In this episode, host Brandon and the crew sit down with Gerald “Pitmaster Papi” Vinnett Jr. to talk about barbecue as more than food—it’s a culture, a connection, and a way of life. From food festivals to block parties, Gerald shares his journey, his flavors, and his passion for bringing people together.

• The cultural significance of barbecue and why community is always at the center

• Stories and lessons from food festivals and BBQ competitions

• Gerald’s culinary journey, rooted in St. Rose, Louisiana traditions

• How Louisiana flavors inspire unique creations like Dock Rub and Papi's Bayou Sauce

• The art of making boudin and why it’s a Southern staple

• The impact of free food events in building trust and connection

• Exciting updates on the upcoming Big Papi's Festival and a barbecue & blues block party

• Tips on cooking techniques, the joy of tailgating, and the mindset needed to succeed in BBQ

  
  

  🔥 This episode blends flavor, storytelling, and community spirit—reminding us all that barbecue is more than what’s on the plate, it’s about who’s gathered around it.

  👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support the culture and stay tapped into the best stories from the pit.

  #BlackSmokeBBQ #GeraldVinnett #DockRub #PapisBayouSauce #LouisianaBBQ #BBQFestival #BigPapisFestival #BBQCommunity #BBQPodcast #BlackPitmasters #BoudinMaking #BarbecueCulture #FoodAndMusic

  
  

  Chapters

  
  

  00:00 Introduction to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

  02:55 The Importance of Community and Culture in Barbecue

  05:55 Experiences at Barbecue Festivals

  08:57 The Journey of Pit Master Poppy

  11:52 The Impact of the Kingsford Grant

  14:58 Growing Up in St. Rose and Its Influence on Cooking

  17:52 The Role of Positivity in Barbecue and Life

  20:51 Incorporating Louisiana Flavors into Barbecue

  23:36 The Path to Netflix's Barbecue Showdown

  29:49 The Value of Experience in Barbecue

  34:00 Confidence and Self-Worth in the Culinary World

  34:55 Creating Unique Flavor Profiles

  38:09 The Importance of Sauce in Barbecue

  41:20 Plans for Product Expansion

  48:04 The Big Poppy Festival Announcement

  50:28 Community and Culinary Connections

  52:25 Exciting Announcements and Collaborations

  55:22 Culinary Experiences and Community Engagement

  59:17 Future Plans and Brand Development

  01:02:40 Social Media Presence and Promotions

  
  

🔥 Welcome to The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast – where food, family, and culture come together at the pit. 🔥
“Labor Day Cookouts & Family Reunions: From Pulled Pork to Smoked Desserts”

In this episode, hosts Charlie and Tee celebrate the transition from summer to fall with a lively conversation about Labor Day cookouts, family reunions, and the food that brings everyone together. From pulled pork to smoked desserts, they share stories, tips, and flavors that capture the spirit of the holiday.

🍖 Inside This Episode:

• The cultural significance of barbecue as community and connection

• Why Labor Day marks the end of summer and the start of a new season

• Family reunions and the traditions that make them special

• Pulled pork as the ultimate crowd-pleaser for big gatherings

• Why wings should never be covered with foil if you want crispy perfection

• Creative twists on burgers to elevate your cookout game

• Adding flair to the menu with smoked desserts

• Why corn salsa makes the perfect side dish for reunions and cookouts

• The importance of engaging with your community and supporting local creators

🎙️ Whether you’re hosting the neighborhood cookout or bringing a dish to the family reunion, this episode will leave you with fresh ideas, laughs, and plenty of barbecue wisdom.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support the culture and keep the smoke rolling!

#BlackSmokeBBQ #LaborDayCookout #FamilyReunionBBQ #PulledPork #SmokedDesserts #CornSalsa #BBQCulture #WingsDoneRight #BBQPodcast #BlackPitmasters #CookoutSeason #CommunityThroughFood

In this episode, the crew sits down with Ron Conner, the celebrated Chicago pitmaster behind UWantDatSmoke, to talk about the journey, challenges, and triumphs of life in barbecue. From post oak and presentation to community and culture, Ron brings heat, insight, and wisdom to the table.

