Join Chad and Luke Darnell for a sizzling hot episode this week. We’re diving deep into the smoky world of competition barbecue with none other than Luke Darnell, a man who's turned firing up the grill into a full-blown profession. We'll chat about how remote work has thrown open the doors to passion projects and side hustles, just like Luke's fiery journey from early cooking experiments to mastering the art under the guidance of barbecue legends like Chris Hart.

Hold onto your brisket because we're about to relive the intense aroma and excitement of the American Royal, talk about the lively social scene, and yes, the stories from those legendary parties. I'll spill the beans on my own escapades at the Royal, including that one time I gambled the rent money on a barbecue contest—and boy, am I thrilled to share that with you!

Luke and I also get real about the bond of our friendship, wax nostalgic over a unique competition format, and a memorable lobster mac and cheese dish that still has our mouths watering. But it’s not all fun and games; we touch on the heartwarming side of barbecue with the incredible work done by the Operation Barbecue Relief organization.

Of course, we'll get the inside scoop on Luke's own podcast and the disciplined pitmaster Travis Clark, explore the dedication it takes to bag that first grand champion win, and share the hardships of hitting the competition circuit like barbecue road warriors.

Lastly, simmer down as we discuss future plans, including Luke's new facility and retail store in Lakeland, Florida, and a cooking contest mishap that still earned me a sweet spot in the rankings—literally.

So grab a cold one, light up the pit, and join us for a walk through the flames of competition barbecue with Luke Darnell on this fiery episode of the Ol' Boy Podcast.

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