Wise Guys Barbecue Podcast

This week on the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, we’re bringing you straight into the inner circle of one of the biggest competitions in barbecue: The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational. Our guest? Pam Hess—the woman who keeps track of the teams. As the official team keeper for The Jack, Pam holds the list everyone wants to see. She joins Vin and Chip to talk about what it’s really like behind t...

In this week’s Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Charlie and Vin welcome Starla MacDonald of Sinister Smoke and her dad Scott from Sticks and Stones BBQ for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is smoky. At just 15 years old, Starla isn’t just competing—she’s dominating, going head-to-head with adult teams and racking up wins on the competition circuit. But her journey hasn’t been easy. From flooded tent...

In this summer-soaked episode of the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Vin and Chip return to the mic with post–Fourth of July stories, cookout chatter, and a fridge full of opinions The guys dive into what's been cooking lately, including grilled pizza—but not just any pizza. Vin shares how Tommy the Butcher’s daughter, Alie, has mastered grilled pizza night by getting the whole family involved, from kids s...

This week on the Wise Guys Barbecue Podcast, Vin and Charlie welcome longtime friend and backyard BBQ expert Tony Parente. From grilling with his dad in West Warwick to mastering backyard cooks across the country, Tony shares his journey, BBQ philosophy, and favorite tips for home pitmasters. Tony shares stories of growing up grilling with his dad in West Warwick, talks favorite meats to cook, and...

Sabrina Swanson of Burger Queen BBQ just grilled her way to glory as the newest Grand Champion of the Mass in May barbecue competition! In this exclusive interview, Sabrina breaks down her award-winning cook, shares behind-the-scenes moments from competition day, and gives us the latest on her other passion — competitive swimming. 🔥 What did she cook to win it all? 💬 What advice does she have fo...

In this episode of the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Vin, Tommy, and Bob break down the latest 2025 BBQ competition standings across KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society), NEBS (New England Barbecue Society), and CBA (Champions Barbecue Alliance). We’re talking about the top-performing BBQ teams, which categories they’re winning—like brisket, ribs, pork, and chicken—and how rankings are determined. Whether...

Join Vin & Chip as they meet Laura Whiteside, a rising star and proud team member of Ballers BBQ! As an eighth grader, Laura is a Kids Q fanatic who constantly levels up her game on the smoker. 🐖🔥 In this episode, Laura shares: * Her recent adventures in youth BBQ competitions * Her passion for both barbecue and basketball * And her inspiring mission to mentor children with learning and behavior...

Fire up the grill and pour a glass—this week on the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, we're diving into all things backyard barbeque. From Memorial Day cookout highlights to rib tips, pork butt techniques, and classic sides, the crew shares what went down over the holiday weekend. We kick around the idea of a New England clam bake BBQ challenge, chat bourbon (in the glass and in the sauce), and give a sneak...

This week on the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Vin Picaro and Charles Baldwin fire up the mic to talk barbecue competitions, killer recipes, and what's cookin' in the world of smoked meats. They spotlight young pitmaster Sabrina, who stole the show at a recent Kids Q with a Grand Champion win, and dish on standout teams, collabs, and upcoming events. The guys also share their takes on smash burgers with...

This week on the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, things get a little spicy as we sit down with Carlos Ruben Calzada Jr. of Smokin’ Los BBQ—a Navy vet turned Texas pitmaster who’s heading north to take on New England’s best in the CBA Triple Crown. We kick things off in our brand-new studio, then dive into Carlos’s incredible journey—from cooking for his battalion in Afghanistan to competing on the BBQ circ...

In this episode of Wise Guys BBQ, hosts Charlie and Vin Picaro sit down with Kathy and Tom Trainor of Inclusive Barbecue Events, an organization born during the pandemic to keep the spirit of barbecue competitions alive. They share their journey of creating events that champion inclusivity, supporting individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, and families navigating challenges. From MASS...

This week on the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Vin, Chip, and Tommy dive into the art of paella! Tommy walks us through his approach to this week’s challenge dish — from planning to the final bite. The crew also swap stories about their favorite local BBQ joints, while Charlie brings the latest BBQ news. Plus, they explore BBQ customs across the globe and reflect on the rich history behind the craft we a...

