The Spark - Our Food Story & How It All Started
From Backyard Burns to World Championships
Hey, I’m Michael McDearman, your go-to GrillMaster, Pitmaster or what I like to call “FLAME TAMER”. Picture this: I’m 7 years old, hustling on my paper route, when the irresistible smell of sizzling meat pulls me in like a moth to a flame. A local BBQ legend spots my curiosity, drops everything, and spends a solid 25 minutes breaking down the basics right there on the spot. That single moment? It straight-up ignited my lifelong passion for BBQ. Just like so many of you, I kicked things off in the backyard—welding my own smokers from scratch and yeah, burning way more burgers than I’d like to remember. But that’s the beauty of it: those early mishaps are where the real flavor chase kicks in, turning everyday cooks into Flame Taming Pros!
Been chasing flavor since I was a kid. With influences like BBQ Champs and Legends - the most legendary was my mother and grandmother…
Turning Up The Heat
Making Food & Making Memories
Fast forward a bit, and that backyard kid turned into a full-on fire chaser. I’ve competed or ran over 300 BBQ contests across the country, stood on more stages than I can count, and surprised my Momma with the recognitions - winning Golden Tickets even outside the USA. I’ve owned four award-winning restaurants, directed The National Pro BBQ Tour, grilled live on morning TV shows and appeared in two different seasons of BBQ Pitmasters TV show, and designed/built custom smokers, plus represented over 50 major corporations touring the country.
But here’s the thing: all those miles, smoke rings, and shiny things taught me one big truth—great BBQ doesn’t have to be complicated. The same techniques that win on the pro circuit are the exact ones that make your Tuesday night ribs stupid-tasty or turn a backyard party into legend status. I am about to spill the beans and tell all the secrets.
That’s why I created Stoking the Coals—to hand you those proven, competition-tested secrets without the fluff. Whether you’re chasing trophies or just want your friends to lose their minds over your brisket, I’ve got your back with recipes, rubs, and tips that actually work. No gimmicks just quality eats and ways to enjoy winning over your own judges in your back yard.
After 300 contests across the USA - 4 restaurants with Awards along the way - I learned what actually works for busy families and folks who love to entertain.
Family Flames - Influences & Why I Do This
Shoutout to the real MVPs who’ve shaped my BBQ soul—from the gritty legends on the Pro BBQ Circuit who showed me the ropes in smoke-filled pits and high-stakes cook-offs, to my incredible mother and MawMaw, the heart-and-soul cooks who infused every bite with love and tradition. MawMaw? She’s a Southern cooking icon, published in Southern Living magazine more times than I have fingers and toes—over 20 features spilling her secrets on everything from heirloom recipes to flavor-packed feasts that bring folks together.
These influences blend the competitive edge of the circuit with the warm, homegrown wisdom from my family kitchen, teaching me that BBQ is more than meat and fire—it’s about connection. But here’s the biggest driving force in all my cooking adventures: crafting a meal that stops someone mid-bite, draws out that involuntary “mmm” of pure approval, and leaves them secretly loosening their belt a notch after dinner. That’s the ultimate win in my world—not the trophies, but those quiet moments of joy around the table.
That’s exactly why I built Stoking the Coals: to pass on these blended influences through no-nonsense recipes, killer rubs, and hands-on classes. Whether you’re channeling pro-level precision or just aiming to wow your family, I’m your BBQ buddy, ready to help you create those unforgettable, belt-loosening meals.
Why I Stoke the Coals
It’s not about trophies - it’s that moment your kid’s eyes light up over perfect ribs.
Stoke Your Own Fire - What's Next?
Have that Proven Recipe? You Do Now
Ready to turn that spark into a roaring blaze? You’ve heard my story—from backyard blunders to pro-circuit glory—and now it’s your turn to own the grill. Whether you’re a dad firing up ribs for family game night, a weekend warrior tailgating with the crew before the big game, or gearing up to crush your first BBQ competition, Stoking the Coals is here to make it happen.
Imagine this: Your buddies huddled around the smoker, eyes wide as they bite into that perfect brisket you nailed with my no-fail rub. Or your kids pausing mid-play to declare your pulled pork “the best ever.” That’s the real win—cooking up moments that bring everyone closer, one smoky, stupid-tasty bite at a time.
Dive in right now: Check out my battle-tested recipes to level up your backyard feasts, grab gear and seasonings that pack pro-level flavor without the hassle, or book a hands-on class to master the flames like a boss. Let’s stoke your fire and make every gathering legendary—what are you waiting for?