Shows
Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 332: Bill HeyenThe 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...
2025-11-1849 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 330: Christie Vanover; Skyler SpartanWith 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...
2025-11-0445 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 329: American Royal previewEpisode 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...
2025-10-2856 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 328: Paul Keltner; Skyler SpartanWhen 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...
2025-10-2249 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 327: Ryan King; Aaron HuntelmanSince 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...
2025-10-1453 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 326: Donny Teel; Samantha SpartanWe 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...
2025-10-0956 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 325: Marvin Weinberger; Darren WarthWe 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...
2025-10-011h 12Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 324: Sam Dodson, Chuck McKibbenSam 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...
2025-09-2456 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 323: Brett McKinney, Richard FergolaA 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...
2025-09-1758 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 322: Hugh Munro, Steve RaichlenHugh 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...
2025-09-101h 00Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Epsiode 321: Gabe TrevinoOn 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...
2025-09-0445 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 320: Jacob Watt, Joshua BrockWe'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...
2025-08-2758 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 319: Sterling SmithFrom 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 L...
2025-08-2056 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 318: Jordan KirkpatrickJordan 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. W...
2025-08-1348 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 317: Darren WarthThe 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...
2025-08-0656 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 316: Brad LeighningerWhen 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...
2025-07-3037 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 315: Ercole Chila tributeThe 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...
2025-07-2443 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 314: Ashton Smith with O.G. BanditsFor 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...
2025-07-1743 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 313: Brant Champoux, Chuck SimpsonEpisode 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...
2025-07-0850 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 312: Joe PearceWe 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...
2025-07-0247 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 311: Travis Clark, Charlie WallaceWhen 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 l...
2025-06-2542 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 310: Under the Radar with Three Stooges BBQEpisode 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 a...
2025-06-1951 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 309: Josh Schluterman, Lawson ParkerOn 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...
2025-06-1250 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 308: Alby Ranson, Thomas GearhartAlby 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 h...
2025-06-041h 01Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 307: Brian Peyton, Aaron HuentelmanOne 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 t...
2025-05-2947 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 307: Brian Peyton, Aaron HuentelmanOne 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 t...
2025-05-2947 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 306: Bo Wheless, Heath Riles encoreOne 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...
2025-05-2249 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 305: Steven Raichlen, Tim ScheerOne 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...
2025-05-1356 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 304: Heath Riles, Brad VollmerOn 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...
2025-05-071h 04Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, abbreviated Episode 303: The Grill Guys of MissouriWe'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
2025-04-3005 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 302: Jeff FitterOperating 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...
2025-04-231h 03Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 301: Steve Smith of Mad Dog BBQOn 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...
2025-04-1656 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 300: Tim Scheer, Richard FergolaHelping 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...
2025-04-0947 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 299: Baseball and BBQ duoAs 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 w...
2025-04-0252 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 298: Rod Gray, Kevin GreenEpisode 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 b...
2025-03-2658 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 297: Dan Wright, Aaron HuentelmanOne 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...
2025-03-1956 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 296: Josh DeWittWe 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...
2025-03-1248 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 295: Joh Hale, Ken SealesOn 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...
2025-03-051h 06Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 294: Stevo Nieto, Jacob WattOn 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...
2025-02-2657 min
Baseball and BBQTalking Baseball's, Ed Randall Regales Us With Baseball Stories and Tailgate Guys BBQ's, Lyndal Scranton Discusses Barbecue and Throws In Some Baseball Talk, Plus Jeff RantsEpisode 279 is filled with baseball and barbecue as Talking Baseball's, Ed Randall regales us with baseball stories and Tailgate Guys BBQ's, Lyndal Scranton discusses barbecue and throws in some baseball talk, plus Jeff rants.
Ed Randall is in the upper echelon when one mentions anything related to baseball media and storytelling. He previously joined us in our shows infancy on episode 34. He currently hosts Remember When with former Red Sox manager, Kevin Kennedy on Sirius XM as well as working on camera for the MLB Network. For many years he could be found talking baseball on...
2025-02-221h 50Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 293: Tommy Blackmon, Josh LenhartWe'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 y...
2025-02-1959 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 292: Nicholas OwensbyOn 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...
2025-02-1247 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 291: Breana Via & Brad Colter of Smoke 'n Magic BBQThe 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...
2025-02-0547 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 290: Buddy HammettNebraska 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...
2025-01-2953 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 289: Brad LeighningerWe 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...
2025-01-2257 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 288: Mike Wozniak, Richard FergolaFirst 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...
2024-12-181h 01Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 287: Craig Verhage, The Grill Guys of MissouriWe'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 O...
