Simply Stogies

14 Clear The Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

This episode of Clear The Air is a little different than usual. We have tons of content that we need to get out and now that the PCA Trade Show is over, now is the time. This episode is a two part series. First we start off with and interview that James and Nick have with Peter Graziano of Metropolitan Cigar Society. If you're not familiar with their club now, you will be by the end of this episode. Following that, Tim interviews Brian Bolen, part owner with his wife Seana (Shawna) of Smoldering Cigar Lounge in Livermore, IA. If you're in the area you need to check it out.

Episode 109: PCA 2023 Trade Show Part 2

We finish up our coverage of the 2023 PCA Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada with interviews from James and Nick. In this episode you'll hear from newcomer Kaneda Cigars, the always entertaining Matt Booth of Room 101, Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Cigars, Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, and Nick Melillo of Foundation Cigars.

13 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim, James and Nick sit back and give a behind the scenes view of their experience at 2023 PCA Trade Show. We did experience some internet issues so you'll have to excuse the audio drift. We are still working on delivering PCA content covering the PCA Trade Show. Thanks for following. Thanks for listening. Thanks for watching our content. We look forward to bringing you content throughout the year.

Episode 108: The 2023 PCA Trade Show pt. 1

This episode is made up from some of our favorite interviews from this year's PCA 2023 Trade Show. For part 1 we start off with Scott Pearce, the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association as he talks about the trade show and some of what's in store for next year. We then talk with Dr. Gaby Kafie of Kafie 1901 Cigars and founder of the Boutique Cigar Association, and then Armen Caprielian of DAV Cigars and President of the BCA. James then visits Micallef Cigars and speaks with Dan Thompson. Nick and James interview Rick Rodriguez from West Tampa Tobacco before we head over to the Casdagli booth.

12 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim does some time traveling with Nick and James to discuss the latest Simply Stogies Podcast Episode with Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars. This episode also brings to you the newest place to enjoy your cigar, the CTA Temple, as Nick, James, and Tim discuss what they believe cigar smoking is all about. We realize life is short and it's important to enjoy the finer things in and about life.

Episode 107: Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars

Nick and James sit down with Master Blender and owner of Luciano Cigars, Luciano Meirelles. Luciano tells us why the Maria Lucia is so special to him and how it fulfills his promise from the 2022 PCA Trade Show. We talk about what's real in the cigar industry and how Luciano Cigars is helping mentor new brands and blenders. Luciano discusses hi "a ha!" moment when it comes to cigars, some of what he has in store for everyone at this year's trade show, and much more. This is an interview you can't miss!

11 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim welcomes Nick and James back to dissect their conversation with Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre. The conversation leans heavily into trademarks, protecting them, and how the cigar industry seems to have jumped the shark when it comes to them. The conversation turns to how the sausage is made in the cigar industry.

Episode 106: Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre

James and Nick sit down and chat with the owner of Fuerte Y Libre Cigars, Greg Free. We find out how Greg got started in the cigar industry and he has more than a few surprises in store for us. We talk about his karaoke prowess (copyrights prevent me from sharing the footage with all of you) and how he got his work ethic from his father and growing up on a farm. We also discuss trademarks within the cigar industry and how that has impacted Greg and Fuerte Y Libre.

10 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim is joined by Nick and James and the trio dissect the latest Simply Stogies Podcast episode that features William "Cigar Coop" Cooper. There's a lot of talk around what is "cigar media" and what isn't. Who should be allowed to cover the trade show? What's an influencer? What is the "job" of cigar media? They try to cover all of it, and do so poorly. Tim also gets a big head as they talk about Will's comment of Clear the Air being the "secret sauce" of Simply Stogies Podcast. 

Episode 105: Cigar Coop on Media & the PCA Trade Show

James and Nick welcome William "Cigar Coop" Cooper back to the show. This time we pick Coop's brain about what exactly constitutes "cigar media" and their role in the industry. We also discuss the upcoming PCA 2023 Trade Show in Las Vegas, Coop tells us what his theme is this year, and he gives Simply Stogies some tips to make the most of the trade show. Coop also gives Tim and our after show, Clear the Air, some love and James breaks his mic arm.