on What’s Cookin’ with The McLemore Boys, we pull up a chair with Michael Linnington, the 24th CEO and President of the USO — a leader whose life has been defined by service, humility, and purpose.

Before stepping into the role on October 20, 2025, Mike served our country as a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General with 35 years of military leadership, including serving as Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and Commandant of Cadets at West Point. He also previously led the Wounded Warrior Project from 2016–2024, bringing a deep understanding of what military families carry every day.

In this episode, The McLemore Boys sit down with Mike to talk about the man behind the uniform — the moments that shaped him, lessons from leadership, and why the mission of the USO matters now more than ever as America approaches its 250th birthday.

In this episode of What’s Cookin’? — The McLemore Boys Podcast, we are coming to you from Lakeland, FL, at the 2026 Pigfest BBQ Festival. We bring together some of the South’s most respected pitmasters, live fire chefs, and BBQ personalities for an unforgettable conversation. We’re joined by:

• Kevin Sport – Just Kevin’s Port — Conecuh Sausage ambassador, first responder supporter, and creator of the popular “Gatin’ & Grillin’” series, traveling the Southeast spreading good food and honoring heroes.

• Bama Grillmaster — renowned BBQ pitmaster and content creator known for bold flavors, strong Southern roots, and inspiring backyard cooks everywhere.

• Dark Side of the Grill — elite Pitmaster and Live Fire Chef, member of the Big Green Egg Pro Team, and Guinness World Record Holder, pushing the boundaries of live fire cooking.

• Nick – Biscuits N Briskets BBQ — pitmaster, content creator, and a rising force bringing authentic Southern BBQ culture to a national audience.

In this episode of What’s Cookin’? — The McLemore Boys Podcast, we sit down with Dave Johnston, Head Pitmaster at Kinder’s, to talk all things BBQ. Dave shares behind-the-scenes stories of cooking for Taylor Swift, feeding NFL players, and what it really takes to operate at the highest level of professional barbecue. We dive into how Kinder’s grew from a local butcher shop into a nationally recognized brand, the discipline behind pitmaster success, and the lessons learned from cooking under pressure. From funny road stories to real talk about leadership, consistency, and staying true to your craft, this episode is packed with BBQ wisdom, brand-building insight, and unforgettable moments.