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.
Today on BBQ Therapy, we highlight M.I. BBQ, They are known for their incredible pop-ups and catering work across La Puente California, bringing Texas-inspired BBQ to the West Coast, and also for her community impact—supporting families through her food and her heart.
👉 Make sure to like and subscribe for more deep-dive BBQ stories!
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 special episode, I sit down with Alonzo and Sabrena Cantu of Gulf Coast Smoke — one of the most entertaining, authentic, and fast-growing names in today’s BBQ community. From YouTube to competition cookoffs, this powerhouse couple brings rhythm, energy, and finesse to everything they touch.
We explore how Gulf Coast Smoke started, their growth on social media, their seasoning line, their BBQ philosophy, and how they use content to build real connection with their audience.
This conversation is a masterclass in BBQ, branding, and staying true to who you are.
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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
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In this episode of BBQ Therapy, I sit down with Kurt Mueller — the fire, flavor, and fierce work ethic behind Ironhead BBQ. Kurt is known for his no-nonsense approach, his signature Ironhead style, and the way he brings passion to every cook, And Quality is
We dive into Kurt’s BBQ journey, how Ironhead BBQ was built, what drives him today, and the lessons he’s learned turning a love for smoke into a serious brand. If you’re a pitmaster, a competitor, or someone who simply loves BBQ culture, this conversation will inspire you to level up.
From financial planner to competitive bbq to food truck to restaurant Kirk has paid the cost to be the boss.
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Just a quick review of my visit to Burnt Bean BBQ in Seguin Tx
Today, I’m honored to sit down with a chef whose story is one of resilience, reinvention, and pure creativity. From Chicago, Mike Krohn has built Healthy2HogWildFood, a platform where barbecue collides with Italian tradition. He’s been featured on Fox 32 Chicago, has collaborated with major brands, and—get this—he’s doing it all with one arm.
But beyond the fire and flavor, Mike and his family have also traveled the world, eaten in some of the finest restaurants, toured kitchens, and met award-winning chefs. That journey gives him a global perspective he brings back home to the pit.
In this bonus episode, we’re talking about more than barbecue — we’re talking about purpose through pain, grace through grit, and how one man turned his smoker into a ministry.
My guest is Pastor Jordan Davis — the founder of The Smoking Pastor Project, a movement that feeds the body and the soul. He’s given away free food, brought hope to strangers, and lived through a test that would’ve broken most folks.
This week I talk with Luke Short of RB3 BBQ — we’re joined by a man who’s built a name for himself one rib at a time—Luke Short-Sr. Known for his fierce flavor and consistent presence on the Rib Cookoff Association circuit, Luke has become a standout competitor in one of the fastest-growing formats in barbecue. Whether he’s behind a pit or sharing stories from the road, his passion for ribs and competition cooking shines through every bite.
In this episode, we’ll dig into Luke’s journey into barbecue, what makes the RCA different, and how he keeps his edge in a game where one bite is all it takes to win or lose.
In this episode of BBQ Therapy, I chat with Luke Darnell from Old Virginia Smoke (based out of Bristow, VA) — heavyweight in the world of competitive BBQ—Luke Darnell, the fire behind Old Virginia Smoke. With titles like the 2016 World Food BBQ Champion and the 2021 American Royal Chicken Champion, over 36 GCs and RGCs, and one of the best chicken cooks in KCBS history, Luke is a force. Alongside his wife Kim, Luke has built not just a winning team, but a brand that fuses world-class food with relentless fun. Let’s get into the fire with The Mayor of BBQ Luke Darnell.
In this special edition of BBQ Therapy, I take you behind the scenes of my trip to the American Royal, the largest and most legendary BBQ competition in the world. Instead of chasing footage or trying to capture every moment on camera, I made this trip about something even more important — people.
I spent the weekend walking the grounds, shaking hands, sharing stories, and building real connections with pitmasters, teams, and BBQ family from all over the country. For someone who used to be reserved and hesitant to walk up and talk to people, this experience was a turning point. I showed up as myself, grew into my voice, and truly felt at home in the community that keeps this craft alive.
This episode is about conversations, community, and the heart of BBQ culture — the people behind the pits.
Join me as I reflect on the moments, memories, and meaningful connections made at the American Royal.
Join me as I sit down with Rod Gray — I’m honored to be joined by a true icon in the world of barbecue—Rod Gray. From building Pellet Envy into one of the most decorated teams in competition BBQ, to appearing on BBQ Pitmasters, and now serving as CEO of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, Rod’s journey covers every corner of the barbecue world.
