The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast · July 28, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min

Ep 77: Sisterhood and Smoke w/ Erica Roby & Michelle Wallace

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecueIn this inspiring episode, host **Brandon** and the crew reflect on their time at the **Country Style Cook Off**, while highlighting powerful conversations with trailblazing women in barbecue like **Chef Michelle Wallace** and **Erica Blaire**. From brisket judging to building meaningful friendships, this episode explores the heart of barbecue culture and the women pushing it forward.👩🏽‍🍳 **Key Takeaways:*** The **Country Style Cook Off** continues to be a pillar in the barbecue community.* **Judging barbecue** is rewarding but no easy task—especially after 30+ brisket bites!* **Michelle Wallace** brings fearless flavor and authenticity to everything she cooks.* **Erica Blaire** is a force, focusing on **empowering women** and lifting as she climbs.* In a competitive field, **genuine friendships** and **real support** are everything.* **Cookouts may have changed post-COVID**, but their spirit of unity still thrives.* **Mentorship, community, and shared wisdom** are the backbone of barbecue growth.* **Trusting your gut**—in life and business—is essential.* **Barbecue welcomes newcomers**, and the culture grows stronger through inclusion.* Lessons from **Top Chef**: be bold, be fearless, be you.* Transitioning from **competitor to educator** opens doors to deeper impact.* **Women in barbecue face unique challenges**—but they also lead with resilience.* The culinary world demands hustle—**hard work, networking, and authenticity** are non-negotiable.* **Mistakes are part of the process**—growth comes from every cook.🎙️ This episode is a love letter to **women in BBQ**, the power of **community**, and the belief that **food can bring us all together**.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations from the pit.\#BlackSmokeBBQ #WomenInBarbecue #MichelleWallace #EricaBlaire #CountryStyleCookOff #BBQCommunity #BarbecueSisterhood #TopChef #BBQMentorship #CulinaryLeadership #BlackPitmasters #GrillAndGrow #FoodWithPurpose #AuthenticCooking Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast 02:56 Recap of Country Style Cook Off 05:51 Introducing the Guests 08:58 Celebrating Michelle's Achievements 12:00 Erica's Journey and Empowering Women in Barbecue 23:50 Engaging New Audiences in Barbecue 25:09 Engaging with the Community through Cooking 27:10 The Evolution of Cookouts Post-COVID 29:40 The Importance of Friendship in the Culinary World 31:18 Building Connections: The Story of Two Chefs 36:09 Navigating Friendships in a Competitive Industry 46:11 Lessons from Top Chef: Branding and Storytelling 47:39 Transitioning from Competitor to Educator 51:04 Empowering Others in Culinary Spaces 54:10 Authenticity and Making an Impression 55:28 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Barbecue 01:00:11 Creating Opportunities for Women in Barbecue 01:04:08 Advice for Aspiring Black Women in Barbecue 01:09:08 The Importance of Networking and Community 01:11:12 The Journey to Success in Barbecue