We’re off to the American Royal World Series of BBQ, but before departure we visited with some folks who are going to be a big part of the weekend. First up is Danielle Bennett, better known in the BBQ world as Diva Q. A championship competition pitmaster before launching a career as a television personality, cookbook author and brand ambassador, Diva Q will be honored on Saturday at The Royal as part of the 2024 BBQ Hall of Fame Class. She talks about her career and if she’s offended by the term “female pitmaster.” As usual, she’s a great interview.

The next time we complain about the weather or wind or whatever when it comes to cooking outdoors, it’ll be time to think of Shane Howard and Brenda Harrison. The Colorado pitmasters are blind - but return to cook their second American Royal this weekend as Blind Butt Limitless BBQ. How do they do it? It’s far from a novelty act. Shane and Brenda finished 106th among 487 teams at last year’s Royal and hope to do even better this time. Either way, they invited you to stop by and see them at space No. 347 and talk some Q. 

We also check in with Breana Via of Smoke ’n Magic BBQ about their Royal preparation, and Skyler Spartan has the latest from The Grill Guys of Missouri.

Meanwhile, if you’re at The Royal this weekend, stop by and see the Tailgate Guys team at spot No. 168. 

Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: 
Blues Hog #blueshognation
Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions
The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked 
Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq 
The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417
Smoke ’n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic
Vietti Marketing Group  
Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza

Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm