What’s Cookin’? — The McLemore Boys Podcast

What’s Cookin’? — The McLemore Boys Podcast

by John & John II McLemore
Comedy InterviewsPlaces & Travel
Season 1
Key West BBQ Raises Big for Kids' Cancer — What's Cookin' with The McLemore Boys
Episode 17 of What's Cookin' with The McLemore Boys. The McLemore Boys bring the podcast straight to the Key West Barbecue Invitational, where the entire event benefits the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. They sit down first with Chris Geib on why 43 kids a day get diagnosed with cancer and why less-toxic, more targeted treatment is the mission, then bring on Bear Holeman, the fisherman who helped build this event from a small group of buddies into a 22-team competition raising real money and awareness. Guests: Chris Geib — Chief Development Officer, National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. linkedin.com/in/chris-geib Bear Holeman — Fisherman, co-organizer of the Key West Barbecue Invitational. instagram.com/bearholeman In this episode: What the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation actually funds and why government dollars don't cover it How a small fishing trip between friends turned into a 22-team barbecue and fishing competition for charity The story behind W Sauce and how it became a fixture in the barbecue community Hero of the Week: the kids fighting childhood cancer with no fear, plus a reflection on fatherhood Faith, Family, Food, Fun, Freedom — and a huge shoutout to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Chris Geib, Bear Holeman, and everyone at W Sauce for putting this event on. From our table to yours, God bless.
S1 · E17
Jun 17, 2026
40:22
How Cheese Curd Won $100K on MasterChef Junior — What's Cookin' with The McLemore Boys
Episode 16 of What's Cookin' with The McLemore Boys. He won $100,000 on national TV at 11 years old, cooked alongside Gordon Ramsay, and three years later showed up to the Key West BBQ Invitational and walked away with every People's Choice token on the table. Bryson "Cheese Curd" sat down with us live at the sandbar to talk MasterChef Junior, his Wagyu burger, and what it's like building a barbecue name before you can drive. Guest: Bryson "Cheese Curd," MasterChef Junior Season 9 winner — @cookinwithcheesecurd In this episode: The Wisconsin cheese-family nickname behind the "Cheese Curd" name What Gordon Ramsay is actually like off camera, according to someone who cooked next to him The People's Choice-winning Wagyu pickled pico burger with W sauce breakfast aioli Why a 14-year-old already thinks brisket is overrated Faith, Family, Food, Fun, Freedom — recorded live at the Key West BBQ Invitational benefiting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, where we serve as culinary ambassadors. From our table to yours, God bless.
S1 · E16
Jun 17, 2026
22:58
Heath Riles & Kosmo's Q on the BBQ Grind — What's Cookin' with The McLemore Boys
Episode 15 of What's Cookin' with The McLemore Boys. We're live from the Key West BBQ Invitational with two of the most decorated names in competition barbecue. Heath Riles breaks down what it actually takes to win 80+ grand championships and why ribs are harder to cook than whole hog. Darian from Kosmo's Q tells the story of the single PayPal notification that told him he had a real business — and explains why shotgun shells need to go away forever. Guests: Heath Riles (@HeathRilesBBQ) — Grand champion pitmaster, competing since 1996/97, owner of Heath Riles BBQ rubs and sauces. Darian, Kosmo's Q (@KosmosQ) — 13+ world championship pitmaster and founder of Kosmo's Q. In this episode: The week-by-week grind of a 40-contest competition season, prepped and frozen days in advance Why ribs — not whole hog — are the hardest protein to win with, and the science behind it The exact moment a PayPal notification told Darian he had a real business on his hands A pita bread, peanut butter, and Lay's potato chip creation you have to try at home Faith, Family, Food, Fun, Freedom. This episode supports the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation — we're proud to serve as culinary ambassadors for this event. From our table to yours, God bless.
S1 · E15
Jun 17, 2026
39:34
Episode 14: Key West - Chucks Flavor Train & Meat Dave
What happens when barbecue, comedy, and community all collide in Key West for an unforgettable cause? In this high-energy episode of What’s Cooking with the McLemore Boys, we’re coming to you live from beautiful Key West during the Key West Barbecue Invitational, supporting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. First up, we sit down with Chuck Matthews—better known as Chuck’s Flavor Train to talk about his journey from selling insurance to becoming one of barbecue’s most recognizable personalities. From hilarious belly flop stories to serious advice on building a successful BBQ career, Chuck brings his trademark energy, heart, and authenticity. Then comedian and pitmaster Dave Williamson (*Meat Dave*) joins the table to share how stand-up comedy and barbecue unexpectedly became the perfect recipe. From front-yard smokers in Los Angeles to competing on the national barbecue scene, Dave delivers laughs, life lessons, and a powerful tribute to his grandmother’s legacy through the United Service Organizations. This episode is packed with: 🔥 Funny stories from the legendary belly flop competition 🔥 Behind-the-scenes of the Key West BBQ Invitational 🔥 Advice for aspiring pitmasters 🔥 Inspiring stories about family, legacy, and purpose 🔥 Why the barbecue community feels like family Whether you love barbecue, comedy, or stories that leave you inspired—this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations from the road, and as always—from our table to yours, God bless. ---
S1 · E14
May 13, 2026
37:37
Ep 13: Transportation Nation, Trucking Stories, Industry Insights & Life on the Road
What if building a business could also build your faith, your family legacy, and inspire a movement of patriotism? In this heartfelt and energizing episode, the McLemore Boys of Masterbuilt and the Bennett family of Bennett Transportation & Logistics sit down at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the Bennett 250 to uncover the soul of true family businesses. Hosts John Boy and Lee Gentry are joined by their parents, Big John and Lynette Matis, second-generation leaders who have carried forward more than just a company name—they’ve fueled generational values of faith, hard work, and service. This episode takes you behind the scenes of two iconic family-run enterprises founded in the 1970s, revealing how moments of prayer, bold risks, and unwavering patriotic values turned small dreams into national brands. Big John shares the powerful story of how Masterbuilt got its name, born from a roadside moment with God, and how faith-based leadership shaped the company’s growth. Meanwhile, Lynette Matis reflects on her journey from a 10-year-old helping out after school to watching Bennett grow from a handful of trucks to thousands, all while holding tight to their Christian roots. Key highlights you’ll enjoy in this episode: An emotional dedication to the late “Pawpaw”—the McLemore patriarch—reminding us why purpose and perseverance matter most. Real talk on what sacrifice looks like in a family business, and why saying “yes” to new adventures often means balancing love, priorities, and legacy. Heartwarming accounts of how Bible studies, prayer teams, and patriotic service shape company culture, unite teams, and draw talent who share their values. Whether you’re a fan of inspirational business stories, faith-driven leadership, or American family traditions, this episode will uplift you. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and don’t forget: from our table to yours, God bless. -------------------- CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Prayer That Named Masterbuilt 02:12 Tribute to Pawpaw: Loss and Legacy 04:12 Philippians 4:13—Faith Through Grief 08:16 How Faith Shaped Masterbuilt’s Journey 10:32 Writing Core Values—“The 5 Fs” 12:44 Employees Embracing Faith at Work 14:57 Prayer Before Every Race: Faith at the Track 17:29 Bennett’s Growth: From 15 Trucks to 4,000 Drivers 19:56 No Choice But Family—Growing Up Working 22:46 From Backyard Sales to Global Brand 28:00 Honest Talk: Family Sacrifice Behind Success 30:23 Patriotism in Action: Wreaths Across America 32:04 Pawpaw: Hero of the Week Tribute 32:49 Honoring the Chief of Police—Stony’s Story 34:41 Prayers for Good Weather and Final Thoughts
S1 · E13
Apr 11, 2026
34:59
Ep 12: VP of Campers Inn talks Nascar, Camping & Leadership
Larry Peter of Campers Inn joins us at the Daytona 500 for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, camping culture, NASCAR, and what it means to help families stay connected on the road. In this episode of What’s Cookin’ with The McLemore Boys, we talk about Larry’s journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a key leader at Campers Inn — one of the biggest names in the RV world. We dive into the heart of Campers Inn, why camping fosters real community, and how RV life brings people together across diverse backgrounds. Larry also shares how military values like selflessness, service, and leadership have shaped the way he leads today. Plus, we talk Daytona camping, NASCAR culture, family travel, America 250, and the exciting partnership helping fuel our Grillin’ Across America for America’s 250th tour.
S1 · E12
Mar 11, 2026
39:18
Ep. 11: Dark Side of the Grill at Daytona
We brought What’s Cookin’ with The McLemore Boys to the Daytona 500 for Tour Stop #7 of our Grillin’ Across America for America’s 250th — and this one is next level. Meet Mel from Dark Side of the Grill — a 25-year pipeline welder from Edmonton, Alberta, who quit his job, chased his passion for BBQ.
S1 · E11
Mar 4, 2026
57:50
Ep 10: Travis Pastrana at Daytona
In this episode of What’s Cookin’ with The McLemore Boys, Travis Pastrana takes us behind the scenes of racing NASCAR trucks at Daytona, tells the legendary “hot dog suit + 200 hot dogs + no buns” story that literally became a recipe in our cookbook, and relives the intensity of running the Daytona 500. Then we take a hard left into Idaho—where Travis, Rhiannon, and the crew built a motocross track on a mountain, jumped side-by-sides, ran crazy carts, and somehow turned it into a full-on community event. We also hit what matters most to us: Faith, Family, Food, Fun, and Freedom—with our Verse of the Week (Hebrews 12:1–2) and a Hero of the Week honoring Travis’s dad, Robert Pastrana, a Marine who shaped Travis’s life through service and sacrifice.
S1 · E10
Feb 25, 2026
34:33
Ep. 9 Super Bowl with USO President, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Linnington
on What’s Cookin’ with The McLemore Boys, we pull up a chair with Michael Linnington, the 24th CEO and President of the USO — a leader whose life has been defined by service, humility, and purpose. Before stepping into the role on October 20, 2025, Mike served our country as a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General with 35 years of military leadership, including serving as Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and Commandant of Cadets at West Point. He also previously led the Wounded Warrior Project from 2016–2024, bringing a deep understanding of what military families carry every day. In this episode, The McLemore Boys sit down with Mike to talk about the man behind the uniform — the moments that shaped him, lessons from leadership, and why the mission of the USO matters now more than ever as America approaches its 250th birthday.
S1 · E9
Feb 20, 2026
36:07
Ep. 8: Dark Side of the Grill, Bama Grillmaster & more | Pitmasters at Pigfest 26' BBQ Festival
In this episode of What’s Cookin’? — The McLemore Boys Podcast, we are coming to you from Lakeland, FL, at the 2026 Pigfest BBQ Festival. We bring together some of the South’s most respected pitmasters, live fire chefs, and BBQ personalities for an unforgettable conversation. We’re joined by: • Kevin Sport – Just Kevin’s Port — Conecuh Sausage ambassador, first responder supporter, and creator of the popular “Gatin’ & Grillin’” series, traveling the Southeast spreading good food and honoring heroes. • Bama Grillmaster — renowned BBQ pitmaster and content creator known for bold flavors, strong Southern roots, and inspiring backyard cooks everywhere. • Dark Side of the Grill — elite Pitmaster and Live Fire Chef, member of the Big Green Egg Pro Team, and Guinness World Record Holder, pushing the boundaries of live fire cooking. • Nick – Biscuits N Briskets BBQ — pitmaster, content creator, and a rising force bringing authentic Southern BBQ culture to a national audience.
S1 · E8
Feb 10, 2026
1:06:24
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