Richard Fergola has been on the competition BBQ grind, cooking three KCBS doubleheaders over the last three weekends. We discuss that mental aspect of that, plus much more with the pitmaster of Fergolicious BBQ and Marketing/PR director of Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions on Episode 222 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. “Fergie” says even seasoned veterans like himself can be puzzled by scoring at times and says sometimes you just have to shake your head and move on. He gives us a rundown on the rebranding of his line of seasonings, an upcoming class this weekend he and Sterling Smith are teaching, a recent win for his pupil on The Country Network program BBQ Country and the latest news from Proud Souls BBQ & Provisions Kansas City.

We also check in with the Team of the Year leader in the KCBS Backyard Team of the Year points race. JP Parran and wife Colleen comprise Bourbon and Blues BBQ out of Wilmington, N.C. This summer, JP and Colleen are on a memorable competition journey, setting up in a west-central Missouri campground and commuting from there to competitions around the region. JP tells us the story behind Bourbon and Blues BBQ and their goals for the rest of 2023, starting with this weekend’s competition at Que for a Cause in Tahlequah, Okla. (Note: We had some audio issues and I apologize that the sound of JP’s segment is a bit rough in some spots).

Meanwhile, the Tailgate Guys BBQ team gets ready to compete again this weekend. We are very fortunate to get a spot in Que for a Cause after cancellation of an event closer to home. 

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