On Episode 160 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with a pitmaster who’s carving his name as one of the all-time greats and another who’s just getting started in a big way.

Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted, three-time KCBS Team of the Year, is leading the standings again in 2022. But next week, his focus will be on Memphis in May as he returns with Tim Scheer to the legendary contest as Team Blues Hog. The duo took home the Pork Shoulder world title a year ago and now they’re taking on Whole Hog in their Hot and Fast style on Gateway “Mega Drums.” Brad tells us about the latest challenge, while also discussing his non-desire to chase a fourth KCBS Team of the Year ring.

We also welcome first-time guest Derek Johnson of Sweet Dixie BBQ out of southeast Georgia. Derek is only in his second year as a KCBS Master Series competitor, but he’s proven a quick achiever, recently earning his first Grand Championship at the BBQ Boogie & Blues in Calhoun, Georgia. Derek tells a great story about missing his flight to the Hot and Fast class in Missouri taught by Brad and Tim, then driving 13 hours overnight to get there.

Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve also discuss their cooking plans for the weekend and offer some Kentucky Derby food ideas and race picks.

A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, Iowa BBQ Store, Fergolicious BBQ, Affordable Financial Services, Arkassippi Smoke Live and The Arkassippi Combo, Pro Technology Solutions, Vietti Marketing, In the Garden of Eden and Marty “Sign Man” Prather and Domino’s.

We still have room for a couple of more sponsors. Contact me at [email protected] for more info. Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm