Simply Stogies
by James Giehm
A podcast for cigar enthusiasts and cigar aficionados. Interviews with blenders, principles, owners, and others in and around the cigar industry. From the PCA Trade Show to local B&Ms and regional events, we cover it all. Join James and Nick Syris (owner of LH Cigars) on the 1st and 15th of every month.
Episodes
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Episode 193: 2026 Retail Roundtable
The conversation revolves around the retail side of the business this week as Simply Stogies Podcast welcomes Dwight Adkins and Paul Wood from Fat Ash Cigar in Ashland, KY; Brian Bolen from Smoldering Cigar in Livermore, IA; and Jimmy Dailing from The Drawing Room in Davenport, IA. The panel...
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89 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Jimmy and James talk about Daniel Lance behind his back! The duo discuss their recent conversation with Daniel Lance from Domain Cigars. How does technology affect both the retailer and the consumer? Who sees it? Are cigar reps relevant given the adoption of certain technologies? Why isn't every...
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Episode 192: Daniel Lance of Domain Cigars
James and Jimmy welcome Daniel Lance of Domain Cigars to the show. The trio discuss Daniel's 20yrs in the industry and his background before jumping into the industry full time. Daniel tells us how he chose Nicaragua over Kansas and how he would like to see more cigar companies utilize technology...
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88 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Jimmy and James talk about Pedro Gomez behind his back. The duo discuss their recent conversation with Pedro Gomez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Drew Estate. From Pedro's humble beginnings as a saddle maker in Nicaragua, to his time in Iowa as a college student, to how he worked his way up...
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Episode 191: Pedro Gomez of Drew Estate
James and Jimmy sit down with Pedro Gomez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Drew Estate. Pedro talks about coming to the US from Nicaragua and leaving saddle-making and everything he knew behind, to go to school in Iowa. Pedro discusses what drives him, his work ethic, his mentor, and the culture…
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87 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Jimmy and James recap their recent conversation with Dray and Zack of HDA Cigars. Jimmy asks some questions, James critiques Jimmy's questions, and Jimmy gives James a hard time. Also, they're both big fans of Dray and Zack. What makes them friends? Why aren't Jimmy and James as close as Dray and...
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Episode 190: Andre and Zack of HDA Cigars
James and Jimmy welcome both Andre and Zack from HDA Cigars to the program. Dre tells us how he got into cigars, how he met up with Zack, and how the two came to form HDA Cigars. The duo discuss the move to the Rojas Factory, what went into the move, and how they worked to keep the recipes the...
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86 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Jimmy and James discuss their recent discussion with Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Cigars. The duo talk about how long it took to get Sebastien on the show, the chemistry between James and Sebastien, and what it takes to make a sale. The two also react to Sebastien not caring what other people...
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Episode 189: Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Cigars
James and Jimmy welcome Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Cigars to the program. After several years, Sebastien sits down and has a frank conversation about what it means to be a "boutique" cigar manufacturer, why he hates the word boutique, and how he got into the industry. We discuss his love of...
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85 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Jimmy and James discuss their recent conversation with Jon Simons of Warfighter Tobacco. The duo discuss veteran owned businesses, the learning curve of sales, and the ability to adapt and overcome. They also discuss some recent cigar media shenanigans.
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Episode 188: Jon Simons of Warfighter Tobacco
James and Jimmy sit down with Jon Simons from Warfighter Tobacco. Jon gives us the story of how Warfighter Tobacco Co. came to be. From gun store to 10yrs in the cigar industry, Jon talks about lessons learned, mentors, factory changes, and if he'd do it all again. We ask Jon how his military...
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84 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Jimmy and James discuss their recent conversation with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. They discuss Valacari Cigars' 10yrs in the industry, whether Valacari is "boutique" now, and how being in the industry for a decade changes how the rest of the industry views a brand. The duo also talk about...
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Episode 187: Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars
James and Jimmy sit down with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. Valacari Cigars is celebrating their 10th year in the cigar industry in 2026 and James asks Nimmer about it. Nimmer discusses some of the changes the brand has gone through, what it takes to make it in the industry, and some of the...
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83 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Jimmy and James return to "talk about Vance Taylor behind his back." The duo spend a lot of time giving their opinions of Stoicism. While Vance did a great job answering some of the darker themes of the popular philosophy, Jimmy and James weren't satisfied. Did Vance sway James from Nihilism? Can...
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Episode 186: Vance Taylor of Stoic Cigars
James and Jimmy sit down with Vance Taylor of Stoic Cigars. We catch up with Vance and find out how his first two yeas in the cigar industry have gone and what lessons he's learned in that time. We then turn our attention to the "dark side" of Stoicism. What does Stoicism and Nihilism have in...
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82 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
New host of Clear the Air, Jimmy D, brings James and Tim back to the microphone to discuss the latest interview with Tim Ozgener of Oz Family Cigars. The trio discuss the trust manufacturers put in the retailers (and vice versa), the relationship aspect of the business (manufacturers and…
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Episode 185: Tim Ozgener of Oz Family Cigars
James and Jimmy sit down with Tim Ozgener of Oz Family Cigars at The Drawing Room in Davenport, Iowa. The trio discuss Tim's creativity, his history in the cigar industry, and the impact his father had on him. From his days with CAO to coming back to the industry, Tim dives into what lessons he...
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81 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
In this after-show of Simply Stogies Podcast, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy sit down to recap their recent interview with Mo Malley of Patina Cigars. The guys dive deep into the nuances of cigar blending, reviewer objectivity, and the rapidly shifting dynamics of the cigar economy.
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Episode 184: Mo Maali of Patina Cigars
James and Jimmy sit down with Mo Maalu of Patina Cigars. The trio discuss a wide range of topics. The conversation begins with the Red Pill and the difference in the vitolas and how they smoke and moves in to cigar revies. What's the right score? Do reviewers know the difference between a bad…
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80 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Clear the Air turns this after-show into a relentless, unfiltered battlefield as the hosts drag rival commentators for launching cowardly, passive-aggressive attacks against an independent lounge owner and manufacturer. Instead of focusing primarily on the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast,...
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Episode 183: Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars
With Jimmy out sick, James sits down with Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars. The two discuss how Aaron and LaVega got involved with Dogs Inc. and the LaVega Il Cane cigar. This leads to a larger discussion on why you shouldn't "f*ck people over" in the cigar industry. Aaron shares his thoughts on...
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79 CLEAR THE AIR: A SIMPLY STOGIES AFTER SHOW
This week, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy break down the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast interview with Rob Blumenthal from Tradecraft Cigars. They discuss Rob's deep family history in the cigar world and how that experience helps him build his own brand. The guys also debate the pros and...
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Episode 182: Rob Blumenthal of Tradecraft Cigars
James and Jimmy sit down with one of the owners and founder of Tradecraft Cigars, Rob Blumenthal. Rob talks about his family's five generation in the tobacco business, something that started during the Civil War era with his family selling tobacco and cigars. The trio discuss what Rob has learned...
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78 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
This week, Tim, James, and Jimmy are back at the microphones to dissect their recent interview with Vince McGlone of Vicente Blends. The audience feedback has been a total mixed bag, and the crew isn't holding back on why Vince's engineering background, low-volume production mindset, and luxury…
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Episode 181: Vincent McGlone of Vicente Blends
James and Jimmy welcome Vincent McGlone, owner and blender of Vicente Blends, to the show. Vince talks about his engineering background and how he started Vicente Blends. What was a passion project has turned into a business. Vince discusses how his engineering background impacts is approach to...
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77 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
James interviews Fat Ash Cigar Lounge owner Dwight Adkins and GM Paul Wood to launch the sixth annual My Old Kentucky HERF, introducing exclusive cigars like the "Open Carry" and "Sturdy Girl" that reflect the lounge's culture of freedom and hospitality. Jimmy later joins James and Tim for a…
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Episode 180: Code4Cigars' Samantha Baliles
James and Tim (Jimmy is on vacation) welcome Samantha Baliles from Code4Cigars. Sam explains that Code4Cigars supports first responders mental health by coming together over their love of the leaf. Sam gives first responders an informal way to support each other while dealing with traumatic…
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Episode179: Interviews from NOLA
We sat down with some of the most interesting people at this year's Premium Cigar Association Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite a few hiccups with both audio and video, we sit down with Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Rick and Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa…
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76 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
The team at Simply Stogies has officially wrapped up another incredible year at the annual Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show! In this special edition episode of Clear the Air, James takes the host’s chair to lead a lively discussion with Jimmy and Tim. Together, they break down their...
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75 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
In this episode of Clear the Air, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy spend time reviewing a recent interview with Lou Cross of Lure Cigars and sharing their thoughts on different cigar products. They also discuss their upcoming trip to a major cigar trade show in New Orleans and officially announce that...
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Episode 178: Lou Cross of Lure Cigars
James and Nick welcome Lou Cross of Lure Cigars back to the program. Lou promotes his new PCA exclusive, the "Wahoo." We discuss the changes for Lure Cigars and Valacari Cigars, Lou's role with both brands, and their relationship with La Tabacaria. We ask Lou what he's learned in his 2 years in…
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74 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Tim and Jimmy D lead this episode of Clear The Air by examining the balance between modern technology and classic cigar traditions. They explain how artificial intelligence can manage data and inventory so that professionals have more time for genuine human interaction. Jimmy D supports this…
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Episode 177: Antonio Lam of Reinado Cigars
James is out sick so Jimmy is stepping into the host's chair for the first time to interview Antonio Lam of Reinado Cigars alongside co-host Nick. Antonio discusses his return to the business and shares the fascinating story behind a limited-edition cigar where he actually fermented broadleaf...
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Episode 176: Jonas Santana of Blackbird Cigars
James and Nick welcome Jonas Santana from Blackbird Cigars. The trio discuss Blackbird's 10 years in the industry and how they're celebrating...with three new blends! Jonas talks about working with his mentor and master blender at his factory in the Dominican Republic. Jonas goes through the...
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Episode 175: Amanda & Paul Wood of FatAsh Cigar Lounge
James and Jimmy welcome Amanda & Paul Wood of FatAsh Cigar Lounge in Ashland, Kentucky. We discuss Paul's new job as the GM of FatAsh and what he brought with him from his time as a sales rep for Luciano Cigars. Amanda talks about life with Paul on the road vs life with Paul working in the…
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73 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
In this unfiltered "Clear the Air" session, Tim, James, and Jimmy break down the highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with the most recent powerhouse interview with Mike Szczepankiewicz of Powstanie Cigars. The trio dives deep into the "Santa...
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Episode 174: Mike Szczepankiewicz of Powstanie Cigars
James and Nick welcome Mike Szczepankiewicz from Powstanie Cigars, Pospiech Cigars, Cigar Hustler Lounge in Florida, and A Cigar Hustlers Podcast. Mike talks about getting into the cigar industry, working with Mike "BDP" Palmer, and doing a daily podcast. He talks about how important his family…
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72 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Tim, James, and Jimmy discussed the career and controversial opinions of industry veteran Dave Garofalo. The conversation focused heavily on Garofalo's bold business moves, specifically his decision to close profitable stores in Massachusetts and relocate to New Hampshire to escape a 12% tax—a...
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Episode 173: David Garofalo of Two Guys Cigars, United Cigars & The Cigar Authority
James and Nick welcome entrepreneur, author, and podcaster David Garofalo to the show. The trio discuss Dave's 40 years of experience with Two Guys Cigars, his reason for moving his stores from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, and how he has fought against raising taxes on cigars at the state…
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71 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
In this episode of Clear the Air, the crew celebrates Simply Stogies’ seven-year anniversary of the show , reflecting on its massive growth from a monthly hobby to a major industry voice. The conversation transitions into a deep dive on boutique cigar culture, comparing the different...
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Episode 172: Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars
James and Nick welcome Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars to the show. We find out how Alex got into cigars, as he discusses his 25yrs as a cop. Alex talks about how retirement led to his managing a cigar shop and eventually to owning his own cigar brand. Alex discusses his love for his family, his...
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70 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Industry titans collide as James, Nick, and Jimmy step into the arena to dissect the fallout from their explosive sit-down with PCA CEO Joshua Habursky. Representing the powerhouse trio of Manufacturer, Retailer, and Media, they bring perspectives that rarely align—and the tension is palpable.…
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Episode 171: Joshua Habursky, CEO of the PCA
We welcome CEO of the Premium Cigar Association, Joshua Habursky, back to the program. We catch up with Joshua and find out how 2025 went for the cigar industry. We also take a look ahead and discuss some of the legal challenges facing the industry and how the PCA stays on top of 50 individual...
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69 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Tim returns for another edition of Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show. Joined by James and Jimmy, the crew breaks down the latest episode featuring Law Ream, Ambassador for Zino Cigars (now with Camacho brand...thanks LAW!). But there is a major plot twist: Tim enlists a…
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Episode 170: End of 2025 with Law Ream
Law Ream, the Zino Brand Ambassador, closes out 2025 with James and Jimmy D. The trio look back at the highlights of the year and look ahead at what 2026 may have in store. We talk about cigar media, are "best of" lists good, do food reviews belong in cigar media, who got it right this year, and...
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68 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
In this episode of Clear the Air, the Simply Stogies crew breaks down their interview with industry legend Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars. They dive into Pete's genuine nature, his thirty-two-year journey in the cigar world, and his unique perspective on limited editions and supporting...
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Episode 169: Petemas with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars
We celebrate Petemas with Pete Johnson. Rebel? Student? Teacher? Historian? We find out how Pete sees himself and his place in the industry. We ask Pete what changes he's seen in the cigar industry over the past 32 years and what he would change if he could. Pete talks about the "unusual…
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67 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show
This episode of Clear the Air features the Simply Stogies crew reflecting on Matt Booth's transformative role in the cigar industry, from his bold Room 101 brand to his provocative marketing that redefined premium cigars. They discuss how Booth and similar trailblazers injected irreverent energy,...
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Episode 168: Matt Booth of Room 101
James and Nick welcome Matt Booth of Room 101 Brand. Recorded LIVE for our Patreon supporters, Matt fields questions from them as well as discussing several topics with James and Nick. Matt talks about his time in the Marine Corps and how it shaped his career. Matt discuses being "on" all the…
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66 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Dive into the latest episode as the team unpacks the shifting buying patterns in the cigar industry—spotlighting who’s getting it right and who’s missing the mark. Explore the realities of rising cigar prices and the looming risk of pricing out loyal customers. Ever wonder what it means when…
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Topics in this show
About this show
A podcast for cigar enthusiasts and cigar aficionados. Interviews with blenders, principles, owners, and others in and around the cigar industry. From the PCA Trade Show to local B&Ms and regional events, we cover it all. Join James and Nick Syris (owner of LH Cigars) on the 1st and 15th of every month.
Hosted by
James Giehm