Kurt talks with Steven Parris of Brother In Law BBQ Team out of Fletcher, NC, about how he got started in BBQ in 2014, learning the ropes the hard way, finding the balance between BBQ, family, and life, competing less than 20 times a year against other teams who compete 35+, being inspired by the TV show, Pitmasters, the mindset behind moving from backyard to pro in 2016, why they don’t do much catering, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of smokers, the importance of social med...
Mar 16, 2023•38 min•Ep. 50
Kurt talks with Paul Bob, Pit Master of SmokinGhost BBQ out of Chillicothe, IL about how he started cooking BBQ through his kid’s concession stand at school, how he came up with the name “Smoking Ghost BBQ,” the lessons he’s learned through competing, how he developed his line of rubs and sauces, unique ideas about growing the sport of BBQ, some wise words of wisdom for anyone thinking of getting into or already in competition BBQ, and more! SmokinGhost BBQ has award winning rubs & sauces an...
Mar 09, 2023•36 min•Ep. 49
Kurt talks with return guest Bobby Gay ( first episode with Bobby ) out of Gainesville, FL about his new butcher shop, Sweet Meat Butcher Shop, opening soon in High Springs, FL which will provide different types of meats, BBQ supplies, catering, BBQ classes, and more! Bobby shares his journey from idea to opening up the butcher shop with his wife after he had a very serious injury at work in 2021, the four parts of his business, looking at five different locations before finally being able to fi...
Mar 02, 2023•32 min•Ep. 48
Kurt talks with Brand Champoux, Pit Master and Team Captain of Second Hand Smoke Iowa out of Oskaloosa, Iowa about how he got started in BBQ with all second-hand tools, how he had to drop out of his friend’s wedding for an awesome opportunity in BBQ, his favorite meat to cook, what to do and what not to do when asking for a BBQ sponsorship, how to level the playing field in competition BBQ, an at home wing recipe, and more! “Decide what you need before you go asking sponsors for money.” Follow a...
Feb 23, 2023•33 min•Ep. 47
Kurt talks with William Plotz and Gerhard Van Niekerk, two of the five members of For the Love of Q BBQ Team out of Australia and South Africa, about how they both got started in BBQ, what makes South African and Australian BBQ stand out from the rest, their favorite meats to cook including "snags on the barbie," the strong BBQ family in Australia, competing in Meat Stock in May 2023, some tips for beginners in BBQ, and more! “We’re all family at the end of the day.” - William Plotz Follow and c...
Feb 16, 2023•29 min•Ep. 46
Kurt talks with Ryan Lane, CEO and Founder of Lane's BBQ out of Bethlehem, GA, about getting started cooking BBQ by serving potential clients while working at his brother's insurance company then eventually leaving and selling catering outside of a local produce shop. They also talk about the massive importance to social media while building the Lane's BBQ business, why he moved into rubs and spices, making other people feeling something with his BBQ, the tools he's used along the way, giving up...
Feb 09, 2023•31 min•Ep. 45
Kurt talks with Blake Kitchens and Zach Simpkins, Co-Owners of Hound Hog BBQ Supply about how they both got started in BBQ. Blake grew up with a family who grilled but got started on his own on a Masterbuilt grill he was gifted and Zach got into BBQ by getting talked into it by Blake. They talk about how they are separating themselves from other BBQ supply stores, the cool stickers and personalized notes they put with their orders, advice on how to start and grow a business, what they look for i...
Feb 02, 2023•36 min•Ep. 44
Kurt talks with Sammy Ever of 702 in the Kitchen out of Las Vegas, NV about how his passion for cooking started when he was growing up helping his mom in the kitchen, why he likes trying new things and being unique, supporting small businesses, how he deals with failure and learns from every cook, he talks about his specialty of smoked desserts, cooking different steaks, great seasonings that go with them and more! "One thing from smoking and my BBQ journey, it’s amazing how you learn almost any...
Jan 26, 2023•39 min•Ep. 43
Kurt talks with Justin "Juice" Turner & AJ Johnson of Norala BBQ Team out of Northern Alabama about about moving past the fear of competition and not having enough equipment to start BBQ competitions, hitting it off after their first practice cook and becoming a team, growing the sport by encouraging your friends who are interested in BBQ to get started, why they love KCBS, the power and generosity of the BBQ family, their at home rubs and recipes, and some words of wisdom and encouragement ...
Jan 19, 2023•32 min•Ep. 42
Kurt talks with the first guest on BBQ 4 Newbies who is from the SCA (Steak Cookoff Association), Michael Underwood of 931 BBQ out of Shelbyville, TN, about why he decided to join the SCA, what to do and what NOT to do when getting ready for an SCA event, what areas he struggled in when he first started, how to deal with the timelines and cooking by yourself, why he heats up his steak before putting it on the grill, how he’s used BBQ Champs to up his game, his favorite steak rub and more! “If yo...
Jan 12, 2023•28 min•Ep. 41
Kurt talks with Dustin Rudd, Pit Master of Blue Collar BBQ out of Southhaven, MS about how he got started in BBQ at 17 years old when his neighbors left an abandoned smoker after moving, going from KCBS to MBN, why he was hesitant to go into MBN due to the showmanship aspect and how his wife talked him into staying, the learning curve of the different sanctioning bodies, the changing flavor profiles in competition BBQ, how he has budgeted for BBQ competitions, and multiple ways to grow the sport...
Jan 05, 2023•33 min•Ep. 40
Kurt talks with Dustin Davis, Pit Master of Competition BBQ Team 'Que N Da 662' of Coldwater, MS, about how he has been a part of a BBQ family since he was a kid, he loves how it brings people together, rediscovered how much he loved BBQ this past year, the difficulty (but simplicity) about cooking a whole hog, how ribs are harder to cook than a whole hog, how to grow the sport of BBQ, why new members can be intimidated and how it's up to the people already there being welcoming to break down th...
Dec 29, 2022•38 min•Ep. 39
Kurt talks with Marcio Borguezan, Owner & Founder of Hog Addiction BBQ Competition Team out of Biloxi, MI, and the first BBQ 4 Newbies guest from the MBN (Memphis BBQ Network), about the difference between MBN and other BBQ sanctions, Hogs for a Cause, an organization supporting children with brain cancer, how Marcio finds purpose through BBQ, the roles everyone plays on the BBQ team to be successful, and tips on cooking whole hog. Hog Addiction BBQ was the 2019 Whole Hog World Champion at M...
Dec 22, 2022•32 min•Ep. 38
Kurt talks with Matt Osman, Pit Master of Blinky's Offset BBQ out of Bellevue, TN, about why his Texas wife was the main reason he got into BBQ, his favorite Lang offset smoker, other types of smokers and why he is an offset guy, where his team name came from, his favorite dishes to make which include unique dishes from his heritage and upbringing, the importance of family and BBQ, how BBQ is a bonding moment between him and his son, his opinion on how to keep the longevity of the sport going. "...
Dec 15, 2022•36 min•Ep. 37
Kurt talks with Sawyer Williamson, Partner of Williamson Bros. BBQ out of Marietta and Canton, GA about the five different businesses run by Williamson Bros. BBQ, the unique things about their BBQ restaurants including cooking over open pits, how Sawyer's family went from the trailer park to getting noticed by the Atlanta Braves and into the restaurant business, why he loves cooking and the hospitality business, their family line of sauces, rubs, and more, and some advice for anyone who is looki...
Dec 08, 2022•27 min•Ep. 36
Kurt talks with The Smokin' Texan (Chrissy Chance, Jeremy Chance, & Keith Kendrick), out of Canton, GA, about what got them interested in starting a BBQ restaurant, how Chrissy and Jeremy got started in BBQ, the Texas style cooking they bring to the table and competitions, how the team works at BBQ competitions, secrets to their whole hog process, and the importance of putting passion and love into your cooking. The Smokin' Texan just recently won first place in Whole Hog at Denim Fest 2022!...
Dec 01, 2022•34 min•Ep. 35
Kurt talks with Rub Bagby, Pit Master of Swamp Boys BBQ out of Winter Haven, FL, about starting his BBQ journey 18 years ago, the story of how he got the nickname Rub, why he started teaching classes, why he came up with his own rub and sauce line which are now on Publix shelves, how Rub navigates social media and building his brand, and his changed opinion on how to get the public involved in competition BBQ. Rub has, under his belt, 64 Grand Championships, 52 Reserve Grand Championships, and i...
Nov 17, 2022•37 min•Ep. 34
Kurt talks with Brent Broaddus, Pit Master of Slapulator BBQ out of Riverview, FL, about how his BBQ journey started after feeling lonely during Covid and his social media algorithm taking him to Harry Soo, picking out what tools would work with his physical disability as well as his mental health capabilities, finding the right people, having a supportive spouse and mentors, getting DAL (dead a** last), but continuing on anyway, the unmatched support of the BBQ community and his favorite BBQ sa...
Nov 10, 2022•40 min•Ep. 33
Kurt talks with Robert Vanderipe, Co-Pit Master of Smoke Me Silly BBQ Team out of Madison, AL, about how he got roped into cooking chicken after a dropout for his first competition, Smoke Me Silly getting back to their roots, Alabama BBQ and if it is a thing, doing competitions just for the love of cooking BBQ, and advice for the newbies who are fresh on the competition circuit. "One of my favorite things is just going all over this country. Going to these small towns that normally nobody would ...
Nov 03, 2022•32 min•Ep. 32
Kurt talks with Gary Lamb, Owner and Founder of Revival Events Group about how he started in BBQ, how it saved his life and how it helped rebuild his community, creating a better future for competition BBQ by putting the fans first, and Demin Fest happening October 28-29 in Canton, GA. Denim Fest is a free festival held in Canton, GA this Friday and Saturday, October 28-29. You can purchase tickets for the BBQ Cook-Off by registering through the BBQ Cook-Off Button. Friday is family night with t...
Oct 24, 2022•49 min•Ep. 31
Kurt talks with Phil Breeden, Pit Master of LC BBQ out of Bandera, TX about how he went from not knowing competition BBQ existed to getting hooked and making a whole business out of it, getting the name LC BBQ, how he separates himself from other cooks, the mindset he carries through the cook offs, how to grow the sport going from self-funded to sponsor funded, and the great community around competition BBQ. Connect with LC BBQ at the links below! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipbree...
Oct 20, 2022•37 min•Ep. 30
Kurt talks with Paul Keltner, Co-Pit Master of Rooters-N-Tooters out of Mt. Pleasant, TN about growing up and cooking as a kid, how he loves cooking with his wife at competitions, starting slow and humble and building up little by little, how to get the general public involved in competition BBQ, their current set up and smokers, the great community in BBQ and how they have benefited in recent times, and the grind and sacrifice of living the life of BBQ. Connect with Rooters-N-Tooters and their ...
Oct 13, 2022•36 min•Ep. 29
Kurt talks with Daniel Patrick, Pit Master of Pop's Smoke on the Hill Competitive BBQ Team and Catering Service, about how he got into BBQ with his dad, the importance of a mentor, helping the community through BBQ, lessons from Bob Ross, cooking with his daughters, and the best ways and avenues to get into competition BBQ. Connect with Pop's Smoke on the Hill and their sponsor at the links below! Personal FB: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.patrick.37819 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PopsS...
Oct 06, 2022•21 min•Ep. 28
Kurt talks with Rob and Amy, Pit Masters of Rum Runners BBQ out of Orlando, FL about their experience starting their BBQ journey with another team and then making their own, how they came up with the name Rum Runners, the fun side of competition and creativity, traits of competition BBQers, making BBQ a family affair, how to adjust with feedback, and gaining lessons from the losses. Connect with Rum Runners BBQ at the links below! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rumrunnersbbq/ Instagram: http...
Sep 29, 2022•25 min•Ep. 27
Kurt talks with Kevin Ward, Owner and Pit Master of Four41 South BBQ out of Canton, GA about how he started in BBQ with catering and a food truck, eventually leading to a brick and mortar, pointers for cooking a good brisket, using creativity for Four41 South's menu and the importance of having a team, how to cook a whole hog, and the mentality he had when starting out. Connect with Four41 South at the links below! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/four41south/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/...
Sep 22, 2022•29 min•Ep. 26
Kurt talks with Brad Leighninger, pit master of Gettin' Basted based out of Branson, MO about getting thrown into a competition, his beginner’s luck, the growing popularity of drum smokers and the hot and fast cooking style, why BBQ should be a passion before being a way to make money, where the future of BBQ is going, how to find ways to get spectators involved, and the world’s most exclusive online barbecue entertainment and educational hub, The BBQ League. Connect with Brad Leighninger, Getti...
Sep 15, 2022•38 min•Ep. 25
Kurt talks with Bill Purvis, pit master of Chicken Fried BBQ based out of Spring, TX, about how he slowly started to get addicted to the sport, where the name for Chicken Fried BBQ came from, his unique BBQ rub, his hot and fast set up, the Champion's BBQ Alliance, and how to get more people involved in the success of competition BBQ. Chicken Fried BBQ started about three years ago and already have 25+ Grand Champions and Reserve Grand Champions. Connect with Chicken Fried BBQ at the links below...
Sep 09, 2022•30 min•Ep. 24
Kurt talks with Sunny Moody, pit master of Moodswing BBQ out of Nashville, TN, about the life changing event that got her started in BBQ, different creative ways to cook and get involved, her passion about bringing women and the next generation into the sport, a simple recipe for your next backyard cook and more! Sunny has been featured on the BBQ USA show and on BBQ Brawl on the Food Network and she is the 2021 World Food Championships Steak Category Champion. Connect with Sunny at the links be...
Sep 01, 2022•30 min•Ep. 23
Kurt talks with Randy McKnight, pit master of Smokin' Rack out of Jacksonville, FL, about why he cooks low and slow, a story about getting stitches and still getting the Grand Champion, the fun he likes to have in competitions by using his creativity, and the importance of knowing what works for you and not getting fancy just for the sake of it. Connect with Randy on Facebook at the link below! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rantom418 Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Follow us...
Aug 25, 2022•38 min•Ep. 22
Kurt talks with Kolby Bowers, Pitmaster of Rollin' Kolbz, about the first BBQ competition he attended and how much he loved it, trying different cookers to find the right fit, advice he got from his father-in-law, the importance of staying consistent and how keeping a good attitude helps you win and get better. Find the Kolby on Instagram and Facebook at the links below! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolbz47 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekolbybowers Leave us a review on Apple Podc...
Aug 18, 2022•28 min•Ep. 21
