This week's Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we kick of 2026 with what has been making all the noise in the BBQ world this offseason, the co-founders of the BBQ World Cup Shannon Pruitt and Scott Erdmann.  We talk all things BBQ World Cup!

On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we reminisce with Jason Wagner, aka Wags from Wag's Backwoods BBQ, who won the American Royal Open Championship a few days ago in Kansas City.  Luke and Wags chat about sharing the stage together and get into some of the things that makes Wag's Backwoods BBQ tick.

write up - It's American Royal Week!  In this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we do a deep dive on this year's winner of The Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational Ryan King from King's BBQ out of Jacksonville, FL.  Drive safe and hope you enjoy!

Christie Vanover is the head of Girls Can Grill, and has created an amazing profile as a competitor, content creator, product creator and contest organizer.  She’s done it all!  You’ll learn a ton in this episode

Janice Smella from Smella Que has been LIGHTING it UP!  On this edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we catch up with Janice and see how she's going about getting ready for the Jack Daniels World Championship, and what's been the keys to her success on the road there.

On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we spend some time with Gabe Trevino from Smokin' Volts BBQ, one of the hottest cooks in KCBS right now!  Gabe dishes on what makes him tick...and Luke tries to pry brisket secrets out of him...

On this special episode of Pitmaster, an Old. Virginia Smoke podcast, we sit with some Pitmasters at Smoke on the Rails in New Freedom, PA, to remember our friend Ercole Chila from Uncle Pigs BBQ Pit.  This episode was very special, as we were joined by Ercole’s wife Sara, his three daughters and other family members. 

This week on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we catch up with Guest 1...Bill Gillespie with Smokin Hoggz BBQ, recent winner of "Best Rub on the Planet" award from the American Royal.  Always a good time, enjoy this conversation with Billy.

It's KCBS World Championship week!  On this edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, Luke dives in to how to take classes, and lessons learned, with David Moore from Hot Mess BBQ and Brian Corbett with Smokin' Skullies.  Lots of great tidbits here, and learning about...learning.

On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we introduce you to Josh Yagel of Leaning Jowler BBQ, our BBQ team that we'll follow this year.  Josh is a great guy with a great family and story.  I hope you look forward to following him as much as I do.

On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke Podcast, we get into a couple of awesome stories with Darren Warth of Smokey D's, recapping some tales that he told at the KCBS Roundtable, at the KCBS Awards Banquet in January. Learn where the 9:22 shot and the term "shiggin" came from. 

Welcome to another season of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast.  We kickoff 2025 by checking in with our friend and "awards chiropractor" Kyle Kuhn with Hot Daddy's BBQ, winner of the American Royal Invitational in 2024.

In this episode of Pitmaster, Luke and Brian from Smokin Skullies break down the end of the year and talk about the offseason.

This week we feature Charles Beard from Glamping Grillers on the eve of the Jack Daniel's World Championship. 

This special episode of Pitmaster features the head of the World Food Championships, Mike McCloud.   We talk categories, BBQ and cooking.

Dave and Shirin Mara of Meat Candy Q have been on.an absolute tear this this year!  On this episode of Pitmaster, we get to meet them and find out some of their tips, tricks, habits and routines that have them on track to win KCBS Rib Team of the Year.

OVS caught up with other cooks at the Americamps BBQ Throwdown in Ashland, Virginia, back in early August. Enjoy the fun, and don't forget to follow OVS on YouTube. 

It was quite the party, as it always is, at the Chillin' & Grillin' at the Glades. The event, which saw OVS take home the RGC, included a happy hour with Luke, Kim, and plenty of friends. Please enjoy! 

This week we preview the DC BBQ Battle with organizer Andrew Schaffer and OVS teammate Sir William Stilwell, aka The Goat! 

This week on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we welcome Brad Cox of Local Yokels BBQ out of Illinois, recent winner of the KCBS World Invitational Open Contest.  If there's a better person in BBQ, I'd be interested in finding them!  This is a fun, feel good episode that I think you will enjoy!

On this episode of Pitmaster, we talk to Dennis Bowman of Bowman's Butts & BBQ, a great young man who just won his first Masters GC in Kannapolis. 