Vin, Bob, and Charlie sit down with Hank Kornblut and Aaron Huentelman from Mister Brisket, the legendary Cleveland butcher shop that’s been supplying top-tier meat since 1974. From briskets to ribs, Mister Brisket has become the go-to source for hundreds of competitive BBQ teams across the country. Aaron brings firsthand insight as both a butcher and a competitive pitmaster, giving us a behind-th...

In this week’s episode, Vin and Tommy get into Easter dinner BBQ style! Tommy breaks down his latest cooks — a beautiful leg of lamb and some killer rack of lamb lollipops. They dive into why lamb sparks so much debate in American kitchens and how Tommy tackled that natural gamey flavor in his recipe. Plus, the guys trade thoughts on the Masters and what makes this tournament so special. Light the...

Is grilled broccoli a crime against barbeque? This week, Vin, Chip, and special guest Johnny Z hash out one of the great debates of our time: how many vegetables are too many at a BBQ? From slaws to skewers, nothing is off the table. They also cool off (or heat up) with a fiery hot sauce taste test that'll test their tolerance and their taste buds. #hotsauce #grilledveggies #foodpodcast

Get to know the Smoke Sisters—Starla and Sabrina—two young pitmasters competing in the Kids Q division of competition BBQ! In this special episode of the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk with these rising stars about how they got started in BBQ, what it’s like to compete at such a young age, and their passion for the pit. Whether you're a fan of competition BBQ, curious about the Kids Q scene, or ju...

This week, we welcome back Richard Yang, aka Da BBQ Ninja, to get the inside scoop on his plans for the upcoming BBQ season. From competitions to new techniques, Rich shares what he's got cooking for 2025. Tune in for expert insights, great stories, and plenty of BBQ talk! 🔥🍖

This week on the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Vin and Chip dive into major BBQ news! They sit down with Championship BBQ Alliance (CBA) competitor and organizer Matt Pereira, who is bringing six CBA-sanctioned BBQ competitions to New England—a first for the Texas-based circuit. These competitions will take place in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, and the Rhod...

This week, Vin and Bob chat with Nelio Vaz, the owner of Meat Bar Marketplace—a butcher shop that’s been called a candy store for BBQ lovers. From top-quality meats at unbeatable prices to smoked dog bones and fresh hot foods, Nelio has built a go-to spot for local BBQ competition teams. He shares how he got started, how he keeps customers coming back, and a possible BBQ competition he may be host...

This week on the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Vin and Chip serve up a little taste of what's cooking next week — Tommy the Butcher's Corned Beef Dinner with a small Italian twist, just in time for St. Patrick's Day. The guys also talk about some can't-miss BBQ competitions happening across the country this year and drop a major announcement — so mark your calendars for June 21st! Pour yourself a drink,...

In this episode of Wise Guys Barbecue, hosts Vincent, Chip, and Bob Baumann sit down with Chad and Nichole Humphrey of Humphrey Barbecue, fresh off their experience at the Fire on Ice Barbecue Competition in Minnesota. They’ll share their firsthand stories from one of the most extreme barbecue events in the country—where top pitmasters battle subzero temperatures to deliver championship-level barb...

In this sizzling episode of Wise Guys Barbecue, Vin and Chip dive into the Minnesota Fire on the Ice BBQ Competition, breaking down the top competitors, standout dishes, and the challenges of smoking meat in frigid conditions. Then, things heat up even more as they face off in the ultimate BBQ Sauce Showdown, each bringing their own secret sauce to the table. Will it be sweet, spicy, tangy, or bol...

This week, Vin, Tommy, and Charlie dive into Super Bowl Sunday—talking football, food, and all the BBQ bites that hit their tables. They share a peek behind the curtain at the cooking videos they've been working on and challenge listeners to send in their favorite BBQ cooks for a Wise Guys twist—Italian style. With Valentine's Day and other holidays on the horizon, the guys are cooking up more tha...

In this episode of Wise Guys Barbecue, co-hosts Vincent and Bob Baumann sit down with the legendary Bill Gillespie, founder of Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ and one of the greatest pitmasters to ever come out of New England. With multiple championship wins, including the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational, Bill has cemented his legacy in the world of competitive barbecue. We’ll dive int...

In Episode 27 of the Wise Guys Barbecue Podcast, guest host John Zienowicz takes the reins! As a production advisor and longtime friend of Vinnie, Chip, and the show, John brings a unique perspective on the art of storytelling, production insights, and the camaraderie that fuels the podcast. Join us for an engaging discussion about barbecue, creativity, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes W...