Those of us who love BBQ can agree there are few things in life better than a perfectly cooked baby back rib. But outstanding Ribs haven’t been good enough - compared to Pork Shoulder and Whole Hog - to win a Memphis in May World Championship since 2002. Until last weekend, that is.

On Episode 212 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with John David Wheeler, pitmaster of the Ribdiculous Bar-B-Krewe team that broke the Memphis in May Ribs hex by capturing the overall title last weekend on the banks of the Mississippi at Tom Lee Park in Memphis. Wheeler, a former Memphis in May world champ with his Natural Born Grillers team, tells us about teaming up with chefs from around the USA and his 21-year-old son, John Dalton Wheeler, to find the winning formula. Why hasn’t the Rib category won in so long? Wheeler has a theory. He also tells us about cooking the winning entry on his “mailbox,” the origins of his storied BBQ-cooking career and being a proud and long-time member of Operation BBQ Relief.

We also spread the news of a big KCBS competition with a hefty, $20,000 prize fund coming up soon in our hometown of Springfield, Missouri. That’s Ozarks BBQ Fest and event organizer Larry Krauck runs down the happenings at the June 9-10 event at the spacious Ozark Empire Fairgrounds where music and cold drinks also will be in abundance, along with a new, Backyard Grillers category on Friday night for anyone who’s ever aspired to compete at an entry level. 

Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their Memorial Day Weekend cooking plans and take a quick tour of the sports world. 

Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible:  Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023 The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked  Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solutions Affordable Financial Services Allquedup #arkassippicombo Vietti Marketing Group #marketing  In the Garden of Eden Marty "Real Sign Man" Prather #pizza

Have a great BBQ week and thanks for listening! #SmokeEmIfYouGotEm