Skip to content
BBQ Tips podcast artwork

PODCAST · arts

BBQ Tips

by Christie Vanover

Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover, the girl behind one of America's top BBQ websites GirlsCanGrill.com and a contestant on Food Network's BBQ Brawl, shares quick BBQ tips you can squeeze into your day to help you up your BBQ game.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 31, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. How to save (or even make) money with competition BBQ

    Want to save a little money on competition BBQ? If you're staring at a pan of BBQ trimmings after a cook (especially competition practice), don't toss them. That "leftover" brisket and pork is high-quality meat, and with a quick grind you can turn it into weeks of meals. Watch:...

  2. American Idol for BBQ: Inside the BBQ World Cup

    The founders of Barbecue World Cup say they're building "American Idol for barbecue," with a $1 million prize and a plan to pull backyard cooks and seasoned teams into the same global spotlight. In this week's episode of the BBQ Tips podcast, Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover sits down with...

  3. Goldee's Brisket: Will it work for competition BBQ?

    Goldee's BBQ is known for its brisket. They don't wrap it during the cook. They only wrap it when they hold it. In this week's BBQ Tips Podcast, Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover shares what happened when she tested the slow and low method to see if it could work for competition BBQ. See the...

  4. Did the judges even taste my meat?

    Do you ever wonder if the judges actually tasted the meat you turned in or if your box might have gotten mixed up? In this week's BBQ Tips Podcast, Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover shares what she learned about contesting your scores. She shares that insight along with a few other things she...

  5. First Teams Qualify for the $1 Million BBQ World Cup

    The race to the $1 million prize is officially underway. In this episode of the BBQ Tips Podcast, Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover breaks down the first competitions that have qualified teams for the upcoming Barbecue World Cup. Here from two teams who locked in their spots early: God's…

    more
  6. The Most Forgiving Chicken Cut (and It's Under $1/lb)

    Chicken is one of the most common proteins people cook on the grill, and also one of the most complained about. Most people default to chicken breasts, but those are one of the least forgiving cuts you can cook. In this week's episode of the BBQ Tips Podcast, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover…

    more
  7. Stop Guessing: The Right Way to Cook Prime Rib

    Regisration is open for the Memphis in May Open Fire World Championships. Plus, prime rib doesn't have to be scary. In this episode, Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill shares her step-by-step method for grilling a melt-in-your-mouth prime rib with a bold herb crust. Learn how to prep the roast,...

  8. Baking on the Grill: Holiday Desserts with Smoke & Flair

    It's the holidays, which means it's baking season. But who says dessert has to stay in the kitchen? In this episode, Christie Vanover reveals why some of the best dessert makers in the country are actually pitmasters… and how YOU can bake incredible treats right on your grill or smoker. Christie...

  9. Let's Talk Turkey: Cook The Perfect Turkey On Any Grill

    This Thanksgiving-themed episode breaks down everything you need to cook the perfect holiday turkey no matter what grill you're using. Christie Vanover shares her step-by-step tips for choosing the right size bird, thawing it safely, brining it for max juiciness, seasoning it with herbs and a...

  10. How Live Fire Is Reshaping Competition Barbecue

    Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover breaks down the explosive rise of live fire competitions after working behind the scenes at the Texas Open Fire Meat Up. She shares how the event drew global teams, 2,500 attendees and 80 million combined social media followers. Learn why Memphis in May is…

    more
  11. I'm sharing ALL my competition secrets

    Award-winning pitmaster and Girls Can Grill founder Christie Vanover pulls back the curtain on her newest venture: Competition BBQ Tips, an online education platform designed to help backyard cooks and aspiring pitmasters start earning calls. In this launch episode, Christie shares her journey…

    more
  12. Pastrami Kits and BBQ Festivals

    Christie shares where she's at in the launch of her new pastrami kit, plus she invites everyone out to the Las Vegas BBQ Festival and car show, which is a fun free event where she'll be doing BBQ demos. Pastrami Recipes: https://girlscangrill.com/pastrami/ Girls Can Grill Rubs Store Locator:...

  13. Back from the Jack: Christie Vanover's inside look at barbecue's biggest stage

    Judging the Jack Daniel's Invitational Barbecue is not just a seat at the table. It is a front-row view of how the world's best teams win, how flavors evolve, and how tradition and Tennessee whiskey fuel an entire town for one unforgettable weekend. 2025 Results:...

  14. Downsizing My Competition Trailer: New Design Must-Haves

    Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover is changing up her competition trailer and entire travel setup. Find out what she's looking for with her new trailer design and why she's making the change. Girls Can Grill Rubs Store Locator: https://shop.girlscangrill.com/pages/store-locator...

  15. Smoked Tri-Tip Chili: My award-Winning Recipe

    It's fall, so champion pitmaster Christie Vanover is walking you through her full recipe for smoked chili with tri tip. Full Recipe: https://girlscangrill.com/recipe/beef/champion-chili/ YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/XQoB945VVqM Girls Can Grill Rubs Store Locator:...

  16. BBQ Myths, BBQ Fails and BBQ AI

    Kell Phelps, publisher of Barbecue News and managing partner of NBBQA, has launched a new barbecue podcast called Now That's Smokin. This week's BBQ Tips Podcast is a collab with Kell. He invited champion pitmaster Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill to talk about barbecue myths, failures and how...

  17. Make BBQ Not War: Tending the Fire Of Unity

    In a divided time, BBQ may be the common ground we all need. Christie Vanover reflects on how BBQ is more than food. It's a way to unite people across divides. Discover how tending the fire can heal, humanize and bring us together in a time of division. Girls Can Grill Rubs Store Locator:...

  18. World Champ + Official Judge Share Everything You Need to Know About The Jack

    This is a special episode of the BBQ Tips Podcast. Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover is joined by BBQ World Champion David Bouska of Butcher BBQ. Together, they share some real insider tips about the Jack Daniel's World Championship. From the draw to load in to the competition itself and what…

    more
  19. On the BBQ Trail: Where I'll Be (and How to Join In)

    Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover will be traveling across the country over the next few months to compete, judge and organize different events. From Idaho to Tennessee to Texas, check out the live fire activities and learn how you can be involved. Idaho Competition…

    more
  20. How to grill oysters, squid, tofu, sardines and liver

    Last week, Christie shared the top 10 foods Americans hate. This week, she grilled up some oysters, squid, tofu, sardines and liver. Here's what happened. Find out if the foods are on her love it or hate it list. 🔥 Full Recipes:...

  21. The Top 10 Hated Foods According to Americans

    YouGov just released the results of the most hated foods in America. Here are the top 10. Are any of yours on this list? This is Part 1 where I reveal the top 10 hated foods. Stay tuned for Part 2. I'm going to cook 5 of them on the grill to see if I can get them to taste good. Gull Survey…

    more
  22. How to grill the perfect ribeye steak

    Struggling with flare-ups, dry steak or guessing doneness? Don't ruin your ribeye! In today's BBQ Tips Podcast, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover will explain how to cook ribeye steak perfectly every time. 🔥 Full Recipe: https://girlscangrill.com/recipe/steak/how-to-cook-ribeye-steak/...

  23. Edible Candles with Tallow, Butter or Coconut Oil

    Forget about candles that just look pretty. These tallow candles are pretty and edible. Make them with tallow, butter or coconut oil. Full Recipe: https://girlscangrill.com/recipe/rubs-sauces/tallow-candles-and-other-edible-candles-made-with-fats-butter-or-coconut-oil/ Edible candle wicks:...

  24. How to Make Smoked Sausage That Snaps

    If your homemade sausage keeps crumbling or lacks that signature snap, the problem may not be your seasoning. It's your temperature control. Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill is here to break down the sausage science step-by-step. Links in this Episode: Kitchen Scale:...

  25. Avoid Food Poisoning: 5 Summer BBQ Safety Rules

    Throwing a cookout for your family and friends can be so much fun. Everyone loves the food, the laughter, the memories. Unless those memories mean hugging a toilet all night. Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill shares 5 BBQ safety tips so you can avoid sending anyone home with...

  26. 10 Grilling Mistakes to Avoid

    Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill knows the secret to mouthwatering barbecue isn't just in the rub or the smoker. It's in avoiding the most common grilling mistakes. These are 10 little things that can make or break your cookout, but once you know what to look out for, it's...

  27. ThermoWorks RFX Launches Bluetooth Only Mode

    High elevation can throw off your brisket cook, unless you know how to adjust. At a competition 4,500 feet above sea level, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover leaned on instinct, science and ThermoWorks' new Bluetooth upgrade for the Wireless RFX to land a top brisket score. Learn how to use the...

  28. The 5-Hour BBQ Plan to Feed a Crowd

    Worried about running out of food at your next party? Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover has a five-hour BBQ plan that delivers juicy pulled pork and brisket without the stress. Plus, plenty of tips for serving it up right. Links in this Episode: Full Recipe:...

  29. What Grill Should You Buy? Take This 7-Question Quiz

    There are so many grills out there: pellet, gas, charcoal, electric. It can be overwhelming. Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover has created a quick quiz that matches you with the perfect grill based on your cooking style. Here's how it works: ❓ Answer a few easy questions ✅ Get your Grill Match...

  30. Burger Bootcamp: Build a Better Burger

    Think you know how to grill a burger? Not so fast. From picking the right meat to building it like a boss and feeding a crowd without losing your cool, this is Burger bootcamp. Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover is breaking down the rookie mistakes and the secret upgrades to bring your burgers…

    more
  31. BBQ Brawl: What It's Really Like Being on Food Network

    Ever wondered if the drama, the pressure and the ticking clock on BBQ Brawl are as real as they seem? When pitmaster Christie Vanover joined Season 4 of Food Network's BBQ Brawl, she stepped into a whirlwind of fire, flavor and fast decisions. With Season 6 now heating up, she's sharing the...

  32. KCBS vs. SCA: What It Really Costs to Organize a BBQ Competition

    Have you ever thought about organizing a barbecue competition? Two of the most popular sanctioning bodies are the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA). Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover has organized both. In today's BBQ Tips Podcast, she shares the real...

  33. Trimming Competition Chicken Thighs With Girls Can Grill

    In this week's BBQ Tips Podcast, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover shares her step-by-step technique for selecting and trimming chicken thighs for a BBQ competition. Follow her through the full process. Equipment: https://amzn.to/45ku41C Grilled Chicken Thighs:...

  34. Scheels BBQ University: Briskets, Belief and Big Breaks

    In this week's BBQ Tips Podcast, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover shares some keys to her business success: taking risks, surrounding yourself with people you can trust and having faith. Find out how this philosophy recently paid off for Girls Can Grill. Girls Can Grill Rubs Store Locator:...

  35. I won $5,000 with this burger recipe

    I competed at the 2025 National Hardware Show Celebrity Cookoff in Las Vegas and won $5,000 with this burger recipe cooked on a Monument Grills. In this week's BBQ Tips Podcast, I'm going to show you exactly how to make the Thai Inspired Cheese Stuffed Slider with Thai Basil Mint Chimichurri and...

  36. What Is Wagyu Beef And Why It's the Choice of Champions

    When selecting beef, there are so many terms: select, choice, prime, angus, wagyu. It can all be rather confusing. In this BBQ Tips Podcast, Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill explains what wagyu beef is and why it's the choice of champion pitmasters. Save 10% on Snake River Farms wagyu beef…

    more
  37. Set Up Your Competition Cook Site Like a Pro

    One key to being successful in competition barbecue is having an organized cook site. Today champion pitmaster Christie Vanover shares the different sections of her cook site and how she sets it up. Links in This Episode: Packing List: https://girlscangrill.com/competition-bbq/checklist/...

  38. 2025 Vegas Pizza Expo: Backyard Pizza Trends

    In this week's episode of the BBQ Tips Podcast, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover takes you behind the scenes of the 2025 Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. From the latest backyard pizza ovens by Ooni and Gozney to the newly released Fire + Wine Backyard Pizza Cookbook, Christie shares her top takeaways...

  39. BBQ Competitions: The Winning Secret to Selecting Meats

    Competitive pitmaster Christie Vanover has more than 75 top 10 calls under her belt. In today's BBQ Tips Podcast, she shares what she looks for when selecting her competition chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. Tune in and learn her secrets to help improve your stats on the circuit. Links in This...

