The Duce Raymond Podcast

The Real Story Behind Sweet Baby Ray’s & More with Monica Toombs

Duce Raymond Season 2 Episode 6

#graphicdesign #bbq #podcast 

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with his sister Monica Toombs—graphic designer, creative force, and the branding brain behind Duce’s Wild. They dive into Monica’s upcoming family road trip to Yellowstone, the exciting launch of Duce’s Wild sauces, rubs, and restaurant concept, and what it’s like building a brand from the ground up. Monica shares her genuine love for being part of a purpose-driven team, while Duce opens up about parenting three very different daughters through the wild world of teenage years, sports, and dog shows. The lightning round makes a triumphant return with questions about Chicago deep dish vs. thin crust, favorite childhood meals, and traditions that have been passed down. Whether you're a BBQ fan, branding nerd, or just love good family banter, this episode is packed with warmth, insights, and big laughs. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the future of Duce’s Wild and the sibling bond that fuels it. 

00:00 – A Family BBQ Legacy Begins
4:40 – Opening Dad’s First Restaurant
13:09 — The Ribs That Defined BBQ for Our Family
18:33 — Making Sweet Baby Ray’s from Scratch 
20:11 — The Original Sweet Baby Ray's Rib Recipe
25:00 — The Sweet Baby Ray’s Origin Story
30:45 – Why A.I. Can’t Replace a Real Graphic Designer
49:37 – Using A.I. in Everyday Life
53:29 – A.I. Tools That Upgrade Graphic Design Workflows
56:09 – The Future of A.I. 
58:33 – Why ChatGPT’s Voice Feels Weird 
1:00:42 – Turning Brisket Scraps into Burgers
1:04:55 – A.I. in 10 Years
1:08:12 – The Grit and Glory of Opening Sweet Baby Ray’s
1:17:37 – Duce’s Wild: A Brand is Born
1:21:08 – Parenting Teens
1:25:53 – The Return of the Lightning Round
1:30:52 – From BBQ Beginnings to Big Dreams