In this special edition of BBQ Therapy, I take you behind the scenes of my trip to the American Royal, the largest and most legendary BBQ competition in the world. Instead of chasing footage or trying to capture every moment on camera, I made this trip about something even more important — people.

I spent the weekend walking the grounds, shaking hands, sharing stories, and building real connections with pitmasters, teams, and BBQ family from all over the country. For someone who used to be reserved and hesitant to walk up and talk to people, this experience was a turning point. I showed up as myself, grew into my voice, and truly felt at home in the community that keeps this craft alive.

This episode is about conversations, community, and the heart of BBQ culture — the people behind the pits.

Join me as I reflect on the moments, memories, and meaningful connections made at the American Royal.

Join me as I sit down with Rod Gray — I’m honored to be joined by a true icon in the world of barbecue—Rod Gray. From building Pellet Envy into one of the most decorated teams in competition BBQ, to appearing on BBQ Pitmasters, and now serving as CEO of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, Rod’s journey covers every corner of the barbecue world. 

In this bonus episode

 we’re turning up the heat with the voices behind Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast — a collaborative crew that’s doing big things for the BBQ community. This isn’t just about ribs and brisket — it’s about culture, storytelling, and representation.

Black Smoke Barbecue is a platform that lifts up voices from all corners of the pit—from backyard grillers and food truck warriors to competition cooks and content creators—while spotlighting the African American experience in modern-day barbecue.

We’re diving into their journey, the mission behind the mic, and why their work matters now more than ever in the world of BBQ.

@blacksmokebarbecue on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook and Youtube

On this episode of BBQ Therapy, we’re talking with Russ Jaques, the creative mind and pitmaster behind Smokey Rebel. Russ brings a fresh perspective from the other side of the world of BBQ — blending innovation with tradition while staying true to authentic smokehouse flavor.

From his approach to seasoning to his mindset behind the brand, Russ shares what it takes to stand out and stay passionate in the BBQ world.

Connect with Smokey Rebel:

🌐 Website: www.smokeyrebel.com

📸 Instagram: @smokey.rebel

📱 Facebook: Smokey.Rebel

Follow BBQ Therapy:

Instagram: @bbqtherapypodcast

Facebook: BBQ Therapy

Tags:

#BBQTherapy #SmokeyRebel #RussJaques #BBQPodcast #PitmasterTalk #BBQLife #LiveFireCooking #GrillCulture

This week on BBQ Therapy, we’re joined by Chris Webb of Bushmaster BBQ, one of the most respected pitmasters in the game. Chris opens up about his journey from serving our country to competition success, his creative approach to flavor, and what keeps him motivated to keep pushing the limits of live-fire cooking.

It’s an honest, no-nonsense conversation packed with passion, knowledge, and inspiration for anyone who loves great BBQ.

Connect with Bushmaster BBQ:

🌐 Website: www.bushmasterbbq.com

📸 Instagram: @bushmasterbbq

📱 Facebook: Bushmaster BBQ

Follow BBQ Therapy:

Instagram: @bbqtherapypodcast

Facebook: BBQ Therapy

Tags:

#BBQTherapy #BushmasterBBQ #ChrisWebb #PitmasterInterview #BBQPodcast #GrillingLife #SmokeCulture #BBQCommunity

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, Tavis sits down with Bob Harvey, the man behind Big Daddy’s BBQ Pit, to talk about his BBQ roots, how he built his flavor identity, and creating recipes and content. Bob shares his story of turning passion into purpose — one perfectly smoked bite at a time.

Get ready for an inspiring, down-to-earth conversation about hard work, great food, and the power of community in BBQ.

Connect with Big Daddy’s BBQ Pit:

🌐 Website: www.bigdaddysbbqpit.com

📱 Facebook: Big Daddy’s BBQ Pit

📸 Instagram: @bigdaddysbbqpit

Follow BBQ Therapy:

Instagram: @bbqtherapypodcast

Facebook: BBQ Therapy

Tags:

#BBQTherapy #BigDaddysBBQ #BobHarvey #PitmasterStories #BBQPodcast #BarbecueLife #GrillTalk #BBQCommunity

What does it take to be successful in catering and food trucks? Chris Joyner (CJ’s BBQ and More)—aka The Dapper Pitmaster—knows firsthand. In this episode, Chris shares his BBQ journey, how he built his brand, and the challenges and victories that come with serving BBQ on the move.

We dig into:

• The business side of BBQ catering

• Lessons from the food truck grind

• Building relationships with customers

• Balancing passion, quality, and consistency

This one’s for anyone curious about BBQ as a business—or just hungry for a behind-the-scenes story.

In this episode, we welcome James Pavia of Aim’em and Claim’em Smokers—a pitmaster who not only competes at a high level but also creates engaging BBQ content for fans everywhere. James takes us inside the world of competition BBQ, the grind behind the scenes, and how he balances competing with sharing his journey online.
We cover his start in barbecue, favorite cooks, biggest wins, and what it takes to stand out in both the competition arena and the digital world. If you’re chasing trophies or followers—or both—this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

In this episode, we’re talking whole hog BBQ with none other than Alfred McDonald of SpoonFed BBQ. From the art of cooking hogs low and slow to the tradition and craft behind the smoke, Alfred shares his passion, process, and perspective on what makes whole hog one of the purest forms of barbecue.
We dive into his BBQ journey, the challenges of mastering whole hog, the gear and wood he trusts, and what it means to carry forward this age-old tradition in today’s BBQ world. If you’ve ever been curious about cooking an entire hog—or just love good BBQ stories—you don’t want to miss this one.
🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more BBQ Therapy!

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