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.

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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.

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, I chat with Luke Darnell from Old Virginia Smoke (based out of Bristow, VA) — heavyweight in the world of competitive BBQ—Luke Darnell, the fire behind Old Virginia Smoke. With titles like the 2016 World Food BBQ Champion and the 2021 American Royal Chicken Champion, over 36 GCs and RGCs, and one of the best chicken cooks in KCBS history, Luke is a force. Alongside his wife Kim, Luke has built not just a winning team, but a brand that fuses world-class food with relentless fun. Let’s get into the fire with The Mayor of BBQ Luke Darnell.