#honey #podcast #food #tacobell #kfc #burtsbees

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of Mike’s Hot Honey, from its small-town beginnings to becoming a $40M brand shaking up the condiment aisle. Mike shares how he overcame challenges scaling production, landed major grocery store placements, and sparked a viral pizza drizzle trend that took the food world by storm. Hear about the brand’s epic collaborations with big names like  @TacoBell and  @burtsbees , and get insider tips on building a strong team, launching fast, and growing a business with passion and perseverance. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or foodie, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world lessons to help you level up your hustle.

00:00 – The Birth of Mike’s Hot Honey
03:06 – Small-Town Roots Spark Sweet & Spicy Idea
04:43 – Starting a Condiment Legacy
06:13 – Brazil Trip Ignites Hot Honey Revolution
16:26 – From Kitchen Bottles to Honey Powerhouse
19:06 – Finding the Perfect Co-Packer
25:03 – Getting Hot Honey into  @wholefoods  
29:58 – Building a Sales Team 
34:32 – The Pizza Drizzle Phenomenon
36:12 – Taco Bell, KFC & Hot Honey Magic
40:05 – How Hot Honey Partners Work
43:28 – New Products & Burt’s Bees Collab
46:05 – New Merch, Drinks & Even Halloween Costumes!
47:26 – The Brand’s Signature Color Story
48:47 – Focused Core & Going Global
51:26 – Duce’s Wild x Mike’s Hot Honey
52:22 – Sweet Baby Ray’s vs. Hot Honey 
53:50 – Fastest Growing Honey Brand
54:52 – Launch Fast, Iterate Faster
56:26 – Push Through Fear & Doubt
58:15 – Building a Winning Team
59:56 – Gratitude & Future Collabs

Follow Mike's Hot Honey on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeshothoney/
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeshothoney
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeshothoney
X: https://x.com/mikeshothoney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeshothoney
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mikeshothoney/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mike's-hot-honey/posts/?feedView=all
Website: https://mikeshothoney.com/

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#nfl #foodnetwork #podcast #pitmaster #bbq #foodie 

From the NFL to the Food Network, Chef Eddie Jackson has lived one incredible journey—and he’s not done yet. In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Eddie opens up about his transition from professional football to culinary television, launching a wellness shot product line, and owning multiple food truck brands including Eddie’s Burgers and Rose Hill Tacos. He shares how his father shaped his commitment to fitness, the importance of balance in food and life, and the legacy he wants to leave for his kids. Eddie also talks about what it's really like working with Bobby Flay, how he got on MasterChef and Food Network Star, and why jerk chicken holds a special place in his heart. Whether you’re a foodie, entrepreneur, or someone chasing your dream, this conversation delivers motivation, behind-the-scenes insight, and barbecue wisdom.

00:00 – Eddie Jackson Joins the Show
3:03 – How Scent Triggers Food Memories
6:28 – From Undrafted to the NFL
10:34 – Inside the 16-0 Patriots Season
13:10 – Finding Purpose Beyond the Game
16:15 – Signed Up for MasterChef Without Knowing?! 
20:20 – From MasterChef to Food Network Star 
23:53 – Launching BBQ Blitz
25:52 – Behind the Scenes of TV Food Shows 
27:03 – What Eddie’s Cooking Up Now on the Food Network
31:22 – Eddie on Training, Eating, and Balance
36:59 – Building Texas’ Biggest Beer Garden (Then Selling It!)
39:29 – The Secret to Perfect Jerk Chicken (Straight from Jamaica)
43:21 – Eddie on Legacy, Fatherhood, and Giving His All in Everything
45:35 – From NFL to Food Network to Family: Eddie’s True “Why”
46:58 – BBQ Brotherhood: Duce & Eddie Make a Pact for Future Openings

