We're back from a break - some of it by choice for Thanksgiving, some not due to some personal issues that needed attention - for Episode 287 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. One of our favorites, "The BBQ Ninja" Craig Verhage, joins us for an always-fun conversation. 

Craig, who's been involved heavily in BBQ competition and marketing for more than two decades, discusses how he's able to be every-day-Craig along with his alter-ego of The BBQ Ninja. As marketing director for Royal Oak Charcoal since 2020, Craig discusses another strong season in various sanctioning bodies for Team Royal Oak. He also gives us a few hints about some new products coming down the line in 2025.

We also take a trip just down the road from our home base to check in with Charlie Wallace from The Grill Guys of Missouri. The specialty BBQ store in Republic, Mo., has some dandy holiday specials going on and Charlie fills us in. Stop in and see The Grill Guys for all your open-fire shopping needs whether it's grills, smokers, seasonings, sauces or accessories. 

Remember, you can find us on your favorite #podcast platform by searching Tailgate Guys BBQ. We'll return next week for the final show of 2025. 

Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making Season 6 of the show possible:  Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #TeamRoyalOak2024 #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked  Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq  The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Smoke 'n Magic BBQ #SmokenMagic Vietti Marketing Group   Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza

Have a great BBQ week! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm