The Pitmaster's Podcast
by Anthony Lujan
We're BBQ competition enthusiasts who love to share everything about the smoke, the sauce, and the stories behind great barbecue. Each episode, we sit down with top pitmasters, backyard legends, restaurateurs, and more to swap advice, tips, and tall tales from the world of BBQ. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just love good food and good company, you'll learn something new—and have a few laughs along the way!
Episodes
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What is it like at the American Royal??? Tuffy's BBQ is here to share!
Fresh from competing at the American Royal, Tuffy Harmon and Chris Dunyan tell us all about it!!
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I Lied About BBQ… Then They Put Me on the Grill! 🔥 | The Story of Willie Brown
I've been eating barbecue all my life, but my first time on the grill was actually born out of a lie. During my first Army assignment in 2006, I was bragging about how great I was on the pit. I'm from South Carolina, so naturally, I made it sound like I knew exactly what I was doing. The problem?...
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A Lifetime of BBQ with Sterling "Big Poppa" Ball
Music Industry Legend • 2x BBQ Hall of Famer • World Champion Pitmaster Sterling "Big Poppa" Ball has spent a lifetime proving that greatness is not a single destination it is a way of moving through the world. As a founding force behind Ernie Ball, the most iconic independent guitar string and...
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Meat Her at the Fire: A Night with Jess Pryles
Jess Pryles is an Australian-born, Austin-based live fire cook, author, and TV personality. She is the creator of the Hardcore Carnivore brand, author of Prime Cuts, host of Hardcore Carnivore and Feast by Fire, and a judge on Food Network's Pitmasters. With a Graduate Certificate in Meat Science...
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Need more ideas? Check out Rooster and Graybeard's backyard bbq roadtrip!
Rooster and Graybeard are back! They've been exploring different bbq dishes that each state is known for, and putting their own twist on them.
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Live tasting with Meat Rushmore
The origin story of Meat Rushmore could be that of many competition barbecue teams — a group of friends bonding over a beloved hobby. In this case, spouses Joel and Katie Fleetwood, along with longtime friends Eric Alfrey and Josh Wunner make up Meat Rushmore, the rare team that has stuck…
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Beyond the Screen: CJ Frazier on Food, Community & the Creator Economy
CJ Frazier is a producer, creator, and community leader with a passion for bringing people together through food and storytelling. He has played a key role in building and leading Blackstone's Griddle Crew, growing it into a nationwide community of creators who have helped shape the culture and...
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Smoke, Soul & Sazón: How Ruben Santana Is Changing American BBQ
A born and raised New Yorker, Ruben Santana is the founder and pitmaster behind Bark Barbecue, one of New York City's most talked-about emerging barbecue concepts. Entirely self-taught, Santana developed his craft through years of experimentation, research, and conversations with respected...
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🔥 LIVE TASTING 🔥
I got involved in competition BBQ back in the late 90', cooking with several teams. As a result, I became very interested in building competition smokers. Hence Pit O' Heaven was born. We built trailer mounted smokers from 2000-2004. My oilfield career became so busy that the competition BBQ and...
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Low and Slow, No Ego: The Kettle Krew Way
Kettle Krew was born from a simple, stubborn belief. Jimmy of Bearded Boar BBQ, Rick of 304 Smokehouse, and Brandon The Meat Alchemist had all grown tired of the notion that great barbecue demands expensive smokers and elaborate rigs. They set out to prove otherwise — that anyone, armed with...
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🔥 LIVE: Podcast Hall of Famer Rusty Monson Talks Smoke, Competition & Salt City BBQ
All right, BBQ family, fire up those smokers because we've got an awesome guest joining us today! If you've spent any time in the barbecue world, chances are you already know today's guest. Rusty Monson is the owner of Salt City BBQ in Utah, a championship pitmaster, and one of the most respected...
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The Pitmaster Podcast Hall of Fame Selection Show
The Pitmaster Podcast Hall of Fame Selection Show is going LIVE on YouTube! Join us June 30 at 7PM MST as we reveal the next class of Hall of Fame inductees. Don't miss the action, the stories, and the celebration of BBQ greatness! Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss it!...
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My BBQ Journey – From the Royal to Perfect Perfect BBQ
In 2016, I jumped into the world of competition BBQ. My very first sanctioned contest was the legendary American Royal, and I've been hooked ever since. As a solo cook, I compete in about 4–8 contests each year, chasing great food, great people, and the challenge of getting better every cook.…
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Gettin' Basted & Getting Real: Brad Leighninger on BBQ Domination
Brad Leighninger is the pitmaster, co-owner, and founder behind the award-winning barbecue brand Gettin' Basted, based in southwest Missouri. He launched the team in 2012, originally as a competition barbecue outfit, and quickly built it into one of the most successful teams on the professional…
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John Lindsey – The Delta Pitmaster Joins The Pitmasters Podcast!
This week on The Pitmasters Podcast, we're sitting down with one of the most accomplished names in the world of live-fire cooking — John Lindsey. From championship steaks and award-winning BBQ to television appearances, catering, product development, and BBQ education, John has built a reputation...
