The Pipes Magazine Radio Show is a 1-hour talk show where we interview different pipe and tobacco industry people and chat about all the different aspects of smoking a pipe, and trying different pipe tobaccos.
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Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Christine Glasheen of Mullinahone House. Christine's journey into premium tobacco began about six years ago when she bought herself a cigar for her birthday and discovered she truly enjoyed the experience. Her interest was also shaped by childhood memories of fishing trips with her father, who often smoked cigars. During the pandemic, friends she met online introduced her to pipe smoking. Her father, who had smoked a pipe in college, suggested...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Michael Dean, founder and managing editor of Timber & Smoke Magazine. Launched in June 2025, the quarterly publication celebrates pipe culture, craftsmanship, and the slower, more intentional side of life. What began as Michael's passion for sharing the rituals and stories surrounding pipes and tobacco has grown into a beautifully produced print magazine dedicated to the people, traditions, and artistry of the hobby. Known for its outstand...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Austrian pipe maker Alexander Kroiss of Kroiss Pipes. Alexander has been crafting handmade briar pipes since 2021, producing carefully made, one-of-a-kind pieces that emphasize clean design, quality materials, and an excellent smoking experience. Drawing from both classic and modern influences, Alex favors high-grade Mediterranean briar and German ebonite, often accented with materials like horn, bamboo, and exotic woods. His work reflects a b...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back pipe maker Nate King for the third installment of our recurring segment, “The State of Nate.” Nate has been making pipes since 2005 and holds an honorary Master of Pipes degree from the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club. He is also a member of the prestigious Confrérie des Maîtres Pipiers de Saint-Claude. In this episode, Brian and Nate will talk about their time at the recent Chicago pipe show.
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured guest is Jon David Cole, Owner and Tobacconist of The Country Squire in Jackson, Mississippi. After 55 years in its longtime home, The Country Squire is moving into a new standalone location featuring expanded shipping and blending operations, along with a full smoking and cocktail lounge. The grand opening festivities begin in two weeks with several days of events celebrating this major milestone. Activities include a ribbon cutting with Ma...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we bring you a special episode from the 30th annual Chicago Pipe Show. Brian takes to the floor for a series of "man on the street" interviews, capturing spontaneous conversations with attendees, collectors, and artisans throughout the event. These impromptu interviews offer a candid look at the energy, camaraderie, and shared passion that define one of the premier gatherings in the pipe world, giving listeners a true sense of what makes the Chicago show...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with Shane Ireland of SmokingPipes.com / Laudisi Enterprises, Inc. A familiar guest who has joined us several times before, Shane is the Vice President of Retail for SmokingPipes.com and has been with the company for nearly 15 years, making him a well-known and respected voice in the pipe community. Brian and Shane will discuss past, present, and future trends in the hobby, offering insights from Shane’s extensive experience on ...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Lukus Denham of SmokeTales Comics. Lukus is a pipe collector with a deep appreciation for the hobby. SmokeTales Comics brings together pipes and storytelling, featuring 100% hand-drawn artwork paired with thoughtfully written stories inspired by real experiences from the community. The content is available digitally for free with new issues released every six weeks. Stories are inspired by submissions from the pipe community. At the top of the...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with Steve "PipeStud" Fallon, a familiar guest who has joined us several times over the years. Steve runs one of the most popular consignment and auction businesses for estate pipes and vintage tobaccos, which he has operated since 2006. Brian and Steve will discuss past, present, and future trends in the hobby, drawing on Steve’s many years of experience in the marketplace. At the top of the show, we will have a coffee pairing ...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Chris Dumoulin, one of the organizers of the Texas Pipe Show. Chris began smoking pipes in 2000, inspired by his grandfather and drawn to the ritual of the hobby. On tonight’s show, he’ll talk about his role with the Texas Pipe Show and what’s planned for this year’s event, taking place November 13–14, 2026, at The Oasis Bar and Grill in Midlothian, Texas. At the top of the show, we will have an Ask the Pipemaker segment with Jeff Gracik.
