On this episode of The Barbeque Life Kurt talks with Jason Hernandez of Big J’s So Cal BBQ out of Bloomington, CA about his journey getting into BBQ, including spending six months in county jail, doing pop ups out of his house, got started catering which he was influenced to do by a friend, what Jason defines as SoCal BBQ, what to get excited about on Big J’s menu, moving into being a business owner, getting a mentor, what’s coming up in 2024, wise words for people who want to find their passion...
Jan 11, 2024•25 min•Ep. 80
On this episode of The Barbeque Life Kurt talks with Josh Hall out of Cumming, GA and is the Co-Owner of ResQue Rubs, a BBQ rub business that donates 10% of their proceeds to Fur Kids, a no kill shelter for cats and dogs about how COVID gave them the idea to start the ResQue Rubs, how they have built the business, gotten customers, and spread the word about their company, how they came up with the names of products, get feedback, deal with adversity, and so much more. “[Social media] is a necess...
Dec 28, 2023•28 min•Ep. 79
Kurt talks with Conner Morris and Kris Aebischer Hooked on Que out of Tampa, FL about how they both got into BBQ at different times in their lives, how their business came to be out of a rehearsal dinner and backyard BBQ competition, the hurdles they’ve faced in their business and competitions, how they stand out from other food trucks, sage advice from their year’s experience, and more! Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Lav1U6TYHXo “I don’t think it’s so much balance, but it’s not just li...
Dec 14, 2023•28 min•Ep. 78
Kurt talks with Kyle Matuszewski, Owner of Your Behind BBQ out of Waddell, Arizona, about his journey getting into cooking and BBQ after tearing his ACL in the last play of the last game of his high school football career and missing out on D1 scholarships, to getting hooked on BBQ Pitmasters, placing 7th out of 117 for chicken at a BBQ contest, committing, buying a food truck for catering, and now a restaurant, his mindset moving into starting his own business, sacrificing and selling his house...
Nov 30, 2023•32 min•Ep. 77
Kurt talks with Kenny Bottom, owner and operator of Pig Feathers Farm and What's Smokin'?, out of Hephzibah, GA, about his journey into BBQ after working in the railroad industry as a locomotive engineer for over 19 years to now creating and running three businesses, starting his pork business, why he bought a trailer over a truck and if he’d do it again, the conception of his lemonade stand business and tips on how to increase your ticket prices, the biggest lesson he’s learned in the past year...
Nov 16, 2023•28 min•Ep. 76
Kurt talks with Mike Robertson, who goes by BBQ Mike, about how he got started in BBQ with the help of a friend, how he balances his full time job, competitions, and building his catering business, his plans moving forward with BBQ, how the BBQ community has made an impact in his life and BBQ journey, his favorite foods to cook, how he treats cooks at the house vs. competition cooks, and more! "My favorite thing to cook is pretty much anything I can get my hands on." Follow and connect with BBQ ...
Nov 02, 2023•21 min•Ep. 75
Kurt talks with Greg Bleich of Bay Bridge BBQ out of North Jersey, about his journey getting in BBQ, roadblocks and disappointment when he was getting started, instantly falling in love and getting addicted to smoking meat, branding, starting an LLC and going all in, how he got the name Bay Bridge BBQ and why it’s an ode to his hometown, the doors that have opened for him since he started branding himself, how he decides on which smoker to buy, his favorite meats to cook, and so much more! “Had ...
Oct 19, 2023•32 min•Ep. 74
We're back! After a bit of hiatus, Kurt is back and back with a fire under him! On today's episode of The Barbeque Life, Kurt talks about the jump he has recently taken from his 13 year career in financial planning to going all in on his passion of BBQ. He dives into many informational and motivational topics including: - His story and journey of taking the leap into BBQ full time - Branding, social media, how often to post, what to post - Different sources of income stream - Taking your BBQ bus...
Oct 05, 2023•27 min•Ep. 73
We’re flipping the script on today’s episode! Kurt has his friend and Pitmaster of Blinky’s Offset BBQ, Matt Osman, on The Barbeque Life to interview Kurt about his journey to getting a GC at the Famous Dave’s BBQ World Food Championship, flying to Billings, Montana and his experience cooking on borrowed grills, cooking lamb for the first time, getting DAL and placing terribly in People’s Choice at his first Famous Dave’s pilot competition, the EAT method, and tips on what to do and what to avoi...
Aug 17, 2023•38 min•Ep. 72
Kurt talks with Janet Silverman, Chief Impact Officer of The Good Charcoal about how they got started in 2020, the impact they made to communities during Covid and beyond with their give back program, the unique type of wood they use from Namibia forests, expanding into new markets and coming out with new products, how you can help out with volunteering, and more! “Not only am I just handing out food, but sometimes I’m just an ear for people to talk to.” Follow and connect with The Good Charcoal...