🍖 Inside This Episode:

• The cultural significance of barbecue and what it means to be a pitmaster

• Why sourcing the right wood (like post oak) is key to flavor perfection

• Ron’s experience judging barbecue and his signature cooking techniques

• The pivotal James Beard Award after party moment that put You Want That Smoke on the map

• How presentation and authenticity set great barbecue apart

• The rising costs of quality barbecue and the challenges pitmasters face

• Recognition for Black pitmasters—and why it’s still overdue in the mainstream

• The importance of mentorship and building connections in the BBQ world

• Ron’s advice for the next generation of pitmasters and enthusiasts

• A look at the future of barbecue culture and where the craft is headed

🔥 This episode is equal parts inspiration, education, and celebration—a must-listen for anyone who loves the craft and community of barbecue.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the pit.

#BlackSmokeBBQ #YouWantThatSmoke #RonConner #ChicagoBBQ #BarbecueCulture #BlackPitmasters #JamesBeardAwards #BBQPodcast #BarbecueCommunity #MentorshipMatters #PostOakBBQ #FutureOfBBQ

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

02:49 Meet the Guests: Barbecue Enthusiasts

05:46 Ron Conner: The Journey of a Barbecue Master

08:54 The Influence of Southern Roots on Barbecue Style

11:38 The Dedication to Quality: Sourcing Post Oak

14:23 The Art of Competition vs. Backyard Barbecue

17:29 Patience in Barbecue: Techniques and Timing

26:24 Crafting the Perfect Rub

27:53 Signature Dishes and Flavor Profiles

29:10 Seasonal Menu Highlights

32:48 The Moment It Became Real

36:09 Blending Culinary Cultures

41:30 Overcoming Challenges in the Business

43:50 Barbecue as a Luxury Item

47:37 Recognition of Black Pitmasters

50:08 The Gentrification of Barbecue

50:55 Building Connections in Barbecue

55:32 Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge

58:59 The Future of Barbecue: Personal Journeys

01:04:42 Passion and Commitment in Barbecue

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue

In this episode, hosts Charlie and Tee welcome back the always-entertaining Stan Battle to talk all things Summer Royale 2025—one of the most anticipated barbecue cook-offs of the year. This event isn’t just about incredible whole hog and rib competitions—it’s about community, charity, and keeping BBQ culture alive.

🐖 What’s in This Episode:

• Inside scoop on the whole hog and rib competitions

• Why Summer Royale continues to grow year after year

• The art, skill, and patience behind whole hog cooking

• The importance of giving back through BBQ

• How this event fosters camaraderie among pitmasters

• Details on the Friday meet & greet—your chance to connect with the pros, swap stories, and learn BBQ secrets

🔥 Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a backyard griller, or just love the smell of smoked meat in the air, this episode will get you fired up for Summer Royale 2025.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay tapped into the best of BBQ culture, competitions, and community.

#BlackSmokeBBQ #SummerRoyale2025 #WholeHogBBQ #RibCompetition #BBQCommunity #PitMasterCheez #CharityThroughCooking #BarbecueCulture #BBQPodcast #MeetThePitmasters #CookOffSeason #BBQEvents

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

02:59 Introducing Summer Royale 2025

04:49 The Heart of Summer Royale: Community and Charity

09:12 Friday Meet and Greet: Building Connections

11:53 The Unique Experience of Whole Hog Cooking

18:50 Event Details: When and Where to Join Us

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue

🔥 Welcome to The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast – where fire meets flavor and stories feed the soul. 🔥

In this episode, host Brandon, Alton and Tee sit down with Chuck Matto, a rising star in the barbecue world known for his flavorful food, infectious energy, and creative content. From his early days as a backyard pitmaster to competing on Food Network’s Barbecue Brawl, Chuck shares the highs, the lessons, and the laughs that shaped his journey.

🍖 Inside This Episode:

• Chuck’s journey from backyard cook to culinary pro & content creator

• Memorable moments from catering events and large-scale cooking challenges

• Behind-the-scenes insights into Food Network’s Barbecue Brawl

• The role of flavor, technique, and gear in achieving BBQ greatness

• The power of social media and creating a relatable online presence

• Chuck’s thoughts on seafood barbecue, favorite drinks while cooking, and those legendary catchphrases

• How the barbecue community lifts each other up

• Balancing creativity and consistency as a chef

• Reflections on drag racing events, family support, and what’s next for Chuck’s culinary career

🔥 Whether you’re a pitmaster, a fan of BBQ culture, or just love a good comeback story, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and heat.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop with the legends and rising stars of the pit.

