Explore every episode of the podcast The Pitmaster's Podcast

A born and raised New Yorker, Ruben Santana is the founder and pitmaster behind Bark Barbecue, one of New York City's most talked-about emerging barbecue concepts. Entirely self-taught, Santana developed his craft through years of experimentation, research, and conversations with respected pitmasters across the country, teaching himself the fundamentals of live fire cooking and Central Texas-style barbecue from the ground up. What began in 2020 as a backyard passion project in Ozone Park – smoking brisket from a makeshift rig in his garage and serving food curbside to neighborhood crowds – quickly evolved through grassroots pop-ups across Queens, appearances at Smorgasburg, and a breakout residency at Time Out Market New York. Today, Santana is recognized for bringing a distinctly personal perspective to American barbecue, combining the discipline and technique of Central Texas barbecue with the flavors and culinary traditions of his Dominican heritage. Bark Barbecue has become known for smoked meats infused with Dominican flavors and family recipe-inspired sides, from longaniza and chicharrón to arroz congrí and maduros. His approach expands the conversation around what American barbecue can look and taste like today, while remaining rooted in the craft and traditions that define great barbecue. In July 2026, Santana opened Bark Barbecue's first standalone flagship in Bushwick, Brooklyn – an ambitious 8,000-square-foot restaurant marking the next major evolution of the brand. The new space brings Bark beyond its pop-up and market roots into a fully realized dining destination centered around live fire cooking, hospitality, and the Dominican-American flavors and traditions that have defined Santana's journey from the beginning. Santana's work has earned growing national attention, with Food & Wine and Bon Appetit recognizing Bark Barbecue and Santana among a new generation of restaurants and pitmasters shaping the future of American barbecue. Santana is also featured on the debut season of Food Network's Pitmasters, bringing his approach to barbecue and live fire cooking to a national audience.

I got involved in competition BBQ back in the late 90', cooking with several teams. As a result, I became very interested in building competition smokers. Hence Pit O' Heaven was born. We built trailer mounted smokers from 2000-2004. My oilfield career became so busy that the competition BBQ and smoker building came to a halt. My desire to for competitive cooking was still burning inside. A good friend of mine got me involved in the SCA. Pam and I absolutely fell in love with it. We have traveled to Australia to compete and competed right on the beach in the Bahamas. Pam and I decided to create our own seasoning recipes for competition. As a result of these efforts we debuted of our PitGrit Seasonings Line to the public in March of 2021. The brand has been very successful on the SCA and BBQ competition trails around the world. Our seasonings have been included in the recipes of 4 European SCA Points Championships and 1 Australian SCA Points Championship. And also, SCA, Nationally and Internationally, with 100's of wins and 100's of top 10's and numerous BBQ Grand/Reserve Grand Championships and growing....AND that's just numbers that we are aware of. Also, The national and worldwide success has been way beyond our wildest expectations. Our seasonings have also won awards among the best most successful brands on the market today winning (6) NBBQA Awards of Excellence and with the (5) National Barbecue News Rubs of Honor. Our PitGrit Seasonings may not have a long bbq royalty pedigree behind them, but, our Seasonings are second to none. Our Pitgrit Seasonings record of success and winning absolutely verifies, it's one of the best seasoning lines on the market today, worldwide! Personally, Pam and I have won and walked dozens of SCA Steak Competitions in the USA, Bahamas and in Australia. Just to mention a few, I have personally finished 6th and 12th at the SCA World Championships, won the 2021 Arkansas State Championship and Pam won the 2022 Alabama State Ancillary Championship among other prime events on the SCA Competition Trail. ALL of our seasonings are Original Recipes! We use the finest ingredients to blend our recipes with no fillers and are low in sodium with the exception of the Ribeye Ranch PitGrit - All Purpose. It was designed with higher salt content to be a SPG base for any dish. The reasoning for lower salt content in our other recipes is to allow for the maximum addition of FLAVOR without adding saltiness. Each of our recipes are created to blend well with our other seasonings or some other outstanding brands. Most of all we are extremely blessed to a part of the SCA Family and the Worldwide Competitive Cooking Family. It has been a real blessing to Pam and I! Our story has just begun, GOD BLESS, Stay Tuned, Stay safe and always .........."STAY GRITTY MY FREINDS"

Kettle Krew was born from a simple, stubborn belief. Jimmy of Bearded Boar BBQ, Rick of 304 Smokehouse, and Brandon The Meat Alchemist had all grown tired of the notion that great barbecue demands expensive smokers and elaborate rigs. They set out to prove otherwise — that anyone, armed with nothing more than a basic Weber Kettle and real technique, could turn out barbecue worthy of the pitmasters. What started as a shared conviction quickly grew into a tight-knit community, and eventually into their flagship event: "Running of the Snakes," where they gather to smoke proteins low and slow using the snake method. No gimmicks, no shortcuts — just solid technique, great food, and good people.

All right, BBQ family, fire up those smokers because we've got an awesome guest joining us today! If you've spent any time in the barbecue world, chances are you already know today's guest. Rusty Monson is the owner of Salt City BBQ in Utah, a championship pitmaster, and one of the most respected voices in the BBQ community. Whether he's cooking on the competition circuit, serving incredible barbecue, or helping backyard pitmasters take their game to the next level, Rusty brings passion, knowledge, and a whole lot of flavor to everything he does. And here's something worth celebrating—Rusty was recently inducted into The Pitmaster's Podcast Guest Hall of Fame, recognizing the impact he's made on the barbecue community and the countless conversations he's shared with BBQ fans across the country. Today we're talking all things barbecue—from competition cooking and running Salt City BBQ to the latest trends, favorite cooks, lessons learned, and maybe even a few stories from behind the smoker that you've never heard before. So grab your favorite BBQ, settle in, and get ready for a great conversation. Please welcome to the show, Hall of Fame pitmaster and owner of Salt City BBQ… Rusty Monson!

The Pitmaster Podcast Hall of Fame Selection Show is going LIVE on YouTube!

Join us June 30 at 7PM MST as we reveal the next class of Hall of Fame inductees.

Don't miss the action, the stories, and the celebration of BBQ greatness!

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss it!

#ThePitmasterPodcast #HallOfFame #BBQ #LiveOnYouTube #PitmasterFamily

In 2016, I jumped into the world of competition BBQ. My very first sanctioned contest was the legendary American Royal, and I've been hooked ever since.
As a solo cook, I compete in about 4–8 contests each year, chasing great food, great people, and the challenge of getting better every cook.
Along the way, I've been fortunate to have some memorable moments:
🏆 2021 American Royal Open – 1st Place Pork🥉 2026 American Royal – 7th Place Chicken🥉 2026 American Royal – 3rd Place Sauce on Your (SOY)
After that Royal pork win, I decided it was time to create something of my own. In 2022, Perfect Perfect BBQ was born—named appropriately after years of chasing that perfect bite.
Since then, the lineup has grown with:🔥 Perfect Perfect BBQ Rub🔥 Hot Bum🔥 O.G. Bum
One of the things I enjoy most is teaching BBQ classes throughout the year. Whether it's backyard BBQ for family and friends or competition-style cooking, I love helping others build confidence, improve their skills, and grow their passion for outdoor cooking.
BBQ has given me opportunities, friendships, and memories I never expected. If you're just getting started or looking to take your cooking to the next level, I'm glad to be part of the journey.
Thanks for following along and supporting Perfect Perfect BBQ.
🔥 Keep cooking. Keep learning. Keep chasing Perfect Perfect.