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Find out all about the new Live Fire Cooking Association with Co-Founder Christie Vanover!!
The LFCA officially launched at the Open Fire World Championship at Memphis in May in 2026. The Live Fire Cooking Association (LFCA) is a food sport sanctioning body created to give live fire cooking its own identity, structure, and future. Built to honor the oldest culinary traditions in human...
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SCOTT vs. ROBERT: HOT TAKES SHOWDOWN!
The gloves are on and the opinions are HOT! This week on The Pitmasters Podcast, Scott and Robert square off in an epic battle of barbecue knowledge, grilling opinions, competition stories, and controversial hot takes from the world of live-fire cooking. Who has the better take? Who's bringing…
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Meet the next generation of Pitmaster!!! All Fired Up With Clayton!!
Clayton Dixon, known as " All Fired Up with Clayton" is 15 yrs old and started his BBQ journey around age 14. He has competed and won the following- National Live fire pork Champion, 3rd in Beef and 5th overall and also 3rd in steak @NBBQA. Memphis in May-2nd dessert. WJBL- 1st chicken, 3rd pork,...
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Pitmasters, family man, entrepreneur, Cam The Pit Man does it all!!
At 36, Cameron Edwards is a Texas pitmaster, entrepreneur, and lifelong student of barbecue, having grown up cooking alongside his grandfather from an early age. His passion for service has shaped much of his life, with 10 years as a first responder—including 9 years in EMS—and 8 years serving in...
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Do you need more flavor with your food??? We have your solution!!
This company began by accident. As someone who puts on concerts for some of the biggest stars in the world, I wanted to give those I worked with something special, something made with love. After all, what do you give someone who can afford anything? It all started to change with the first order...
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What is the BBQ World Cup & Expo???
Welcome back Shannon and Scott with The BBQ World Cup & Expo to give us the updates on competitors, qualifying events, and all the other questions you have!
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Hot Take-Canceled event
We will talk about the event that was canceled 3 days before it was going to happening.
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Why meal prep is queen!!
Hey, I'm Sarah, a south Louisiana native with a passion for good food and laid-back living. I spend my time smoking my meal prep and experimenting with bold flavors that reflect my roots. My setup includes a teal blue smoker, a Workhorse pit, and a Blackstone griddle, so there's always something...
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Have you ever wondered what it is like to go to a cooking world championship competition??
Join us to recap the SCA World Championships with Brennan Nielson, Johnny Cobia, Miriam Benson, Scott Nardi, and Steve Conaway!
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Need exciting new products for your bbq??? Tune in!!!
Andy Allen and Keith Henson have been cooking together since 2010, back when they were competing under the name Rooftop BBQ. What started as a shared passion turned into years on the road—chasing contests, learning from other pitmasters, and putting in long nights behind the smoker. Over the last...
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Be your own backyard bbq hero with Susie of Hey Grill Hey!
I'm a wife, mom of 3, professional recipe developer, and crazy BBQ lady. I probably have more grills than you have pairs of shoes (last count was over 20). My love language is food and BBQ is my most favorite medium! There is nothing better than setting down a platter of lovingly smoked meats to...
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SCA B.Y.O.S Hot Take
We will be discussing the news of the SCA running test competition where you bring your own steak.
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Catching up with Rooster and Graybeard!
Where fire meets flavor! We catch up with our favorite barbecue and bourbon connoisseurs! They'll share stories from their recent competitions, cookoffs, and fundraisers.
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Dave Williamson BBQ and Comedy combine for fun!!
After climbing the corporate ladder in his family's South Florida car business, Dave Williamson decided he liked making his customers smile, but LOVED making them laugh. Since then, he has excelled in almost every domestic Comedy Festival, making the finals or "Best of The Fest" in the World…
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Weez's Groovin BBQ
Weez's Groovin' BBQ is a the brainchild of Brian Calhoun Backyard Competition master pit master. He is a caterer and competition BBQ guy who is known for his delicious smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. They also offer a variety of sides, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and...
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7 Sins BBQ Rub Tasting
7 SINS BBQ is a BBQ Catering Company & Award Winning BBQ Competition Team that competes in the KCBS / CBBQA circuits as well as a producer of Award Winning BBQ Rubs & Sauces in the United States and Australia.
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Meet Jim Lenzen of Jimmy L's BBQ!!
This is starting our 18th year into the cooking journey. We are based out of Sidney in Western Nebraska. I have cooked all my life and it became more of an obsession than a passion. I love to challenge myself and to learn new things. Before jumping into cooking full time I taught at the college...
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SCA West Coast Champion Raymond Patterson
I'm Raymond Patterson. I've been competing in Steak Cookoff Association events since 2019. What started as a love for cooking quickly turned into a passion for traveling, meeting great people, and building lifelong friendships through the BBQ community. What I enjoy most about competing is the...
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Hang out with Big John and Kim of Big John's BBQ
We're Big John's BBQ out of Las Vegas. I am the head pit master - Big John Bowman. My BBQ journey started in Kansas City in 2009 when my wife Kim worked with the marketing agency for the American Royal BBQ—so I got to meet and taste BBQ from top competitors, and I was instantly hooked. I bought a...
