The Burning Questions Podcast

In this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast, author Doug Moore joins Davis Lacey at The Ellijay Cigar Lounge to discuss The Vanguard Project: A Tactical Field Manual for Fathers Fighting for Their Sons. In authoring this book, Doug leverages decades of experience as a wilderness guide, youth pastor, registered nurse, and more to help men in general - and fathers in particular - protect the rising generation from the chaos and destruction of "the silent epidemic" (i.e. electronic addiction and pornography). Survivors and sufferers of this silent epidemic will receive encouraging words of grace, and fathers and other mentor-figures will receive instruction on how to fight well - for themselves, and on behalf of others. Plus...Doug and Davis talk coffee, New Creation Soda Works, and their annoyance at drivers who terrorize the Ellijay roundabout! Learn more about The Vanguard Project by visiting https://www.thevanguardproject.org/.As always, don't forget to subscribe to The Burning Questions Podcast, and share this content with others who might be encouraged! 

[As always, don't forget to subscribe, share, and provide 5-Star feedback for The Burning Questions Podcast!]On February 12, 2026, Ben Ingram of The Atlanta Braves Radio Network joined Davis Lacey at The Ellijay Cigar Lounge for the fourth annual "Burn One with Ben." In addition to catching up on offseason shenanigans and projecting the outlook of the 2026 Atlanta Braves, Ben and Davis spent time talking about energy management, rest, and renewal - or, in other words, "How to burn one without burning out!" Enjoy this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast!

“We’re going to be the most emotionally resonate brand in the world…” -Tyler Deady In this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast, Tyler Deady of Liar’s Bench Cigar Company sits down with Davis on the porch of The Ellijay Cigar Lounge. Tyler shares about his first cigar-smoking experience, the tragic deaths of the high school friends with whom he shared that cigar, and how cigar smoking provides people – especially men – with a medium to process the highs and lows of life. Tyler also describes the vision for Liar’s Bench Cigar Company, as well as the unique blend that is their debut vitola (The Optimist Robusto). As tobacco professionals, Davis and Tyler share a frank conversation about the challenges of the modern-day premium cigar industry. Towards the end, Tyler imparts words of wisdom to entrepreneurs of all ages and stages, but especially with a heart for young professionals.  Enjoy this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast, and support Tyler’s work online by buying The Optimist Robusto online from The Ellijay Cigar Lounge. Learn more about The Flinch (the book mentioned by Tyler)...

Ben Ingram, the lead play by play voice of the Atlanta Braves Radio Network, was kind enough to field questions from the listeners who gathered at The Ellijay Cigar Lounge for "Burn One with Ben" on January 30, 2025. This episode features the live recording of those questions, as well as Ben's answers. You'll hear things like:Ben's favorite (and least favorite) radio booths around the leagueHow Darren O'Day got his job as one of Ben's color analystsHow calling a football game is different than calling a baseball gameSo much more!Be sure to subscribe to The Burning Questions Podcast, and email your ideas for future episodes to [email protected]!

On January 30, Ben Ingram of the Braves Radio Network made his annual offseason visit to The Ellijay Cigar Lounge. In addition to reflecting on the 2024 season and previewing the 2025 season, Ben took time to answer some of Davis' questions which went "beyond the booth." The two friends talked about music, the nature of friendship, and so much more. Whether or not you are a fan of the Atlanta Braves, you'll find great a great conversation of this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast. 

The opioid crisis has been ravaging communities and families across the United States for the past decade. In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act. That declaration was renewed in June of 2024.Ellijay Cigar Lounge customer Matthew Shelton is familiar with the opioid crisis; he is a survivor of it. In this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast, you'll hear Matthew tell his story, share how cigar smoking has played a large role in his sobriety, and impart wisdom to those who are struggling with addiction (as well as caretakers longing to serve them well). 

Justin Marshall (libertywaterpurification.com) joins The Burning Questions Podcast to chat about how smoking cigars with Davis (at The Ellijay Cigar Lounge) changed his life forever. Learn a little bit about Aganorsa Leaf's Aniversario Series of cigarsHear Justin and Davis recount their first interactions together - and how those interactions ultimately led to Justin's life changing foreverReflect on the difference between treating someone as a "project" vs. treating him/her as a "person"More!

Recorded in "The American Room" at El Reloj in Ybor City, Florida, this conversation with Drew Newman features all that you've come to expect from The Burning Questions Podcast:Smokes - hear about the wonderful cigars produced by the J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Stories - learn about Drew's first cigar smoking experience!Substance - ponder what it's like to have no distinction between one's work/home lives, and reflect on how the cigar industry presents "family" as a shared commitment between manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike. All this on more on this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast! 

On January 25, 2024, Ben Ingram joined The Ellijay Cigar Lounge for "Burn One with Ben (Again!)". This episode of The Burning Questions Podcast presents the audio from that conversation. Hear Ben and Davis talk about smoking family heirlooms, Ben's favorite stories about the various Braves broadcasters, the importance of fellowship for life and living, and so much more. Subscribe today at https://www.burningquestionspodcast.com/. 

Josh Hedger is a licensed professional counselor who, alongside his wife, owns and operates a clinically-informed counseling practice (https://www.hedgercounseling.co/). He is also an avid cigar smoker. In this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast, Josh and Davis discuss things such as:·      How Josh got into cigar smoking (as well as his current favorites)·      What is a working definition of “hurry?” (And how do cigars help fight against it?)·      The current state of mental health in a post-COVID-19 world·      The difference between mental “toughness” vs. mental “resiliency” ·      Tips for those who aren’t presently mentally healthy (as well as guidance for friends and family members who wish to care for them well) Josh also takes time to answer questions submitted by our listeners. To submit a question of your own – as well as ideas for future episodes – email [email protected]. 

Although Barry Bradley didn't start smoking cigars until well after age 40, he's made up for lost time. In the years between his first cigar and his 70th birthday, Barry has worked as a tobacconist, smoked with Super Bowl champions, and made some incredible friends along the way. Hear him talk about his biggest cigar shop "pet peeves," his inside-scoop on Ray Lewis' favorite cigar, and his current ministry through a global movement known as "Holy Smokes." It's all happening on this episode of The Burning Questions Podcast! 

In Part 2 of "Smokes with Servicemen," Davis continues his conversation with Damon Gabriel and Brandon Knox. These men each share their perspectives on how military service changed their views of themselves, their country, and the world as a whole. They also give pointers on helpful and unhelpful ways to show care and gratitude to veterans. Plus - no episode of The Burning Questions Podcast is complete without good-natured cigar shop ribbing, and this one is no different! Enjoy "Smokes with Servicemen, Part 2" on The Burning Questions Podcast. (Check out https://22zero.org/ for more information on caring for at-risk veterans). 

This episode of The Burning Questions Podcast is the first of a two-part conversation which was originally recorded at The Ellijay Cigar Lounge on the evening of Sept. 11, 2023. Two men - Damon Gabriel (a Purple Heart-awarded Marine Corps Veteran) and Brandon Knox (a Lt. Col. serving the US Army at the Pentagon) share their remembrances from September 11, 2001, and how the events of that day influenced their decisions to serve in the United States Armed Forces. They also share their perspectives on what lessons modern-day Americans ought to heed in present-day. Plus, all of the cigar lounge banter and stories you've come to expect from The Burning Questions Podcast!(Tune in during the month of October for Part 2 of "Smokes with Servicemen.")

Episode 2 of The Burning Questions Podcast features Al Gomez, Founder of Reformed Cigars.Al shares his story of growing up in Nicaragua's tobacco-growing regions, moving to the United States, starting Reformed Cigars, and more. He also shares the vision behind Reformed Cigars: re-investing 100% of the company's profits into educating children, meeting physical needs, and planting healthy churches in Nicaragua and beyond. It's a conversation chock-full of of smokes, stories, and substance - everything you'd expect from The Burning Questions Podcast!Learn more about Al/Reformed Cigars by visiting this website, or by checking out this Facebook page. 

Ben Ingram, Radio Voice of the Atlanta Braves, joins The Burning Questions Podcast to share his philosophy of broadcasting, how he prepares for radio broadcasts, his favorite cities to visit on Braves road trips, and more. Plus, hear how a providential rain delay was instrumental in securing Ben's future in the Braves Organization. Do you have a question you'd like answered on a future episode of The Burning Questions Podcast? If so, please reach out to us at [email protected]. 

IS THIS HAPPENING? IT IS!!! Ben Ingram, the GA Sportscaster of the Year and the Radio Voice of the Atlanta Braves, joins Davis Lacey in The Ellijay Cigar Lounge for the debut episode of The Burning Questions Podcast. Ben talks about his favorite cigar lounges around the nation, how he got into calling baseball games on the radio, some of his most memorable calls throughout the years, why he has Colossians 3:14-17 included in his Twitter bio, and so much more! Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask, or even an idea for a future episode topic/guest? Email us at [email protected]. 

Introducing The Burning Questions Podcast, a new podcast hosted by The Ellijay Cigar Lounge in Ellijay, GA! Featuring conversations about smokes, stories, and substance, The Burning Questions Podcast brings the banter of our cigar lounge directly to your ears - wherever you may be listening. Subscribe today. Learn more at burningquestionspodcast.com. And email your ideas for future guests/episode topics to [email protected]!