Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 206: Corey Linton, Richard Fergola

<p>What goes into organizing a great barbecue competition? If there’s a template for a KCBS event, Smoke in the Spring in Osage, Kansas, could be it. The 20th annual edition was held last weekend with 103 teams on hand and on Episode 206 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with Smoke in the Spring organizer Corey Linton. He’s been in charge of the comp the last 17 years and, while other good competitions have gone by the wayside, Corey talks about some keys in how Smoke in the Spring keeps thriving. What would he tell a new contest organizer? Corey tells us. Also a member of the KCBS Board of Directors, we also visit with Corey about that state of competition BBQ in general and if he plans to seek another term in 2024.</p> <p>It’s also time for our monthly segment featuring Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions Kansas City as marketing director Richard Fergola joins us. We run down what’s coming up at Proud Souls KC, which has been open for three months. Richard also talks about a whirlwind month of competition for his Fergolicious BBQ team, which has risen to No. 4 in the KCBS Team of the Year standings, plus what it’s like when flights are canceled and five top pitmasters hop in a rental car and drive nine hours to Kansas City. </p> <p><br /> Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve discuss their BBQ weeks and take a spin around the sports world, reviewing the Masters and the start of baseball season.</p> <p>Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: <br /> Blues Hog #blueshognation<br /> Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023<br /> The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked <br /> Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers<br /> Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew<br /> Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions<br /> Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions<br /> Affordable Financial Services<br /> Allquedup #arkassippicombo<br /> Vietti Marketing Group #marketing <br /> In the Garden of Eden<br /> Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza</p> <p>Have a gr