BBQ Therapy

On this episode of  BBQ Therapy , we sit down with Jason Cottingham of Trauma Hogs BBQ — a pitmaster whose story is rooted in resilience, teamwork, and real-life experience. Jason’s background in emergency services shaped not only his mindset, but the way he approaches competition and leadership in BBQ. We dive into how pressure in the field translates to calm at the pit, how Trauma Hogs built the...

In this episode of  BBQ Therapy , we’re joined by Chef Ray Sheehan — one of the most respected educators and competitors in barbecue. Ray’s journey blends culinary precision with pitmaster passion, and he’s spent years teaching others how to cook with confidence, purpose, and consistency. We talk about Ray’s path from competition BBQ to coaching and judging, how he helps cooks understand flavor pr...

This episode of BBQ Therapy features the legendary Steph Franklin of Simply Marvelous BBQ, one of the most influential figures in competition barbecue. Today, I'm honored to sit down with a true innovator in the world of barbecue rubs. With over 30 rubs created by him. My guest is Stephan Franklin-better known as the man behind Simply Marvelous BBQ. Steph's story is one of transformation:...

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, We’re talking with The Fleetwoods of Meat Rushmore BBQ, a team that started as four friends looking for an outlet for their competitive drive. Fast forward to today, they’ve gone from backyard cookouts, to national competitions, to now opening their very own restaurant inside Kansas City International Airport. We’re going to dig deep into how it all started, their r...

This episode of the  BBQ Therapy Podcast  features Ashton Smith and Josh Farley of O.G. Bandits BBQ, a team that truly embodies what BBQ is all about—family, community, and championship flavor. From Oak Grove, Missouri, they’ve built a reputation for incredible cooks, created sauces and rubs that capture competition flavor for the backyard, and continue to leave their mark on the BBQ scene. They w...

Description: In this episode of the  BBQ Therapy Podcast , Bre Via and Brad Colter of Smoke ’n Magic BBQ  a remarkable couple whose love story and BBQ journey are fire and flavor rolled into one. Brad Colter and Bre Via—better known as Smoke ’n Magic—met at a BBQ competition in 2020. Not only did sparks fly, but so did their passion for competition cooking. Since then, they’ve become KC BBQ legend...

The BBQ Therapy Podcast features Bill Heyen of Triple H BBQ in a powerful episode focused on discipline, preparation, and mental toughness in competition barbecue. Host Tavis Bryant and Bill discuss the realities of competing, learning from tough cooks, and staying focused when the pressure is high. This conversation explores what separates good cooks from great pitmasters and how barbecue builds...

n this episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast , Jordan Kirkpatrick of Janky Leg BBQ joins host Tavis Bryant for a raw and real conversation about competition BBQ, creativity, and embracing imperfection.  Jordan ‘Janky Leg’ Kirkpatrick of Janky Leg BBQ—a KCBS Grand Champion, 2023 Team of the Year winner, and one of the most respected voices in competitive BBQ. Born in Benton, Illinois, Jordan rose thro...

The BBQ Therapy Podcast continues with Cary Chasteen of Hold Your Horses BBQ, “Today on BBQ Therapy, we’ve got a pitmaster whose name you don’t forget and whose results you can’t ignore. He started the 2025 season started with a perfect 180 score, but Cary’s story goes deeper: from cooking with his dad in Griffin, Georgia, to mastering both BBQ and poker, to mentoring the next wave of competitors....

In this episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast , host Tavis Bryant of Ya-Go HAM BBQ sits down with Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ for a deep dive into competition barbecue, pitmaster mindset, and the mental grind behind consistent success. We’re joined by a name that needs no smoke signals to be recognized—Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ. From a humble start in 2012 to winning 60 Grand Championships in...

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, Tavis sits down with Gabe Treviño, the pitmaster behind Smokin Volts BBQ, one of the most electric (literally and figuratively) teams in the modern BBQ circuit. Gabe shares how a backyard hobby turned into a competitive obsession, the lessons he’s learned traveling the KCBS circuit over the USA, and the heart behind the Smokin Volts brand. From dialed-in ribs to big...

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, Tavis sits down with Chef Phillip Dell—a  Chopped Champion , culinary educator, world-class pitmaster, and the force behind some of the most balanced, technique-driven barbecue coming out of Las Vegas. Chef Dell opens up about his journey from bodybuilding to fine dining, from high-pressure TV competitions to teaching the next generation of cooks and pitmasters. We...