On this week's edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke Podcast, we go for a ride with Harry Soo from Slap Yo' Daddy BBQ, a legend in the BBQ world.  Harry has great info on mindset, thought processes, and a lot of life lessons.  This is one of the most fun and insightful podcasts I've ever done.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Chris Salsberry from Fred Vegas Smokers has been cooking all over the country this early season.  He's chasing "Bourbon and Friends" and having a blast with competition BBQ.  This is a great podcast with a lot of tips on cooking in different parts of the country, and for making sure BBQ is fun.  You don't want to miss this one.

On this episode of Pitmaster, we have a conversation about GOAT Status with two of them, Brad Leighninger with Gettin' Basted and Darren Warth with Iowa Smokey D's.

The Pork Shanks - On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, Luke talks with Brian Corbett about their weekend together at the King of the Farm contest in Iron Station, NC, and how sometimes one meat can go completely haywire - and how to fix it.

In this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, Luke is joined by Bill Gillespie from Smokin Hoggz and Jared Huizenga from Insane Swine to remember Dmitry Feld.  Dmitry was the organizer of the Lake Placid I Love BBQ festival, member of the 1980 Soviet Union Olympic Team, integral part of USA Luge, huge participant with the Shipman Youth Center, and generally one of the best human beings we've ever met.  The world recently lost Dmitry to leukemia.

Happy New Year from Old Virginia Smoke!  This week we feature one of the greats, Dan Hixon from 3Eyz BBQ.  A lot of great stuff in here about controlling your environment and mindset.

This week on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we have Jon Wade with Optimus Swine from Toano, VA, one of the hottest cooks of 2023 and a really good friend of the show.

This week on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, our guest is Levi Stoakes, pitmaster of Colorado Bulldawg BBQ.  7th overall in KCBS in 2023, top 25 in all categories, and winner of the Jealous Devil BBQ Challenge.  Great insight here into mindset, tactics, and BBQ.

After a holiday break, Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, returns with Bill Heyen from Triple H BBQ.  He's been one of the most consistent competitors of the past few years and has some great fun facts and tips in this episode.

This week on Pitmaster, we have Brian Corbett with Smokin' Skullies and Steve Dotson with D Qued BBQ talking about how to assess your competition BBQ season and ways to practice in the offseason. 

On this week's special edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we talk to Rod Gray, CEO of KCBS, about the new report released on what happened at the American Royal Open Contest.

On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we visit with Mark and Christine Masztal with Fire at the End of the Day, FATED.  Great friends and winners of the American Royal Invitational.  A great look into winning a major and the reaction that generates!

On this special edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we have David Ellis of Machete Boys and Jordan Kirkpatrick of Janky Leg BBQ to talk all things revolving around the American Royal Open and the scoring errors. Two class acts, great pitmasters, and even better people. 

Mike Steele is the Pitmaster of Pigs and Cows Gone Wild, and the creator of BBQChamps.com, an online collection of BBQ classes. We talk Royal, Jack, and an exciting announcement and offer from BBQChamps.com”

The tallest man in BBQ stopped by to talk about the Bill Arnold Celebration of Life at the Blues Hog site later this week. 

It’s American Royal week!  We’ve battled through some technical issues,  but we’re back this week with a vengeance!  To start us off this week we have Curt Wallace with Smoked and Furious, KCBS Invitational winner with the highest score ever!  Great interview and perfect to get you in that Royal mood.

This week on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we catch up with our old friend and American Royal winner Thomas Gearhart about cooking in different parts of the country, his routines, and how things have changed since winning the Royal.

On this week's episode of Pitmaster, we have KCBS World Invitational Champ Aaron Stoffer from Man Meat BBQ.  He shares his thoughts and his mindset from this past weekend’s huge victory.

Listen to Luke and Kim discuss BBQ and many other topics in the first part of this hilarious and fun conversation. Guests include Brian Corbett with Smokin' Skullies, Jerry Stephenson with Redneck Scientific, Stephen Hypes with Still Workin' On It, Thomas Gearhart with Mudville, and a bunch of others as they cruise by!

On this week's special episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we have a trio of misfits, who are also great people and a great time.  Jason Singletary of Smoke Central, Frank Neagle of Yes Dear BBQ and Joseph Puccio of Smoke Show Mafia joined forces as the SS Trio, and cooked a contest in Florida where they will be featured tonight on BBQ USA season 2 with Michael Symon.  Give this a listen before you get into Monday Night BBQ on the Food Network!

