Episode 279 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features “Fast Eddy” Ed Maurin, a member of the BBQ Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Ed is one of seven inductees joining the Hall on Nov. 2 during ceremonies held at the American Royal World Series of BBQ at Kansas Speedway. One of the heavy hitters on the competition circuit back in the late 1980s and 1990s…

Coach Mark Gottfried engages in an enlightening conversation with Jimbo Fisher. The discussion covers the camaraderie among coaches, Fisher's coaching journey, and his roots in West Virginia with the Bowden family. Reflecting on his career as a Division III National Player of the Year and his emotional departure from Florida State after winning a B…

On Episode 278 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with one of the all-time greats of competition cooking about his latest business venture. Travis Clark recently opened a new Clark Crew BBQ restaurant in Tulsa to go with his flagship location in Oklahoma City. Travis discusses the myriad of issues that crop up when opening a new venue and h…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with legendary college basketball player Tyler Hansbrough. They explore Tyler’s admiration for Kobe Bryant's work ethic, his college recruitment experience, and the intense pickup games at North Carolina. Tyler gives his thoughts on the new age of college sports and the challenges with the NCAA. They also discuss Tyle…

Long-time competition cook Joel Fleetwood never dreamed of having his Meat Rushmore BBQ team’s name on a BBQ restaurant. But after winning last weekend’s Made for KC event, that’s exactly what will happen in the fall of 2025. On Episode 277 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Joel talks about what the opportunity to have naming rights, with menu cons…

Coach Mark Gottfried interviews Thurl Bailey about his journey at NC State and their 1983 national championship. Bailey discusses the uncertainty following Coach Sloan's departure and how Coach Valvano's charismatic leadership and vision for a championship united the team. The conversation also covers Bailey's NBA career, the influence of legendary…

“The Doctor” is in on Episode 276 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe, one of the all-time greats of open-fire cooking, joins us this week and we begin by talking about his time on the Food Network Show BBQ Brawl, Season 5, which aired over the summer. Ray talks about what it was like being “the old guy” on a show with a lineup of…

Coach Mark Gottfried chats with former MLB star Jermaine Dye. They explore the 2005 season's success, emphasizing team unselfishness and camaraderie. Dye shares memories of his big-league debut, minor league challenges, and the importance of professionalism. He discusses his children's sports ambitions, his own developmental journey, and influentia…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with NFL legend Eric Dickerson for an engaging conversation. Eric reflects on his journey from a small-town upbringing in Sealy, Texas, to becoming a Hall of Fame running back. He discusses the physical toll of football, the importance of maintaining fitness, and how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) could have impacted…

On Episode 275 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we shine the light on a recent first-time KCBS Grand Championship winner. Chris Leikam and Devin Schwartz from the Kansas competition team Finger Leikam Good were college friends at Kansas State and enjoyed cooking before Wildcats football games at Snyder Family Stadium. They eventually took their lo…

He’s lived the American Dream, a United States Navy veteran who worked the overnight shift at the Des Moines, Iowa, water treatment plant. During his spare time, Moe Cason fired up the smoker and dabbled in competition BBQ. On a suggestion from the legendary Johnny Trigg, “Big Moe” sent in an audition video for the groundbreaking BBQ television pro…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry to delve into his illustrious career. Horry reflects on his championship mindset, shares anecdotes about college and NBA moments, and emphasizes the importance of team dynamics over individual stats. They discuss Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legacy, coaching changes, and NBA's emphas…

On Episode 273 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we learn about a new competition and festival in mid-Missouri that will include three sanctioning bodies. It’s the Buds, Blues & BBQ in Columbia, Sept. 13-14, with opportunities to enter the KCBS Master’s Series regular comp plus one-meat chicken cook, a Steak Cookoff Association comp and the new Rib…

Coach Mark Gottfried delves into the essence of leadership and decision-making with guest Marc Koehler, a former naval officer and leadership expert. Through discussions on the GID mentality, Koehler and Gottfried explore the critical elements that define effective leadership. Koehler shares riveting experiences from his time on a nuclear submarine…

Whether it’s cooking in the backyard or the highest level of competition, Christie Vanover is someone who has been instrumental in helping open-fire cooks worldwide up their games since she launched her GirlsCanGrill.com website in 2015. With recipes, tips, product reviews and much more, it’s a one of the top resources available. Christie joins us …

Lessons learned from this High Achiever, Steve Keim, former NFL General Manager of the Arizona Cardinals. How Steve Became an NFL Executive of the year! Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes former Arizona Cardinals GM, Steve Keim, to discuss his extensive career in the NFL and his college football days at NC State. Keim shares valuable insights into the e…