Today on  BBQ Therapy , we highlight M.I. BBQ, They are known for their incredible pop-ups and catering work across La Puente California, bringing Texas-inspired BBQ to the West Coast, and also for her community impact—supporting families through her food and her heart. 👉 Make sure to like and subscribe for more deep-dive BBQ stories!

BBQ Therapy is a conversation-driven podcast exploring the real stories behind the pit — the wins, the failures, the lessons, and the people who make barbecue what it is. No product pitches, no egos. Just honest conversations that educate, motivate, and connect cooks at every level. Hosted by Tavis Bryant.

In this special episode, I sit down with Alonzo and Sabrena Cantu of Gulf Coast Smoke — one of the most entertaining, authentic, and fast-growing names in today’s BBQ community. From YouTube to competition cookoffs, this powerhouse couple brings rhythm, energy, and finesse to everything they touch. We explore how Gulf Coast Smoke started, their growth on social media, their seasoning line, their B...

In this episode of  BBQ Therapy , I talk with Kell Phelps, publisher of The National BBQ News Magazine and a driving force behind NBBQA, one of the most important organizations in all of barbecue. Kell has spent more than two decades telling the stories of pitmasters, supporting competitors, and elevating BBQ culture worldwide. We dive deep into the origins of the BBQ News, what it takes to cover...

In this episode of  BBQ Therapy , I sit down with Kurt Mueller — the fire, flavor, and fierce work ethic behind Ironhead BBQ. Kurt is known for his no-nonsense approach, his signature Ironhead style, and the way he brings passion to every cook, And Quality is  We dive into Kurt’s BBQ journey, how Ironhead BBQ was built, what drives him today, and the lessons he’s learned turning a love for smoke i...

Just a quick review of my visit to Burnt Bean BBQ in Seguin Tx

Today, I’m honored to sit down with a chef whose story is one of resilience, reinvention, and pure creativity. From Chicago, Mike Krohn has built Healthy2HogWildFood, a platform where barbecue collides with Italian tradition. He’s been featured on Fox 32 Chicago, has collaborated with major brands, and—get this—he’s doing it all with one arm. But beyond the fire and flavor, Mike and his family hav...

In this bonus episode, we’re talking about more than barbecue — we’re talking about  purpose through pain,   grace through grit,  and how one man turned his smoker into a ministry. My guest is Pastor Jordan Davis — the founder of  The Smoking Pastor Project , a movement that feeds the body and the soul. He’s given away free food, brought hope to strangers, and lived through a test that would’ve br...

This week I talk with Luke Short of RB3 BBQ —  we’re joined by a man who’s built a name for himself one rib at a time—Luke Short-Sr. Known for his fierce flavor and consistent presence on the Rib Cookoff Association circuit, Luke has become a standout competitor in one of the fastest-growing formats in barbecue. Whether he’s behind a pit or sharing stories from the road, his passion for ribs and c...

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, I chat with Luke Darnell from Old Virginia Smoke (based out of Bristow, VA) — heavyweight in the world of competitive BBQ—Luke Darnell, the fire behind Old Virginia Smoke. With titles like the 2016 World Food BBQ Champion and the 2021 American Royal Chicken Champion, over 36 GCs and RGCs, and one of the best chicken cooks in KCBS history, Luke is a force. Alongside...

In this special edition of  BBQ Therapy , I take you behind the scenes of my trip to the American Royal, the largest and most legendary BBQ competition in the world. Instead of chasing footage or trying to capture every moment on camera, I made this trip about something even more important — people. I spent the weekend walking the grounds, shaking hands, sharing stories, and building real connecti...

Join me as I sit down with Rod Gray — I’m honored to be joined by a true icon in the world of barbecue—Rod Gray. From building  Pellet Envy  into one of the most decorated teams in competition BBQ, to appearing on  BBQ Pitmasters , and now serving as CEO of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, Rod’s journey covers every corner of the barbecue world. 

In this bonus episode  we’re turning up the heat with the voices behind Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast — a collaborative crew that’s doing big things for the BBQ community. This isn’t just about ribs and brisket — it’s about  culture ,  storytelling , and  representation . Black Smoke Barbecue is a platform that lifts up voices from all corners of the pit—from backyard grillers and food truck warrio...