The Duce Raymond Podcast
Welcome to "The Duce Raymond Podcast"!
Join Duce Raymond, Managing Partner and Director of Culinary for SBR Events Group, as he brings his passion for barbecue and hospitality to the airwaves. Duce, son of Chef Larry Raymond and nephew of Dave Raymond—the creators of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce—was destined to become a leader in the culinary world. With a rich family heritage and an impressive career, Duce has perfected his craft and earned over 95 local, regional, and national awards for barbecue and catering.
In "The Duce Raymond Podcast," Duce dives deep into the art of barbecue, sharing his expert tips and techniques, but the conversation doesn't stop there. Each episode features insightful discussions on a variety of topics including marketing, social media, lifestyle, fitness, mindset, and business. Whether you're a food enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking for inspiration, this podcast is for you.
Duce's engaging and charismatic style, combined with his extensive knowledge and experience, makes for a podcast that is both educational and entertaining. With guests ranging from culinary experts to social media gurus and business leaders, "The Duce Raymond Podcast" provides valuable insights and practical advice for listeners from all walks of life.
Tune in to hear Duce and his guests share their stories, experiences, and tips for success. Whether online or in-person, Duce loves sharing his passion and helping others in the industry. He hopes to bring value to anyone seeking new ideas or insights and looks forward to sharing what he learns as he continues his journey in barbecue and hospitality.
Start mastering the art of barbecue and beyond with Duce Raymond on "The Duce Raymond Podcast"!
The Duce Raymond Podcast
How a Wrestling Coach Became a BBQ Champion with @RichardFergolaBBQ
#bbqcompetition #bbq #podcast
In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with pitmaster Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ to talk about his rise from wrestling coach to barbecue champion, seasoned pitmaster, and BBQ educator. They dive into Richard’s journey on the competition circuit, the lessons he’s learned from years of perfecting Kansas City–style barbecue, and what it takes to stay passionate in an ever-changing food world. From starting Fergolicious BBQ to appearing on national TV, Richard shares real insights on branding, business, and the art of authentic barbecue. If you love smoked meat, competition BBQ, or stories of turning passion into purpose, this episode is packed with fire, flavor, and inspiration.
00:00 – From Wrestling Coach to Pitmaster
5:23 – Inside the BBQ Competition World
12:14 – How BBQ Pitmasters Changed Everything
18:11 – Inside the World’s Biggest BBQ Competition
28:27 – Is Competition BBQ Dying Out?
34:05 – The Truth About Teaching BBQ Classes
40:55 – Pellet Grills vs. Offset Smokers
46:51 – Why Offset Cooking Still Reigns
49:21 – The Ultimate Backyard BBQ Setup
51:26 – The Power of BBQ Content
57:21 – Richard's Life on the Road
59:32 – Why Pitmasters Are Skipping the American Royal
1:03:00 – How to Handle Pressure in BBQ Competitions
1:07:13 – Richard’s Step-by-Step Guide to Competition Brisket
1:10:51 – What’s Next for Fergolicious BBQ
Follow Richard Fergola on Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fergoliciousbbq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FergoliciousBbq
X: https://x.com/FergoliciousBBQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardFergolaBBQ/featured
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fergolicious_bbq
Website: https://www.fergoliciousbbq.com/
Follow Us on Social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbabyrayscatering/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true
Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/