Follow Eddie Jackson on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefeddiejackson/?hl=en
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefeddiejackson1?lang=en
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X: https://x.com/eddiejackson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC8Y-jrV8oR3s2Ix4viDkZtA 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-jackson-4783a3119/ 
Website: https://chefeddiejackson.com/
Eddie's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Day-Eats-Recipes-Homegating-Like/dp/0062870831/ref=asc_df_0062870831?mcid=a18ca925e48e34fd84b350852c6ee839&hvocijid=3906918519581006508-0062870831-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3906918519581006508&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9221531&hvtargid=pla-2281435177898&psc=1

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#bbq #podcast #pitmaster 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Tony Ramirez of TFTI BBQ to dive into his meteoric rise in the BBQ world—from viral salmon videos to launching his own rub line and announcing his first cookbook. They explore what it’s like becoming recognizable online, building relationships with major brands like Miller Lite and Royal Oak, and turning a passion for backyard cooking into a full-time career. Tony opens up about the emotional story behind his book, the influence of his late mother, and his plans to move to Texas to grow his brand. The two talk shop on creating content for YouTube vs. short-form, attending epic BBQ events like the Texas Open Fire Meetup and Smoke Slam, and the importance of community over competition in the BBQ scene. They also share stories about family, legacy, and Duce’s upcoming BBQ brand and restaurant, Duce’s Wild, born out of the Sweet Baby Ray’s legacy. Whether you’re a BBQ fan, content creator, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to grow a brand that stays true to its roots.

00:00 - How TFTI BBQ Got Started
5:57 - The Flavors That Raised Tony Ramirez
8:13 - What Filipino BBQ Means to Me
11:17 - When BBQ Content Became a Career
14:09 - When Backyard BBQ Turned Into Fame
19:49 - The Journey Behind Tony’s Cookbook
27:14 -  Inside the Texas Open Fire Meetup
32:47 - How TFTI BBQ Built Strategic Partnerships
36:33 - Tony’s Cajun Honey Rub
38:27 - Why Every BBQ Creator Needs a Website 
40:57 - Why YouTube Is a Beast
45:18 - Why Texas Is the Capital of BBQ
49:11 - BTS of the 49ers BBQ Party
52:52 - The Origin of Sweet Baby Ray’s
58:02 - Wrapping Up with Tony

Follow Tony Ramirez on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfti.bbq/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TFTI.BBQ 
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tfti.bbq?invite=0 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tfti.bbq 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5dl6yLxCrBWKuSjaUNFUDA 
Website: https://tftibbq.com/
Tony’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-BBQ-TFTI-Filipino-Inspired/dp/0760394520/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?tag=lnk0001-20&_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i1PYKT3u_To5MDHxrIStvw.ndItns9FZAF2bZ5msULMng31EZdTw82S_tEq7Z8eliI&qid=1723652728&sr=1-1&geniuslink=true  

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#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

#bbq #podcast #food 

In this episode, Duce sits down with Charlie McKenna of Lillie’s Q to dive into the incredible journey of building a national BBQ brand. Charlie shares how he transitioned from cooking competition sauces to bottling regional varieties like Memphis, Carolina, and Alabama styles, and eventually scaled into 15,000+ stores across 20+ countries. He breaks down the business of consumer packaged goods (CPG), including distributor relationships, slim profit margins, and the grind behind growing a successful product line. They also explore how Charlie’s potato chips—born out of a downtown Chicago food stall—found their way into airlines like United, American, and Delta. Hear why chips are a higher-turn product than sauce, what it takes to succeed in the CPG space, and why having a strong team is key to expanding beyond the restaurant. This conversation wraps with stories about Memphis in May, BBQ competitions, and family life. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast, a food entrepreneur, or just love a good business story, this one’s packed with real talk and BBQ wisdom. 

