James and Tim visit Habano Cigar Lounge (432 E 4th St, Davenport, IA), their other home lounge, and discuss a couple of topics important to the cigar community. The first is the importance of the CRA, how to get involved, and what it means to become a CRA Ambassador. The second is women in the…
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I sit down and catch-up with co-owner Tony Goins, and humidor coach Jeff Fry. We discuss their response to COVID-19 and how it has impacted their business. Jeff and I talk about the changes in their stock, their approach to customers, and how they treat their employees and customers like family. I also got the…
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James sits down with the owners of Safari Cigars & Lounge, Jeff and Mari Doll. They discuss lounge etiquette, the impact that small business has on the local economy, how they got into the industry, and much more. This is a great interview with a couple of genuine, and down-to-earth entrepreneurs. Safari Cigars and Lounge…
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I am finally back in my studio with power and internet! Thank you for your patience during my forced hiatus! I talk about the victory the cigar industry had over the FDA in court, what it means to small businesses and the industry at-large. I also give my opinion on where the next legal battles…
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First, allow me to apologize to my listeners who may not follow me on social media. Where I live was hit hard by a derecho on August 10. I lost power until August 20 and I lost internet until August 30. For more information, check out the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast Presents: Cigars…
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I give you my review of the Epic Cigars limited edition Project E Gran Ola. You can follow along with my review here. I also go over our new Statement of Ethics and why it’s important to our staff and to our fans. You can get your own Simply Stogies Podcast SWAG here!
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James welcomes the new Content Director/Editor of simplystogies.com, Matthew Kang. Matthew discusses his cigar journey, and how his real job at Eater LA will help us give us some direction. We also talk a little COVID-19, and Matthew mistakes a travel humidor for a takeout box. James also announces a brand new Cuban Cigar review,…
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I had the opportunity to sit down with co-owner of Up Down Cigar (located at 1550 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL) and current PCA Board Member, Phil Ledbetter. Phil and I discussed his cigar journey, starting from pipe smoking and going all the way through his becoming co-owner of Up Down Cigar. We discussed the…
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I get to catch up with the Executive Director of the Cigar Rights of America, Glynn Loope. We discuss how COVID-19 has impacted cigar retailers and manufacturers, the government’s response, and the current fight against regulation and why it’s so important given the global pandemic. We also discuss the cigar industry as a whole, we…
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I sat down, via Zoom, with Andy Yaffe, National Sales Director for Micallef Cigars. Andy tells the story of how his cigar journey began, how he came to in the cigar industry, and the friendships he has made. Andy and I then have a frank discussion on the impact COVID-19 has had on local B&Ms,…
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Hello fans of Simply Stogies Podcast and simplystogies.com! We appreciate you, the loyal listeners and readers, for stopping by and even considering supporting this passion project of ours. We strive to bring you interviews, cigar reviews, and to bring you along on our journeys as cigar enthusiasts. To help us do this, we need your help! All money donated goes directly to keep the podcast and website up and running and bringing you the latest reviews, taking us to cigar events and lounges around the country, and giving you the best cigar content we can. You can also choose to become a member of our LE Club! For $10 a month or $100 a year, you can get access to exclusive content and a limited edition Simply Stogies Cutter Club branded cigar cutter. Thank you so much for your consideration!
Stay smoky, friends.