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back pipe maker Ron Smith, the artisan behind Ranz Freehands. Based in East Tennessee, Ron began crafting pipes after retirement, drawing on his background in sculpture and art to create distinctive freehand designs. Since starting around 2015, his work has emphasized individuality, finish, and smoking quality, blending traditional shapes with creative twists. A longtime pipe smoker, Ron continues to refine his craft by learning from other mak...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back Rick Newcombe, a well-known collector and a familiar voice to longtime listeners. Rick has authored several books on pipes and pipe collecting, and has been a frequent guest on the show over the years. On this episode, Brian and Rick will discuss trends in the hobby — exploring what has come and gone over time, and how the pipe world continues to evolve. At the top of the show we will have an Ask the Pipemaker segment with renowned pipe a...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Jim York, a longtime pipe smoker and devoted collector. Jim is an active member of the Chicago Pipe Club and a familiar face at pipe shows, bringing decades of experience and a genuine passion for the hobby. On this episode, Brian will talk with Jim about his experiences as a collector, insights from attending shows, and reflections on the enduring appeal of pipe smoking. At the top of the show we will have an Ask the Tobacco Blender segment w...
Pipe maker Nate King returns to discuss evolving pipe shapes, materials, and how he maintains his unique design aesthetic amidst industry trends. He delves into the creation of his special annual show pipes, detailing the design of this year's Dublin amalgam. Additionally, Nate recounts his experiences and observations from the popular Mule Town Pipe Show, covering everything from vendor strategies and crowd dynamics to the broader community spirit at regional events.
Brian Levine welcomes back Rich Esserman, who delves into the fascinating evolution of pipe smoking trends, exploring shifts in popular brands, pipe shapes, and tobacco types over several decades. They discuss the rise of artisan pipe makers, the influence of the internet on trends, and the practical reasons behind the current move towards smaller pipes. The episode also kicks off a new segment with Bo Parker of Methodical Coffee, featuring a detailed comparison and pairing discussion of their "Blue Boy" coffee blend with various tobaccos, offering insights into coffee and pipe pairing philosophies and tasting methods.
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we feature Micah "Yeti" Cryder of Yeti Pipes, an artisan pipe maker based in Billings, Montana. Since beginning his craft in 2011, Micah has developed a distinctive style influenced by the American school of pipe making, with touches of modern industrial design and French Art Deco. His work is known for its bold lines, creative shaping, and meticulous finishes, reflecting both technical precision and artistic vision. In addition to his pipes, Micah has e...
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Justin Dombrosky. Justin is the Vice President of the Indiana Pipe Club and co-host of the podcast Pipes, Pours, and Pals. He purchased his first pipe — a Missouri Meerschaum Hardwood — in 2017 and, like many of us when starting out, promptly scorched his tongue with a cherry Cavendish blend. What began as a simple curiosity quickly grew into deeper involvement in the hobby. In 2022, Justin and Nate Boland launched their podcast, and in 2023 t...
Host Brian Levine talks with Big John, creator of Niall of Nine Tobacco, about his unusual path from architecture to medical research, and his passion for pipe smoking and tobacco blending. They cover the origin of his brand name, his unique blending approach using rare aged tobaccos, and the intricacies of sourcing and pricing his limited-edition mixtures. The episode also touches on industry news, including the decline of Connecticut shade tobacco and concerns over nicotine pouch regulation.
Brian Levine interviews Jay Furman about the Chicago International Pipe Show, delving into its organization, exciting seminars like tea and tobacco pairing, and the vibrant community experience. They also cover practicalities such as booking rooms and pipe show etiquette. Additionally, the episode includes a detailed review of Cornell & Diehl's Briar Fox tobacco, listener mailbag, and a nostalgic recommendation for classic comedy.
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back Jay Furman, a long-time and well-respected member of the pipe community. Jay is the co-host of the Pipe and Tamper podcast, where he regularly discusses pipes, tobacco, and the people who make the hobby what it is. He also serves as a board member of the Chicago International Pipe Show, one of the premier pipe events in the world. Brian and Jay will spend the show talking about the upcoming Chicago show, including what attendees can expec...
