Joe Pearce has been one of the world’s top pitmasters for the last decade and 2022 is no exception. Joe’s Slap's BBQ ranks No. 2 in the The Kansas City Barbeque Society Team of the Year standings after a frenetic run of success in July, with three Grand Championships in three weeks of cooking doubles. On Episode 176 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we ask Joe about staying mentally sharp, what it’s like to cook with TV cameras around and which contest he would rather win if he could only pick one - the American Royal or The Jack? And could another SLAPS restaurant be coming to Kansas City? Speaking of the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, the world’s largest BBQ competition is just a few weeks away at Kansas Speedway. We find out what teams and spectators can expect from Kayci Vincent, manager of BBQ, and Allyssa King, director of communications for The American Royal organization. Deadline for team entries is near and tickets for the general public are available at AmericanRoyal.com/BBQ A big thanks to our great sponsor/marketing partners who make Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast possible: Blues Hog The Butcher Shoppe Royal Oak Charcoal Iowa BBQ Store Fergolicious BBQ Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Allquedup and the #arkassippicombo Affordable Financial Services Vietti Marketing Group In the Garden of Eden and Marty "Sign Man" Prather and A&M Pizza Have a great BBQ Week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm