New Episode of Big Boyz BBQ Bytes!

We’re back on the competition trail — fresh off Worland and headed straight into the Montana Pitmaster Classic. This comp has given me some of my best highs (first walk, first trophy) and some of my toughest lows (subpar scores, long drives home). I

t’s the ultimate “Dumb & Dumber meme” competition: on the way there, full of hope; on the way home, either celebrating or questioning everything.I’ll break down Worland highlights (including Wyoming Smokeshow’s GC and Brinkerhoff BBQ’s 180 chicken with his Atomic Peach rub ), and then dive into my own rollercoaster history at the Classic.Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down — but you only lose if you stop showing up.

That’s barbecue. That’s life. Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts!#BBQ #CompetitionBBQ #KCBS #BigBoyzBBQBytes

What do Australian cult films, a platter of doom, and a cross-continental BBQ adventure have in common? In this episode of Big Boyz BBQ Bytes, John “Montana” Thomas ties it all together. From his rugby mate Kevin “Bad Boy Bubby” McHugh introducing him to the strangest film you’ve never seen, to their BBQ memories down under, to Kevin’s current trek up through Argentina, Brazil, and beyond—this one’s part travel log, part food tale, and part story about how BBQ connects people across continents. Oh, and yes—we’re talking about that Queensland BBQ joint with the gory-yet-glorious “Platter of Doom.” Also news about the next competition - the Montana Pitmaster Classic. Buckle up - its going to be a bumpy ride.

August 5–6, 2005: Five rugby players. One roadside BBQ joint. Twenty guys packed in a hotel room. One missing prop. And some very questionable painkillers.

In this throwback episode of Big Boyz BBQ Bytes, John Thomas recounts a legendary road trip to the Can-Am Rugby Tournament in Saranac Lake, NY — starting with ribs at Tail o’ the Pup BBQ, peaking with a Greyhound love story, and ending with slurred speech, solid legal advice, and a realization that rugby and barbecue share one universal truth: Even when you’re competing, you’re still among friends.

Also in this episode: Recaps from Blaze of '47 and Albany County Fair BBQ competitions Jackpot Vegas comp update — officially off the waitlist

Shoutouts to Heifers, SinBin, Bourbon & Blues, Big Juicy, and more

It’s an off week for Big Boyz BBQ, but the pits are fired up in Salt Lake City for the Blaze of ’47 BBQ Competition—and we’re sending good luck to friends like Red Beard BBQ, One Bite, Girls Can Grill, and more!

I share a quick update on my healing bicep (no surgery!), a status check on the Jackpot BBQ comp in Vegas, and a throwback to a wild rugby bachelor party road trip to Memphis, featuring ribs, beers, and a surprise visit to Rendezvous BBQ.

Plus, a teaser for next week’s story: the unforgettable Can-Am Rugby Games road trip.

Hey y’all, it’s John—pitmaster of Big Boyz BBQ and your host for another bite-sized BBQ story session. This week’s episode is a little different.

With no competition on the schedule for a while, I’m taking a deep breath—and a long look back—at the road so far. I talk about what keeps me coming back to the pit (even when the scores don’t), how I plan to stay sharp during this competition break, and what barbecue really means to me when there’s no turn-in table in sight. I’ll also share a little about what’s next—some fun stories I’ve been saving, things I’m experimenting with, and why the BBQ community means more than just brisket and chicken.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just BBQ-curious, this episode is for anyone who knows that barbecue is as much about the journey as it is about the meat. Tune in, subscribe, and stay saucy until the next comp!

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Recap of both the Montana BBQ Cookoff results and the most recent competition in Blackfoot ID. We will also talk about memories of Washington DC on July 4 - fitting - and friends - where are they now? Making Wine Babbler Podcast - Hear about Roger and Erik's PodCast Wine Babblers - which takes a unique approach to talking about a fun hobby and not taking anything too serious. We will also discuss plans for a Santa Maria Grill and Northern Cali Dreams of Oysters, Wine and trying just the Tip. Happy 4th of July

We are headed to Blackfoot, Idaho for Smoke N Wings BBQ Competition. While it's heating up this weekend, it wasn't long ago that Montana saw snow - last weekend June 20.

That unexpected cold snap took me back to Copper Mountain, Colorado, where in June of 2023 I found myself cooking brisket in the snow - and made one of the most frustrating mistakes of my BBQ Career.

In this episode of Big Boyz BBQ Bytes, I'm sharing the brutal lessons from that cook: What went wrong, how a tiny overlooked detail detailed my entire brisket and the one conversation that planted the seed for a major change in my chicken game.

There are stories that stick with you - especially if you are a budget savvy pitmaster trying to get better with every comp. So grab a seat by the smoker and join me for this week's edition of Lessons from the Pit.

Before Big Boyz BBQ Montana - there was Big Boyz BBQ Virginia. This is how 2 ordinary guys from the burbs brought their home made smokers to Washington, DC and competed against the best teams in the country. Surprise - we did not win - but we did catch the bug.