BBQ Therapy

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 profiles, and why mastering the fundamentals is more important than chasing trends. If you’ve ever wondered how to level up your BBQ mindset and your results, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and practical wisdom from one of the best teachers in the game.Tags:bbq therapy, chef ray sheehan, barbecue podcast, competition bbq, pitmaster interview, bbq education, bbq mindset, bbq coaching, grilling tips, smoked meat, low and slow, backyard bbq, bbq techniques, pitmaster life, bbq community

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 MarvelousBBQ.Steph's story is one oftransformation: from cooking during his graduate studies, to winning more than 25 GC's and RGC's, to building a rub line loved around the world, to catering unforgettable events.He's been inducted into the California BBQ Association Hall of Fame, partnered with Snake River Farms on exclusive rubs, and continues to shape the flavor game in both competition and backvard BBQ.🔥 BBQ knowledge. Real talk. BBQ Therapy.

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 rise through the competition ranks, their big wins, and what it means to share championship-level BBQ with travelers from all over the world. If you love real stories, real BBQ, and real people, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen, learn, and get inspired.🔥 Welcome to BBQ Therapy.

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 were crowned Grand Champions at the 2023 Made for KC BBQ Championship, they’re featured at the Kansas City Airport, and they’ve built a brand that’s pure heart and authenticity.

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 legends—winning the inaugural Made for KC BBQ Championship, launching their own eatery at Kansas City International Airport, and building a line of sauces, rubs, and even a Bloody Mary mix.Pitmasters, parents, and partners in life—Brad and Bre prove BBQ isn’t just about smoke and meat, it’s about family, community, and a little bit of magic.An insightful episode for BBQ teams, couples, and collaborative pitmasters.

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 resilience both on and off the pit.2021 American Royal Invitational Grand Champion, holder of 19 Grand Championships, 12 Reserve GCs, dozens of 700+ scores, 30+ category wins, and a relentless consistency that’s hard to match. husband,father ,Illinois farmer, and competition BBQ addict who even teaches in the pit live. Bill, welcome.”A must-watch episode for anyone serious about competition BBQ and personal growth.

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 through the Kansas City-style competition scene to win the 2023 American Royal Open, and he’s still chasing greatness. But behind the trophies are stories of resilience, mentorship, and the love of cooking. Today, we’re pulling back the foil and getting into the man behind the smoke.”

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. He’s got the calm of a card shark, the precision of a surgeon, and the heart of a teacher. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the wins, the near-misses, and the mindset that keeps him steady when the smoke gets thick.”

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 258 competitions , two Team of the Year titles, and claiming trophies at both the American Royal and The Jack, Travis has built one of the most dominant careers in BBQ history. H is e maxed out KCBS points by July, earned over 800 awards, and later brought that same intensity to the restaurant world—partnering with Famous Dave to open his flagship Clark Crew BBQ in Oklahoma City, and now expanding to Tulsa. Today, we’re digging into what drove the rise, what broke him down, and what the smoke revealed along the way.”

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-energy brisket cooks, Gabe brings fire, passion, and a whole lot of honesty about what it really takes to climb the leaderboard.Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitor looking for inspiration, this episode will charge you up.⚡ Topics We Cover: • The origin story of Smokin Volts BBQ • What it takes to grow a competitive BBQ brand • Trials, wins, and wisdom from the circuit • Ribs, brisket, and the cooks that built his confidence • How community fuels the journey • Staying grounded while leveling up🎧 ABOUT BBQ THERAPY:BBQ Therapy is the show where pitmasters open up about their craft, their journey, and the power of barbecue to bring people together. Hosted by Tavis Bryant.

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 talk flavor principles, competition mindset, culinary discipline, and how embracing the craft can change your life both in and out of the kitchen.If you want to cook with intention, elevate your BBQ game, or learn from a champion who blends classical culinary technique with smoke and fire—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.🔥 Topics We Cover: • Chef Dell’s evolution from bodybuilding to becoming a Chopped Champion • How culinary school shaped his BBQ philosophy • Lessons learned from TV competitions • Discipline, mindset, and staying consistent • Building flavor profiles that win • Teaching, mentoring, and inspiring new pitmasters • The connection between food, identity, and personal growth🎧 ABOUT BBQ THERAPY:BBQ Therapy is the show where fire, flavor, and real conversations collide. Host Tavis Bryant explores the stories, struggles, and successes behind the pit—whether you’re a backyard griller or an aspiring competitor.

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 BBQ philosophy, and how they use content to build real connection with their audience.This conversation is a masterclass in BBQ, branding, and staying true to who you are.👉 Subscribe for more interviews with the biggest names and rising stars in BBQ!

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 this industry faithfully, and why community matters now more than ever. Kell also shares insights on competitions, media, storytelling, and the future of barbecue.If you care about the craft, the culture, or the people behind BBQ, this episode is packed with wisdom.🔥 Inside this episode:• How BBQ News Magazine became a cornerstone of the community• The mission and future of NBBQA• Kell’s top lessons from decades around pitmasters• Why barbecue storytelling keeps the craft alive👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss a new pitmaster conversation!

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 into a serious brand. If you’re a pitmaster, a competitor, or someone who simply loves BBQ culture, this conversation will inspire you to level up.From financial planner to competitive bbq to food truck to restaurant Kirk has paid the cost to be the boss. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more BBQ Therapy interviews with the best in barbecue.

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 have also traveled the world, eaten in some of the finest restaurants, toured kitchens, and met award-winning chefs. That journey gives him a global perspective he brings back home to the pit.

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 broken most folks.

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 competition cooking shines through every bite.In this episode, we’ll dig into Luke’s journey into barbecue, what makes the RCA different, and how he keeps his edge in a game where one bite is all it takes to win or lose.