This week’s episode is topical and very, very important.  Last week, a great friend of the show experienced every competition cook’s worst nightmare—a KCBS rep coming to his cooksite with his box with only 5 samples in it.

Hear the story directly from Brian Corbett with Smokin Skullies on what happened in Galax, VA, how to prevent it in the future, and how the rest of his cook went.

Listen to Luke and Kim discuss BBQ, college football, driving to Wise, alcohol, and many other topics in the first part of this hilarious and fun conversation. Guests include Brian Corbett with Smokin' Skullies, Jerry Stephenson with Redneck Scientific, Stephen Hypes with Still Workin' On It, Thomas Gearhart with Mudville, and a bunch of others as they cruise by!

Aaron Lesley with Texas Oil Dust has been cooking non stop for pretty much three years. Lots of good tricks and tips in this episode, and also details about his upcoming class on BBQChamps.com!

This week Producer Danks joins in to discuss Luke's first-ever run at Memphis in May. As always, it dives into other topics. Enjoy these two chatting about BBQ, WVU, and the future. 

Craig Verhage, aka The BBQ Ninja, has done it all! He's cooked everything, been everywhere and built himself an amazing BBQ brand. Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with The BBQ Ninja!

Chris Webb with Bushmaster BBQ has been rocking and rolling! Also the proprietor of Proud Souls BBQ, I think you'll enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with this well-traveled and very successful pitmaster.

Erin Campbell, AKA the BBQ Duchess, is the boss lady of Ubon's BBQ, who recently finished 10th place overall in whole hog at Memphis in May! She's an incredible person, has had BBQ in her veins for her whole life, and is a great interview!

We switch gears a little bit this week with a fantastic interview with a fantastic person. Susie Bulloch is a TV star, successful BBQ business owner, and the creator of Hey Grill Hey. We dive into what her habits are, how she creates, and how she's created an amazing BBQ business.

Last week, we got to spend some time in Pinehurst, NC as part of the Smokin' in the Pines Contest and got to do a nice Q and A with our guy Brian Corbett from Smokin' Skullies.

Shannon Turner with Muttley Crew BBQ is one of the hottest pitmasters in the country right now. A great episode with a lot of good advice and a few great stories.

Pat Burke has been mentioned as a mentor to all of the greats on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke Podcast. And now we get to interview the man himself. 84 years old, battling cancer, and still in the restaurant every day. This is a special podcast, and I hope you enjoy!

This is a great podcast with the shoeless wonder Reagan Boesch from La Pasadita, the chicken leg man.

Allen Clem, aka "Radar" from Under the Radar, is one of the most consistent cooks in BBQ. They are longtime friends of Old Virginia Smoke and have been successful on the BBQ trail for a long time. Enjoy this funny and very informative podcast.

This week's guest comes to us from all the way across the pond...American Royal Champ Ed Gash from Bunch of Swines!  Great conversation I'm sure you'll enjoy it. 

This week's episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, brings in an old friend who's won all over the country and is genuinely one of the nicest guys in BBQ. Please welcome Jason Singletary from Smoke Central BBQ.

This week's guest is one half of the dynamic duo of The BBQ Bus, Brendan Dwyer. Also known as the “Brisket Whisperer.” 

The second half of our conversation with the man behind OVS and this podcast. 

In our 100th episode, Luke Darnell sits down to answer many of the questions he has been asking his peers. Enjoy part 1 of this conversation. And Merry Christmas. 

Luke returns to the pod's first guest, all-world Pitmaster, Bill Gillespie from Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. 

Jordan Kirkpatrick has been on fire! It's been an amazing fall for Janky Leg BBQ, with more to come. This is a great in-depth conversation with one of the good people in BBQ. 

David Dick with Ham Squad BBQ is an organizer, a judge, and the current KCBS Backyard Chicken Team of the Year. He’s already had an amazing fall and is looking to do even more in BBQ in 2023.

This man has been on fire this fall at all of the majors. He's also a Veteran, and lives, sleeps and breathes barbecue. Enjoy this fun conversation with Sterling Smith with Loot 'n Booty.

Jerry Dyer has been cooking competition BBQ since the Reagan administration.  He He's an east coast legend, and one of my best friends.  He recently decided to hang it up for good in competition BBQ, and this is his story.

Luke sits down with QUE U's Grant Basiliere after his historic double at the 2022 American Royal. You won't want to miss this conversation. 

Recently crowned Jack Grand Champion Chris Schafer of Heavy Smoke checks in with Luke to talk about the momentous win. 

We check in with Rod Gray, the CEO of KCBS, on what the American Royal means to him as a cook, as KCBS, and some great tips for first time attendees.

We were able to catch up with one of the all time big game cooks, Travis Clark with Clark Crew BBQ, who gives out some advice and thoughts, and a few laughs, about his favorite BBQ contest, the American Royal.

This episode of Pitmaster, an OVS podcast, is very special.  He rarely does these types of things, but he made an exception for his ol’ buddy Luke.  Does the Godfather of BBQ really need an introduction?  Please enjoy this episode with the incomparable Johnny Trigg with Smokin’ Triggers.

This episode of Pitmaster, an OVS podcast, features one of the all time greats.  This man has won more BBQ contests than most of us have even thought about.  He has great stories, great tips and is one of the best guests we’ve ever had.  Please welcome Mike Wozniak from Quau.

This guest has forgotten more about BBQ than most of us know. His rubs are legendary, as is his reputation on the competition circuit. Please welcome Chris Capell from Dizzy Pig BBQ!

Drew Davis with Razorracks has been on a tear. Top 10 overall in his last 11 contests, including 4 wins. One of which was cooked on a single Gateway Drum Smoker. This is a good one folks!

Luke takes some time to answer listener questions as the BBQ world continues to prepare for the upcoming American Royal. 

This week on Pitmaster, we have a legend. He's cooked competition BBQ for 20 years and over 700 contests. Please join me in welcoming Kelly Wertz from 4 Legs Up.

This week, we spend some time with past podcast guest and new CEO of KCBS Rod Gray, and talk about his first few days on the job.

This weeks podcast features a team from the Midwest that is up and coming, and has a fantastic fall lined up with their first American Royal and first Jack—please welcome Luke Legatt and Jeff Scheurer from Tire Smoke

Luke is joined by Producer Chris to discuss OVS BBQ's recent appearance on Michael Symon's "BBQ USA" television show, and the potential impact it may have. 

This week on Pitmaster, we feature one of the hottest Pitmasters in the country, Ercole Chila from Uncle Pigs BBQ Pit.

Enjoy this in person, completely crazy romp of a conversation with Tim Maloy of Backyard Bros., and friends!

The man wears tight pink shirts and has been on a tear. From Hershey, PA, meet John Shirey from Chunky BBQ

This is a fantastic podcast with one of the best people in BBQ. She’s a force out in California and on your TV. Please welcome Sylvie Curry from Lady of Q.

This interview was a long time in coming. He’s been mentioned a 100 times on this podcast as a mentor to many. Please join me in welcoming Mike Davis with Lotta Bull.

This week on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we check in with Steve Dotson from D'Qued Barbecue, who has cooked 7 KCBS contests and is on an absolute tear. Two wins, four brisket wins...let's ask him how he does it.

Enjoy this unique conversation between three champion pitmasters, as they talk mindset. 

Luke sits down to answer many questions from listeners and friends. Enjoy! 

This week we have Brian Corbett from Smokin Skullies, who’s been on a 2 month hot streak, including winning the 2021 Royal Oak Shoot Out. 

This week we have Todd Johns from Plowboys, winner of the 2009  American Royal Invitational Championship, and a very very successful BBQ business.  Please join me in welcoming Todd Johns.

This week we have a good friend of mine, Dustin Reese from Hogline in Minnesota.  Dustin has twice reserved the American Royal, and this year got to participate in the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show. Please join me in welcoming Dustin Reese.

Brad joins Luke for a special podcast short. The three time overall KCBS champ discusses the art of consistency and more. Enjoy!

Part 2 with Chad Ward from Traeger Grills and Whiskey Bent BBQ.  Lots of great stories here and great stuff, including a lot of good info about partnerships and sponsorships.

It’s super bowl week!  Which means today’s guest is probably out in LA making quiche lorraine for Payton Manning, or stuffed pork loin for Terry Bradshaw.  And it’s definitely being cooked on a Traeger. Please welcome Chad Ward, from Traeger Grills and Whiskey Bent BBQ, for this awesome part one of his podcast.

