has thrown the world? He tells us in Episode 69 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
We also get the details on the revised Ozarks BBQ Fest, our hometown KCBS and SCA competition. Larry Krauk, event coordinator for Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Mo., previews the June 19-20 competition - in which we will be participating.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Competition BBQ is starting to fire back up after a three-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Episode 68 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we get a feel for what’s happening on the KCBS circuit from Buddy Hammett, pitmaster from Shiggin’ Ain’t Easy out of Westland, Michigan. His team won last weekend’s contest in Warsaw, Indiana, and we talk about safety measures and what it was like in the first KCBS event in “new normal” times.
When talking competitive steak cooking, no team is busier than All Q’ued Up with the father-son due of John Lindsey and John Walter Lindsey. It’s always good to visit with the dynamic duo from Jonesboro, Arkansas about ribeyes, rubs and safety on the SCA circuit.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
In the hot-and-fast cooking world, Noah Glanville was one of the innovators with the Pit Barrel Cooker Company. Noah joins us on Episode 67 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show and updates us on the company and its plans for a new, bigger cooker coming later this year to join the regular and junior models in the PBC lineup.
We also welcome first-time show guest Christie Vanover from GirlsCanGrill.com. Christie is an experienced competition cook and KCBS judge and has 33 cookers in her back yard. She’s using her expertise to help others via GirlsCanGrill.com with hundreds of recipes, tips and tricks on how to grill and smoke better in your backyard.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com, Colaw RV and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Two American Royal World Series of BBQ champions, 12 years apart, join us for Episode 66 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. From south Texas, reigning American Royal Open champ Fred Robles of Rio Valley Meats tells us about how he’s dealing with the lack of competition cooking. Also, as a butcher and owner of Rio Valley Meats, Fred gives us perspective on the meat shortages and price spices that the country is dealing with.
On the second half of the program, 2007 American Royal Open champ Eric Burkhart - better known to his friends as Uncle Bub - recaps his win over 98 others in a huge sauce competition last weekend. The guys from Pit Hustle BBQ in southeast Missouri put it together and Eric’s “Hillbilly Hog Shine” sauce beat the others in a March Madness bracketed format.
Meanwhile, Lyndal and Steve preview their Memorial Day cooking plans and talk a little BBQ trivia, along with touching on news and notes from the BBQ and sports world.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s always an honor to visit with BBQ Hall of Famer Tuffy Stone. On Episode 65 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we have a conversation with “The Professor” about how weird it feels not to be headed to Memphis this week, where he’s reigning champion of the Memphis in May World BBQ Championship.
Postponed by COVID-19 until October, Tuffy said he might throw a couple of pork shoulders on the smoker this weekend, at home in Virginia, to commemorate the occasion. He also tells us about dealing with the loss of his father and BBQ right-hand man, George Stone, plus the challenging times in the restaurant business these days.
We also check in with Brian Staack of the popular Bootleggers BBQ restaurant in West Plains, Missouri. Brian recently was part of Operation BBQ Relief’s 10,000 Meals in 10 Days initiative.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
After traveling America and cooking almost every weekend last year, the cancellation of contests has made for a difficult adjustment for Matt Walker of reigning KCBS Team of the Year Boomerang BBQ. We catch up with Matt on Episode 64 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast and he tells us what he’s doing on weekends. The big story, though, is the upcoming video streaming tell-all class - and head-to-head competition - Matt is doing with Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted. It sounds epic. Go to thebbqleague.com to learn more.
We also visit with “The Burger Chef” Michael Dampier from one of America’s oldest restaurant/bars, The Ohio Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He tells us about devastating the COVID-19 shutdown has been to a tourist-driven city like Hot Springs. On a brighter note, Michael also is a food sport judge and competitor. He recently earned his golden ticket to represent Arkansas in the burger division of the World Food Championship this November.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
When you think of New England, you might think clam chowder before barbecue. But Massachusetts’ Bill Gillespie and his Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ team has put New England 'Q on the championship map over the last decade. The 2011 Jack Daniels Invitational World Champion and 2014 American Royal Invitational Grand Champ tells us his story on Episode 63 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
We also have a conversation with Ken and Patti Fisher of the popular website DateNightDoins.com where they have hundreds of cooking ideas for a couple. It’s more timely than ever with so many people cooking at home these days.
