On Episode 18, we welcome William Tischina, better known as Smokin Willy T, a pitmaster whose name is as bold as his BBQ. William has made a mark on the competition circuit with his fierce dedication, larger-than-life personality, and passion for spreading the love of barbecue.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

🔥 How “Smokin Willy T” built his brand and reputation in BBQ

🔥 His biggest lessons from life and BBQ

🔥 What it takes to stand out in a crowded BBQ world

🔥 Advice for those that experienced challenges growing up 

From laughs to lessons, this episode is all about hustle, smoke, and heart

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, we sit down with Dirk Mullins and Jody Harris of the Rib Cookoff Association (RCA). They’ve created one of the most exciting and approachable BBQ sanctioning bodies in the country, bringing rib competitions to the forefront and making them fun, fair, and accessible for everyone.

We dive into:

🔥 How the RCA was founded and what makes it unique

🔥 The growth of rib-only competitions and why they’re so popular

🔥 Tips for new pitmasters looking to get started in competitive BBQ

🔥 Stories from the road and what it’s like building a BBQ community

If you’ve ever thought about competing—or just love a perfectly cooked rack of ribs—this episode will get you fired up.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more BBQ Therapy!

On this episode of BBQ Therapy, we head to the Gateway to the West with Brian Peyton of Meat Me in St. Louis BBQ. Brian opens up about his path into competition BBQ, the lessons he’s learned from both triumphs and setbacks, cooking with Dad and how he represents St. Louis BBQ while raising trophies in the air.  

This week on BBQ Therapy, we’re joined by the husband-and-wife duo behind Rooters-N-Tooters BBQ — Paul and Lynn Keltner. From  pink pop-up beginnings to making noise on the competition BBQ circuit, the Keltners share how teamwork, persistence, and a whole lot of smoke built their journey. We dive into their story, the highs and lows of competing as a family team, and what drives their passion that parked them in the Hall of Fame. 

In this smokin’ episode of BBQ Therapy, we fire it up with Kent “Tuffy” Harmon, the man behind Tuffy’s BBQ—a rising force in the Utah competition BBQ scene and beyond.

Tuffy shares how a passion for great barbecue turned into a mission to master the pit. From early cooks in the backyard to competing at a high level across the state, Kent opens up about the hustle, the heart, and the hard-earned lessons learned through smoke and fire.

We talk about the growing BBQ community in Utah, the mental game behind competition turn-ins, and what it really means to build a brand that people respect. This is more than just meat and fire—it’s about resilience, family, and a whole lot of love for the craft.

🔥 Whether you’re new to BBQ or a seasoned competitor, this episode will leave you inspired to light the fire and trust the process.

——

👤 Guest: Kent “Tuffy” Harmon – Tuffy’s BBQ

🎧 Host: Tavis Bryant – BBQ Therapy | Ya-Go HAM BBQ

📍BBQ Therapy: Is now in session!!

📲 Follow Tuffy: [@tuffysbarbecue]

🏆 Utah ‘Cue • Competition Fire • Community Focus

#BBQTherapy #TuffysBBQ #KentHarmon #UtahBBQ #CompetitionBBQ #MountainWestCue #BBQPodcast #SmokeGameStrong #GrillAndChill #PitmasterTalk #LowAndSlow #MeatTherapy

On this episode of BBQ Therapy, we fire it up with Anthony Lujan—pitmaster behind Smoke Ain’t No Joke BBQ, co-host of The Pitmasters Podcast, and a fierce competitor in both BBQ and SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) competitions.
Anthony pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to compete at a high level—from dialing in flavor profiles and chasing trophies to managing stress and finding joy in the grind. We dig into his journey from backyard beginnings to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in BBQ media.
Whether he’s turning in a perfect ribeye or interviewing legends behind the pit, Anthony brings passion, precision, and straight-up honesty to everything he does.
🔥 If you’re into competition BBQ, SCA tips, or just love hearing from someone who truly lives the BBQ life, this one’s for you.
——👤 Guest: Anthony Lujan – Smoke Ain’t No Joke BBQ | The Pitmasters Podcast🎧 Host: Tavis Bryant – BBQ Therapy | Ya-Go HAM BBQ @bbqtherapypodcast

