We Talk with Tony Ramirez aka TFTI BBQ

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!

It all began in his childhood home where Bob Trudnak was the oldest of four children. His mother was a homemaker, and his father worked three jobs to support the family. Most Sundays were spent barbecuing at the local state park, near their home in the hills of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania – population 5,100. Sundays were his father’s only day off, and he would spend it barbecuing at the park's charcoal grills. Bob says watching his father's unselfish sacrifice taught him how important selfless contribution is to a family's well-being. When Bob was seven, his dad placed him "in charge" of putting charcoal in the grill. "From that day forward,” he says. “I was hooked on barbecue." And so it began. Fast forward twenty some years to find a celebrity grillmaster who’s become an icon in the world of barbecue, earning the nickname BBQ Bob, and The Time and Temperature Guru. Bob would go on to revolutionize the world of grilling and become a recognized leader in his industry, leaving his influence on the craft around the world.

Karen Wright Wright on QAKA mom to the Steak Princess Russell and I started competing in BBQ in the early 2000’s. He did his first steak competition in June of 2017 with me just there for support. I started cooking ancillaries not long after and then moved to steak.