Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture - podcast cover

Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

Join Mike and Nate, your friendly aficionados of budget-friendly cigars, as they ignite conversations that go beyond the smoke. Whether you're a seasoned cigar enthusiast or simply curious about the world of affordable smokes, Mike and Nate invite you to kick back, light up, and join the conversation. "Nice Ashes" is where camaraderie meets culture, where the pleasure of puffing enhances the exploration of diverse topics. Tune in for a laid-back and flavorful journey through the realms of literature, media, and society, one budget-friendly cigar at a time.

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Opening music: Coma-Media from Pixabay

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Episodes

Acid Blondie (w/Bert): French Toast (All Bangers)

Join Mike and Nate on this special episode of Nice Ashes as they welcome musician Bert Badger to the show. The trio dives into a lighthearted conversation about cigars, music, and memories, all while enjoying a unique Acid Blondie cigar. Bert shares his journey, including the release of his new album, French Toast (All Bangers) , highlighting standout tracks and the creative process behind his music. As they smoke, they discuss everything from the quirks of cigar culture to the challenges of rec...

Oct 16, 202439 minSeason 3Ep. 33

Espinosa The Dude: The Big Lebowski

Mike and Nate smoke an Espinosa The Dude, courtesy of Matt, and discuss The Big Lebowski . Throughout the conversation, they explore the film's quirky characters, memorable scenes, and its blend of comedy and absurdity, all while sharing personal anecdotes and fun trivia. They also discuss the cigar's impressive flavor profile, which features unexpected spice and fits perfectly with the laid-back vibe of the movie. Join them for laughs, insightful commentary, and a light-hearted exploration of t...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 32

Fireball Cinnamon Cigar (w/Jordan): Marketing, Logos, Food & Video Games

Mike and Nate are joined by Jordan and they try a Fireball Cinnamon Cigar, with Fireball. The trio explores the cigar's flavor profile—experiencing hints of vanilla and mild sweetness, while wrestling with differing opinions about its cinnamon notes. As they light up their cigars, Jordan, who hasn't smoked in years, shares his excitement about the Fireball Cigar, especially as a fan of the brand. The conversation takes amusing turns—reflecting on nostalgia for past experiences, the quirks of bow...

Oct 02, 20241 hr 19 minSeason 3Ep. 31

Rocky Patel The Edge Corojo Fuma: The History of Shotguns (Part 2)

Mike and Nate smoke a Rocky Patel The Edge Corojo Fuma and continue their History of the shotgun. This episode includes the technical aspects of shotguns, including types of actions, chamber sizes, and choke mechanics. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Sep 25, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 3Ep. 30

Rocky Patel The Edge Corojo: The History of Shotguns (Part 1)

Mike and Nate share insights while smoking the Rocky Patel Edge Corojo cigar, discussing its robust flavor and notable nicotine content. The conversation transitions into the history of shotguns, outlining their evolution since the 1500s, highlighting key developments such as the introduction of smokeless powder and Browning's groundbreaking designs. Notably, Mike explains that "a 12 gauge shotgun... is the most common size," illustrating its significance in hunting. This discussion reflects bro...

Sep 18, 202449 minSeason 3Ep. 29

Indianhead Rough Rider Sweets Maduro: Algospeak

Mike and Nate smoke an Indianhead Rough Rider Sweets Maduro and talk Algospeak, a linguistic phenomenon emerging from social media users' attempts to navigate algorithms and content moderation, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Nate explains that algospeak involves using euphemistic or alternate terms to circumvent algorithmic censorship, which disproportionately flags content, often without regard for context. They delve into historical parallels of coded language, citing examples from rel...

Sep 11, 202455 minSeason 3Ep. 28

Indianhead Rough Rider Sweets Connecticut: Olympic Controversies

Mike and Nate smoke an Indianhead Rough Rider Sweets Connecticut and talk Olympics. From Olympic controversies, low athlete pay, and OnlyFans to corruption within the Olympic Committee, the episode dives deep into why Mike hates the Olympics. They also tackle topics like exploited labor in host countries and the contentious inclusion of convicted individuals among athletes. Join the conversation as Nate and Mike expose the gritty underbelly of the beloved global event. Web | Patreon | Facebook |...

Sep 04, 202458 minSeason 3Ep. 27

Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Real: Superstitions

Mike and Nate smoke a Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Real and discuss the origins and historical significances behind popular superstitions such as rocking an empty chair, not opening an umbrella indoors, and more. The conversation touches upon the rituals tied to sneezing, hanging horseshoes for good luck, and the beliefs associated with black cats during different time periods. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram...

Aug 28, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 3Ep. 26

A. Fuente Curly Head NT: Satanic Panic

Mike and Nate smoke an Arturo Fuente Curly Head NT and dive into the controversial topic of the Satanic Panic of the 80s and 90s. Unveiling the origins, court cases, and influential figures like Dr. Bennett Braun and televangelists, they explore the hysteria surrounding ritualistic satanic abuse. Uncover the role of suggestive therapy and its impact on societal paranoia. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram...

Aug 21, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 3Ep. 25

Romeo Y Julieta 1875 Toro: Taylor's Version

Mike and Nate smoke a Romeo Y Julieta 1975 Toro and delve into a detailed discussion about Taylor Swift's master recordings controversy. They explore the narrative surrounding Taylor Swift's attempts to regain control of her music catalog, the role of record labels in the music industry, and the complexities of ownership rights in the world of entertainment. The episode offers insights into the business side of the music industry and the challenges artists face in maintaining control over their ...

Aug 14, 20241 hr 26 minSeason 3Ep. 24

Odyssey Maduro: Presidential Assassination Attempts

Mike and Nate smoke an Odyssey Maduro and delve into the gripping history of attempted US presidential assassinations. From Andrew Jackson to JFK and beyond, explore shocking stories of near-misses and sinister plots. Discover fascinating details about lesser-known attempts, like Harry Truman's close encounters and Richard Nixon's chilling threats. Tune in for thrilling tales of courage, intrigue, and unexpected twists in the turbulent world of US presidential security. Web | Patreon | Facebook ...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 3Ep. 23

Rocky Patel Broadleaf: Project 2025

Mike and Nate smoke a Rocky Patel Broadleaf and delve into the controversial Project 2025 by the Heritage Foundation. From regulatory reforms to promoting a business-friendly environment, they dissect key policy recommendations for the next Republican administration. Unravel the conversation on school choice, energy reforms, and more. It's a thought-provoking exploration of conservative leadership strategies and their impact on America's future. Listen in for insightful discussions that challeng...

Jul 31, 20241 hr 15 minSeason 3Ep. 22

Rocky Patel Connecticut: Presidential Debate Trump vs Biden

Mike and Nate smoke a Rocky Patel Connecticut and dissect the chaotic first presidential debate between Biden and Trump. With sharp insights and witty banter, they unravel the absurdity of the debate's rules, the candidates' divergent stances on key issues like abortion and the national debt, and the fiery exchange over January 6th. Trump's showmanship shines as they delve into Biden's controversial statements, leaving listeners entertained and informed. Tune in for a no-holds-barred analysis of...

Jul 24, 20241 hr 18 minSeason 3Ep. 21

Nica Rustica El Brujito: 101st Episode (Cigars 51-100)

Mike and Nate smoke a Nica Rustica El Brujito and cover cigars 51 through 100. Part 2 of the 100th Episode Celebration. They reflect on past episodes and cigar experiences, including ratings of different cigars ranging from Gurkha to H. Upmann. The hosts then discuss their encounters with various cigar brands and their preferences, emphasizing the importance of exploring different cigars and seeking recommendations from experts at lounges. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram...

