On Episode 221 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with Curt Wallace from Smoked & Furious BBQ out of Oklahoma City, the No. 4-ranked team in this week’s KCBS Team of the Year standings. Curt tells us about how he got started in competition BBQ and risen into national prominence in a relatively short period of time. We also talk about some bumps in the road how to decipher sub-par scores along the way and the influence of some of his fellow Oklahoma BBQ legends such as David Bouska and Donnie Teel.

While no longer technically “Under the Radar,” after capturing their first career grand championship earlier this month, we learn the story of Team Crawford from Roger Crawford out of Atlantic, Iowa. Roger said a perfect storm came together for the first GC in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a few weeks ago and it even more special as he edged out one of BBQ’s best, Blane Hunter and Pork Butts BBQ for the win.

On the opening segment of the show, we recap the Tailgate Guys BBQ team’s weekend at the Smokin’ on the Osage in Osceola, Missouri. Organizers Chuck and Jessica Simpson put on a first-class event in a beautiful setting and no team seemed immune from some bizarre judging and weird comments from some of the certified barbecue judges. 

Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:  Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked  Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions The Grill Guys of Missouri Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing  In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza

Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm