This week's Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we kick of 2026 with what has been making all the noise in the BBQ world this offseason, the co-founders of the BBQ World Cup Shannon Pruitt and Scott Erdmann.  We talk all things BBQ World Cup!

On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we reminisce with Jason Wagner, aka Wags from Wag's Backwoods BBQ, who won the American Royal Open Championship a few days ago in Kansas City.  Luke and Wags chat about sharing the stage together and get into some of the things that makes Wag's Backwoods BBQ tick.

write up - It's American Royal Week!  In this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we do a deep dive on this year's winner of The Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational Ryan King from King's BBQ out of Jacksonville, FL.  Drive safe and hope you enjoy!

Christie Vanover is the head of Girls Can Grill, and has created an amazing profile as a competitor, content creator, product creator and contest organizer.  She’s done it all!  You’ll learn a ton in this episode

Janice Smella from Smella Que has been LIGHTING it UP!  On this edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we catch up with Janice and see how she's going about getting ready for the Jack Daniels World Championship, and what's been the keys to her success on the road there.

On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we spend some time with Gabe Trevino from Smokin' Volts BBQ, one of the hottest cooks in KCBS right now!  Gabe dishes on what makes him tick...and Luke tries to pry brisket secrets out of him...

On this special episode of Pitmaster, an Old. Virginia Smoke podcast, we sit with some Pitmasters at Smoke on the Rails in New Freedom, PA, to remember our friend Ercole Chila from Uncle Pigs BBQ Pit.  This episode was very special, as we were joined by Ercole’s wife Sara, his three daughters and other family members. 

This week on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we catch up with Guest 1...Bill Gillespie with Smokin Hoggz BBQ, recent winner of "Best Rub on the Planet" award from the American Royal.  Always a good time, enjoy this conversation with Billy.

It's KCBS World Championship week!  On this edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, Luke dives in to how to take classes, and lessons learned, with David Moore from Hot Mess BBQ and Brian Corbett with Smokin' Skullies.  Lots of great tidbits here, and learning about...learning.

On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we introduce you to Josh Yagel of Leaning Jowler BBQ, our BBQ team that we'll follow this year.  Josh is a great guy with a great family and story.  I hope you look forward to following him as much as I do.