This episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast features Ashton Smith and Josh Farley of O.G. Bandits BBQ, a team that truly embodies what BBQ is all about—family, community, and championship flavor. From Oak Grove, Missouri, they’ve built a reputation for incredible cooks, created sauces and rubs that capture competition flavor for the backyard, and continue to leave their mark on the BBQ scene.

They were crowned Grand Champions at the 2023 Made for KC BBQ Championship, they’re featured at the Kansas City Airport, and they’ve built a brand that’s pure heart and authenticity.

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In this episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast, Bre Via and Brad Colter of Smoke ’n Magic BBQ a remarkable couple whose love story and BBQ journey are fire and flavor rolled into one. Brad Colter and Bre Via—better known as Smoke ’n Magic—met at a BBQ competition in 2020. Not only did sparks fly, but so did their passion for competition cooking.

Since then, they’ve become KC BBQ legends—winning the inaugural Made for KC BBQ Championship, launching their own eatery at Kansas City International Airport, and building a line of sauces, rubs, and even a Bloody Mary mix.

Pitmasters, parents, and partners in life—Brad and Bre prove BBQ isn’t just about smoke and meat, it’s about family, community, and a little bit of magic.

An insightful episode for BBQ teams, couples, and collaborative pitmasters.

The BBQ Therapy Podcast features Bill Heyen of Triple H BBQ in a powerful episode focused on discipline, preparation, and mental toughness in competition barbecue.

Host Tavis Bryant and Bill discuss the realities of competing, learning from tough cooks, and staying focused when the pressure is high. This conversation explores what separates good cooks from great pitmasters and how barbecue builds resilience both on and off the pit.

2021 American Royal Invitational Grand Champion, holder of 19 Grand Championships, 12 Reserve GCs, dozens of 700+ scores, 30+ category wins, and a relentless consistency that’s hard to match. husband,father ,Illinois farmer, and competition BBQ addict who even teaches in the pit live. Bill, welcome.”

A must-watch episode for anyone serious about competition BBQ and personal growth.

n this episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast, Jordan Kirkpatrick of Janky Leg BBQ joins host Tavis Bryant for a raw and real conversation about competition BBQ, creativity, and embracing imperfection.

Jordan ‘Janky Leg’ Kirkpatrick of Janky Leg BBQ—a KCBS Grand Champion, 2023 Team of the Year winner, and one of the most respected voices in competitive BBQ. Born in Benton, Illinois, Jordan rose through the Kansas City-style competition scene to win the 2023 American Royal Open, and he’s still chasing greatness. But behind the trophies are stories of resilience, mentorship, and the love of cooking. Today, we’re pulling back the foil and getting into the man behind the smoke.”

The BBQ Therapy Podcast continues with Cary Chasteen of Hold Your Horses BBQ, “Today on BBQ Therapy, we’ve got a pitmaster whose name you don’t forget and whose results you can’t ignore. He started the 2025 season started with a perfect 180 score, but Cary’s story goes deeper: from cooking with his dad in Griffin, Georgia, to mastering both BBQ and poker, to mentoring the next wave of competitors. He’s got the calm of a card shark, the precision of a surgeon, and the heart of a teacher. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the wins, the near-misses, and the mindset that keeps him steady when the smoke gets thick.”

In this episode of the BBQ Therapy Podcast, host Tavis Bryant of Ya-Go HAM BBQ sits down with Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ for a deep dive into competition barbecue, pitmaster mindset, and the mental grind behind consistent success.

We’re joined by a name that needs no smoke signals to be recognized—Travis Clark of Clark Crew BBQ. From a humble start in 2012 to winning 60 Grand Championships in 258 competitions , two Team of the Year titles, and claiming trophies at both the American Royal and The Jack, Travis has built one of the most dominant careers in BBQ history. H is e maxed out KCBS points by July, earned over 800 awards, and later brought that same intensity to the restaurant world—partnering with Famous Dave to open his flagship Clark Crew BBQ in Oklahoma City, and now expanding to Tulsa. Today, we’re digging into what drove the rise, what broke him down, and what the smoke revealed along the way.”

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, Tavis sits down with Gabe Treviño, the pitmaster behind Smokin Volts BBQ, one of the most electric (literally and figuratively) teams in the modern BBQ circuit.

Gabe shares how a backyard hobby turned into a competitive obsession, the lessons he’s learned traveling the KCBS circuit over the USA, and the heart behind the Smokin Volts brand. From dialed-in ribs to big-energy brisket cooks, Gabe brings fire, passion, and a whole lot of honesty about what it really takes to climb the leaderboard.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitor looking for inspiration, this episode will charge you up.

⚡ Topics We Cover:

• The origin story of Smokin Volts BBQ

• What it takes to grow a competitive BBQ brand

• Trials, wins, and wisdom from the circuit

• Ribs, brisket, and the cooks that built his confidence

• How community fuels the journey

• Staying grounded while leveling up

🎧 ABOUT BBQ THERAPY:

BBQ Therapy is the show where pitmasters open up about their craft, their journey, and the power of barbecue to bring people together. Hosted by Tavis Bryant.

In this episode of BBQ Therapy, Tavis sits down with Chef Phillip Dell—a Chopped Champion, culinary educator, world-class pitmaster, and the force behind some of the most balanced, technique-driven barbecue coming out of Las Vegas.

Chef Dell opens up about his journey from bodybuilding to fine dining, from high-pressure TV competitions to teaching the next generation of cooks and pitmasters. We talk flavor principles, competition mindset, culinary discipline, and how embracing the craft can change your life both in and out of the kitchen.

If you want to cook with intention, elevate your BBQ game, or learn from a champion who blends classical culinary technique with smoke and fire—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🔥 Topics We Cover:

• Chef Dell’s evolution from bodybuilding to becoming a Chopped Champion

• How culinary school shaped his BBQ philosophy

• Lessons learned from TV competitions

• Discipline, mindset, and staying consistent

• Building flavor profiles that win

• Teaching, mentoring, and inspiring new pitmasters

• The connection between food, identity, and personal growth

🎧 ABOUT BBQ THERAPY:

BBQ Therapy is the show where fire, flavor, and real conversations collide. Host Tavis Bryant explores the stories, struggles, and successes behind the pit—whether you’re a backyard griller or an aspiring competitor.