The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast · September 22, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 85 | The Journey of Big Wally’s Barbecue w/ Steve Strong
🔥 Welcome to The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast – where barbecue is more than food, it’s family, culture, and community. 🔥 In this episode, the crew sits down with Steve Strong , pitmaster and founder of Big Wally’s BBQ , to explore the craft, culture, and challenges of barbecue. From backyard roots to competition pits, Steve opens up about the traditions that shaped his cooking, the sauces inspired by family recipes, and the lessons learned from catering and food trailer life. 🍖 Inside This Episode: Steve’s journey in BBQ—how family memories shaped his cooking philosophy The difference between backyard BBQ and competition barbecue Why gravity-fed smokers offer both convenience and flavor The cultural and therapeutic side of barbecue , connecting past to present The creation of signature sauces rooted in nostalgia and family tradition Stories from the food trailer journey —challenges, wins, and growth How catering pushes pitmasters out of their comfort zones with new experiences The balance between barbecue as a luxury craft and an authentic tradition Memorable moments from catering events and competitions Steve’s vision for expanding Big Wally’s BBQ into competitions and catering The role of community, networking, and authenticity in BBQ success 🔥 This conversation is a reminder that barbecue isn’t just about smoke and meat—it’s about legacy, connection, and joy in the process. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep the fire alive and support BBQ culture! #BlackSmokeBBQ #BigWallysBBQ #SteveStrong #CompetitionBBQ #BBQCatering #BBQPodcast #BarbecueCulture #FamilyRecipes #BBQFoodTrailer #BBQCommunity #BlackPitmasters #GrillAndGrow Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Nerves 02:58 Cooking Experiences and Techniques 05:46 Barbecue Products and Recommendations 08:39 Community and Engagement in Barbecue 11:30 The Reality of Cooking Failures 14:33 Competition Barbecue vs. Backyard Cooking 17:27 Introducing Steve Strong and His Journey 22:44 The Art of Barbecue Equipment 30:19 Family Traditions and Culinary Influence 34:23 The Journey of Barbecue Business 40:18 Catering: Challenges and Opportunities 48:38 Equipment Evolution and Competition Preparation 54:48 Catering Challenges and Memorable Events 59:49 Influences and Inspirations in Barbecue 01:07:19 Barbecue as a Luxury: Perspectives and Future Plans