Simply Stogies

James Giehm
  • 4.3 (28)
  • HOBBIES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Simply Stogies

A podcast for cigar enthusiasts and cigar aficionados. Interviews with blenders, principles, owners, and others in and around the cigar industry. From the PCA Trade Show to local B&Ms and regional events, we cover it all. Join James and Nick Syris (owner of LH Cigars) on the 1st and 15th of every month.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    49 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    Tim brings James and Nick back for another episode of Clear the Air to talk behind the back of last week's guest, Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars. The three work their way through technical difficulties while traveling down rabbit holes of tasting notes from fast food to cigars. Tim asks where in this country is the best place to live and enjoy cigars all year round. Nick gives us his inside on the blending processes, while James continues to give Tim grief!

    1h 14m

  2. FEB 15

    Episode 146: Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars

    James and Tim (sitting in for Nick who is in Costa Rica) welcome Vlada Stojanov of SOMM Cigars to the show. Vlada discusses being a new father, what scares him, and how he'll help his daughter develop her palate. Vlada also discusses if there are objective flavors to a cigar, romanticizing tasting, and if cigar reviewers deserve a bit of grace when it comes to their reviews. The discussion turns to cigar boxes and Vlada's unique idea to the cigar box problem, and much more!

    1h 29m

  3. FEB 8

    48 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    Tim brings Nick back to the microphone to discuss some of the topics covered in the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Josh Habursky. The discussion focuses on some of the good times at the PCA Trade Show. They talk about PCA/TPE cigar exclusives, and the importance of being aware of laws that may affect your enjoyment of cigars. They quickly talk about laws moving from the Federal level to the State level and how that can make an impact in the hobby.

    57 min

  4. FEB 1

    Episode 145: Joshua Habursky Executive Director of the PCA

    James and Nick welcome the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association, Joshua Habursky. The trio discuss the big wins for the cigar industry so far in 2025, and the importance of being vigilant against government overreach. Josh explains how the PCA, CRA, and CAA have all worked together to keep the government from taking the choice to smoke hand rolled, premium cigars away from informed adults. The discussion also turns to state advocacy, generational smoking bans, bipartisan support and challenges, and how the fight is at the state level. Of course, there is talk of the PCA Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans this year in April. We find out how long the show will be held in New Orleans, when it heads back to Las Vegas, and much more!!!

    1h 6m

  5. JAN 22

    47 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    Tim welcomes James and Nick back to the microphones in order to dig deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego Cigars. Just as you would expect, it's an episode of rabbit holes that lead the three deeper into the world of "Herklotsisms". Seriously, how often to you get one of the best dressed men in the industry to dump a load of cigar industry wisdom at your front door? Almost never! The three take a few of the conversation pieces from the latest episode and do a little self reflection.

    1h 25m

  6. JAN 15

    Episode 144: Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego

    James and Nick welcome Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego to the show. Michael has been in the industry on the retail side and the manufacturing side; so, it's no surprise that the discussion turns to B&Ms and cigar lounges. Michael talk about customer service and what consumers should expect from their retailer and cigar lounges. Yes, there's a difference between a cigar retailer and a cigar lounge. The conversation centers around familiarity vs formality. The trio also discuss what Michael looks for in these shops as a manufacturer, before the discussion turns to the manufacturing side. We ask Michael what he thinks is wrong with the industry before turning our attention to Ferio Tego, TPE, PCA, and more!

    1h 39m

  7. JAN 8

    46 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

    Back to the microphones, Tim welcomes James and Nick to dig deeper into the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with special guest, Sean Williams, Brand Ambassador of Cohiba Cigars. It's an episode of making sausage without telling you how it's made, or not. Tim lets James know how proud of him he really is. It's funny how much bigger the world is when you open your eyes. Nick gives insider information on how cigars are made from a blenders' perspective. The three reflect on a few questions that they wish were in the episode but just didn't make it this time.

    1h 21m

  8. JAN 1

    Episode 143: Sean Williams of Cohiba

    James and Nick welcome Sean Williams to the show. Sean explains how he began in the cigar industry with his own brand, Premiere Mundo. The discussion turns to the pros and cons of boutique cigar companies vs the pros and cons of larger brands. Sean shares his passion for Cohiba and the blends he's done with them. We talk about the Cohiba Serie M, their collaboration with Weller, and the Spectre. We ask Sean what Cohiba blend he's most proud of, and what it's like going from boutique to "mainstream" cigars. Sean talks about why fans of boutique cigars should be more open-minded when it comes to the larger brands, and much more!

    1h 23m
See All (195)

4.3
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

A podcast for cigar enthusiasts and cigar aficionados. Interviews with blenders, principles, owners, and others in and around the cigar industry. From the PCA Trade Show to local B&Ms and regional events, we cover it all. Join James and Nick Syris (owner of LH Cigars) on the 1st and 15th of every month.

Information

  • Creator
    James Giehm
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    195
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Simply Stogies

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