May The Smoke Be With You BBQ Podcast Joe Leavitt

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