Host Brian Levine chats with Dr. Cayman T. Unterborn, a planetary scientist who found his way into pipe smoking as a "pretentious nerd" while studying physics and geology. They explore Dr. Unterborn's fascinating work studying exoplanets and draw parallels between scientific curiosity and the deep dive into pipe collecting and community. The episode also tackles listener questions, offering insights on valuing estate tobacco, addressing pipe gurgling, and the nuances of dedicating pipes for different tobacco blends. Brian concludes with a personal reflection on community and combating hate.
This episode launches new recurring segments: "Pipe News" covering changes at the Las Vegas International Pipe Show, and "The State of Nate" featuring pipe maker Nate King. Nate and host Brian Levine delve into the evolving relationship between pipe makers and collectors, including pricing, originality, and the personal satisfaction of the craft. The show also includes a listener mailbag and Brian's motivational rant about continuous personal growth.
Brian Levine welcomes Mark Berman, a longtime pipe smoker with an extraordinary collection of over 1,500 pipes. Mark shares his fascinating journey from starting in the late 60s, through college and military, to becoming a dedicated collector, detailing his tobacco evolution and unique pipe show experiences. The episode also includes Jeff Gracik for an 'Ask the Pipemaker' segment, addressing the delicate balance of customer-artisan relationships and the practicalities of a pipemaker's time.
Jon David Cole, owner of The Country Squire, joins Brian to discuss the exciting relocation of his historic pipe shop to a new standalone building that will feature a full cocktail lounge. They share amusing anecdotes about memorable customer interactions, including eccentric characters, unique requests, and some truly wild incidents that highlight the special, non-judgmental community cultivated in pipe and tobacco stores. The conversation also touches on the rewarding aspects of retail and the deep friendships formed with customers.
Host Brian Levine and guest Tom Pfaeffle delve into the nuanced concept of "magic pipes," where specific tobaccos smoke exceptionally well in particular pipes, exploring factors like briar variations and personal chemistry. Tom shares his decades-long journey as a pipe collector, from the vibrant early California pipe scene and pioneering pipe shows to managing a vast collection and evolving tobacco preferences. The discussion also touches upon his diverse hobbies, including Grammy-winning singing, ballroom dancing, and Kendo, alongside memorable pipe smoking anecdotes.
Host Brian Levine welcomes Jeremy Reeves, Head Blender at Cornell & Diehl, who details the company's significant production growth and expansion plans in response to market changes. Later, Austrian artisan pipe maker Chris Ruetz shares his inspiring path, from carving cherrywood pipes as a hobbyist in Tyrol to becoming a full-time maker known for organic forms and the innovative 'Broken Gallia' design. The episode also includes listener mailbag, holiday music, and an inclusive message from the host.
Brian Levine discusses his recent pipe acquisitions before a heartfelt tribute to Danish pipe maker Jess Chonowitsch, who recently passed away. Guest Rick Newcombe shares decades of memories, from first discovering Jess's unparalleled craftsmanship in 1995 to his dedicated partnership with Smokingpipes.com and his profound devotion to his wife, Bonnie, highlighting Jess's immense legacy and personal character.
Our featured guest on tonight’s show is artisan pipe maker JD Wolf. JD just started smoking pipes a little over a year ago, and he started making them at about the same time. His impetus for becoming a pipe maker came from the problem that his preferences in artistic handmade pipes were out the reach of his budget. He strives to make precise smoking instruments that are also a handcrafted piece of art that the "average workingman" can afford. At the top of the show in Pipe Parts, Brian will have...
Our featured guest on tonight’s show is artisan pipe maker Patrick Kehler from Marchand, Manitoba Canada. He grew up in a strict religious environment where his behavior was restricted and smoking (and drinking) were frowned upon. One day, when he was older and in the process of providing himself more freedoms, a co-worker showed him a pipe. He was captivated. Hear the whole story on tonight's show. At the top of the show in Pipe Parts, Brian will have a review of four different brands of pipe c...
Our featured guest on tonight’s show is Texas-based artisan pipe maker Ryan McCawley from Smokin' Barrels Briars. Like many of us, Ryan was attracted to the scent of aromatic tobaccos. Also, like many new pipe smokers, he burned the heck out of his tongue. That was a long time ago. Now he is a regular pipe smoker and he has been making his own pipes for five years now. He started with classic shapes, but now he is more interested in Danish-style freehands. At the top of the show Brian will discu...
