Texas Pitmaster Heads North: Can New England Handle the Heat?

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 circuit with precision, purpose, and a whole lot of heart. He shares how faith fuels his fire, what “Barbecue Church” means to him, and how he’s helping fellow veterans through the Texas Chrome Heroes Foundation. Carlos breaks down the key differences between Texas and New England BBQ competitions and sends a friendly warning to the Northeast: the Lone Star State isn’t just visiting—it’s coming to compete. Respectful? Absolutely. Competitive? You bet. Ready to roast some marshmallows? Well… you’ll have to listen and decide for yourself. #bbq #texasbbq #bbqcompetition #veteran #bbqpodcast