BBQ Therapy

Jay Lobello - Korte Meat Processing | 915 Hemlock St.

Today, we step inside a legacy. From a small-town butcher shop in Highland, Illinois, founded in 1969 by Alfred Korte and Don Richter… to a 54,000-square-foot powerhouse known across the country—Korte Meat Processing is more than a business. It’s a symbol of craftsmanship, consistency, and community. With the world’s largest drying room, award-winning sausages, and a reputation as “The Best in the Midwest,” Korte has become a destination for competition pitmasters, deer hunters, and backyard legends alike. But this episode goes deeper than the accolades. Joined by Jay Lobello, we explore the story behind the growth—the values that built it, the people who sustain it, and the responsibility that comes with carrying a legacy forward. Because this isn’t just about meat. It’s about tradition, trust, and doing things the right way—no matter how big you get. This is BBQ Therapy. #BBQTherapy, #KorteMeatProcessing, #ButcherShop, #BBQPodcast, #MeatProcessing, #SausageMaking, #MidwestBBQ, #CompetitionBBQ, #BBQLife, #Craftsmanship, #FoodLegacy, #BBQCommunity, #ButcherLife, #HighlandIllinois

Mini-cast ( 4 everyone) - The Pit builds you

The pit does more than cook meat—it builds you. In this minicast, we break down how time behind the smoker shapes patience, discipline, and mental toughness. Every long cook, every mistake, every adjustment—it’s all doing something deeper than just producing good BBQ. This episode connects the dots between the fire and real life. How learning to manage heat teaches you to manage pressure. How waiting on a brisket teaches you to trust the process. And how showing up consistently—even when it’s hard—builds a mindset that carries far beyond the backyard or the competition circuit. Because the pit isn’t just a tool… it’s a teacher.

Kim Darnell - Old Virginia Smoke | Standing Tall

Everybody sees the trophies. They see the pitmaster, the turn-ins, the wins, and the spotlight. But behind many great teams is someone holding everything together when nobody’s watching. Today’s guest is Kim Darnell of Old Virginia Smoke—a respected force in competition barbecue and the steady presence behind one of the sport’s most accomplished teams. This conversation goes beyond the stage and into the real work: loyalty, sacrifice, pressure, partnership, and what it means to support greatness while carrying your own strength. Kim shares the unseen side of competition BBQ—the long weekends, the emotional weight, the teamwork, and the role that often gets overlooked but is absolutely essential. Because success in this game is rarely built alone. This episode is about leadership without ego, strength without noise, and the backbone behind the banner. This is BBQ Therapy. #BBQTherapy, #KimDarnell, #OldVirginiaSmoke, #CompetitionBBQ, #BBQPodcast, #WomenInBBQ, #PitmasterLife, #BBQLife, #BBQCommunity, #Teamwork, #BehindTheScenes, #BarbecueFamily, #SmokeAndFire, #BBQLegacy

Mini-cast (4 everyone) - Self-Doubt in bbq and in life

Self-doubt shows up everywhere—on the smoker, at competitions, and in everyday life. In this minicast, we break down what self-doubt really is, where it comes from, and how it quietly holds people back from leveling up. Whether you’re second-guessing your cook, hesitating to enter your first competition, or questioning your direction in life, this episode puts it all on the table. Real talk, practical mindset shifts, and a reminder that confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build through action. Because in BBQ—and in life—the biggest battles aren’t outside… they’re internal.

Darren Warth - Smokey D's BBQ | Diary of a Trophy Addict

Darren Warth isn’t just a champion—he’s a cornerstone of modern barbecue. A Hall of Famer. A multi-time world champion. The pitmaster behind Smokey D’s BBQ. With wins at the American Royal (3x), The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and countless grand championships across the country, Darren’s name lives in the GOAT conversation. But this episode goes way beyond trophies. We dive into the real story—what it took to build a legacy, the sacrifices behind the success, and the mindset that keeps him at the top. From business ownership to family life to shaping the future of BBQ, Darren opens up in a way you’ve never heard before. This isn’t just about winning. This is about what it takes to become who you’re meant to be. This is BBQ Therapy. #BBQTherapy, #DarrenWarth, #SmokeyDsBBQ, #BBQPodcast, #Pitmaster, #AmericanRoyal, #BBQChampion, #CompetitionBBQ, #BBQLegends, #BBQLife, #BBQFamily, #Grilling, #SmokingMeat, #GOATConversation