00:00 – The Southern Roots of Charlie’s BBQ Journey
3:47 – Charlie’s Unexpected Road to BBQ
8:30 – How BBQ Competitions Bonded Charlie and His Dad
15:25 – How a Recession Sparked Lillie’s Q
20:49 – Roux Restaurant & Origins
24:23 – Keeping the Menu Simple
26:05 – Tri-Tip, Brisket & Barbecue Evolution
32:09 – Secrets of BBQ & Smokers & Holding Units
36:51 – Starting the Sauce & Rub Business
39:02 – Scaling with Distribution & Fancy Food Show
41:01 – Building a Consumer Goods Brand
44:03 – The Work Behind the Success
47:50 – Launching the Kettle Chips Line
51:23 – Memphis in May, Community, and Family

Follow Charlie on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cmckenna_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilliesQ
X: https://x.com/LilliesQChicago
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilliesq?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lilliesq/featured
Website: https://charliemckenna.co/

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#food #cooking #bbq #pitmaster #podcast 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with food content creator Jeremy Jacobowitz for an unforgettable conversation about health, flavor, and storytelling in the food world. Jeremy opens up about losing over 100 pounds while constantly being around indulgent food and shares how balance, consistency, and smart choices have helped him stay fit in a BBQ-heavy career. They dive deep into the world of pizza—from New Haven and New York to Japan’s wild Tokyo-style creations and Detroit’s cheesy, crunchy crusts. Jeremy also recounts some of his most incredible food experiences from around the globe, including a legendary pizza meal in Kyoto and fried chicken in Seoul, and how food is as much about the story as it is the flavor. Duce wraps with a look ahead to Jeremy’s future in content, film production, and an invite to Chicago’s new Duce's Wild BBQ restaurant, built on the Sweet Baby Ray’s legacy. If you’re into BBQ, pizza, food travel, or creator life, this is a must-watch packed with flavor and insight.

00:00 – From TV Production to Brunch Boys
3:21 – Storytelling Over Technique: Bourdain’s Influence
6:47 – From Freelance Work to Full-Time Creator
9:51 – Egg Salad and Japanese Convenience Stores
13:54 – Must-Try Eats in New York City
16:19 – Short-Form Video Trends on Social Media
22:39 – Working Directly With Bobby Flay
26:36 – Advice for Aspiring Food Creators
29:06 – “Play the Hits” and Find Your Niche
33:08 – Tokyo, Detroit & Chicago Pizza Styles
37:02 – Unforgettable Food Experiences Around the World
41:50 – Jeremy’s Future + Duce’s Restaurant Reveal

Follow Jeremy Jacobowitz on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyjacobowitz/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrunchBoys
X: https://x.com/brunchboys?lang=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyjacobowitz?lang=en 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrunchBoys
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DU1rCOomA0SIxWACcz47N
Website: https://jeremyjshop.com/

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#podcast #socialmedia #bbq 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, to dive deep into the power of digital storytelling for restaurant owners. They discuss why every operator should attend industry events like Catersource and the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, how Cali BBQ achieved $52M in catering sales, and why content creation—not ads—is the secret to building trust and driving revenue. Shawn shares how to turn your brand into a show, book high-profile podcast guests, and embrace a “YouTube First” strategy in 2025. You’ll also hear the evolution of the Sweet Baby Ray’s origin story and learn why repeating content is actually a creator superpower. Whether you're in food service, hospitality, or content creation, this episode is packed with actionable insights for restaurant marketing, brand building, and media strategy. If you're serious about growing your business with video, podcasts, and digital media—this one’s for you.

00:00 – Why Attend Catersource as a Restaurateur
04:22 – Create Content at Industry Events: Here’s Why
08:21 – Be the Show, Not the Commercial
11:28 – Why Your Social Media Isn’t Selling Yet
15:51 – Repeating Content Is a Creator Superpower
21:16 – Every Business Needs an Origin Story
25:18 – How Shawn Books Big Podcast Guests
29:23 – Building ‘Radio Row’ at NRA Show
32:30 – 2025 Creator Tip: Go YouTube First
37:31 – You Have the Tools—Start Creating Now

Follow Shawn Walchef on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calibbqmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calibbqmedia
X: https://x.com/calibbqmedia
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnpwalchef
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaliBBQMedia/featured
Website: https://content.calibbq.media/

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#indianfood #podcast #bbq #cooking #podcast #meat #pitmaster #food

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with award-winning chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Maneet Chauhan for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation. They unpack the unrealistic expectations chefs put on themselves, talk about the importance of collaboration, and reflect on the intense pressure of Iron Chef and Food Network competitions. Maneet gives rare insight into competing against culinary icon Bobby Flay and shares why his technique commands so much respect. Whether you're a chef, entrepreneur, or food lover, this episode is full of valuable takeaways, behind-the-scenes stories, and inspiration from one of the top voices in modern cuisine.

