Simply Stogies

James Giehm
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  • HOBBIES
  • TOUTES LES 2 SEMAINES

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

  1. -4 J

    Episode 176: Jonas Santana of Blackbird Cigars

    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 & Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.

    1 h 14 min

  2. 13 MARS

    Episode 175: Amanda & Paul Wood of FatAsh Cigar Lounge

    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 like My Old Kentucky Herf, running a lounge, and what and who people can expect at this year's My Old Kentucky Herf (May 8th & 9th)! This episode revolves heavily around lounge culture, supporting brands vs support from brands, why some brands don't make it in humidors, and of course...MOKH!!!

    1 h 43 min

  3. 6 MARS

    73 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    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 space and the true value of high-ticket sticks to a sneak peek at the upcoming trade show season and the "My Old Kentucky Herf" event, this episode is packed with the industry insight and signature banter that Simply Stogies fans crave.

    1 h 30 min

  4. 27 FÉVR.

    Episode 174: Mike Szczepankiewicz of Powstanie Cigars

    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 industry, and cigar media. We ask Mike about Powstanie Cigars' San Andres being named Halfwheel's number 2 cigar of 2025 (only .079 behind number 1), before he talks about his thoughts on cigar lists. We hope you enjoy the conversation with one of the most positive guys in the cigar industry as much as we did.

    1 h 29 min

  5. 20 FÉVR.

    72 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    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 psychology behind his rule of placing price tags on every open box to avoid customer embarrassment and his "needs assessment" sales approach, illustrated by a story about upselling a golfer. Finally, they addressed his criticism of podcasting norms, specifically his pet peeve regarding excessive "banter" and his belief that industry media should avoid negative reviews to protect the cigar world from external attacks

    1 h 37 min

  6. 13 FÉVR.

    Episode 173: David Garofalo of Two Guys Cigars, United Cigars & The Cigar Authority

    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 manufacturers, and much more. We ask Dave about starting United Cigars, The Cigar Authority podcast, and The New England Cigar Expo. This is a great conversation that you do not want to miss!

    2 h 3 min

  7. 6 FÉVR.

    71 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    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 father's Cuban immigrant story by naming his cigar lines after his father’s shoe stores. Finally, the hosts share a personal and introspective look at how the cigar industry fosters generational traditions and deep personal connections, all while giving a special shoutout to the Fat Ash Cigar Lounge family and celebrating several community birthdays.

    1 h 12 min

  8. 30 JANV.

    Episode 172: Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars

    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!

    1 h 16 min
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À propos

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

Informations

  • Création
    James Giehm
  • Années d’activité
    2019 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    249
  • Classification
    Contenu explicite
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Site web de l’émission
    Simply Stogies

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