Chefs, Pitmasters, and Personalities
The Women Who Inspired My BBQ Journey
Hi, Everybody. It’s National Women’s History Month. And who better to help us celebrate than Susie Bulloch, creator of HeyGrillHey.com! With 900K Facebook followers and a barbecue empire that includes sauces, rubs, brines, and highly educational videos, Susie is one of the foremost voices in American barbecue. On a more personal note, we loved having Susie on my Project Fire Season 4 TV show, where she prepared a drop-dead delicious bourbon apple crisp. I asked Susie to tell us about some of the women who helped her on her barbecue journey. Read on!
-SR
The Women Who Inspired My BBQ Journey
By, Susie Bulloch
When I first started my BBQ journey in 2012, the industry was dominated by men. But that never stopped the incredibly talented women who were out there, holding their own and showing the world that great barbecue isn’t bound by gender. From competition legends to modern online BBQ content creators, women have always played a crucial role in shaping the world of live fire cooking. These women have not only inspired me in my own BBQ career, but also paved the way for others to find their place behind the grill.
The FireStarters: Women Who Shaped Competition BBQ
One of the first women I admired in the world of BBQ was Leanne Whippen. A fierce competitor and pitmaster, Leanne has built an impressive career, from winning titles on the competition circuit to running successful restaurants. I first saw her on the TV show BBQ Pitmasters holding her own against a group of entirely male competitors. There was a moment when I started my own website where I told myself, “if Leanne can take up space in the BBQ space, so can I.” Her dedication and passion for the craft made me believe that women could compete and win at the highest levels of barbecue.
Another name that immediately comes to mind is Melissa Cookston. Known as the “Winningest Woman in BBQ,” Melissa’s success in competition BBQ is nothing short of legendary. A seven-time world champion and owner of Memphis BBQ Company, her skill with pork, particularly whole hog, is unmatched. Her cookbook, “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” was published the year before I started Hey Grill Hey and became a pivotal publication in my BBQ education. Watching her dominate competitions, expand her brand, and shift her focus to education and the next generation of young pitmasters made me want to push myself further and continue honing my own skills.
Then there’s Megan Day, a powerhouse pitmaster who has seamlessly blended competition BBQ with an approachable, fun style that inspires home cooks and competitors alike. Megan’s passion for sharing knowledge and making BBQ accessible has always resonated with me, especially as I built my own platform to encourage more people to fire up their grills. Megan is an approachable resource and a solid friend who also makes some of the most delicious Kansas City style BBQ on the market, Burnt Finger BBQ Sauce. In fact she won Best BBQ sauce on the planet in 2024.
Of course, I can’t forget Amy Mills, whose work in preserving BBQ history and tradition has had a lasting impact. As the daughter of legendary pitmaster Mike Mills, she carried on his legacy while also making a name for herself as an author, educator, and advocate for great barbecue. We met on the set of a competition BBQ show on the Food Network and I was instantly impressed. Her dedication to storytelling and preserving BBQ culture reminds me why I love sharing recipes and techniques with the world.
The TorchBearers: Social Media Influencers and Live Fire Cooks
While competition BBQ legends inspired my early journey, a new wave of women is making waves in live fire cooking and social media. These women have taken BBQ beyond the competition circuit and into the homes and hearts of people worldwide.
Jess Pryles is a force in the BBQ world. As the founder of Hardcore Carnivore and a meat scientist, she has changed the way people think about grilling, meat selection, and seasoning. Her deep knowledge and ability to educate have influenced how I approach teaching BBQ techniques to my audience.
Another incredible woman in BBQ is Christie Vanover. Her dedication to making BBQ approachable and fun through her Girls Can Grill website and competition BBQ team has inspired countless women to step outside and start grilling. She’s an amazing teacher, and her love of experimenting with flavors is something I truly admire. She’s also a huge BBQ community builder, hosting the largest KCBS competition on the west coast and starting the Girls Can Grill Pro Team (more on that later!)
Mary Cressler, co-founder of Vindulge, is another inspiration. She seamlessly blends wine and BBQ, creating a unique space where live fire cooking meets sophisticated pairings. Her storytelling and recipe development, highlighting the unique ingredients of her Pacific Northwest has created a new regional style of American BBQ. She is also a published cookbook author of Fire and Wine, with her second cookbook coming out soon.
And finally, Breanna Stark, who has taken social media by storm with her bold, live fire cooking. Breanna’s fearless approach to grilling and her engaging content have inspired a whole new generation of women to take up the tongs and explore the world of BBQ with confidence. Her recipes have gone viral, reaching millions of people who are brand new to BBQ.
The Future of Que: A New Generation of Pitmasters
As more women step into the spotlight, a new generation of young female pitmasters is making waves in the BBQ world. These talented young women are proving that the future of BBQ is bright and inclusive.
The Girls Can Grill Pro Team, led by Christie Vanover, is nurturing and showcasing the next wave of female BBQ talent.
Young women like MacKenna York from Team Moodyteenbbq of Herriman, Utah, are showing exceptional skills and dedication to the craft at such a young age.
Raelyn Barker from Team Chupacabra of Three Rivers, Texas, is another rising star, making a name for herself with her competitive fire and passion for live fire cooking.
Sisters Sammie, Katie, and Abby Hoffman from Team Lucky Ladies BBQ of Las Vegas, Nevada, are proving that BBQ is a family affair, competing together and continuing the tradition of great pitmasters.
And from Team Moodswing BBQ of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Jocelyn, Brooklyn, Addy, and Katie Moody are carrying the torch forward, demonstrating that young women belong in the world of BBQ just as much as anyone else.
These young women are not just the future of BBQ—they are the present, and they are already making an incredible impact on the industry.
Women Are Leading the Way in BBQ
For decades, women have been behind the scenes in BBQ, but today, they are stepping into the spotlight more than ever. The influence of these incredible women, from competition champions to digital creators, has helped shape my own career and style of cooking. Whether it’s appearing on TV, sharing recipes online, or helping others find their confidence at the grill, I’ve made it my own mission to continue opening doors for more women in BBQ.
BBQ isn’t just about fire and smoke—it’s about community, tradition, and passion. And now, more than ever, women are taking the tongs and redefining what it means to be a pitmaster. The women in this article have become more than inspirations to me. They’ve become a huge part of my own extended BBQ family. Seeing more women step up, share their love for live fire cooking, and inspire the next generation makes me incredibly proud to be part of this movement.
So if you’ve ever thought about stepping into the backyard but weren’t sure if BBQ was for you, let me assure you—it absolutely is. The women of BBQ, past and present, have proven that the grill belongs to everyone. It’s time to light the fire and make your mark.
About Susie Bulloch
Susie Bulloch is a passionate BBQ expert, recipe developer, and founder of Hey Grill Hey, a popular online platform dedicated to helping people master the art of live fire cooking. With years of experience behind the grill, Susie has become a trusted voice in the BBQ community, sharing mouthwatering recipes, grilling tips, and techniques that inspire both beginners and seasoned pitmasters. She has appeared on national television, judged prestigious BBQ competitions, and played a pivotal role in encouraging more women to step into the world of barbecue. Whether she’s firing up a smoker in her backyard or teaching others how to build
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