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Uncle Jesse's BBQ team make the BBQ World Cup
Brennon Nielson and Nate Benson tell us about Slab O Rama and their Reserve Grand Champion win to qualify them for the 2027 BBQ World Cup and a shot at 1 million dollars!
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BBQ World Cup Update
A brand-new global BBQ World Cup has just launched, with a $1 million prize purse. The event links 40+ qualifying barbecue competitions worldwide from the U.S. to Australia, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand and the U.K. into one global championship season. The finals are scheduled for April…
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Join us and Daniel Vaughn, Underseasoned's #1 Most Influential Person in BBQ
Named #1 by The Underseasoned BBQ show's 150 most influential people in bbq Daniel Vaughn is the barbecue editor for Texas Monthly and arguably the most influential voice in smoked meat today. He didn't just define what great barbecue is, but helped create the culture of standing in line for it.…
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Meet AJ Garza of God's Country BBQ The first BBQ World Cup Qualifier
I've been in the competitive scene for five years now. In 2022, I clinched the coveted title of Team of the Year in Brisket from the Champions Barbecue Alliance Association. Over the past few years, I've proudly secured two top-3 brisket finishes at the fiercely competitive San Antonio Rodeo…
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Fat Plate BBQ, Tasting
At Fat Plate BBQ, everything began with a passion for outdoor cooking. What began as a weekend hobby in our own backyard quickly turned into a passion for creating bold and creative flavors that help make your next cook your best cook. I first caught the BBQ bug over a decade and a half ago…
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Hot Takes
Let's talk about some BBQ topics that get people engaged on social media.
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Meet Chris Bentley, of Bentley BBQ
Chris Bentley of Bentley BBQ—Alabama-based pitmaster and content creator known for bold backyard BBQ, grills, smokers, and rotisserie cooking. From low-and-slow classics to hot-and-fast favorites (and even homemade ice cream), Bentley brings real-deal flavor and fire to everything he cooks.
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Meet Misty Banchero, The Seattle Butchers Wife
Misty is a Seattle, Washington native with a love affair with meat. She shares her "Stories of a Seattle meat man's wife" on social platforms and may be better known as @SeattleButchersWife. Her marriage into a 3rd generation meat family was a kickstart for Misty's BBQ journey. Shifting from her...
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Rerun - We Talk with Tony Ramirez aka TFTI BBQ
Tony Ramirez, also known as TFTI BBQ on social media, has spent nearly twenty years perfecting his backyard barbecue skills in the Bay Area, California. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Tony is self-taught, inspired by his Filipino and Cajun heritage, his beloved parents, and a passion for BBQ...
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Rerun with - How Low Can You Slow with Jared Pullman
Jared Pullman started How Low Can You Slow back in 2016, with the goal to help everyday grill enthusiasts, make better barbecue in their own backyards. Since then, Jared has worked as a content creator and recipe developer, based primarily on Instagram. Jared is a native of New Zealand, which is...
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Live Tasting Southern Char Seasonings
Dustin Jones, along with his wife Amanda and their two daughters, Addie and Anna Lois, make up a hardworking family from Mississippi who find joy in life's simple pleasures: good food, great company, and time spent together around the grill. What started as weekend cookouts and a bit of friendly...
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Meet Dylan with Holy Smoke BBQ
My name is Dylan Cromer. I am 31 years old and man, do I love to cook BBQ! I grew up eating BBQ quite a bit with my dad. I used to watch him cook Boston butts, leg quarter chickens, and ribs on the weekends, learning as much as I could in the process. I started cooking BBQ on my own around the…
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Live Tasting with Kairos
The Kairos origin story began as the culmination of another journey. Over a decade ago I made the decision to source my meat directly from a rancher. We were going halves on a cow before your neighbor thought it was cool. The next step was a journey that took years of learning how to hunt,...
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Get to know Ryan, the founder of KRAM Knives with us!
KRAM Knives is named after my family: Kimberly, Ryan, Andrew, and Makayla. I started my company after my wife was injured at work, which led me to take care of her at home. One day, feeling bored, I walked into the garage, heated a piece of metal, and began hammering it. Eventually, the metal...
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Join us for the new adventures of Slingin' Meats!
We started our journey in 2018 with our first competition at Tomato Days, where we earned a reserve grand champion title. From that moment on, we were hooked. Initially, there were four of us on the team, but as life got in the way, two members dropped out. However, Mitch and I continued to…
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Catching up with Rooster and Graybeard
We're catching up with our favorite barbecue and bourbon aficionados!!
About this show
We're BBQ competition enthusiasts who love to share everything about the smoke, the sauce, and the stories behind great barbecue. Each episode, we sit down with top pitmasters, backyard legends, restaurateurs, and more to swap advice, tips, and tall tales from the world of BBQ. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just love good food and good company, you'll learn something new—and have a few laughs along the way!
Hosted by
Anthony Lujan