Simply Stogies

James and Nick welcome Robert Caldwell of Caldwell Cigars to the podcast. We find out about the friendship between Robert and Nick. We discuss the pitfall of the overconsumption of information without context, that leads some "cigar geeks" to make false assumptions. We discuss if "a cigar made is a cigar sold" still holds true, if limited edition cigars are still out of control, why nobody interviews Robert, and much more!

In this episode of Clear the Air, Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to discuss more of the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Trey Mac Shipley, National Sales Manager of JRE Tobacco. They discuss the industry and how deals are starting to go away from handshakes, how business is conducted in different regions of the country, the generational changes in how business is conducted int the cigar industry and much more.

James and Nick sit down with Trey Mac Shipley, the National Sales Manager of JRE Tobacco. The trio discuss how Trey and Nick became friends, before diving into cigars. We find out from Trey what a good cigar rep looks like and the differences in cigar culture across the United States. We discuss handshake deals and generational differences within the cigar culture.

In this special episode of Clear The Air, Nick plays the role of host while bringing James and Tim back to the microphone for a behind the scenes perspective of the latest interview on Simply Stogies Podcast with Mike "BDP" Palmer, the Pospiech Nation Sales Manager. The trio start off by talking about the "Cinderella Story" that got Mike Palmer to where he is today before talking about cigar podcasting quality and content.

James and Tim (Nick is on assignment) sit down with the Pospiech National Sales Manager Mike "BDP" Palmer. We find out how Mike got the nickname "BDP," the name of his cigar. We talk about how Mike got involved with Postawnie CIgars and Mike "Mikey" Szczepankewicz. This leads us into talking about their podcast "Cigar Hustlers Podcast" and cigar media in general. Tim and James had a lot of fun with BDP...we're hoping not to be the topic of a Cigar Hustlers Podcast reel.

Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphones to dive deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest Noel Rojas of Rojas Cigars. The trio dive deeper into Noel's story of growing up as a young student in Cuba working on the farms to becoming a troublemaker and eventually making his way through Mexico into the United States. We spend time in awe over Noel's work ethic, passion, and drive in everything he has done to get where he is today.

James and Nick welcome Noel Rojas of Rojas Cigars to the podcast. Noel discusses growing up in Cuba: from working on tobacco farms at a young age, to his military service, and why he went back to tobacco. He gives us an in-depth look into his career in tobacco from Cuba, to the US, and to Nicaragua. We dive in to why he chose Nicaraguan tobacco, working with newcomers in the industry like Lee Marsh from Stolen Throne, and if he feels a responsibility to teach the next generation.

Tim brings James back to the microphone, to talk behind the scenes of the MOKH. During the 2025 My Old Kentucky HERF, Tim and James live streamed the event for nearly 7 hours, allowing you to experience the HERF from the comfort of your couch. After the dust settled, they talk about all the great things that made this year's MOKH a success. You can watch that live stream here: https://youtube.com/live/sKuUi7muscM.

James visits with Dwight Adkins and Stephen Wray at FatAsh Cigar Lounge 8110 US-60, Ashland, KY 41102. The trio talk My Old Kentucky Herf, multi-vendor events, the planning that goes into them, and more. James asks Dwight and Stephen about the culture they've built at FatAsh Cigar Lounge and if it could be duplicated elsewhere. A great conversation with even better people. Make sure to join them at MOKH next year!!!

Clear the Air is finally back after a nice little break following the PCA Trade Show. In this episode, Tim brings James and Nick back to discuss in further detail a little about the life of Alex Glez. Tim Admits he is the uneducated one and asks several questions of Nick and James to get a little more clarification of a few of the topics discussed in the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast.  

James and Nick welcome Alex Glez to the show. Alejandro González Arias, or Alex Glez, talks about his time in Cuba as a torcedores at the El Laguito factory and later at a hotel. Alex talks about the opportunities America has provided him, Alex farm rolls, and his company AG Cigars.

James and Nick welcome Andrew Considine and Dave West, from Small Batch Cigar and Avowed Cigars, back to the show. We ask Andrew and Dave their thoughts on this year's PCA Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans. They tell us about what upcoming releases caught their eye and what new releases they're looking forward to. We also dive into how Small Batch Cigar is able to find some of the hidden gems and bring their customers some of the best cigars in the boutique world. Once we're done talking about the trade show, we turn our attention to Avowed Cigars. We find out why they started the new venture, their vision for the brand, and their passion for all they do. This is a must watch episode!

James, Nick, and Tim give you their thoughts (sans Day 3) of the 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.

James and Nick welcome Charlie Minato of halfwheel.com back to the program. This special bonus episode and all of our 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show is sponsored by Small Batch Cigar Our coverage is also brought to you by My Old Kentucky Herf. We ask Charlie what halfwheel will be looking for in New Orleans. It goes much deeper than what's this year's wrapper leaf of choice...it goes to the importance of the PCA's annual convention and trade show to the consumer. We discuss what consumers and our respective audiences look forward to each year and so much more!

Tim brings James and Nick back for another Simply Stogies After Show. Last week James and Nick interviewed Vance Taylor, founder of Stoic Cigars. The three talk about the troubles of finding good balance between the brand, the cigars, and the customers. Tim pleads his case that he was not scrolling Only Fans as they further discuss the seriousness in the cigar industry and how Stoic Cigars can fit into your normal rotation. Tim gives props for Nick's attention to details such as where a certain tobacco could be from and ability to see things in logos that most would overlook.

James and Nick welcome the owner and founder of Stoic Cigars, Vance Taylor, to Simply Stogies. Vance tells us how he was first in the cigar industry with LUJ Cigars, and how his first PCA trade show was in New Orleans. Bringing things full circle, his first trade show as an owner will also be this month in New Orleans. He discusses Stoicism and how that plays into his approach to the cigar industry and launching his own brand. We discuss if the industry is too serious, what Vance expects from the trade show, and much more!

Tim, James, and Nick are back for another after show. The three discuss cigars that may be meaningful enough to hold on to or smoke them to enjoy them when you can. They discuss some of the things behind the scenes to bring the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Michael Knowles of Mayflower Cigars to the show. James admits he may have been a little nervous about the interview but quickly relaxed as the conversation went on. From there, the conversation digs deeper into their discussion about dealing with politics or being known when you walk into a lounge. We are all grateful to Michael Knowles for being our guest, and to his staff Tessa, and Tara who helped arrange everything.

James and Nick welcome Michael Knowles of Mayflower Cigars and The Daily Wire to the program. Michael discusses how is passion for cigars began and shares why cigars and Mayflower Cigars are very personal for him. He tells us about how he launched his career, writing his first book, and smoking cigars at The Daily Wire. Michael does a few impressions and has some fun while also waxing philosophical about cigars. We find out how politics can sometime show up in the lounge and how Michael deals with that. We also touch on journalism and politics, but the conversation quickly returns to Mayflower Cigars, planning for the PCA 2025 Convention and Trade Show, and much more. You can follow Michael by going to his website: https://www.michaeljknowles.com/  

Tim brigs James and Nick back to the stage to dig deeper int the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Riste of JSK Cigars. The three talk about controversial figures, the differences in the way JSK does things compared to the rest of the industry. Tim, James, and Nick also dive into a a little bit of information technology and how it could impact the industry. Of course nobody knows exactly what that would look like except for the Riste which James and Nick didn't get the chance to dig into during the podcast.

James and Nick welcome Riste Ristevski of JSK Cigars. Riste talks about how he got into the cigar industry, what's changed over the last ten years, and some of the risks that he's taken to make JSK what it is today. Riste talks about switching to his newest factory and what that entailed, as well as what it has done for his brand. We discuss the cigar industry at large, some of the problems that come with some B&Ms, cigar pricing, what's wrong with the industry, and what's next for Colonel Riste and JSK.