Aug 10, 2023•22 min•Ep. 71
Kurt talks with Chad Urbonovic with QueFellas BBQ out of Lapeer, MI about a recent contest at Famous Dave’s, competing using the EAT method, starting his BBQ journey, taking a class, missing a turn in box, taking a class again and gaining momentum, learning new things and getting out of his comfort zone, what the set up for the wild card looks like, his experience with the wing category in People’s Choice, some words of wisdom and more! “You give anyone free cheesecake, they’re gonna say it’s gr...
Aug 03, 2023•29 min•Ep. 70
Kurt talks with Bert McClain, Pitmaster and Owner of PB&J’s BBQ out of Jackson, MI about the difference between competition BBQ and catering, his mindset when he decided to go all in with catering, the importance of knowing your endgame, the qualities it takes to do well in the BBQ business, how he balances being the sole owner and operator of his business, how he came up with the name PB&J’s, how he connects with other businesses for partnerships, where he got the inspiration to have a ...
Jul 27, 2023•40 min•Ep. 69
Kurt talks with Matt Osman, CEO and Pitmaster of Blinky’s Offset BBQ out of Bellevue, TN about how he has turned his focus from competition BBQ to an actual BBQ business, the lessons he’s learned, running a soft launch, letting professionals take care of their craft in a business, not budging on price, setting a menu, a teaser for marketing and social media, and so much more! “There’s no Easy-Bake-BBQ. Not if it’s any good.” Follow and connect with Matt Osman and Blinky's Offset BBQ below! Faceb...
Jul 20, 2023•34 min•Ep. 68
Kurt talks with Nick Owensby, Pitmaster and Owner of Sailor Nick’s BBQ out of Wadsworth, OH about being new to the competition scene after smoking BBQ for about 5 years, team name coming from him being in the Navy, what types of smokers he’s had, jumping in feet first to BBQ, why so many people come to GA to compete, his thoughts on growing the BBQ community, and more! “This is the first time since I left the Navy that I felt like I belonged to something again.” Follow and connect with Sailor Ni...
Jul 13, 2023•39 min•Ep. 67
Kurt talks with Jake Fincher of Finchers BBQ & Catering out of Macon, GA about his grandpa, Douglas “Dude” Fincher starting the business in 1935, starting to help at a young age, their claim to fame pulled pork, their cooking process and their smoker, their partnership with Mrs. Griffin’s BBQ sauce, what sets Fincher’s BBQ apart, how they were the first BBQ company to have their food in space, thriving during hard times, sacrifices as a restaurant owner, using social media as free advertisin...
Jul 06, 2023•24 min•Ep. 66
Kurt talks with Big Perm, Pitmaster of Zilla’s Pit BBQ out of Nashville, TN, about how he got his start in BBQ, why he got into catering, what happened when he realized he was making just as much in catering as he was in his actual job, plans to move into a brick and mortar, the mindset of moving from a comfortable salary to full time catering, what type of BBQ he cooks, the biggest challenge he’s faced as a business owner, how he succeeded during COVID, why it’s so important to do something you...
Jun 29, 2023•32 min•Ep. 65
Kurt talks with Logan Chesnut, Pitmaster of Small Batch Barbecue out of Clarksville, TN, as he records the podcast at the very competition where he got his start in 2019, about being inspired by BBQ Pitmasters, being approached my a BBQ restaurant for help with marketing, his cooker and trailer set up for his 6’9 body, his favorite smokers to work with and a few things to ask yourself to find the smoker for you, the differences between competition BBQ and catering BBQ, the importance of continuo...
Jun 22, 2023•33 min•Ep. 64
Kurt talks with Jason Hardee, Pitmaster and Owner of Elite BBQ Smokers out of Conway, SC about how he got started in competition BBQ by finding a milk vat cleaning out his dairy farm barn, getting into making smokers, why he made the choice to move from SCBA’s to KCBS, why people in BBQ is so important and meaningful to Jason, his thoughts on public interaction, seeing all perspectives of BBQ, the judge seating program, doing your part and developing relationships in BBQ, and more! “Anybody who ...
Jun 15, 2023•38 min•Ep. 63
Kurt talks with Erik Mengel, Pitmaster of Trash Panda BBQ out of Roland, IA about how he got started from a cookbook his mom gave him, where the name Trash Panda comes from, what Iowa BBQ means, Erik’s specialty bacon wrapped pizza rolls, his cooker set up, going into backyard before pro, the mindset of a competition BBQ, the resource that helped him the most, his go-to rubs and sauces, his take on the judge seating program, and some advice for BBQ newbies! “It’s not dip your toe in, you just go...
Jun 08, 2023•34 min•Ep. 62
On the fifth episode of the KCBS Judge Seating Program Series, Kurt talks with George DeMartz, Pitmaster of Twisted Pair BBQ out of Raleigh, NC, who is also a part of the CBJ & the Rules Committee, about how his humble beginnings in BBQ, his experience in leadership roles within the CBJ and the Rules Committee, the advantages and disadvantages of the previous judge seating program, putting the sport of BBQ in a position to grow and continue for future generations, teaching others how to have...