Brad Leighninger is the pitmaster, co-owner, and founder behind the award-winning barbecue brand Gettin' Basted, based in southwest Missouri. He launched the team in 2012, originally as a competition barbecue outfit, and quickly built it into one of the most successful teams on the professional BBQ circuit before expanding into full-scale restaurants in Branson and Nixa, Missouri. Leighninger is widely known in the BBQ world for helping popularize the "hot and fast" cooking style, using direct heat and drum smokers rather than traditional low-and-slow methods. This approach became a signature of both his competition strategy and restaurant menu. As a competitor, he has accumulated an elite résumé, including multiple world-class titles such as a Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue Grand Champion, King of the Smoker Grand Champion, and multiple Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) Team of the Year honors. He has also earned over 100 major competition wins and numerous grand championships across the United States. Beyond competition, Leighninger co-owns several Gettin' Basted restaurant locations and is active in the broader barbecue industry as a pitmaster, educator, and public figure in BBQ media and events. In short, he's considered one of the most decorated and influential modern competitive pitmasters, known for both his innovation in technique and his dominance on the competition circuit.

This week on The Pitmasters Podcast, we're sitting down with one of the most accomplished names in the world of live-fire cooking — John Lindsey.

From championship steaks and award-winning BBQ to television appearances, catering, product development, and BBQ education, John has built a reputation as one of the most respected ambassadors in the barbecue industry.

🏆 What You'll Hear About:

Building the legendary All Q'ued Up Competition Cooking Team

Winning on the Steak Cookoff Association circuit

His journey to becoming the "Delta Pitmaster"

Creating the award-winning All Q'ued Up rubs, sauces, and Southern Spice seasonings

Teaching thousands of backyard cooks through BBQ classes and BBQ Champs Academy

Behind-the-scenes stories from television shows including BamaQ TV: The Steakout and BBQ Country

Competition BBQ, steak cooking, catering, content creation, and what's next for John Lindsey

John's Accomplishments Include:
✅ 2018 SCA Newcomer of the Year
✅ 2019 SCA National Points Runner-Up
✅ 2020 BBQ Champs Academy Ultimate Steak Showdown Champion
✅ 2020 SCA Ambassador of the Year
✅ 7-Time SCA World Championship Qualifier
✅ 3-Time World Food Championships Qualifier
✅ 2021 Myron Mixon Unadilla Hog Drop Grand Champion
✅ 2022 Arkansas State Points Champion (SCA)
✅ 2022 Alabama State Open Champion (SCA)
✅ 2022 Mississippi State Open Champion (SCA)
✅ 2023 Beyond Meat World Champion (KCBS)
✅ Member of The BBQ Allstars
✅ Featured TV Personality, Instructor, Caterer, and Pitmaster

Whether you're a competition cook, backyard griller, steak enthusiast, or BBQ fanatic, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

🎙️ Hosted by Thee Anthony Lujan & Jesse Johnson

📅 Live Tuesday Night
📺 Watch, comment, and join the conversation live.

#PitmastersPodcast #JohnLindsey #DeltaPitmaster #BBQ #Barbecue #SteakCookoffAssociation #SCA #CompetitionBBQ #Grilling #Pitmaster #AllQuedUp #SouthernSpice #BBQLife #LiveFireCooking #BBQCommunity #SteakCooking #BBQAllstars #BBQChamps #SmokeAintNoJoke

The LFCA officially launched at the Open Fire World Championship at Memphis in May in 2026. The Live Fire Cooking Association (LFCA) is a food sport sanctioning body created to give live fire cooking its own identity, structure, and future. Built to honor the oldest culinary traditions in human history, the LFCA accelerates the growth of live fire cooking through fair competition, consistent judging standards, cook team recognition, education, events, and community connection. The LFCA was co-founded by three of the most respected voices in live fire cooking: Al Frugoni (Open Fire Meat Up), Mike Starr (Blazing Star BBQ), and Christie Vanover (Girls Can Grill)

The gloves are on and the opinions are HOT! This week on The Pitmasters Podcast, Scott and Robert square off in an epic battle of barbecue knowledge, grilling opinions, competition stories, and controversial hot takes from the world of live-fire cooking.
Who has the better take? Who's bringing the heat? And who will win over the audience?
Join us LIVE and be part of the discussion!
📅 Tuesday⏰ 6:00 PM MST
Expect:🔥 Barbecue hot takes🔥 Competition BBQ talk🔥 Live-fire cooking discussions🔥 Industry news and trends🔥 Audience interaction and debate🔥 Plenty of smoke, fire, and fun
Drop your hottest BBQ opinion in the comments before the show starts and we'll discuss it live!
🎙️ The Pitmasters PodcastHosted by Thee Anthony Lujan and Jesse Johnson
🌐 Website: https://pitmasterspodcast.com/
#ThePitmastersPodcast #BBQ #Barbecue #Pitmaster #LiveFireCooking #HotTakes #BBQLife #CompetitionBBQ #SmokingMeat #Grilling #BBQCommunity #ScottVsRobert #PodcastLive #BBQPodcast #SmokeAintNoJoke

Clayton Dixon, known as " All Fired Up with Clayton" is 15 yrs old and started his BBQ journey around age 14. He has competed and won the following- National Live fire pork Champion, 3rd in Beef and 5th overall and also 3rd in steak @NBBQA. Memphis in May-2nd dessert. WJBL- 1st chicken, 3rd pork, 5th-ribs.Smokeslam- 3rd chicken and 5th pork He has his own garden Triple G's(Granddaddy's Giving Garden) with a produce stand at his house that he sales vegetables on the honor system. He also has his own smokehouse where he sales smoked sausage in the winter. He loves Jesus, BBQ, golf, hunting, fishing, and hanging with family and friends. He is a member of FFA, FCA, NWTF, Cattleman's Associations, Rescue Team and is on his schools golf team and is the baseball manager.

At 36, Cameron Edwards is a Texas pitmaster, entrepreneur, and lifelong student of barbecue, having grown up cooking alongside his grandfather from an early age. His passion for service has shaped much of his life, with 10 years as a first responder—including 9 years in EMS—and 8 years serving in youth ministry, all centered around caring for people and building community. Since 2020, Cameron has been competing in the local Texas BBQ scene, sharpening his craft in one of the most respected barbecue cultures in the world. In 2023, he founded BarHart Spice Co., launching the flagship seasoning Armadillo BOLD, which quickly became a customer favorite and found its way into kitchens and backyards across the country. This year Cameron became the brand ambassador for the Qitup! App and also founded the first Smoke the Station Rib Challenge to benefit local rural Fire Departments. Faith. Family Service. Community. That's BBQ!!!

This company began by accident. As someone who puts on concerts for some of the biggest stars in the world, I wanted to give those I worked with something special, something made with love. After all, what do you give someone who can afford anything? It all started to change with the first order request. Flattered, I shipped a free bottle. But as more requests started pouring in, what began as a heartfelt gesture quickly turned into a challenge. I had to make a choice: turn everyone away or turn this into a business. So here we are. Fiery was the first sauce I created, based on a recipe my aunt shared with me years ago. I spent years refining these flavors with one goal in mind: to help you Amplify Your Food. Just as countless others have shared their positive feedback,I look forward to hearing about the compliments you'll receive at your next meal. Enjoy! Walter Kinzie Foods, Founde

Welcome back Shannon and Scott with The BBQ World Cup & Expo to give us the updates on competitors, qualifying events, and all the other questions you have!

We will talk about the event that was canceled 3 days before it was going to happening.

Hey, I'm Sarah, a south Louisiana native with a passion for good food and laid-back living. I spend my time smoking my meal prep and experimenting with bold flavors that reflect my roots. My setup includes a teal blue smoker, a Workhorse pit, and a Blackstone griddle, so there's always something cooking. I create content for fun, sharing my process and love for barbecue along the way. Whether it's a slow smoke or a quick griddle session, I'm all about keeping it real and delicious.