This week we feature a gentleman that has been successful in both the Memphis BBQ network and KCBS, and has started one of the more successful BBQ rub companies out there.   Please welcome Heath Riles from Heath Riles BBQ

Luke has Darren Warth from Iowa Smokey D's back on the show to discuss mindset. He discusses his competition mentality and why it has been so successful. Enjoy this quick-hitting conversation! 

Luke is joined by longtime BBQ pal, Mike Richter from Chicks, Swine & Bovine. These two have a wonderful conversation about their history together and more. Enjoy! 

Luke starts off 2022 answering listener questions. A grea variety of questions for this first ever Q&A pod. 

No real need for an introduction for this episode. Myron Mixon has done everything in BBQ, and a hell of a lot more than that. Please enjoy this wonderful conversation with the legend, Myron Mixon. 

This week we have Brian Dwyer from the BBQ Bus.  These guys have been tearing up the competition trail the past few years, particularly in brisket.  Learn about their brisket box, and a lot of other fun tips and good advice.

One of the best backyard cooks just stepped up to the pro's and is here to talk about it. Steve Dotson from D'Qued BBQ has recently moved up, and is already finding success. He talks about the transition and much much more. Enjoy this conversation with Steve Dotson. 

A very special episode for you, as Luke is joined by the newly crowned American Royal Open Champion, Travis Duffy from Las Call Heroes BBQ. Travis followed up his Reserve from 2020 with the big win just a few weeks ago. He and Luke talk about their successes and much more. Enjoy! 

On this Teammates Episode, the entertaining Kate McGlaun joins the ladies of OVS to discuss her role on the very successful Lucky's Q A fun. conversation with plenty of great stories this week. Enjoy! 

This week Luke has a wonderful conversation with legendary pitmaster, David Qualls from American Dream BBQ. The two talk cue, techniques, the science behind it and so much more. You won't want to miss this special episode. 

American Royal Week continues this week with a great episode. It's time for the Shiggin' rebuttal crew rebuttal. It's Teddy and Derek revenge time on this "Teammates" episode. Enjoy!! 

It’s American Royal week, baby.  Biggest BBQ Competition in the world.   This episode is another Teammate podcast with Kim and Leigh Anne..   David McAllister from 913 BBQ. While you’re enjoying this podcast, please share it out on your social media, and also be sure to “like” the podcast on the service of your choice.  Every little bit helps.

This week's guest is an absolute legend in BBQ. Multiple time world champion, successful restaurateur and all-around great guy. He's also the best guest to get everyone ready for American Royal Week. 

Enjoy this episode with Chris Lilly. 

This week we are joined by a pitmaster who has tearing up the east coast. Dan Jacobellis, from Top Gun BBQ, came on to talk about his recent success and the teams competition bbq direction. Enjoy! 

This week we have we start our American Royal prep with Loren Hill with the Smokin Hills. Loren and Cheryl are some of the best people in BBQ, and they sure can cook! Winners of the American Royal and the World Food Championships, there's a lot of good tid bits in this podcast from Loren.

This week's guest is Jeff Vanderlinde from the highly successful Shiggin' and Grinnin' BBQ Team. They have won and cooked all over the world. This episode will make you laugh, think and get more confident in your cooking. Please enjoy! 

Paul Keltner of Rooters-n-Tooters BBQ joins Luke this week. Paul and his wife Lynn have had a wonderfully successful career that shows no signs of slowing down. A lot of tips and great stories this week! 

This week we have Ryan Murphy with Dirt Road BBQ.  Ryan is an original member of the BBQ League, a World BBQ Champion at the World Food Championships, and winner of 22 grand championships.  He’s a hell of a guy who’s very particular about his pits and is great to talk to.

One of the most accomplished cooks joins us this week, with tremendous stories and tips. David Bouska from Butcher BBQ is a two-time world champion, has an incredible product line and is just an all-around awesome guy. Please enjoy this wonderful conversation with David. 

This is a great episode, one that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.  This week we sit down with one of the greatest of all time, Travis Clark from Clark Crew BBQ.  This guy has won literally everything in BBQ, and in a very short time frame.  If you want a masterclass in the mindset needed to be a championship pitmaster, you won’t want to miss this episode.

This week's guest is not only a good friend, but an outstanding cook and entrepreneur. Matt Barber from Hot Wachula's BBQ has been making outstanding sauces and competing all over the US and Europe. This episode is loaded with fun banter and great tips. Enjoy these two friends talking 'cue and much more!  

