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

#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 Begins4:40 – Opening Dad’s First Restaurant13:09 — The Ribs That Defined BBQ for Our Family18:33 — Making Sweet Baby Ray’s from Scratch 20:11 — The Original Sweet Baby Ray's Rib Recipe25:00 — The Sweet Baby Ray’s Origin Story30:45 – Why A.I. Can’t Replace a Real Graphic Designer49:37 – Using A.I. in Everyday Life53:29 – A.I. Tools That Upgrade Graphic Design Workflows56:09 – The Future of A.I. 58:33 – Why ChatGPT’s Voice Feels Weird 1:00:42 – Turning Brisket Scraps into Burgers1:04:55 – A.I. in 10 Years1:08:12 – The Grit and Glory of Opening Sweet Baby Ray’s1:17:37 – Duce’s Wild: A Brand is Born1:21:08 – Parenting Teens1:25:53 – The Return of the Lightning Round1:30:52 – From BBQ Beginnings to Big Dreams