Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
James and Nick welcome blender and Director of Factory Operations for Espinosa Cigars, Hector Alfonso Sr., to the show. The trio discuss the cigar industry at large: the differences in B&M's, the internal politics of lounges and how one or two "Alpha Dogs" can sway others in the lounge, and what differentiates "cigar slingers" from those who actually sell cigars. They also discuss why Simply Stogies Podcast is "legit" and what we do differently than others in the media space. Hector talks about Cigar of the Year lists before we dive in to how he met Erik Espinosa and and how Espinosa Cigars began. He also discusses working with Guy Fieri and how he's just build different than other celebrities in the cigar space. Hector also discusses where he thinks Espinosa Cigars will be in five years.
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
41 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest Daniel Marshall who, as you know by now, is the world's #1 humidor maker. We dig a little deeper into a few of the conversations and stories that you heard on the episode and get some of their personal experiences and opinions.
Daniel Marshall was kind enough to give our audience a coupon code for 40% off select humidors and cigars, plus a free copy of his book with every order. Get yours before the offer disappears. Use code DMSimply40 at checkout!
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Episode 138: Daniel Marshall
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
James and Nick welcome the world's #1 humidor maker, Daniel Marshall. Daniel tells us how he started making humidors, the trials and tribulations of getting started, and not letting anyone tell you "no" when you're following your dreams. Daniel discusses the importance of a good humidor; whether you're aging your cigars or just storing them for a short time, a good humidor will protect your investment. We also discuss what type of humidor works, pros and cons, and what Daniel Marshall offers. He also gives some insight into what humidity he prefers and why. We talk to Daniel about his charitable humidor projects, his current projects, his cigars, how he met Arnold Schwarzenegger, and much more. Daniel Marshall was kind enough to give our audience a coupon code for 40% off select humidors and cigars, plus a free copy of his book with every order. Use code DMsimply at checkout!
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
40 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tim, James, and Nick are back to talk about one of their favorite guys in the industry, Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars, behind his back! Luscious locks and hand modeling in the cigar industry can be a thing. The three tell a few fun tales from their interactions at the PCA Trade Show with Dan over the past few years, while they enjoy some Micallef Cigars. They cover the pros and cons of boxes vs bundles, industry collabs and their breakups, and how to be a decent human being.
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Episode 137: Dan Thompson of Micallef Cigars
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
James and Nick welcome Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars, back to the show. Dan talks about the new Micallef Red and the manufacturing and research & development that went into the Red and all of their color series. Dan discusses what's next and teases something new for the PCA 2025 Trade Show in New Orleans. We talk about the "Micallef Effect," what James thinks it is, and what Dan believes it is. There is discussion around the cigar industry, pricing, how manufacturers work with B&M's and much more.
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
39 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Tim brings James back to the microphone to discuss the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast about Mo Maali of Patina Cigars. The two dig deeper into judging a brand by it's Connecticut Cigar, cigar journeys, the PCA Trade show, the Oro De Nicaragua, and some business practices of small and large cigar manufacturers.
Sunday Sep 15, 2024
Episode 136: Patina Cigars' Mo Maali
Sunday Sep 15, 2024
Sunday Sep 15, 2024
James and Nick welcome Mo Maali, owner and founder of Patina Cigars back to the show. We discuss the current economy, its impact on the cigar industry, and how it affects cigar releases and how Patina approaches releases. Mo talks about the Oro de Nicaragua, which factory it came from, and why it was released before the PCA Trade Show. He gives advice to new boutique manufacturers on the scene. We talk about the smoke and mirrors of the cigar industry and how it reflects society. We also touch on his podcast, Sultans of Smoke, Patina's Anniversary blend releasing in different vitolas, the cost of cigars, and Mo's and Nick's celebrity look-a-likes.
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
38 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Tim, James, and Nick go down rabbit hole after rabbit hole following the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. It's easy to do and that's what Clear the Air is all about. Join the trio as they talk about many troubles within the cigar industry.
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Episode 135: Valacari Cigars' Nimmer Ahmad
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars returns to Simply Stogies Podcast to chat with James and Nick about what he has been up to. Nimmer talks about his process of validating blends and the time it takes to make sure they're ready for release. He also discusses his latest release, the Astronomia. The Astronomia is the newest addition to Valacari Cigars' core lines. Nimmer tells us why it was important to get the Astronomia right and why it took so long to add to his core line.
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
37 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Tim brings your favorite cigar podcast hosts back to the microphone to talk about the latest episode featuring Eddy Guerra, head of marketing for some of the best cigars around, Davidoff. As always, Tim leads James and Nick down rabbit holes that prove hard to get out of.