This week we have our good friend Corey Mikes from Fat Boys BBQ out of Temple, Texas. Corey cooks with his dad Danny, and both have been stalwarts of Texas BBQ for a long time.  This interview has a lot of practical advice, a lot of real thought and a ton of great stories.

This week, we continue with our run of Texas pitmasters with Lee Hickel from Redmule’s Bad Ass BBQ.  Lee has had a ton of success in Texas as a part of IBCA, and has recently been travelling the country and cooking BBQ all up and down the east coast in KCBS.  One of the genuinely nicest guys in BBQ.  He’s fantastic to talk to and is a great cook.

It’s definitely barbecue season!   The world is opening back up, people are getting together, and the smokers and grills are fired up.  Nothing though is hotter than Bill Purvis with Chicken Fried BBQ out of Texas.  He’s tearing up the competition BBQ circuit in both KCBS and CBA.  Bill is a great guy who I got to meet earlier this year, and I really think you’ll enjoy this conversation with him. Please welcome Bill Purvis.

June is here and its BBQ season for everyone!  That being said, some of the best pitmasters in the world have been cooking all year so far.  Not very many people are having as good as of a year as Phil Breeden from LC Barbecue.  Out of Texas, he has cooked all of the country with great success. Enjoy this podcast with Phil Breeden.

We wrap up National BBQ Month with one of my favorite people in Barbecue, Melissa Cookston.  She’s an amazing lady--author of two cookbooks, multiple time World Champion, and has recently created the World Junior BBQ League. She is so nice, funny and just a great time to be around. This is a fun time with Melissa Cookston.  Enjoy.

I thought National BBQ Month would be a great time to interview one of my mentors, the great Chris Hart from iQue.  Dominant in the BBQ scene for a long time and winner of the Jack Daniels World Championship, Chris has written several cookbooks and continues to be an influence on cooks all across the country.  Just a great guy, extremely smart and talented, and a lot of fun to talk to. Enjoy this fun talk with the legend Chris Hart.

National BBQ Month continues today with The Genie, Steph Franklin of Simply Marvelous BBQ. Steph has done it all in the sport, including numerous GC's and  having a wildly successful line of rubs. Oh, and he just happens to be one of the best guys in BBQ, too. 

This episode is full of tips, laughs and great stories. Enjoy! 

We’re kicking off National BBQ Month with none other than Mark Lambert with Sweet Swine O Mine.  Mark had done just about everything in BBQ, winning world championships, creating amazing products and now has his own BBQ store. This is a great look at one of the best pitmasters in the country, with a lot of great information and tips.

It’s Fergolicious time!  Richard Fergola is the pitmaster of Fergolicious BBQ out of Kansas City.  He’s been on multiple TV shows, won many contests and has recently opened a BBQ store called the KC Grilling Company If you know Fergie, he’s high energy, as is this podcast.  Enjoy the show.

Luke and the OVS Crew bringing the heat to the BBQ world. 

This man really needs no introduction.  He’s won everything in competition BBQ, been featured on BBQ pitmasters, and is widely considered one of the best people to meet, not just in BBQ.  This week it is our esteemed pleasure to have Tuffy Stone, the professor, pitmaster of Cool Smoke, on the podcast. I think you’ll enjoy this interview, getting to know one of the legends of BBQ and hear his story.

A special Friday episode for you this week, as we talk with KCBS CEO, Emily Detwiler, and KCBS Board President, Rick Wagner.

We discussed many exciting developments for KCBS in 2021 and beyond. Please enjoy! 

This week we have Scott Johnson with Cancer Sucks Chicago.  Scott has a tremendous story about how he got involved in competition BBQ and how he used BBQ to fund cancer research and do a lot of good. I think you’ll enjoy this interview, getting to know one of the legends of BBQ and hear his story.

This week we have Jared Huizenga with Insane Swine.  Jared cooks out of Massachusetts, and has an absolutely ridiculous batting average, finishing in the top 10 in 68 percent of the contests that he’s cooked. I think you’ll enjoy this interview, getting to know one of the best pitmasters in the northeast.