#BlackSmokeBBQ #ChuckMeadow #BarbecueBrawl #BBQContentCreators #BBQCommunity #SeafoodBBQ #CatchphrasesAndCooking #BarbecuePodcast #BBQCatering #BlackPitmasters #GrillAndChill #SmokeStories #FromThePitToTheScreen

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

02:55 The Journey of a Barbecue Enthusiast

13:39 The Impact of Social Media on Barbecue Culture

15:50 Casual Connections and Barbecue Culture

17:11 Grill Talk: Favorites and Essentials

20:29 Cooking Styles: Flavor Forward and Fun

23:42 From Backyard to Catering: A Culinary Journey

29:26 Social Media Surge: The Rise to Fame

34:35 Barbecue Brawl: The Experience and Impact

40:05 Handling Criticism: A Chef's Perspective

44:02 The Art of Cooking Seafood Sauces

44:46 Cooking Techniques and Personal Preferences

47:14 Chuck's Cooking Journey and Inspirations

48:07 The Influence of Drinks on Cooking

49:04 The Evolution of Chuck's Catchphrases

50:56 Wrestling Promos and Their Impact on Cooking

53:35 Building Hype and Anticipation in Cooking

56:02 The Barbecue Community and Collaboration

57:10 Struggles and Challenges in Cooking

59:39 The Complexity of Brisket Cooking

01:02:05 The Power of Cooking and Personal Connections

01:04:04 Barbecue: A Culinary Perspective

01:06:01 Experiences Beyond the Grill

01:08:57 The Thrill of Drag Racing

01:14:56 Future Endeavors and Closing Thoughts

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecueIn this inspiring episode, host **Brandon** and the crew reflect on their time at the **Country Style Cook Off**, while highlighting powerful conversations with trailblazing women in barbecue like **Chef Michelle Wallace** and **Erica Blaire**. From brisket judging to building meaningful friendships, this episode explores the heart of barbecue culture and the women pushing it forward.👩🏽‍🍳 **Key Takeaways:*** The **Country Style Cook Off** continues to be a pillar in the barbecue community.* **Judging barbecue** is rewarding but no easy task—especially after 30+ brisket bites!* **Michelle Wallace** brings fearless flavor and authenticity to everything she cooks.* **Erica Blaire** is a force, focusing on **empowering women** and lifting as she climbs.* In a competitive field, **genuine friendships** and **real support** are everything.* **Cookouts may have changed post-COVID**, but their spirit of unity still thrives.* **Mentorship, community, and shared wisdom** are the backbone of barbecue growth.* **Trusting your gut**—in life and business—is essential.* **Barbecue welcomes newcomers**, and the culture grows stronger through inclusion.* Lessons from **Top Chef**: be bold, be fearless, be you.* Transitioning from **competitor to educator** opens doors to deeper impact.* **Women in barbecue face unique challenges**—but they also lead with resilience.* The culinary world demands hustle—**hard work, networking, and authenticity** are non-negotiable.* **Mistakes are part of the process**—growth comes from every cook.🎙️ This episode is a love letter to **women in BBQ**, the power of **community**, and the belief that **food can bring us all together**.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations from the pit.\#BlackSmokeBBQ #WomenInBarbecue #MichelleWallace #EricaBlaire #CountryStyleCookOff #BBQCommunity #BarbecueSisterhood #TopChef #BBQMentorship #CulinaryLeadership #BlackPitmasters #GrillAndGrow #FoodWithPurpose #AuthenticCooking

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

02:56 Recap of Country Style Cook Off

05:51 Introducing the Guests

08:58 Celebrating Michelle's Achievements

12:00 Erica's Journey and Empowering Women in Barbecue

23:50 Engaging New Audiences in Barbecue

25:09 Engaging with the Community through Cooking

27:10 The Evolution of Cookouts Post-COVID

29:40 The Importance of Friendship in the Culinary World

31:18 Building Connections: The Story of Two Chefs

36:09 Navigating Friendships in a Competitive Industry

46:11 Lessons from Top Chef: Branding and Storytelling

47:39 Transitioning from Competitor to Educator

51:04 Empowering Others in Culinary Spaces

54:10 Authenticity and Making an Impression

55:28 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Barbecue

01:00:11 Creating Opportunities for Women in Barbecue

01:04:08 Advice for Aspiring Black Women in Barbecue

01:09:08 The Importance of Networking and Community

01:11:12 The Journey to Success in Barbecue

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue🔥 Welcome back to The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast – where smoke, soul, and stories come together. 🔥In this flavor-packed episode, host Brandon and the crew dive into their unforgettable experience at the Country Style Cook Off 2025 in Blenheim, South Carolina. From roadside adventures to judging brisket and interacting with fans, this episode captures the essence of what makes barbecue more than just food—it’s a culture, a community, and a celebration.🍽️ In This Episode:Behind-the-scenes stories from the journey to BlenheimInside look at the unique brisket judging processFestival highlights, standout dishes, and fan-favorite momentsHilarious flashbacks to childhood food trauma (yes, liver and okra!)Exploring creative culinary experiments like goat head soup and brisket fried riceReflections on how our tastes evolve over timeThe emotional highs of competition and the power of barbecue as connectionWhat’s next for the crew—and a preview of upcoming BBQ events🎙️ Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just love great food and storytelling, this episode delivers laughs, insight, and a whole lot of heart.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay locked in with the culture of the pit.#BlackSmokeBBQ #CountryStyleCookOff #BrisketJudging #BBQFestival #BarbecueCulture #GoatHeadSoup #BrisketFriedRice #SouthernBBQ #BBQCommunity #BlackPitmasters #FoodAndFamily #bbqpodcast

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecueIn this powerhouse episode, the crew sits down with Les Rhodes Jr., founder and pitmaster of LES BBQ, known nationwide for his viral smoked oxtails, bold flavors, and community-first mindset. From working oil rigs to building a USDA-certified BBQ brand and restaurant, Les shares his inspiring journey of hustle, innovation, and staying rooted in authenticity.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Les went from front-yard football grilling to viral BBQ sensationThe Sam’s Club moment that sparked his signature “Candy Red” smoked oxtailsNavigating overnight success, $100K weeks, and scaling nationwide shippingThe power of family in business, mentorship, and raising the next generationUsing social media and storytelling to build community and brand identityLessons from touring, catering, and innovating products (yes, even oxtail-infused sausage!)Why pricing, quality, and presentation matter more than ever in today’s BBQ economyLes’s commitment to elevating BBQ without losing the soul or the sauceWhat it means to scale a business while staying authentic, grassroots, and intentional🔥 Whether you're a pitmaster, entrepreneur, or foodie, this episode is full of real talk, game-changing insights, and mouthwatering inspiration from one of BBQ’s rising stars.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to keep the smoke rolling with every episode.#BlackSmokeBBQ #LESBBQ #SmokedOxtails #CandyRedBBQ #BarbecueCulture #BlackPitmasters #FamilyBusiness #BBQPodcast #CulinaryInnovation #TexasBBQ #FoodEntrepreneurship #GrillAndGrow