00:00 — From India to Culinary Icon
04:18 — The Core of Indian Cuisine
07:22 — Maneet’s Journey to Becoming a Chef
13:43 — Maneet vs. Morimoto on Iron Chef
16:50 — Don’t Pursue Fame, Pursue Excellence
21:47 — Maneet’s Expansion from One to Four Restaurants
27:01 — How Maneet Balances Leadership and Creativity
32:41 – Building Morph Hospitality Group with Her Husband
36:47 – Behind Iron Chef: The Real Pressure
41:25 – BBQ Meets Indian Flavors: What’s Next?

Follow Maneet Chauhan on Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maneetchauhan/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefmaneetchauhan
X: https://x.com/ManeetChauhan
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefmaneetchauhan?lang=en
 @FoodNetwork YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FoodNetwork
Website: https://www.maneetchauhan.com/

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#bbq #podcast #sweden
 
In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with  @BigSwedeBBQ 's Johan Magnusson, to dive into the world of Swedish BBQ and outdoor cooking. Johan shares his journey from Sweden to Arizona, bringing Scandinavian fire traditions to American barbecue, and discusses everything from perfecting tri-tip with reverse searing to mastering offset smokers. They also explore tips on managing fire and wind, crafting signature BBQ rubs, and creating a BBQ brand. With stories about Swedish fire pits, BBQ-themed songs, and the close-knit BBQ community, this episode is packed with insights for BBQ enthusiasts and anyone looking to turn their passion into a business. Whether you're into grilling, smoking, or just love the culture of BBQ, this episode will inspire you to fire up your grill and get creative. Tune in for tips, stories, and a fresh perspective on backyard BBQ!

00:00 - From Sweden to Phoenix
6:38 - BBQ Is Not Rocket Science
8:41 - Johan’s BBQ Journey
14:57 - American BBQ in Sweden
19:58 - Smoked Meats with Global Flavor Twists
24:56 - BBQ in Arizona 
26:58 - The Real Sweet Baby Ray’s Story
30:25 - Why Authenticity Beats Views
39:36 - Creating Barbecue Music Videos
42:11 - Johan’s Swedish Roots

Follow Johan Magnusson on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigswedebbq/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigSwedeBBQ
X: https://x.com/BigSwedeBBQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigswedebbq
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigSwedeBBQ/videos 
Website: https://bigswedebbq.com/index.html 

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#fitness #weightloss #podcast 

In this inspiring episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Ian Michaud, co-founder of The Michaud Method, master trainer, and sports nutritionist, to dive deep into the keys to transforming your fitness journey in 2024. Together, they explore a wide range of topics, including the truth about non-nutritive sweeteners, strategies for sustainable weight loss, and the cutting-edge role of “medical gyms” in redefining fitness through personalized, science-based programs. Ian also sheds light on red light therapy, discussing whether it’s a promising innovation or just another overhyped trend.

00:00 - Ian’s Journey into Fitness
5:14 - Why Building Muscle Matters for Weight Loss and Longevity
11:43 - Rebounding After Holiday Weight Gain
15:58 - Cardio Misconceptions and the Power of Resistance Training
19:26 - GLP-1 Medications and Appetite Suppressants: Do They Work?
29:39:12 - Do Supplements Really Matter?
33:11:22 - The Best Diet: Sustainability Over Fads
36:15:22 - Navigating Non-Nutritive Sweeteners and Weight Loss
40:14:09 - The Future of Fitness and Medical Integration
44:42:23 - Overcoming Fitness Setbacks & Maintaining Progress
49:23:01 - Setting Yourself Up for Fitness Success in the New Year

Follow The Michaud Method on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaudmethod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Michaud-Method/100093533633667/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-michaud-method-19b91228a/

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