Join us to recap the SCA World Championships with Brennan Nielson, Johnny Cobia, Miriam Benson, Scott Nardi, and Steve Conaway!

Andy Allen and Keith Henson have been cooking together since 2010, back when they were competing under the name Rooftop BBQ. What started as a shared passion turned into years on the road—chasing contests, learning from other pitmasters, and putting in long nights behind the smoker. Over the last 15+ years, they've cooked some of the biggest stages in BBQ, including the American Royal and the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue, along with competitions all across the country. Along the way, they've also served BBQ to crowds at events like the Reno Rib Festival and Stagecoach Festival, and even helped bring authentic American barbecue overseas as part of the development of The Ranch Smokehouse. But most of what they've learned didn't come from trophies—it came from the miles in between. Early mornings lighting pits, late nights dialing in flavors, and countless conversations with pitmasters who live and breathe the craft. Every cook, every mistake, every win added something to the way they think about BBQ. Rambler BBQ is a reflection of that journey. The sauces and rubs aren't just recipes—they're built from years of experience on the road, shaped by different regions, styles, and the people who shared their knowledge along the way. It's everything they've picked up over 15 years of chasing great barbecue, now put into a bottle.

I'm a wife, mom of 3, professional recipe developer, and crazy BBQ lady. I probably have more grills than you have pairs of shoes (last count was over 20). My love language is food and BBQ is my most favorite medium! There is nothing better than setting down a platter of lovingly smoked meats to serve friends and family. If you feel the same way (even if you're brand new to the BBQ world), then you're in the right place. When I sit down to create a new recipe for my site, I think back on Susie in 2005 when she first lit a fire and threw some meat on the grill hoping it would come off edible. I believe making delicious food on the grill should be accessible to everyone, and that's where Hey Grill Hey comes in. We're a site for the "everygriller." I'm here to help you make better BBQ so you can feed the people you love and become a backyard BBQ hero. It's taken a lot of time, patience, and mistakes (sooo many mistakes), but I've come a long way from those early days of figuring out how to grill. Over the past decade, my name and business has grown to be synonymous with good BBQ. I've appeared on Food Network in a handful of shows, taught BBQ classes to thousands, judged competition BBQ, and achieved two separate Guinness World Records. Hey Grill Hey is now a full-time family business, with my husband and I working hard with our awesome staff to grow the company to include a full line of rubs, sauces, and grilling gadgets. Our website sees over 2 million views each month, and we even have an app and a private membership club to help everyone become a backyard BBQ hero.

We will be discussing the news of the SCA running test competition where you bring your own steak.

Where fire meets flavor! We catch up with our favorite barbecue and bourbon connoisseurs! They'll share stories from their recent competitions, cookoffs, and fundraisers.

After climbing the corporate ladder in his family's South Florida car business, Dave Williamson decided he liked making his customers smile, but LOVED making them laugh. Since then, he has excelled in almost every domestic Comedy Festival, making the finals or "Best of The Fest" in the World Series of Comedy, Boston Comedy Festival, San Francisco Comedy Competition, Big Sky Comedy Festival, the SLO Comedy Festival, and several others. Shortly after being named "Best Comedian in Miami" by the Miami New Times, Dave packed up his family in a 25 foot travel trailer. They traveled with him while he performed all over North America, eventually settling in Los Angeles after 18 months of touring. This trip was documented in a series of shorts by Nickelodeon. Dave tours heavily headlining his own shows. As a support act for Bert Kreischer, he has gotten to perform at the historic Greek Theater, The Grand Ol' Opry, and Red Rocks. His second album, "Trying My Hardest" was just released by Stand Up! Records and reached #1 in the iTunes Charts for Comedy. Dave will remind you of that one Dad who holds court over a hot grill with a cold beer every Football Sunday. He is obsessed with BBQ, and hosts his own podcast called "Meat Dave". He also co-hosts a comedy podcast with fellow waterman, comedian, and friend Forrest Shaw.

Weez's Groovin' BBQ is a the brainchild of Brian Calhoun Backyard Competition master pit master. He is a caterer and competition BBQ guy who is known for his delicious smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. They also offer a variety of sides, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and potato salad. Weez's Groovin' BBQ has been featured in a number of publications, including Chicago Magazine and Eater Chicago. They have also been awarded several accolades, including "Best Barbecue in Chicago" by Chicago Magazine and "Best Ribs in Chicago" by Eater Chicago. Weez's Groovin' BBQ isn't your average barbecue brand. It's a place where good times and feel-good flavors come together in perfect harmony. Founded by Brian "Weez" Calhoun infuses his product line with a fun, musical vibe. High-Quality BBQ, is Weez's focus bringing delicious, expertly smoked meats and all the fixings with twists of flavor. The fun and upbeat attitude is all about creating a positive and enjoyable experience. Fire up the grill, throw on some classic tunes, and smoke up a rack of Weez's Groovin' Baby Back Ribs. Sounds like a groovin' good time!

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

This is starting our 18th year into the cooking journey. We are based out of Sidney in Western Nebraska. I have cooked all my life and it became more of an obsession than a passion. I love to challenge myself and to learn new things. Before jumping into cooking full time I taught at the college level for 10 years and used my students to testing new ideas. Jimmy L's has a team of 13 dedicated individuals that makes magic happen across the board. We run 4 food trailers across 5 states around 60+ events during the summer months, ranging from big to small. Sturgis motor cycle rally to our local county fair, we also have a large catering operation that we run year round. We run a seasonal restaurant in the winter on Friday nights as well. We turn 10's of thousands of pounds of meat out a year, we only cook certified beef mostly from Greater Omaha and we are very well known for our brisket. We use the Herefords and the majority of those are from Nebraska so we know we are for sure cooking American beef. That allows us to bring the best product to the consumer. Our team drives Jimmy L's success, they are an amazing group of individuals that have dedicated themselves to making our company as efficient and successful as possible. We operate with a very easygoing, intense, and fun loving attitude as you probably can see from our social media accounts. I do not believe in self proclaiming that we have the best brisket or bbq, I prefer to let the Jimmy L's customers speak on our behalf and they do. We make everything from scratch and only use top quality ingredients. One of my pet peeves is people who say they are selling prime rib but serve you a choice piece of meat. Prime rib comes from a prime grade piece of meat other than that it's just a rib roast. I feel that in the BBQ world shortcuts such as this are starting to become the norm.

I'm Raymond Patterson. I've been competing in Steak Cookoff Association events since 2019. What started as a love for cooking quickly turned into a passion for traveling, meeting great people, and building lifelong friendships through the BBQ community. What I enjoy most about competing is the people. The camaraderie, the shared knowledge, and being able to help others improve their cooks is what really keeps me coming back. I genuinely enjoy helping people, whether it's on the competition trail or through teaching. I also teach a steak cooking class on BBQChamps.com, where I help cooks at all levels sharpen their skills and gain confidence on the grill.

Brennon Nielson and Nate Benson tell us about Slab O Rama and their Reserve Grand Champion win to qualify them for the 2027 BBQ World Cup and a shot at 1 million dollars!

A brand-new global BBQ World Cup has just launched, with a $1 million prize purse. The event links 40+ qualifying barbecue competitions worldwide from the U.S. to Australia, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand and the U.K. into one global championship season. The finals are scheduled for April 2027 in Las Vegas.

