Show notes
🔥 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