PODCAST

Simply Stogies

James Giehm

A podcast for both new cigar smokers and veteran cigar aficionados.

leisure hobbies

All Episodes

01:04:14

Episode 74: Christopher Moore of Carolina Blue Cigars

Simply Stogies ·

2022/02/15

I am joined via Zoom by Christopher Moore, owner and founder of Carolina Blue Cigars. Christopher calls in from a cigar lounge (I apologize for the audio quality and background noise) to talk about his brand Carolina Blue Cigars. We discuss how his 30yrs in the military impacted his blending process, as well as how cigars in the military brought his fellow soldiers together. We talk about his vision for Carolina Blue, where he sees it in the next few years, and the challenges of a boutique cigar

48:41

Episode 73: The Cuban Sub-Series: The History of Cuba...

Simply Stogies ·

2022/02/01

This is the first of a new sub series of podcasts where myself and Nick Syris of LH Cigars will discuss all things Cuba. For Part 1, Nick and I discuss the beginnings of the island of Cuba, its Spanish colonization, and how the island of Cuba has been a political pawn for centuries. We make it through the Bautista era in this episode. Join Nick and I for an in-depth look at the Cuban island, its people, and their cigars, once a month through most of 2022.

33:11

Episode 72: 3 Year Anniversary, Cigar Aficionado’s...

Simply Stogies ·

2022/01/15

Thank you all so much for your support these past three years!! This is now the longest running podcast and most successful podcast that I've ever done. None of this would be possible without you, the listener. THANK YOU!! I break down Cigar Aficionado's 2021 Top 25 and why it's still problematic. I also cover the PCA's announcement of adding manufacturers to their board and why that's a good thing. LINK:

01:16:02

Episode 71: What the Hell is Paprika with Devin...

Simply Stogies ·

2022/01/01

I sit down with Devin Ashley, owner and founder of Bad Ash Cigars. Bad Ash Cigars is an ultra-boutique cigar company that is just getting off the ground. We discuss the challenges that face small cigar manufacturers, where he sources his tobacco, how he started rolling cigars, super tasters, and how he handles being in the cigar industry and the healthcare field.. We talk about the FDA, rules and regulations, and a lot more. Visit Bad Ash Cigars' website here!

01:08:25

Episode 70: PCA Legislative Update with Josh Habursky...

Simply Stogies ·

2021/12/15

I am joined via Zoom by the PCA's Head of Government Affairs, Joshua Habursky, and State Advocacy Director, Glynn Loope. We take a look back at the legislative victories of 2021 and then look forward to the legislative fights coming in 2022. We discuss the how the PCA approaches the Federal Government fights, and the multi-faceted fights at the state and local levels. We also let our listeners know how they can become involved in the fight, by going to cigaraction.org, staying up to date on the

01:04:36

Episode 69: The One and Only Tommy Zman

Simply Stogies ·

2021/12/01

I chat, via Zoom, with the one and only Tommy Zman. Tommy "Zman" Zarzeki is a writer, producer, voice actor, humorist, and content creator. While he has worked on projects outside of the cigar industry, Tommy is well-known for his work in the cigar industry. Tommy talks about how he broke into the cigar industry and where his journey took him. Tommy recalls his time at JR Cigars and Famous Cigars, among other, and what it was like working with guys like Steve Saka. Tommy also talks about his arrest

55:04

Episode 68: Bonus with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar...

Simply Stogies ·

2021/11/21

I welcome Lucas Da Silva, owner of oxfordcigarcompany.com, back to the podcast. We discuss the state of cigar retail, what it's like to do business during the second cigar boom, and how Oxford Cigar Company chooses what new cigar manufacturers to carry. Lucas also talks about the current logistical problems plaguing the industry and why it may be harder to find your favorite cigar on store shelves and online. Lucas tells us what hot new products and cigars will make the perfect Holiday gift for that

01:15:17

Episode 67: The Cuba Episode with Nick Syris of LH...

Simply Stogies ·

2021/11/15

I welcome Nick Syris, the owner and Master Blender of LH Premium Cigars and a Subject Matter Expert on all things Cuban cigars, to the show. Nick and I run the gamut of Cuban cigars, as we discuss the U.S. embargo on Cuba and some of the effects on the Cuban people, the changing U.S. stance on Cuba from administration to administration, some of the challenges Cuban cigars face, how the rest of the world views Cubans and "New World" cigars, what Cuban cigars might look like in a post-embargo world,

52:11

Episode 66: Getting to Know Alec Rubin from Alec...

Simply Stogies ·

2021/11/01

I travel to Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska and sit down with Alec Rubin of Alec Bradley Cigars. Alec and I discuss what it was like growing up in the industry and his unique cigar journey. Alec describes what it's like working with family, what he believes makes a cigar manufacturer "boutique," and his opinions on vitolas and accessories. We touch a little bit on how the global pandemic has affected the industry, how it affected their business, and that leads to a discussion on the

50:21

Episode 65: Return of the Reinado Empire

Simply Stogies ·

2021/10/15

I chat, via Zoom, with Antonio Lam of Reinado Premium Cigars. There are things in the world that are more important than cigars and more important than business. Antonio and I discuss one of those things: family. Antonio explains where he has been for the past seven years and the reason for Reinado's long hiatus from the industry. We talk about the cigar industry, what it means to be boutique, and where Reinado's seat at the table is. Antonio also talks about the future of Reinado before we have a

57:42

Episode 64: A Conversation with Andy Sweis of Cedar...

Simply Stogies ·

2021/10/01

I am joined via Zoom by Andy Sweis, owner of Cedar Room Fine Cigars & Lounge in Scottsdale, AZ. We talk about how he got into the cigar industry and how it is a family affair for him and his brother. Andy talks about staying on the bleeding edge of boutique cigars and new releases. We talk about both the physical space and their online space and the challenges of competing in an online market. We find out how Andy sees his customers as family and how that translates into one of the best experiences

01:17:51

Episode 63: Smoking with the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety

Simply Stogies ·

2021/09/15

I sit down with Joe from Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety at Prime Cigars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joe and I have a great conversation that covers a wide array of topics. We get to know Joe and how he started his cigar journey before getting to know what the Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety is all about. Joe explains their focus on those in and around the cigar industry, how they got started, and what's next for the E3C5. Joe and I also discuss Instagram "influencers" and what it means to be an "influencer," the

23:39

Episode 62: Chatting with Dan from the Cigar Saver

Simply Stogies ·

2021/09/01

While at the PCA 2021 Trade Show, I sit down with Dan from the Cigar Saver. The Cigar Saver is a product that, well, saves your cigar. When you find it necessary to step away from your lit cigar, the Cigar Saver allows you to quickly put it out, saving your cigar to be easily re-lit when you can come back to it. Dan walks us through the process of creating the new cigar accessory, some of the difficulties and challenges of getting it manufactured, and verifying the proof of concept. We discuss Dan's

53:45

Episode 61: An Epic Conversation with Dean Parsons of...

Simply Stogies ·

2021/08/15

I sit down with Dean Parsons of Epic Cigars at the 2021 PCA Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dean and I discuss his journey from Canadian hockey player, to police officer, to real estate development, to finally finding his passion and starting Epic Cigars. Dean opens up about the industry and the amount of effort, time, and money it takes to become successful. We discuss the Epic core lines and how they are a reflection of the cigar industry. Dean talks about his newest cigar, the Epic Ten, teases a

37:08

Episode 60: On the PCA Show Floor with Scott Weeks of...

Simply Stogies ·

2021/08/01

I sit down at the Recluse Cigars/Iconic Leaf Cigar Company booth on the PCA Trade Show floor with owner and blender Scott Weeks. Scott and I talk about his and his family's background in the cigar industry and how he started Recluse Cigars and Iconic Cigar Leaf Company. We talk about federal regulations and how Scott navigates that. Scott discusses the pros of being a small cigar manufacturer versus a larger manufacturer and his approach to blending. Scott highlights Recluse's intubar/intubado

01:38:57

Episode 59: The Journey with Nick Syris of LH Cigars

Simply Stogies ·

2021/07/15

I talk, via Zoom, with Nick Syris of LH Cigars. We discuss his journey from an audio business to his life as a retailer and how he eventually started LH Cigars. Nick talks about what he's learned and where LH Cigars is going in the future. We discuss the cigar industry, what it means to be boutique, how the global pandemic spurred cigar sales, and Nick's thoughts on trade shows in a post COVID-19 world. Nick briefly discusses his time in Cuba and what it means to be a true Master Blender.

25:34

Episode 58: BONUS Live from the PCA Trade Show with...

Simply Stogies ·

2021/07/13

James and Lucas, owner of Oxford Cigar Co., discuss the 2021 PCA Trade Show LIVE from the show floor. Lucas is open and transparent with what he sees as good and bad about this year's trade show. The pair discuss how things could be better, fi the PCA will survive, if TPE is good for the premium cigar industry, and why Oxford Cigar Co. does what's best for their customers.

57:40

Episode 57: A Conversation with Anya Ramirez

Simply Stogies ·

2021/07/01

I am joined, via telephone, with Instagram influencer, entrepreneur, and representative of Karen Berger Cigars, Anya Ramirez. We talk about her journey into the world of cigars and how it's a lifestyle for her and not just a hobby. We discuss how she came to be a rep for Karen Berger Cigars and some of the things she's seen in the industry. I ask her about women in the hobby and how smaller B&Ms can better cater to this growing demographic. Anya opens up about her experience starting a new cigar

34:13

Episode 56: On the Patio with Giannis of the Vintage CLT

Simply Stogies ·

2021/06/15

I sit down with Giannis Koutsoupias, the Director of Business Development for the Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the patio at the Vintage. We talk about Giannis' cigar journey, the lessons learned from his time in the restaurant and hospitality sector, the friends he made in the cigar industry, and his shared vision for the Vintage with Dan the owner. Giannis and I discuss how they curated their humidor, the blending process for the house stick (made by Nick Syris of

01:02:26

Episode 55: Talking with Lucas from Oxford Cigar Company

Simply Stogies ·

2021/06/01

James travels to sunny Orlando, Florida to have a conversation with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Company. The pair sit outside next to large fans and a train station to discuss how Oxford Cigar Company does business, how they treat their customers, and their vision for the cigar industry. We also cover the PCA, the state of the cigar industry, some of the craziest things Lucas has seen, and the future of cigars. This is a great conversation that you're sure to enjoy. Visit Oxford Cigar Company

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