Thanks to our sponsors/marketing partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We hope everyone is staying safe! Welcome to Episode 62 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, where we visit with Joe Pearce of Slaps BBQ after his Virtual World Championship in our just-completed Pitmasters Bracket Challenge.
Joe talks about missing real competition BBQ and about how he and brother Mike have had to change the business model, on the fly, to keep their renowned Kansas City restaurant in business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We also chat with Kevin Green from The Butcher Shoppe - home of the A9 Wagyu Brisket - about life in the meat business these days and if there are any concerns about a supply shortage or rising prices.
Thanks to our sponsors/marekting partners who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, DDR Fabrication DDRFab.com and The BBQ League.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 61 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we visit with the current No. 1 pitmaster in the world - as competition BBQ remains in a holding pattern. Bobby Stanfiel of Hill City, S.D., and B-S BBQ Outlaws lead the KCBS Team of the Year standings after a strong start to 2020. We ask Bobby what he’s doing with his competition-free weekends and how he determines whether when championship brisket is done (hint: He doesn’t use a probe).
We also will get the perspective of health/food safety specialist Eric Marcol from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. Are your favorite restaurants still being inspected and safe for carryout? What about safety cooking items from the local grocer? Eric gives us reassurance.
Thanks to our sponsors who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and DDR Fabrication.
Thanks for listening! Stay safe and #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Bethany McAllister of 2016 American Royal Invitational Grand Champion 913 BBQ is using the time away from competitions to help others learn to cook better Q. Bethany joins us on this week’s Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast and talks about a series of her videos on how to make better Q, whether you cook on the circuit or in the backyard.
We also talk to her about 913 BBQ's history and the all-female Real BBQ Wives of Kansas City competition team.
Meanwhile, Brett Gallaway of the Steak Cookoff Association tells us how the pandemic is affecting things in the SCA world. Family, he tells us, is the No. 1 priority.
Thanks to our sponsors who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and DDR Fabrication.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
The coronavirus has changed life for all. Brad Leighninger has been affected in many ways with three BBQ restaurants and as one of competition's best pitmasters with Gettin' Basted. On this week's show, he touches on those subjects - plus the re-branding of The BBQ League.
Also on the show is Nick Parsons from Hasty Bake Charcoal Grills, a long-time company that's making a new push in the competition world in SCA. Nick tells us about the new 357 Hasty Bake and its features.
Thanks to our sponsors Blues Hog, Code 3 Spices, The Butcher Shoppe, The BBQ Central Show, Royal Oak Charcoal, DDR Fabrication and Affordable Income Tax & Payroll.
Stay safe. We'll talk to everyone again next week.
On Episode 58 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we did a video version because we were unable to access our studio location because of a coronavirus lockdown. However, we have converted it to audio.
Guests were Mark Lambert, a two-time Memphis in May Grand Champion and four-time MIM Pork Shoulder champ. Smiley Mondragon of Smlin' Dragon BBQ also joined us.
How the COVID-19 virus is affecting the BBQ World? He explore that on Episode 57 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
Chris Schafer of Heavy Smoke BBQ, one of the hottest pitmasters on the planet. He had a breakout 2019 season and won his 2020 opener last weekend at the 27-team Olathe BBQ BBQ Championship in Olathe, Kan. Chris touches on the uncertain schedule ahead and how his popular food truck is being affected.
We also get the viewpoint from contest promoter and KCBS certified master judge Jim Altic. He’s already rescheduling SCA contests and looks for a busy second half of the year. At least we hope.
Meanwhile, the guys talk about cooking at home and life without sports - and encourage everyone to support local restaurants in these tough times.
Thanks to our sponsors who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and DDRFab.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 56 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, we welcome Oliver Branch, Mississippi’s Heath Riles. Not only is Heath a 4-time Memphis BBQ Network Team of the Year, he has an award-winning line of rubs, sauces and injections. Two new rubs - Garlic Butter and Simply Citrus - are the latest additions to the Heath Riles BBQ lineup of rubs.
It’s been two years since Heath left the Victory Lane brand to start his own operation. Was there any trepidation about making that key decision? He tells us during a fun conversation.
Leading off the show is first-time guest Curt Harbers, lead pitmaster of the Fayette County Go Texan team that recently earned Grand Champion honors at the 252-team Houston Livestock Rodeo & BBQ. Curt tells us about how hectic life has been since winning one of BBQ’s majors.
Thanks to our sponsors who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and DDR Fabrication.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 55 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, we check in with two of the best in the open-fire cooking world — Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ and John Lindsey of “All Q’ued Up.”
Travis is a two-time KCBS World Champ, 2017 American Royal Grand Champion and reigning Jack Daniels Invitational Grand Champ. He opened Clark Crew BBQ Restaurant in Oklahoma City in December. In a word, he’s been “busy.” His days of competing full time are over, but the fire still burns. - He's not completely finished.
We talk steak with Lindsey, the 2019 Steak Cookoff Association points runner-up from Jonesboro, Ark. John has a new tell-all steak class on the BBQ Champs Academy site and his own new steak rub "Steak Shake" is now available.
Thanks to our sponsors who make the fun possible: Blues Hog, The BBQ Central Show, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices - www.code3spices.com, Royal Oak Charcoal, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and DDRFab.com
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Mississippi’s Craig Verhage is called the “BBQ Ninja” for his flamboyant bandana, sunglasses and take-no-prisoners style of open-fire cooking. Craig also is the new Marketing Coordinator for Royal Oak Charcoal and we’re pleased to visit with him - before he heads to this weekend's Houston Livestock Rodeo and BBQ - on Episode 54 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast.
We also catch up with Mike Radosevich of Code 3 Spice’s to find out more about how he went from a career in law enforcement into the BBQ business, along with friend Chris Bohnemeier. They're the real deal. Code 3’s Patriot Sauce won a Memphis in May World Championship for tomato-based sauce. Mike tell us why it’s important to him that a portion of all sales go to first responders and military organizations.
Thanks to our sponsors who make all the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and Royal Oak Charcoal.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
We go coast-to-coast on Episode 53 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast with some Midwest perspective from the co-hosts sprinkled in.
Jerry Aguilar of 2019 California BBQ Association Team of the Year “Burnin’ & Lootin’ BBQ” tells us how he and wife Lupe went from “semi-retired” comp cooks to having their best season. Jerry previews this weekend’s Guinea Pig in Coachella, California and the rest of his season - including a possible first trip to The American Royal.
We also welcome South Carolina’s Jason Hardee, organizer of the upcoming Speed & Feed BBQ Festival at historic Darlington Raceway. Jason also is a competition cook himself with his Elite BBQ Smokers team. We discuss the diverse BBQ taste and sauce profiles that South Carolina is known for.
Thanks to our sponsors who make it all the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and Royal Oak Charcoal.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
On Episode 52 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show, we welcome two of the world’s top competition pitmasters - Brad Leighninger of Missouri’s Gettin’ Basted and Matt Barber from Florida’s Hot Wachula’s - for high-energy ’Q conversation that you will enjoy.
Gettin’ Basted was 2018 KCBS Team of the Year and Brad is off and running already with a Grand Championship in 2020 - with wife Sarah taking RGC at the same contest in Utah. Brad also tells us about two new restaurants he’s opening soon, plus what it’s like organizing his first competition, the Gettin’ Basted Open in Hollister, Mo., this Memorial Day Weekend. It’s going to be a mini-major.
Hot Wachula’s also is off and running in the new year. After a trip to Italy last month to teach and compete, Matt captured a GC at last weekend’s Florida BBQ Association 'Smoke on the Water' in Winter Haven. He also fills us in on the history of Hot Wachula’s and how he got started competing.
Thanks to our sponsors who make it all the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, the Ozarks BBQ Alliance and Royal Oak Charcoal.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Welcome to February and Episode 51 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast. This week, it’s a rare three-guest show as the guys review the big game from all the football, food and entertainment angles.
Our featured guest Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ wasn’t at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for Super Bowl LIV, but he was nearby. Richard and Rub Bagby of Florida-based Swamp Boys BBQ teamed up to cook a gigantic Chiefs-themed tailgate in nearby Hollywood, Florida. Richard tells us how they pulled it off - and about the championship buzz back home in Kansas City.
We also welcome Art Hains, studio host on the Chiefs Radio Network, to tell us about what the championship means to a lifelong fan like himself. Art also ranks his favorite BBQ spots in Kansas City and shows that he knows his stuff.
There’s a new/old KCBS competition coming to Springfield, Mo., this April. The Ozarks BBQ Fest replaces the 20-year Rock N Ribs BBQ Festival and we get the details from Larry Krauck of the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds. The $20,000 prize should attract plenty of attention.
Thanks to our sponsors who make it all the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, the Ozarks BBQ Alliance and Royal Oak Charcoal.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s Super Bowl week, which means more than just a big football game is coming. Super Sunday also has grown into one of the biggest food days of the year and this week, we visit with a pair of powerhouse pitmasters to get some game-day cooking advice.
Jess Pryles is a native Australian and Texas transplant who is recognized for her line of Hardcore Carnivore rubs and expertise over open fires - particularly beef. We visit with Jess not only about some delicious Super Bowl ideas for chicken wings, but about the recent Brisket Camp she attended at Texas A&M University.
With the Chiefs in the big game, we had to get a Kansas City rep and who better than one of our favorites, Megan Day of Burnt Finger BBQ. It’s a big week for Megan, as her edition of Chopped Champions airs on Food Network, along with a spot on Thursday’s NBC Today Show, cooking against a San Francisco pitmaster.
Thanks to our sponsors who make it all the fun possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll, the Ozarks BBQ Alliance and Royal Oak Charcoal.
Have a great BBQ Week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
It’s great to be back behind the microphones! Welcome to Season 2 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast, where we resume our quest to bring entertaining and informative BBQ talk to our audience.
Kicking off 2020 is one of the iconic figures in live-fire cooking, BBQ Hall-of-Famer Steven Raichlen. He tells us about some trends he’s looking for in the new year, provides a glimpse of his busy travel year ahead and tells us how he hopes people perceive his impact on the lifestyle of ’Q.
We also go to western New York for a conversation with Joe and Veronica Raziano of Big Raz BBQ - No. 3 in the KCBS Team of the Year standings in 2019. They tell us how they got started in competition and what it’s like to compete as a couple.
Thanks to our listener base from Season 1 and a big welcome to those who are finding us in Season 2. Please support our sponsors who make our show possible: Blues Hog, The Butcher Shoppe, Code 3 Spices, The BBQ Central Show, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and Colaw RV.
Until next week, when Jess Pryles and Megan Day are scheduled to join us … #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm
Season 1 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show Podcast wraps by visiting with Matt Walker, pitmaster of Boomerang BBQ out of Lubbock, Texas - the 2019 KCBS Team of the Year.
Matt tells us about an amazing season (17 Grand Championships, 5 RGCs) for Boomerang, which pulled off the KCBS “Grand Slam” - first place in all four contest categories - Chicken, Ribs, Pork and Brisket.
We also go on-location to historic Crosstown BBQ in Springfield, Mo. Pitmaster-owner Steve Williams fills us in on Crosstown’s upcoming 50th anniversary at the same location and the story behind him taking over for his dad as the man in charge back in 1984.
As we wrap up Season One, we want to thank our guests and listeners. And a big shout-out to our sponsors - Smithfield, Blues Hog, Affordable Income Tax & Payroll and Colaw RV Sales.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Until we fire up Season 2 on Jan. 21 … #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm