72.4K
Downloads
159
Episodes
Welcome to Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke Podcast. Each episode, OVS Pitmaster Luke Darnell will deconstruct world-class pitmasters to extract the tactics, tools, and routines you can use at home in your backyard and in the competition BBQ world. This includes morning routines, habits, tricks, and much more. Find out what’s challenged the world’s best pitmasters, how they handle adversity, and where they turn to for advice and counsel. You won’t want to miss this very entertaining, educational and totally different BBQ podcast.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
"On this week's edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we catch up with Jeremy Garrett, the organizer of the Grand Am Barbecue World Championship. We talk about venue, the vibe and some cool things planned for May!"
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
This week's Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we kick of 2026 with what has been making all the noise in the BBQ world this offseason, the co-founders of the BBQ World Cup Shannon Pruitt and Scott Erdmann. We talk all things BBQ World Cup!
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we reminisce with Jason Wagner, aka Wags from Wag's Backwoods BBQ, who won the American Royal Open Championship a few days ago in Kansas City. Luke and Wags chat about sharing the stage together and get into some of the things that makes Wag's Backwoods BBQ tick.
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
write up - It's American Royal Week! In this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we do a deep dive on this year's winner of The Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational Ryan King from King's BBQ out of Jacksonville, FL. Drive safe and hope you enjoy!
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Christie Vanover is the head of Girls Can Grill, and has created an amazing profile as a competitor, content creator, product creator and contest organizer. She’s done it all! You’ll learn a ton in this episode
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Janice Smella from Smella Que has been LIGHTING it UP! On this edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we catch up with Janice and see how she's going about getting ready for the Jack Daniels World Championship, and what's been the keys to her success on the road there.
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
On this episode of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we spend some time with Gabe Trevino from Smokin' Volts BBQ, one of the hottest cooks in KCBS right now! Gabe dishes on what makes him tick...and Luke tries to pry brisket secrets out of him...
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
On this special episode of Pitmaster, an Old. Virginia Smoke podcast, we sit with some Pitmasters at Smoke on the Rails in New Freedom, PA, to remember our friend Ercole Chila from Uncle Pigs BBQ Pit. This episode was very special, as we were joined by Ercole’s wife Sara, his three daughters and other family members.
Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
This week on Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, we catch up with Guest 1...Bill Gillespie with Smokin Hoggz BBQ, recent winner of "Best Rub on the Planet" award from the American Royal. Always a good time, enjoy this conversation with Billy.
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
It's KCBS World Championship week! On this edition of Pitmaster, an Old Virginia Smoke podcast, Luke dives in to how to take classes, and lessons learned, with David Moore from Hot Mess BBQ and Brian Corbett with Smokin' Skullies. Lots of great tidbits here, and learning about...learning.