BBQ Therapy

Everybody sees the trophies.They see the pitmaster, the turn-ins, the wins, and the spotlight.But behind many great teams is someone holding everything together when nobody’s watching.Today’s guest is Kim Darnell of Old Virginia Smoke—a respected force in competition barbecue and the steady presence behind one of the sport’s most accomplished teams.This conversation goes beyond the stage and into the real work: loyalty, sacrifice, pressure, partnership, and what it means to support greatness while carrying your own strength.Kim shares the unseen side of competition BBQ—the long weekends, the emotional weight, the teamwork, and the role that often gets overlooked but is absolutely essential.Because success in this game is rarely built alone.This episode is about leadership without ego, strength without noise, and the backbone behind the banner.This is BBQ Therapy.#BBQTherapy, #KimDarnell, #OldVirginiaSmoke, #CompetitionBBQ, #BBQPodcast, #WomenInBBQ, #PitmasterLife, #BBQLife, #BBQCommunity, #Teamwork, #BehindTheScenes, #BarbecueFamily, #SmokeAndFire, #BBQLegacy

🔥 Is BBQ just food… or can it actually heal the mind?In this solo episode of BBQ Therapy, host Tavis Bryant dives into the real mental health benefits of barbecuing—and why the grill can be more than a cooking tool. It can be therapy.From reducing stress and building stronger social connections to creating mindfulness, purpose, and joy, this episode explores how barbecue helps us slow down, reconnect, and find balance in a fast-moving world.Inside this episode:• How BBQ brings people together and fights loneliness• Why cooking outdoors improves mood and lowers anxiety• The mindfulness of fire management, temps, and patience• The confidence that comes from mastering your craft• How cookouts create happiness, comfort, and belonging• Why barbecue culture is bigger than race, status, or labelsIf you’ve been feeling stressed, disconnected, or mentally drained, this conversation is for you. Sometimes the best therapy really is served with smoke and sauce.🎙️ Listen, learn, and get inspired with BBQ Therapy.📲 Follow: @bbqtherapypodcast🔥 Hosted by Tavis Bryant of Ya-Go Ham BBQ#BBQTherapy #MentalHealth #Barbecue #BBQPodcast #SelfCare #Mindfulness #StressRelief #Grilling #BBQLife #PodcastLife #BBQCommunity

On this episode of BBQ Therapy, we sit down with Clint Cantwell of AmazingRibs.com — one of the most trusted voices in barbecue science and storytelling. Clint blends journalism, testing, and passion to help cooks understand the “why” behind great BBQ.We talk about his work with Meathead Goldwyn, the importance of myth-busting in BBQ, and how knowledge leads to better, more confident cooks. This episode is packed with insight on technique, flavor, and the mindset that separates good BBQ from unforgettable BBQ.

🔥 NBBQA Conference Recap | What I Learned, Experienced & Loved 🔥I just got back from the National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA) Conference, and this one was packed with value, connections, and real BBQ growth.In this video, I’m breaking down my full experience — the good, the great, and a few things I’d tweak — from the classes and instructors to the food, networking, and behind-the-scenes moments you don’t always hear about.Whether you’re a backyard griller, content creator, or thinking about getting into competition BBQ, this recap gives you a real look at what the NBBQA conference is all about and why it matters.💡 In this video: • My overall experience at NBBQA • Quality of classes and instructors • Food, networking, and atmosphere • What stood out the most • Why events like this can level up your BBQ journeyThis wasn’t just a conference… it was a reminder that BBQ is bigger than cooking — it’s community, education, and growth.If you’re serious about getting better at BBQ or building something in this space, you need to be in rooms like this.👍 Like, Subscribe, and share with someone on their BBQ journey.#BBQTherapy #NBBQA #BBQCommunity #PitmasterJourney #BBQLife #SmokedMeat #BBQFamily #GrillLife #BBQCulture

In this powerful episode of BBQ Therapy, we’re joined by Ardie Davis — also known as Remus Powers — one of the true legends of judging competition barbecue. With decades of experience, Hall of Fame honors, and a legacy built on innovation and leadership, Ardie helped shape modern BBQ judging as we know it.We talk about the early days of competition, what’s changed in the sport, and what still matters most: integrity, consistency, and passion. Ardie shares lessons from wins, losses, and long roads traveled, offering wisdom that every pitmaster — new or seasoned — needs to hear.

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, we’re joined by Chef Ray Sheehan — one of the most respected educators and competitors in barbecue. Ray’s journey blends culinary precision with pitmaster passion, and he’s spent years teaching others how to cook with confidence, purpose, and consistency.We talk about Ray’s path from competition BBQ to coaching and judging, how he helps cooks understand flavor profiles, and why mastering the fundamentals is more important than chasing trends. If you’ve ever wondered how to level up your BBQ mindset and your results, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and practical wisdom from one of the best teachers in the game.Tags:bbq therapy, chef ray sheehan, barbecue podcast, competition bbq, pitmaster interview, bbq education, bbq mindset, bbq coaching, grilling tips, smoked meat, low and slow, backyard bbq, bbq techniques, pitmaster life, bbq community

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, We’re talking with The Fleetwoods of Meat Rushmore BBQ, a team that started as four friends looking for an outlet for their competitive drive. Fast forward to today, they’ve gone from backyard cookouts, to national competitions, to now opening their very own restaurant inside Kansas City International Airport.We’re going to dig deep into how it all started, their rise through the competition ranks, their big wins, and what it means to share championship-level BBQ with travelers from all over the world. If you love real stories, real BBQ, and real people, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen, learn, and get inspired.🔥 Welcome to BBQ Therapy.

Description:In this episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast, Bre Via and Brad Colter of Smoke ’n Magic BBQ a remarkable couple whose love story and BBQ journey are fire and flavor rolled into one. Brad Colter and Bre Via—better known as Smoke ’n Magic—met at a BBQ competition in 2020. Not only did sparks fly, but so did their passion for competition cooking.Since then, they’ve become KC BBQ legends—winning the inaugural Made for KC BBQ Championship, launching their own eatery at Kansas City International Airport, and building a line of sauces, rubs, and even a Bloody Mary mix.Pitmasters, parents, and partners in life—Brad and Bre prove BBQ isn’t just about smoke and meat, it’s about family, community, and a little bit of magic.An insightful episode for BBQ teams, couples, and collaborative pitmasters.

n this episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast, Jordan Kirkpatrick of Janky Leg BBQ joins host Tavis Bryant for a raw and real conversation about competition BBQ, creativity, and embracing imperfection. Jordan ‘Janky Leg’ Kirkpatrick of Janky Leg BBQ—a KCBS Grand Champion, 2023 Team of the Year winner, and one of the most respected voices in competitive BBQ. Born in Benton, Illinois, Jordan rose through the Kansas City-style competition scene to win the 2023 American Royal Open, and he’s still chasing greatness. But behind the trophies are stories of resilience, mentorship, and the love of cooking. Today, we’re pulling back the foil and getting into the man behind the smoke.”

In this episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast, host Tavis Bryant of Ya-Go HAM BBQ sits down with Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ for a deep dive into competition barbecue, pitmaster mindset, and the mental grind behind consistent success.We’re joined by a name that needs no smoke signals to be recognized—Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ. From a humble start in 2012 to winning 60 Grand Championships in 258 competitions , two Team of the Year titles, and claiming trophies at both the American Royal and The Jack, Travis has built one of the most dominant careers in BBQ history. H is e maxed out KCBS points by July, earned over 800 awards, and later brought that same intensity to the restaurant world—partnering with Famous Dave to open his flagship Clark Crew BBQ in Oklahoma City, and now expanding to Tulsa. Today, we’re digging into what drove the rise, what broke him down, and what the smoke revealed along the way.”

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, Tavis sits down with Chef Phillip Dell—a Chopped Champion, culinary educator, world-class pitmaster, and the force behind some of the most balanced, technique-driven barbecue coming out of Las Vegas.Chef Dell opens up about his journey from bodybuilding to fine dining, from high-pressure TV competitions to teaching the next generation of cooks and pitmasters. We talk flavor principles, competition mindset, culinary discipline, and how embracing the craft can change your life both in and out of the kitchen.If you want to cook with intention, elevate your BBQ game, or learn from a champion who blends classical culinary technique with smoke and fire—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.🔥 Topics We Cover: • Chef Dell’s evolution from bodybuilding to becoming a Chopped Champion • How culinary school shaped his BBQ philosophy • Lessons learned from TV competitions • Discipline, mindset, and staying consistent • Building flavor profiles that win • Teaching, mentoring, and inspiring new pitmasters • The connection between food, identity, and personal growth🎧 ABOUT BBQ THERAPY:BBQ Therapy is the show where fire, flavor, and real conversations collide. Host Tavis Bryant explores the stories, struggles, and successes behind the pit—whether you’re a backyard griller or an aspiring competitor.

BBQ Therapy is a conversation-driven podcast exploring the real stories behind the pit — the wins, the failures, the lessons, and the people who make barbecue what it is. No product pitches, no egos. Just honest conversations that educate, motivate, and connect cooks at every level. Hosted by Tavis Bryant.

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, I talk with Kell Phelps, publisher of The National BBQ News Magazine and a driving force behind NBBQA, one of the most important organizations in all of barbecue. Kell has spent more than two decades telling the stories of pitmasters, supporting competitors, and elevating BBQ culture worldwide.We dive deep into the origins of the BBQ News, what it takes to cover this industry faithfully, and why community matters now more than ever. Kell also shares insights on competitions, media, storytelling, and the future of barbecue.If you care about the craft, the culture, or the people behind BBQ, this episode is packed with wisdom.🔥 Inside this episode:• How BBQ News Magazine became a cornerstone of the community• The mission and future of NBBQA• Kell’s top lessons from decades around pitmasters• Why barbecue storytelling keeps the craft alive👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss a new pitmaster conversation!