Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 212: John David Wheeler, Larry Krauck

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve preview their Memorial Day Weekend cooking plans and take a quick tour of the sports world. </p> <p>Thanks to all our sponsors and marketing partners for making the show possible: <br /> Blues Hog #blueshognation<br /> Royal Oak Charcoal #teamroyaloak2023<br /> The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked <br /> Iowa BBQ Store #iowacornercookers<br /> Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrew<br /> Proud Souls BBQ Kansas City #proudsoulsbbqkc #kingdomofq #proudsoulsbarbecueandprovisions<br /> Randy Vanslyke and Pro Technology Solu