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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.
252 Episodes
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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 the cigar industry, the challenges he's faced, and how he's overcome them. Lou discusses branding and bringing in new cigar smokers the lifestyle, before talking about a brands relationship with B&Ms. What does support for a brand look like, who's responsibility is to move product at the store, and where does support begin.
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 focus on relationships by often giving away free cigars to help customers discover new blends. The hosts also advocate for more cooperation within the industry to ensure that the community remains strong for the next generation. Finally, they highlight the intense dedication of traveling brand representatives who spend hundreds of days on the road to support local lounges.
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 tobacco in Pinot Noir wine. He also explains his strict quality control process of refusing to release a blend until it is perfect, while the group dives into how popular cigar sizes have shifted away from massive 6x60s. They round out the conversation with their personal thoughts on the benefits of aging cigars and why the cigar community needs to constantly support each other. Finally, Antonio drops an exciting teaser about his upcoming Master Collaboration projects.
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 challenges he's faced, overcoming failures, and his greatest successes in his ten years in the industry. We talk about work/home balance and what we can expect from Blackbird at this year's PCA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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 lounge. Amanda and Paul discuss women in the lounge and the culture that drives women to a lounge and the culture that keeps them coming back. Paul lets us in on how much work goes in to putting on an event like My Old Kentucky Herf, running a lounge, and what and who people can expect at this year's My Old Kentucky Herf (May 8th & 9th)! This episode revolves heavily around lounge culture, supporting brands vs support from brands, why some brands don't make it in humidors, and of course...MOKH!!!
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 Claus" effect of the cigar industry, debating whether knowing the raw reality of the people behind the brands adds to the experience or ruins the magic of the smoke. From candid discussions on humidor shelf space and the true value of high-ticket sticks to a sneak peek at the upcoming trade show season and the "My Old Kentucky Herf" event, this episode is packed with the industry insight and signature banter that Simply Stogies fans crave.
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 is to him and how he's able to juggle podcasting daily, Powstanie Cigars, his lounge, and coaching while still prioritizing "family first." The trio discuss cigar media, Halfwheel's importance to the industry, and cigar media. We ask Mike about Powstanie Cigars' San Andres being named Halfwheel's number 2 cigar of 2025 (only .079 behind number 1), before he talks about his thoughts on cigar lists. We hope you enjoy the conversation with one of the most positive guys in the cigar industry as much as we did.
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 gamble he took after competitors refused to unite against regulations.
The hosts also explored Garofalo's specific philosophies regarding retail strategy and media content. Key topics included the psychology behind his rule of placing price tags on every open box to avoid customer embarrassment and his "needs assessment" sales approach, illustrated by a story about upselling a golfer. Finally, they addressed his criticism of podcasting norms, specifically his pet peeve regarding excessive "banter" and his belief that industry media should avoid negative reviews to protect the cigar world from external attacks
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 level. We dive in to the retail side of the business as Dave talks about competition and working with them instead of against them, selling cigars vs being an "order taker," collaborating with cigar manufacturers, and much more. We ask Dave about starting United Cigars, The Cigar Authority podcast, and The New England Cigar Expo. This is a great conversation that you do not want to miss!
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 entrepreneurial paths taken by Lou Cross of Lure Cigars and recent guest Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars. A major theme of the discussion is the role of legacy and family, specifically focusing on how Martinez honors his father's Cuban immigrant story by naming his cigar lines after his father’s shoe stores. Finally, the hosts share a personal and introspective look at how the cigar industry fosters generational traditions and deep personal connections, all while giving a special shoutout to the Fat Ash Cigar Lounge family and celebrating several community birthdays.
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 desire to build a legacy, and lessons learned in both the retail and manufacturing sides of the business. You do not want to miss this episode!
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. Just as the debate threatens to spiral out of control, a surprise return from an old friend shifts the energy, but the peace is short-lived. Nick pulls back the curtain on the manufacturing world with a revelation that changes the context of the trade show, while Jimmy pulls no punches, voicing the raw, unfiltered concerns of a brick-and-mortar retailer fighting to survive. The episode culminates in a high-stakes interrogation of the media's true role: are they industry watchdogs, or just part of the machine? Clear the air. Find the truth. Listen now.
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 states. Josh talks about how the PCA collaboration with author Nick Hammond came about, as well as the PCA working with cigar organizations around the world. Of course, no conversation with Joshua would be complete without talking about the upcoming trade show in New Orleans later this year.
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 friend—Drew Estate Territory Manager Dave Payne—to facilitate a "conversation" regarding James' recent rants. All hell breaks loose, and you won't want to miss the fallout.
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 who is poised to take over the space in 2026. We discuss the trade show, Davidoff, Law's huge road trip, and much more!!
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 brick-and-mortar shops. The conversation gets lively as the hosts debate Pete's take on self-regulation and marketing in the industry, offering their own unfiltered opinions on the state of cigars today.
Beyond the serious cigar talk, expect plenty of laughs as the guys share stories about double entendre , bass guitars, and Tim's new "Simple Tim" nickname. They also answer listener questions (originally meant for Nick) in hilarious fashion. Tune in for a mix of insightful industry analysis, candid commentary, and the usual Simply Stogies banter.
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 suspects," cigar pricing, and how the industry truly is relationship driven. We talk a little about cigar media, cigar reviews, and the "craft" cigar industry.
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, driving innovation in blends and branding that elevated the culture.
The hosts unpack Booth's lasting impact, celebrating how his unfiltered style challenged conventions, inspired competition, and built a more dynamic, enthusiast-focused market that continues to captivate aficionados.
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 time and whether or not it's a grind. Matt keeps James on his toes throughout the delightful and in-depth conversation.
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 sales are down but revenue is up? The crew breaks it all down, then brings it back to Dave and the appeal of Small Batch. Tim shares insights from a military mindset, drawing parallels to how Small Batch and Avowed approach the market compared to other industry players. It’s a candid, no-holds-barred look at the business side of cigars, and why some brands continue to stand out.
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