Wise Guys BBQ

Al Frugoni and Jeremy Yoder of Mad Scientist BBQ join the Wise Guys for two incredible conversations at the 2026 Texas Open Fire Meat Up in Hondo, Texas! Fresh off their appearance together on Food Network's Pitmasters, these two BBQ personalities share their experiences, passion for live-fire cooking, and stories from the international barbecue community. First up: Al Frugoni! The man behind Texas Open Fire Meat Up tells us how a gathering of just 12 people around a fire grew into an international BBQ event bringing together pitmasters and cooks from 25 countries. We talk about the incredible food, the community behind the event, and what separates live-fire cooking from true open-fire cooking. Then we sit down with Jeremy Yoder of Mad Scientist BBQ! Jeremy shares his experience competing on Food Network's Pitmasters, his recent barbecue adventures in Peru, and some fascinating foods he encountered along the way. From traditional Peruvian cuy (guinea pig) to seriously underrated lamb ribs, this conversation goes well beyond traditional Texas BBQ. Jeremy also discusses his plans to bring even more science into barbecue and explore new cooking cultures in 2027. In this episode: - How Al Frugoni built Texas Open Fire Meat Up - The global community of live-fire pitmasters - What competing on Food Network's Pitmasters was really like - Jeremy Yoder's barbecue adventures in Peru - Cooking traditional Peruvian cuy - Why lamb ribs deserve more attention - The science behind great barbecue - What's next for Mad Scientist BBQ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Wise Guys BBQ 02:58 Al Frugoni Joins the Podcast 06:50 Inside Texas Open Fire Meat Up 09:31 Live Fire vs. Open Fire Cooking 13:18 Jeremy Yoder Joins the Wise Guys 14:40 Competing on Food Network's Pitmasters 16:55 Jeremy's BBQ Adventures in Peru 18:12 Cooking Traditional Peruvian Cuy 22:13 Why Lamb Ribs Are Underrated 23:48 Jeremy's Plans for BBQ Science in 2027 26:13 Final Thoughts & More Interviews Coming 🔥 If you love barbecue, grilling, live-fire cooking, and conversations with the people shaping the BBQ world, subscribe to Wise Guys BBQ for more interviews, recipes, cooking techniques, and BBQ adventures. 🌐 Visit us: https://wiseguysbbq.com 🔥 Learn more about Texas Open Fire Meat Up: https://www.openfiremeatup.com #WiseGuysBBQ #MadScientistBBQ #AlFrugoni #outdoorcooking #livefirecooking #openfirecooking #bbqpodcast

How does Texas Monthly decide which BBQ joints make its famous Top 50 list? We sit down with Daniel Vaughn, Barbecue Editor at Texas Monthly, to find out what it really takes to rank the best barbecue restaurants in Texas. From traveling thousands of miles in search of incredible smoked meats to uncovering hidden gems, Daniel gives the Wise Guys an inside look at the world of Texas BBQ. We discuss the rising cost of brisket, why some barbecue restaurants are struggling to survive, and how pitmasters are adapting to an increasingly competitive industry. Daniel also shares his thoughts on some of Texas's standout barbecue destinations, including Goldee's BBQ, Burnt Bean Co., 2M Smokehouse, and Reese Bros Barbecue. In this episode: - How Texas Monthly selects its Top 50 BBQ joints - The challenges of running a successful barbecue restaurant - Why brisket prices are putting pressure on pitmasters - How regional Texas BBQ traditions are changing - Daniel's journey from architect to professional barbecue critic - Tips for planning the ultimate Texas BBQ road trip - The growing influence of barbecue food trucks - Texas Monthly BBQ Fest and the legendary XIT Rodeo barbecue Plus, Daniel reveals what it's like visiting up to TEN barbecue restaurants in one day and shares some unforgettable stories from his travels. Whether you're a backyard pitmaster, a Texas BBQ fanatic, or someone who loves discovering great barbecue restaurants, this conversation is packed with stories and insight you won't want to miss. 🔥 What's the best BBQ joint you've ever visited? Tell us in the comments! 👍 Like, subscribe, and join the Wise Guys BBQ family for more barbecue talk, pitmaster interviews, recipes, and Destination Q adventures. 🌐 Explore more: https://wiseguysbbq.com 📺 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@wiseguysbbq-mk4cc 📍 Explore Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ List: https://projects.texasmonthly.com/interactive/top-50-bbq-2025/ #TexasBBQ #DanielVaughn #TexasMonthly #BBQPodcast #WiseGuysBBQ

What started as a backyard pig roast raising $7,500 for one family has grown into a nationwide BBQ charity movement making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. In this episode of the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Vin and Charlie sit down with Becker Hall, CEO and Co-Founder of Hogs for the Cause, to uncover the incredible story behind one of America's most impactful barbecue fundraising organizations. From its humble beginnings in New Orleans to a massive BBQ competition and music festival attracting approximately 30,000 attendees, Hogs for the Cause has transformed the power of barbecue, live music, and community BBQ fundraising into millions of dollars in charitable support. Becker shares how a young boy named Ben inspired the organization's mission, how BBQ teams compete to raise extraordinary amounts of money, and how Hogs for the Cause helps families facing pediatric brain cancer through financial grants, housing, and hospital partnerships. He also explains how the organization builds Hogs Houses, free accommodations for families receiving medical care that serve a similar purpose to Ronald McDonald House. These facilities help families stay together during some of life's most difficult moments. IN THIS EPISODE: - How a $7,500 pig roast launched Hogs for the Cause - The inspiring story behind its mission to fight pediatric cancer - How the New Orleans BBQ festival grew into a major national event - What makes the Hogs for the Cause BBQ competition different - How competitive BBQ teams turn fundraising into friendly rivalry - The challenges of booking major musical acts - How Hogs Houses provide family accommodations similar to Ronald McDonald House - The ambitious $2 million commitment that changed everything - How restaurants, pitmasters, and community BBQ events can support families in need This episode is a reminder that barbecue is about much more than great food. It's about community, generosity, and coming together to make a difference. Whether you're a competition pitmaster, backyard griller, or BBQ enthusiast, there's a way to turn your passion for barbecue into something meaningful. ❤️ SUPPORT HOGS FOR THE CAUSE Learn more about the mission or make a donation: https://hogsforthecause.org/ Explore the annual New Orleans BBQ and music festival: https://hogsfest.org/ 🔥 JOIN THE WISE GUYS BBQ COMMUNITY Subscribe for more conversations with BBQ legends, pitmasters, competition teams, and the people shaping barbecue culture. 🌐 Website: https://wiseguysbbq.com/ #HogsForTheCause #WiseGuysBBQ #BBQPodcast #charity #bbq #pigroast

$1 MILLION. 100 PITMASTERS. ONE WORLD CHAMPION. 🔥🏆 The BBQ World Cup is preparing to change competition barbecue forever! Scott Erdmann, co-founder and CEO of the BBQ World Cup & Expo, joins the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast to reveal the ambitious plans behind the biggest prize in competitive BBQ history. Scheduled for April 8–11, 2027, in Las Vegas, the BBQ World Cup will bring together 100 qualifying barbecue teams from around the world to compete for a staggering $1 MILLION grand prize. But this is about much more than a BBQ competition! Scott takes us behind the scenes of the BBQ World Cup, explaining how his experience with the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, and major sports organizations inspired a vision to transform competitive barbecue into a global spectator sport. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🍖 How pitmasters qualify for the $1 million BBQ World Cup 🏆 The competition format, elimination rounds, judging, and wildcard opportunities 👨‍👧‍👧 The incredible story of two 16-year-old sisters competing against their own father 🎪 What fans can expect from the BBQ World Cup & Expo, including world-class barbecue, live entertainment, and VIP experiences 📺 Plans to bring competition BBQ to television and streaming audiences 🌎 How BBQ United could connect pitmasters, restaurants, brands, and barbecue fans worldwide 💰 The ambitious vision for a professional BBQ Champions League, where pitmasters could potentially earn six-figure salaries 🔥 The proposed competition rules, equipment requirements, and judging innovations Could competitive BBQ become the next major professional sport? Scott believes the audience, talent, and passion already exist. Now it's time to build the platform. Whether you're a competition pitmaster, backyard barbecue enthusiast, or just someone who loves great BBQ, this is one conversation you won't want to miss! 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you could pick ONE pitmaster to win the $1 million BBQ World Cup, who would it be? Drop your pick in the comments! 🌐 Learn more about the BBQ World Cup: https://bbqworldcup.com/ 🔥 Subscribe to Wise Guys BBQ for competition BBQ coverage, pitmaster interviews, smoking techniques, recipes, and everything barbecue. 🌐 Visit us: https://wiseguysbbq.com/ #BBQWorldCup #CompetitionBBQ #WiseGuysBBQ #ScottErdmann #BBQPodcast

From a gas station kitchen in South Carolina to the bright lights of Food Network, Chris Williams has built an incredible career in barbecue. In this episode of the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, we're joined by the founder of Roy's Grille to talk about family, food, competition BBQ, Gullah Geechee culture, and the determination it takes to build a successful barbecue restaurant. Chris grew up in rural Olar, South Carolina, learning to cook from his grandmother and developing a passion for food that would eventually change his life. What started as a small restaurant inside a gas station became Roy's Grille, a South Carolina BBQ destination known for its creative cooking, Southern hospitality, and unforgettable flavors. Along the way, Chris earned a second-place finish at the World Food Championships and made his way to Food Network's Pitmasters. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🥩 How Chris Williams started Roy's Grille inside a gas station 🔥 Growing up in rural South Carolina and learning to cook from family 🏆 Competing at the World Food Championships 📺 The journey to Food Network's Pitmasters 🍖 The difference between cooking barbecue and becoming a true pitmaster 🌎 Gullah Geechee culture and its influence on Southern cooking 🍗 South Carolina BBQ traditions, regional flavors, and sauces 👨‍🍳 How Chris developed his signature Carolina Korean dish ❤️ The family legacy and work ethic behind Roy's Grille 💡 Lessons in entrepreneurship, perseverance, and building a successful restaurant Whether you're a backyard BBQ enthusiast, competition pitmaster, restaurant owner, or simply someone who loves a great success story, Chris Williams brings plenty of inspiration, laughs, and barbecue knowledge to the table. 🎙️ ABOUT WISE GUYS BBQ Wise Guys BBQ brings together pitmasters, chefs, barbecue legends, and passionate food lovers to share their stories, cooking techniques, and experiences. From competition barbecue to backyard grilling, we're all about great food and the people behind it. 🔥 Subscribe for more BBQ podcasts, pitmaster interviews, BBQ recipes, and competition cooking tips! 🌐 Visit us: https://wiseguysbbq.com 🔔 Subscribe to Wise Guys BBQ and join the family! 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Would you ever expect to find a great steak or award-winning barbecue inside a gas station? Let us know in the comments! #ChrisWilliams #RoysGrille #WiseGuysBBQ #BBQPodcast #SouthCarolinaBBQ #Pitmaster #FoodNetwork #GullahGeechee

What happens when a computer programmer decides to “hack” barbecue? You get Harry Soo, the legendary pitmaster behind Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ. Harry joins the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast to share the incredible story of how a simple bucket-list challenge turned into a championship barbecue career, hundreds of trophies, an appearance on BBQ Pitmasters, and a lifetime dedicated to teaching others the art of barbecue. Harry breaks down how he approached brisket like a computer programmer using a “brute force attack,” cooking it over and over while documenting everything from smoke and wood to moisture, bark, temperature, and tenderness. 🔥 In this episode: 🥩 How Harry Soo accidentally got into competition BBQ 🏆 The story behind the Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ name 📺 How a random phone call landed him on BBQ Pitmasters 🔥 Harry’s four “tribes” of barbecue: ultra low and slow, low and slow, hot and fast, and ultra hot and fast 🥩 Why brisket became one of his favorite competition meats 🧠 How his background in technology changed the way he approaches barbecue 🏆 Why Harry donated hundreds of his BBQ trophies 🌎 What teaching barbecue around the world taught him ❤️ His philosophy of feeding, serving, teaching, and giving back Harry also explains why there isn’t just one “correct” way to cook barbecue and why techniques should change depending on whether you’re a backyard cook, competition pitmaster, restaurant owner, or caterer. This conversation goes far beyond barbecue. Harry shares lessons about humility, fear, failure, kindness, and why he believes the later stages of life should be about giving your knowledge away. Pull up a chair and meet one of the most fascinating personalities in barbecue. #HarrySoo #SlapYoDaddyBBQ #BBQPodcast #CompetitionBBQ #Brisket #BBQPitmasters #WiseGuysBBQ

What does it take to go from a home cook learning barbecue through YouTube videos to becoming a five-time Canadian BBQ champion? On this episode of Wise Guys BBQ, Vin and Charlie sit down with Janice SmellaQue of SmellaQue BBQ, one of Canada’s most accomplished competition barbecue cooks. Janice shares how a barbecue trip through Texas, including a life-changing stop at Franklin Barbecue, inspired her and her husband to buy their first smoker and eventually jump headfirst into competition BBQ. Janice takes us inside her journey through the competitive barbecue world, including cooking KCBS competitions, competing at the American Royal and Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, and even winning a contest where her only goal was to successfully turn in all four meats. She also talks about the science behind great barbecue, learning unfamiliar smokers on the fly, the challenges of cooking BBQ in Canada, open-fire cooking, Texas barbecue, and why getting outside your comfort zone can make you a better pitmaster. 🔥 In this episode: 🥩 How Texas barbecue started Janice’s BBQ obsession 🏆 Her journey to becoming a five-time Canadian BBQ champion 🔥 The hilarious story of winning brisket after thinking she burned it 💨 Learning competition BBQ through experimentation and repetition 🧪 The science and curiosity behind her cooking style 🇨🇦 What makes barbecue different in Canada 🍖 Her thoughts on Franklin Barbecue, Burnt Bean, 2M Smokehouse and Texas BBQ 🏆 Competing at the American Royal and Jack Daniel’s Invitational 🔥 Why stepping outside your comfort zone matters in barbecue Whether you're a backyard cook, competition pitmaster, or just obsessed with great BBQ, Janice’s story is proof that curiosity, experimentation, and a competitive streak can take you a long way. #competitionbbq #bbq #JackDanielsBBQ #WiseGuysBBQ #BBQPodcast #SmokedMeat #pitmaster

John from Grandpa Val’s joins the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast to share his unlikely journey from washing dishes in a New York City barbecue restaurant to becoming an executive pitmaster and competing on some of barbecue’s biggest stages. John explains how he worked his way into the pits at John Brown Smokehouse, won New York’s King of Brisket competition, and eventually entered the world of competition BBQ with his uncle. After earning a Grand Championship at only their third contest, Grandpa Val’s developed into one of the most consistent teams on the Northeast barbecue circuit—eventually earning an invitation to The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue. In this episode, John breaks down: Why competition barbecue requires flavor restraint How regional preferences can influence BBQ judging What certified and non-certified judges expect Why tenderness and texture matter more than overpowering flavor His strategy for competition chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and brisket The unforgettable American Royal brisket call Preparing for The Jack without regularly practicing The best barbecue restaurants to visit in New York City The family story behind the name Grandpa Val’s Launching Grandpa Val’s Smoking Meats on Long Island This conversation is packed with honest competition BBQ advice, New York barbecue stories, judging strategy, and lessons learned across more than 50 contests. Subscribe to Wise Guys BBQ for more conversations with pitmasters, competition cooks, restaurant owners, and the people shaping barbecue culture. 0:00 The Origin of Grandpa Val 1:08 The Path to the Pit 3:00 First Competition Wins 4:54 Competing During a Global Shift 7:58 The Logistics of No-Practice Cooking 12:21 Regional Flavor Profiles 29:10 Future Projects and Catering #CompetitionBBQ #GrandpaVals #WiseGuysBBQ #BBQPodcast #TheJack #AmericanRoyal #NewYorkBBQ #Pitmaster

Sterling Smith of Loot N’ Booty BBQ joins the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast to talk competition barbecue, championship chicken, BBQ rubs, and what it really takes to become a world champion pitmaster. From a disastrous backyard pork butt to the American Royal stage, Smitty’s story proves that great barbecue takes more than a secret seasoning. A U.S. Navy veteran, former commercial banker, and 2022 World Food Barbecue Champion, Sterling shares how a workplace BBQ competition sparked an entirely new career. We discuss his perfect-score chicken at the American Royal Invitational, two American Royal Open Reserve Grand Championships, and the adjustment to his pork and brisket that helped turn a disappointing cook into a breakthrough finish. Sterling also explains why preparation, repetition, and knowing how to recover when a cook goes wrong matter so much. Plus, hear how he tackled competition lamb in Australia, built the Loot N’ Booty BBQ seasoning brand, and found a passion for teaching backyard cooks around the world. 🔥 In this episode: • The military mindset behind Sterling’s competition BBQ approach • Turning chicken from a weak spot into a winning category • How BBQ classes and shared knowledge have raised the competition • A Celsius mix-up that nearly wrecked an Australian cook • Smoking, wrapping, holding, and finishing meat • Bringing competition-tested rubs into backyard BBQ and everyday cooking • The family support behind building a barbecue business Whether you’re learning to smoke meat, entering your first BBQ competition, or chasing more consistent results on your smoker, this conversation is packed with perspective from a pitmaster who has put in the work. Subscribe to Wise Guys BBQ for more pitmaster interviews, barbecue conversations, and cooking inspiration. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from a cook that went wrong? Tell us in the comments! 0:00 Intro 0:33 From Navy Service to BBQ Champion 2:05 The Price of Competition 3:18 Southern Roots and Kitchen Beginnings 5:06 Navy Life and Finding Home 7:24 The Military Mindset in BBQ 11:49 The Unexpected Banking Career 22:23 The 2014 American Royal Breakthrough #WiseGuysBBQ #LootNBootyBBQ #BBQPodcast

Alexia DiGilio-Mancini of U Had Me at Kitchen joins the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast—and this one is pure Rhode Island. Alexia takes us from her early days in the music business to building U Had Me at Kitchen, competing as Cook #63 on Food Network’s 100 Cooks, meeting and working with Terry Crews, and fighting her way into the Top 10. We also get into the heart of Alexia’s cooking: her Italian-American family, Mama Mary, Christmas Eve traditions, Sunday gravy, and the recipes and memories behind her new cookbook, Bring Back Sunday Dinner. Then Tommy the Butcher makes Alexia an offer she can't refuse: What happens when Italian-American cooking meets real barbecue? That collaboration is coming.