KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Before the 2016 American Royal World Series of Barbecue competition heats up Oct. 26-30 in Kansas City, MEAT+POULTRY caught up with Mike Peters of the Great American Cookout Tour and Kansas City Barbecue Society to discuss their role in the annual event, which is sponsored by Smithfield Foods.

During the six months on tour with his wife Christine, the Great American Cookout has traveled around the country showing off 50 professional demonstrations and barbecue insights to all interested meat lovers.

In this podcast, Peters talks about his journey into this barbecue world and how it has become a wonderful way to not only enjoy his profession but his life.

Check out the rest of the tour on the Great American Cookout social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@KCBSBBQTour).