🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥

STORIES FROM THE SMOKE | Chapter Two: Where the Smoke Comes Alive

Country Style Cookoff 2026 in Blenheim, South Carolina brings together pitmasters, families, and barbecue lovers from across the country for a celebration of food, culture, and community.

In Chapter Two of Stories From the Smoke, we go beyond the competition and spend time with the people who make Country Style special.

We first catch up with Chris Joyner of CJ's BBQ and More @cjsbbqmorellc1464 whose larger-than-life personality, legendary Frytanic fish fryer, and passion for serving others have made him one of the event’s most recognizable figures.

From there, we sit down with Stan “Pitmaster Cheez” Battle @pitmastercheez for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, barbecue culture, competition, and what it really takes to build a career around live fire.

Hosted by Art Fennell @OriginalChannel06 the 10th Anniversary Country Style Cookoff serves as the backdrop for a weekend filled with smoke, fellowship, and unforgettable stories.

This isn’t just another barbecue competition.

These are the stories behind the smoke.

🔥 Subscribe for the next chapter of Stories From the Smoke as we continue exploring the people, traditions, and culture that make barbecue more than just food.

Special Thanks:

Aerial footage courtesy of Stanley Parker | True North Aerial Imaging for capturing stunning aerial perspectives of the 2026 Country Style Cook Off.

Follow True North Aerial Imaging:

https://www.youtube.com/@UCyTWwBglbPrc8my-oICiVTA

#CountryStyleCookoff #StoriesFromTheSmoke #BlackSmokeBBQ #PitmasterCheez #CJsBBQ #Barbecue #LiveFire #BBQCulture #SouthernBBQ

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast and the event

02:22 Growth of the event and competition highlights

04:18 Live from the event with CJ's BBQ and More

05:22 Interview with Pitmaster Cheez and his journey

06:14 The evolution of barbecue and its gentrification

10:53 Why everyone should experience Country Style BBQ

11:55 Reflections on the Juneteenth fish fry

12:40 The significance of barbecue as a cultural holiday

13:24 Pitmaster Cheez on his brand and social media

14:06 Closing remarks and encouragement to follow the podcast

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👉 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order!

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Exhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last.

🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue

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