We Talk with Tony Ramirez aka TFTI BBQ

A long time ago on a planet called earth in the same galaxy we live in, there was a boy who in his teens got a job at a bbq restaurant and fell in love with bbq. His name is Bryan Odom. This is my adventure. While i was 19 and managing the kitchen at a bbq restaurant i decided on the crazy idea to join the U.S. Marines. While traveling around I ate at a lit of bbq restaurants and wanted to define my pallet more in different flavors. All the way from west coast to east and southern coast. The thought is what if. What if we could meld them together. I sat down and was trying out how to design bbq blends to incorporate Kc and Texas (family from both states). Nc and Kc. How about all 3. I came up with the original and the hot n bothered. the hot n bothered isnt really all that spicy hot. it has a hint of vinegar powder and sirracha powder to it. I felt a great chicken and brisket run to show the texas roots was our Twisted Texas rub married to Kansas city. Thru the years i kept a journal and kept playing with more flavors. I backed away from comps and bbq for family time. About just over 4 years ago i stepped back into the world of bbq and competition. I brought out all our flavors i use on a daily basis, adding my addicted to the Q line of white noise (garlicy butter salt with a kick) and the savory pecan. In total i have 10 flavors with 5 more not released burning a hole in my journal. In the last 4 years we have acquired around 25+ bbq spice/seasoning awards for our seasonings includidng 1st in pork, 1st beef, 1st chicken, 2nd best rub on the planet, 3rd best rub on the planet. multiple 1st thru 10 in all meat and fish categories. It's been ups and downs, lots of competitions and lots of calls either me cooking or helping friends. It's been a ride and I continue to push for the next level. Just wait and see if I can get some plans I'm working on to happen, it will be huge!!

Pitmaster at Smokin X | Founder of Smokin Swag Apparel | Creator of Award-Winning Seasonings John Reeves has been the dedicated Pitmaster at Smokin X since 2010, earning a reputation for excellence in barbecue. As the winner of The Grill of Victory “Lone Star Smokers” on the Travel Channel, John has showcased his skill and passion for the craft on a national stage. In addition to his work at Smokin X, John is the founder and a board member of The Raider Red Meats BBQ and Ribeye Championship at Texas Tech University, helping to shape the future of BBQ at one of the nation’s leading institutions. John is also the founder of Smokin Swag Apparel, a brand that embodies the spirit of barbecue culture. He is the creator of an award-winning line of seasoning and rubs, recognized for their exceptional flavors and high quality

Tony Ramirez, also known as TFTI BBQ on social media, has spent nearly twenty years perfecting his backyard barbecue skills in the Bay Area, California. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Tony is self-taught, inspired by his Filipino and Cajun heritage, his beloved parents, and a passion for BBQ Pitmasters reruns, YouTube tutorials, and personal culinary experiments. What started in 2021 as a hobby of posting BBQ pictures and videos has since evolved into a full-time career, with Tony partnering with major brands like Miller Lite, Char-Griller, Reynolds Brands, and Tony Chachere’s. His unique, approachable flavor combinations and techniques, which sometimes bend traditional barbecue “rules,” have earned him a beloved spot in the live-fire BBQ community. Find him online on all major social media platforms as TFTI BBQ.

Andy Allen is a seasoned competition pitmaster, instructor, and restaurant consultant with a deep passion for barbecue. He serves as a cooking consultant, ambassador, and instructor for Green Mountain Grills, helping others elevate their outdoor cooking skills. Over the years, Andy has been fortunate to earn 14 Grand Championships, 8 Reserve Grands, and perfect scores (180s) in all four KCBS categories. He’s a four-time participant at the prestigious Jack Daniel’s Invitational, with top finishes including 2nd in pork and 4th in ribs, and has received multiple top-10 calls at the American Royal, including a 180 in brisket and 2nd in ribs. Andy was also honored to be part of the California Team of the Year in both ribs and brisket.

I am Freddy, founder of Tri-City Pitmasters from Southern California. I am currently employed by Firebull Charcoal and Primetime Spices. In the past, I worked for FOGO Charcoal, Prime 6 Charcoal, and Papas Grilling Products. I also used to host and compete in SCA Events. Additionally, my girlfriend and I have founded the California Tri Tip Association. We have started hosting competitions, but have run into a few speed bumps.

Join us with Rooster and Graybeard: where fire meets flavor, to salute the troops and talk about Texas made Charles Goodnight Texas Whiskey Bourbon. 

  We welcome Rusty Monson back to the show for an update on Salt City Barbecue. For 2025 he has won the Best In State vote for Best Barbecue Restaurant. It has officially been one year since he stepped away from the show, so we will see what he has been doing.

7 SINS BBQ is a BBQ Catering Company & Award Winning BBQ Competition Team who competes in the KCBS / CBBQA circuits as well as a producer of Award Winning BBQ Rubs & Sauces in the United States and Australia.

Thyron Mathews is an award-winning American BBQ Chef and Pitmaster, known for his bold flavors, Southern roots, and viral presence both online and on screen. Originally from Royal, Florida—a historic Black farming town where families were once granted their 40 acres—Thyron now calls Iowa home, where he’s built one of the most recognized BBQ brands in the Midwest.     Thyron rose to national fame after winning Netflix’s hit competition series Barbecue Showdown, which drew over 40 million viewers globally. Prior to that, he had already earned 16 Grand Championships and was crowned “Best in Show” at the Iowa State Fair two years in a row.     What began as a small catering business with his wife, Terrishane Mathews, has since evolved into a full-scale BBQ operation—now rebranded as Thyron Mathews BBQ. From his popular food trailer to his viral how-to videos on YouTube, Thyron has built a loyal fanbase that spans backyard grillers to competition veterans.     Thyron is also a trusted partner of top industry names, including Kingsford Charcoal and the Iowa Pork Producers, and continues to lead the charge in BBQ culture nationwide. He has hosted some of the country’s biggest live-fire events, including Smoke Slam in Memphis and the upcoming NBBQA Festivalin Long Island, New York.     With his deep roots, undeniable talent, and larger-than-life personality, Thyron Mathews is one of BBQ’s most exciting and influential voices today.

My name is Cory Jones owner of Hearth Heroes BBQ. Our passion for BBQ is evident in every bite. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy great food without compromising their dietary needs, which is why we take pride in our gluten-free and low-salt offerings. We carefully select our ingredients to ensure that each seasoning blend is not only flavorful but also healthy. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a special event, or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, Hearth Heroes BBQ has something for everyone. From our signature rubs, we invite you to taste the difference that dedication and passion can make. Join us on this flavorful journey and discover why we are the go-to choice for BBQ lovers everywhere. Thank you for choosing Hearth Heroes BBQ, where every meal is a celebration of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients!