🔥 Welcome to The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast – where barbecue is more than food, it’s family, culture, and community. 🔥

In this episode, the crew sits down with Steve Strong, pitmaster and founder of Big Wally’s BBQ, to explore the craft, culture, and challenges of barbecue. From backyard roots to competition pits, Steve opens up about the traditions that shaped his cooking, the sauces inspired by family recipes, and the lessons learned from catering and food trailer life.

🍖 Inside This Episode:

• Steve’s journey in BBQ—how family memories shaped his cooking philosophy

• The difference between backyard BBQ and competition barbecue

• Why gravity-fed smokers offer both convenience and flavor

• The cultural and therapeutic side of barbecue, connecting past to present

• The creation of signature sauces rooted in nostalgia and family tradition

• Stories from the food trailer journey—challenges, wins, and growth

• How catering pushes pitmasters out of their comfort zones with new experiences

• The balance between barbecue as a luxury craft and an authentic tradition

• Memorable moments from catering events and competitions

• Steve’s vision for expanding Big Wally’s BBQ into competitions and catering

• The role of community, networking, and authenticity in BBQ success

🔥 This conversation is a reminder that barbecue isn’t just about smoke and meat—it’s about legacy, connection, and joy in the process.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep the fire alive and support BBQ culture!

#BlackSmokeBBQ #BigWallysBBQ #SteveStrong #CompetitionBBQ #BBQCatering #BBQPodcast #BarbecueCulture #FamilyRecipes #BBQFoodTrailer #BBQCommunity #BlackPitmasters #GrillAndGrow

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Nerves

02:58 Cooking Experiences and Techniques

05:46 Barbecue Products and Recommendations

08:39 Community and Engagement in Barbecue

11:30 The Reality of Cooking Failures

14:33 Competition Barbecue vs. Backyard Cooking

17:27 Introducing Steve Strong and His Journey

22:44 The Art of Barbecue Equipment

30:19 Family Traditions and Culinary Influence

34:23 The Journey of Barbecue Business

40:18 Catering: Challenges and Opportunities

48:38 Equipment Evolution and Competition Preparation

54:48 Catering Challenges and Memorable Events

59:49 Influences and Inspirations in Barbecue

01:07:19 Barbecue as a Luxury: Perspectives and Future Plans