Jun 01, 2023•32 min•Ep. 61
On the fourth episode of the KCBS Judge Seating Program Series, Kurt talks with Mark Gantt, Master Judge in KCBS, judging for about eight years, out of Conover, NC, about how he got started in BBQ, what he thinks BBQ competitors should know, the importance of community and comradarie, Mark’s favorite style of BBQ in a contest and outside of a contest, the history of the KCBS judge seating program, the pros and cons of different attempts, how he judges and teaches others to judge BBQ, what he wis...
May 25, 2023•28 min•Ep. 60
On the third episode of the KCBS Judge Seating Program Series, Kurt talks with Ercole Chila, Pitmaster of Uncle Pig’s Barbeque Pit about how he got started 12 years ago during a friendly competition with his brothers, getting 9 Grand Champions out of 28 contests, his smoker set up, his rotating team members, traveling for competitions, his favorite meat to cook at a competition, what BBQ in New Jersey means, how he got the name Uncle Pig’s Barbeque Pit, his thoughts on the KCBS judge seating pro...
May 18, 2023•30 min•Ep. 59
On the second episode of the KCBS Judge Seating Program Series, Kurt talks with Mark Gibbs, Pitmaster of Checkered Flag 500 out of Fawn Grove, PA about starting BBQ at the height of BBQ Pitmasters in 2012 thinking “I can do this”, bought Myron Mixon’s cookbook, cooked over 170 contests, his most memorable contest, humble beginnings, why he started the original KCBS judge seating program, the pros and cons, how KCBS has since removed the judge seating program and is possibly looking for another a...
May 11, 2023•41 min•Ep. 58
On the first episode of the KCBS Judge Seating Program Series, Kurt talks with Chiles Cridlin, Pitmaster of Wolf’s Revenge BBQ out of Henrico, VA and KCBS Board Member about how he got started in BBQ, being surrounded by legends at his first competition and then catching a car on fire with another BBQ cookout, the unique story of how he came up with the name “Wolf’s Revenge”, he shares the custom smoker he built, why he chose to buy a food truck and add a living space instead buying a camper and...
May 04, 2023•39 min•Ep. 57
Kurt talks with Megan Willier, Coordinator of Iowa’s Rose Festival in State Center, Iowa about how she got into organizing festivals, what the Rose Festival BBQ Competition is, how BBQ competitors can give more value to festivals, the importance of having Kids Que contests, Megan’s favorite meat to cook on her RecTec 380, what Iowa BBQ is, and more! “What type of value am I putting into this life if I’m just going to contests that are just BBQ contests?” Follow and connect with Megan and the Iow...
Apr 27, 2023•34 min•Ep. 56
Kurt talks with Waylon Weatherford about his humble start into BBQ after watching BBQ Pitmasters and joining backyard with a friend, how he cooks a brisket and finding your own way, the importance of social media in terms of getting sponsorship, how to grow the sport of BBQ, what drew him to drum cookers and how he manages four fires, four meats, and four timelines, how and where he sleeps at competitions, advice for new competitors and those who just want to be better BBQrs, and a couple great ...
Apr 20, 2023•29 min•Ep. 55
Kurt talks with Ryan King, Pitmaster of Kings BBQ out of St. Augustine, FL about how he got into BBQ, why he had to take a step back, the success he’s had and how he’s had to temper his expectations about winning so much, why he got into BBQ rubs and sauces, getting better at branding, valuable advice for BBQ competitors, a new BBQ class that’s coming up, how to create a brighter and bigger BBQ community and audience, and more advice for BBQ newbies! “I can tell you that the brisket, to slice in...
Apr 13, 2023•31 min•Ep. 54
Kurt talks with Scott Parr, Head Pitmaster of Cool Hand Que out of Dacula, GA, and President of the Georgia BBQ Championship (GBC), about the Georgia BBQ Championship and how it helps local competitors compete in a points race without having to travel all around the country or world, how he got started in BBQ with his wife and Co-Pitmaster, Deneen, an optimistic outlook on the future of competition BBQ, why he cooks on a stick burner, the most important thing to remember at a competition, his fa...
Apr 06, 2023•40 min•Ep. 53
Kurt talks with Stephen Franklin, Pit Master and Founder of Das BBQ based out of Atlanta, GA about how he got started in BBQ, watching his dad go from being a pretty bad BBQr to hiring Myron Mixon and learning from him on how to cook a whole hog, the story behind the name “Das” and how it ties into Stephen’s sobriety journey and the history of Georgia and Texas BBQ, how he separates himself from the other competition in Atlanta, GA, the importance of branding, story, consistency, and quality of ...
Mar 30, 2023•49 min•Ep. 52
Kurt talks with Roland Neal (Owner) and Joshua DeBose (Manager) of Mrs. Griffin’s BBQ Sauce out of Macon, GA about how they celebrated National BBQ Day in Georgia (March 25th) and traveled to the Governor’s mansion, how they came up with the name Mrs. Griffin’s, the history of the BBQ sauce, being one of the oldest in the country, the process of making the sauce, how they got started in BBQ, working together and being a team, plans for growth and expansion over the next few years, their favorite...
Mar 23, 2023•31 min•Ep. 51