  40. Last-Minute Pastrami: Pitmaster's Grocery Store Hack

    St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and grocery stores are stocked with pre-brined corned beef briskets. But before you grab the first one you see, there are a few things to consider to get the best cut for your cooking needs. Even better, if you love pastrami, you can easily transform...

  41. KBIS 2025: The Companies Now Entering The Grill Space

    Some big names in indoor appliances are moving outdoors. Find out which companies introduced new grill and outdoor kitchen lineups at the 2025 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas. Links in This Episode: How to Design an Outdoor Kitchen:...

  42. Ninja FlexFlame: Everything You Need To Know

    Ninja has expanded its outdoor kitchen lineup with the Ninja FlexFlame – a propane grill that can smoke, griddle and cook pizza. Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover has been beta testing it for months. Find out how the grill works, what makes it different than all other propane grills she's…

    more
  43. The Ultimate Crawfish Cookout: Live Fire Edition

    Fire up the feast! Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover shares four bold ways to cook crawfish over live fire just in time for Mardi Gras. Links in This Episode: Grilled Crawfish: https://girlscangrill.com/recipe/grilled-crawfish/ Crawfish Boil on the Grill:...

  44. 3 Ways To Grill Restaurant Quality Steaks At Home

    Want to really impress your Valentine? Grill up a restaurant quality steak at home. Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover shares her three favorite methods for cooking the perfect steak. Plus, she shares BBQ tips on seasoning, testing for doneness and resting. Links in This Episode: Steak Recipes:...

  45. Meatball Hacks You NEED for Game Day

    Game day isn't complete without a platter of juicy, flavor-packed meatballs, but not all meatballs are created equal. If you've ever ended up with dry, bland bites, don't worry, Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover has the hacks to fix that. From key ingredients to foolproof techniques, she'll…

    more
  46. From $50 to $10,000: Which Charcoal Grill is REALLY Worth It?

    There are so many different types of charcoal grills out there. It's hard to figure out which one is going to be the best one to fit your needs. In this week's BBQ Tips Podcast, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover breaks down the types of charcoal grills, along with their advantages…

    more
  47. Shrimp Buying and Cooking Guide: Sizes, Prep and Grilling Tips

    Join champion pitmaster Christie Vanover as she dives into everything you need to know about shrimp, from grocery store sizing mysteries to mastering the grill. In this episode, Christie breaks down the difference between peel-on and deveined shrimp, shares her favorite ways to thaw them, and...

  48. My Favorite Indoor Grill This Winter

    Baby, it's cold outside, which makes grilling outdoors challenging. But it doesn't mean you can't grill at all. In today's BBQ Tips Podcast, champion pitmaster Christie Vanover shares her favorite indoor grill. Learn what she loves about the Ninja Sizzle and what makes it different from other...

  49. 5 Ways to Make Veggies Taste Good

    It's January, that means we're thinking about healthy eating again. And healthy eating, usually means more veggies. In this week's BBQ Tips Podcast, Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover shares her top five tips for making veggies actually taste good. Plus, she includes tips for how to grill...

  50. Everything You Need to Know to Grill Prime Rib

    Champion Pitmaster Christie Vanover loves prime rib so much she put it on the cover of her Holiday Grilling Cookbook. In this week's BBQ Tips podcast, she shares her top tips for cooking prime rib on the grill. She goes over how to select a great prime rib, how to trim it, season it and cook it....

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover, the girl behind one of America's top BBQ websites GirlsCanGrill.com and a contestant on Food Network's BBQ Brawl, shares quick BBQ tips you can squeeze into your day to help you up your BBQ game.

HOSTED BY

Christie Vanover

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does BBQ Tips have?

BBQ Tips currently has 90 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is BBQ Tips about?

Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover, the girl behind one of America's top BBQ websites GirlsCanGrill.com and a contestant on Food Network's BBQ Brawl, shares quick BBQ tips you can squeeze into your day to help you up your BBQ game.

How often does BBQ Tips release new episodes?

BBQ Tips has 90 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to BBQ Tips?

You can listen to BBQ Tips on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts BBQ Tips?

BBQ Tips is created and hosted by Christie Vanover.
URL copied to clipboard!