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

02:45 The Journey of Les Rhodes: From Oil Rigs to Barbecue

05:56 Revolutionizing Mail Order Barbecue

08:57 The Rise of Oxtails in Barbecue Culture

12:05 The Art of Achieving the Perfect Barbecue Color

14:43 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure

17:56 The Importance of Staying Humble and Inspired

20:39 Les Rhodes' Barbecue Beginnings and Early Experiences

23:56 Favorite Proteins and Cooking Techniques

26:41 The Art of Slow Cooking Oxtails

28:08 Transitioning from Backyard to Brick and Mortar

30:35 The Role of Family in Business

30:55 The Importance of Quality Control

35:28 Innovative Culinary Creations

40:04 Engagement Through Social Media

43:43 Applying Business Skills from Drilling to BBQ

47:11 Cooking for Celebrities: A Memorable Experience

49:49 The Rise of a BBQ Star

51:52 Family Dynamics in the BBQ Business

53:55 From Backyard to Business

55:09 Navigating Customer Expectations and Pricing

59:43 Life Beyond BBQ: Hobbies and Family

01:01:10 Future Plans: Fitness and BBQ

01:02:26 Being a Black Pitmaster in Utah

01:05:48 Barbecue as a Luxury Item

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue🔥 Welcome to another episode of The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast – where fire meets flavor and stories bring the smoke. 🔥This episode is all about celebrating barbecue as a culture, a craft, and a community. We sit down with Chef Shaticka Robinson, winner of Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown Season 3, to talk about her journey, the lessons learned along the way, and how she’s shaking up the BBQ scene with confidence, style, and serious flavor.🔥 Takeaways from the Pit:Barbecue is more than food—it’s family, culture, and connection.The Country Style Cook Off feels like a family reunion with fire and flavor.Chef Shaticka found her passion young, and it’s taken her to national recognition.Winning Barbecue Showdown was life-changing—and proof that confidence is key.Elevating BBQ is about top-tier ingredients, presentation, and pride.Women have always held it down in BBQ, even if they haven’t always been in the spotlight.Barbecue can be bougie and bold—and that’s okay.Customer service and experience matter just as much as the food.Sometimes simple rubs hit the hardest—flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.As a Black woman in BBQ, Shaticka shares the unique challenges and triumphs of her journey.Passion isn’t optional—it’s the fuel behind the fire.Nashville-style BBQ brings its own flavor to the table.Traveling for BBQ? Yes, please. It’s the best education.Great food is about making people happy and feeling seen.Cigars, cocktails, and ribs that aren’t boiled—because life’s too short to eat bad food.🎙️ Tune in for a soulful, funny, and flavor-packed episode that highlights what makes barbecue special—from the smokehouse to the soul.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to keep the fire burning with every episode.#BlackSmokeBBQ #BarbecueShowdown #ChefShaticka #WomenInBBQ #BlackPitmasters #BougieBBQ #CountryStyleCookOff #BBQPodcast #BBQCulture #NashvilleBBQ #GrillAndChill #BarbecueExperience #CulinaryConfidence #BarbecueCommunity

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue🔥 Welcome to another powerful episode of The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast – where food, farming, and purpose intersect. 🔥

This week, host Brandon is joined by a panel of passionate barbecue enthusiasts for a heartfelt conversation with Marvin Frink, founder of Briarwood Cattle Farms. From serving in the military to cultivating the land, Marvin shares his inspiring journey and how agritherapy—farming as a form of healing—became his mission to help others, especially veterans.🌾 In This Episode:Marvin’s transition from the military to farming, and how the land became a space of healingThe concept of agritherapy and its powerful mental health benefitsA look into daily life at Briarwood Cattle FarmsThe impact of community events like the Day of HealingWhy local farming is essential for food securityAn eye-opening breakdown of the economics of barbecue and the real cost of meat productionThe need for transparency in the food industryMarvin’s mission to mentor and inspire the next generation of farmers🌱 This episode goes beyond barbecue—it’s about building community, honoring tradition, and creating pathways for healing and growth through food and farming.🎧 Tune in for a raw, educational, and motivating conversation that will change how you view your plate and the people behind it.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories from the smoke and the soil.#BlackSmokeBBQ #BriarwoodCattleFarms #Agritherapy #VeteransInFarming #BBQPodcast #BarbecueEconomics #FoodSecurity #DayOfHealing #LocalFarmingMatters #MentorshipInAgriculture #TransparencyInFood #BlackFarmersMatter #BBQCulture

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast

02:58 The Joy of Cooking and Barbecue Culture

05:55 Introducing Marvin Frink and Briarwood Cattle Farms

08:54 The Impact of Agri-Therapy on Mental Health

11:54 Business Ventures: From Beef to Coffee

14:41 The Importance of Knowing Your Food Source

17:38 The Role of Farming in Mental Health

20:25 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

23:50 The Therapeutic Nature of Barbecue

24:54 Creating a Space for Healing

27:21 Expanding the Day of Healing

29:44 A Day in the Life at Briarwood Cattle Farms

33:28 Understanding Custom Meat Orders

41:54 Food as National Security

48:45 The Importance of Food Safety Education

50:15 The Importance of Professionalism in Food Handling

54:32 Mentorship and Resources in Agriculture

59:16 Understanding the Economics of Meat Production

01:00:50 Briarwood Farms: A Model for Community and Education

01:05:18 Invitation to Collaborate and Educate