Simply Stogies is a podcast for the cigar enthusiast and the veteran cigar aficionado. Join James on his journey through the world of cigars as he covers a variety of topics that are important to cigar smokers. Cigar and cigar accessory reviews, cigar news, reviews with those in the cigar industry, and discussions about all things premium cigars are all on the dockett. Sit back, relax, light up a stogie, and enjoy the show.
Episode 167: Dave West of Avowed Cigars and Small Batch Cigar
Dave West joins James and Nick to catch up on everything that’s been going on throughout 2025. Dave addresses if the industry is seeing a slow down in sales or a shift in buying patterns. He tells us what he thinks it all boils down to. Dave tells us why some cigar shops are thriving...
Episode 166: Brian Desind of Privada Cigar Club
James and Jimmy welcome Privada Cigar Club owner and founder, Brian Desind, back to the podcast. The two catch up with Brian and find out what he, Privada Cigar Club, and the LCA have been up to. Brian discusses being passionate about cigars and the industry, as well as being good at marketing. Brian talks...
Episode 165: Cigar Media in Crisis?
James, Jimmy, and Tim opine on the recent news of How Bout That Cigar, a cigar media outlet, closing their business. What does this mean for the cigar industry? What is “cigar media?” Who’s responsibility is it to define “cigar media?” The three give their opinions and thoughts on what all of this means for...
Episode 164: Zack Van Ginkel of HDA Cigars
James and Nick welcome Zack Van Ginkel of HDA Cigars to the program. The trio discuss how Zack and his business partner, Andray, got into the cigar industry. We find out that Zack is a good ‘ole Iowa boy who is making his way in the cigar industry. We discuss Iowa retailers and retailers in...
Episode 163: Jimmy Dailing
With Nick Syris on vacation, James welcomes Jimmy Dailing to the show. In addition to being a reviewer at simplystogies.com, James announces that Jimmy is a new host at Simply Stogies Podcast. Jimmy also manages a brick & mortar called The Drawing Room in Davenport, Iowa. The duo discuss the cigar industry, cigar lounges, the...
Episode 162: Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars
James and Nick welcome Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars to the show. Aaron tells us how he went from culinary school, to chef, to music producer, to a heavy metal band, and then the cigar industry. We discuss LaVega Cigars, The LaVega lounge, the industry, and Aaron’s views on all of it. We find out...
Episode 161: Dogs Inc.
James and Tim kick off National Service Dog Month by welcoming Sean Brown and Jillian Hinton of Dogs Inc. to the show. Jillian and Sean share their stories and how Dogs Inc. helped them during some of the toughest times in their lives. Dogs Inc. provides guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and companion dogs...
Episode 160: Law Ream Zino Brand Ambassador
James and Nick welcome the Zino Cigars Brand Ambassador, Law Ream, to the show. The former host of the Republic of Debauchery talks cigar media and content creation. We pick his brain and get his thoughts on comedy in the cigar space, how news is covered, and his transition from content creator to brand ambassador....