2024-12-1146 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 286: Burnt Skull BBQ; Thanksgiving preview showThey 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...
2024-11-2151 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 285: Kyle Kuhn, Richard FergolaOn 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.
2024-11-141h 02Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 284: John Shirey IISwing 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 T...
2024-11-0749 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 283: Diva Q; Blint Butt Limitless BBQWe'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.
2024-10-291h 11Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 282: Jess Pryles, Sterling BallWe 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 H...
2024-10-231h 06Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 281: Alby Ransom, Richard FergolaScuffletown 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...
2024-10-1657 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 280: 1st-time American Royal teamsThe 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.
2024-10-0943 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 279: "Fast Eddy" Ed MaurinEpisode 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...
2024-10-0254 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 278: Travis ClarkOn 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...
2024-09-2547 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 277: Joel Fleetwood, Richard FergolaLong-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...
2024-09-1852 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 276: Ray "Dr. BBQ" Lampe"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...
2024-09-1148 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 275: Finger Leikam GoodOn 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...
2024-08-2849 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 274: Moe Cason, Richard FergolaHe'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 o...
2024-08-211h 03Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 273: Harry Soo; Buds, Blues & BBQOn 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 B...
2024-08-141h 04Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 272: Christie VanoverWhether 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...
2024-08-0757 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 271: David Page, Jonathon IndermuehleEpisode 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...
2024-07-311h 09Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 270: O.G. Bandits BBQ; Boo-B-Que newsIt'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...
2024-07-251h 02Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 269: Jordan Kirkpatrick, Matt FisherAfter 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...
2024-07-1759 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 268: Meat Candy Q, Richard FergolaOn 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...
2024-07-1052 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 267: Darren Warth, Norris SydnorHappy 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...
2024-07-021h 09Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 266: Mike and Nichole MulkeyMike 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, M...
2024-06-2649 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 265: Cherry Anchor BBQWe 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 f...
2024-06-1957 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 264: Richard Fergola, Lane YorkOn 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 h...
2024-06-1258 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 263: National High School BBQ; T-Rex BBQIt'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...
2024-06-051h 02Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 262: Drew Davis, Brad CoxThe 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...
2024-05-291h 01Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 261: Barking Dog BBQWe'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...
2024-05-2244 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 260: Kyle Matuszewski; Brad Colter, Breana ViaEpisode 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. T...
2024-05-151h 05Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 259: Chris Schafer, Richard FergolaWhen 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...
2024-05-0853 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 258: Brad LeighningerOne 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...
2024-05-0152 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 257: Eric ColeyOn 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...
2024-04-2456 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 256: Jon Wade from Optimus Swine BBQJon 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.
2024-04-1758 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 255: Burnt Trees BBQ, Richard FergolaBased 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...
2024-04-101h 04Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 254: Leonard Aberman, Jeff Cohen from Baseball & BBQThere 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...
2024-04-0459 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 253: Sean Ludwig & Ryan CooperWelcome 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...
2024-03-2753 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 252: Craig Verhage; Pirates of BBQ BaySpring 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...
2024-03-201h 02Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 251: Joel Fleetwood, Nick Davis, Joe OsbrinkIt'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...
2024-03-1258 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 250: Sterling Smith, Richard FergolaOn 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...
2024-03-051h 00Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 249: Harry SooIt'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...
2024-02-2757 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 248: Bill GillespieOn 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...
2024-02-2142 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 247: Phillip Breeden, Richard FergolaThe 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...
2024-02-131h 02Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 246: Megan Day, Jonathon IndermuehleWord 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...
2024-02-061h 00Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 245: Richard Fergola, Paul KeltnerThere'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).
2024-01-3157 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 244: Tim Scheer; Smoke 'n Magic BBQAfter 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 e...
2024-01-2459 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 243: Bill Purvis, Richard FergolaMerry 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...
2023-12-1956 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 242: Travis ClarkIt'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...
2023-12-1255 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 241: Paul Buob, Thomas Gearhart, Craig VerhageOn 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...
2023-12-0558 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 240: Bill Heyen, Grill Guys of MissouriAfter 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...
2023-11-2857 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 239: John Lindsey, Ronald BurnsHappy 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...
2023-11-211h 12Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 238: Robby Royal, John ShireyYou 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...
2023-11-141h 01Tailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 237: KCBS Chicken champ Norris "Syd" SydnorWhen 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...
2023-11-0745 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 236: Jordan Kirkpatrick, Chase WillardIn 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...
2023-10-3154 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastSPECIAL EDITION Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 235: Rod GrayThe 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 i...
2023-10-2536 minTailgate Guys BBQ PodcastTailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 234: Boggs Hog BBQ, Richard FergolaThe 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 T...
2023-10-2550 min