📲 Follow Anthony: [@smoke_aint_no_joke_bbq]🎙️ Listen to The Pitmasters Podcast: [@thepitmasterspodcast]

On this episode of BBQ Therapy, we sit down with Stephen Strong—owner and pitmaster of Big Wally’s BBQ, a name that’s becoming synonymous with soul-filled, flavor-packed barbecue. Stephen’s journey into BBQ is deeply rooted in family tradition, creativity, and a drive to serve his community something special.

We talk about his first memories around the pit, the story behind the name “Big Wally’s”, his approach to seasoning, and how he balances business and authenticity. Whether you’re a backyard smoker or dreaming of turning your BBQ passion into a business, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of smoke. 

🔥 Learn more about Big Wally’s BBQ:

🌐 Website: https://bigwallysbarbecue.bigcartel.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawL4XghleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrhHGcYzykoWKCyq_LgNaSZCl7HKk8VL-5rVf7Ot1_w3INGSg23PCQaIKxve_aem_k-bmFPbcHwIgOC6HCpR0LQ

📱 Instagram: @bigwallysbbq

📘 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/14F8VKdGp38/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, we’re chopping it up with the one and only Pitmaster Cheez—a rising force in the BBQ world known for his bold flavors, creative flair, and infectious energy. From his humble beginnings to making a name for himself on the competition circuit, Cheez opens up about his journey, what keeps him motivated, and how he brings personality to every plate.

We dive into his signature style, his love for the craft, and how he’s building community through smoke and fire. Whether you’re a backyard griller or a pitroom vet, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

🔥 Follow Pitmaster Cheez on IG & Facebook :

@pitmastercheez

  https://www.pitmastercheez.com

🎧 Like, follow, and subscribe to BBQ Therapy on your favorite podcast platform.

#BBQTherapy #PitmasterCheez #BBQLife #SmokeSessions #GrillTalk #BBQCommunity

🔥 In this episode of BBQ Therapy, we’re joined by none other than Ronald Burns of Hotty Totty BBQ Crew/ Steak Crew—a name synonymous with championship BBQ and southern hospitality. Ronald shares his BBQ journey, the evolution of Hotty Totty, and the lessons learned from years on the competition trail. From humble beginnings to Grand Champion wins, get ready for some real insight, laughs, and plenty of BBQ and Steak wisdom.

We talk flavor profiles, mental toughness in competition, and why teamwork is the secret ingredient to success. Whether you’re a backyard griller or a comp circuit regular, you’ll walk away inspired.

🎯 Follow Hotty Totty BBQ Crew:

Instagram: @hotty_totty_bbq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16w9hEXbWX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Website:http://www.hottytottybbq.com/About-Us.html

👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review BBQ Therapy to keep the smoke rollin’ every week!

#HottyTottyBBQ #BBQTherapyPodcast #BBQLifestyle #CompetitionBBQ #PitmasterWisdom

On this episode of BBQ Therapy, we’re joined by Paul Hirsch of Summa Dat Que—a name that’s heating up the competition circuit with bold flavors, serious dedication, and a passion for the craft. Paul shares how Summa Dat Que got started, the meaning behind the name, and what fuels his fire both on and off the pit.

From his first spark of interest in barbecue to his biggest lessons on the trail, this conversation is loaded with insight, laughs, and of course… summa dat ‘que.

How to Getcha Summa Dat Que - Like & Subscribe!IG / FB / YouTube:  @summadatque 

👈Order award-winning SDQ BBQ rubs and support small businesses: https://sdqbbq.com/BBQTherapy 👈

SDQ barbecue seasonings are a Kansas City style blend, with smokey, sweet, and savory flavors born from the competition trail!

Delicious with all proteins, really shines with chicken, pork, ribs, and brisket.   Thanks for watching!

#summadatque #sdqclassic #sdqhot #sdqsweetgarlic #sdqpitmastersblend #sdqbbq