🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥🔥 STORIES FROM THE SMOKE | Chapter One: Daryl "Sweetie" WalkerThere's something special happening in barbecue—and it's bigger than what's happening on the grill.Welcome to Stories From the Smoke, a new documentary series from The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast that goes beyond the food to tell the stories of the people preserving, shaping, and advancing Black barbecue culture.For our first chapter, Charlie and Tee traveled to Blenheim, South Carolina, for the Country Style Cookoff 2026, hosted by Art Fennell of @OriginalChannel06   While many came to capture the sights, sounds, and incredible food, we set out to capture something different—the conversations.In this episode, we sit down with World Champion Pitmaster Daryl "Sweetie" Walker of Sweetie's BBQ  @darylwalkersweetiesbarbq1707   an honest discussion about competition barbecue, faith, perseverance, mentorship, and what it means to represent Black pitmasters on some of the biggest stages in barbecue.From his early memories around the family grill to competing across the country, Daryl shares the experiences, challenges, and mindset that have made him one of the most respected names in the sport today.This is more than an interview.This is the first chapter in a documentary series exploring the stories, traditions, and legacy of Black barbecue.In this episode:🔥 Daryl's journey from backyard barbecue to World Champion🔥 Competition BBQ and the pursuit of excellence🔥 Faith, perseverance, and overcoming adversity🔥 Mentoring the next generation of pitmasters🔥 Why the Country Style Cookoff has become a celebration of community and cultureStories From the SmokeA documentary series exploring the stories, traditions, and legacy of Black barbecue.New chapters coming throughout the summer.🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue PodcastHosted by Charlie and Tee#CountryStyleCookoff #BlackSmokeBBQ #DarylWalker #SweetiesBBQ #CompetitionBBQ #Barbecue #Pitmaster #BBQCulture #BlackBarbecue #BBQPodcast #StoriesFromTheSmoke #bbq 00:00 Cinematic Opening01:10 Meet World Champion Daryl Walker03:20 Why Country Style Cookoff Is Different06:05 Competition BBQ & Helping Others Win08:40 Facing Challenges With Faith13:30 Carrying the Torch for Black Pitmasters17:10 Advice for the Next Generation19:20 What's Next for Sweetie's BBQ20:15 Final ThoughtsHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥🔥 Episode 99 – Tony McNeill Jr. (T Nasty's BBQ)What separates a backyard cook from someone who truly understands barbecue?In this episode of The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast, Brandon, T-Dubb, Alton, Charlie, and special guest Tony McNeill Jr. of  @tnasty7711  BBQ dive into the details that most people never think about when it comes to barbecue.From airflow and pit design to fire management, custom smoker builds, reverse flow cookers, Texas barbecue influences, and the skills required to master live-fire cooking, Tony shares decades of hard-earned knowledge and experience.The conversation explores why understanding your pit matters, how fire behaves inside different smokers, what makes certain cookers perform better than others, and why mastering the fundamentals is still the foundation of great barbecue.Topics include:🔥 Fire management and live-fire cooking🔥 Building custom offset smokers🔥 Reverse flow smoker pros and cons🔥 Airflow, heat movement, and pit design🔥 Texas barbecue influences🔥 Country Style Cookoff culture🔥 What it means to be a pitmaster🔥 Learning through experience and repetition🔥 Supporting the barbecue communityWhether you're cooking on an offset, kettle, drum, gravity-fed cooker, or pellet grill, this episode is packed with barbecue knowledge that can help improve your craft.👇 Join the conversation:What's the most important barbecue skill you've learned?🎙️ Subscribe to The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast📺 Watch our full episode playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-o5Ge4Yk6JPytAP5Tx-wnChlU4rcZ6-lHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥What does it really mean to be a Pitmaster?In this episode of The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast, Darren Carter of  @CartersBBQ216   the crew to tackle one of the most debated topics in barbecue today: the overuse of the title "Pitmaster."With social media making barbecue more popular than ever, many backyard cooks, influencers, and content creators are quick to claim the title. But Darren argues that mastering fire, understanding the craft, respecting the history, and putting in years of work are what truly separate a barbecue cook from a Pitmaster.The conversation dives into:🔥 Fire management and live-fire cooking🔥 Pellet grills vs traditional barbecue methods🔥 Social media influence in barbecue🔥 Why experience matters🔥 The difference between convenience and craftsmanship🔥 Respecting barbecue's history and traditions🔥 Why everybody isn't a PitmasterWhether you cook on an offset, kettle, drum, gravity-fed cooker, pellet grill, or open fire, this episode will definitely make you think.