Jul 17, 20241 hr 23 minSeason 3Ep. 20

La Gloria Cubana TAA 2023: 100th Episode (Cigars 1-50)

Mike and Nate smoke a La Gloria Cubana TAA 2023 and celebrate 100 episodes and 100 cigars. Join Mike and Nate in the 100th episode of Nice Ashes as they dive into a retrospective of the 100 cigars they've smoked. From the impressive CEO Flathead to the beloved Gloria Cubana Series R, discover their top picks and insights on each cigar. Uncover hidden gems, personal favorites, and why some cigars are must-haves in any collection. Plus, get a glimpse into their personal cigar preferences and recom...

Jul 10, 20241 hr 44 minSeason 3Ep. 19

Oscar Valladares The Oscar Maduro (w/ Gravey): US vs UK Budget Cigars

Mike and Nate, with special guest Gravey, smoke an Oscar Valladares The Oscar Maduro cigar and delve into the world of cigars and whiskey. They explore the nuances of The Oscar Maduro, its presentation, and unique flavors. The conversation extends to the differences in pricing and budget cigars between the UK and the US, shedding light on the varying cigar cultures in different regions. The trio also touches on the art of pairing cigars with whiskey, sharing their experiences and preferences. Fi...

Jul 03, 202458 minSeason 3Ep. 18

Cain Daytona: Grooming vs Indoctrination

Mike and Nate smoke a Cain Daytona and delve into the blurry line between grooming, indoctrination, and the power of prayers. Covering topics from drag shows to gun safety, the hosts explore thought-provoking issues with a balance of personal anecdotes and researched insights. Dive into discussions on cults, religions, and more, uncovering the nuances of teaching, safety measures, and the impact of prayers in society. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking episode filled with engaging conversa...

Jun 26, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 3Ep. 17

Man O' War Ruination (with Dev): Men's Mental Health Month

Mike and Nate, with special guest Dev, smoke a Man O' War Ruination and dive into men's mental health and the challenges men face in seeking help. Explore the impact of work pressure, financial issues, and health concerns on mental well-being. Unveil the societal pressures and cultural norms that hinder men from opening up about their struggles. Join Nate, Mike, and Dev as they navigate through statistics, personal experiences, and the need for a shift towards a more supportive and empathetic ap...

Jun 19, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 3Ep. 16

Nica Rustica Adobe: Holocaust Denial & Censorship

Mike and Nate smoke a Nica Rustica Adobe and explore the troubling reality of Holocaust denial and the suppression of historical truths. Uncover shocking revelations about WWII atrocities, the Bookkeeper of Auschwitz, and the importance of preserving all sides of history. Discover the power of open discourse and the dangers of information censorship in this thought-provoking episode. Eisenhower Online Library German Concentration Camps Factual Survey Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram...

Jun 12, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Nica Rustica Connecticut Broadleaf: Trump or Biden Quotes

Mike and Nate smoke a Nica Rustica Connecticut Broadleaf and dive into a thought-provoking game of guessing quotes between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, revealing surprising similarities. Delve into discussions on cigar smoking, climate control, and insights into both politicians' past quotes on various issues, including race, sexuality, and competency. Uncover the controversial statements made by each figure throughout their political careers and explore the complexities surrounding their persona...

Jun 05, 202454 minSeason 3Ep. 14

Cohiba Macassar: Dune Butlerian Jihad

Mike and Nate smoke a Cohiba Macassar and express disappointment with the lackluster plot and character development in "The Butlerian Jihad," the first book in the Dune prequel trilogy. They critique the unrealistic portrayal of childbirth and question the need for certain plot elements and the overwhelming number of characters. Despite their criticisms, they remain hopeful for the next installment. The book explores the rise of Theo Holtzman and his relationship with Norma Cenva, delving into p...

May 29, 20241 hr 34 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Macanudo Inspirado White (w/Simcha): Israel-Palestine (Primer)

Mike and Nate smoke a Macanudo Inspirado and delve into a discussion on the Israel-Palestine conflict and rising anti-Semitism in the United States with special guest Simcha. They explore the complexities of the conflict, the role of Hamas, and the blurred lines between pro-Palestinian protests and anti-Semitic sentiments. Simcha provides insights into the religious perspective on Zionism and the challenges faced by religious Jews in the current political climate. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Inst...

May 22, 202445 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Baccarat The Game Nicaragua: Taught vs Truth (90s)

Mike and Nate smoke a Baccarat The Game Nicaragua anddebunk common misconceptions taught in schools. They discuss myths such as chameleons changing color to hide from predators, Christopher Columbus discovering America, and different regions of the tongue being responsible for different tastes. They also touch on the truth about sharks, the North Star, and the first Thanksgiving. Tune in to learn the real facts behind these popular misconceptions. Web: https://www.NiceAshesPodcast.com Patreon: h...

May 15, 202437 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Baccarat The Game Maduro Rothschild: Warranties

Mike and Nate smoke a Baccarat The Game Maduro Rothschild and discuss product warranties. They share their experiences with various warranties, including those from Benchmade, Darn Tough Socks, Carhartt, and more. They express disappointment with Home Depot's decision to replace American-made tools with cheaper, foreign-made alternatives. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the importance of warranties and their impact on consumer satisfaction. The hosts also touch on the quality of old...

May 08, 202450 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Baccarat The Game Connecticut Rothschild: Gimp Suits

Mike and Nate smoke a Baccarat The Game Connecticut Rothschild and discuss the history of the word "GIMP" and its various meanings over time. They delve into the origins of the term and its evolution into a slang term for disability, as well as its association with BDSM culture. The hosts also explore recent news stories about individuals wearing gimp suits in the UK, causing both fear and fascination. Tune in for an intriguing and sometimes humorous conversation about this controversial topic. ...

May 01, 202442 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Factory Smokes Robusto Sweet: Dune Part 2

Mike and Nate smoke a Factory Smokes Robusto Sweet and discuss their thoughts on the movie "Dune Part 2." They express their disappointment with the film's deviation from the source material and missed opportunities to capture the essence of the book. The hosts highlight changes made to the characters and plot, particularly the portrayal of Chani and the absence of important scenes. They address the lack of explanation for certain elements and the overall pacing of the movie. Despite its flaws, ...

Apr 24, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Punch Knuckle Buster Maduro: Bronies

Mike and Nate smoke a Punch Knuckle Buster Maduro and explore the world of bronies, adult men who are fans of My Little Pony. They discuss the origins of bronyism on 4chan and the subculture that has developed around it. They also touch on the sexualization of the characters and the role of internet culture in shaping these interests. While they find it strange, they emphasize that bronies are not harmful to society. The conversation delves into the challenges of dating and the potential appeal ...

Apr 17, 202454 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Factory Smokes Sun Grown Robusto: Toxic Fandoms

Mike and Nate smoke a Factory Smokes Sun Grown Robusto and explore the world of toxic fandoms, delving into the bizarre and controversial behaviors that can arise. From furries to bronies, they navigate the dark side of fandoms, discussing disturbing trends like shipping and real person fiction. They highlight the blurred lines between fantasy and reality and the unsettling world of toxic fandoms. With engaging and concise discussions, they shed light on the extreme behaviors within certain fand...

Apr 10, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan Black Market: Conspiracy Theories

Mike and Nate smoke an Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan Black Market cigar and explore a range of conspiracy theories, both true and false. They delve into topics like the simulation theory, Operation Paperclip, and the Bohemian Grove. They discuss proven conspiracies such as the Tuskegee syphilis experiment and MK Ultra mind control. The conversation prompts a reflection on the government's involvement in conspiracies and the need to critically analyze information. While some conspiracy theories ma...

Apr 03, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan Shamrock: Artificial Intelligence

Mike and Nate smoke an Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan Shamrock cigar and discuss the rise of AI and its potential impact on society. They explore the current capabilities of AI, including its ability to analyze data and generate responses. The hosts delve into the potential job loss and economic devaluation that could result from increased AI implementation. They also consider the possibility of a shift towards passion-based jobs and a more creative society. Ultimately, they ponder the societal an...

Mar 27, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 3Ep. 4
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