Podcast: Simply Stogies Podcast

Episode 72: 3 Year Anniversary, Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Problem, and PCA News

Thank you all so much for your support these past three years!! This is now the longest running podcast and most successful podcast that I’ve ever done. None of this would be possible without you, the listener. THANK YOU!! I break down Cigar Aficionado’s 2021 Top 25 and why it’s still problematic. I also cover…

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Episode 71: What the Hell is Paprika with Devin Ashley of Bad Ash Cigars

I sit down with Devin Ashley, owner and founder of Bad Ash Cigars. Bad Ash Cigars is an ultra-boutique cigar company that is just getting off the ground. We discuss the challenges that face small cigar manufacturers, where he sources his tobacco, how he started rolling cigars, super tasters, and how he handles being in…

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Episode 70: PCA Legislative Update with Josh Habursky and Glynne Loope

I am joined via Zoom by the PCA’s Head of Government Affairs, Joshua Habursky, and State Advocacy Director, Glynn Loope. We take a look back at the legislative victories of 2021 and then look forward to the legislative fights coming in 2022. We discuss the how the PCA approaches the Federal Government fights, and the…

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Episode 69: The One and Only Tommy Zman

I chat, via Zoom, with the one and only Tommy Zman. Tommy “Zman” Zarzeki is a writer, producer, voice actor, humorist, and content creator. While he has worked on projects outside of the cigar industry, Tommy is well-known for his work in the cigar industry. Tommy talks about how he broke into the cigar industry…

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Episode 68: Bonus Episode with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Company

I welcome Lucas Da Silva, owner of oxfordcigarcompany.com, back to the podcast. We discuss the state of cigar retail, what it’s like to do business during the second cigar boom, and how Oxford Cigar Company chooses what new cigar manufacturers to carry. Lucas also talks about the current logistical problems plaguing the industry and why…

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Episode 67: The Cuba Episode with Nick Syris of LH Premium Cigars

I welcome Nick Syris, the owner and Master Blender of LH Premium Cigars and a Subject Matter Expert on all things Cuban cigars, to the show. Nick and I run the gamut of Cuban cigars, as we discuss the U.S. embargo on Cuba and some of the effects on the Cuban people, the changing U.S….

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Episode 66: Getting to Know Alec Rubin from Alec Bradley Cigars

I travel to Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska and sit down with Alec Rubin of Alec Bradley Cigars. Alec and I discuss what it was like growing up in the industry and his unique cigar journey. Alec describes what it’s like working with family, what he believes makes a cigar manufacturer “boutique,” and his opinions on vitolas…

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Episode 65: Return of the Reinado Empire

I chat, via Zoom, with Antonio Lam of Reinado Premium Cigars. There are things in the world that are more important than cigars and more important than business. Antonio and I discuss one of those things: family. Antonio explains where he has been for the past seven years and the reason for Reinado’s long hiatus…

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Episode 64: A Conversation with Andy Sweis of Cedar Room Fine Cigars & Lounge

I am joined via Zoom by Andy Sweis, owner of Cedar Room Fine Cigars & Lounge in Scottsdale, AZ. We talk about how he got into the cigar industry and how it is a family affair for him and his brother. Andy talks about staying on the bleeding edge of boutique cigars and new releases….

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Episode 63: Smoking with the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety

I sit down with Joe from Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety at Prime Cigars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joe and I have a great conversation that covers a wide array of topics. We get to know Joe and how he started his cigar journey before getting to know what the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety is all about….

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