What Raelyn Barker lacks in size and age she makes up with experience and the abilty to name drop without even knowing she it. While driving isn't even on the horizon for this youngster she is making a name for herself having won Master Chef Juniors Home For The Holidays competition as well as taking home hardware at the The Royale and Houston Rodeo competitions. We caught up with Rae at Memphis in May the day before she was set to compete in the World Junior BBQ Championships at SmokeSlam. Keep an eye on this one...she is cooking up some amazing food and will be around for years to come! Follow her on Instagram Follow her on Facebook Follow her on YouTube

Ron Dimpflmaier is a BBQ legend. As one of the original members of the Big Green Egg team, Captain Ron, knows his way around the smoke. We sat down with Ron at Memphis In May where he was representing Fogo Charcoal. We talked about how he got started, what he love about BBQ and how he can't believe he gets to do what he does! For some reason this audio isn't the best...push through it because Ron is a great interview. Follow Ron: Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jeremy Yoder is a barbecue enthusiast from Kentucky who loves to spend time smoking meat and enjoying the rewards of a long cook. He graduated college in Lexington, KY in 2012 with a degree in Biochemistry and after stumbling upon the science of smoking meats his life was changed. He has become the MaD Scientist BBQ! His solcial meaid and YouTube content has become some of the best and most respected anywhere. We sat down with Jeremy at the inaugural Smoke Slam in Memphis Tennessee and talked about everything from how it all started, gorwing up and what is next for he and his wife Erica. Follow Jeremy: Instagram Facebook YouTube

Thought it would be a great time to catch up and get everyone up to speed with all that has been happening. Summer has flown by and there were a ton of cool things that happened - lets chat about them!

Its not every day you get to sit down with a BBQ Hall of Fame member but at the inagural SmokeSlam BBQ Festival in Memphis Tennessee we had that opportunity. Melissa is two time World Champion at Memphis in May and this year she found herself at the upstart competing event, SmokeSlam, where she was one of the faces of the event as well as the reason that the largest prize in youth BBQ was being given away that weekend too. We talked about her passion for BBQ, business and her founding of the World Junior BBQ League where she hopes to inspire the next generation of competition pitmasters. For more information on Melissa go to her website https://melissacookston.com/ A special thank you to our sponsor Tent Craft. If you need a tent for your business reach out to them. Mention May The Smoke Be With You and get 15 % off your custom tent order.

Summary Rick Scheen, the owner of Pecos Tables, shares his journey of creating the best outdoor table on the market. The idea came to him when he was frustrated with not having a suitable table to clean fish. He sketched a design and spent three years and $15,000 developing it. The Pecos table is a portable working surface at the right height, solid, and can hold up to 3000 pounds. It has a unique locking leg mechanism and is popular among outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the barbecue world. In this conversation, Rick Scheen discusses the challenges and successes of building a business around high-quality, American-made outdoor tables. He talks about the unexpected demand from different customer segments and the importance of authenticity in marketing. Rick also shares his passion for supporting American workers and the difficulties of manufacturing in the United States. He emphasizes the intersection of faith and business in his life and the importance of having a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Rick concludes by teasing upcoming product launches and expressing his gratitude for the support. Keyword Takeaways Creating a successful product requires identifying a pain point and providing a solution. The Pekus table is a portable working surface that is solid and can hold up to 3000 pounds. The unique locking leg mechanism and height make it popular among outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the barbecue world. The journey of building a product company requires hard work, dedication, and overcoming challenges. Building a business around high-quality, American-made products comes with challenges but also provides a sense of pride and authenticity. Understanding and catering to different customer segments can lead to unexpected demand and success. Supporting American workers and manufacturing in the United States is a personal and business priority for Rick Scheen. Faith plays a significant role in Rick's life and intersects with his business decisions and actions. Upcoming product launches are anticipated, and Rick is grateful for the support he has received.

You've seen her on Food Network and Netflix. She is an award winning pitmaster who lights up social media with her down to earth approach, her southern accent and her humor. She was at Memphis in May with Team Green cooking up a storm. She stopped by our Tent Craft tent and chatted with us about Memphis in May and what new projects she has coming up.

We spent a couple days in Memphis attending Memphis in May and the inaugural SmokeSlam event. We started off our time talking to one our favorites John York and his Dad, Russell, from Russell's BBQ in Linesville PA. Last year they shocked the BBQ world when they won 1st place in Wings. They talk about coming back to defend and we here the story on how it all started and why they cook on a Primo.

