Diva Q – A Life in Smoke
Three days after that contest, I bought my first smoker a humble Weber Smokey Mountain and soon after, my first Traeger, the Little Tex. That was the spark that ignited my lifelong journey into the world of barbecue.
A Journey Fueled by Fire and Smoke
THE THRILL OF COMPETITION
Competition barbecue became a huge part of my life for the first 16 years. My first U.S. Grand Championship win in Pennsylvania was an unforgettable moment my heart felt like it might burst out of my chest.
Since then, I’ve claimed multiple individual World Championship titles, including:
World Championship Titles
• World Championship of Pork
• Bacon World Championship
• World Championship of Vegetables
• World Championship of Dessert
• World Championship of Potatoes
• World Championship of Sausage
International team of the year and more.
Along with these, I’ve taken home multiple Overall Grand Championships and hundreds of awards.
Teaching & Learning BBQ in Over 45 Countries
Barbecue became my passport to the world and I used it to both learn and teach the craft. I sought out every opportunity to cook alongside masters, refine my skills, and share my knowledge with others hungry to learn grilling and barbecue techniques.
Over the last 20 years, I’ve taught and learned barbecue in over 45 countries, from the mountaintops of Norway to the plains of South Africa, through Dubai, Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Copenhagen, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, Australia, every single U.S. state, and all across Canada.
Along the way, I’ve visited over 700 barbecue joints each one a classroom in its own right from roadside shacks where one man tended chicken over a charcoal barrel, to high-end restaurants pushing the boundaries of smoke and fire.
International BBQ Expert, TV Host & Speaker
I am an internationally recognized barbecue expert and media personality with extensive television and broadcast experience. I have appeared on Food Network, The Today Show, QVC, HSN, The Marilyn Denis Show, Southern Living, Canada AM, and The Dan Patrick Show, as well as a wide variety of morning news and lifestyle programs across the United States, Europe, and Canada.
I have also appeared on BBQ Pitmasters, Chopped, and American Grilled, both as a competitor and as an expert judge, showcasing my expertise in barbecue, grilling, and live-fire cooking.
In addition, I hosted my own television series, BBQ Crawl on the Travel Channel for three seasons, which aired in over 150 countries worldwide.
Internationally, I have represented brands, organizations, and culinary events in more than 20 countries, bringing my expertise in barbecue, grilling, and outdoor cooking to audiences around the globe.
I am available for television segments, live cooking demonstrations, celebrity appearances, keynote speaking engagements, and expert commentary on grilling, barbecue culture, outdoor cooking, and culinary trends.
Beyond culinary demonstrations, I frequently speak on mentorship, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of food to bring communities together. My engaging personality, deep industry knowledge, and dynamic stage presence make me a compelling guest, presenter, and public speaker for a wide variety of media, corporate, and live event platforms.
TV Host, Judge, and Author
Brand Partnerships, Clients & Campaigns
Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of brands across multiple industries. These partnerships include long-term brand ambassadorships, product collaborations, campaign development, live demonstrations, event appearances, media engagements, and digital content creation.
The following represents a selection of brands and organizations I have worked with both historically and in ongoing partnerships. These collaborations span a broad spectrum of industries including apparel, grilling and barbecue equipment, food and beverage brands, culinary tools, retail, hospitality, tourism, and specialty food producers.
This list is not complete. It is ongoing and continuously being updated as new partnerships, campaigns, and collaborations develop.
Traeger
MEATER
ThermoWorks
Thermapen
Ford
Club House La Grille
Cholula
Duluth Trading
Stay Sharp
Uncle John’s
QVC
HSN
Fonteyn Outdoor Living
Kizik
Spoga
Char-Broil
Basques Charcoal
Snake River Farms
Certified Angus Beef
Elkins Cattle Co
Sitka Alaska
Get Maine Lobster
Winn-Dixie
Windmere Wisconsin Cheese
Momofuku Goods
NBBQA
Thomas Cattle Company
Yeti
Hartville Hardware
Brown-Forman
WhistlePig Whiskey
Bulleit
Dixie Vodka
Tito’s Vodka
Wichita Packing
Juggs Shrimp
Redmond Real Salt
Best Made
Meatstock
Fiesta Spices
Vans
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Victorinox
Hormel
and much more…
Community, Connection & BBQ — The Diva Q Way
If you know Danielle Bennett, aka Diva Q, you already know she’s all about sharing the love of great food, fire, and flavor but what you may not see behind the scenes is how deeply she cares about community.
From classrooms to cookouts, Danielle uses her time, talent, and heart to make a difference.
She volunteers as a culinary instructor at local high schools, teaching students real-world cooking skills and inspiring the next generation.
She serves as a barbecue mentor to high school BBQ teams, helping young pitmasters learn everything from fire control to teamwork and always with that signature Diva Q enthusiasm.
As a motivational speaker, Danielle shares her story of passion, perseverance, and purpose, reminding people that hard work (and a little smoke) can take you anywhere.
She proudly supports her local fire and police departments, especially during Covid – feeding the first responders who keep our communities safe.
And through her work with charities and community events, she continues to promote what she believes most deeply that food has the power to bring people together.
BBQ isn’t just about what’s on the grill, it’s about who’s gathered around it.
And Danielle Bennett, Diva Q, continues to light that fire for good wherever she goes.
Operation BBQ Relief
Feeding communities affected by natural disasters.
Second Harvest
Fighting hunger in our local neighborhoods.
Cystic Fibrosis & Fire Departments
Supporting research and our first responders.
Food brings people together. It breaks down barriers. That is why I do what I do.
Reliable, Tried & True Recipes
Why should you trust my recipes over the thousands of others online?
Consistency is Key
I provide proven formulas.
Integrity in Partnerships
Their consistency matches my standards. I also rely on tools like Meater thermometers to guarantee accuracy. If I do not use it, I do not promote it.
No Fluff
Join the Diva Q Community
I want to see what you are cooking! Follow me on social media for daily tips, behind-the-scenes looks at my travels, and plenty of smoke.
If you are interested in booking me for a VIP event, a corporate speaking engagement, or a brand partnership, please get in touch. I am always looking for new ways to share the love of BBQ.
Also, make sure to sign up for my newsletter. It is the best way to get my latest reliable recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
Join the Diva Q Community
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Danielle Bennett teach BBQ classes?
What grill does Diva Q use?
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Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready to bring World Champion flavor to your backyard? Whether you need a reliable brisket recipe or a keynote speaker for your next global conference, I am here to help. Click below to reach out, and let’s make something great together.