Named #1 by The Underseasoned BBQ show's 150 most influential people in bbq Daniel Vaughn is the barbecue editor for Texas Monthly and arguably the most influential voice in smoked meat today. He didn't just define what great barbecue is, but helped create the culture of standing in line for it. • Barbecue Editor at Texas Monthly and the only full-time barbecue journalist in the U.S. • Author of The Prophets of Smoked Meat and co-author of Whole Hog BBQ • Current editor of the Texas Monthly Top 50 known the bible of barbecue in Texas, and therefore, the world • Curator of the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival, held annually since 2010

I've been in the competitive scene for five years now. In 2022, I clinched the coveted title of Team of the Year in Brisket from the Champions Barbecue Alliance Association. Over the past few years, I've proudly secured two top-3 brisket finishes at the fiercely competitive San Antonio Rodeo, where the stakes are high with nearly 300 teams competing. What really keeps me going, though, is the bond I've formed with fellow BBQ enthusiasts. It's not just about winning. It's about the friendships and sense of community we've built.

At Fat Plate BBQ, everything began with a passion for outdoor cooking. What began as a weekend hobby in our own backyard quickly turned into a passion for creating bold and creative flavors that help make your next cook your best cook. I first caught the BBQ bug over a decade and a half ago, after buying a used Primo Oval XL from Craigslist. Probably 35 different cookers later, Fat Plate BBQ was born. Somewhere in the middle of that timeline, I started competing in as many sanctioned and unsanctioned BBQ contests as I could find. Just as my competition journey was picking up, COVID hit and shut down most comps anywhere near me. My desire to continue scratching that BBQ itch manifested itself in a slightly different way. With a background in tech, I decided to use the pandemic caused downtime to start an online BBQ supply store: boostyourbbq.com. Boost Your BBQ put me in a unique position to work with highly successful teams and contacts from all across the country. I was able to use my knowledge of competition BBQ to source products, help others on their BBQ journey, and just straight up learn everything I could. At this time, the SCA had a heavy presence on the East Coast, and I started competing regularly there. Personal commitments started demanding more of my time. I was lucky enough to become a father of two kids that I wanted to spend more time with, but also my parents' health began to rapidly decline, so I sold Boost Your BBQ and took a step back from competing. My wife and I cater upon request using our line of seasonings we've spent years perfecting, and I never wanted anyone to run out of food or feel like the BBQ wasn't a good value, so we have become known for our large portion sizes (a big old fat plate of BBQ), so Fat Plate BBQ it was. Our line of seasonings have been developed from our competition recipes and feedback from highly successful KCBS teams. Fat Plate BBQ rubs have helped many teams win MULTIPLE GC's, RGC's, 180's and Golden Tickets. Our Beef Blanket rub was part of the recipe for the FIRST EVER DOUBLE PERFECT SCA scores (West Newton, PA). Our sponsored teams have placed highly at hundreds of KCBS competitions and the Jack. Fat Plate BBQ's main goal is to create killer flavor profiles that don't taste like everything else on the market. We go for creative and unique, but still "covering the bases" to achieve traditional flavor profiles. Our rubs compliment each other, and lend themselves well to layering flavors. Our soon to be released products, really raise the bar and fill the gaps in the rub and sauce categories and add to our unique offerings.

Let's talk about some BBQ topics that get people engaged on social media.

Chris Bentley of Bentley BBQ—Alabama-based pitmaster and content creator known for bold backyard BBQ, grills, smokers, and rotisserie cooking. From low-and-slow classics to hot-and-fast favorites (and even homemade ice cream), Bentley brings real-deal flavor and fire to everything he cooks.

Misty is a Seattle, Washington native with a love affair with meat. She shares her "Stories of a Seattle meat man's wife" on social platforms and may be better known as @SeattleButchersWife. Her marriage into a 3rd generation meat family was a kickstart for Misty's BBQ journey. Shifting from her long-time career in corporate retail through the pandemic, her passion for grilling became an obsession. Misty combines her creative and engaging talents with her love of smoke and meat. Her mission is to share her journey and to inspire more women to step up to the grill. From live fire to simple pellet grill cooks she's learned tips and tricks to share and has created mouthwatering pictures and videos on social media. When she's not at the grill you can find this backyard BBQ expert traveling or spending quality time with her butcher husband and their 3 children.

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

Dustin, a lifelong sales professional and competitive cook, built Southern Char through years of trial, tasting, and genuine passion. From our original Signature Blend to the bold new Garlic Butter Blend, every recipe is handcrafted, competition-tested, and perfected in the kitchen, designed to bring people together and make every meal memorable.

At the heart of Southern Char is a simple belief: do things the right way—with family, community, and heart. Whether you're in the backyard, at a cook-off, or gathered around the dinner table, we hope our seasonings add warmth, incredible flavor, and a touch of genuine Southern hospitality to every bite.

My name is Dylan Cromer. I am 31 years old and man, do I love to cook BBQ! I grew up eating BBQ quite a bit with my dad. I used to watch him cook Boston butts, leg quarter chickens, and ribs on the weekends, learning as much as I could in the process. I started cooking BBQ on my own around the age of 18 and have grown from there. I gained an interest in competition BBQ from the show BBQ Pitmasters. A friend reached out to me because he was starting a small competition association and told me that a guy was looking for a teammate. I jumped at the opportunity and learned all I could. I decided I was ready to start my own team, and Holy Smoke BBQ team came to life. I have been competing for three years now, with one grand championship, two first-place wins, and multiple top-10 finishes. My favorite category to cook is Boston butt!

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

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

I sold my first knife to a friend who had specific requirements, and he was genuinely surprised that I could create exactly what he wanted. In 2023, I attended my first show and managed to sell all but four of the knives I had made. By 2025, I invested in a heat treat oven, allowing me to start making stainless steel knives. I also began promoting my business on TikTok, which has helped me reach a wider audience.

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

Our first KCBS competition took place in Bullhead City, where we met Anthony. It was there that we realized just how much we still had to learn. While focusing on mastering the four meats, we also got involved with the SCA, where we found success. We received invitations to the world championships four times in a row, and Mitch performed well enough to advance to the next round.

In 2024, we decided we were ready to fully commit to KCBS and set ambitious goals, including a desire to compete at The Jack. Despite facing setbacks, we persevered. Although we didn't receive an invitation last year, we continued to push ourselves harder. I told Mitch that all I wanted for our anniversary was to attend The Jack, and we achieved that dream. We had an amazing time, and this experience has only fueled our determination to return.

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

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

What started as a passion for cooking over fire quickly turned into a full-blown mission for me. My journey into BBQ began the way many great stories do—backyard cooks for family and friends, experimenting with rubs, sauces, and different pits until I found the flavors that truly spoke to me. I wasn't just cooking food—I was creating an experience.
Over time, the spark grew into something bigger. I built Blazin Jett BBQ in Kokomo, Indiana, as more than just a name—it's a reflection of my drive, my style, and my belief that great BBQ brings people together. Whether it's firing up the Weber kettle with the vortex, running the Traeger, or lighting up the Su-V gun for that perfect sear, I love pushing boundaries and showing people there's always a new level of flavor waiting to be unlocked.
I've taken my brand from backyard cooks to competitions, social media, and collaborations with companies I respect. Along the way, I've been blessed to connect with other pitmasters, creators, and BBQ lovers who've inspired me to keep going.
My Goals:
• Continue to grow Blazin Jett BBQ into a respected name in competition and content creation.
• Represent and collaborate with brands that share my same passion for quality, innovation, and community.
• Build products—rubs, sauces, and gear—that deliver the same bold, authentic flavor I stand behind.
• Inspire others to fire up their pits, try new things, and enjoy the journey as much as the results.
For me, BBQ isn't just food—it's fire, family, and fuel for creating unforgettable moments. And I'm just getting star

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

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

These days, LB's BBQ is blowing up social media, especially over on TikTok, where the smoke is always rolling and the heat never drops. From Wing Wednesdays to Weber Lives, LB throws down live, uncut, and unfiltered — unboxing grills, testing limits, and serving up pure fire.