What if something as simple as a pulled pork sandwich could remind people they aren’t forgotten? In this episode of Your Biggest Breakthrough, we sit down with Stan Hays, co-founder of Operation Barbecue Relief, whose story began in the aftermath of the devastating Joplin tornado. What started with a few smokers in a parking lot has now grown into an organization that’s served over 13 million meals in disaster zones and communities in need.

We loved this conversation because it’s not just about barbecue, it’s about faith in action, taking that first step without having all the answers, and discovering your “why” through serving others. You’ll hear how God used ordinary skills and a willing heart to meet extraordinary needs, and how something as simple as food can unify people, restore hope, and remind them of love.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find your purpose, where to start serving, or whether your gifts really matter, this episode is for you. Stan’s story will challenge you, inspire you, and encourage you that God can use your passion, no matter what it is, to change lives.

👉 Learn more about Operation Barbecue Relief, get involved, or support their mission by visiting https://operationbbqrelief.org/

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:10] Topic and Guest Introduction

[03:58] The Joplin Tornado That Started Everything

[09:12] Cooking Under Tornado Sirens

[11:57] Serving Thousands of Meals on the First Day

[15:25] A Woman’s Words that Changed My Perspective

[19:18] Building a Sustainable Relief Effort

[24:51] How Faith Reshaped Stan’s Priorities

[27:55] The Growth of Operation Barbecue Relief

[29:22] Why The Simplest Acts Matter Most

[33:26] Volunteering as a “Selfish Act”

[34:42] Culinary Therapy for Heroes and Veterans

[36:15] Being Called a CNN Hero

[39:02] Find Your Passion and Start Serving

[42:36] Three Ways YOU Can Help Today

Guest's bio:

Stan Hayes is the CEO and co-founder of Operation Barbecue Relief, a nonprofit organization founded in the aftermath of the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, tornado. What started as a simple idea to serve meals to disaster survivors has grown into an organization that has provided over 13 million meals across 42 states and the Bahamas.

A seasoned competitor on the barbecue circuit, Stan’s passion for cooking and helping those in need came together through Operation Barbecue Relief. His work has earned national recognition—he was named a CNN Hero in 2017—yet he remains humble, always pointing back to the volunteers and community behind the mission.

Stan has also showcased his culinary talents on television, finishing as the runner-up on Food Network’s Chopped Grill Masters in 2015 and winning Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters in 2019. He is the author of two cookbooks: Operation Barbecue and Grilling with Golic and Hayes (co-authored with Mike Golic).

Call to action:

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Episode 169: How Barbecue and Faith Sparked a Global Relief Movement with Stan Hays