On Episode 250 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with two of competition BBQ's top pitmasters - and most-colorful characters. First up is Richard Fergola from Fergolicious BBQ and marketing director of Proud Souls BBQ and Provisions. "Fergie" and the Proud Souls team is ready to throw a big first anniversary bash this Saturday, March 9th, at Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City. A full day of cooking demos and great food will be available.

Then it's time to talk it over with Sterling Smith of Loot 'n Booty BBQ, a recent inductee into the California BBQ Association Hall of Fame. "Smitty" is always a great guest and this time he talks about the Hall of Fame honor plus his Loot 'n Booty Apple Cherry Sauce which recently earned first-place honors in the National BBQ Association awards.

Fergie and Smitty also are going to be teaching classes together, later this month in Costa Rica and suburban Chicago. What happens when they get together for a class? "It's like riding a unicorn through a mystic land, full of meat and clowns. And there's knives involved. And maybe we might talk about aliens or pyramids at some point," Smith says.

We also hear from Gene Newkirk with the Kickin' it on Route 66 BBQ Festival, Skyler Spartan with The Grill Guys weekly report and the Smoke 'n Magic BBQ Minute with Breana Via. Co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their weekly cooking adventures, plus take a quick spin through news and notes from the competition BBQ world.

Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq The Grill Guys of Missouri Smoke 'n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza

Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm