In this special episode of Clear The Air, Nick plays the role of host while bringing James and Tim back to the microphone for a behind the scenes perspective of the latest interview on Simply Stogies Podcast with Mike "BDP" Palmer, the Pospiech Nation Sales Manager. The trio start off by talking about the "Cinderella Story" that got Mike Palmer to where he is today before talking about cigar podcasting quality and content.
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 213
James and Tim (Nick is on assignment) sit down with the Pospiech National Sales Manager Mike "BDP" Palmer. We find out how Mike got the nickname "BDP," the name of his cigar. We talk about how Mike got involved with Postawnie CIgars and Mike "Mikey" Szczepankewicz. This leads us into talking about their podcast "Cigar Hustlers Podcast" and cigar media in general. Tim and James had a lot of fun with BDP...we're hoping not to be the topic of a Cigar Hustlers Podcast reel.
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 212
Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphones to dive deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest Noel Rojas of Rojas Cigars. The trio dive deeper into Noel's story of growing up as a young student in Cuba working on the farms to becoming a troublemaker and eventually making his way through Mexico into the United States. We spend time in awe over Noel's work ethic, passion, and drive in everything he has done to get where he is today.
Jun 08, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 211
James and Nick welcome Noel Rojas of Rojas Cigars to the podcast. Noel discusses growing up in Cuba: from working on tobacco farms at a young age, to his military service, and why he went back to tobacco. He gives us an in-depth look into his career in tobacco from Cuba, to the US, and to Nicaragua. We dive in to why he chose Nicaraguan tobacco, working with newcomers in the industry like Lee Marsh from Stolen Throne, and if he feels a responsibility to teach the next generation.
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 210
Tim brings James back to the microphone, to talk behind the scenes of the MOKH. During the 2025 My Old Kentucky HERF, Tim and James live streamed the event for nearly 7 hours, allowing you to experience the HERF from the comfort of your couch. After the dust settled, they talk about all the great things that made this year's MOKH a success. You can watch that live stream here: https://youtube.com/live/sKuUi7muscM.
May 22, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 209
James visits with Dwight Adkins and Stephen Wray at FatAsh Cigar Lounge 8110 US-60, Ashland, KY 41102. The trio talk My Old Kentucky Herf, multi-vendor events, the planning that goes into them, and more. James asks Dwight and Stephen about the culture they've built at FatAsh Cigar Lounge and if it could be duplicated elsewhere. A great conversation with even better people. Make sure to join them at MOKH next year!!!
May 15, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 208
Clear the Air is finally back after a nice little break following the PCA Trade Show. In this episode, Tim brings James and Nick back to discuss in further detail a little about the life of Alex Glez. Tim Admits he is the uneducated one and asks several questions of Nick and James to get a little more clarification of a few of the topics discussed in the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast.
May 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 207
James and Nick welcome Alex Glez to the show. Alejandro González Arias, or Alex Glez, talks about his time in Cuba as a torcedores at the El Laguito factory and later at a hotel. Alex talks about the opportunities America has provided him, Alex farm rolls, and his company AG Cigars.
May 01, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 206
James and Nick welcome Andrew Considine and Dave West, from Small Batch Cigar and Avowed Cigars, back to the show. We ask Andrew and Dave their thoughts on this year's PCA Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans. They tell us about what upcoming releases caught their eye and what new releases they're looking forward to. We also dive into how Small Batch Cigar is able to find some of the hidden gems and bring their customers some of the best cigars in the boutique world. Once we're done talking ...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 205
James, Nick, and Tim give you their thoughts (sans Day 3) of the 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 204
James and Nick welcome Charlie Minato of halfwheel.com back to the program. This special bonus episode and all of our 2025 PCA Convention & Trade Show is sponsored by Small Batch Cigar Our coverage is also brought to you by My Old Kentucky Herf. We ask Charlie what halfwheel will be looking for in New Orleans. It goes much deeper than what's this year's wrapper leaf of choice...it goes to the importance of the PCA's annual convention and trade show to the consumer. We discuss what consumers ...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 203
Tim brings James and Nick back for another Simply Stogies After Show. Last week James and Nick interviewed Vance Taylor, founder of Stoic Cigars. The three talk about the troubles of finding good balance between the brand, the cigars, and the customers. Tim pleads his case that he was not scrolling Only Fans as they further discuss the seriousness in the cigar industry and how Stoic Cigars can fit into your normal rotation. Tim gives props for Nick's attention to details such as where a certain ...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 202
James and Nick welcome the owner and founder of Stoic Cigars, Vance Taylor, to Simply Stogies. Vance tells us how he was first in the cigar industry with LUJ Cigars, and how his first PCA trade show was in New Orleans. Bringing things full circle, his first trade show as an owner will also be this month in New Orleans. He discusses Stoicism and how that plays into his approach to the cigar industry and launching his own brand. We discuss if the industry is too serious, what Vance expects from th...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 201
Tim, James, and Nick are back for another after show. The three discuss cigars that may be meaningful enough to hold on to or smoke them to enjoy them when you can. They discuss some of the things behind the scenes to bring the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Michael Knowles of Mayflower Cigars to the show. James admits he may have been a little nervous about the interview but quickly relaxed as the conversation went on. From there, the conversation digs deeper into their discussio...
Mar 22, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 200
James and Nick welcome Michael Knowles of Mayflower Cigars and The Daily Wire to the program. Michael discusses how is passion for cigars began and shares why cigars and Mayflower Cigars are very personal for him. He tells us about how he launched his career, writing his first book, and smoking cigars at The Daily Wire. Michael does a few impressions and has some fun while also waxing philosophical about cigars. We find out how politics can sometime show up in the lounge and how Michael deals wi...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 199
Tim brigs James and Nick back to the stage to dig deeper int the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Riste of JSK Cigars. The three talk about controversial figures, the differences in the way JSK does things compared to the rest of the industry. Tim, James, and Nick also dive into a a little bit of information technology and how it could impact the industry. Of course nobody knows exactly what that would look like except for the Riste which James and Nick didn't get the chance to dig ...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 198
James and Nick welcome Riste Ristevski of JSK Cigars. Riste talks about how he got into the cigar industry, what's changed over the last ten years, and some of the risks that he's taken to make JSK what it is today. Riste talks about switching to his newest factory and what that entailed, as well as what it has done for his brand. We discuss the cigar industry at large, some of the problems that come with some B&Ms, cigar pricing, what's wrong with the industry, and what's next for Colonel R...
Mar 01, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 197
Tim brings James and Nick back for another episode of Clear the Air to talk behind the back of last week's guest, Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars. The three work their way through technical difficulties while traveling down rabbit holes of tasting notes from fast food to cigars. Tim asks where in this country is the best place to live and enjoy cigars all year round. Nick gives us his inside on the blending processes, while James continues to give Tim grief!
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 196
James and Tim (sitting in for Nick who is in Costa Rica) welcome Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars to the show. Vlada discusses being a new father, what scares him, and how he'll help his daughter develop her palate. Vlada also discusses if there are objective flavors to a cigar, romanticizing tasting, and if cigar reviewers deserve a bit of grace when it comes to their reviews. The discussion turns to cigar boxes and Vlada's unique idea to the cigar box problem, and much more!
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 195
Tim brings Nick back to the microphone to discuss some of the topics covered in the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Josh Habursky. The discussion focuses on some of the good times at the PCA Trade Show. They talk about PCA/TPE cigar exclusives, and the importance of being aware of laws that may affect your enjoyment of cigars. They quickly talk about laws moving from the Federal level to the State level and how that can make an impact in the hobby.
Feb 08, 2025•57 min•Ep. 194
James and Nick welcome the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association, Joshua Habursky. The trio discuss the big wins for the cigar industry so far in 2025, and the importance of being vigilant against government overreach. Josh explains how the PCA, CRA, and CAA have all worked together to keep the government from taking the choice to smoke hand rolled, premium cigars away from informed adults. The discussion also turns to state advocacy, generational smoking bans, bipartisan support a...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 193
Tim welcomes James and Nick back to the microphones in order to dig deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego Cigars. Just as you would expect, it's an episode of rabbit holes that lead the three deeper into the world of "Herklotsisms". Seriously, how often to you get one of the best dressed men in the industry to dump a load of cigar industry wisdom at your front door? Almost never! The three take a few of the conversation pieces...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 192
James and Nick welcome Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego to the show. Michael has been in the industry on the retail side and the manufacturing side; so, it's no surprise that the discussion turns to B&Ms and cigar lounges. Michael talk about customer service and what consumers should expect from their retailer and cigar lounges. Yes, there's a difference between a cigar retailer and a cigar lounge. The conversation centers around familiarity vs formality. The trio also discuss what Michael loo...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 191
Back to the microphones, Tim welcomes James and Nick to dig deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Sean Williams, Brand Ambassador of Cohiba Cigars. It's an episode of making sausage without telling you how it's made, or not. Tim lets James know how proud of him he really is. It's funny how much bigger the world is when you open your eyes. Nick gives insider information on how cigars are made from a blenders' perspective. The three reflect on a few questions...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 190
James and Nick welcome Sean Williams to the show. Sean explains how he began in the cigar industry with his own brand, Premiere Mundo. The discussion turns to the pros and cons of boutique cigar companies vs the pros and cons of larger brands. Sean shares his passion for Cohiba and the blends he's done with them. We talk about the Cohiba Serie M, their collaboration with Weller, and the Spectre. We ask Sean what Cohiba blend he's most proud of, and what it's like going from boutique to "mainstre...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 189
Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest William "Cigar Coop" Cooper. While James tries to go right into his opinionated rants about a very well known cigar publication, Tim and Nick bring it back to a few food related stories of our own. Nick instantly regretted that decision. The three talk about friendships in the cigar industry and how hard it is to find the time to get everyone together to build those bonds. Viewers ...
Dec 22, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 188
James and Nick welcome back William "Cigar Coop" Cooper to Simply Stogies Podcast. The trio begin by discussing limited edition cigars, differences between limited edition and annual releases, and where the limited editions come and how much effort goes into them. The conversation then pivots to the Cigar of the Year lists, criteria, and what 2024 looks like. We talk PCA Trade Show, James asks Coop what Simply Stogies Podcast gets wrong, and much more!
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 187
Tim, James, and Nick are back to do what they have trouble doing, talking behind people's back. It's hard to do when the guests of Simply Stogies Podcast are so good. After James and Nick sit down with Dave and Andrew from smallbatchcigar.com, the three reflect on only a small portion of the great conversation. It didn't make sense to create back to back 2 hour shows. They cover a few of the inconsistencies in the show such as getting right cigar laws in California before the normal pre-game ban...
Dec 08, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 186
James and Nick welcome Dave and Andrew from smallbatchcigar.com to the show. The quartet quickly jump to it as they discuss the new tobacco laws in California. Andrew's answer was insightful and gave some much needed context and perspective that seemed to be lacking in the coverage up to this point. We then talk about their magically fast shipping and packaging practices, how they maintain relationships in the industry, their philosophy on customer service, and working with manufacturers. Dave a...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 185
Tim, James, and Nick are back to continue the journey down the rabbit hole where the of “Relax and enjoy” still hold true. The three don’t spend too much time talking about their favorite TV shows but reflect on Nicaragua being on their bucket list of places to visit. Join a discussion where digging deeper into different tobaccos from various regions of the world will product something similar but far enough apart that it pays homage to its origins.
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 184
