Chris Ayres of Zia Smoke BBQ

Leigh Brandon has lived in Houston for 45 years. She works in Commercial Banking but when she's not banking, you can find her cooking, gardening, or fishing on the weekends. Living in Texas and being close to the Louisiana state line, her dishes are a mix of Southern and Tex-Mex to Cajun inspired. If you were to sit down at her dinner table on a Sunday afternoon, you would be met with Texas smoked brisket, fried Southern catfish, venison smoked sausage, or frog legs, Cajun crawfish dirty rice, fried green tomatoes & okra, or maybe a bowl of Tex-Mex charro beans with cilantro & onions. She loves working on her tamales orders during the Fall and Winter, and when she has help, she has catered a few BBQ events. Leigh is a “Plater” and enjoys showing her work, but the real excitement comes when she has filled someone’s belly, and they give a smile.

Troy is a father of 2 young kids, Back to back steak and ancillary champion of NZ 2022 and 2023, two time NZ BBQ Alliance Grand Champion, competes in Australia and the USA, runs a legendary bbq joint, 2 burger joints, a couple of food trucks, a catering business and a micro brewery. 

Smokin' Hoggz BBQ is a competition BBQ team from Abington, MA, formed in 2008. What started out as a hobby has turned into a small family business. We have created a line of rubs, sauces, and cookbooks for you to enjoy and share with your friends and family.

Jeremy Yoder is a barbecue enthusiast from Kentucky who loves to spend time smoking meat and enjoying the rewards of a long cook.

Shaan,    He is passionate about creating dishes that combine the warmth and flavor of home with the vibrant influences of Caribbean, Latin, and BBQ traditions. Being raised in Sangre Grande, Trinidad, and Toronto, Canada, food was not only a means of sustenance but also a joyous celebration. I developed a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse flavors of my heritage. For instance, Sunday lunches typically consisted of BBQ chicken, fried rice, potato salad, and sliced cucumber with a dash of salt and pepper. My recipes are a fusion of family traditions and personal creativity. From stewed chicken to savory empanadas and slow-cooked barbecue, I invite you to join me on a mouth-watering journey through my YouTube channel. Whether you want to recreate nostalgic dishes from your childhood or explore new flavors, my videos offer step-by-step guidance, helpful tips, and a whole lot of flavor-packed inspiration. Cooking is not only about nourishing the body, but also about nourishing the soul. Let's cook up something special together and enjoy a delightful fusion of Caribbean zest, Latin flair, and BBQ goodness.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Logan Chestnut, the talented pitmaster of Small Batch BBQ and the charismatic host of the Right On Que Podcast. Our conversation delved into the intricate world of competitive BBQ, exploring the triumphs and challenges of his competition days and the journey that led him to where he is today.

Mike Star a 21-year US Air Force Veteran, whose global travels ignited a passion for diverse cultures and flavors. Now, those worldly experiences are infused into every bottle of sauce and seasoning, promising to elevate your backyard gatherings to new heights. Prepare for a culinary adventure where every dish bursts with high-quality ingredients and bold, perfectly balanced flavors. Say goodbye to bland dinners and lackluster barbecue parties – Blazing Star BBQ guarantees an unforgettable dining experience.

SCA roundtable with Jonny Cobia, Brennon Nielson, and Steve Conaway.  This is Rusty's Last show.  Thank you for all the support and memories. It all has meant more than you will ever know!    

We chatted with Keith Wineinger of the Burn Shop. He makes custom grills for all types of smokers, grills, and other appliances. We had a blast chatting with him, and you'll love what he offers. Head over to the Burn Shops Website and check them out. 

We chat with Chris Ayres of Zia Smoke BBQ.  We chat about why chopped brisket is better and why you should never say you cook better than a restaurant pitmaster....  and of course a whole lot more.