In this bonus episode
we’re turning up the heat with the voices behind Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast — a collaborative crew that’s doing big things for the BBQ community. This isn’t just about ribs and brisket — it’s about culture, storytelling, and representation.
Black Smoke Barbecue is a platform that lifts up voices from all corners of the pit—from backyard grillers and food truck warriors to competition cooks and content creators—while spotlighting the African American experience in modern-day barbecue.
We’re diving into their journey, the mission behind the mic, and why their work matters now more than ever in the world of BBQ.
@blacksmokebarbecue on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook and Youtube
On this episode of BBQ Therapy, we’re talking with Russ Jaques, the creative mind and pitmaster behind Smokey Rebel. Russ brings a fresh perspective from the other side of the world of BBQ — blending innovation with tradition while staying true to authentic smokehouse flavor.
From his approach to seasoning to his mindset behind the brand, Russ shares what it takes to stand out and stay passionate in the BBQ world.
Connect with Smokey Rebel:
🌐 Website: www.smokeyrebel.com
📸 Instagram: @smokey.rebel
📱 Facebook: Smokey.Rebel
Follow BBQ Therapy:
Instagram: @bbqtherapypodcast
Facebook: BBQ Therapy
Tags:
#BBQTherapy #SmokeyRebel #RussJaques #BBQPodcast #PitmasterTalk #BBQLife #LiveFireCooking #GrillCulture
This week on BBQ Therapy, we’re joined by Chris Webb of Bushmaster BBQ, one of the most respected pitmasters in the game. Chris opens up about his journey from serving our country to competition success, his creative approach to flavor, and what keeps him motivated to keep pushing the limits of live-fire cooking.
It’s an honest, no-nonsense conversation packed with passion, knowledge, and inspiration for anyone who loves great BBQ.
Connect with Bushmaster BBQ:
🌐 Website: www.bushmasterbbq.com
📸 Instagram: @bushmasterbbq
📱 Facebook: Bushmaster BBQ
Follow BBQ Therapy:
Instagram: @bbqtherapypodcast
Facebook: BBQ Therapy
Tags:
#BBQTherapy #BushmasterBBQ #ChrisWebb #PitmasterInterview #BBQPodcast #GrillingLife #SmokeCulture #BBQCommunity
In this episode of BBQ Therapy, Tavis sits down with Bob Harvey, the man behind Big Daddy’s BBQ Pit, to talk about his BBQ roots, how he built his flavor identity, and creating recipes and content. Bob shares his story of turning passion into purpose — one perfectly smoked bite at a time.
Get ready for an inspiring, down-to-earth conversation about hard work, great food, and the power of community in BBQ.
Connect with Big Daddy’s BBQ Pit:
🌐 Website: www.bigdaddysbbqpit.com
📱 Facebook: Big Daddy’s BBQ Pit
📸 Instagram: @bigdaddysbbqpit
Follow BBQ Therapy:
Instagram: @bbqtherapypodcast
Facebook: BBQ Therapy
Tags:
#BBQTherapy #BigDaddysBBQ #BobHarvey #PitmasterStories #BBQPodcast #BarbecueLife #GrillTalk #BBQCommunity
What does it take to be successful in catering and food trucks? Chris Joyner (CJ’s BBQ and More)—aka The Dapper Pitmaster—knows firsthand. In this episode, Chris shares his BBQ journey, how he built his brand, and the challenges and victories that come with serving BBQ on the move.
We dig into:
• The business side of BBQ catering
• Lessons from the food truck grind
• Building relationships with customers
• Balancing passion, quality, and consistency
This one’s for anyone curious about BBQ as a business—or just hungry for a behind-the-scenes story.
In this episode, we welcome James Pavia of Aim’em and Claim’em Smokers—a pitmaster who not only competes at a high level but also creates engaging BBQ content for fans everywhere. James takes us inside the world of competition BBQ, the grind behind the scenes, and how he balances competing with sharing his journey online.
We cover his start in barbecue, favorite cooks, biggest wins, and what it takes to stand out in both the competition arena and the digital world. If you’re chasing trophies or followers—or both—this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
In this episode, we’re talking whole hog BBQ with none other than Alfred McDonald of SpoonFed BBQ. From the art of cooking hogs low and slow to the tradition and craft behind the smoke, Alfred shares his passion, process, and perspective on what makes whole hog one of the purest forms of barbecue.
We dive into his BBQ journey, the challenges of mastering whole hog, the gear and wood he trusts, and what it means to carry forward this age-old tradition in today’s BBQ world. If you’ve ever been curious about cooking an entire hog—or just love good BBQ stories—you don’t want to miss this one.
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