Episode 271 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast has arrived and it has a variety of guests as we welcome the month of August. At the 7:58 mark, Emmy-award-winning television news producer turned author and now podcast host David Page returns to discuss his latest project. Page’s new podcast “Culinary Characters Unlocked” debuts Aug. 27 as he goes in-d…

Joe and Mike Gottfried. A lifetime of Impacting and Caring about others. Learn about the journey from small town Crestline Ohio to a life in coaching and athletic administration!By Mark Gottfried

It’s become one of the jewels on the late-season KCBS calendar, a doubleheader to cap the points season. But only a few days ago, the 4th annual Boo-B-Que was on the verge of cancellation. No worries. The Oct. 25-27 event in Oak Grove, Mo., will go on after Greg Hastie, who began the event three years ago but had too much on his plate to run it aga…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with the multifaceted Bentley Evans to explore the transformational shifts in Hollywood. Bentley, best known for his work with Jamie Foxx and Martin Lawrence, delves into the evolution of content creation, the impact of social media, and the rise of independent projects. Discussing his personal journey and the challen…

After running hard in 2023, cooking 44 contests as he successfully chased KCBS Team of the Year honors, Jordan Kirkpatrick and Janky Leg BBQ has slowed the pace a bit this season. But after an addition to the family and a home remodel project, Janky Leg is back and ready for a big second half, evidenced by the team’s first GC of the year last weeke…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with Chris Rivers for an in-depth discussion on the transformative impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on college athletes. They explore the challenges and opportunities NIL presents, including contract conflicts and athlete integrity. Rivers shares his journey from Oakland, the importance of personal connection…

On Episode 268 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with one of the top teams on the West Coast - and one of the best in the USA. Dave and Shirin Mara from Meat Candy Q out of El Cajon, Calif., is enjoying a terrific 2024 season with one KCBS Grand Championship and and three RGCs in just 10 competitions. Meat Candy is sixth in the Team of the…

In this heartfelt episode of the Front Row Podcast, Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes his daughter, Mary Layson Gottfried, as a special guest. Together, they delve into memorable moments from road trips to rival basketball games and the challenges of growing up around athletics. Mary reflects on her journey in the modeling industry, navigating public c…

Happy 4th of July to all! To celebrate, Episode 267 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features two great guests. Leading off is one of the best to ever light a pit, BBQ Hall of Famer Darren Warth from Iowa Smokey D’s. While he’s won more than 100 grand championships during his career, including multiple majors, Darren accomplished a first last weeke…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with sports broadcaster Allison Williams to discuss her inspiring career journey. From her humble beginnings with local sports shows to her rise at ESPN and eventual move to Fox, Allison shares the vital role of preparation, confidence, and a robust support system. She speaks candidly about facing professional setback…

Mike and Nichole Mulkey of Mulkey’s BBQ from St. Louis are one of the many successful husband-wife competition BBQ teams in the country. On Episode 266 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we learn how they work together after Mulkey’s won the Grand Championship at the 172-team Great Lenexa BBQ Battle. The back-to-back St. Louis BBQ Society Team of th…

Coach Mark Gottfried delves into a compelling conversation with Nate Oats, the head basketball coach at the University of Alabama. They discuss the evolving landscape of college basketball, emphasizing the impact of NIL rules and the transfer portal. Mark Sears' growth and potential in the NBA are highlighted, alongside the significance of three-po…

We asked for nominations for up-and-coming competition BBQ pitmasters or teams and our listeners delivered with lots of great suggestions. This week on Episode 265 of the Tailgate Guys BBGQ Podcast, we bring you an extended “Under the Radar” segment with Joe Wilson and B.J. Searcy from the northern California team Cherry Anchor BBQ. Despite only do…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright to discuss his storied career in college basketball. Jay Wright reflects on pivotal moments, including a crucial loss that sparked his team's resilience, the importance of continuous improvement, and the dynamics of mentorship among coaches. They also delve into the evolving landscap…

On Episode 264 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, our “Under the Radar” segment returns by popular demand. This week, our look at an up-and-coming pitmaster focuses on Kansas City’s Lane York of Aww Shucks BBQ. York’s primary focus has been on KCBS Backyard competition so far, but he’s done well in limited Masters’ Series attempts and does so withou…

Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes Eric Musselman, USC’s head basketball coach. They explore Coach Musselman’s extensive coaching background which includes coaching in the NBA, his transition to USC, and the unique opportunities in Southern California. They also reflect on the influence of their fathers being coaches growing up and discuss adapting to t…

It’s an action packed Episode 263 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with an assortment of guests with good info and stories to tell. First up at the 9:26 mark is Charles Simpson, with a preview of the National High School BBQ Championships coming up this weekend (June 7-9) in Branson, Missouri. As director of the Missouri High School BBQ Association…

Coach Mark Gottfried and Blake Lawrence, co-founder of Opendorse, delve into the transformative impact of NIL on college sports. They discuss the new challenges in athlete compensation, the recruiting chaos, and financial strains on athletic departments. Blake shares how Opendorse helps athletes monetize their brand with ease and transparency. List…

The 6th annual KCBS World Invitational was held over Memorial Day Weekend in Lebanon, Tenn., and on Episode 262 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we talk it over with both of the big winners. Drew Davis of Razorracks BBQ out of Pleasant Plains, Ark., has won 28 KCBS Grand Championships during his career. But Drew and wife Chelsey picked up their big…

We’re all about celebrating the iconic BBQ teams on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, but we also love to shine the spotlight on those up-and-coming teams who achieve big things. This week on Episode 261, we focus on Barking Dog BBQ out of Kansas City, a team of childhood friends Dave Lillis, Kevin Bunting and Brian Tuttle. Barking Dog BBQ (we explore…

Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes former NFL Defensive End Marcellus Wiley, who shares his journey from Compton to Columbia University. Marcellus talks about overcoming challenges, the importance of education and family, and his foundation, Project Transition. They explore his transition to the Ivy League, his fearless nature, and his commitment to emp…

Episode 260 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast takes us to the Phoenix area to visit with Kyle Matuszewski, owner-operator of Your Behind BBQ restaurant in Florence. Kyle is a long-time competitor on the Steak Cookoff Association and KCBS trails and he’s parlayed that success into a red-hot start in the restaurant business. Kyle breaks down his story…

Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes Mike Brey, Notre Dame’s all-time winningest Head Basketball Coach, to explore their extensive coaching careers. They share insights on the evolution of college basketball with the NIL and transfer rules, recount lessons learned, and the importance of adaptability. Their conversation spans experiences from coaching at m…

When we’re asked about BBQ restaurant recommendations in the St. Louis area, Heavy Smoke BBQ always is at the top of our list. On Episode 259 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with Chris Schafer, the owner-operator of Heavy Smoke BBQ about the constantly overlapping thrills and challenges of the restaurant industry. Chris also is on…

Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes Steve Lavin, head basketball coach at the University of San Diego, to discuss the challenges and milestones in college basketball coaching. Coach Lavin shares insights from his career progression and the intense experiences associated with being a head coach at UCLA. They explore the changing dynamics in college sports…

One of the greatest to light a pit - and a great friend of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show since the beginning on local, low-powered radio - joins us for an extended conversation on Episode 258. Brad Leighninger just passed the 11-year anniversary of his first BBQ Grand Championship. Now, 70 GCs later, Gettin’ Basted is a three-time KCBS Team of the Yea…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. These two legendary coaches dialogue about their family ties, their similar, small-town upbringings, and what has kept them in the roller-coaster business of coaching for so long.By Mark Gottfried

On Episode 257 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with one of world’s hottest pitmasters. Eric Coley from Alabama’s Poppa Pig BBQ is leading the KCBS Team of the Year standings with three Grand Championships and seven top-10 finishes in eight 2024 competitions. It’s a start that’s signaled a breakthrough after Eric went through a two…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with Super Bowl winning coach John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. From their shared roots in Crestline, Ohio, Coach Harbaugh shares his heartwarming journey from a small town to leading the Baltimore Ravens to the apex of the NFL. Delve into tales of familial bonds, sibling rivalry with brother Jim Harb…

Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with Mick Cronin, Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball program at UCLA. Both coaches talk about the grind of coaching, the undeniable sacrifices you have to make in order to be great, and the change in college basketball’s landscape.By Mark Gottfried

World renowned author of the book, “After The Game,” Jay Dixon describes his journey from a college football player to successful business man. In the days since college sports, Jay has built a niche for former athletes.By Mark Gottfried

Jon and Jason Wade of Optimus Swine BBQ out of Williamsburg, Virginia have one of the hottest competition BBQ teams around. Since moving into the KCBS Master’s division a couple of years ago, the Wades have seven Grand Championships and seven RGCs in 63 competitions. They also own and operate two BBQ restaurants in the Williamsburg area, Two Drumme…

Scott Tompsett has represented over 100 coaches, including 3 Hall of Fame Men’s Basketball coaches, in various cases against the NCAA. Coach Mark Gottfried sits down to talk with him about his journey as a lawyer in collegiate and professional sports spheres, his thoughts on NIL, and what the future could be for the NCAA as a governing body.…

Based in north central North Dakota, Burnt Trees BBQ has a long haul no matter where it goes for a competition. But the husband-wife team of Nick and Shannon Holman is almost always a contender when it arrives, with its 2024 debut proving the point. Burnt Trees BBQ captured the 97-team Smoke in the Spring in Osage City, Kansas, topping the 700-poin…