👇🏾 Join the conversation in the comments:What do YOU think makes someone a Pitmaster?0:00 Intro & B-Roll1:30 Welcome Back Darren Carter2:35 Why Everybody Calls Themselves a Pitmaster3:23 Darren's Definition of a True Pitmaster5:16 Fire, Meat & Barbecue Fundamentals7:33 "We Are Not The Same" – The Traeger Story8:02 Social Media, Influencers & BBQ Credentials10:13 Why Darren Calls Himself a Barbecue Cook11:25 Everybody Wants To Be a Chef Too12:33 Pellet Grills and the Pitmaster Debate14:54 Respecting the Craft16:06 What Actually Makes Someone a Pitmaster?18:19 Fire Management 10120:12 Learning The Basics Before Technology21:04 Meeting People Where They Are23:51 BBQ Gadgets, Meat Probes & Convenience25:13 Everybody Wants The Title, Not The Work26:17 Instant Gratification Culture27:11 Social Currency & BBQ Fame29:29 Why Credentials Matter31:44 Final Thoughts33:35 Dry Brining, Boiled Ribs & OutroHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥🔥 From Mississippi roots to California smoke, this episode is packed with barbecue knowledge, hustle, and heart.On this episode of the The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast, we sit down with Kris Austin of A&M BBQ and  @SmokingWithAustin   to talk about his journey from backyard cooking and football to becoming one of California wine country’s most respected pitmasters.Kris breaks down:🔥 Building A&M BBQ from the ground up🔥 Learning barbecue through YouTube and trial & error🔥 Sausage making and the Bill Dumas influence🔥 Texas-style brisket trimming techniques🔥 Running a BBQ business with limited space and maximum passion🔥 Wine country barbecue culture in Sonoma County🔥 Why turkey might actually be his sleeper hit🔥 The realities of pricing barbecue and protecting qualityThis episode is full of gems for backyard cooks, aspiring pitmasters, food entrepreneurs, and anyone who loves authentic barbecue culture.Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes featuring the people shaping barbecue culture across the country.Follow Kris Austin & A&M BBQ:📸 Instagram: @ambbqllc📺 YouTube:  @SmokingWithAustin  🎧 Listen to the podcast everywhere:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | PatreonHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue#BBQPodcast #TexasBBQ #CaliforniaBBQ #Brisket #OffsetSmoker #Pitmaster #Barbecue #LiveFireCooking #SmokingWithAustin #AandMBBQ #BlackSmokeBBQ #BBQCulture #FoodPodcast #BBQLife #SonomaCounty #food #foodie

Barbecue is supposed to bring people together.In this episode of The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast, we discuss the recent controversy surrounding a competition BBQ incident that led to a permanent IBCA ban after allegations of racist language, threats, and unsportsmanlike conduct surfaced publicly.Joining us is competition pitmaster Steve Strong of Big Wally’s BBQ as we talk about:🔥 Racism and bigotry in barbecue🔥 The culture of competition BBQ🔥 How sanctioning bodies should respond🔥 Why accountability matters🔥 Daryl Walker’s reputation in the BBQ community🔥 Letting the food speak for itselfThis isn’t drama for clicks.This is a real conversation about respect, inclusion, and protecting the culture of barbecue for everyone.🎙️ Featuring:Brandon ( @BKCCooks  )T-Dubb BBQ ( @TDubb-BBQ  )Steve Strong ( @BigWallysBarbecue  )👇 What are your thoughts?Do organizations like IBCA need to take stronger stances moving forward?#BlackSmokeBarbecuePodcast #BBQPodcast #CompetitionBBQ #BarbecueCulture #IBCA #BBQCommunity #TexasBBQ #Pitmaster #BarbecueLife #LiveFireCooking #BBQLife #BlackBBQ #SmokingMeat #BBQTalk #FoodCultureHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥FIRE. SMOKE. COMMUNITY. 🔥Episode 7 of our Open Fire MeatUp series brings together two legends of barbecue content creation — Malcolm Reed of  @howtobbqright   and Heath Riles of  @HeathRilesBBQ   — live from Hondo, Texas at the unforgettable Open Fire MeatUp hosted by Al Frugoni.In this final episode of the series, we sit down with two of the most respected voices in barbecue to talk about:🔥 Why Open Fire MeatUp may be the best barbecue event in the world🔥 The future of live-fire cooking and barbecue culture🔥 Content creation, podcasts, and building brands in barbecue🔥 The importance of community and sharing knowledge🔥 Favorite bites from the event including porchetta, smoked moose, ribs, tacos, and more🔥 What barbecue means beyond the foodMalcolm Reed reflects on the journey from filming in the “yellow kitchen days” to building one of the most influential barbecue platforms on YouTube, while Heath Riles talks about growing a global barbecue brand from a small town into stores and kitchens around the world.This episode is the perfect finale to the Open Fire MeatUp series because it connects every style of barbecue — competition, backyard, live-fire, traditional, and content-driven cooking — all around one thing: cooking over fire.A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this series possible.Special thanks to:🔥 Exhibit Supply🔥 Harder Charcoal🔥 Open Fire MeatUp🔥 Every pitmaster, creator, and fire cook who shared their story with us🎥 Subscribe to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast for more interviews, barbecue culture, live-fire cooking, and behind-the-scenes stories from around the world of BBQ.Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥Episode 6 of the Open Fire MeatUp series is bigger than BBQ.We sat down with Thyron Mathews of  @ThyronMathewsBBQ  in  Hondo, Texas—and what started as a conversation about food turned into something much deeper.From humble beginnings—traveling to Florida to Iowa—to building a BBQ brand, landing on national TV shows like BBQ Brawl, and betting his life savings on his sauce and rub line… Thyron’s story is built on faith, resilience, and sacrifice.But what really stood out?👉 The role of family👉 The support of his wife—his “secret weapon”👉 His relationship with his son Dallas👉 And the reality of what it really takes to chase this dreamMeanwhile, at the MeatUp, Thyron brought traditional BBQ to a space filled with open-fire and global cooking styles—proving that no matter how you cook…The heart of BBQ is the same.🔥 In this episode:Smokehouse burgers with chimichurri aioliPerloo rice and Southern flavorsBehind-the-scenes of BBQ competitions & TVThe truth about starting a BBQ businessWhy there is no Plan BThis isn’t just about food.This is about purpose.🔥 Subscribe for more from the Open Fire MeatUp series🎧 Listen to The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast everywhere📲 Follow for BBQ stories, recipes, and behind-the-scenesHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥The debate isn’t over… it just got louder.After the reaction to our last episode, we HAD to revisit the 3-2-1 ribs method—and this time we brought in Daryl Smith of Bad Beast Barbecue to help break it all down.From backyard cooks to seasoned pitmasters, everybody has an opinion… but here’s the real question:👉 Is 3-2-1 actually the best way to cook ribs… or just the most popular?👉 And at what point do ribs stop being BBQ?We dive into:🔥 The truth about 3-2-1 ribs🔥 Why cook time depends on your smoker, fuel, and experience🔥 The difference between BBQ ribs vs “BBQ-flavored” ribs🔥 Parboiling, oven-finishing, and restaurant shortcuts🔥 Why people get so emotional about their method (hint: it’s deeper than food)Bottom line:There’s more than one way to cook ribs… but not every way is barbecue.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the 321 Ribs Controversy03:14 Diverse Cooking Techniques and Preferences05:53 Addressing Viewer Reactions and Comments09:05 The Nature of Barbecue: Definitions and Techniques12:00 Parboiling Ribs: A Culinary Debate15:00 Culinary Standards and Personal Preferences17:02 Nostalgia and Convenience in Cooking18:02 Rib Cooking Techniques and Controversies18:57 The Restaurant Barbecue Experience21:59 Expectations vs. Reality in Dining24:56 Defining Barbecue: Tradition vs. Innovation27:59 Culinary Memories and Personal Connections💬 Join the conversation:Drop a comment and let us know—Are you team 3-2-1, hot & fast, or something else?Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥This lively panel discussion tackles the controversial 3-2-1 ribs method, exploring its origins, effectiveness, and misconceptions. Brandon, Charlie, Tee and Alton share their insights, experiences, and opinions on barbecue techniques, emphasizing the importance of understanding different methods and encouraging beginners to find their own style.Chapters00:00 Introduction to 321 Ribs and Controversy02:32 Exploring the 321 Method: Pros and Cons05:06 The Debate on Dry Brining08:12 Grilling vs. Barbecuing: Defining the Terms10:44 Innovative Cooking Techniques in Barbecue14:04 The Great Barbecue Debate15:34 Inclusive Cooking: Grilling vs. Barbecue17:08 Learning the Art of Barbecue18:55 The 321 Ribs Controversy24:17 Cooking Techniques and Personal PreferencesHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue

🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥In this episode, we sit down with pit master Derese Tabor from Cisco's Kid to explore her journey in barbecue, her signature dishes like pineapple blue cheese sauce, and her insights on barbecue techniques, industry challenges, and future plans.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast02:58 The Journey of a Pit Master: Derese Tabor05:57 The Art of Seasoning and Cooking Techniques08:55 Creating Unique Flavors: The Pineapple Blue Cheese11:54 Understanding Tennessee Barbecue14:39 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry17:48 Family and Favorite Dishes20:30 The Importance of Cooking Techniques23:28 Social Media Trends in Barbecue26:33 Final Thoughts on Barbecue Craftsmanship28:39 Social Media's Impact on Barbecue Expectations30:01 Common Mistakes in Barbecue32:11 Understanding Barbecue Pricing34:13 Barbecue as a Luxury Item38:41 Future Aspirations and Projects42:31 New Sauce and Rub Developments43:53 The Importance of Family SupportHarder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor.👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.comExhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue📲 Connect With UsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecueFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue