Simply Stogies

81 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

In this after-show of Simply Stogies Podcast, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy sit down to recap their recent interview with Mo Malley of Patina Cigars. The guys dive deep into the nuances of cigar blending, reviewer objectivity, and the rapidly shifting dynamics of the cigar economy.

Episode 184: Mo Maali of Patina Cigars

James and Jimmy sit down with Mo Maalu of Patina Cigars. The trio discuss a wide range of topics. The conversation begins with the Red Pill and the difference in the vitolas and how they smoke and moves in to cigar revies. What's the right score? Do reviewers know the difference between a bad cigar and a cigar that just isn't for them? We ask Mo about keeping a positive attitude and why he is so well liked in the industry, before diving into the current state of the economy in America. What is usury? Why is it the enemy of humanity? Will it change? Can it change? A thought provoking discussion that we hope you enjoy.

80 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

Clear the Air turns this after-show into a relentless, unfiltered battlefield as the hosts drag rival commentators for launching cowardly, passive-aggressive attacks against an independent lounge owner and manufacturer. Instead of focusing primarily on the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast, the conversation exposes the toxic gatekeeping and fragile egos of self-proclaimed industry authorities who hide behind their microphones. One host (bet you can't guess who) unleashes a fiery, zero-tolerance rant, declaring war on these media hacks and promising continuous public humiliation until they issue a public apology for their bullying. While the target of the mockery takes the high road, this episode draws a line in the sand: you either respect the people in this hustle or get run over by those who do.

Episode 183: Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars

With Jimmy out sick, James sits down with Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars. The two discuss how Aaron and LaVega got involved with Dogs Inc. and the LaVega Il Cane cigar. This leads to a larger discussion on why you shouldn't "f*ck people over" in the cigar industry. Aaron shares his thoughts on making and keeping commitments, follow-through, and why it matters. The two discuss Aaron's recent appearance on KMA Talk Radio and the incident that brought that about. Aaron clears the air about a few things and the duo talk about cigar media, Aaron's thoughts, and what's next for LaVega Cigars. 

79 CLEAR THE AIR: A SIMPLY STOGIES AFTER SHOW

This week, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy break down the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast interview with Rob Blumenthal from Tradecraft Cigars. They discuss Rob's deep family history in the cigar world and how that experience helps him build his own brand. The guys also debate the pros and cons of traditional twenty-count cigar boxes versus modern space-saving designs. Finally, they share their honest opinions on the current state of the industry, including the trend of Limited Edition releases and the frustration of backorders

Episode 182: Rob Blumenthal of Tradecraft Cigars

James and Jimmy sit down with one of the owners and founder of Tradecraft Cigars, Rob Blumenthal. Rob talks about his family's five generation in the tobacco business, something that started during the Civil War era with his family selling tobacco and cigars. The trio discuss what Rob has learned from owning a cigar company, how he approaches events, choosing to grow organically, and much more. Rob's family also owns the Tinder Box, which gives Rob a unique perspective on the cigar industry. We found the conversation fascinating, and we hope you do too!

78 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

This week, Tim, James, and Jimmy are back at the microphones to dissect their recent interview with Vince McGlone of Vicente Blends. The audience feedback has been a total mixed bag, and the crew isn't holding back on why Vince's engineering background, low-volume production mindset, and luxury $60 price tags are polarizing the cigar community.

From debating the definition of a true "industry disruptor" to exposing the smoke and mirrors of factory blends, the guys clear the air on how the demographics of premium tobacco are shifting in 2026.

Episode 181: Vincent McGlone of Vicente Blends

James and Jimmy welcome Vincent McGlone, owner and blender of Vicente Blends, to the show. Vince talks about his engineering background and how he started Vicente Blends. What was a passion project has turned into a business. Vince discusses how his engineering background impacts is approach to blending and marketing. We talk about the difference in cultures between the Dominican Republic and the US and what Vince does to work through those. Vince gives us his take on the industry, cigar bands, and much more!

77 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

James interviews Fat Ash Cigar Lounge owner Dwight Adkins and GM Paul Wood to launch the sixth annual My Old Kentucky HERF, introducing exclusive cigars like the "Open Carry" and "Sturdy Girl" that reflect the lounge's culture of freedom and hospitality. Jimmy later joins James and Tim for a recap, detailing the event's charitable support for the Gary Sinise Foundation and genuine industry networking with blenders like Rick Rodriguez and Hector Alfonso. The episode also highlights guest Detective Samantha Baliles' work with first responders, reinforcing that the HERF prioritizes relationships and community over profit.

Episode 180: Code4Cigars' Samantha Baliles

James and Tim (Jimmy is on vacation) welcome Samantha Baliles from Code4Cigars. Sam explains that Code4Cigars supports first responders mental health by coming together over their love of the leaf. Sam gives first responders an informal way to support each other while dealing with traumatic events. Sam tells us how she started the group, how it has grown, future plans, how she got into cigars, and...somehow...becomes best friends with Tim.