Josh Smith has quickly built an empire in Montana. A knife empire that has brand loyalists from all over clamoring for their knife drops that can often sell out in minutes. The Montana Knife Company story started being written when Josh was only 11 years old and continues today as he and his partner have a team of 56 producing some of the worlds greatest knives. Josh shares how he fell in love with making knives, quickly became an expert and how MKC has grown to what it is today.

The biggest GIVEAWAY in the ✨ star ✨ system is back and bigger and better than ever! This year’s GRAND PRIZE 🎁will be worth over $7,000! One winner will win: 🔥 @primoceramicgrills Primo XL ceramic grill - $1699 🔥 @matchlesscabinet Matchless Grand Mesa Cabinet - $2950 🔥 @plumcreekwagyu Plum Creek Wagyu May The Fourth Box featuring a full blooded wagyu brisket, burger, ribeyes and more! - $574 🔥 @orcacoolers 80 qt Blaze Orange Cooler and a Wanderer 24 in Camo - $892 🔥 @grillgrates Grillgrates Primo Grates - $199 🔥 @fieldcompany Field Company #16 Double Handled Skillet - $350 🔥 @colonel_littleton May The Smoke Be With You Logo’d Leather Apron, Two leather can caddies and leather flyswatter from Colonel Littleton - $466 🔥 @royaloakcharcoal One year supply of charcoal from Royal Oak Charcoal (in the form of certificates) - $240 To Enter go to https://kingsumo.com/g/dss8im/may-the-smoke-be-with-you-giveaway-2024

Operation BBQ was born out of tragedy and now, 11 million meals later, cofounder and CEO Stan Hays has some great ideas for what is next for the organization. We talk the genesis of Operation BBQ, his own cooking journey and their plans for the brand new Camp Operation BBQ Relief. Operation BBQ is always looking for volunteers and if you want to know how to help download their app. Follow Operation BBQ Relief on Instagram Follow Stan on Instagram Follow Operation BBQ Relief on Facebook Go to Operation BBQ Website

If you ever want to be motivated to start your own journey you need to look no further than this conversation with Arnis Robbins from Evie Mae's BBQ in Wolfforth TX. From a backyard pitmaster to a Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ joint. We talk his BBQ journey, how he met his wife and their new location that will be opening soon in Florida. We are, once again, live from the BBQ Love Fest in Tampa Florida...enjoy this epic episode! Follow Evie Mae's on Instagram Follow Evie Mae's on Facebook Evie Mae's Website

To say I enjoyed my time with Anthony is an understatement...in our short conversation I saw his love not only for food, BBQ and his family but for the team he leads at all of his Swig And Swine locations. Born and raised in Mantua, New Jersey, Anthony DiBernardo has always had a passion for cooking. He entered the culinary world when he was 14 as a banquet cook. Later, the US Navy brought Anthony to the Lowcountry, where he has lived for nearly 25 years. After serving as a cook on the USS Batfish submarine for four years, Anthony began working in the kitchen at Blossom Café. His résumé includes roles as the Executive Chef at Kiawah Island Resort, Corporate Executive Chef at Mustard Seed, and Operating Partner and Head Chef at Rita’s. After incorporating barbecue menu items during each culinary venture, Anthony started his own barbecue catering business, where his passion started to set fire. He opened Swig & Swine BBQ in collaboration with Queen Street Hospitality Group in 2013 and became sole proprietor of Swig & Swine in 2019. This episode was recorded live at Brisket Love Fest in Tampa. Shortly after Antony's son, Asher, was in a skateboard accident that left Anthony fighting for his life. Anthony has shared Asher's journey on their social channels. In addition there is a GoFundMe to help cover some of the medical bills for Asher's recovery. Asher's GoFundMe Click HERE Follow Swig and Swine on Instagram Follow Swig and Swine on Facebook

Its not every day you can sit across the table from a true legend. I traveled to Decatur Alabama to have that chance when I sat down with BBQ Hall Fame Member, 17 time World Champion and iconic pitmaster Chris Lilly. Chris talks about his early years in BBQ, the pressure of running a legendary BBQ establishment and what its like to be working side by side with his sons now. I got a sneak peak behind the scenes of their flagship location and was sent away with food for the whole family. It was an incredible time and I won't forget this conversation for a very long time. Cannot wait for the next chance i get to spend time with this legend. Follow Chris on Instagram HERE Follow Chris on Facebook HERE Visit Big Bob Gibson website HERE For more information on Tent Craft go HERE. Mention May The Smoke Be With You and receive 15% off your custom tent.

On the 40th episode of May The Smoke Be With You BBQ podcast we went BIG as we sit down with the one and only Mel Chmilar, renowned pitmaster and creator of Dark Side of The Grill. With his trademark blend of charisma and expertise, Mel shares tantalizing tales from behind the smoker, offering insights into his personal story and what gets him excited about putting that "fire in the hole." Hailing from the great white north of Edmonton Alberta caught up with Mel at the BBQ Love Fest in Tampa Florida. You quickly see how this self taught pitmaster has quickly become one of the leading BBQ influencers with his "full send" philosophy! A true BBQ Jedi he is!

We are live from The BBQ LOve Fest in Tampa Florida again sitting down with another amazing pitmaster. On this exciting episode of May The Smoke Be With You BBQ podcast, we're thrilled to have the fiery force behind Fire and Smoke BBQ, none other than the legendary pitmaster Mikey Kay. With a passion for all things smoky and delicious, Mikey shares his journey from backyard griller to barbecue aficionado, offering invaluable insights into the art of low-and-slow cooking and the magic of flavor infusion. From his mouthwatering rubs to his expertly crafted sauces, Mikey's expertise promises to ignite your taste buds and elevate your grilling game. Join us as we dive into the world of Fire and Smoke BBQ with the one and only Mikey Kay. Prepare to be inspired and hungry for more! Follow Fire and Smoke on Instagram Follow Mikey on Instagram

In this special episode of May The Smoke Be With You BBQ podcast ( live from BBQ Love Fest in Tampa), we're thrilled to welcome the culinary genius behind Butter Knife Shawty BBQ, Antonio Harris. Known for his innovative approach to barbecue and his infectious passion for flavor, Antonio takes us on a journey through his culinary adventures, sharing stories of his humble beginnings and the evolution of his signature style. From his mouthwatering marinades to his expert grilling techniques, Antonio's insights promise to ignite your taste buds and inspire your next backyard cookout. Join us as we uncover the secrets of Butter Knife Shawty BBQ and delve into the delicious world of Antonio Harris. Don't miss out on this flavorful conversation and hear what Dirty Fries are! For more information on Butter Knife Shawty BBQ go to https://www.butterknifeshawtybbq.com/ Follow Antonio on Instagram Follow Antonio on Facebook

We are LIVE from the BBQ Love Fest in Tampa Florida where we caught up with Primo Grill Category Manager Mike Radosevich. Mike is the man when it comes to all things Primo and any chance we have to sit down with him and talk about what is new with Primo we do it. Follow Mike on Instagram For more information on Primo follow them on Instagram or go to their website. Look for Primo's new XXL model this spring at a Primo Dealers near you. To find a Primo dealer go HERE.

Do you get energy when you are around someone who just loves what they do? After sitting down with Jack Daniel's Brand Ambassador Jed Lirette I had energy for days. Jed Lirette is Senior Homeplace Ambassador at the Jack Daniel Distillery. Every day looks a little different for Jed, whether he’s conducting VIP tastings and barrel selections, leading press tours or participating in a Jack Daniel’s commercial. When he’s not making friends for the brand in Lynchburg, Jed represents the distillery at events in Nashville and beyond. Jed was hired as a tour guide for the distillery in 2015. Soon after, he became an official whiskey taster, heading to the quality control lab every Friday morning to sample freshly mellowed new whiskey. In 2019, he was named senior ambassador tour guide. Before his time at Jack, Jed was enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served 15 years in numerous IT roles, notably as a senior network engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense. Jed was deployed to the UK, Dubai, Germany, Qatar and Afghanistan during his service. Jed may no longer have top-secret security clearance, but at Jack Daniel’s, he’s charged with upholding the values and traditions of a 156-year-old brand he’s long admired. Jed’s experience as a tour guide – and his curiosity about whiskey making and local lore – has ignited a passion for the brand and the place that he shares with visitors from around the world each day. A native of Houma, Louisiana, Jed has called the Lynchburg area home since 1985. Jed and his wife Maribeth live in Petersburg, Tennessee and have three children.

What an honor to sit down with Lexie Phillips! Lexie Phillips was hired as assistant distiller at the Jack Daniel Distillery in 2020. In this role, she uses her full knowledge of distillery history and the whiskey-making process to serve as a collaborator to Master Distiller Chris Fletcher on whiskey innovation. She travels as a brand ambassador to conduct tasting events and brand education, and also conducts in-depth distillery tours for visitors to Lynchburg. We talk Jack Daniels history, how she got started, how Jack is, at its roots, a family business and HER story too! Hearing Lexie's passion first hand made me want to run home, grab a glass and crack a bottle of Gentleman Jack and taste Lynchburg. Follow Lexie on Instagram HERE