This week we have Andrew Cloer with Bald Hawg, the current number one team in KCBS.  Andrew and I have been friends for a long time, and he’s had a remarkable story as a pitmaster and as a person.   He hails out of South Carolina, is a rabid Clemson fan and cooks an absolute fantastic low country boil.

This week we bring back Kim and Leigh Anne for our Teammate series, and this week’s episode features Roxanne Manley with Redneck Scientific.  Roxanne is Jerry’s sister, and a fantastic cook and a lot of fun to be around. 

This week’s guest really needs no introduction.  He’s won KCBS Team of the Year, The American Royal, The King of the Smoker, and just about everything else.  In 2019 he opened Porky Butts BBQ in Omaha. Mr. Porky Butts himself, Blane Hunter. 

This week we have a special episode.  Two of our North Carolina friends are getting into it on March 9 in a whole hog competition on the Discovery plus show Mooshiners Smoke Ring.  Mat Griner of Southern Que and Brian Corbett of Smokin’ Skullies team up to show who can cook the best Eastern Carolina Hog. This is a fun interview, and should be a fun watch. 

This week, we get into it with the one and only Tim Scheer with Shake n Bake BBQ, also the proprietor of Blues Hog BBQ and Gateway Drums.  Tim is one of the best cooks in the world, and is known as a world class finisher and just an overall great fella. There’s some great tips in here.  And its a pretty fun listen.

This week on Pitmaster, we switch it up a little. This is the first interview in our Team series.  Kim, the Lil General, and Leigh Anne interview teammates from some of the best pitmasters in the world.  This week, they go deep inside Smokin Hoggz with Shaune Gillespie.  Fantastic interview coming up!

This week on Pitmaster, we have Justin McGlaun with Lucky’s Q.  Winner of Sam’s Club, King of the Smokers , and countless other awards, Lucky is one of the best guys you’ll meet in BBQ.   A great podcast here and a great purchase for under 100$ that will save you tons..   Fantastic interview coming up!

This week on Pitmaster, we have the Goat.  The big guy.  Darren Warth from Smokey D’s.  He’s cooked everything.  He’s won everything.  A great podcast here with a lot of good info and advice on the mental game.   Great tips and great stories.  This is a great one to give a whirl.

This week on Pitmaster, we have Walt Moulton from Rocky Top Barbecue! To say Walt is a character would be an understatement.  He’s a fantastic cook, winner of the Jack and just a great time to be around.  He cooks with his wife Rebekah and daughter Mia.   I try to get him to give up the goods, but he’s a tough cookie.  This is a great conversation that I think you’ll enjoy.

This week on Pitmaster, we have Sterling Ball from Big Poppa Smokers! Sterling has been a major influence in BBQ for a long time now, with much success as a pitmaster but also as the founder of Big Poppa Smoker’s BBQ rubs, creator of the Guinea Pig BBQ Contests, the King of Smoker, and Big Poppa Smoker’s Cooking for Kids charity program.   This is a wide ranging conversation about BBQ, cooking, music, and a whole range of topics that I think you’ll enjoy.

This week on Pitmaster, we have one of my great friends Jerry Stephenson from Redneck Scientific. Jerry is one of the more interesting people you’ll find on the barbecue trail.  He has a boatload of experience both inside and outside of BBQ, which has led him to many awards and also a successful restaurant called The Redneck BBQ Lab in North Carolina. There are a lot of great tidbits, tips and thought processes in this conversation. A great way to start the new year as we get moving in 2021.

This week has been particularly rough in terms of loss in the BBQ community.  We lost my friend Chris Mumaw this week.  Jeff Cole also passed away this week.  And then Mike Mills, BBQ legend and mentor to this week’s guest.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families during these terrible circumstances.  Been a rough time on the BBQ family. This week we have Steve Hayden on the podcast from One Two BBQ.  Steve is one of the best guys on the circuit, and has a lot of great ideas about BBQ and how it should move forward.  Steve also talks extensively about his relationship with Mike Mills, and his importance to him not only personally, but to BBQ as a whole. I think you’ll like this episode, and will get a bunch of great information out of it.

This week we have Jason Hardee with Elite BBQ Smokers on the podcast.  Not only is Jason a candidate for KCBS Board of Directors, he’s also a damn fine cook and an even better person. I think you’ll like this episode, and will get a bunch of great information out of it.

This week, as promised, is Jim Elser of Sweet Smoke Q. He competes, he vends, he makes smokers and he makes bbq sauces rubs and injections.  There is much this fella hasn’t done in BBQ. I know I say it every week...but this week’s episode is killer, with a lot of great info.  We’ll definitely have Jim on again, as we only got through half the questions.  

Due to an error on my part, we won’t have Jim Elser this week.  He’ll be next week.  This week, we have all time great Donny Teel from Buffalo’s BBQ. Donny has been in this game for many years, and has cooked just about everything under the sun. Donny is a great human and this is a great conversation with one of the living legends of Competition BBQ.

Our guest this week really needs no introduction.  Winner of countless grand championships and now 2 time KCBS Team of the Year winner Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted. There aren’t really enough superlatives to describe this fella.  He’s been everywhere...he’s cooked everything and he’s just a great dude.

One of the best things about BBQ, as we’ve said time and time again, is meeting people from all over the world who share the same passion.  KCBS is becoming quite the thing over in Europe, and we’ve been blessed enough to have become good friends with some of Europe’s best, including today’s guest, Tom Raes of Southern Dutch BBQ. Southern Dutch BBQ has been at the top of KCBS Europe for a couple of years now, and they continue to set a high bar.   The frequently come over to the US, and have great success here as well at high caliber events such as the American Royal and the World Food Championships.

There are lots of people that have taken their success in competition BBQ and turned it into a commercial success.  These people have a passion for barbecue and cooking that goes to a different level.  And you’ll find no two better than Megan and Jason Day with Burnt Finger BBQ. Megan and Jason have been extremely successful in the competition world, particularly at the American Royal and Memphis in May, and have translated that success into a fantastic brand and career around Burnt Finger BBQ.

I’ve been blessed to go around the country and have gotten to meet some of the best BBQ pitmasters of all time, and this episode’s guest is definitely that. Our guest today is Rod Gray from Pellet Envy.  Rod has been a fixture in BBQ for a long time, and continues to have a heavy influence both through teaching, and his EAT Barbecue rubs and sauces.  Very few people have done it so well and for so long as Rod.  He’s also a fantastic human with a lot of great stories and words of wisdom for today’s BBQ cooks. 

Even though the world is going to hell, barbecue teams are still out cooking contests and chasing BBQ greatness. One of these teams is Chris Schafer with Heavy Smoke.   Heavy Smoke won the KCBS World Championship earlier this year, and has been on a roll since.  Chris has also started his own podcast, All that for 6 pieces, which is one of the best BBQ podcasts out there. Please join me in welcoming Chris Schafer from Heavy Smoke.

Today’s podcast guest is Donny Bray from Warren County Pork Choppers, 2014 KCBS Team of the Year.  Donny has won many contests, taught many classes, and is who I consider to be one of my primary mentors.  This conversation is one that I dreamed of having since I thought up this podcast, and it truly is better than I could have possibly imagined. As we break down the habits and mindsets of the great pitmasters in the world, I’ve always had in the back of my mind that I’d have an interview that not only brought light and attention to someone who changed the sport, but also provided an interview that is a guide for life in general. I know its early days, but I believe this is one of those podcasts.

Chiles Cridlin of Wolf's Revenge has been one of the greatest pitmasters on the East Coast in the past three years.  This is a fantastic conversation with a lot of great tips and routines that we think you'll enjoy.

Our fifth guest is the incomparable Fred Robles from Rio Valley Meats.  Fred is the 2017 World BBQ Champion at the World Food Championships, the 2019 American Royal Open winner, and 2019 Smithfield National Champion, winning ribs three days in a row, an incredible feat given the competition.

Luke talks with champion pitmaster, successful restaurateur, badass video gamer and television star, Joe Pearce from Slap's BBQ.  The two discuss Joe's career, life on the circuit and more! 

Big Raz himself joins Luke to discuss success, failure and much much more. 

Luke chats with Bethany McCallister from 913 BBQ out of Olathe, Kansas. Bethany is the better half of one of the most successful husband and wife teams currently competing. 

On this inaugural episode, Luke sits down with great friend and all-world Pitmaster, Bill Gillespie from Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ.

OVS Pitmaster Luke Darnell will deconstruct world-class pitmasters to extract the tactics, tools, and routines you can use at home, in your backyard and in the competition BBQ world. You won’t want to miss this very entertaining, educational and totally different BBQ podcast. Coming Soon!