Cigar Stories TK Podcast

After smoking my second Nica Rustica cigar in one sitting!!! I thought I'd pair it with the story of Ulysses S. Grant, this episode explores the idea of overlooked power. Once dismissed as an unremarkable, even failed man, Grant rose through quiet resilience to become the commanding general who led the Union to victory in the American Civil War—often seen calmly smoking a cigar amid chaos. Like the Nica Rustica, he wasn’t flashy or refined in the traditional sense… but beneath that simplicity lay focus, grit, and an unshakable strength that ultimately changed history.

In this episode we delve into the Drew Estate Nica Rustica. A cigar easily overlooked but deserves more time and more reflection. And just like the easily overlooked Nica rustica you will learn more about yourself through deeper introspection reflection and the silence that pairs well with this stogie, stick, cigar.. 

A somewhat, reflective episode exploring the GTO Pain Killer Maduro Toro through a rich FAB VOWS breakdown, while gliding through parts integration to better understand and cope with life's challenges—blending cigar ritual, psychology, and awful misplaced miss timed humour into a powerful inner experience.

Three premium Nicaraguan toros… back to back. What starts as a simple smoke turns into a slow descent into stillness, clarity, and raw introspection. With each draw, the mind quiets, the senses sharpen, and something deeper begins to speak—this isn’t just a cigar… it’s a journey inward.

A reflective journey through the four seasons of life—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—exploring growth, struggle, results, and renewal. Paired with the bold presence of the CAO Flathead V660 and a brief History of Johnnie Walker Whiskey this episode invites you to slow down, tune in, and discover what your current season is teaching you.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the Perdomo Cigars 30th Anniversary medium-to-full-bodied cigar, aged Nicaraguan tobacco, bourbon barrel-aged wrappers and as we reach the “R” for Resources, we realise the cigar is just the starting point—not the end—because the real resource is the calm, focused state it creates, a state you can learn to access anytime, meaning the cigar isn’t the destination… it’s the doorway.

Over a 75-minute Bolívar Cigar, this extended episode unfolds into a deeper exploration of the mind — from negative visualisation to the psychology of desire and the idea of “perfect rewards” like virgins in paradise. Blending cigar ritual with NLP, philosophy, and hypnotic reflection, this is not just a smoke… but a journey into awareness, control, and perspective. Sometimes the richest moments come when we question what we think we want.

Most people smoke… but very few truly experience. In this episode, we explore the art of the first draw through the lens of VAKOG — engaging sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste while enjoying a bold Bolívar Cigars. Blending cigar appreciation with NLP and subtle hypnotic guidance, this is a slow, immersive journey designed to heighten awareness and deepen relaxation. Don’t just smoke the cigar… experience it.            

From apple temptation to Bolivar power—awakening all five senses. Today… we step into VAKOG — Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory, Gustatory… And we begin… with A for Apple… while we explore one of the boldest cigars in the game… The Bolivar.

In this episode of Cigar Stories, we explore the mysterious painting The Son of Man by René Magritte, where a floating apple hides the face of an ordinary man — reminding us that what we see often conceals something deeper. As part of our journey through C.I.G.A.R — the ultimate self-development framework, the letter A stands for Apple, symbolising awareness, perception, and the hidden layers of identity. Paired with the rich tradition of the Punch, this episode invites listeners to reflect, look beyond the obvious, and enjoy the slow unfolding of thought… just like a fine cigar.             

Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a visionary Victorian engineer who built railways, bridges, and ships that transformed Britain, driven by relentless ambition and bold thinking. The Rocky Patel The Edge mirrors that spirit with its powerful, full-bodied character—rich, intense, and crafted for those who appreciate strength, precision, and a bold finish

In this episode of Cigar Stories, we explore the fascinating life of J. P. Morgan—the titan of finance who was rarely seen without a cigar. Alongside his story, we review the Dominican Barlovento cigar, breaking down its flavour profile and character. It’s an episode about power, ritual, and the quiet moments where great cigars accompany great decisions.

In this episode of Cigar Stories, we explore the timeless elegance of the iconic Romeo y Julieta — a brand born in Cuba in 1875 and inspired by Shakespeare’s tragic lovers. Known for its refined balance, floral aroma, and smooth medium strength, this is not a cigar of aggression, but of grace and quiet confidence. We journey through its heritage, its rise to global fame — including its connection to Winston Churchill —  This episode is about more than tobacco. It’s about identity. Romance. Legacy. And what it means to choose elegance over excess — reflection over reaction.

In this episode, we explore identity through the lens of The Count of Monte Cristo — the story of Edmond Dantès, a man who loses everything and consciously reconstructs himself into the powerful Count. We reflect on how reinvention, patience, and clarity of purpose shape both character and destiny. Finally, we connect that transformation to the iconic Montecristo cigars — a symbol of structure, balance, and deliberate identity crafted over time.

In this episode, we explored identity through Che Guevara, looking at how he consciously shaped his image — from his presence to the symbolic cigar — showing that identity is something we practice, not something we inherit. We paired this with two contrasting robustos: the structured, disciplined Camacho Connecticut (Blue Band) and the modern, expressive Zino Nicaragua. Together, they became metaphors for identity — the wrapper as image, the binder as values, and the filler as lived experience. The core question: Are you choosing your identity — or simply wearing one by default?

In this Episode we take a deep dive into Identity. What it is and how its formed, and steps you can take to change whilst smoking a CAMACHO robusto cigar. (Part 2 of the C,I.G.A.R Series)

In this episode we begin this series where we take the cigar and break it down to C.I.G.A.R and explore the deeper meanings around Clarity in order to get and design the life you want. We also take a deep dive into the Chateau Diadem Splendour Robusto Extra Cigar.   

In this episode we reluctantly look at Rumi and his mention of the breathe and how as cigar smokers we can benefit from the pause between the breathe, we also take a deep dive into the legendary Italico cigars.. 

In this episode we explore the breath as taught by Patanjali the architect of Yoga and how cigar aficionado's can benefit from such practice whilst smoking and getting to a state of deep altered consciousness.

Some days feel like tuna — routine, dull, functional. Others slow you down like a cigar. This episode explores how presence, not excitement, is where meaning lives

This episode is a journey into the hidden world of tobacco and the number 12: 12 tobacco hybrid seeds representing human craft, adaptation, and the choices we plant with intention, and 12 tobacco diseases representing nature’s unseen pressures—blight, rot, mould, and virus

A reflective journey back to childhood — growing up, making do, and learning resilience. Jason his bleeding coat, and the quiet lessons life teaches before we even know we’re learning them. Some numbers stay with us forever. 12

A cigar that slows time and invites quiet thought

The Scandinavian Viking Cigar, silence, surrender, from the depths within

A Shakespearean Tragedy, life is never fair for short people an anecdotal introduction to both Saddam Hussain and Part 1 of the Cohiba Cigar  

In Rome, smoke drifts through narrow streets and unmade choices. This episode is a reflection whilst smoking a 2012 Oscar Valladares cigar, fire, patience, and the cost of not acting—when comfort becomes a cage and life quietly decides for you.

This episode of Cigar Stories pairs the bold Partagás Serie P No. 2 with the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Through rich smoke, measured reflection, and storytelling, we explore strength, discipline, and leadership, inviting cigar aficionados and mature listeners to slow down and consider legacy beyond history

Cigar Stories turns its attention to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, exploring his life, discipline, leadership, and quiet strength. Through reflective storytelling, historical insight, and the ritual of cigar smoking, this episode invites a mature audience to slow down and consider power, identity, and legacy beyond headlines and history books.

Cigar Stories – Part 2 continues the journey into the mind of Sigmund Freud, using a gentle hypnotic script to explore the unconscious as he described it. Designed for a mature audience and cigar aficionados, this episode invites listeners to slow down, follow the rhythm of the ritual, and reflect more deeply on thought, memory, and the spaces beneath conscious awareness.

Cigar Stories – Part 1 blends mature comedy, thoughtful storytelling, and cigar culture for seasoned listeners and cigar aficionados. Exploring the life of Sigmund Freud and featuring the Freud Cigar Company’s SuperEgo, this episode uses the ritual of cigar smoking as a gateway to deeper reflection, psychology, and slow enjoyment.