PODCAST

Simply Stogies

James Giehm

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

leisure hobbies

All Episodes

73:52

74 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2026/04/03

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

66:22

Episode 177: Antonio Lam of Reinado Cigars

Simply Stogies ·

2026/03/27

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

74:03

Episode 176: Jonas Santana of Blackbird Cigars

Simply Stogies ·

2026/03/20

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 &

102:39

Episode 175: Amanda & Paul Wood of FatAsh Cigar Lounge

Simply Stogies ·

2026/03/13

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

89:59

73 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2026/03/06

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

89:16

Episode 174: Mike Szczepankiewicz of Powstanie Cigars

Simply Stogies ·

2026/02/27

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

96:40

72 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2026/02/20

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

122:51

Episode 173: David Garofalo of Two Guys Cigars,...

Simply Stogies ·

2026/02/13

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

72:25

71 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2026/02/06

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

76:03

Episode 172: Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars

Simply Stogies ·

2026/01/30

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!

114:25

70 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2026/01/24

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

60:36

Episode 171: Joshua Habursky, CEO of the PCA

Simply Stogies ·

2026/01/16

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

95:34

69 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2026/01/09

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.

105:11

Episode 170: End of 2025 with Law Ream

Simply Stogies ·

2026/01/02

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!!

118:11

68 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2025/12/26

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

101:15

Episode 169: Petemas with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars

Simply Stogies ·

2025/12/19

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.

99:27

67 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2025/12/12

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

100:21

Episode 168: Matt Booth of Room 101

Simply Stogies ·

2025/12/05

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.

104:27

66 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Simply Stogies ·

2025/11/22

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

113:17

Episode 167: Dave West of Avowed Cigars and Small...

Simply Stogies ·

2025/11/15

Dave West joins James and Nick to catch up on everything that's been going on throughout 2025. Dave addresses if the industry is seeing a slow down in sales or a shift in buying patterns. He tells us what he thinks it all boils down to. Dave tells us why some cigar shops are thriving and why others aren't. We discuss Avowed Cigars' growth and their plan for the future, how they find lounges to invite, and what Avowed has done in their inaugural year. Dave discusses cigar reviews, changing the game

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