We are talking about Smoke Slam this week with Pitmaster Thyron Mathews

The Pitmaster's Podcast

Thyron Mathews is an award-winning American BBQ Chef and Pitmaster, known for his bold flavors, Southern roots, and viral presence both online and on screen. Originally from Royal, Florida—a historic Black farming town where families were once granted their 40 acres—Thyron now calls Iowa home, where he’s built one of the most recognized BBQ brands in the Midwest. Thyron rose to national fame after winning Netflix’s hit competition series Barbecue Showdown, which drew over 40 million viewers globally. Prior to that, he had already earned 16 Grand Championships and was crowned “Best in Show” at the Iowa State Fair two years in a row. What began as a small catering business with his wife, Terrishane Mathews, has since evolved into a full-scale BBQ operation—now rebranded as Thyron Mathews BBQ. From his popular food trailer to his viral how-to videos on YouTube, Thyron has built a loyal fanbase that spans backyard grillers to competition veterans. Thyron is also a trusted partner of top industry names, including Kingsford Charcoal and the Iowa Pork Producers, and continues to lead the charge in BBQ culture nationwide. He has hosted some of the country’s biggest live-fire events, including Smoke Slam in Memphis and the upcoming NBBQA Festivalin Long Island, New York. With his deep roots, undeniable talent, and larger-than-life personality, Thyron Mathews is one of BBQ’s most exciting and influential voices today.